be shewed in his place So he made the world beleeue that he had been the onely instrument by the which that armie had receaued all the harme which they receaued And whereas the Kinges onely pollicy had vndone that army yet made he the world beléeue by his horsecorsers whom he sent to walke the said Dutch horses whom bee vsed for sowers of false rumors that not onely the king had willingly let them to escape but also had geuen them the meanes to retire some into Germany and some into Languedock and from thence to the king of Nauarre so that the pulpits of Fryers and Iesuits in Paris and other cities did sound nothing else but of these newes extolling the valour wisedome and glory of the Duke of Guyze with procuring to him much popular authority and good will and making the King hatefull among the Catholikes for glosing and dissembling with them and fauouring the heretikes to that end that when oportunity should be offered the sayd Duke of Guyze might easily bring to passe his enterprizes and the king should not be able to let him Now let vs know what became of the fragments of this armie First the promise was not obserued to them for a great number of theÌ„ were slaine robbed and spoyled in dyuers places The Duke of Lorreynes eldest sonne called Marthuis de Pont accompanyed with the forces of the League set on them in diuers places and enuaded the county of Montbeliard where hee committed horrible cruelties putting all to the sword with execrable whoredoms and abominations Many dyed in the way many dyed when they came in place of safety euen of the cheefest noble men The Lords Boillon Cleruaut and Vau with many other noble men retyred to Geneua where after so many labours and greeues they dyed in the Lord. The like happened to the Swissers whose Colonels and Captayns who were the authors of the first parley and capitulation with the king were punished by their seignories so that few either of the Germans or Swissers returned home or escaped vnpunished It is said before how that France in this yeare was groaning vnder the burthen of seuen great armies besides many particular assemblies wherof it is said how Ioyeuse and his armie was made sure at Coutras and their reduced carkasses were left in perpetuall infamy not for their death but for the causes of it The Germans haue made shipwracke vppon the Rockes of Lancy in Mosconoys the eight of December and after The kinges armie was broken against the banke of Loyre and from thence scattered euery man home The Leaguers are excluded out of Daulphine where the Catholikes and they of the reformed religion after much bloodshed at length agreed to liue like good fellow cityzens vnder the lawful gouernment of theyr king and so the yeare is ended and Christ raigneth for euermore The end of the fourth Booke THE FIFT BOOKE THis yeare is notable not so much by reason that it was holden by the Mathematicians to bee fatall to the world as by reason of the great and tragicall euents which happened to many great and Noble personages For this yeare dyed the Duke of Boillon and other Nobles at Geneua The Prince of Conde at Saint Ihan d'Angelye The Duke of Guyze and some of his partakers The inuincible armado of Spaine intending to haue inuaded England was beaten both by God and man And last of al the famous enterprize atchieued by the French King Henry the third with the famous victories of the Church of God in the principality of Boillon against the conspirators and enemies of mankind of the League It is said before how after the capitulation of the King with the army of Germanes at Lancy in Masconoys the Duke of Boillon the Lordes Cleruaut Vau and others retired to Geneua where these three especially dyed Not long after their aryuing there the Prince of Boillon fell sick the 27. of December feeling in himselfe his end to be at hand that he had to passe to a most blessed life carefull for the state of the Church of God gathered in his Soueraigne principalitie of Boillon disposed of his affayres as followeth He made his soule heire generally of all his goods holden as well in Soueraigntie as otherwise the Lady Charlote de la mark his sister vpon condition y t she shal neither alter nor innouate any thing in the state nor in ReligioÌ„ the which there she shal maintaine as it is established Also that she shall not marrie without the aduise of the King of Nauarre the Prince of Conde and the Prince Monpensier her Uncle vpon paine of forfeiting the right of those Soueraignties from the which in case she should otherwise doe he vtterly excludeth her And in case the said Lady of Boillon should decease without heires the Prince of Monpensier her Uncle is substitute as next to inherit and after him the Prince Dombees his sonne conditionally that they shal change nothing in the state nor Religion vpon paine of the like forfeiture And in case the said princes should make there any innouation he doth substitute the King of Nauarre and in like case the Prince of Conde in case the first should fayle in the performance of the premises The said Lord Boillon made executor of his Testament and the Lord la Noue the which done the first of Ianuarie he was deliuered out of this mortall liâ—e to enter into the full enioying of the societie of God being the day of his natiuitie and the 25. of his age This was a Prince of great auncient and famous nobilitie issued by the father side out of the stock of that renowmed Argonante Godfrey of Boillon who was crowned King of Ierusalem a noble and vertuous man his Mother was one of the most vertuous women of our age daughter vnto the Prince Monpensier and sister vnto this Prince now at this yeare liuing her vertue godlines and constancie in the confession of the true doctrine shall be in an euerlasting remembrance For shee being very oftentimes requested by her Father a great deuout Catholick to forsake the Gospell and to returne to poperie at length she agreed vnto him with this condition that if the popish Doctors could bring better proofes for their religion then the ministers of the reformed would for hers shee would fulfill his will Whereupon a disputation being obteyned at the hands of King Charles the ninth and the matter being reasoned betweene two Doctors of Sorbonne and two Ministers of the Gospell for many dayes in her presence her owne husband sitting as moderator it fel out that in stead of that which her Father looked that she should haue been conuerted to popery she was confirmed in the trueth by whose singular wisdome and speciall care afterward the Churches of the Soueraigntie of Boillon were reformed This Principalitie of Boillon is a small countrey holden in soueraigntie yet commonly vnder the protection of the Crowne of France between the riuers Mose and Moselle a
THE True History of the Ciuill VVarres of France betweene the French King Henry the 4. and the Leaguers Gathered from the yere of our Lord 1585. vntill this present October 1591. By Antony Colynet Romanes 13. He which resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God Printed at London for Thomas Woodcock dwelling in Paules Churchyard at the signe of the black Beare REVERENDISSIMO IN CHRISTO PATRI AC DOMIno D. Iohanni Cantuariensi Archepiscopo totius Angliae primati ac Metropolitano domino suo colendissimo gratiam pacem exoptat SApienter a Sophocle scriptum est mundum esse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod vt Paulus testatur adeo luculenter 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 eius nimirum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vt nedum oculis conspici imo mambus facile contrectari possint Nam cum in mirifica coelorum terrae marisque pulchritudine bonitate ordine motu eius sapientiae vestigia elucescant imprimis vero in hominum consociatione tuenda conseruandaque apparent Etenim cum propter multiplices humanae mentis errores cordis deprauationem voluntatis auersionem quae secuta sunt primi parentis lapsum tanta 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 omnes singulas naturae humanae facultates muaserit vt nihil nisi labi nescire errare decipi in exitium ruere hominum genus possit sapientissimus ille Graecorum Socrates apud diuinum Platonem in his quos de republica scripsit libris intelligit diserta inductione ab ipsa vniuersali experientia sumpta demonstrat equos ab equis boues a bobus capras a capris oues ab ouibus regi nullo modo posse sed a praestantiori natura humana ita hominum genus sine diuina prÄ™sentia nullo modo gubernari potest Ideo bonus ille rerum opifex hominum quasi tutelae procurationem suscipiens res humanas non modo curat vrumetiam ea prouidentia qua praeterita praesentia futura cernit homini salutaria consilia suppeditat actiones fortunat distortas cogitationes affectibus prÄ™pedita consilia iniustos conatus damnat euertit punit Et vt tutius res hominum agantur ipse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 clam per ciuitates obambulans singula speculatur aliorum consilia regit aliorum vâ—ro obseruat ad vindictam immanem improboruÌ„ audaciam retundit diabolorum furores coercet Quam ob causam hominum coetus potestatis obedientiae docendi discendi iudiciorum multorum cum multis contractuum officijs arctius colligauit Neruos autem huius consociationis familiam ecclesiam regnum esse voluit quarum altera sua foecunditate generis humani propagationem suppeditaret specei conseruationem perpetuaret Altera vero veram sapientiam dei agnitionem veros cultus ac denique suppellectilem omnium doctrinarum bonarum artium taÌ„quam in arce repositam custodit fidem veram innocationem bonos more 's salutem monstrat rationibus commonefactionibus obiurgationibus tanquam fraeno hominum cupiditates vndique diffluentes obstruit Regnum vero autoritate dignitate conspicuum robore potentia instructum taÌ„quam in summo loco positum eminet vt quos neque paterna autoritas neque docentium diligentia in officio retinere potest vi via peruulgata leguÌ„ cohibeantur Quae cum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ordine coherent suauissimum diuinae sapientiae bonitatis iustitiae 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 odorem generi humano reddunt Sin abrumpantur haec societatis vincula patrum docentium legitime imperantium autoritatem labefactari humana retro conuersa ruere concidere necesse est Vt autem haec manifestius cernerentur voluit ille sapiens rerum opifex suaÌ„ ipsius imaginem in ipso patrum docentium magistratuuÌ„ vultu insculpi insculptam elucere Muniuit his propugnaculis deus generis humani societatem vt ad eum tanquam ad fontem boni in natura hominum salus referretur vt naturae intelligentes autorem huius opificij colligationis hominuÌ„ inter se celebrarent colerent inuocarent ei coÌ„fiderent abeo solo penderent Verum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 iste mendax 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 haec vincula humanae societatis apud omnes omniaetate dissoluere abrumpere conatur Parricidijs idolomania seditionibus clandestinis consilijs proditionibus familiam ecclesiam ciuitatem implet In parentes qui primum legitimi imperij gradum teneÌ„t contemptum excitat odijs schismate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 haeresi ecclesiam vndique turbat respublicas ciuitatum euersionibus vastat sanguine irrigat caedibus contaminat regna funditus euertit orbi vastitatem affert prole impia leuibus ingenijs turbulentis ciuibus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in hominum cordibus delet veram religionem corrumpit officium obtemperationem debitam magistratibus ex ciuium animis euellit impietate ambitione prauis consultoribus malorum consuetudine fraterculis Iesuitis perduellibus Harum pestium testis est vetus recens historia omnium imperioruÌ„ retumpub gentium Sed imprimis florentissima Gallia Europae decus quae totos hos 30. annos intestinis dissidijs exarsit facta est immanis saeuitiae pontificiae truculentiae laniena hominum luxu ambitione impietate perditoruÌ„ domicilium scelerum omnis generis sentina rapinarum hominum rapidorum receptaculum malorum lerna teterrimi odoris camarina Cum autem in otio minime otiosus esse vellem magnopere cuperem carissimae patriae excidium cognoscere causas progressus periodos euentus rerum gestarum exquirere 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quaedam ad priuatum vsum annotaueram vt tantaruÌ„ calamitatum causas exquirentibus satisfacerem vt deplorareÌ„ patriae interitum vt ad dei timorem me inspectione taÌ„tarum pooenaruÌ„ excitarem Tandem approbatione iudicio amicorum maiore diligeÌ„tia rem aggressus sum vt plurimum ex his libris qui Gallice ijsdem de rebus scripti sunt transtuli ex varijs reguÌ„ HenricoruÌ„ 3. 4. declarationibus edictis proscriptionibus proclamationibus apologijs accusationibus articulis multoruÌ„ Epistolis id genus scriptis narrationes plurimum auxi perpetuam rerum explicationem consarcinaui sperans hunc meum laborem bonis viris gratissimum futurum Hae narrationes tot sunt conciones de ira diuina in contemptores euangelij eos qui caeca ambitione aut praua aliqua cupiditate incitati ciuitates respublicas regna imperia concutiunt legitimis magistratibus obsistunt orbis pacem turbant humanae societatis neruos resecant Hae narrationes poenas à lege diuina propositas mercedem impietati debitaÌ„ homines scelestos subijsse digito monstrant Praesentiam vero diuinam in conseruanda liberanda ecclesia fidem promissionum timentibus dei iudicia ratam certámque permanere Anglica
him for his sonne and true heire of the Crowne in France in case he doth decease without issue But to come to the matter now here is a blessed daies worke for the Guyzes and holy Church Vp master Frier and get you to Rome the holy Citie once againe to Sir Hugh to shew him what good lucke wée haue and that all thinges do happen as wée would haue them but that we haue néede of his ghostly counsaile Whilest Frier Mathew carier of the Guyzes goeth to do his message as well as he could they of the Guyze with their partakers do dispearse themselues into all partes of the Realme to allure Townes and Cities but especially them that were Malecontentes to their deuotion after the which progresse of theirs with importunacy they do procure the King to call the assembly of the states of the realme at Bloys to the which they had altogether laboured their fauorers and such as did desire nothing more then the decay of the King and increasing of the Guyzes In the same assembly that the King might haue the blame himselfe of the breaking of the peace it was requested First that the edict of pacification should be reuoked and the exercise of the reformed religion forbidden Secondly that the King of Nauarre the Prince of Conde and all the nobilitie professing the same religion should be exiled out of the realme all others of the same profession should be enforced either to abiure or els to depart forthwith out of the Realme Thirdly that the 8. townes which were giuen them for 6. yeares should be put into the kinges handes alleaging that the time was expired The king being desirous to entertaine his subiectes in peace knowing well the frutes of ciuil warre dissolued the states promising shortly to assemble the best wisest and most experienced of his realme to haue their aduise for the reformation of all thinges About the same time of the states beeing at Bloys the king of Nauarre sendeth new aduertisementes to the king about the intent and open practises of the league willing him to haue some care of himselfe and sheweth him the present danger that he stood in After the returne of Frier Mathew from Rome the Bariesuits in the latter end of September held a certaine Synode or Clandestine conuenticle in Paris in the which the said Frier Mathew as president did rule the rost hauing receaued direction of Sir Hugh vicar of Rome where according to the said directions they lay downe the methode to stirre vp the coles to raise vp seditions and rebellious in all partes but especially to increase the hatred of all men against them of the religion but namely against the king of Nauarre and the Prince of Conde and for that end they forged an infamous libell as more amply shal be shewed The king according to his promise made to the States at Bloys in the latter end of the yeare 1584. called at Saint Germayn in Faye his chéefest and best learned Senators of all his Parliamentes there to shew him the best and readiest meanes to ease the people and to restore the realme to some good state On the other side the king of Nauarre considering that the time appointed to surrender the 8. townes committed to his custody was expired and that the rage of his enemies was rather increased then diminished and that their meanes their factions and their furie was now greater then euer it had béene and that imminent daungers were at hand assembled a méeting of the Nobilitie which professed the reformed religion at Montaulban a strong City in Quercye where Monsieur Belieure one of the kinges counsaile was present to prouide for their common affaires And whereas the king of Nauarre his enemies had spread abroad both by false rumors and libels that immediatly after the death of Monsieur he was returned to the Catholike religion and was gone to Masse the said king of Nauarre therefore to satisfy all men against that false rumor and slaunder protested openly that he knew the truth to be on his side and that by Gods assistance he would stand to the profession and defence of the reformed religion vnto the end and that hée would acknowledge none other fortune but onely that There by the common aduise of all that assembly it was thought good that considering the great daungers which seeme to threaten them of the reformed Religion and generally all France a supplication should bee presented to the king that of his méere fauour clemencie be would continue the kéeping of the said Townes to the king of Nauarre for certaine yeares more Vpon this conclusion the Lord Laual with other deputies were sent to the King at the assembly which was at Saint Germain and shewing the cause of their comming to the king and complaining of diuers iuiuries daily done to them of the reformed religion by the leaguers the 11. of December 〈◊〉 the king granted them the keping of the said townes for 2. yeares longer charging them that for iniuries done to them they should not séeke to reuenge their owne cause for breaking of the peace But that they would shew their gréefes to the King of Nauarre who thereupon should make meanes to him for amendes Whilest all these thinges were working on euery side the king of Nauarre séeing that neither so many aduertisementes from euery part of France geuen to the king neither that which hée himselfe saw namely the partialities societies fraternities leagues confederacies and preparations of the house of Guyze did any whit moue or warne the king to looke to himselfe and to his affaires which thing he might easily haue done in time The said king of Nauarre had sent the Lord de Segur Pardillan superintendent of his house to the Quéene of England the king of Dēmarke the Princes electors the Lands-graue of Hessen and to other States of Germany for thrée causes first to compound the controuersies about certaine articles of religion not as yet agréed vpon in the reformed Churches y t the enemies of the commō cause might not distoine them by that occasiō Secondly to renue the ancient friendship and aliaunce in that sort as it had véene of old Thirdly to dispose a summe of money in Germany in such order that therby he might there prouide succour if he were assaulted by his enemies The said Lord Perdillane returned home to the king of Nauarre in December 1584. when the king did hold his counsaile at Saint Germayn The end of the first Booke THE SECOND BOOKE NOw when the Guyzes do draw néere their time to bring forth that monster of treason which they had conceaued they haue many secret conferences with y t Duke of Parma pety sonne to Peter Aloyse Pharnese the Popes bastard hanged at his windowes by his owne subiectes for his execrable life Also with Bernardine Mendoze Giouan Bardachino the king of Spaine his Coriero the Bishop of Cominges bastard sonne to the Lord Lansake playing Dromo betweene them
away they would burne the Papistes houses afore their departing more for feare then for loue were content to admit 4 of them of the Religion into the Cast I whom they did choose from among them that were altogether vnskilfull in warre But afterward the Foriners which are all for the most part of the religion desired to bee admitted into the keeping of the said Castell and at length it was agreed that a greater number of them of the Religion should be admitted to the keeping of the said Castell but alwayes notwithstanding the greater number was of Catholikes yet it was so kept vntill the 20. of Iuly next following About the 5. day of Iune the King sent the Lordes Claimant and Chassincourt to the King of Nauarre willing him to do nothing against the edict of peace and that his pleasure was the sayd edict to remayne irreuocable About the same time the Leaguers perceiuing the iudgements of the King and of his Courts of Parliament pronounced agaynst them the executions done vppon the persons of diuers their partakers the declarations and detections of many Gentlemen by their writinges their formeâ— cruelty vpon the Kinges subiectes misdemeanors toward their Prince might procure the hatred not onely of the people but also of their owne fauorers did set forth an Apologye such as it was to wash away their traiterous blemishes and spots in the which they do labour to make men beleeue that they are honest men and good Subiectes and that they seeke nothing but the preseruation and defence of the Romish Religion agaynst the heretikes as they tearme them First they say that they can not be attaynted nor touched of treason without condemning many Noble men with them and that the former Kinges wisedome and sufficiency of the Caâ—dinall of Bourbon were such as could haue perceaued their driftes if they had béen tending to any such thing Secondly they do disalow the déedes of Rosier for drawing theyr genealogy from Charles the great Thirdly they reckon their kindred and aliaunce with the house of Bourbon Fourthly sua quae narrant facinora quae ostentant vnlnera Fifthly they do all that they do least that France should bee reduced to that extremity that England is now in Last of all they counsaile the King to ioyne with them because say they they are armed with God his owne hand Now let the Reader consider what necessary conclusion may be inferred out of the reasons aboue rehearsed The 9. day of Iune from Chalons a towne in Champagne situated vpon the riuer Marne the Leaguers sent a supplication to the King in the which they shew their last resolution to be that they will make him condescend to these articles folowing whether he will or not First that according to the supplication presented by the states assembled at Bloys the yeare before to wit 1584. representing the whole realme he will forbid the exercise of the reformed religion throughout the whole realme Secondly that all men be compelled to professe the popish religion and that such as haue heretofore professed the reformed religion may bee enforced to abiure the same and in case they will not to be exiled out of the realme for euer Thirdly that all heretikes for so they tearme them which will not consent to their treasons or idolatrous superstition bee declared vncapable of any office dignity or publike charge Fourthly they require the townes geuen to them of the reformed religion to be taken out of their handes Fifthly that the King shall geue ouer the protection of Geneua against the Duke of Sauoye Last of all that the King shall sweare before his court of Parliament of Paris the contents of this their request reduced into the forme of an edict to be perpetually and inuiolably obserued and likewise shall cause all the Princes Peeres officers of the Crowne Senators Gouernors Magistrates to sweare to obserue and defend the sayd edict To be short they aduertized the King that they haue refused all manner of conference except it bee vpon these conditions and in case he will not do this they will make him do it whether he will or not But for the right vnderstanding of this supplication the Reader must marke that it is not Religion which they care for for their driftes are onely to spoile the King of all authoritie and power that they may at length robbe him of his royall estate therefore these thinges following are to be obserued There were there in France thrée sorts of men who as the Leaguers thought would marre all the playe to wit the Princes Nobilitie and People Of the first they feared greatly the forces the valour authoritie and fidelitie knowing very well that they were able both in power and credite to minister them play long enough to weary them and by their valour able to encounter with them euery where and that through their fidelitie they would neuer forsake the King in his néede although that otherwise they were deuided in religion considering also that they haue the chiefest interest to the Crowne As for the Nobilitie they considered that they were of thrée sorts Leaguers Catholikes and Protestants The Nobles and the Commons which doo professe the reformed religion they knewe by long experience to bee so skilfull and experienced in warre as thereby to bee inuincible and that by all their fayre promises proffered vnto them they could not bee remooued from their alleagance to their soueraigne King and Prince whom God had ordayned ouer them By this their supplication therefore couered with the hypocriticall cloake of Catholikisme they would fayne to bée rid of the Princes and Nobilitie reformed or els to deuide them a sunder that the more easily they might make them giue roume or els roote them out As for the common people reformed they suppose that they being scattered into diuers popish Prouinces could bee so vsed as that they might not flocke together but euery man in an imminent danger would bee carefull how to saue himselfe in some place of safe exile That is the cause that they crye out in their supplication banishment and exile As for the Catholikes both Noble and Common they are in hope that superstition it selfe would win them on their side But if the riddance of them of the reformed religion out of the Realme might not bee throughly done yet the King and the Catholikes being bound with an oth to execute their demaunds would at the pleasure of the Leaguers nourish an immortall warre by the which the King should consume his subiects and the subiects their King with mutuall blowes vntill the roume being either made voyde or weakened they hauing that thorne which so sore prickt them out of theyr foote might vprightly without any halting eyther set themselues in place or els easily shoulder him out who had right to it The 10. of the sayd moneth the King of Nauarre being at Bergerack a great Towne in Perigord situated vpon the riuer of Dordonne answereth vnto y
whole yeare and wasted a million of Franks which the Priests had contributed toward that warre he hath for his money the villages of Montignak Beaulieu Triles Castets which he bought with the Priestes money Saint Bezile Montsegure Chastilion Puynormand which immediatly came agayne into the hands of them of the reformed religion and were fortifyed stronger then euer they had béen Now if this great Dukes Chaplens will haue more warre conquestes at his handes they must pay for it or else let them goe against the heretikes themselues for he will goe home Thus endeth the tragicall comedie of this Captaine In October the cheefest of the reformed religion in the Iles of Maran perceauing the disorder which was in the gard of the castel of Portmaran and knowing that the Prince before his iourney to Anger 's had determined to put in a Gouernor with a certayne number of Souldiers and that there were many which made sute for that gouernment aduised to demaunde of the Prince some gentlemen of the gouernment of Rochel who had meanes to defende them without oppressing eyther the one part or other which thing being granted vnto them they demaunded the Lord Essars of Montalambert a valiant and expert Captaine who had giuen a notable proofe of his valour experience at the siege of Saint Jhan D'angelie in the yeare 1569. and also at Rochel 1572. and 1573. The sayd Lord Essars accepted it vnder the authority of the Prince with 20. Souldiours appoynted him whom hee vndertooke to pay with his owne hand vppon the payment of a Sous for euery pound of marchandize which should passe through Marans and vpon promise to receaue one thousand crownes for the fortifications of the Castell as he should thinke good and into that gouernment he entred in October But within few dayes after the sayd Lord of Essars began to vary with the inhabitants who were of the religion for the most part For the sayd Lord hauing found the castell wholly vnfurnished of all houshold and necessary commodities required that they would furnish it both for him and his souldiers and also that in case the sayd castell should be besieged they would repayre to it for the defence of the same and also willed them to bring in their moueables Then answered the sayd Lord Essars that with moueables euery one had furnished what they could and that the best of their goods were transported to Rochel As for to retyre within the Castell they thought it not expedient for if the enemie should besiege it and beate it they knew well by experience that it was not defensible They answered aâ—so that they would not put in any more of their goods but such as they passed not greatly to lose as for the fortifications the Prince afore his departing was content to quit them for one thousand crownes considering their vnablenes wherof his receauer had alreadie receaued part This answer the L. Essars did greatly mislyke which misliking continued vntil the Princes returne out of England to Rochel who being aduertized thereof sendeth the L. Resseus and an other to be fully informed of all y e matter And finally to preuent al inconueniences which might ensue thereof vnfit for the tyme place of so great importance thought good that the L. of Essars should surrender y t gouernment into the hands of the L. Iarry nigh the sands of Ollonne who entered therein as gouernor the x. of Aprill 1586. there remayned almost two yeares who was enforced with y e L. Boysduly to surreÌ„der it to Lauerdine the 25. of March 1586. as it shall appeare more playnly hereafter It is sayd before how the Prince of Conde after the dissolution of his army at Solonne in Vendomoys through great daungers and difficultyes repayred to the Iland of Gernesey and from thence into England where he was receaued in most princelyke sort of that gracious great Elizabeth Queene of England During his soiorne there many noblemen and gentlemen passed ouer the sea into England to accompany him home agayne among whom was the Lord Clermont The Queene of England after innumerable courtesies and princelike intertaynment sent him home with a nauy certayne ships also departed out of Rochel to meet the sayd Prince among whom was the Lord Plessis Gettey who conducted two shippes being then gouernour of the I le of Rhe for the king of Nauarre The sayd Prince arriued at Rochel with that trayne the 3. of January about eight a clocke in the night This returne home was no lesse wonderfull then ioyfull to all the Lords who had gathered them selues and retyred to Rochel and Saynt Ihan D' angely and to the inhabitantes of the townes and countrey who shewed great reioysing euery where as hauing by the speciall gift of God receaued this noble Prince of whose health and preseruation they had béen a long tyme doubtfull The Prince being returned home so happely soiorned not long at Rochel but within fewe dayes tooke his iourney to S. Ihan to prouide for the necessarie affayres and to muster the companies which were or could bee gathered Fewe dayes before the Lord Laual was gone foorth out of Saint Ihan with some companies to besiege the Castle of Tours but they which were within stayed not the ordinance which was comming from Saint Jhan but yéelded themselues without any delay The sayd Castle was rendered into the hand of the Lord Caze to whom it did belong At that time to wit after the comming of the Prince to Saint Ihan the Lords Captaines and companies began to order themselues vnder the sayd Prince in forme of an armie where with about the 17. of January he began to besiege the Castle of Dampierre pertayning to the Marshall of Bets nigh the towne of S. Ihan situated vpon the riuer Botonne within the which was a popish garrison which through their insolencie and ordinarie roades vpon them of the religion did drawe this storme vppon their heads The sayd Castle being battered for certaine dayes was surrendred about the 24. of Ianuary There was found within that Castle great quantitie of corne and mooueable goods which the people of the countrey round about had carried in It was hard to let the Souldiers from the pillage considering that they had so long suffered insinite miseries after the breaking of the armie in Vendomoys for they which had reassembled themselues in Poytow had kept themselues within the fauour of the townes of S. Ihan and others which were holden by them of the religion The companies of the Prince after the taking of Dampierre were deuided into three parts which went into thrée seuerall coasts of the countrey The first was the Lord S. Gelays who followed the riuer Botonne and tooke the townes thereupon situated as Arnay Mondeâ—is and Chizay The Lord Ranques with the fourth part of the companies went toward Niort and enterprized vppon the Castle of Sassoy and tooke it from the hands of certaine Albaneses whom the Lord Malicorne gouernour of Niort had
had beene still in the Loure and knowing that there rested nothing more to doo but to haue his person for a gage of the Crowne determined to besiege the Loure and to bring out of hand the Artilery before the gate But vnderstanding that he was issued out and gone already a great way of hee remayned Master of Paris séeing that the Master and the seruants had yeelded him the lodging Hetherto wee haue conducted the King to Trappes and his forces are sent packing and the Duke maketh merrie in Paris in hope likewise to be Master of all the rest The Duke and his partakers perceauing how the King had giuen the slip and auoyded their bloudie hands doo scratch their heads and see their error for although the ouerthrow was great yet the victorie was not full the enterprise not well executed and the King being not taken the issue thereof was doubtfull and full of perplexitie For their consciences doo represent before their eyes the perfidious rebellion which they had committed as to haue not onely dispossessed him of his house of whome they holde all that euer they had but also to haue sought to murther him whom God had consecrated to represent before their eyes the image of his Soueraigne iustice to destroy their Prince who had loued them so tenderlie their benefactor who had cherished them as a Father his owne naturall Children They accurse their negligent folly in that they had not beene more watchfull to attend vpon his person feare seazed their hearts when considering the greatnes of their offence doo also knowe that yet hee will haue meanes inough to bring their dooings to iudgement and to take reuengement of them according to the haynousnes of their offence To be short they are very sory not for that which they had done but for that they haue not done worse But the Duke of Guize considering well that the stincking fame of his villanous fact would flee abroade vnto the eares of forraine Princes who will thinke themselues interesâ—ed in this iniurie and that they will not forsake such a mightie Prince in his distresse hee thought good that the execution done this day might be reported vnto Princes neighbours and friends of the Crowne in such a manner that whatsoeuer was therein most odious and damnable might bee either concealed or else coloured Therefore among others he forgot no courtesie and honest offers to the Lord Ambassodor of England to whome he sent the Lord Brissak accompanied with some others to offer him a protection and to pray him not to bee dismayed and not to remoue thence with assurance of safetie The Ambassador answered that if he had been as a priuat men in Paris hee would haue gone to prostrate himselfe at the feete of the Duke of Guize for to giue him most heartie thankes for his courtesies and honest proffers but being there nigh the King for the Queene of England his Mistresse who had aliâ—unce and couenant of amitie with him he could not nor would not take any protection but of the King onely The Lord Brissak shewed him that the Lord of Guize was not come to Paris to enterprize any thing against the King or his seruice but that hee hath resolued himselfe vpon the defensiue and that there was a great conspiracie against him and the Citie of Paris and how the towne house and other places were ful of gibets whereon the King had determined to hang a great number of the Citie and others The Lord of Guyze prayed him to aduertize his Mistresse of all these things to the end the worlde might be informed of the trueth The Ambassador answered that he could easilie beleeue that he saide as he thought but that hauty and hard enterprises oftentimes doo remayne incommunicable and closely shut vp in the hearts of them who doo enterprise them which also when they thinke good doo produce them forth with such colour as they iudge most fit for their aduantage And that he would say freely that whatsoeuer had passed in Paris would bee iudged very strange and wicked by all the Princes of Christendome who were interessed in it and that no colours were they neuer so fayre could make it to seeme good being the simple duety of a subiect to remaine in the iust obedience of his Soueraigne And that if there were so many gibets prepared it would bee beleeued more easily when the Lorde of Guyze shoulde bring them in sight And graunt that so it were yet is it a hatefull thing and intollerable that a subiect would let by force the iustice which his Soueraigne will execute with strong hand He promised him that willingly he would aduertise the Queene his Mistresse of all that which he tould him but to serue him as an interpreter of all the conceites of the Duke of Guyze and of them of his part it was no matter belonging to his charge The Queene his Mistresse being wiser then hee to beleeue and iudge what would please her Maiestie vpon that which he would write vnto her The Lord Brissake seeing that neither by fayre offers words nor prayers the Lord Ambassadour could be mooued to allowe their actions ended his speaches with threatnings saying that the people of Paris had a quarrell to him by reason of the crueltie which the Quéene of England had shewed to the Quéene of Scots To this word of crueltie the Ambassadour answered I arest you vpon this word of crueltie my Lord no man euer named a iustice well qualified crueltie Moreouer I beléeue not that the people of Paris haue any quarrell to mée as you say for vpon what occasion seeing that I am here a publike person who neuer molested any bedie Haue you any armour sayd the Lord Brissake If you did aske it me sayd the Lord Ambassadour as as of him who hath béen sometime friend and familiar of the Lord Cosse your vncle it may be I would tell you but being that which I am I will not tell you You shal be searched here sayd Brissake ere it belong for it is thought here is armour and it is to be feared you will be forced I haue two gates in this house sayd the Ambassadour I will shut and defend them as long as I may that it may appeare to the world that vniuftly in my person they haue violated the right of Nations To that Brissak replied but tell me in good friendship I pray you haue you any armour The Ambassadour answered seeing you aske me as a friend I will tell you as a friend If I were â—ere as a priuate man I would haue armour but being here as Ambassadour I haue none other armour then the right and faith publike I pray you sayd Brissak keepe your doores shut vp I ought not to doo it sayd the Lord Ambassour for the house of an Ambassadour ought to be open to all goers and commers considering that I am not in France to dwell in Paris onely but to bee nigh the King wheresoeuer he be
oppressâ—d with famin pestilence sword and with intollerable bondage vnder the Leaguers The King of Nauarre after this ouerthrow of Saueinze and his companies nigh Bonaual about the 22. of May being at Boysgency vpon Loyre veneath Orleans fiue leagues writeth a louing letter to the rebels of Orleans to proue what reason and fayre offers might do with them wherein he sheweth to them First that he hath foreseene and forewarned France of the euils which this last ciuill Warres would bring and protesteth of the dislyking of it at all times And although his protestations and warnings haue béen little regarded notwithstanding the iniuries which he hath receaued yet wil he not fayle in his duty toward his countrey but will séeke the meanes to cure her disease or die wiâ—h it both in generall and particular Secondly aduiseth them to consider the causes of their rebellion to bee in themselues and not in other men for it cannot be for any religion or any violence or necessitie which hath enforced them thereunto but a wicked and rash minde which maketh them pretend a feare of some euill that may come hereafter and so doing they make themselues vnfortunate and cast themselues in a miserable state And in preuenting a fault that may bée hereafter they doo commit a manifest and heynous crime in going about to stop an euill which they doo imagine to see a farre of they doo procure to themselues innumerable euils to assure a libertie to their children which no man will hinder they doo throwe themselues into a present bondage To make sure as they say their state and goods they yéeld themselues to be spoyled and robbed Put them in remembrance of the calamities which will accompanie their rebellion and their obstinacie in the same as that they doo drawe a cruell warre to their gates whereby they shall be continually in feare and alarume by it they shall haue need continually of an armie to gard them by it they shall see their houses their fieldes their vines set on a fire their wiues and children spoyled their traffique stopped their husbandrie wasted and all this they are like to suffer for going about to reuenge another mans naughtie quarrell and for to make their backes to be footsteps for other men to get vp vnto the scaffold of their ambition which if it doth fall as it cannot stand it will quaile stiffle and vndo them Thirdly admonisheth them to call to remembrance the fidelitie and loyaltie of their ancestors to Charles the 7. whom they defended against England and the most part of France which had conspired against him and exhorteth them also to remember their oath naturally giuen to keepe their fidelitie loyaltie and duetie inuiolable to their naturally Prince Last of all hee assureth them of the Kings clemencie and gracious fauour and proffereth them his meanes to further the same if they will returne vnder his obedience Afterward the King of Nauarre scoured all the countrey of Beausse hauing enforced the rebels to keepe in their Holds At length the King hauing receaued certaine regiments of Swissers and encouraged with these good beginnings against the rebels knowing the God of battailes to be of his side in the latter ende of Iune gatheres all his forces together and came in person to his Campe Helpe commeth to him from all parts of the Realme his armie encreaseth daily in number fame and power The state of the King thus suddenly many Cities begin to entreate vpon peace Thus the King hauing recouered part of his authoritie and in good hope to recouer the whole and more then euer he had by refusing the counsell of strangers and following the good wise sage and discreet counsell of the Princes of his bloud and other his noble and faithfull counsellers subiects and friends he marcheth directly toward Paris to begin the punishment where this vnthankfulnes treacherie and rebellion had begun He taketh Pontoys S. Clow seazeth vppon Poissy S. Germayne Charanton and other Townes round about Paris Meloune and Corbeil he had fortified and holden euer since the beginning of the rebellion The Princes of Germany and Italy sent Ambassadours vnto him doo wish him well doo proffer him money and men to represse that barbarous treacherie of his enemies Some of the first conspirators also through dispayre flee vnto his mercie Finally all things now fall contrary to their expectation and traiterous desires without any hope to looke any more so long as the King liueth for any condition of agreement or suretie of life To be short the case is altered For the King leading his power nigh Paris to compasse it round about and hauing all the Townes about beginneth so to distresse it that either none or small store of victuals could be brought into the Citie The conspirators begin to tremble at this newe and sudden chaunge therefore the heads of the traitors seeing themselues so hardly beset doo enter into counsell to determine vppon the extremitie of their affayres One among the rest declared the daunger wherein they liued he shewed that the mindes of the Nobilitie were mutable and inconstant fawning alwayes on Fortunes side He shewed also that the fearefull Cities could not be kept faithfull vnto them and that vppon the sight of any imminent danger they would be ready to reuolt agayne to the King Also hee discoursed how the Cleargie were couetous and neuer gaue but very little of their owne to their Kings and therefore there was small hope that they would giue to them who might but intreat for it And thus stood their case at home From abroade sayd he lesse hope was to bee looked for for the Spanyard was olde and carefull for the quietnes of his owne familie vnto whom it was more securitie that France should bee troubled then vsurped by any other then himselfe The Italian Princes are circumspect and wise The Germanes are couetous and misers The Pope is subtill craftie and inconstant gréedie for his owne gayne and turning with euery blast of fortune therefore he concluded that there was none other remedie remayning for them but to dye or runne away except one thing could bee brought to passe to wit the death of the King which if they would auoyde their assured vndoing was to be laboured by all meanes possible and that there was no other remedie for redresse of their distressed estate In this counsell sat the Duke de Mayne as a King in hope Aumale Nemours the treacherous Bishop of Lions whom the King a little before had pardoned and set at libertie the Lords Rosne Boysdaulphin Brissak Sagonne the 47. chosen for the counsell of the Citie as aboue sayd the seuentéene Colonels appoynted ouer the eightéene wardes of the Citie All this blessed company hauing heard the discourse aboue sayd and séeing with their eyes vengeance to be at the doore concluded the condemnation and execution of the King speedily to bee dispatched and murthered but the meanes are found very difficult to bring such a famous act
we may with admiration celebrate the prouidence of God that cleane contrary vnto the expectation of all men the Lord hath giuen him to France for her good For first the Leaguers in the beginning of their insurrection made him a party Then they vsed for the space of foure yeares all the power of France to oppresse him when force would not serue they procured poysoners to try what might bee done that way But that taking no place they degraded debarred him from his right of succession by a fundamental law of the realme which they sweared sealed and decréed that it should be vnchangeable and should remayne for euer they made him hatefull and abhorred of the common people throughout all France After they had missed of their purpose intended against the King they so vrged their attempts that the King was enforced to yéeld himselfe into the King of Nauarre his hands for his safety at length they murdered the King Then I will aske them what haue you gotten by it They answered that they haue gotten the Crowne either part or the whole Why Because there is no successor Demaunde What are the Bourbons then Answer They are excluded by a fundamentall lawe of the realme sworne by the vnion at Bloys Dem. What saith God to that Ans Beholde the Lord saith that hee will haue the King of Nauarre head of the house of Bourbon to succeede because it is his right for it is not reason that a confederacie of conspirators should make a law contrarie vnto the fundamentall lawe of the realme confirmed by the consent and custome of so many nations by the space of twelue hundred yeares not contrarie vnto Gods word Dem. But where dooth God speake it Ans By the mouth of a Soueraigne Magistrate ordained by him to bée the interpreter of all iudiciall lawes Therefore beholde the meanes which the rebels haue sought to exclude the King of Nauarre from his right of succession the Lord hath vsed to the stablishing of the said King and hath vnited the Princes Péeres and chiefest Lords Gentlemen Captaines and Souldiours of the realme to assist place and defend him in that roome so the arme of fleshe shall not preuaile against the power of God and the hand of the Lord shall be vpon him The Prince Montpencier gouernour and Generall for the King in Normandie then being at Audely a towne vpon the riuer of Seyne aboue Pont de Carche caused all his army to take that oath exhorting them to defend constantly the Kings will according to their oath About the 26. day of Iuly there was an assembly holden at Caen in Normandie of the court of Parliament whereto the late deceased King had transported the said court from the Cittie of Roen after the rebellion thereof of the Nobilitie and Gentlemen of the countrey and of the bodie of the towne and Vniuersitie and of the Citizens and inhabitants of the said towne where the Lord Lizores Lord President of the saide court did sit as head of the saide méeting in whose presence the saide President hauing declared the haynous déede committed vpon the person of the King late deceased and shewed the equitie of the Kings testament and last will on his owne behalfe protested perfect loyaltie to the King right and lawfull successor of the Crowne of France after the publication of the Kings and of y e Prince Montpencier his letters all vniformally with one consent did sweare their acknowledgement and fidelitie vnto the lawfull successor of the Crowne of France and to maintaine al things contained in the will of Henry d'Valoys lately deceased The like declarations and promises were made and othes of fidelitie and loyalty taken publikely in many townes and cities in France euen on the North side of Loyre to the same effect The rebels vnderstanding in Paris what the late deceased King had done and how the King of Nauarre was proclaymed King of France contrarie to their expectation that they were worse hampered now then before like to haue him to be their master whome they had refused and disdained thought good to trie what might be done by treachery vpon the person of the King And because that a Friers coate could not beguile this King as it did the other by reason of the little acquaintance and credit which hée giueth them they suborned a murtherer who vnder the colour of a Gentleman should shoote him through with a Piece but the Lord watching for his annointed brought the murtherer to confusion All thinges falling out so confusedly in France by the death of the last King and the newes thereof fleeing abroad into forreine countries replenished mens harts with admiration of Gods secret iudgements with a maze indignation and feare The King taking counsell what was best to be done in these extremities for to saue the remnant of the realme from vtter subuertion did resolue vpon these three pointes which will follow this miserable murther First the King considering how his enemies long time aforehand had rendered him by slaunderous libels and seditious sermons of Iesuits and Friers by these meanes to make him abhorred of the commonaltie and thereby to make them vnwilling to acknowledge him for their King and to render him fidelity loyaltie and obedience which long practised malice of his enemies would procure him much labour and long continuance of warre betweene him and his subiects Secondly he knew that in the Campe vnder the banner of his predecessor and also in his counsell were many deuoted sworne to the League whom he durst not trust and knowing that they would not do him faithful seruice no more then they did to his predecessor hee determined to licence them to depart so many as would and to liue peaceablie in their houses vnder his obedience whereupon many disbanded themselues and retired some home and some to the enemie Last of all the K. foreseeing that the heads of the League vpon this prosperous exploit done vpon the person of the King lately murthered will double their rage and with great forces which they could quickly set vp in such a mighty and populous cittie would set vpon him and with multitude might greatly distresse him determined to send part of his forces into Picardy vnder the conduct of the duke of Longueuile the Lord la Nouë there to minister play to the enemy and with the greatest part of his army to retire into Normandy there to gather greater forces and if need should require to be nigh and ready vpon the coast there to receaue supply of forces from the mightie Princesse the Queene of England which might bee done vpon short warning considering the small distance which is from Coast to Coast As for the Swissers and other Germans who serued the King his predecessor hee sent their Heads and Captaines vnto their Princes and Signories to vnderstand their pleasure whether they would call their men home or giue them leaue to serue him The said Germans Swissers according to
King I say aduertised of these things sent from Deepe to the Quéene of England for some succour who as her Maiesty neuer fayleth to helpe them who are vniustly distressed sent him forces according to his request All the Kings forces at Deepe were not about nine thousand men before the Englishmen arriued to him The Duke d'Mayne hauing a mighty army of fiue and twenty thousand men set foorth out of Paris about the beginning of September giuing foorth that he went to a certaine victory and vaunting that he would briâ—g to Paris the King dead or a liue or else he would driue him into the Sea approached toward Deepe But the God of battels turned as easily with few as with multitude all these bragges to vanitie and shame For the King hearing that the enemy approached very fast encamped himselfe at Arques about two myles from the towne of Deepe by the prudent counsell of the Marshall of Byron The King viewing the place iudged by and by what the enemy was able to doo against him whereupon hée caused trenches to bée made on the top of the hill in most substanciall manner as farre from Arques as a Canon can shoote so that all the army for a néede might bée couered therewith out of all danger Vpon the same trenches hée caused foure pieces of ordinance to bée placed right against a great plaine where hée supposed the enemy would come to fight whether also he might come without any danger the kings companies were quartered in the Villagâ—s round about Whilest these things are a dooing at Arques the enemy approached more and more very fast and on the 15. of September lodged his vauntgarde within three miles of Deepe The King that morning perceaued that they intended to spoyle the subburb Paulet before he enterprised vpon any thing at Arques Therefore with spéed he fortified the said Suburb but specially the milles which steed most open to the enemy This thing being done the King determined as nere as could bee and with small company to view how the enemy was lodged and perceauing by occasion of some that they were too forward commaunded fiue or sixe of his company to giue them the charge in the which seauen of the enemy remained vpon the place which thing being done the king returned to lodge at Arques The 16. before day many issued out of Deepe who made hot skirmishes vpon the enemy where the Lord Chastilion commaunding ouer the footemen shewed himselfe a most skilfull warriour The King had placed certaine horsemen betweene his footemen and the enemy to represse the Leaguers of the Souldiours least rashly they might haue bred some confusion The skirmish was such that the Harquebusiers did neuer discharge a bullet that day in vaine That day the King permitted certayne English gentlemen to skirmish with the enemie who imployed themselues so valiantly and with such a noble courage that in lesse then the turning of one hand they ouerthrew slew or tooke prisoners all that encountred them The same day about 25. of the enemies had passed the brooke which did runne betweene the Kings armie and the enemie and were already in the medow to haue assaulted a Village named Boteille where the Kings Cornet was lodged great troups of horsemen came downe the hill to passe in like maner the brooke to haue assisted them but there came out of the Village sixe gentlemen well armed to meete the enemy among whom were the Lords Saint Marke and Slurbe with two Harquebuziers on foot charged the enemy so hard that they were faine to retire with swift flight feare and sorrowfull countenance All this day there continued hot skirmishes at the milles which are at the end of the Suburbe named Paulet and whereas the King aduaunced still to view the enemies doings an Harquebuze shot strooke his horse in the thigh The same day the King sent the company of the Prince County conducted by the Lorde Armilie his Lieftenant to the Marshall Biron who was at Arques which immediatly commaunded them to goe and spie the lodgings of the enemy who did lye in a Village called Martinglize where were the Dukes Aumale Nemours and the Lord Sagonne this company of light horses comming to the place and forgetting to bring word to the sayd Lord Biron of that which they had seene ran so fiercely vppon the enemy that they killed aboue an hundred and fifty and among them the Marques of Meneiay they tooke many Captains and other prisoners and ouerthrew their rampiers and Barricadoes being still on horsebacke The rest being foure regiments of footmen fled with great terrour Aumale Nemours and Sagonne shewing to these companies the way to flee and striuing among themselues who should flee y e swiftest The Lord Armilie was dangerously wounded through the body with a sword The King from Diepe vnderstanding the skirmish made hast thither with three hundered horses but the enemy was already chased before he came The 17. of September the King caused a Canon to bee discharged against the enemie on the side of Arques whilest the Lord Chastilion did valiantly skirmish with the enemie at the ende of the Suburbe Paulet where he slewe many of the enemies and tooke many prisoners without the losse of any one man saue onely fewe of his were wounded Another company of the Kings Campe at the same time went to view another Village on another side where they surprised the enemies slewe thirtie of them and put the rest to flight During these skirmishes a great number of Gentlemen and Souldiers came to the King and of their owne voluntary motion and goodwill yéelded themselues and their seruice They were part of the troupes of the Lord Rabempré who a little before was taken by the enemie at Gournay a Towne situated in Beauuoysin betwéene the Cities of Beauuoys Roen who had followed the enemies for their safegard The enemie trusting in his great multitude determined to passe ouer the little riuer which ran betwéene them and the King and hauing made certaine bridges of wood to bee cast ouer the 19. day of September about fiue of the clock in the morning the enemie marched from Martinglize in battell aray well ordered strong and thicke Their footmen well placed at their wings their faces set toward Arques the quarter of the Swissers The Lord Billing with two thousand shot was appoynted to giue the onset The Duke de Mayne stood behind with great strength in battell aray readie to giue succour where néede should be The King had watched all night before on horsebacke to giue order in euery place which hee did so diligently and circumspectly that the enemie could doo him no hurt without great disaduantage and losse to themselues But in the morning hauing seene the order of their battell aray incontinently he sent foorth his light horsemen and the company of the Prince County lead by the Lord Montater he sent also his Cornet wherein were the Lords graund Prior the great Squier the Countie
Rochefocault and the Countie of Rossie his brother with the Countie of Rochefort with diuers Gentlemen who were néerest to his person all them he set about his footmen deuiding the Swissers into two parts The enemies were 25. thousand and he had not aboue nine thousand and that to the vttermost With this small number the King knowing that God would consider iustice of the cause and was able to vanquish as well with fewe as with a great number hauing earnestly desired Gods ayde in his priuate prayers commaunded publike prayers which being ended marched against his enemies with such resolued and princelike courage that at the first encounter as it were with one blowe the enemie left vpon the place fiue hundred men beside a number of prisoners and wounded souldiers but the rest fled with great feare and disorder In the same méeting the enemie lost as is aboue sayd at the first encounter fiue hundred men among whom were the chiefest Sague Colonell of the light horsemen the Lord S. Vidal chiefe Marshall of the Ordinance the Lord S. Andrew brother to the Countie of Saulx the Lord Vienuille eldest sonne to the Marshall Vienel who were caried to Roen and there buried with many more of great account The Countie Billing Marshall of the Camp Temblecourt the Countie of Lorreyne who had the first regiment and the Lord Sauelak with diuers other Captaines were taken prisoners Of the Kings side dyed but 26. among whom were the Countie Rossie brother to the Lord Rochefocault and also the Lord Bakqueuile whose vertues were commendable among all men for whom the King was greatly grieued There was among the enemies one Lorde Sagonne a proud man greatly boasting of his valiantnes who with feeling escaped from the slaughter at Seulis the Lord Graund Prior prouoked him to fight who ioyning together the saide Lorde Graund Prior gaue him such a blowe that in retyring and lighting downe of his horse hee fell downe and brake his neck Thus the enemy hauing retyred with shame and losse the King commaunded all his forces to refresh themselues which thing being done fifteene hundred Launce-knights presented themselues to a little trench which was kept by some of the Kings Launce-knights and lifting vp their hands protested and desired to yéeld vnto the King so that the Kings seruants as well as they would put vp their weapons This caused great ioy in the army and euery man putting vp their weapons the Kings men scattered themselues among them without any suspition of treason shaking hands like good fellowes two of the Captaines went to meete the King and being examined suddainely faultring in their speach as knowing not what they said as men troubled in minde named themselues seruants to the Duke d' Mayne in the meane while they fed the Kings Souldiours with fayre words to delay the time till their troupes of horsemen shoulde drawe neere to assist them desiring very much to see the King The King hauing no liking of them commaunded his forces to march downe the medowes from them and whilest these villanous dissembling traitors passed toward the Suissers as though in deed they would yeelde themselues to the King seeing no more the kings horsemen before them and their horsemen approaching still then they seazed vpon the Countie Rochefort and began to set vpon the Kings troupes with all their might whilest fiftéene hundered horsemen came marching a long the medowes to assist them The enemies by these meanes being three thousand and the Kinges forces there beeing not aboue three hundered Horsemen put this small companie in great feare and began to retyre toward the Swissers The Swissers neuer shronk for all that multitude but stoode still firmely shewing such a manly countenance that the enemy suspected the retyre of the Kings horsemen to haue been a policy to draw them into the danger of the Swissers At the same instant that the treason was discouered the Lord Chastilion brought out of Deepe fiue hundred Caliuers Thus all these troupes were deuided into two parts the Harquebusiers of the Kings side were so fitly placed that the enemy durst not venture to set vppon them The Canons in the meane time played vppon them and killed manie The King in this extremity and suddaine discouering of this vnlooked treason hauing ordered all things set vpon the enemies and shewed himselfe both King Captaine and Souldier and by his princely courage did encourage all men to play their partes valiantly The King receaued a shot in his boete and his horse being hurt accompanied with the Marshall Byron fought on foote vntill hée was reuenged of his enemies The enemie retired with shame and losse leauing their dead on the place and hid himselfe at Martinglize The King remayned on the field and commaunded certaine pieces of Ordinance to bée discharged against Martinglize which thing being done he gaue thanks to God with earnest praiers for his gracious goodnes succour and presence in defending them and his iust cause This being done hée greatly commended the good and faithfull seruice of the Swissers in presence of their Captaines and dronke to them for their valiant exploytes done that day The 23. of September the Lord Staphord Ambassadour for the most Noble Quéene of England arriued at Diepe bringing both money and munition but hée sawe not the King vntill the next day following About midnight following the same day the King perceaued that the enemy had changed his opinion and that hée would rayse vp his armie The 24. of September very early in the morning the enemy raised vp his Camp without any sound of Drumme or Trompet in the sight of the King and of his army This their remoouing was done with such great feare and so cowardly that they left their wounded in the Villages behind them and without giuing warning to their Sentinels to retire and saue themselues they left their victuall and munition of warre in the way as they went They tooke their iourney as though they went to the towne of Hewe and at length they turned to Saint Vax Quinqueuile and Bures and camped themselues on the other side of Diepe entrenching themselues in the néerest Villages Ianuile Boutiles and Apeuile The King who was on the other side of the hill in battel aray séeing their departing to be like a fearefull flight while hee receaued the Lord Ambassador of England sent certaine companies to puriue them who also tooke many prisoners ofthem These Prisoners beeing demaunded the cause of the sudden retire answered diuersly for some said it was by reason of the comming of the English ships which lately arriued wherein they doubted great aid to bee sent to the King But some gaue another answere to wit that vpon the death of those Noble men who had béen slaine great strife had growen among them for placing other in their roome some allowing one some choosing another so that it seemeth that these two causes troubled the enemy The King seeing the enemy encamped in another side caused
his battaile to bee pitched in the plaine of Arques and afterward in the euening brought his army into Diepe and the Suburbs of the same and all night caused great and large Trenches to bee made in a place called the hill of Cats and by the Morning the Trenches beeing strong he placed part of his footmen vnder the gouernment of the Lord Chastilion with thirtéene Ensignes of Swissers vppon the Fort of the side of Januile hee pitched two double Canons which did greatly endomage the enemy because they were all on an heape and their horsemen could not retire into their quarter without the danger of the Canon so that it neuer shot in vaine The King sent the Regiment of the Lord Garde into the Castle of Arques The first day of October the enemy planted sixe pieces of Ordinance vpon the top of the hill by Ianuile and shot fiue or sixe voleies of shot into the Towne wherewith was slaine one of the Kings Cookes a Woman a Maiden and a Boy and great hurt done to two Shippes which lay at Anker in the Hauen The Lord Staphord Ambassador of England had presented a Canonier to the King who beeing very skilfull with a shot killed the master Gunner and dismounted two pieces of the enemies Ordinance which caused them to remooue their Canon during this time the Kings troups dayly did set vppon them and drew them from their Trenches with blowes and deadly woundes who beeing weary of that continuall play the fourth day of October they brake their Rampiers and Gabions vpon intelligences of the comming of the Prince of Soisson the Duke of Longueuile Marshall Aumont retyred with shame and losse of men and in the Kings sight raised their camp and dislodged on a sudden taking their iourney toward Picardie and in the way shewed all crueltyes that could bee The King seeing the sudden and vnexpected departure of the Enemy supposed that he went to fight against the power which was broughtto him by the said Prince of Soissons Duke of Longueuile and Marshall Aumont afore they should ioyne with him which thing he mistrusted the more because the enemies shifted into three seuerall places and neuer frarre from him But the King knowing that these helpes were come within seuen or eight leagues tooke betweene three or foure hundred horsemen to goe to meet with them about the sixt day of October leauing the Marshall Biron in Diepe with all the rest of the armie The same day he tooke the towne and Castle Samache in the sight of the enemy The 8. day hée tooke the towne of Hew giuing great occasions to the Duke d'Mayne to fight Whilest these things were passing at Diepe and sometime before there was a méeting of the deputies of the Dukes d'Mayne and Parma in the town of Aras where the Duke d'Mayne bound himselfe to the Spanyards to deliuer all the townes of Picardie into their hanâ—s so that they would come to ayde him but the Spanyards would not styrre out of their places before hée had performed what hée was bound to doo The Duke d'Mayne therefore to colour his cowardlines shamefull flight and disgrace receaued at Diepe and for that hée durst neuer hazard the battell he bruted abroad that he went into Picardie to take possession of the townes of that Prouince to pledge them to the Spanyards and so hauing passed the riuer of Some he tooke away with him all hope from the King to come to any battaile The King knowing well the nature of the French men who though sometyme in their heat and naturall hastines they doo fall to sedition yet are vnpacient of a strange gouernment assured himselfe that they would neuer admit the gouernment of that nation whom they of all most hated neither would they yeeld vnto the Flemmings whom they hated also for the naturall iniuries which they do proffer one to another in time of warre as it falleth out commonly among Borderers Therefore he stayed yet a while in Diepe as well for the affaires of Normandie where hee left the Prince Montpencier for Gouernour as for to receaue foure thousand Englishmen sent vnto him by the renowmed Queene of England And the 21. of October hee departed from Deepe and with small iourneyes coasted the enemie betwéene the two Riuers of Seyne and Some vntill hee came to Meulan a Towne situated a little aboue Pontoys distant from Paris ten leagues and there vpon that bridge passing on the South side of Seyne with all speede went to Paris for two causes First for to drawe him to fight for although hee would not venture a battell for the winning of Deepe notwithstanding he had so promised to his partakers yet the King was in good hope that he would fight for Paris The other cause was to withdrawe him from Picardy where he had taken the towne of Fere and some other small Townes the most part of the Nobilitie and Gentlemen of the countrey being with the King About the 28. of October the King lodged his armie a mile from Paris in the villages about The morrowe after the king in his owne person went all about to view the Trenches along the Suburbes The last day of October the king hauing prepared all things by the aduise of the Princes Marshals and expert Captaines determined to assault the sayd Suburbs the next morning by breake of the day in three sundrie places and to that purpose deuided his forces into three seuerall companies In the one were the foure thousand Englishmen vnder the gouernement of the Lord Willoughby their Generall with two regiments of Frenchmen and one regiment of Swissers with the Marshall Byron and the Baron Byron his sonne the Lord Guittry diuers other Noblemen who had commandement to assault the Suburbs S. Victor S. Marcel The second troupe was of foure Regiments of Frenchmen two Regiments of Swissers and four companies of aduenturers with the Marshall of Aumont accompanied with the Lord great Esquire and the Lord Rieulx Marshall of the field with a great number of Nobles and Gentlemen who had charge to assault the Suburbs of Saint Iames and Saint Michael The third companie with ten Regiments of French men and one Regiment of Launceknights conducted by the Lordes de la Nouë and Chastilion should assault the Subutbs Saint German Bucy and Nille Euery troupe had a good number of Gentlemen well armed to assist the footmen if any great resistance should be made The King also commaunded two Canons and two Culuerins to be planted in the rereward of euery troupe He seperated also all his horsemen in three companies he himselfe commaunded ouer the first the Prince of Soissons ouer the second the Duke of Longueuile ouer the third each of them appointed to strengtheÌ„ the companies which were set to assault the Suburbs thus deuided as is aforesaid The first day of Nouember by breake of the day beeing a very thicke myst in this order the Suburbs were assaulted and so shaken by
him nor good for his master to meddle with the Kings affayres we sayd the Lord Byron hold the King for the true and naturall heire of the Crowne of France That the King maintained their lawes and liberties inuiolable and had none for enemies but fewe straungers thrust forward by ambition who vnder y e pretence of religion sought to ouerthrowe all good lawes to lay downe the foundation of their tyrannie to giue entrance to the Spanish King and for religion to bring in all Atheisme The Frier protested that his master was free from medling in any such enterprises But his doings his practises his ministring of money to the Rebels his conuersation and familiaritie with Bernardine Mendoza was so auerred to the foolish Friers face that he was proued a lying false flattering Frier Thereupon master Frier his stomacke being not yet satisfied would haue a saucie Frierlike fling against the King and demaunded the Marshall Byron how they being professors of the Catholike religion made so light account of his masters holines and purposes to carrie armes against the Catholikes their brethren The Lord Byron answered that they carried armes agaynst rebels and traytors and told him agayne that it were very wisely done for him his master to looke somewhat neerer to his owne estate For if he so encroached and medled with them they would quickly excommunicate him And that there were diuers Bishops in France as good Catholikes as his master who would bee glad to bee made Patriaches in their seuerall Prouinces and would finde as good Scripture to maintaine their authoritie as his master had any to defend his Some reasoning being vpon this poynt Frier Paniguerola was found to be so great a Clark that he could answer little or nothing But at length to conclude the talke he shewed the somme of his Ambassage to wit he desired a good peace to be concluded and some paynes to be taken to bring the King to be a Catholike But he shewed not his intent which was to delay the siege of Paris if the king had intended to besiege it out of hand The other Ambassadour to wit Vileroy was sent by the King to the Lord Plessis Morney a noble man of great wisedome and profound learning who handled the sayd Vileroy very plainly and roughly reproaching vnto him his vnfaithfull and treacherous seruice to his old master Henry the third And when he had denyed these things wherewith he was charged the Lord Beaulieu both condemned his fayre flattering wordes and promises which he brought now full of dissimulation and verified his olde trayterous practises agaynst his olde master it was thought that iustice should haue been executed vppon him for his treasons according to the Kings edicts The King hauing soiourned at Mante fewe dayes tooke his way to Vernon which lyeth between Mante and Pont de larche which also yéelded vnto him From Vernon the Gentlemen of Normandy to the number of fifteene hundred horses retyred to their home about the eight of March The Lord Chartres gouernour of Deepe returned to Deepe sicke in whose absence certaine Leaguers inhabitants there went about to haue seazed vpon the towne for the League who being detected and preuented at his returne were exiled out of the Towne to the number of sixe score among whom were many of the richest sort of all the towne About the same time that the King soiourned at Vernon the Duke of Longueuile the Lord of Tinteuille arriued to the King with eight thousand Rutters The King hauing seazed on Vernon and Mante and stopped the traffique of that riuer with the Citie of Paris on that side and prouided for the safetie of the sayd Townes concluded in his counsell to besiege Paris the principallest Citie of the Realme where it was considered that the Citie being populous and great would easily be woon by famine which would eschewe slaughter both of his owne Souldiers and Citizens whome hée would by all gentle meanes bring to their duetie of obedience and therefore it was thought good to stop the passages of the riuers Oyse Marne and Seyne aboue Paris For in stopping Oyse the Towne of Pontoyse also should bee distressed Therefore the King deuideth his armie as followeth The Duke of Longueuile should haue part of his armie to besiege Beaumont vpon Oyse He sent the Marshall Byron with another part of the armie to scoure the riuer Marne where he tooke Cressie a towne situated in Brie betweene Meaulx and Corbeil where a Parisien named Peter was Captaine for whose raunsome was proffered eight hundred Crownes but the King for some speciall causes commaunded him to be hanged and fiue and twentie of the chiefest of the towne with him The sayd Marshall Byron immediatly after the taking of Cressie layed the siege before Lagnye vpon the riuer Marne right agaynst Corbeil The Citizens required space of time to send vnto the King which was yet in Normandy to craue his gracious mercie which they obtayned The King about the 21. of March hauing receiued certayne munitions from Deepe and taken order for the safetie of Normandy with part of his armie coasted betweene the riuers of Seyne and Eure and tooke the townes of Possie and S. Germain and the Pont S. Clow and marched toward Corbeil to seaze vpon the riuer of Seyne on that side It is said before how the Leaguers had compacted with the King of Spayne vpon some conditions of receiuing a certaine somme of money to haue deliuered the Citie of Marsels a great strong Citie in Prouance vpon the Mediterran Sea but being disappoynted of his purpose as is said in the first Booke that Citie continued faithfull vnto the King vntil the Duke of Guize his death The King of Spayne had corrupted aforehand the chiefe gouernour of the Citie by giuing him pay to the summe of fifty Crownes a day he had also drawne to his faction three score of the chiefest Citizens paying to some forty crownes some more and some lesse a day Thus the hearts of a great number of Citizens being disposed the death of the Duke of Guize was bruted euen to the coast of the Mediterrane Sea The gouernour and his complices hearing of that began to â—nuaigh and bring the City to a wauâ—ring and inconstancy of wills counsels some would haue the Towne to yéelde to the League and some would not so the Citie remayned as neuter hanging neither to Spayne nor to France In the meane time the Lord Valete as is said hauing made peace with the Lord Diguieres and considering the wauering of that Citie had prepared a nauy of Galeys on the Sea before the said City to controule such Ships or other vessels as might come or goe that way to benefit the said Towne whome he molâ—sted as Leaguers The gouernour and the rest of malcontents hired by the King of Spayne practized that the said King of Spayne and the Duke of Sauoy should send Galleys thether in shew to clense the Seas but in déede
of the famine the wilâ—ull obstinacy of that damned people who will rather perish like the heathenish Saguntines then to try his clemenâ—y and fauour whom they knew to be therewith indued more then euer had béen any King in France before him hearing also of this sauage and barbarous act of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by some that fled vnto him out of the City was greatly moued so that lifting vp his hands to Heauen before his nobility protested vnto the Lord as Titus did in like case at the siege of Ierusalem that hee was not guilty of those abominations which were there committed neither of the bloud of them that so desperatly perished That hee was their lawfull King ordayned of God to gouerne them that he had proffered vnto them contrary to their deserts mercy that he might haue forced them but to spare their bloud he had delayed it to his great hinderance hoping that néed would haue caused them to consider their duty But contrary vnto duty and nature they had obstinated themselues and committed more abominations then any City euer did among the heathens This good King his eyes full of teares retyred into his Chamber full of compassion admiration and loue of iustice Compassion was not in him only as it was in Scipio at the burning of Carthage an affection procéeding of a milde nature but a true Christian mercy by the which he did féele the griefes euen of his mortall enemies and therefore gaue certaine passeports vnto many to haue dayly out of his campe a certaine alowance of victuals and liberty to his souldiours to sell some victuals vnto the besieged for necessary thinges as shooes hose apparell and other such things which did somewhat relieue them and stopped the barbarous eating one another The admirations of this strange hardnes of hart of that people brought him to consider Gods iust and secret iudgements who in his wrath hath sent euill spirits of Idolomany in the mouthes of their false prophets that as through blindnes of Idolatrie this fiftie yeres past and more they had replenished their streates with burnings murthers and massacres of the Saints and had stopped their eares vnto the voyce of Christ so they should bee replenished with error and idolatrous hardnes by the wicked Friers and Iesuites possessed with lying spirites to bring them to that thraldome and obloquie neither will that Citie euer be restored to peace and iustice vntill that the streetes thereof be washed with the bloud of that damned generation The King considering his office and charge annexed and inseparably ioyned to his Crowne to minister iustice that is to punish the offenders and transgressors and that there began the rebellion there was by the consent of most wrought the death of the King and that by the reioycing and approbation of the sayd death they had rendred themselues accessarie and guiltie of the same euen their walles houses temples all whatsoeuer they had Therefore he considering correlatiuely his office their offence could not giue ouer the siege and seeing that they refused lawfull try all by their rebellion hee would followe that which in such a case God hath ordained that is force violence and warre yet hee determined to trye fashioning himselfe after Gods Image who is long suffering whether they might be prouoked to take pitie vpon their afflicted estate Here we will leaue the King for a time and will passe into other places to see what preparations of warre be made We haue sayd how the Duke de Mayne returned from Bruxels where hee was royally receaued as a poore simple lackie as is sayd into Champaigne thence he sent to the Duke Aumale and the Vidasme d'Amiens into Picardie to gather such forces as they could and to repayre vnto him with as much speede as they might to ioyne with the Duke of Parma who was comming with great forces Wherevpon about the middest of August the Lord Iumeges vnderstanding that the sayd Duke Aumale and Vidasme had gathered forces were going toward the Duke de Mayne to ioyne with the Spanyards comming out of the Lowe Countrey met with them nigh Amiens discomfited them and slewe thrée thousand of them as the common report is among whom was the Vidasme of Amiens The Duke Aumale by flight saued himselfe within Amiens The Duke of Parma in the meane time commanded the two regiments of Spanyards appoynted by the King of Spayne to keepe home and to doo their feate as they should vnderstand when the opportunitie should serue to march forward before him For although leauing the countrey vnprouided of sufficient forces the States would take occasion to do their busines and to surprise places yet according to the prouerbe he consented to some losse for feare of loosing all The Spaniards were very vnwilling to goe to that iourney but hee put them in hope of doing some great and waightie exployts which were not for euery man to knowe and which could not be effected without their counsell and helpe making them beléeue that they were the onely Souldiers of the world At length the Spanyards as a restie horse which striueth with the rider and goeth backward afore hee will take his way forward Vpon their departure hee sent foorth euery where to shewe his iourney into France hee setteth foorth a description of his armie how many thousand footmen how many thousand horsemen how many Princes Dukes and Earles what Caesars and Alexanders there was in that armie And when all came to all there were three which are by him called Princes euen such as he is himselfe such as may be a Knight here in England which do hold some small Dukedomes of small townes in Italy either of y e Pope or els of King Philip such as are holden in flauerie as the Bassas by the Turke to wit the Princes for so hee tearmeth them of Ascoly Castel Bertran and Symay two Princes as obscure as the name of their principalities There were y e Marquesse of Renty the Earle Berlamount There were also Dons of Spayne as Sanctio Layeua Iuan Baptista Tasis Alonso Idiaques Antonio de Zuniga Pedro Gaetano and Capechuca Romano All these Dons were such as might be twentie groates in the bookes of Subsidie so great noble men they were men that could haue shewed great prowesse vpon the naked Iudiens To be short there were three great Lords Pride Vanitie and Folly who were masters of the Campe. There were also fewe Carrowssers out of Flanders Henault and Brabant hee gaue them terrible names as Amutinados that is angry men Mansferidos and other such I wot not what as would make the poore heathnish women in Italy and Spayne crosse their foreheads thinking to heare some names of diuels He setteth foorth his furniture his stable his pages the couerings of his coffers and moyles and why not the belles of his moyles But a great ouersight was committed by him that made no mention of his Curtizans that was not for lacke of good will but
that towne and followed after the King who was before to take his lodging about Pontarsy situated vpon the riuer Esne beneath Pontauers and the enemy presently entred the said Towne of Longauall Part of the Enemies followed after the King and seeing a Wood betweene the sayd Longaual and Pontarsie stayed there mistrusting some ambushes but at length passing through they met with the Baron of Byron who charged them so roughly with a small company of horsemen that he layed downe vpon the ground thirtie of them The King commanded Captayne Langemis to light and set a fresh on them who killed a great number of them and then retyred into the towne of Pontarsie The enemy went not to Pontauers that night but encamped in the plaine field with great feare of an alarum vnderstanding that the Duke of Neuers with fiue hundred horses out of Champaigne and the Lords Gyury out of Corbeil and Parabelle out of Melun with good and Iustie companies of horses were expected that day to come to the King euery man accompted him happie that might returne into Brabant in a whole skinne there to prooue whether they had forgotten the art of Carrowsing the chiefest trade of that countrey The 28. day in the morning thirtie harquebusiers of the enemies hauing lost their way went into the Towne of Longaual enquiring for the Duke of Parmas quarter whom the inhabitants disarmed and throwing them vnder the bridge drowned them The same day came to the King the sayd Duke of Neuers and Lords Gyury and Parabelle with eight hundred horses all well appoynted The 29. day the King went out of Pontarsie with one thousand horses intending to giue his enemies a fresh charge and to carrie away the Rereward but their Ordinance being stucke fast in the myre the whole armie remayned all that day in battell array in that place where their Ordinance was and there also encamped themselues all the night following so that nothing could be enterprised vpon them The 30. day of Nouember the King determined to did the enemie fare well with a fight of horsemen the Duke of Parma with a good will would haue spared that curtesie and bee glad to get out of the Realme without so much adoo In the morning very early the sayd Duke marched toward Marle a towne nigh the head spring of the riuer Oyse from thence to get Larbre de Guize and so to leaue the realme of France The King commanded all his horsemen to be in a readines and directly to march toward Cressie with all furniture yet without baggage or carriage And being first of all arriued at the rendes vous vnwilling to ouerslip any opportunitie to see his enemie that day which hee thought should bee the day of their separation sent the Lord Baron of Byron to march before and hee himselfe to followe him within the distance of a hundred paces onely with fourtie gentlemen The Lord Longaual followed the King with fiftie horses and the rest of the Cornet As they had marched a good space there appeared at the side of a Wood about sixe score horses vnder the leading of Colonell Baste who came in hast to charge the Baron of Byron the sayd Baron gaue so resolute a charge that he made them to retyre to theyr maine battaile and when the enemie had ioyned with their fellowes they came agayne to giue a fresh charge in the which the sayd Baron of Byron his horse was killed and he in great daunger to bee slaine but the King did gather them quickly that were scattered and with them caused the rest of his troupes to come forward which being in battaile aray and ioyned with them that had bin gathered out of the skirmish gaue such a fearefull charge that all the rereward of the enemie thought vpon nothing but vpon the meanes how to saue themselues leauing their dead armed vpon the place If all the Kings companies had come in time enough there had not returned so many home to play at carrowse as there did The first day of December the D. of Parma entred the dominions of the low countrey He had neuer so much neede of his Nurce about him with clowts as he had during the space of these last fiue dayes of Nouember most of his companies accompanied him home as well as they could part of them remained with the Duke de Mayne vntill that tempest was ouer past The first day of December the Lords of Neuers Giury and Parabel who were come fresh and strong to the King departed from the Castell of Nisy and pursued the enemie marching toward the Larbre de Guize but what exployts were done that day we haue nothing to speake off for lack of instructions During this retraite the Duke of Parma was so distressed that he was very greatly disappoynted of his lodgings As he tooke no compassion at Corbeil of them which suppliant fell before his knees so pitied he no more his owne Souldiers who could not make so good speede in running away as he could doo but left them to y e mercie of the Peasants of the countrey with whom they found no more fauour then with their master Of foureteene or fifteene thousand men which he brought into France there returned not home aboue eight thousand and they were in a manner in as great miserie as their fellowes who returned into Spayne from the conquest of England in the yeare 1588. The first day of December the King went to Saint Quintins situated vpon the riuer of Oyse where he was royally receaued with great reioysing and comfort of all men And when the King had stayed there a few daies he heard that the Lord Humiers with other noble men of Picardie had taken the towne of Corbey situated vppon the riuer Some and in the middle way betweene Amiens Peronne and Dourlan three great townes in Picardie which haue continued in their rebellion During the time that the King soiouâ—ned in Picardie and pursued the Duke of Parma the Marshall Byron tooke fiue strong Townes and aboue twentie Castles in Normandie and Beauuoyâ—in wherein the Rebells had layed strong garrisons By these narrations Christian reader thou mayest see what the rebels enemies both of God and man hauing drawne vpon theyr owne heads a stormie winde of tempest least they should not haue calamities enough according to the measure of their offence they sent for the Duke of Parma to deliuer them who comming into the land gaue them an egge and deuoured the Hen and where they were beaten by themselues with scourges now this deliuerer did bruse them with barres of yron It pleased God in whose hands the harts of Kings and Princes are to turne the Kings will from hindering the sayd Duke of Parma from dooing all that he durst or could doo that God might giue the King to vnderstand what therehence hee had hereafter to feare as long as he playeth the parts of a right King and that hee is his aboundant reward Secondly that it might euidently
of Bourbon our mercifull and gracious King long may he liue the noble King of France with great reuerence and submission crauing pardon and shewing themselues sorrowfull for their rebellion and offences committed agaynst his maiestie The King considering their repentance and submission pardoned them with louing gracious and comfortable words whereupon were the keyes of their citie deliuered him who receaued them with amiable countenance These things being done the Citizens marching before the Magistrates after and the Cleargie following them conducted the King and his Princes in most triumphant sort to his lodging the people saluting him all the way with this acclamation Long liue Henry of Bourbon King of France and Nauarre It is sayd before how the Lord Diguieres had pacified Daulphine hath assaulted the Duke of Sauoy abroad and at home The Duke of Sauoy séeing himselfe hardly matched aduised how to molest the sayd Lord Diguieres sent to his good master the King of Spayne to bee reuenged therefore they tooke this aduise to send foure hundred light horses of Naples with some of the best of the olde garrisons there into Piemont which by reason of the swiftnes of their horses should molest the land of Daulphine with daily courses roades and inuasions These foure hundred Neapolitanes hauing taken counsell how to enter the land of Daulphine with a swift pace had not determined with what pace they should get out They therefore ranne as swift as their horses could goe as farre as the fort Bowe where the Lord Diguieres méeting stayed them so that they are not like to goe euer to Naples agayne to tell newes vnto their Curtizans of their light horses being there all slayne only a fewe excepted There it appeared to them that the best warre is not in Italy nor the best souldiour of Naples and that there is a great difference betweene the souldier trayned vp in Militarie Discipline and daily employed to great and waightie affayres and him who vnder the name of souldier is moulten in filthie pleasures in the Stewes of Curtizans as these were There appeared also how the horse is but a vayne thing to saue a man in an vniust cause and that they were but robbers who came to spoyle and molest them that had neuer proffered them wrong This exployt was done about the beginning of March as I can coniecture The Lord Digueres hauing cut short those insolent Italians determined to pursue some forces which were retiring out of Daulphine into Sauoy againe whome hee followed so short that hee entred the citie of Chamberie Metropolitan of Sauoy This is a great Citie famous for the straunge Idolatrie vsed in the same There is an olde filthy ragge some gowtie clowt of some gowtie Frier they haue made the world beléeue such is the spirit of Idolatrie in them that know not God and such is the spirit of Auarice in them that applie religions to gaine that it was the shrowd wherein Christ was buried therefore certaine times of the yeare there was a resort of infâ—nite mâ—ltitudes of people of diuers countreys and nations which came to worship that holy ragge and pray holy 〈◊〉 ora pro nobis The Lord Diguieres hauing taken the same sacked and spoyled it but hauing not forces sufficient to munit and keepe it left it and returned home with a fat spoyle without any losse Whilest the Lord Diguieres was in Sauoy the Duke of Nemours gouernour of Lyons descended from Lyons with his forces into Daulphine desirous to haue surprized some townes in that Prouince in the absence of the Lord Diguieres But the said Diguieres in returning home from Sauoy met him and so charged him that after he had slaine most of his horsmen put him to flight and followed him so hard that the inhabitants of the Citie cleane burned the suburb called Guiltiere being very fayre great and rich fearing least the sayd Lord Diguieres would haue entrenched himselfe in the sayd Suburb Whilest these things did so passe in Daulphine there happened in Prouance that certaine great practizes were discouered to the losse of the autor as the old saying is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Lord Dampuis Lieftenant to the Duke of Sauoy in Prouance being resident at Aix the Metropolitan Citie there had wrought a treason to surprize the Citie of Tarascon situated vpon the â—iuer Rosne by the meanes of certaine Dominican Friers and thirtie or fortie of the inhabitants of the towne to whome hee had made many fayre and large promises The bargaine being made the meanes and time must be sought out which were in this wise about midnight the black diuels Friers should rise to sing their holy mattens and black santus and should giue the watch word with three strokes of the bell whereupon the trayterous Citizens should seaze vpon one of the gates the L. Dampuis should haue come to the gate with fiue hundred Cuirasses 5. hundred Harquebusieres who should haue entred by the meanes of the traytors who were within This counsell could not be kept so close but it came to the eares of the Ladie of Oruano and one captaine Corses by whose diligence and good order vsed the treazon was disappointed in the manner as followeth The gouernour hauing intelligences of their intent and whole platforme caused the Friers and their complices â—he night before to be taken and layd in sundry prisons the night appoynted to worke the feate being come an ambush of certaine souldiers of his companies was set out of the town in a conuenient place the said gouernour also had appointed a companie as well of his souldiers as of the faithfull citizens to stand in silence within the gate of the Citie vntill the watch word agreed betweene the Friers and the enemies should be giuen with thrée strokes of the bell All things beeing in a readines and the time come to worke the Lord Dampuis came vnto the gate with his companies according to promise harkening to heare the watch word and to bee admitted into the Citie by the complices Well the three strokes of the bell were heard the ambush began immediatly behinde and the towns men opening the gate before to assault them so furiously not with the sounding of the bell but with sound of the Harquebuze shot that the enemies beeing compassed about within halfe an hower were slayne in a manner all and the Lord Dampuis taken prisoner and so wounded that two dayes after hee died of the woundes so the Towne was preserued from sacking and the people from murther and bondage and both the towne and People reserued to their kinges seruice this was done about the end of March. About the selfe same time the Countie of Carces had wrought another such practise also against the Towne of Tolon by the treason of the chiefest Consull and other Townes men which was in like maner discouered and the conspiratours apprehended and chastised We haue said before how the Senat of Aix in Prouance were rebels who not onely had
part of them had béene slayne in the assaults geuen to the Cittie and how the King was strong and not like to bee enforced to depart afore hee had the vpper hand ouer the sayd Towne And vnderstanding that the Duke de Mayne was come to Han with Forces in hope to relieue the sayd distressed towne and that the Lord Rosne who led the Duke de Mayne his army towards Lorreine was returning backe to Laon in Champaygne he delayed the time of composition to see what succor they would geue But at length seeing no reliefe comming and the King vrging the towne the sayd Lord Vile concluded an agreement with the King in this maner following The Lord Vile as well for himselfe as for the Gentlemen Souldiers and inhabitants of Noyon hath promised to yeeld the sayd towne vppon monday next following being the eighteenth of August together with all the munition for warre artillerie and victualls which at this present was therein conditionally if sometime of the day the Duke de Mayne doo not giue him a battell or by force put not within the towne one thousand souldiers or by some meanes doo not raise the siege Also that the sayd Ville Gentlemen and Captains shall depart with armour horses and baggage and the Souldiers with their weapons and horse And that the inhabitants shal be receaued into the Kings fauour entreated as good subiects in rendring him their duetifull obedience but specially and namely that the Lord of Ville his mother may freely remaine there enioy her goods in performing the submission of loyall fidelitie as other subiects Item that if any of the inhabitants be desirous to depart they shal safely passe among the men of warre Item that the Lord Ville shall be permitted to send the Lord of Brouly to the Duke de Mayne to aduertise him of the condition of this capitulation and that the King shall safely conduct him to that effect And for the accomplishing of the premises the sayd Lord Ville hath promised to sende hostages to the King the Lord Rieulx the Abbot of Genlis with foure of the towne such as the King shall choose whom the King doth promise to deliuer vppon the performance of the sayd conditions The King also doth graunt to send two Captaynes into the towne to keepe and see during the time from labouring to the contrary It had pleased the most famous and renowmed Queene of England during this siege to send a new supply of men to the King to assist him in the recouering the possession of his right vnder the conduct of thâ— most honourable and famous Earle of Essex whom the King leauing his power before Noyan went to meet at Gysors in Normandy whom hee receaued in most courteous sort accepting most thankfull her most excellent Maiesties gracious fauour and the said Earle his good and readie will for hazarding himselfe in such a dangerous iourney for his seruice After the death of Frier Sixtus which was hastened by the Spanish faction with a little slubber sauce was elected a newe Vicar of Rome of the house of Sfondraty if I remember well and is as much to say as burst bellie naming himselfe Gregory the 14. This Frier Gregory being set on horsebacke will ride as the prouerbe is vntil he breake his neck First in Ianuary he sent a Legate into France agaynst whom the King procéeded as agaynst an enemie of the publique peace of his subiects and in March last the sayd Frier Gregory pronounced a Bull agaynst the King his Princes Nobles subiects and realme Then not long after it is reported that he sent certain forces mustered out of the Stewes of Rome to the Duke of Sauoy to inuade Prouance conducted by some bastard of his and that Superstition Folly iniury and wrong might goe together he must coniure and charme the Standard of holy Church as all the sort of such idolatrous Antichrists haue bin Coniurers poysoners and Sorcerers many yeares together To play this Comedie he sitteth disguised in his Pontificalibus the Standard of holy Church holden before him he hisseth he bloweth hee mumbleth he crosseth he charmeth he stinketh but behold he that did hold it rather by some presage and token of the fall of that idolatrous rabble than by negligence let the Standard fall vppon the braynesicke Frier Gregories head which not onely did beate downe his triple Crowne from of his head but also gaue a knocke vppon his foolish pate All these companies shortly after were cut to peeces and the charmed Standard taken by the Lord des Diguieres as is reported Fryer Gregorie not content with all these iniurious prouocations sent one M. Marcilius Laudrianus by name an Italian by surname a Britaine but by sawcines and desperatnes a Iesuite vnder the name of his Nuncio to publish a certayne infamous libell full of impietie heresie and sedition vnder a Maske of religion in forme of Bulls against the King his Princes Nobles subieces but specially agaynst the French popish Church which this sawcie companion enterprized to publish at Pont de Larche in Normandie whereupon the K. finding himselfe sore iniâ—ried at the hands of this tyrannous vsurper commaunded his courts of Parliament to proceede by law agaynst these iniuries and so the Kings generall attourney in his court of Parliament holden at Caen in Normandie requiring iustice to be done vnto the King his Princes Nobles and subiects The court of Parliament therefore al Chambers assembled the third day of August did proceede agaynst Fryer Gregorie his person his vsurped tyranny his Nuncio and his Bulls First they doo declare the sayde Fryer Gregorie an enemie vnto the peace of Christianitie a troubler of the Catholick Romane Religion enemie to the King and Estate of France a conspiratour and associate with the rebells within the realme and accessary to the death of the late deceased King most trayterously murthered a firebrand of sedition and stirrer vp of warres and procurer of murthers Secondly they doe condemne his vsurped power vpon the state and Church of France to be vsurped abusiue and wrongful contrary to Gods worde holy decrees and liberties of the French Church commaunding all Primates Archbishops Bishops Colledges Couents Chapters Communalties bodies of Cities Curats Parsons and seruing Priests not to acknowledge any superiority or power of the same Fryer Gregorie nor to render him any obeisance neyther to assist or fauour anie excommunications publications or readings of any thing that should proceede from him The court also dooth forbid not to pursue or receaue of him or anie other whatsoeuer qualitie or conditioÌ„ they be his complices adherents any collations confirmations or prouisions for benefices graces dispensations or other expeditions nor to answere beare or cause to be borne by way of banque or otherwise any gold or siluer to y e court of Rome neither to pay any thing or render obeisance to the Archbishops Bishops his adherents who haue put in execution any of the pretended diffamatory libell
the Realme of France THE FIRST BOOKE CLaude of Vaudemont otherwise of Lorrayne came into France in the time of Lewis the xii in a manner with a wallet and a staffe that is to say a beggerly gentleman in comparison of the great reuenewes which hée and his haue had afterward in France For all his reuenewes when he came into France was not aboue xv M. Franks He began to growe vnder King Francis the first by crouching and capping and double diligence vnder whom after that all offices had béen bestowed hée obtained to bée the Kings Faulkner at the suite of other Noble men That was an office giuen before that time to Gentlemen of small accompt Notwithstanding y e basenes of his degree in Court he was beholden with a suspicious eye by King Francis carying in his mind a certaine presage of that which hath happened afterward For when he had marked with a wise prudencie the sawcines of him and his children hee vttered his iudgement concerning them in these words That they will turne his children into their doublets and his subiects into their shirts The yeare 1515. in the absence of the Duke of Guelders he had the charge of the Swizzers which King Francis had hyred for his iourney to Millaine The yeare 1523. the Lord Trimouille left him the gouernment of Burgondie The yeare 1527. at the suite and intercession of Noble men the King erected his Village of Guize situated vppon the riuer Oyse in the confines of Vermandoyse into a Duchie His Children were the Dukes of Guize Aumale the Marquise D'albeuf the two Massing Priests of Lorraine and Guize These Faulkners did so apply their busines partly with flattering partly with the aliance of lagrand Seneschal which was the Paramour of King Henry the second and the Duke D' Aumale maried her daughter as good as the mother but especially by the facilitie or rather fondnesse of the saide Henry the second that within fewe yeares they obtayned in land and pensions one milion of Frankes beside their Ciuill and Ecclesiasticall offices dignities liuings which did amount to so much But specially they aduaunced themselues greatly in the time of King Francis the second by reason of their aliance with him who had married their Néece the Quéene of Scots In his time they disposed of all things after their owne willes For the King sawe nothing but by their eyes heard nothing but by their mouthes did nothing but by their hands so that there remained nothing but onely the wearing of the Crowne vpon their owne heads and the name of King In this great prosperitie they lacked nothing neither will nor meanes to attaine to their intent but that the Nobilitie of France was a perilous blocke in their way which they could not lep ouer for to ascende to so great and high seate of Maiestie and in stead of a veluet cap to weare a Crowne of pure gold In this prosperous successe it hath happened to them as the Prouerbe is Set a begger on horsebacke and he will ride vntill he breake his necke which the tragicall end of them hath verified But they fearing no such bloodie euents and intending to turne their master out of the house and to seaze on the possession and to lodge themselues therein they vsed cunning and policie The first steppe to reach to that which they intended to get was a dreame in this Iulling of Fortune vnaccustomed to them or theirs For they in their dreame dreamed and sawe in a vision that they were descended from Charles the great and consequently that they had right to the Crowne and that Capet who had dispossessed their auncestors as they say and his posteritie which now enioy it are but vsurpers But considering that to enter into any action of law about such a matter would be a dangerous course and that a peaceable state would rather helpe them backward than forward and that such a fish would bee caught rather in a troublesome than in a cleare water the streame must needes be stirred The occasion of the time fell out fitly to further their intent and to trouble the state They therefore tooke the dissension of Religion to colour the same than the which they thought no better could be deuised for the people was alreadie in ielousie one against another through the diuersitie of religion Unto this opportunitie came many helping causes as the minoritie of the house of Valoys the ambition and atheisme of the Q. Mother the great credite and power which the parties themselues had gotten alreadie afore hand in the Realme the facilitie or rather inconstancie of Anthonie of Burbon King of Nauarre and last of all the headie frowardnes of the Constable and Annas of Monmorency which things conspiring together fitly to further their desires they thought it was time in stead of Atheisme to put on Popish superstition and their ambition should runne for burning zeale of Poperie This part they tooke not for any religion which they cared for but being the stronger and more fauourable side by the which they might get both credite and strength By these meanes the ciuil warres being easily stirred vp they thought all by one meane both to weaken the Nobilitie and to oppresse the house of Burbon which being made away they supposed either that they could easily subuert the house of Valoys being all children or els to suruiue them and as then to make an open claime to the Crowne The ciuill warres being by them and their meanes begun they haue entertained them from time to time And when through wearines or weakenes of their part they haue come to peace they haue through treacherie so manured it that peace hath been more domageable to the professors of the Gospell than open warre as it may appeare by the murthers which they procured and performed at Paris and in other Cities in France the yeare 1572. After the which murther they also procured King Charles the ix to imprison the King of Nauarre the Prince of Conde and afterward Monsieur the Kings yongest brother The King of Nauarre hauing béen kept prisoner with a garde the space of thrée yeares and more at length in the yeare 1576. went foorth out of Paris to hunting in the Forrest of S. Germayne en faye accompanied with a great number of Catholike Gentlemen among whom was also the Duke Espernon When he came to the Forrest hee opened his minde vnto them that hee was not determined to returne to the Court The Gentlemen considering his hard intertainement and the greatnes of his person were so farr from compelling him to returne from whence he came that they profered to conduct him wheresoeuer he would and so they brought him to the Towne of Alenson 45. leagues from Paris where was a great number of them of the reformed Religion whether also he had requested the Gentlemen to accompanie him Shortly after his arriuing there when the reformed Church had assembled together the said King in the face of
bed to doo what he was commanded they sayd vnto him that he doated But after he had told this follie to Pipin the 13. of August 753. he annoynted Pipin King of France and Berte and with his Popish blessing sanctified all the Barons Nobles of France binding them with an oath neuer to choose King of France but of that rase of Pipin Thus goeth the sottish fable of the brainsicke entusiasme Pope Stephen The Guizes fayning to haue descended out of that rase by the helpe of this fable besides the determinations set downe concerning other States of Christendome it was concerning Fraunce thus decreed That the house of Capet which was the house of Valoys and Burbon with the rest of the principall Nobilitie must needes be rooted out and that these lustie buds of Charles the great must haue their turne and for to bring to passe these things the wofull Tragedie must be thus played The Guizes must kindle the fire The Priests Friers and Iesuites shall blowe it with the bellowes of â—ayling and sedition The King shall sit still vntill his brother and the Burbons come to their triall The Pope shall play the Monarcho This Monarcho was of late yeares a franticke Italian well knowne both in Germanie and England who imagined that all the Kings of the earth were his vassals so Sir Hugh Vicar of Rome sitteth a farre off will not drawe nigh the fire and imagineth that all is his wherevpon he condemneth the Valoys and Burbons and the Nobilitie of France to the slaughter The name of the States shall be vsed and waite vppon the Guizes to play the hangman and when all things be in a readines the King all the Princes and Nobilitie shall be cast into the fire there to be consumed and destroyed When all this is happily performed there will be a newe heauen and a newe earth For the Guizes and Sir Hugh bon companion Vicar of Rome and all his bands Ganimedes and Chaplaines shall haue all and may take their pastimes with their Curtizans without any feare or controulment of the Hugonets Here followe the acts of this Tragedie or the summe of the secret Counsell of Rome holden contayning the meanes how to destroy the kingdome of France as they were deliuered by Sir Hugh vnto his stage players First the house of Guize and their partakers shall procure new Commotions in the Realme and intertaine warres They shall also league the Nobilitie with their othes to persecute the Gospell and that they shall not acknowledge any other Captaine and head of the League but onely the Duke of Guize 2 The King shall be counselled to fit still and to take no care for such vprores but to let the Duke of Guize alone for hée knoweth well how to handle the matter 3 The King shall send his mother to Monsier her sonne to perswade him to come to Bloys to the States 4 In the meane time the King shall goe from Paris into a place of sure accesse and voide of suspition where he shall entise by fayre promises by fayre meanes and fayre words the King of Nauarre the Prince of Conde if it may be done whom he shall receiue with as much entertainment and courtesie as he may shewe them So the King was made a foole at Rome by a sort of beggerly Friers and godles rabble But in the meane while that the King shall shewe such fayned courtesies to his brother and the Princes of his bloud the Guizes shall retire from the Court with tokens of discontented minds 5 These things being a working the King shall assemble the States at Bloys and such as bee deuoted to the League shall bee sent to the seuerall Prouinces to picke out such Deputies as may bee well taught and skilfull to play their parts 6 During these stirres the Friers and Iesuites shall mooue vp the people to vprores by seditious Sermons against the Hugonets 7 The Priests in their Parish Churches shall secretly take the names of able men and by appoynted Captaines it shall be ordered what weapons be most fit for them and in their shriuing they shall warne them to prouide such weapons 8 The States holding shall sweare to obserue and obey whatsoeuer shall be concluded and shall binde themselues and their commonalties to beare the charges of the play 9 But if Monsieur the King of Nauarre the Prince of Conde and others of the house Burbon doo not appeare they shall bee condemned of contumacie and as Rebels And furthermore all other who shall seeme to oppose themselues against the States shall be executed if they can bée taken and if not rewarde to be appoynted to such as shall kill them 10 All these things being thus compassed the States shall be sworne to the Sea of Rome and to obserue the Councell of Trent 11 Request also shall be made to the King by the States that in case any man should resist these procéedings hee shall appoynt the Duke of Guize his Generall to pursue them by all meanes to death 12 Yet the morrowe Masse Priests must come once more vppon the stage and there they shall cause their Captaines to muster them of the conspiracie and to make them readie to march when the assemblie of the States is once begun 13 All these things being so brought to passe the States shall picke out Minos and Rhadamanthus to enquire and iudge of the life and déeds of Monsieur for ioyning himselfe with the Hereticks and to make his processe after the naturall and godly example of the King of Spayne which sacrificed Charles of Austrich his naturall sonne a Prince a Prince of great hope vnto Moloch the Idoll of the Iesuites 14 When Monsieur is condemned the forces secretly gathered shall march to strengthen the execution 15 Then immediatly the conspired Souldiers shall set vpon the Hugonets in all Prouinces without any respect of persons 16 The Duke of Guize that great Captaine y t great Charlamaigne with his power shall destroy all shall take the King and his mother eyther put them in Monkeries or els to rid them out of this world according to the Prouerbe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 By this wee see that the King long agoe was condemned at Rome either to be a Frier or els to be slaine by a Frier So all these things thus happily done loe the Duke of Guize shall haue all and in so doing the Crowne shall returne to the blessed stocke of Charlamaigne and he and his successors hencefoorth shall holde the Crowne of France of the Apostolike sea and shall abolish the prerogatiues of the French Church Valete plaudite Calliopius recensui Now I pray you good Sir Hugh good master Vicar seeing you haue so wel sped let vs haue a fine Te Deum landamus and a demure solemne Procession and all in your Pontificalibus such as wee had for the noble and famous victorie of the Spanyards against the Englishmen before Calis the 29. of Iuly 1588. And after a sweete
abusie Iesuite of Pontamosson in Lorrayne to Rome to put Sir Hugh to worke and to lay downe some newe direction to execute the secrâ—t Councell of Rome seeing that the former deuises had failed Friâ—r Claude from thence tooke his iourney into Spayne to giue some ghostly counsell to Dom Philipporey despagna Out of this voyage came the expedition of Italians and Spanyards into Ireland vnder the leading of Captaine Saunders which there dyed mad wandring in y e woods From thence also came the lustie flight of Locusts the Iesuits into England vnder the banner of their Generall Campion to roote out the Gospell and to plant Poperie if it could be done But if not to worke some busie peece of worke to her Maiestie that the Guizes in the meane time might work more surely in France without hope of any help out of England to the King and to the King of Nauarre or to them of the reformed religion if they should stand in any neede The Guizes of their part were not idle but by sundrie practizes had renewed the ciuill warres and by the Kings consent Monsieur his brother and the Duke de Mayne were in Commission for the conducting of the Kings Armies which thing they did as well as they could with as great preparations as might bée but yet without doing any harme But because the common report went that Monsieur should passe into England and from thence should go take possession of the Dukedome of Brabanâ— which was offered him by the States of the Lowe Countrey they were content yet once againe to winke at peace that they might be rid of him hoping that he would neuer returne into France to trouble them Therefore in the yeare 1580. Monsieur before he tooke his iourney was sent to the King of Nauarre which both met at Fleyx a Towne in Perigord situated vppon the riuer of Dradogne where they concluded a peace not much varying from the former Which thing being done Monsieur hasted to his iourney Now this being done Frier Mathew the Guizes Pursiuant of méere deuotion must needs post to Rome yet once againe to visite the Stewes and to aduertize Sir Hugh what was past in France to knowe of him how the Guizes should worke vppon this present occasion There Sir Hugh stayed somewhat his wisedome afore hee would giue answere knowing not well what counsell to giue or to followe because his Armado in Ireland vnder the conduct of Captaine Saunders Doctor of Militarie Discipline and his Locusts vnder the leading of the lustie Campion had sped but so so and had a very hot entertainment His brains therefore was driuen to peruss his Christerosse so that in this dumpe Sir Hugh must take counsell of Dom Philipporey despagna Therefore master Frier must trudge ouer the world Haue with you master Frier into Spayne to eate a peny worth of Raphams Vpon this hard mischances of fortune Sir Hugh thought good that Dom Philippo should play Xerxes and whilest he is a preparing the inuincible Arinado meanes should bee made to doo away both Monsieur and the Prince of Orenge that by the death of the one the Low Countreys should be left headlesse vnable to resist the petie Duke of Parma and by the others death the drists of the Guizes might be easily executed in France The procuring of y e death of the Prince of Orenge was committed to the petie Duke of Parma petie sonne to the holy man Pedro Aloisio who for his religion vz. his abominable and monstrous whoredomes was hanged at the windowe of his owne house a holy Martyr and bastard sonne to Sir Alexander Farneso Vicar of Rome called otherwise Paulus tertius This Duke of Parma acquitted himselfe pretily well of his charge as shall bee sayd hereafter The death of Monsieur was vndertaken by the Guizes that that if GOD himselfe would not kill him they would doo it which they also performed in time Frier Mathew Iesuit carrier of the Court of the Guizes returning out of Spayne fell sicke at Barbaste in Gascoyne not for any surfet which he tooke in Spayne except it were for eating too little The poore Pardoner there was so sicke that he would haue eaten any kinde of meate if he could haue had it But his good Masters did so diet him that according to his profession he afflicted his bodie with fasting out of measure to pull downe his courage least when hee should come into the Stewes to giue ghostly counsell to the Curtizans he should doo any thing to the discredite of holy Châ—rch and to the slaundring of the holy order of Iesuits for such fasting as he vsed in that iourney would doo greater miracles in keeping a Frier chaâ—â— than all the weeping which the Iesuites doo vse can doo The King sending his brother into Brabant determined to appoynt him a Counsell But the Kings Counsell being in a manner all Leaguers appoynted him two manner of men one to accompanie him and the other to counsell him They therefore prouided that such counsell should be giuen him as either should altogether nousell him in all filthie life or els should worke such meanes as might dishonor him or put him in danger of his life Another companie was appoynted him of vertuous Noble men of both religions onely to accompanie him to countenance the matter but not to counsell him Monsieur therefore in this equipage of men of so sundrie colours and qualities taketh his iourney first into England and from thence into Brabant the yeare 1582. there to bee inuested of that Dukedome of the holy Empyre which was duely and sumptuously performed Whilest Monsieur soiorneth in the Low Countrey the partakers of the Guizes thinking y e time long were very importunate to set the Duke forward about the busines which he knewe considering the good opportunitie of the absence of Monsieur For if he should returne sayd they and finde all things peaceable it would bee hard for them to worke any thing for as much as Monsieur had knowledge of their drifts who assuredly would seeke to ouerthrowe all and being in France of such power would goe nigh to doo it To these and like perswasions the Duke of Guize was wont to answere that hee will enterprize nothing openly whilest the King had any brother but if he could see one day the last of the house of Valoys to sit vpoÌ„ the Throne he promised them with a round oath to set his hand to worke so surely that if he did not carrie away the whole yet he hoped to haue a good part of the cake In the meane time the Guizes began to sell the most part of their offices and to gather great summes of money making their reckoning shortly to haue all and to dispose of all But thinking the time long that neither sicknes nor the fortune of warre had shortned the life of Monsieur which greatly they desired they determined to do that which God would not do and to execute Sir Hughs spirituall counsell There was
the towne was deliuered from danger of changing of mastery the people from death and vndoing and the tumult ceased This spéedy execution did greatly weaken and preuent the monopols of the League in the countrie of Prouance About the 15. day the Leaguers hasting to seaze vpon as many townes and houldes as they could in all France to make their part strong as well by force as faction but speciaily in Belgik where they could do more then in any part of France there they committed great cruelties in many places where hauing the vpper hand they were withstoode namely in the towne of Chastilion vppon the riuer Marne in the countrey of Brie they murthered as well the Catholikes as the Hugonets because they made resistance against them About the 20. day the Leaguers did present their association which they had set forth in writing to many Noblemen and Gentlemen vnder the name of the King requiring them to allow of it and subscribe to it But contrary to their expectation many refused so to do and diuers who had allowed it considering more déeply in the matter perceiuing their intentes abiured and forsooke it with protestations set forth in writing printed wherein they do open the secret thoughtes of the Leaguers and Leagued First they do protest that they do acknowledge none other faith then that in the which they haue béen baptized which then they did promise to beléeue and defend and to that promise they do stand still Secondly they do refuse and condemne all manner of associations vnder what soeuer color which binde them to obay any other then their Soueraygne Thirdly they do shew the League to bee nothing else but the circumuention of the king the confusion of the State a dangerous alteration of y â— Realme the bringing of a new Prince of a strange blood and finally caryeth with it selfe a proscription hauocke and bondage of all good men in all degrées About the 22. of Aprill the King of Nauarre in silence beholding the rage of this League and their declaration published in the which they had made him the obiect of their insurrection sent the Lordes Clairuant and Chassincourt with letters to the King in the which he complaineth of the iniuries of the Leaguers proffered vnto him in their declaration requiring iustice to be done for the sayd iniuries done vnto him He offereth also his seruice power to the King for to represse the traiterous intentes and attempts of the said Leaguers About the 30. of Aprill the King willeth the said Lordes Clairuant Chassincourt to giue this gentle answere to the King of Nauarre from him That he doth hold the sayd King of Nauarre as his sonne and heire of his crowne willeth him also to arme himselfe with patience to cause the edict of peace to be obserued by them of the reformed Religion Furthermore that hee acknowledgeth the driftes of the Leaguers aswell against his own person as against the said King of Nauarre but hopeth that he shal be able himselfe alone to represse their furies and to punish them wel for their desertes The second day of May the King by edict and proclamation doth condemnethe Leaguers and Leagued guilty of high treason commaundeth his edict of pacification to be proclaimed a new in all partes of the realme charging all men vpon paine of death to obay and kéepe it inuiolably At the same time also the King answered to euery point of their declaration of the said Leaguers whereof the summe followeth First the King protesteth of his Catholike Religion and calleth to witnes his actions victories daungers and labours taken for the same Secondly he sheweth that the peace was made and approoued by the counsell of the Cardinall in whose name they do séeme to autorize their rebellion and of the rest of the Leaguers not to fauour heretikes as hee tearmes them but to restore the decayed state of the realme to assault them of the reformed religion in conuenient time with greater forces Thirdly he declareth how he hath fauored the Cleargie in giuing them liberty to call prouinciall counsels and to refâ—rme such abuses as the ciuill warres had brought in how he hath also preferred the woorthiest sort to the best Ecclesiasticall liuinges and hath restored to their liuinges them who were dispossessed thereofby the former ciuill warres Fourthly that the Leaguers haue no cause to complaine for the geuing of offices For his predecessors and he after them haue bestowed vpon the Guyzes the best sort and most honorable dignities and that in great number when the Princes of his blood haue béen neglected Fiftly that it is to force nature and tyme to compell him by violence of armes to appoint a successor hée being aliue in strength health and flower of his age and not out of hope to haue issue Last of all he complayneth that this new commotion is very vnfit and out of season considering that he was now earnestly bent and occupyed to restore the Nobilitie to their ancient honor and dignity and the people to their due liberty But by this leauie of armes they haue stopped his godly procéedinges and haue taken the way to oppresse and root out the Cleargy nobility and people About the same time also the King sent Ambassadors into forreine countryes and commaunded his ordinary Ambassadors in the courtes of forreine Princes to geue them knowledge of the wicked intentes and trayterous attemptes of the Leaguers The Leaguers in a short space had scattered abroad the Pistolets of Spaine and about the beginning of Iune they began also to take money and therefore thought good to supply the want of Pistolets with French crownes which is somewhat purer gold for they exacted in diuers places great and excessiue summes of money vpon the townes and cities which they had either seduced to their faâ—â—ion or otherwise surprised As by one we may gather the rest Bourge being a small towne in Xainctonge situated vpon the fall of the riuer Dordonne into Garomne a towne leagued and extreamly addicted to the Leaguers was by them raunsomed to ten thousand crownes and afterward the inhabitantes so cruelly intreated that in leaping by night ouer the walles were enforced to steale away for feare of worse supposing them selues to haue sped well in escaping with their liues About the same time the Lord Saint Luke gouernor of Browage sent a certayne Captayn into the Iles of Maran vnder colour to buy Oates for his prouision to see whether hee could worke some surprizing of the Castell But the Captayne was so roughly shouldered and coursed that he was glad to retire with his whole skinne And after that least the Papistes should put some into the Castell euery night 6. or 7. of the reformed religion with Caliuers conuayed themselues priuily in the darke of the night into the gate of the Castell vntill day The Papistes vnderstanding this and also hearing the threatnings ofthem of the Religion to wit that if they should bee driuen
e first declaration of y e Leaguers which he sent to the King beseeching him to reade the said answer and also to shew him y e fauour as to commaund the same to bee read openly in the Parliament Wherein first hée protesteth that hee holdeth the true Christian Catholike and Apostolike religion contayned in the sacred word of God both of the olde and newe Testaments and also doth embrace the symbols or abridgements of the Christian doctrine And that he is ready to bestowe life and goods in the defence of the same Abhorreth holdeth accursed any kind of doctrine diuers or contrary to the same words Secondly he sheweth that he was bred borne and brought vp in the same religion which they call heresie and that he neuer learned nor knew any other and that he beléeueth in his heart to righteousnesse and confesseth with his mouth to saluation that the same doctrine which he doth professe is the infallible trueth of God yet he refuseth not to be taught better if better they can teach him out of Gods word in a generall or nationall Councell duely assembled Thirdly in that which he doth in repurging and sweeping away the errors and abuses brought in by long continuance of time therein he followeth the examples of many Kings and Princes of many godly learned men who for these fiue hundred yeares haue desired and attempted the same Fourthly whereas his enemies doo charge him to be a persecutor of the Catholike religion he will bee iudged by all men voyde of passion who hath greater cause to complayne in that behalfe he or his enemies Last of all after a long consideration of the miseries which fall vpon the heads of men of all degrees and the oppression of the poore people which infallibly will followe these attempts of the Leaguers he doth wish seeing the enemies haue made him partie the quarrell which they haue to him might bee ended with a Combat And debasing himselfe from that high degree of a King in the which God hath placed him for an abridgement of all miseries the sparing of Christian bloud for the ease and quietnes of the poore people doth proffer to his enemies to trie the matter by a Combat betwéene him and the Duke of Guize or two to two ten to ten or more to more in like proportion It is reported how the Duke of Guize after the fight of this challenge being vrged to accept it excused his cowardize by the example of his father which in like case excused himselfe vpon the inequalitie of the persons To wit that it was not lawfull for him to accept that challenge at the hands of one of the Princes as being after the royall house in degree aboue all the rest of the Nobilitie But rather and more truely may it bee sayde that he who being not a Prince did reckon and write his name among the Princes or rather preferred himselfe before the Princes of the royall bloud did refuse this proffer not of any dutifull affection as he pretended whereof hee had broken before the bonds of lawe but rather vpon base cowardize for lacke of fortitude and courage as euer caring not what he spent of other mens bloud so that he might spare his owne These things passing to and fro many exploytes of hostilitie were done and executed on euery side rather to the losse than the aduauntage of the Leaguers being crossed euery way by the true subiects of the King Wherevpon considering that the worlde frowned vpon them so that if they had not the King on their side to salue the sore they were like to haue a great fall therefore they must followe some other course Hetherto the Guizes haue couered themselues vnder the Cardinals hat hauing deriued all the hatred so farre as they might vpon that old man whom they greatly abused Now when the Cardinals hat would not serue the turne they doo put in practise the other part of their dilemma as the Cardinall or the King must couer vs or els we fall but the Cardinall cannot ergo the King must And that the King may doo it we must set Achitophel to work therfore let him come vpon the stageto play his part The Kings Counsellers were eyther seruants to the Guizes or els alied or otherwise deuoted vnto him except the Dukes Espernon and Ioyeuse whereof the last afterward was woon to the Leaguers side Espernon remayned alwayes more faithfull to the King than the King to himselfe For the which cause by the meanes of a Curtizan in Paris named Sainte Beufue they hyred Villeroy one of the Kings Secretaries to haue murthered him so to haue béen eased of that heauy burthen These Counsellers must play Achitophels part they must helpe vp with the packe by the meanes which followe They in the middest of these broyles did of purpose attenuate the growing and forces of the League as a thing weake of it selfe rather to bee despised than regarded as not able to continue long but that it would decay of it selfe and that some certayne inconsiderate zeale of the Catholike Religion had made them somewhat passionate and for to make him more secure on y t side they deriued his thoughts from the Leaguers with a but. But if he would once shewe a token of displeasure towards them of the reformed religion or would onely fayne to intend warre against them the Leaguers of themselues would fall downe vpon their knees before him therefore it were better to let them alone for as much as they would bee ready to be with him whensoeuer he would employ them Also that it were better for him to warre against them of the reformed religion in Poytow Guien Gascoyne Languedocke and Daulphine than against them of his owne religion For although the Protestants were dutifull and obedient enough yet were it better to haue them for enemies being the weaker side than the Leaguers and Catholikes which were the stronger part of his Realme Beside that if he should deuide the Catholikes with an vnseazonable â—issention they all would become a scorne and the pray of hereticks their common enemies The King carried away by this counsell and otherwise inclining to attempt against them of the reformed religion ordayneâ— the Lord Ioyeuse his Generall for Languedock Espernon for Prouance and he in his owne person would assault Poytow Therfore the 18. day of Iune partly for hatred which he bare to y e reformed religion partly already inclining to the League partly not knowing what he did for y e great dangers that he saw himself compassed in by the perswasions of such Counsellers as had blindfolded him according to the saying Si non sua sponte insanit instiga For being in the Citie of Paris he taketh order how to victuall his Armie in Poytow for the which thing he appoynted certayne Townes in Poytow Xainctonge to wit Chatelerault S. Merxent Niort Fonteney Towars Engolesme Xainctes and Coignack there to haue alwaies in store a certayne quantitie of
Corne Dates and Wine as in store houses which order he sendeth to the sayd Townes to be put in execution The King being thus deluded by his Counsell and busying himselfe about these matters of warre agaynst them of the reformed religion whether it were in earnest or by dissimulation God knoweth but at length it turned to earnest he giueth leaue and time to the Leaguers to grow greater in strength and number and forgoeth the occasions and opportunitie to prouide for necessary remedies agaynst them These Counsellers at length when they saw time came once more vpon the stage And on a sudden they terrified the King agayne as of a thing happened beside their expectation with the great strength of the League shewing what great danger might insue if he should seeme to saile against that violent tempest Considering that the resolution of restoring the Catholike religion and of the suppressing the reformed had possessed generally the mindes of the people So that if he should seeme to withstand the zeale of the Leaguers for their treason was with them zeale of the popish religion he would be commoÌ„ly thought to be a fauourer of heretikes and thereby an vniuersall rebellion of his subiects might ensue to the vtter vndoing of him and his estate Therefore that as a good Pilot he must obey the weather and seeke for some reconciliation and make peace with them as much to his aduantage as the necessitie of the affayres may suffer him And that in such an extreame case hée must holde with the strongest side These and many other considerations propounded vnto him which had lost his authoritie and that by them which wholly ruled him through a iust iudgement of God for despising the voyce of him and for persecuting him by whom he raigned and from whom he had receiued all royall authoritie and soueraigne maiestie he began to wauer and hearken to some spéeches of vnion Thus the King through Gods iust iudgement and the pernicious perswasions of his vnfaithfull Counsell bewitched doth determine to make peace with enemies as good cheape as he may and for that thing he must seeke out some good chapman skilfull and practised in olde Italian trickes Therefore he thought that his Mother was most fit as most skilfull in such markets This accursed woman as she had alwaies an ambitious and busie soule so she had also a double mind by the which she studied to haue great thanks for doing no good and to kéepe her selfe in authoritie and in the possession of the gouernment thought it should cost her the subuersion of her owne house and children and the vtter desolation of the Realme For the which cause she thought to kéepe the King alwaies busied hampered in trouble vexation and daunger that she might alwaies haue thankes for her bad seruice The King as a naturall sonne put her alwaies in great trust iudging of her naturalnes and loue towards him as he did iudge of his towards her The Leaguers on the other side were assured that she would doo nothing for the Kings aduauntage and ease for feare she should bee no more employed Therefore she was well liked on both sides Up then old Medea you must shewe yet once againe some of your olde Italian trickes Old Catie must bee the market woman she shall make the bargayne But for as much as two eyes doo see more than one she shall haue some counsellers appoynted her in that negotiation such as would not suffer her to doo any good vnto the King and the Realme if she had béen willing so to doo for they were al the Kings enemies addicted to the Leaguers and such as would haue taught Italian trickes the busâ—est head of all Florence yea such as would haue sent the great Prophet of Italy Machiuell with all his diuellish Prophecies to his Christcrosse Now we will leaue the Q Mother with her counsell to doo their market as well as they can whilest wee discourse of some other matters incident to the cause and the time About the beginning of Iuly the King of Nauarre hearing of the Kings wauering and what was like to passe betwéene the sayd King and the League writeth a letter to him from Nerat the 10. day of Iuly in the which hee repeateth the Kings procéedings against the Leaguers as the condemnation proscription and execution of some of their partakers hée aduiseth the King that if hee make peace with the Leaguers hee armeth rebells agaynst himselfe his state and Crowne he doth lament the miserable state of him and of his Realme comforteth himselfe in his integritie and innocencie referreth all things to Gods diuine prouidence reposeth himselfe in the Lord and trusteth in God that he will assist him in his iust defence But this good counsell of the King of Nauarre will not serue his turne the King must followe the streame and will bee shortly promoted to a higher degrée For he shall be one of the fellowes of the League who shall pay for all and haue least to doo in it It is sayd before how the Papists and they of the reformed religion consented ioyntly to keepe the Castle of Marans Now about the beginning of Iuly the Lord S. Hermin had gathered together some thrée hundred men of the Leagued in Poytow to bring them to the Lord S. Luke into Browage as he sayd but indéede it was to seaze vpon the Castle of Marans and other Forts in the Iles. The sayd S. Hermines with them would haue passed through Marans but they of the religion withstood his passage and began to fortifie the Fort called Alowete so that hée was enforced to take his iourney through Maillezais and Ronde and in that iourney shortly after they were discomfited and slaine by them of S. Ihan d' Angely The night following the comming of S. Hermin nigh Marans there was a great alarum in the Towne and the Papists which were in the Castle to the number of fiue and twentie supposing that S. Hermin and his companie had entered the Towne began to reioyce sing and daunce at the sound of a bag-pipe which they caused to play the most part of that night threatning them of the religion who were but foure in number But these foure standing on their warde charged them not to make any innouation with them of the League so that not onely they kept the Papists in feare but also at length with a certayne amazement of them caused their pag-pipe to cease About the same time the Prince of Conde vnderstanding how things were like to passe betwéene the King and the Leaguers departed from Rochel to repayre to the King of Nauarre and leaueth the Lord Rohan in Poytow to ouerlooke and withstand the attempts of the Leaguers there The sayd Lord. Rohan about y t 12. of Iuly departed from Rochel with foure score horses and rode to Marauns to assure those Ilandes The Papistes had already seazed the fort called Brune where through the sayd Lord should passe but their hartes so
fayled them that they durst not resist him Entring therfore without any resistance into the towne of Marans hee called the inhabitantes of both religions and told them that hee had determined to place a gentleman within the Castell to kéepe the same in obedience to the King vnder the gouernement of the King of Nauarre gouernour of Guyen for the sayd King which thing if they would refuse hee would burne all their houses into ashes And therefore bid them out of hand to chuse a gentleman of his company such as they would themselues there to commaund to the which thing some with a good will and some vnwillingly but yet all obayed There was a certaine Notary who had professed the reformed religion after a sort hee the day before the Lord Rohan his comming hauing intelligence thereof went to the Papistes from house to house warning them to stand to their defence agaynst the sayd Lord Rohan and to enter into the Castle first to let the said Lord Rohan from the entring By whose perswasions a great number of Papistes and of the most skilfull in warre with their Notary seazed on the Castell But foure Gentlemen of the reformed religion hauing gotten the tower of the gate which commaunded ouer the court of the sayd castell did threaten to shoote against all such as would presume to let the said Lord Rohan enter in or any other whom hee would place there So the Papistes with their Notary began to speake fayre and to open the gate to the Lord Sowsaye of Beauregard whom the inhabitantes had required there to commaund he entred therein with the Lord Mortaygne his brother the 15. day of Iuly and hauing receaued the oath of the inhabitants to be faythfull vnto the King vnder the authority of the King of Nauarre gouernor for the King in Guyene departed and left his brother the Lord Mortaygne there as his lieftenant Whilest these small quarrelinges did so passe at Marans we haue left the Q. Mother with her Counsellers to make the bargayne and to sell to the Leaguers the crowne of France the Kings authority and honor for as litle as they may afoord it that is gratis and for iust nothing The affayres were handled with such faithfulnes that these Counsellers as soone as they came out of their chamber went into another to sit in counsell by them selues to aduertise the Leaguers day by day of all which they had gone about and with the Q. Mother also what was the disposition from time to time to aduise the Leaguers what they should request and how farre they should yeeld at length after long changing and chopping of wordes saeuis inter se conuenit vrsis Certaine Articles are concluded at Chalons in Champaygne the twelfth day of Iuly which do consist of thrée principall pointes First that the King shall make an edict in the which hee shall graunt them all that they requested at Bloys the last yeare to wit 1584. in the assembly of the states there Also all whatsoeuer they demaunded by their declaration bearing date the last day of March and all what was required of them in their last resolution dated the tenth day of Iune at Chalons and that is as much as they would for this tyme. Secondly that leuying of armes all actions of hostility committed since by them or by their partakers or by the townes and cities of their association shall bee allowed and declared good lawfull and done for the Kinges seruice for the defence of holy Church and aduauncing of Gods glory Hereby the actions of hostility are comprehended the murthers spoils robberies ransackinges riflinges of publike or priuat thinges all rapes whoredoms villanyes committed by them of the League which all the King must thinke and publish by his authority to bee done for his seruice and the defence of the Popish Church Here is a King but badly serued Also that all iudiciall proceedinges iudgementes proscriptions condemnations and executions passed agaynst them of the League shall bee reuoked and declared voyde wrongfull and vniust Thirdly before his owne face they enforced him to deuide his kingdome among them and of a King of France for to please the League he hath made himselfe one of the thrée kinges of Colen Now followeth the good bargayne which they when the King had sent to make his market had agreed on whether it be to the kings aduantage and honor let euery man iudge Here is an other point of the Leaguers good seruice to theyr King First the Cardinall of Bourbon the new king of the Friers must bee prouided for and let him be sure that he shall haue the least part For besides the places belonging to his Bishopricke of Roan he shall haue the old castell of Deepe which no body else will haue The Duke moreouer shall haue the gouernement of Britaine and two of the strongest places that he shall name in that Prouince with the admiralty of the same The Duke of Guyze shall haue the citadel of Mets because his gouernment of Champaigne hath no places good inough for him The Duke de Mayn in his gouernment of Burgondie shall haue the castell of Dyjon or the citadell of Chalons vpon Sawne The Cardinall of Guyze shall haue Rhemes and the countrie about so much as he will The Duke Aumall shall haue the holdes of his gouernment of Picardie Wee see how the great masters be indifferently well prouided for now theyr seruantes and partakes must haue part of the kinges spoyle or else they will frowne and tell tales First the Lord Antragues shall haue Orleance The Lord D'ho shall haue Caâ—n and Constances in base Normâ—ndy The Lord Brissacke shall haue the gouernement of Anjou The Lord Saultes shal haue the gouernment of Prouance in the absence of the graund Pryor The Lord Chastre shall haue the gouernment of Bourges The Lord Vailhac shall haue the Castell trompet in Bourdeaux Mandelot Q. Mothers Scullion shall haue Lyons and the Citadel there I pray you masters hold your handes you be well if you could consider it vse him no worse then his granfather Francis the first prophecied of you lethim haue his doublet and his bréech to couer his shame But how chaunce that in your partition you haue forgotten your selues Is Poytow Xainctonge Engomoys Limosin Perigord Quercye Rowarges Viuarets Auvergne Gascoyn Languedocke Daulphine nothing woorth with you Be not these countries worth the hauing If you be such great Captaines as you would seeme to bee there you may haue occasion to make proofe of your valiantnes if your stomacke serueth you but you will say it would cost blowes and that you loue not Here gentle Reader consider the course which these lustie buddes of Charlemayne do follow they will roote the heretikes as they say out of France they will exile them and ridde the realme of France of them yet they seaze vpon the kinges Cities and Dominions and do enforce him to deuide his kingdome among them but specially they
assure themselues of those prouinces townes cities and holdes as had not in a maner one of the reformed religion left among them but they either had béen murthered or else so vexed and disquieted by the continuall dangers which euery day compassed them that they had retyred most into those prouinces in France which were safer from the violence of the Leaguers or into forreine Countries So they warre agaynst the heretikes by subduing the Catholikes to their deuotion They warre against the heretikes where none were to make them resistance and dare not looke on the prouinces where the heretikes as they tearme them were in great number But to the matter Although the vniust and inconstant dealinges of the house of Valoys had empayred greatly their honor and renowne and that this king by his own actions at the massacre of Saint Bartholemy had greatly stayned his garments with a spot that would neuer be washed yet did hee alwayes retayne the authority and reputation of a Soueraygne Prince vntill that for hatred of the Gospell hee suffered the ambition of the house of Guyze to encroch too much vpon his royall authority and prerogatiue vnder colour of Catholike zeale Thus hee weakened his royall authority by following the counsell of Italians thrusted into his seruice by the cunning of the Guyzes for that intent These Italian scholemasters did endeuour alwaies to rule him by the preceptes of Machiauell the Italian prophet so that after he came to the Crowne the Guyzes with their adherents interrupted diuers times the peace made with them of the religion made continuall monopols and secret practises and associations with his subiects to the great empayring of his royall authoritie as is afore sayd and still vnder colour of Popish deuotion so that at length hauing by the means abouesayd seduced the harts of the Priestes Monks of many of the Nobillity and people hauing specially woon his Senators and Counsellers and robbed him of the good will and loue of his subiects in the end by this market they haue made themselues equall to him they haue set their seat as high as his so that now the king is nothing which they are not except onely that as yet they do not take vpon them the name of king but suffer him for a while to enioy the same So that the king now hauing not onely lost part of his Princelike strength which consisted in his townes cities and holds but also part of his authority which lyeth in commaunding alone as a soueraygne is become a fellow of the League If you demaund why the question is soone answered because he set himselfe agaynst him of whom he had receaued all power and authority Hee which had giuen him tooke it agayne for his vnthankfulnesse But now let vs returne to the League These articles called the holy League being concluded to the kinges great disaduantage and dishonor the edict must be made thereafter which was published the 18. day of Iuly and is commonly called the edict of vnion wherein the king doth all that it pleaseth the Leaguers to commaund him to do as a good obedient fellow of that holy association Fyrst hee forbiddeth the exercise of the reformed religion throughout all his Dominions commaunding the ministers of the Gospell to depart the realme out of hand Secondly he commandeth all men to professe the popish religion and that the professors of the Gospell without any respect of persons either shall beleeue poperie or else within sixe moneths shall depart out of the Realme with licence in the meane time to sell their goods to their owne vses Thirdly that as many as haue been infected with heresie for so hee calleth the Gospell of trueth or are knowne to fauour it shall bee incapable to be are any office within the Realme Fourthly he dooth dissolue the bipartit and tripartit chambers of iudgements which were ordayned for the indifferent ministration of iustice in respect of religion Fifthly that the townes graunted to the keeping of the King of Nauarre at Saint Germane the yeare 1584. shall bee surrendred into the Kings hands Sixtly that all whatsoeuer offensiue actions haue been committed by the Leaguers their adherents Townes Cities or comunalties of their association shall be hereafter iudged as lawfull good and acceptable seruice to the King done for the defence of the holy Catholik Romain Religion And that all declarations proclamations iudgements prescriptions condemnations and executions whatsoeuer against the Leaguers or any of them for the said offences pronounced shall be voyd as vniustly wrongfully pronounced against them Where note gentle reader that the King is come to that bondage that hee is perswaded to alowe and approue all the murthers exactions spoylings excorsions treasons rapes whoredomes blasphemies and sacriledges as done for his seruice the defence of the Church and aduauncing of Gods honour Will not the Lord reuenge this pusilanimitie in such a great Magistrate with some notable example of his iustice according vnto his threatnings woe be to you which call euill good Last of all he commaundeth all manner of officers and the Nobilitie to sweare the obseruation of the said edict which he caused to be published and sworne in the Parliament of Paris hee himselfe sitting in iudgement the 18. day of Iuly The King of Nauarre and the Prince of Conde vnderstanding the conclusion and publication of the edict of Iuly appointed a certaine meeting with the Duke of Monmorency at Saint Paule de cadioulx in the Prouince of Albigerys to take aduise together what were to bee done in those extremities They therefore the tenth of August concluded a certaine protestation in the which shewing what the intents driftes and demeanours of the Leaguers haue been also what the Kings iudgement was of them not long since what meanes the King of Nauarre hath sought and what hee hath proffered for the preseruation of the state What his behauiour had been euer since the League did rise how hee hath kept himselfe quiet and vnarmed to the extreame danger of his person when he had great occasions to doo great exploites At last they protest that they are not the cause of al those miseries which are like to ensue out of those troubles and seeing that no reason will take place committing their innocencie and equitie of their cause vnto God doo resolue vpon the defensiue This resolution being made the King of Nauarre returned to Nerak the Prince of Conde to Rochel and Monmorency to Languedock to view the attempts and expect the euents of this new and strange vnion This vnion being concluded the King considering that in some manner hee had been enforced to breake the edict of peace and that it was not the proclayming onely which would cause the edict of vnion to be obeyed but that a certaine cauell warre would ensue and that there must be some sâ—newes to holde it Therefore hee turneth all his thoughts to make some preparation for the warre for the which cause the 11. of
August he calleth to the bowre which is the Kings house the first and second presidents of his Parliament of Paris the Prouost of Paris the Deane of our Ladies Church and prayed the Cardinall of Guize to be present Who all being come in his presence hee made vnto them a short declaration of his will wherein he sheweth himselfe glad that at the instant request of his good and faithfull subiects he hath reuoked the edict of purification and yet cannot beleeue that at this time it will bee easier to execute this last resolution then the former Yet being incoraged and assisted with so many and so good men of all degrees he conceaueth some good hope which makes him enter into these actions And first to come to that which is expected of all men he dooth intend to haue three mightie armies the one for Guyen the other by himselfe the third vpon the borders of Germanie to let the passage of strangers which will amount to foure hundred thousands crownes a moneth Secondly that hee dooth not meane to vndoo himselfe alone but seeing that he hath admitted other mens counsell against his owne in breaking the edict of peace they must help him in maintaining of the warre Thirdly for that the first president of Parliament was one of the chiefest who procured the peace to be broaken neither he nor his felowes may looke to be paied of their stipends during the warre Fourthly for that the people of Paris had shewed so great reioysing at the breaking of the peace he commaundeth the Prouost of the Marchants to leuie vpon the inhabitants of the saide Citie the summe of two hundred thousand crownes for the charges of the warre Fiftly the King beholding the Cardinall of Guize somewhat with a stearne countenance he let him vnderstand that forasmuch as the heads of the Cleargie had chiefely cast him into this warre for his part he is content to beare the charges the first moneth but that the rest should be maintained at the costs of the cleargie and for that hee would neuer expect the Popes license When the King had staied in silence to heare what they would say they began to finde the matter strange Then the King with a token of indignation cried out it had been better said hee then to haue beleeued mee I feare me that when we goe about to put away the preaching we will hazard the Masse I were better then to make peace and I know not whether they will accept it when wee will proffer it so the meeting was ended The Priests being well stoared be like prouided within few daies voluntarilie yet more willing to haue paied nothing one milion of frankes for their portion Whilest these things were a dooing the King had sent three Noble men to the King of Nauarre to wit the Lords Leuoncourt Poigny and the president Barlart to trie their cunning whether they might induce the said King of Nauarre to ioyne with him both in forces and religion These Lords came to the King of Nauarre after his returne from S. Paul de Cadioulx to Nerak greeting him in the Kings name declared to him how the King did hold him as his sonne and heire of the crowne in case he should decease without issue And after they shewed the causes which moued the King to ioyne with the League which was the diuision of the Catholiks which would redound greatly to the preiudice of his estate and the vnquietnes of his Realme Thirdly that for the loue hee bare to him hee wisheth him reunited to the Catholick faith both for the good of his soule and also that hee might the more easily by the meanes of the Catholicks be established in the kingdome which otherwise would be hard for him to bring to passe Fourthly they goe about to perswade him to cause the exercise of the reformed religion to cease during the tearme of sixe moneths perfixed Fiftly they required him in the Kings name to surrender the townes which he did hold for the King The King of Nauarre with like courtesies answereth to the first that if it had been his Maiesties pleasure to haue vsed his seruice in the suppressing of the Leaguers he would haue shewed a proofe of his duetifull obedience towards him To the second he answered that from his cradle he hath been brought vp in the reformed religion in the which hee neuer knew any errour and yet hath and dooth proffer himselfe to bee taught by the word of God in a lawfull councell To the third demaund hee answered that the reformed religion was established by a solemne edict confirmed by an oath and that it was not in his power to let the exercise of the same therefore purposed to deale in that matter To the fourth hee answered that considering the mallice of his enemies towardes him he hath more neede to require others then to surrender those These Ambassadors also mooued the King of Nauarre that if he would conferre with the Q. Mother she would aduance as farre as Champaigne in Toureyne The King of Nauarre answered that he would goe as farre as Bergerake in Perigord Whilest these things passed to and fro many Nobles Gentlemen and others of both religions euen of the Kings companies retired from the Court home and among others the Prince Monpensier But the raging of the League and persecutions which encreased daily caused Henry de la tour Vicount Turenne to assemble some Forces in Limosine Perigord to whom many Captayne 's repayred out of the Countreyes about Limosine and Perigord and Quercye as the Lord Meriake with his regiment The selfe same causes enforced many Noble men and Gentlemen about Paris Niuernoys and all the countries betweene Seyne and Loyre many also out of Bourbonnoys and Berry being at the South side of Loyre accompanyed with many men of sundrye qualities and degrees to forsake their houses and take armes and the field and to repayre to these Prouinces that were of sure accesse vnto them These companies assygned the rendes vous in Berry intending thence to ioyne to the king of Nauarre in Gascoyne They were all Gentlemen Hargebusiers on Horsebacke betweene two or three hundred The men of Marke in these companies were the Lord of Pueilles Fort Laborde Landes Tauennes and others These companies of France marching toward Gascoyne ioyned with the Vicount Turenne about the end of August who within a litle space of time did encrease to the number of fiue or sixe thousand men About the same time another company of Noble men and Gentlemen likewise retyred out of their houses accompanyed with great troupes of souldiers and gaue the rendes vous in Berry among them these were the chiefest of name the Lords D'ouant Roysdulie Sauiere Campoys and diuers others which ioyned with the Prince of Conde being then at Pons in Xainctonge The Lord Montgomery with his company went as farre as to the king of Nauarre into Gascoyn his brother the Lord of Orges went to the Prince
little aboue the Waren in the high way from Hyers to Browage Wee haue sayd how about the 15. of September the Lord Clermont departed from the Prince at Pons and passed the riuer Loyre at a place called Rosiers thence passing through a place la clousiere des montils to the intent to passe vnknowne did fayne himselfe to be Secretary to the King of Nauarre frō thence he taketh his way to Bange where Rochemort departed from him The sayd Rochemort taketh his way to Beaufort which is situated betwéene Anger 's and the riuer Loyre where he was borne and soiorned there to see his brother and other friends and also to gather as many men as he could in that countrey Beaufort is a little Towne betwéene Loyre and Anger 's which is commaunded by a Castle of a reasonable strength which did hold for the king and was in the kéeping of Captayne Broke Rochemort arriued thether and visiting his friends who were the chiefest of the Towne and among them also Captayne Broke by their spéeches he vnderstood the state of Anger 's and the particularities there about the Castle There was a Captayne named Halot who had the kéeping of the sayd Castle of Anger 's whilest the Lord Bussy of Amboyse liued which had the gouernment of the Countrey Citie and Castle during the life of Monsieur the Kings brother But after the death of the sayd Bussy the Lord Brissack had the gouernment and had put out of the Castle the sayd Halot whereof by all meanes he sought to bee reuenged and to surprize the Castle And to bring this thing to passe he acquainted himselfe with Captayne Fresne who had commanded ouer a companie of Brissack at the beginning of the League This Brissack was one of the chiefest of the League and discharged the sayd Fresne after the edict of vnion was published in Iuly before for the which thing Fresne was greatly offended with Brissack These two Captaynes consented together to enterprize vpon the Castell and repayred to Beaufort to Captayne Broke to haue of him some company of men where they met with Rochemort and after certayne spéeches opened vnto him their enterprize who promised to furnish them with certayn men Rochemort aduertized the Lord Clermont praying him to send him men which shortly after sent him foure stout Souldiers This their counsell was wonderfully disguised as also the euēts fel out to be straunge and tragicall for Halot as he sayd would recouer the Castell for the King of whom sayd he he had letters to that effect to recouer the sayd Castle out of the hands of Brissack who was of the League as is afore sayd but indéede he respected himselfe thinking thereby to get the Kings or the King of Nauarre his fauour Captayne Fresne was desirous to be reuenged of Brissack at any price whatsoeuer These two were sure to haue men for the most part Papists Rochemort was in good hope that if he could get in the Castle he would finde the meanes to make it fall into the hands of the King of Nauarre Halot Fresne doo promise themselues that if Rochemort being the weakest and an Hugonet should attempt to innouate any thing they could easily dispatch him so that vnder the hope of one drift euery man had his meaning vnknowne one to another The enterprize is concluded the day appoynted The 26. of September some doo repayre at the time prefixed to the Suburbe of Pressigny some to the Suburbe called Lisses Captayne Fresne vsed to enter into the Castle easily as well acquainted with the Souldiers of the garde The day therefore prefixed hee goeth to see Captayne Greeke his friend who then commaunded in the Castle with ten or twelue Souldiers The sayd Captayne Greeke biddeth Fresne to dinner Fresne excused himselfe that he had company with whom he had promised to dine that day Captaine Greeke presseth him and prayeth him to bring his company with him Fresne had afore hand woon some of the gard whom he had made priuie to the enterprize he prayeth them of the second garde to let in them of his company whom he assured to be of his acquaintance but some of the souldiers mistrusting went about to shut the gate Rochemort and his companie withstoode them and taking weapons in hand did kill some of the garde Captaine Fresne went vp into the Captaines chamber who hearing the fray would haue gone foorth but being encountred by the sayd Fresne was slaine Captaine Halot seeing the tumult in stead to enter into the Castle ran into the Towne and vpon the rumour of the surprizing of the Castle biddeth the Citizens not to stirre for he had saith he caused the Castle to be taken for the King but incontinently he was taken prisoner by the Citizens Fresne and Rochemort being masters of the Castell the alarme was very hot in the towne notice was giuen euery where in great dilligence Rochemort forgetteth not to send to the Lord Clermont to certify him what was passed desiring him to send greater forces also to send word to the Prince Whilest these newes flye euery where diuers euents happened which deceaued both them and others They of the towne greeued to haue that thorne in their heeles sleep not but take armes beset the Castel and within a whyle haue succour of the Nobilitie of the countrey In the euening the inhabitantes would fayne haue parley with Fresne and vsed the means of Halot for to draw him forth of the Castell hauing placed in the darke of the night nigh the bridge 30. or 40. souldiers with Caliuers either for to take him or else to seaze vpon the drawing bridge when he should come forth Fresne vpon this parley going forth and being yet vpon the bridge one of y e souldiers hasting to shoot Fresne would haue returned in but Rochemort with his company seeing the perill did draw the bridge Fresne not able to recouer the drawing held fast at the chayns they without cut off his handes so hee fell into the ditch which was very deepe and cut in a rocke his Cloke was left hanging on the draw bridge There was a redde Deere in the ditch which tore him with his hornes They of the Towne by the licence of them of the Castell tooke him vp with a coard But the coard breaking hee fell downe agayne and at length was taken vp and buryed in a Chappell nigh the Castell Captayne Halot within few dayes after by the towne was condemned and executed These two being dead Rochemort a Hugonet remayned master of the Castell whereof hee geueth notice to the Lord Clermont who immediatly dispatched a messenger to the Prince being at the siege of Browage The inhabitants who could haue borne it with some contentation because they knew Fresne to be a Papist and that hee sayd he held it for the king after his death asked Rochemort for whom he kept the castel When he had answered that it was for the king of Nauarre they were greatly mooued and
immediatly began to make Trenches both to force the said castel and also to let succour from coÌ„ming in Companyes do arriue from euery where The Lord Bocage is sent by the king with commaundement to defend the trenches without enterprising any thing but onely to besiege the castell vntill the Lord Ioyeuse his comming who shortly after came thither with the Lord Chastres In meane time Rochemort and his companions rifled the chestes and treasures of Brissak and other which had conueyed their goods into that fort There was a great Bootie in plate and Iewels Neither could it be knowen what he had done with the greate horne of Unicorne which was kept there of old Certayne dayes being spent about the 29. of September in an after noone Rochemort leaning vpon one of the windowes of the Castell and there slumbering receaued two pellets of a gunne shot whereof the one cut his throat and the other his tongue and so dyed shortly after without speaking so by his death the castel was left without a guyd There were 9. Papistes and 5. of the reformed Religion within which could neuer agree but were still in disorder and confusion which caused that after the comming of the Lord Ioyeuse they within began to demaund parley which continued for certayne dayes Whilest these thinges so passed at Anger 's the Lord Clermont not knowing the death of Rochemort who was the ground of his drift had assembled in Normandie and in the countrey of Perche about sixe hundred men and sendeth a messenger to the Prince at the siege of Browage to aduerâ—ize him how the affayres do goe The 3. of October newes were brought vnto the Prince by expressed messenger of the taking of the Castell and how the inhabitants had trenched and besieged it with the forces of Brissak and of the countrey of Suy and after by the Lord Bocage sent by the King This newes caused the Prince to leaue his footemen before Browage and hee with his horsemen and certaine number of Harquebusiers on horseback to passe ouer the riuer Loyre to succour them who were within the castell and kept the same for the King of Nauarre being thereto encouraged by the appearance of the great aduauntage which seemed to consist in it for the aduauncing of the affaires of them of the reformed religion considering also that Brissack who by the partition of the League had obtained the gouernement of Aniow â—s is afore saide was one of the busiest Leaguers he waighed wel the dangers which might ensue as to draw al the Kings forces vpon himself and the difficulties of repassing the riuer Loyre he considered also that the remnant of his armie lest at Browage might bee discomfited by the Marshall Matignon Bellegarde gouernour of Xainctonge who might ioyne their forces together But on the other side hee hoped that being strengthened by receauing the companies of the Lord Clermont which hee had gathered as is afore said to the number of sixe hundred he would be able to fight against whom soeuer Also that by that new supplie of the Lord Clermont and by the fauour of some Castles which fauored him vpon the Loyre he might passe well enough and so returne with greater forces to the siege of Browage God had determined that no consideration nor counsell might disswade this Prince from this iourney to the end that he might shew in the beginning of this perilous warre how mightie his arme is in the preseruing of his children and how able hee is to weaken and dissipate the strength and arrogancie of his enemies who fret and fume take counsell and conspire together against his anoynted sonne That by this example all the children of God may learne not alwaies euen in a good cause to promise themselues victorie but to assure themselues that God will defend the iust cause alwaies and preserue them that call on his name whether they bee few or many The same day ariued from Rochel before Browage sixe pieces of batterie conducted by Mounser Personne who followed the shippes of warre which few daies before had ariued as is afore said About the 6. of October there was a great stur in the campe before Browage by reason of the Princes departing to Anger 's For in his absence there was no way to assure the Ilands nor the remnant of the armie which remayned there at that siege For the inhabitantes saw a manifest danger to themselues which thing made many of them resolue to giue ouer all and to repayre to Rochell whereby the souldiers there appoynted to remayne were greatly discouraged At length the Lord Saint Mesmes gouernour of Saint Jhan D'Angelye an aged man famous and of a long continued experience a man of great authority and welbeloued of the countrey was requested to take the gouernement of the companies appointed to continue the siege which thing after many wise declarations of the dangerous euents which he did foresee might happen both to them that went and also to them that remained at the siege yet hee did accept the charge with the great contentation of all men Monser Personne was made gouernour of the Nauie the Lord Ranques remained gouernour of Oleron Captaine Belon was appoynted to gather them of the Ilands and to commaund ouer them The chiefest regiments which remayned for tâ— continue that siege were the companies of the Lord Orges Saint Seuerin and Boysrond with whome were many voluntarie Souldiers beside them of the Ilands and two hundred Harquebusiers sent by the towne of Rochel On the 7. of October some captaines shewed themselues vnwilling to remaine considering the euents and inconueniences which might befall in the absence of the Prince so that the affaires were in greater trouble and the mindes in greater perplexitie then before But the Prince remedied all these things as well as hee could to strengthen the siege and sent to the Uicount Turene who was in perigord with great forces praying him to draw neere to fauour that siege But hee could not doo it hauing some occasions in hand and waiting for the comming of the King of Nauarre out of Gascoyne as it shall appeare hereafter About the same time the Senate of Paris hauing considered vpon the Popes excommunication giueth answer to the King in the which they grieuously condemne the Leaguers doo blame the King for hauing broken the edict of peace doo shew it to be impossible to bring to passe their enterprises doo reprooue the Pope for vsurping vpon Princes authorities and the liberties of the Crowne of France doo condemne the excomunication worthy to be burned counsell the King to pursue them who haue procured the same and to execute iustice vpon them as vpon traitors About the same time the King lead by his counsell who for the most part weare of the League and seruants to the Guyzes by them was borne in hand that they of the reformed religion had to great aduauntage by the edict of Iulie and that many both of the religion and Catholikes
had flocked together to the King of Nauarre Therefore he setteth foorth a declaration of the edict of Iuâ—ie by the which hee dooth admonish them that haue borne armes against the League of whatsoeuer religion they bee either to lay them downe or else to be taken for Rebells and their goods to be sould for the maintaining of the warre Hee commaundeth them of the religion which haue not borne armes to doo with their goods what they will and to depart the Realme within 15. dayes after the publication of the said declaration charging his officers to make diligent enquirie for the performing of the premises by the said declaration hee giueth libertie to women and children according to the former edict It is sayd before how the Prince notwithstanding all counsell and aduise to the contrarie determined to passe the riuer of Loyre all difficulties therfore set aside the eight of October the Prince departed out of his camp with his companies to Taillebourg appointing the rendes vous at a place nigh S. Ihan d'Angely His forces did consist of the companies of the Lord Rohan who were aboue sixe score braue Gentlemen the companies of the Lords Nemours Laual who had much nobilitie with him There were also the companies of the Lords Trimouille and Boulay his own companie which in number and nobilitie passed all others The Harquebusiers on horseback were they of his garde the Regiments of the Lord Aubigny Ousches Campoyse Touche Flesche others with many Gentlemen of Xainctonge and Poytow who were sent for by the Prince and put themselues vnder Noble men as they would themselues The whole of his forces came to the number of eight hundred horsemen and betweene one thousand or twelue hundred Harquebusiers on horsebacke There was a great deale more carriage than was expedient for a voyage to bee done with celeritie and diligence The 9. day the Prince being at Taillebourg the Artillerie which was sent from Rochel to the stege of Browage arriued in the riuer Charante to be brought againe to Rochel by Captaine Bordeaulx For the Prince at his departing from Marans had taken order to retire the Artillerie to auoyd what might ensue not intending to occupie it at Browage but onely to keepe the Towne blocked vntill his returne which hee hoped to bee shortly The same same day the Prince from Taillebourg went to lodge to Villeneufue la contesse where he vnderstood that the Ladie Trimouille was at S. Stephen about a league from thence where he went to salute her and after many spéeches about his marriage with her daughter the sayd Ladie vsed many perswasions to make her sonne the Lord Trimouille to breake his resolution in the which she sawe him to embarke himselfe on the side of the king of Nauarre threatning him of her accurse if he procéeded further But the sayd yong Lord shewed her with much submission and obeisance that if she would weigh the reasons which mooued him so to doo grounded vpon iustice and honour and on the contrary side the vniust cause of the League he was assured that she would turne her cursing into blessing so that he remayned resolute both to followe that part and also not to forsake the Prince in that voyage The tenth day of October all the companies tooke their way toward Niort Baesuiere Argenton Viers and Tence There the Lord S. Gelayes Marshall of the Princes campe with the companie of the Lord Boulay with a certaine number of Harquebusiers on horsebacke departed to goe before to get the bancke of Loyre and following the side of the riuer vpwarde to search some occasion to passe the riuer eyther by surprizing of boates or milles met with a certaine companie of Gentlemen of the League very well appoynted with armour and horses going to the succour of Anger 's whom they tooke and all their carriage The 11. day the Lord Aubigny and Bouet tooke the strong Abbey of S. Maure vpon the riuer of Loyre where was a garrison of the League There they did no violence to the Monkes but licensed them to depart whether they would They tooke the Prior and sent him to the Prince at S. Gemes who courteously entertayned him in his owne house and safely sent him to Anger 's The 14. day Captaine Flesche being of that countrey had aduaunced and began to passe at the towne of Rosiers for there were no companies of the enemies on all that coast For as much as it was thought incredible that without any other intelligences the Hugonets durst passe so great a riuer in a manner in the sight of two great townes to wit Sanâ—â—re aboue where they had retyred all the boates thereabouts and Anger 's beneath where they had forces both of footmen and horsemen greater than any the Prince had so that many seeing such silence suspected y t there was some lying in waite And as for the Lord Clermont whom we haue sayd to haue left the Prince at Pons to passe ouer Loyre to gather the forces of them of the reformed religion scattered in those popish countreys there was no more newes of him than if he had not béen in the world and indeed then he was aboue thirtie leagues from them But Captaine Flesche had seazed vppon three boates laden with wine which after he had caused to bée landed vpon the water side he prepared them to carrie the armie ouer The 15. of October he passed first and lodged at Rosiers and after him passed the Lord Aubiguy with his Regiment that day the Prince arriued at S. Gemes with his troupes which lodged in the villages about The same day also arriued the Lords Saint Gelayse and Boulay to the Prince they had been scouring the wast of the riuer For the right vnderstanding of this voyage the situation and places of the countrey is to be noted In all this discourse we will make mention of three riuers the Loyre Lolion and Loir On the South side of Loyre there bee two townes Samur and Pont de sell betwéene these two townes there be foure other litle townes the Abbey of Planpierd S. Gemes the Abbey of S. Maure and S. Mathurine On the North side of the riuer Loyre right against S. Gemes is the towne Rosiers and betwéene these two townes in the riuer is an Iland in this place passed ouer the Prince and his armie The next riuer on the North side of Loyre is Lolion a little riuer but very déepe and running slowly it washeth part of Vandomoys and Anjou and falleth into the riuer of Loyre at Pont de sel On the North side of the riuer Lolion in the middle way betweene the sayd riuer and Anger 's is situated the towne of Beaufort The third riuer is Loire falling from the countrey of Beause through Vandomoys Anjou receauing 2. other riuers comming from the countrey called Perche which are Sarthre and Huyne and a little aboue Anger 's do fall into the riuer Loyre and somewhat beneath Anger 's
and that his enemies should not haue the praise nor triumph ouer them For afterward it was confessed by the enemies which were in the armie of Ioyeuse and the League that this handfull of men wearied scattered amazed and alreadie ouercome was to all those troopes who would haue swallowed them vp such a terrour that if they had offered to set vpon them they might happely haue found them easie to bee dealt withall For the enemies were perswaded that the Prince would neuer haue enterprized such a iourney vnlesse he had béen able to beate downe all that had come before him All that night in the which they lodged at S. Arnol there was great reasoning among them of the Counsell what was expedient to bee done The Lord Rohan with many Gentlemen of his company sayd that the further they should goe that way the déeper they should sinke in daunger that the best part of their forces had passed ouer Loyre with the Lord Laual and that the armie did slide away daily they that had friends in Vandomoys Beause Mayne Perche did steale away the enemie being fresh and strong did approach on them on euery side and that the further they went vpward the néerer they did drawe to their misfortune Let him carrie his head to Paris who would said he for I will carrie mine into Britaine and fight with him that will let me So vppon these spéeches seeing not the contrary reasons of any force tooke his leaue from the Prince his iorney toward Britaine whether he came through many difficulties and dangers and in time notwithstanding the endeuour of the Duke Mercure with safetie he passed the riuer of Loyre beneath Nants and repayred to Rochel with great ioy and contentation of all men for his safe returne This separation was as a second thunderboult from heauen vpon this armie which is no more to bee called an armie but a small companie for there was no more but the companies of the Prince and of the Lord Trimouille whereof some had forsaken him There were also left some companies of the Harquebusiers on horseback of the Lord Clermont of whom many had alreadie retired to their houses then they began to looke euery one vppon his fellowe shrugging with their shoulders euery one did beleeue that if there were any safetie it must miraculously come from heauen and many which before in matters of prayer and conscience had giuen themselues to great licentiousnes began to enter into consideration and to reforme themselues The Prince remayning so with these few companyes had a number of carryage wherewith he was so hampered that he could not rid himselfe of it He sent the Lord Saint Gelays with some gentlemen of Poytow to the number of 30. horses to ryde toward Vendosme and some where to take loginges commodious for the companies which followed But in the way they heard newes that the Lord Lauerdine with some number of men had entred into Vendosme to cut that way from the Prince and that the night before some Souldiers of the company of the Lord Clermont tooke prisonners some of the company of the Lord Benhare gouernor of Vendosme who brought some store of armor to theyr master The 30. of October the rest of the companies arryued at Saint Anne nigh Vendosme where they thought to haue departed logings but for the pouerty of the place they stayed not there In this wandering through the countrey of Beause some of the company of Captayne Bonet tooke the Lord Rosins who comming from Paris with a Pasport from the King which he shewed them not supposing they had béen of the religion was going to the King of Nauarre This Lord had foure notable great horses The Dragons for so were called the Harquebuziers on horsebacke weary of their tyred horses chaunged with the great horses of the fayd Lord Rosins and with great ioy carryed him away with them But he being knowen by the Lord Saint Gelays hee caused them to restore him his horses and to take their tyred horses agayne The sayd Lord Rosins was conducted to the Prince and shewed him the rage wherewith his enemies prepared themselues to compasse him about and besides hee told him many thinges sufficient to make him take some resolution But it was nothing to the aduertisements sent him from diuers places as that he was inclosed on euery side and that shortly he should haue the enemy to come vpon him with forces farre vnequall to his and that it was high time to handle his affayres wisely without delaying till tomorrow On the other side he was aduertyzed that the meanes to repasse Loyre toward Bloys were cut off by reason that the enemies nigh at hand had preuented it The Prince arryuing at the towne of Salowme a league beyond Saynt Anne gathered his counsell and all reasons wayghed on euery side he was earnestly requested by all them that were present to prouide for the safety of his person the which being conducted in a safe place the rest by Gods helpe would in time find out some way of deliuerance The reasons whereby hee was perswaded to take some resolution were these First that his retire would be more honorable to him and more shameful to the enemy then to hazard as if it were through dispayre vpon a battell whereof the issue could not bee but very perilous both to his person to the whole estate of the reformed religion Secondly that in such extremity and disfauour there was gotten honor ynough by a singular grace of God to haue auoyded the rage of so great forces of his enemies who did hold him as if hee were enclosed and compassed round about and to snatch from them the glory which they had promised to themselues already of his death before that euer they durst looke him in the face and that the valoure of noble courage was shewed as well in auoyding an euident danger as in the exploits of battell Thirdly that the passages were not so closed vp but that there was meanes to escape to some safe place It was hard to make him condiscend to these reasons yet at length conuicted by the way of intreaty and necessity hee concluded to retire But afore he would depart that night with his constancye accustomed hee tooke order for the parting of his companies euen of his owne household The Lord Saynt Gelayes with some of the companies and part of his Gards should goe toward Loyre to ioyne with the Lords Aubiguy and Brisduly who were gone to search passage towardes Loyre and such of his houshould seruantes as would not or could not follow the Lord Saynt Gelays he directed them to retyre to some friendes of his in the countrey Furthermore that the Lord Clermont should retyre some where with his companies This being done about 11. of the clocke at night he departed with a smal company with the Lords Trimouille and Auantigny and other gentlemen with few of his chiefest houshold seruants The waies which he tooke
of his ill successe and that many Souldiours did dayly depart and other waxed faynte that aduertisementes came of the succor which the gouernours of the abouesayd Townes would geue to Browage and that they intended to enclose him and his companies in the Iles as it had béen an easy thing to do with the aduise of his Captaynes determined to raise the siege Hee sent also to the Lord Ranques who was left to commaund in the I le of Oleron to aduertize him that hee was pressed to retyre willing him to repayre to him that they might retyre in a stronge company to preuent further milfortune So the 2. day of Nouember he rhysed the siege and tooke his iourney towards Charuaut At the passage whereof was great disorder which caused that at a place called Loupin part of the carriage was taken by the enemyes and many Souldiers lead away prisonners the residue retyred some to Rochel some to Saint Ihan D'angelye The Lord Ranques notwithstanding remayned in Oleron with the Nauall army vntill the tenth of Nouember during the which time hee sent to Rochell to haue succour as wel for y t safety of the Nauy as of the Iland But when hee could obtayne nothing the inhabitantes also supposing that all had béen lost for the discomfiture of the Prince was bruted wich great amplifications by the Lord Saint Luke shewed vnto Ranques that theyr custome was to giue place to the stranger which caused the sayd Lord to determine vpon the retyring of his fleete This also made him the more willing because he had discouered one Countie and a Franciscane Fryer who had béen alwaies during the siege hidden in the Iland who were sent to the Lord Saynt Luke to practize with him agaynst the sayd Lord Ranques whom when he would haue punished they of the Iland withstood him so that fearing the worst he retyred to Rochel not without danger of his life We haue shewed how the Dragon had spâ—ed floods of waters to drown that vertuous and godly Prince his Nobles and his litle company and how they fledde into the wildernes where God had prepared vnto them a place of safe refuge and rest for a time and how the army before Browage is brought to Saint Ihan D'Angelye and Rochel Now while these scattered companies are at rest and preparing agayne to meet together wee will see what exployts were done in diuers places of the Realme It is sayd how the Lord Saint Mesmes at the departing of the Prince of Conde had the charge of the siege of Browage Now the Lord Matignon who coÌ„maunded for the King in Guyenne vnderstanding that Saint Luke was hardly pressed and that the Prince taking his iourney to Anger 's had left a small company to continue the siege of Browage determined to oppresse them and about the latter end of October from Bourdeaux tooke eight hundred horsemen foure thousand footmen with foure double Canons and arryued in Xainctonge about the third of Nouember which vnderstanding that they of Hiers had raysed vp the siege and had reretyred to Rochell and S. Ihan D'Angelye soiorned neuertheles in Xainctonge seeking and watching the opportunity to do some peece of seruice making ordinary courses toward S. Ihan A' Angely and Tailkebourg The Lord Laual about the eight of Nouember aduertized that the Lord Matignon was in the field not farre from the town with all his horsemen and some footemen issued out of S. Ihan about two leagues from the towne he encountered the sayd Matignon they saw one another so nigh that the Lord Chargoys who did leade the light horses of the sayd Lord Laual was about to charge the enemy when hee was warned that hee should haue to do with all the forces of the enemy which were sixe tymes as many as all that the Lord Laual had That inequality of forces caused him to draw backe towards Saint Ihan with all his companyes in such an order as the enemy durst neuer set on him though he pursued him within a quarter of a league of the towne It is sayd before how that the Prince in his iourney to Anger 's passing through Taillebourg which is a towne situated vpon the fall of the Riuer Botonne into Charante left there in the Castell much plate and iewels with some peeces of Artillery and much stufâ—e and carriage of the Lordes who accompanied him in his iourney That Castel is strong by situation and on diuers sides inaccessible situated vpon a rocke compassed with the towne otherwise not strong The houses for the most part are builded at the foote of the rocke The said Castell is fortifyed with platformes by nature and do commaund on euery syde as well ouer the Towne as ouer the fieldes Charante of one side doth wash the foot of that rocke There is a fayre and commodious bridge to passe ouer the riuer All these circumstances with the disfauour of the time gaue Matygnon great desire to possesse that place Yet the speciall commaundement which hee had from the King to seaze vpon the Mother and the Daughter vrged him the more to attempt vppon that Castell that so he might stop the mariage begun It happened about the thirtéenth of Nouember that the Lord Matygnon was commaunded to retyre toward Garonne to méete the Counsels of the Vicount Turenne who with six thousand Souldiers was in Limosin and had taken the City of Triles or for some other occasioÌ„ hauing concluded with the Duke de Maine to meete with all their forces in Agenoys to stop the passages of Garonne to the King of Nauarre But afore his departure out of Xainctonge he tooke order for to surprise the sayd Castell for hee placed in the Towne the Captayne Beaumont with foure companyes of souldiers vnder colour of keeping of the bridge he promised to the sayd Ladie Trimouille all fauour and safety but it was without any effect For they that were left there did first worke all subtill meanes which they could deuise to get the possession of the Castell and when trust would not preuaile they turned to force For they planted a Barricado before the gate and there placed a strong Gard blocked the entreyes into the sayd Castell supposing by these meanes to feare the saiâ— Lady and so to enforce her to yeeld her selfe and the place considering that there was but few men within to assist her The enemies not dissembling any longer shot with their Péeces continually agaynst them that were within the Castell and to do it more safely on theyr part lodged themselues in the neerest houses to the Castell which they pearced and made them to serue for trenches They within the Castell resisted this force with shot of ordinance did rowle great heauy stones vpon the howses to beate them downe The skirmishes did dure fiue dayes The lady Trimouille in that necessity found meanes to aduertize of this force done to her the Lord Laual who was at Saynt Ihan and prayed him to send her succour
Nauarre ioyned themselues with the Lord Turenne who within a short space grew to the number of sixe thousand With this power the Vicount Turenne kept the field in Limosin Perigord and about the time that the Prince departed from Browage to his iourney to Anger 's letters came vnto him from the Prince by the which he willed him to drawe néere Browage to fauour the siege thereof Vppon the receipt of these letters the Lord Turenne called his counsell together to knowe what was to be done There was then reasoned among them of the necessitie of his presence at that siege On the other side aduertisement was giuen that the armie of the League vnder the conduct of the Duke de Mayne was drawing nigh toward Guyenne although it was not yet scarse out of Paris and that the same was beaten with diuers disseases and among others the Swissers which made them conclude that occasion might be giuen to worke some good exployt vpon that armie and if not discomfited yet greatly it might be molested Agayne he had receaued letters of the King of Nauarre who aduertized him that he was at the poynt to depart out of Bearne to Bergerake ward in Perigord and therfore warned him to be in a readines that if néede should be he might ioyne with his Maiestie So that considering all these waightie occasions hée could not succour the siegr of Browage staying for the Duke de Mayne and expecting the King of Nauarre his comming He had many good occasions to enterprize vpon certaine Townes in Limosin as vpon the Citie of Trile Brune la galiarde and others in those quarters Trile is a Citie in Limosin a Bishops seate situated in a valley compassed about with high hilles which doo commaund the Towne It hath thrée fayre Suburbs about it and there is a little riuer named Vestere which washing the walls passeth by the Suburb which is greater than the citie Therein is a Frierie of the Franciscans which is inclosed about with a strong wall and for that cause the inhabitants had retyred and committed their goods to the Friers keeping which thing fell out very ill for them The high suburbe is like the first in greatnes the third is lesser than the other twaine The 8. day of Nouember the Lord Choupes with a great number of Gentlemen and Souldiers set on the lowe Suburbe The Lord Turenne who commaunded ouer the Harquebusiers which came out of France staying at the Franciscans house which is situated at the ende of the Suburbe set the gate on a fire and vppon occasion entered further euen to the Trenches which they of the Towne had made and after long skirmishing and killing of some of both parts wonne the same The high Suburbe at the same time by other companies as they were appoynted was also assaulted which they of the Suburbe did resist at the Trenches but at length enforced did retyre within the Towne They of the Towne being besieged all round about defended themselues vpon the walls without issuing out at all for the space of sixe daies The 13. day of Nouember were applied two péeces at the gate which made some way to enter in but they of the Towne did their endeuour to defend the breach which being not assaultable the assault was giuen ouer The siege continuing many of the Towne were slaine which caused the rest fearing to bee forced not to refuse the perswasions of Amaury who counselled them to capitulate Hostages being giuen of both sides the Kings Lieutenant with some of the chiefest Citizens came foorth to the Lord Turenne who was lodged at the gray Friers the agréement was long debated and at length concluded The 16. day of Nouember they of the Towne consented to redéeme the Towne and the ransaking of their houses with a certaine summe of money Furthermore it was agréed that a Captaine stranger with such as were left of his companie for most of them had béen slaine should goe foorth out of their Towne and they should receiue Captaine Amaury This Captaine Amaury was he of all the armie whom they feared most and yet did they requested to haue him whom they receaued for their gouernour and there he remayned in that charge vntill the comming of the Duke de Mayne About the 10. of December considering that the place was not sufficient to resist such an armie he gaue ouer the Towne into the hands of the Citizens and within fewe dayes after was slaine as followeth Within a while after the taking of this Citie the Lord Turenne retired his companies in garrisons in places of greater importance The 25. of December Amaury was aduertized that the Lord Sacramore of Birague this is that Sacramore whom after the Duke de Mayne killed in his anger with his owne hand one of the Leaguers was not farr from Turenne with a companie of Harquebusiers to lay in ambush and as he aduaunced himselfe one of his owne Souldiers too hastie to shoote with his péece hit him by misfortune and killed him and after they retyred to Turenne The Duke de Mayne sporting himselfe made good théere at y e Priests costs but it was no matter for holy Roode did pay for all and doth conquer Kingdomes in Perigord and Limosin and about the 27. of December tooke Montignake le conte an olde Towne and ruinous Castle belonging to the King of Nauarre He tooke also Beaulieu such a Fort as no man which hath any skill in warlike affayres would make any accompt of And ten daies after the inhabitants who were al of the reformed religion redeemed their Towne with one thousand Crownes which were payed to Antefort About the 17. of December the Duke de Mayne recouered Trile which the Lord Turenne had caused Amaury to surrender into the hands of the inhabitants about ten daies before because that place was not defensable The D. de Mayne at length perceiuing y t his practises against the Cities and Townes of Limosin Perigord would not frame determined to passe the riuer Dordonne at Souliake into Quercy leauing behind him Monfort a strong place and many other Townes and Holds because hee could not carrie them away with him It is sayd before how that the King of Nauarre in August last went into Languedock to S. Paul de Cadeioux where he met with the Prince of Conde and the Duke of Monmorency to aduertise them of their defence The sayd King remayned afterward in Bearne in great silence and quietnes viewing how farre all this league and vnion would proceede expecting the producing of some lamentable euents and as if it were out of his watch would become of the thrée great armies prepared for Guyenne Languedock and Daulphine and being hidden vnder the wing of the most high mused what would bee the end of the fierie threatnings and bragges of his enemies bearing patiently their insolencie euen to the danger of his owne person It is also sayd how that the Leaguers had procured an excommunication from Frier Sixtus
of inhabitants and Souldiers Notwithstanding neither the Gouernour the Lord S. Mesmes nor the Ministers would at any time forsake the remainant of that Church which was there All the fields about were full of Tents and Cabbins replenished with men infected of the plague the villages all round about were in the same case The faithfull exiled out of their owne countreys and houses flowing from euery side of France flying from the contagious pestilence of their soules estéemed lesse than nothing the plague and sicknesse of the bodie rather than should cast away their soules in denying the sonne of God was to bée wished for of them But God according to his trueth kept to them both the one and the other for euen then the pestilence vanished away from all those places as if God had commanded the sicknesse to make roome for them who were exiled for his name for after that there was no more sicknesse seene In this auoydance there was a number murthered but specially in those Prouinces where the gouenours were most passionate and addicted to the League by whose permission the common people tooke much libertie to commit cruell murthers vpon them of the religion They who had not the meanes to recouer some place of refuge and continued in the purenes of religion and escaped the slaughter did lye sousing in prisons and dongeons where they sustayned many combats looking euery day when they should be had away to death Many of them who forsooke the confession of the trueth went to Masse and so were sent to their houses agayne but by a certaine iudgement of God they for the most part dyed euery where through sorrowe or by the pestilence Some of them who had charge in the Church died of notable kindnes of death For some going into the Countrey about theyr businesse fell of their horses and brake their neckes and some dyed otherwise verifying the saying of Christ he which will saue his life shall loose it It is sayd how the Duke de Mayne powred his fuâ—y vppon the olde walles of the vilages of Montigne le Conte Beaulrien and how he tooke Trile which no man will keepe In the latter end of Ianuary the sayd Duke drawing into the furthest part of Perigord set vppon Gaignak a poore little vilage belonging to the Vicount Turenne a place voyde of all fortifications saue that at the endes of the streetes there remayned yet few old walles which did shew that there had béen a gate the inhabitants being poore husbandmen first sustayned an assault supposing to haue to doo with companyes of robbers for so they tooke them But at length being not able to withstand such a multitude they fledde another way and saued themselues except onely foure who either for age or woundes could not auoyd them this great Duke caused to be hanged to powre his gall vpon those poore simple countrey men Thus this great Emperour weary to conquer vilages in Perigord and seeing that his practises agaynst the great and populous Cities of Limoges and Perigueux would not frame he turned short Southward towards Quercy and passing ouer the riuer Dordonne at Soilak left at his left hand the townes of the vicount Turenne Saynt Cere and Turenne in Perigord and coasted Figeak Cadenak and Cayak in Quercye whom hee knew to bee well furnished with garrisons Hee coasted also the houses of the Vicount Gourdine and Montfort a strong place vpon Dordonne which hee sent to view This Duke soiorned long in Quercy sent commaundement to the marchantes of Tholouze and Bourdeaux and others which do traâ—fike vppon Garonne that vppon payne of death they should not agree with the townes which did hold for the king of Nauarre and situated vppon that riuer did stoppe the commerce thereof promising that shortly hee would set all that riuer at liberty yea that he would Whilest hee soiorned so long in high Quercye rouing and wasting the countrey the Bishop of Cahors the Lords Saynt Sulpice and Comburat did instantly require him that he would assault those places aboue said which being holdeÌ„ by them of the religion did dayly annoy molest them which thing when the Duke could not be perswaded to do The Bishop blessing him with his Episcopall benediction and the two sayd Lordes with hot tearmes licensed him to depart out of their countrie in the deuils name Besides eating drinking spoyling and whoring he did no good there saue that he licensed some Gentlemen of the countrey for money to haue the exercise of the reformed religion in their houses so that thence they would not make warre and to colour his cowardlines hee excuseth himselfe vnto the Bishop and other Lords aboue saide that hee would goe to open the riuer of Garonne and to put the commerce vpon that riuer at libertie Thus this secoÌ„d Hannibal coasting the riuer of Lot at his left hand and Dordonne at his right hand for he would haue that riuer of Lot as a wall betweene him and mount Auban entring in Agenoys there issued out certain companies out of Montsâ—anquine vpon the taile of his armie which did slay in one conflict two hundred Harquebusiers of his and discomfited the companie of Captaine Guerche At length he came with his Ianissaries to the fall of the riuer of Lot into Garonne where is situated an olde Towne called Tunnings consisting of lowe and high Towne and Castle That place about the insurrection of the League certaine Ruffians of Agen had seazed vppon where they did greatly molest the countrey The King of Nauarre in August after passing by sent Captayne Lestele to take that towne which thing he did at the first approach and did cast downe those â—â—lthie ruffians with their harlots out of the windowe into the ditch and kept the sayd towne vnto the Dukes comming which then was giuen ouer and that small garrison that was there retyred to the other side of Gharonne to Caumont and Clerake to reserue themselues to a better opportunitie The Duke de Mayne tooke valiantly the sayd towne of Tunnings which no man kept agaynst him And hauing done this valiant exploit he doth coast the riuer Garonne descending toward Bourdeaux In that way he sent a Coriero to the king promising him that he will doo him such notable seruice as neuer no man did for in great sadues hee will take the King of Nauarre dead or aliue if he did not resolue himselfe to depart out of the Realme and if hée can take him he will send him his head in a Charger as Herode did S. Iohn Baptist As this great Duke went downe the riuer the forerunners met with thirtie scattered and vnarmed poore lads which belonged to the garrison of Chaumont they were sent to cause the prouision contributed by the countrey to be brought to the sayd towne of Chaumont These poore lads were killed by these stout warriors which notable victorie was afterward published in Paris by the title of the notable ouerthrowe of the garrison of
gaue occasion to the Prince to retire who carried away the spoyle and armour of that regiment with the Colonels Ensigne the Victorie was fayre but bloudy by reason of the death of the Lords aboue said The Lord Rieulx spake to the very last breath and rendered a notable testimonie to all them that were present of his faith and generositie and of his good nurture which hee had learned in the schoole of godlines so that it may be saide of him that he dyed a true Christian Knight The Prince conceaued a marueilous griefe for the death of these two Lords but especially the Lord Laual their brother who conceaued such sorrow thereby that he fell sick and dyed eyght dayes after to wit the 11. of Aprill he was opened and there was sound an apostume in his head full of yellow stinking water so in few dayes died these foure Lords and brothers to the great griefe and heauines of all good men they were buried in the Temple which is in the Castell Taillebourg Now we haue to speake of the King of Nauarre who did nothing all this time but onely in great silence viewed whereto this voyage of his enemies would come For first perceiuing that the Leaguers had a speciall quarrell to him because they knew him to be in their way and a speciall stoppe of all their trayterous intents they feared greatly his prudent counsell and wisedome He made his complaynt to the King aunswered to the articles of the declaration of his enemies exhorted the King to take heede of them proffâ—red him his seruice prayed him to let him alone with them for if it pleased his Maiestie to giue him leaue hee doubted not but with his owne power hee would so chastice them that they should be an example to their posteritie The King by letters and messengers exhorted and willed him to quiet himselfe to see his Edict of pacification to be obserued in his gouernement shewed him that their cause is but one that hee seeth the intents of the sayd Leaguers well enough and trusteth that GOD shall make him able to represse their madnes protested that he had care of the said K. of Nauarre as of his own selfe and held him as a deere brother the true rightfull heire of his Crown in case he should die without issue It is said also how the King notwithstanding this was driuen to ioyne with them whom he had condemned before and to alowe and iustifie their treasons was enforced through the pernitious counsell of his mother and not only enforced but induced to take conditionâ— and lawes at their handes to assist and arme his enemies whom he had so declared and iudged few dayes before euen traytors against his person state Crowne and life against them I say whome hee had protested to bee his faithfull subiects good brothers and cosins had receiued vnder his protection It is said also how the King of Nauarre before had forewarned the King to beware of such association shewing him the euil which would surely ensue and at length certifieth the King that hee had admitted a higher power a master and controuler ouer himselfe and that hee had weakned himselfe and strengthened his enemies Howe hee went to Saint Ihan de Cadeioux into Languedock there to aduise of his affaires and his friends with the Prince of Conde the Duke Monmorencie and other Nobles where they concluded vpon the defensiue The King of Nauarre returned into Gascoyne kept himselfe in silence abiding all the iniuries that might be possible the preparations braggings boastings attempts of his enemies euen to the great imminent danger of his person before that he would take armes in hande FroÌ„ Gascoyne he went to Bergerak in Perigrod as a time of peace where hauing soiourned for a time he tooke his iourney to Montauban knowing very well that the armie conducted by the Duke de Maine was against him and already in Perigord rauaging pilling spoyling and wasting all that they came by From thence he returned into Gascoyne againe aboute the latter end of Ianuarie 1586. And whereas he knew well that if he had ioyned all his forces with the power of the Prince and the Vicount Turenne hee had been able to stop the way of the Duke de Maine that he had not walked so long at his pleasure as he did But that wise prudent and moderate Prince perceiuing by the attempts of that armie the qualities of the leader and the disorder that was among them but specially hauing Gods fauour on his side And seeing y t Gods curse and wrath was powred on his enemies side he neuer thought it meete to trouble himselfe nor his friends about that accursed companie and villaynoâ—s rabble of rakehells knowing that God himselfe would dissipate them clothe them w t dishonour as with a garment he knew wel also that they did no more but to weaken their faction in spending in vaine the large liberalitie and intollerable expences of the Priests and Monks who entertayned the said armie At length the King of Nauarre determined to passe the riuer of Garonne to repaire into Poytow to visit the places of his gouernement about the riuer of Loyre and being returned from Montauban into Gascoyne the Marshal Matignon had besieged Castets a Castel situated vpon the riuer Garonne pertayning to the Lord Fabas about the moneth of Februarie The King of Nauarre hauing knowledge thereof accompanied with two or three hundred horses and eighteene hundred Harquebusiers did raise the siege and dined in the saide Castle that day in witnes that he accomplished his purpose for that time The K. of Nauarre from thence sent al his companies to garisons and tooke his way to Bearne to see the Ladie his sister and to take order for all necessarie things concerning the securitie and preseruation of the townes and countrey That being done he tooke his iourney to Nerak and passing through Eause which is his prouided for the safety of the same in good time for otherwise it was in danger to be lost and for that purpose there hee soiourned 2. daies There newes was brought vnto him that the Duke de Mayne hasted to let his passage ouer the riuer Garonne for all that hee tooke his waye to Nerak where he soiourned a whole day more to take order for the safetie of the towne Thereunto more aduisement was giuen him that the sayd Duke de Mayn was at Villeneufue d' Agenoys intending to stop his passage ouer the riuer Garonne There was in apparance occasioÌ„ enough to cause the sayd King to aduance and hasten extraordinarylie his voyage but notwithstanding despising all the indeuours of the sayd Duke hee would change nothing of his purpose but to the contrary hauing done at Nerak all his affayres with leasure departed not thence vntill that it was alreadie farre in the day From Nerak he tooke his iourney to Barbase and continued as though he would goe to Castelialoux Many did carefully muse the
day before what way he would take vncertaine whether it would be through Caumont or Saint Bazile or through the Mas de verdune but they coulde know nothing at all vntill they came within two leagues of Castâ—lialoux For then being in the middle of the heath he declared the way and order which would be kept in his passing ouer the riuer hee seperated the men of warre who accompanyed him he kept with him about 20. gentlemen well horsed and 10. Souldiers for his garde with whom he went toward Cammont He appointed the Lord Roque for the conducting of the rest which were two or 3. hundred horses among whom there was but 15. or 16. wel armed and horsed and about 15. Harquebusiers of his gard hee commaunded the said Lord Roque to passe at Saint Bazile which thing he did without any let although the marshall Matignon was but at 3. leagues from thence The King being ariued at Cammont although he knew the Duke de Mayne to be within 2. leagues froÌ„ that place notwithstanding there he dined with as much leasure as any man could doe in the greatest and most assured peace and after dinner passed the riuer without any let or hindrance of his men The King of Nauarre came the morrow after to Saynt Foy which is a towne vppon Dordonne The Lord Roque also with all them which had followed him aryued there about two houres after His Maiesty soiorned there and at Bergerak a whole moneth These bee two townes situated vppon Dordonne Bergerak is great and rich Saynt Foy is lesser a great deale yet very riche because of the traffike vpon the sayd riuer S. Foy is beneath Bergerak three leagus Chastilion beneath Saint Foy three leagues and aboue Liborne a great strong and rich towne about three leagus of Bergerak and Saynt Foy receaued the Gospel aboue fifty years ago by the man of God Edmond Lauoy who suffered at Bourdeaux for the testimony of Christ These two townes haue alwayes euer since persisted in the confession of the Gospell in these 2. towns the King of Nauarre remayned as is aboue sayd a whole moneth expressely to see the countenance of his enemies All that while his enemies were within 3. leagues of him hee went dayly to hunting and none of his enemyes that euer durst shew their faces which thing did shew euidently that de Mayne had so litle corage in him that hee durst not let him to take his pleasures when he was willing so to do much lesse to execute his enterprises and proued for wayghty and necessary affayres It is sayd before how that by the aduise of de Mayne Guyze came to Paris to require helpe for his brother For as a conscience guylty of greeuous crimes is alwayes timorous and suspecteth all things so the woorm of the conscience gnawed these men and feared them so that hee apprehended Gods iustice and supposed that all them of the reformed religion in France out of hand would oppresse the Duke de Mayne his Brother Therefore hee perswaded the king to diuert theyr forces and to assault them in all quarters of the Realme Whereupon dyuers armies were prepared for diuers countries and namely the Marshall Biron was appointed for Guyenne The Leaguers vnderstanding that the King of Nauarre had passed Garonne did greatly hast the voyage of the sayd Marshall Biron The inhabitantes of Niort hauing sold themselues to the Leaguers to worke iniquity made great sute to haue that expedition performed out of hand to the end that the townes and countries of Marans Annix Rochel and other partes of Xainctonge and Poytow might bee spoyled and wasted before the ariuing of the king of Nauarre into that countrey whom they knew by his valour and wisedome was able to disappoint al their attempts The king of Nauarre vnderstanding of these new preparations and knowing yea seeing with his eies that the most miserable vilages of Guyenne were good ynough to occupy that army and that the tyme of the infallible dissipation was at hand hauing prouided for the principall places sufficiently and vnderstanding of the readines of the army which was to be lead by the Marshal Biron the said king of Nauarre would rather shew a proofe of his valour and courage in opposing himselfe to that valiant old and experienced Captayne then to seeme to striue with that effeminate and slauish army Therefore departing from Saynt Foy in the end of Aprill and passing through Perigord Engomoys Poytow Landimoys went to visit the places of his gouernement vpon the riuer of Loyre Whilest the army for Guyenne is a preparing and the king of Nauarre maketh his progresse into Poytow and the townes vpon Loyre the King vnderstanding that in the execution of the edict of October and of the declaration thereof giuen in December last touching the seazing on the goods of them of the religion and others which did beare arms against the League many creditors others which pretended right in the goods made claime to theÌ„ so that the officers could haue no gayne thereof to the kings vse and aduantage Therefore the king about the 26. of Aprill setteth forth an edict that the sayd goods shall be seazed and sould or geuen to farme to the kinges vse and that after such as did pretend any tytle to the same goods hauing prooued theyr right they then to bee satisfied vppon the fruits of the yeares following And for asmuch as some were returned home from the countries where they had repâ—yred according to the edict of Iuly last past the King the thirtéenth of May sent commaundement to all his officers that such personnes bee apprehended and their processe made and executed also that theyr goods mouable and immouable bee seazed vpon to the kinges vse for the charges of the holy warre During the preparations of this warre the Pirats of Browage with theyr courses did greatly hinder the traffike vpon the Sea which caused them of Rochel to barre their hauen in sinking old ships in the mouth of the riuer replenished with great stones for to make them sinke in the bottome of the water For the performance of this the Rochellers prepared a nauy of twenty ships well furnished three Galiots with other small vessels to the number of 35. or 40. in all Ouer this army commaunded the Lord Saynt Gelays assisted with Captayne Gardeleau and a number also of Gentlemen and Captaynes aswell strangers as inhabitants of Rochel The Lord Saynt Luke vppon the aduertizement which he receaued of this enterprize with all diligence prepared himselfe and would haue stayed all the Galleyes which he had before receaued from Bourdeaux but few remayned there notwithstanding hee made a Fort vpon the banke nigh the place where they would barre the sayd hauen which thing profited him a little for in the keeping of the same hee lost a great number of men Whilest this was a dooing at Browage the King of Nauarre returned from Poytow and fro the Coast of Loyre and entered
into Rochel the last day of May being the Lords day with a marueilous reioy sing of al men which receaued much comfort of his presence there for the sayd King had alwayes no lesse vertuously than happely opposed himselfe to all the attempts and endeuours of all the armies of the enemies which had béen sent against them The same day the sayd King of Nauarre embarked himselfe to goe to visit the Nauie which was before Browage where he soiorned some dayes In the meane while there had arriued certayne shippes to the Lord S. Luke gouernour of Browage who with them went about to let that enterprize but all was in vayne so that without any great losse all the ships appoynted for that exployt were brought in and suâ—ke in the mouth of the Hauen according to the deliberation taken So the chanell by these means was barred in such a sort as the Hauen hath béen in a manner rendered vnprofitable Notwithstanding that the Lord S. Luke hath bestowed much labour to open it and at the charges of the inhabitants of the Ilands he hath drawne out foure or fiue vessels Yet is that Hauen alwayes suspected vnto ships and they néede to set markes to the ships that will enter in least they take hurt This being done the Nauie returned to Rochel without any losse except of one Captayne named Mercur and fewe Souldiers which were taken in the skirmishes that were made at the Fort aboue mentioned About the fourth of Iune the King being returned to Rochel with this Nauie and vnderstanding that the Marshall Byron with this armie approached and that Lusignen Mele and Chizay Townes not defensible had yéelded themselues tooke his iourney to Marans to consider the places whether théy were able to make head against that armie The armie lead by the Marshall Byron did consist of twelue hundred horsemen and foure thousand footemen with a conuenient furniture This armie was very small the cause was that the King at the commaundement of the Leaguers had deuided his forces into sundrie armies for sundrie Prouinces to diuert the forces of them of the religion from the Duke de Mayne as is afore said The King of Nauarre hauing well viewed the Forts of the Iles of Maran concluded to defend the places agaynst that armie The 7. day of Iune came two sorts of deputies appoynted to require of the King of Nauarre two contrary things namely the â—â—putie of Rochel required his Maiestie that hee would cause the Castle of Maran to bée rased for the reasons which they then alleaged On the other side the Gentlemen of Annix required him not to doo so for as much as the Papists would take occasion to doo the like to their houses The King of Nauarre answered to them both that thereupon he would take aduise Whilest these things were a dooing the King of Nauarre had aduertisement that the Duke de Mayne distressed Chastilion whereupon he assembled as great a companie of horsemen as he could and with the Prince determined to rescue that place which he could not bring to passe by reason of the aduancing of Byron and his armie For the armie of Byron was alreadie aduanced to Niort and hauing no néerer place than Maran to assault made his reckoning not to besiege it but onely to fright the inhabitants and about fiftie souldiers which he knewe to be lodged in the forts and in the greater of the sayd forts there was not aboue nine or ten Souldiers the sayd forts being very ill furnished which made him beléeue that such a small companie would not withstand him but surrender the sayd forts The feare indéede was great among many whereof some of them had alreadie retyred to Rochel But the Lord Iarry gouernour of the place and his Souldiers with some of the inhabitants tooke courage many did despayre of the succour of the King of Nauarre whom they thought to haue passed into Gascoyne They resolued notwithstanding to hold against that armie And on the monday the 7. of Iune at night they sent messengers to Rochel to demaund succour both of men and munition of warre and of certaine péeces They of Rochel answered that they could not conueniently spare men as for munition and peeces they would willingly let them haue so that they might haue securitie to be payed the price that it cost them This refusall of men did so feare the inhabitants that euen that night many did retyre and carried away the rest of their goods But on the Wednesday morning about foure of the clocke arriued from the King of Nauarre two Gentlemen to wit the Lord Fouqueroles and Valiere whom he had sent in great diligence they calling the gouernour the Minister of the place and some of the inhabitants assured them that the King of Nauarre was comming in great diligence for to succour them and that he would arriue euen the same day and after they had rested a while the sayd Lords went to view the Holds and entrings into the Ilands and so likewise the day following The 12. day of Iune the King of Nauarre came with fewe in companie but his troupes followed him apace The 13. 14. and 15. dayes of that moneth there entered braue companies of Souldiers as they of the Lords Puelles Granuile Drakuille and S. Foy Normands There entered also Barache the regiment of Sorlus the Lord of Neufuy vnder fiue Ensignes for the most part Perigordins and Limosins yet very well trained in Military Discipline All these companies were placed in the forts by the King of Nauarre namely the Lord Puelles was in the Bastile Drakuille in Beauregard Barache at Barnay Granuile with Saint Foy were put in the Brune and Repentne on the way to Rochel Captaine Plaune with his companie of Poytiuines was placed at Poyneuf Captaine Saint Ihan at Clousie Captaine Treille in Brault there was a company of Rochellers few in number but men resolute vnder Captaine Mot they were put to keepe the entrey of the mill in the Marsh The Lord Iarrie gouernour of Mans vndertooke to keepe the Forts Paulee Allowete and Botsblauk with his companie and some of the inhabitants The King of Nauarre commaunded all to obey the Lord Fonquereles who shewed a marueilous care and diligence in the same siege The 10. day of Iulie the Marshall Byron with a companie of horses came himselfe to view the Bastile but approaching a little too nigh he was saluted out of some small forts which the Lorde Puelles had placed vpon the high way hee had his thumb and some other fingers taken off with a shot the same shot did greatly as it was reported hurt a Gentleman who was by him All that weeke the enemie did none other thing but aduaunced himselfe toward the Bastile set his gabions nigh the farme of Angle there to place three pieces to batter the fort of Bastile In the mean time the King of Nauarre did shew a wonderful diligence as wel in fortifying the Iland as in bringing companies
day of the same August So that the night following the enemy began to draw pieces out of their fort and at the breaking of the day put fire to it which there continued the space of sixe moneths hauing caught vnder the earth to those great pieces of timber wherewith it was made euen from the very foundation The composition was very honorable and to the great aduantage of the king of Nauarre for it was first agreed that the Marshall Biron should lead away his army beyond the riuer without attempting vppon Tonnay Charante a place very weake which hee diâ— hold for the king of Nauarre Secondly that Marans should remayne free for the traffike Thirdly that the king of Nauarre should haue a Gentleman of his in the casteâ—l with certayne number of souldiers to hold the inhabitantes of both religions in the same liberty which they had before the warre This agreement they of Fontenay and Niort would not hold and neuer ceased to make warre vntill that they were well punished for wicked robbers did continually issue out of Fontenay Maillezayes Niort hauing for their Captayne a certayne Masse Priest named Sir Merye parish Priest of Ronde who did dayly robbe Marchants and trauellers of their goods and often times of their liues vntill they were reduced vnder the handes of the king of Nauarre The seuenth of the same moneth the king of Nauarre came from Rochel when it was very late entered the Iles of Maran by the fort Brune and from thence to the Bastile viewed all the fortes and trenches on that side and about ten in the night did suppe at the signe of the Moone The eight day hee deuided his companies sending some into Poytow other into Annis to refresh themselues whilest the L. Byron lead his army into Xainctonge so that armie began to bee broken agaynst Reeds and Rushes of Marans doing afterward nothing but within a while after by litle and litle it was scattered and reduced to nothing The Papistes spake diuersly according to their passion as though this armie had not done what they might haue done But the truth is that the king of Nauarre had prouided such a good order within the Iland and that there was such a number of men of valour that the Lord Biron could not do otherwise then he did except he would haue thrust his meÌ„ to the slaughter without endomaging much his enemy Secondly the marishes which at that tyme were wont to bee drye were yet full of water euen a foot high for the causes aboue recited Thirdly the men of warre haue made fortes at euery entrance into the Iland furnished with good and resolued men for they were about one hundred of braue and 〈…〉 gentlemen making about two hundred good horses aâ—le to oppose themselues agaynst the enemy if he had attempted to enter Also the enemyes had to goe aboue fifteene hundred paces in the Marsh not aboue fiue in a ranke all discouered to our men who were in the forts Fourthly the Marish was full of steppes which the Cattell made in winter so that if the horsemen had waded the one foote had soonke very deepe and the other would haue stayed vppon the firme ground with a great number of Galthrops which were cast in diuers places Such was the state of Maran when the composition was made The king of Nauarre left the Lord Iarry gouernor there as before with charge to warre agaynst no man if they should not warre agaynst him The Lord Nemours whom the King had sent thither to commaund ouer the men of armes stayed not there long for hee was commaunded by the king of Nauarre to retyre in Poytow and after went to Bruant Few dayes after the distributing of the companies out of Marans captayne Lommeau discouered the money of the tributes Impost of Poytow conducted toward Loyre by certayne Albaneses and some gentlemen with Popish souldiers of the countrey whom they set vpon but they saued them selues in a Priory Not farre from thence he compassed them immediatly with certayne companies The king of Nauarre being aduertised thereof at Rochel departed speedily and caused the great Culuerine of Marans to bee brought before the Priory which was strong without canon they within yeelded themselues by composition which was that they should goe away safe leauing behind them six thousand crownes which was the charge of their conuoy As the king of Nauarre vsed a wonderfull diligence in going thether so was his diligence no lesse in retyring thence and commaunded all the companyes to do the like knowing well that y e enemie which was yet at Morye and about Fontenay with his armie would not faile to set on him which thing did happen But the sayd king of Nauarre had already repassed the fort of Brault which thing all his companies did not for many remaining at Lusson to refresh themselues and to fare French-like were charged and put to flight some were slaine some taken prisoners most of them saued them selues leauing behind them their stuffe and baggage and among them captayne Lommeau It is sayd before that by the aduise of the Duke of Guyze diuers armies were appoynted for diuers prouinces and namely the Duke Ioyeuse for Languedock where he entering with a power tooke the Cities of Lodeue and Saint Ponce hée tooke also Montesquion but Marueiolx hee tooke by treason In all these places he committed incredible cruelties and such as it were needfull to find out new wordes to describe them But as God is a iust reuenger of wronges so did he not suffer these crueltyes long vnpunished but shewed tokens that his iustice is neither fayned nor idle nor his hand shortned in punishing such insolent Tyrants For after diuers and manifold excesses and iniuries done in the countrey he besieged the mas Saint Puelles the weakest most miserable and least defensible of all the places of Loragoys there was he so shamefully beaten put back that after they had slaine him thirty Captaines and fiue hundred Harquebusieres they scattered his regiments and so leauing his credit behinde him cracked among men of valour was faine to returne home as well as he could well chastized to tell newes of his good speede to his Master Shortly after the Nobilitie of Languedock aduised better by the proud and insolent outragiousnes of the man and of his companies and taught by the execution of Gods iustice vpon that rabble of sauage robbers assembled the states of that prouince at Castelnawdarry where they concluded neuer to meddle anie more with the leaguers neither to proceede any more by the way of warre and vyolence agaynst them of the Religion It is sayd before how the Duke d'Espernon was appointed for Daulphine and Prouance and the sonne of Ioyeuse for Auuergne The Lord Espernon therefore entring into Daulphine with his power had better successe for first he tooke Valance Tallard and Guileslie from the league and reduced them to the Kings obedience He tooke also many townes from
that Crowne considering the great strength of the Catholikes and how eagerly they are bent agaynst the reformed religion If she heareth the same answere of him which Sathan heard of Christ then will she take the second weapon of her warre in hand which is Disuniting for if the sayd King will not consent vpon the proffer of peace to abolish the exercize of the reformed religion then she will render him odious with infamous Libels throughout France both to them of the reformed religion and also to the Catholikes for both were desitous of peace so she imagineth that by these meanes she might disunite them from the King of Nauarre laying to his charge that it rested but in him that France was not at rest If this would not serue neither then she thought sure that the third would doo the feate which was to abuse the true intentions of the sayd King of Nauarre that holding him long about the hope of peace and whilest he should labour about it he might be surprized by some poynt of Italian valour and if not his partakers would bee so weakened in the Prouinces with these armies that either he would not be able hereafter to defend himselfe or withstand his enemies or els that hee would bee inforced by this weakning to accept at their hands a most disaduantagious peace And to begin withall she sendeth to the Lords Monpensier and Monmorency willing them to dispose the heart of the sayd King to peace as she sayd which thing was diuersly taken For the Leaguers feared the authoritie of the Prince Monpensier mistrusting that by these meanes the Queene vnawares would vnite him to the head of his house They of the religion feared his facilitie that he was made a meane for peace least hée should ioyne himselfe to the King of Nauarre in this quarrell and warre raised by the Leaguers to destroy the house of Bourbon so that by one thing both parts tooke occasion to distrust this message Assoone as the negotiation of peace began the practizes of the Leaguers began also to interrupt the peace which they greatly feared For after the message of these two Lords the Abbot of Gadaigne was sent to the King of Nauarre for no Tragedie can be wel played without a Priest who being wel entertayned at Rochel by the sayd King euery man began to hope well of that thing which was so greatly desired But when the Q. Mother came to Cheuonceau a towne lying vpon the riuer Chere which falleth in Loyre beneath Tours all this hope vanished away like a lightming For then the hatred and deceitfull meaning of the Q. Mother was discouered which had lien hid vnder those courteous messages For the Abbot of Gadaigne was sent to Browage there to play Symons part if he could but his going thether was much suspected of the Rochelers The victualling also of Browage was taken for a stoare house against their Towne There was a Gentleman named la Roche the lesser who went many voyages betwéene the King of Nauarre and the Q. Mother to agree of the place and other meanes of the interuiew The Q. by little and little did draw nere to Xainctonge the King of Nauarre would haue aduaunced as farre as Champaigne in Tourene so that the Marshall Byron who had passed Loyre to assault Poytow would retire beyond Loyre and that thing he required for his securitie The Queene would that he should trust in her the King willed her to trust in him she aleaged her good will he aleaged his fidelitie innocencie who did neuer breake his word toward any person Shee did lay to his charge that he was the cause that the parley could not be brought to passe He answered that it did stay but in her that France was not in quietnes that he was ready to see her so that it were in a sure place and that his way might be sure Whilest these thing passed so betweene thē by messengers some counselled the King of Nauarre to help Chastilion which was then besieged by the Duke d'Mayne others willed him not to take heede to her deceitefull words and to expect the same courtesies which he had receaued heretofore at their hands It is saide before how that among those fiue armies which were prepated in Aprill and May the commaunder Chastre was appoynted to furnish a Nauie in Britain well prouided And in August as they were taking order for the place and manner of the interuiew this Nauy on a suddaine came before Rochel which thing was the cause that all was on the point to bee broken The King of Nauarre complained to the King by the Lorde Riaulx beseeching his Maiestie to call back that armie shewing that hee could not leaue a towne of such importance as that was in that state without seeking for the quietnes and safety thereof The armie notwithstanding remoued not thence as long as they had any prouision of victuals whatsoeuer meanes the King of Nauarre made for it but at length in the moneth of Nouember the famine made them hoyse vp sailes and not the Kinges commaundement The selfe same day that the Nauie tooke vp ancker Captaine Arman was taken with letters of the Queene to the commaunder Chastre by the which hee was commaunded not to depart or else not to goe farre from Rochel these letters fell into the hands of the King of Nauarre Hee notwithstanding ouercomming with patience all these occasions which hee might take to refuse the parely he offered to see the Queene vpon the conditions aboue said requiring that in the meane time there should no act of hostilitie be done of either sides The Queene required a truce to be taken and published The King of Nauarre answered that he could not consent thereunto for as much as hee had promised to his partakers to enter into no agreement of peace without their aduise and consent shee found to her thinking that answer very strange Thus like the Carthagenians who wept when they should pay tribute to the Romans but were not moued at all when they yéelded themselues tributaries to them For when the King of Nauarre answered to the Kings messengers that he would stay yet sixe moneths for the Kings succour afore hee would employ his friends and that he would first be demaunded of peace before he would resolue himselfe to warre Now when shee findes that hee hath giuen his word she weepeth it had been better to haue wept when the edicts were broken the innocent iudged guiltie the obedient rebels and the iust malefactors After much a doo the Q. Mother graunted certaine pasports which the King of Nauarre demanded for to aduertise his friends what he was in hand to doo At the selfe same time shee caused the truce to be proclaymed which almost mard all for the King of Nauarre suspected that vnder colour of that truce shee would stay the leauie of the Germanes Thereupon the King of Nauarre shewed vnto her that this truce had a respect vnto a
to him appertayneth and to bereaue the king of the faythfullest friend and seruant hee had But they will not haue such men as I am aboue the king sayd he for thereby they should be miserable he should be better serued and all his subiects better gouerned To this answere the Queene replyed nothing but went about to make himselfe feele the discommodities which hee suffered by meanes of that religion which hee professed I beare them willingly said hee when you haue layed them vpon me as it seemeth to ease your selfe Atlength she reproached him that he did not in Rochel what he would Yes Madam said he for I will nothing but what I should The Duke of Neuers tooke the word that he could not set an impost in Rochel True sayd he for wee haue no Italians among vs. After these speaches shee opened vnto him agayne a generall truce for a yeare on that condition that there should bee no exercise of the reformed religion within the realme and within that time the states should be called He answered that if they of y t religion should so lightly geue ouer their holdes that the League would bee stronger the king weaker and the states more vnprofitable Also that it were impossible to cease the religion in France except it were by a counsell duly assembled So he taking his leaue of the Queene she oftē tymes repeated the same speeches which she had with the Vicount Turenne willed him to let the nobility which folowed him vnderstand of it which thing themorow after he did with great griefe fearing to cause some alteration in theyr mindes After that hee sent two noble men of the mildest spirites in all his troupes to wit the Lords Mauguyon Force to witnes vnto her what sorrow euery one of them had conceaued to see things reduced to such an extreame resolution and also to knowe whether they had any other thing to hope of the power which the king had giuen her The Queene seeing that all was vpon the poynt to be broken said that shouee wld send the Lord Ramboullet to the king to know his last determination She after told the Prince Monpensier that all which she had sayd to the Vicount Turenne was but by the way of discourse dissembling to haue had such speeches in playne tearmes to the king of Nauarre and willed the sayd Prince to let the king of Nauarre vnderstand that shee had a great desire to see him agayne and also prayed him to make meanes of some prorogation of truce which thinge the sayd Prince shewed to the king of Nauarre when hee went to take his leaue from him These double dealings of the Queene was diuersly spoken for some thought to content the League she would not open the meanes topeace Others thought that her Counsell being Leaguers fed her with new hope grounded vpon the afflicted affayres of the religion promising her at length to obtaine a peace to the kinges contentation so they lead her closly to entertaine a warre profitable for the League The Lord Rambouillet returned from the court brought the oth which the king had sworne in the solemnities of the order of the holy ghost neuer to consent to the exercise of the reformed religion at whose returne the Q. Mother was very important to haue a third parley with the king of Nauarre geuing forth that the returne of the Lord Rambouillet should be agreeable to him to the which thing hee was very vnwilling to condescend supposing the hope which he had conceaued of that interuiew would be if not lost yet farre wide out of the way They of his side discouraged him fearing that he would not only continue the speaches which shee had vttered before and also to reiterate often times the truce hauing aduertizements that the truce was sent into Germany and Suisserland Others aduised him that she held him in hand about a treatie of peace in the meane time to prepare warre against him That shee proposed him of hard conditions to induce him to breake off and by that meane to make him hatefull to all France as the onely hinderer of the peace thereof Some others gaue him notice that she solicited the next townes and cities to execute the kinges last edict and that fayning to seeke the common benefit of the state she did much hurt in particular to the state of Rochel Vppon this earnest sute of the Q Mother in Februarie the Leaguers tooke by force the Towne of Vouans and fayre Montau the which being places of no importance caused men to suspect some treachery The K. of Nauarre also thought that hee might not expect y t they would giue him any good thing which tooke so great pains to take away so litle from him notwithstanding the Queene did so presse him that hee graunted the third interview either to make the world know and see that the fault was not in him if they did not obtayne peace or else that he perswaded himselfe that the Queene would not take so much paines to bring him ill newes Shee therefore tooke her iourney to Fontenay The 20. of February the king of Nauarre came to Marans accompanied with many noble men and company of Rochelers about threehundred men guyded by the Lord Gargoleau and other Captaynes hauing the Colonels ensigne of Rochel his comming thether was to parley with the Q. Mother which was already at Fontenay But for because the interuiew was to be made first in the I le Ellen and after for her ease at the Fort Veluyre the Lordes Biron and Sarisack with many other came to the king of Nauarre to agree of the place As the will to see one another did encrease so the mistrust did growe in their counsels For the Q. Mother or rather some of hers did feare to goe to the place where the Rochelers were stronger And for as much as it was reported that the Ensigne Colonell was at the foord Veluyre they made as though they did feare to approach considering also that the Rochelers had set vp strong Barriers for the safetie of the King of Nauarre These things she pretended to bee the causes that she would not come thether But in very deede she and hers sawe not there the commoditie how to execute that which they pretended to doo The King of Nauarre did feare the entrances and turnings of these Marishes for the naturall situation of that countrey is such that a man may doo a feate without great hazard Whilest these going too and fro were betwéene them the League tooke the alarum by these actions of the Q. but partly to let the peace which they did greatly feare and partly seeing some occasion to execute their intended purpose did conspire against the Kings person The Q. Mother perceiuing that she could not execute that for which she was sent for no doubt she neuer entended to make any peace but to commit some treacherie vpon the King of Nauarre his person and by the iust iudgement of God
by time with a good will the meanes thereof then to take the same enforced by necessitie The Queene said that they should then stay the armie of strangers and did much braule about the forme of pasportes Then the Vicount replied Madam if yee bee so vnwilling to giue vs good wordes we are not come to that passe to expect good effects for the which we should stay the longer if we should stay for the meanes whereby to enforce you thereunto Madam the time is no more that we will assure our selues vpon a single promise seeing that the edicts haue fayled vs. The Queene did so giue eare to these reasons that shee seemed to haue her minde occupied more vpon the aduertisements which were giuen her on euery side for they set before her face the apparance of a great rebellion and the King was ill prouided of companie The Duke d'Mayne was in Paris practising against the Kings person the Duke of Guize was about to put himselfe into Paris also They made her see in their aduertisements the occasions which the heads of the League had to giue the last blow of dispaire they did shew her that the hope which the Leaguers had of England was dead with the Quéene of Scottes and that the deuotion of the Cleargy did coole as fast as the ambition of the League did heate They shewed her how the sixe armies alreadie were spent and consumed without dooing any thing that they of the reformed religion were growne strong so that there was no more hope for them to build out of the ruines of them whereby it appeared euidently in what daunger of them the King stoode All these things being set before her eyes made her to take her iourney in haste from Niort to Paris fearing least these seditious persons who had left nothing more to enterprise would execute their mischieuous intents vpon the Kings person therefore at the same time the mistrust did greatly encrease at the Court where there were diuers factions for the King mistrusted the Leaguers and the Leaguers the King and among the Leaguers one mistrusted another Euery one going about vnder the colour of defending the Romish religion to lay downe the foundation of their greatnes by rebellion murther and particide which sturring of rebellion caused also that this generall truce which was in hand was not brought to effect It is saide before that the 13. day of December 1586. the Q Mother required of the King of Nauarre that a truce for a whole yeare might bee taken which the King of Nauarre graunted so that it might be by the consent and aduice of his friends seruants and confederats and such as had elected him for their protector and defender whome the King had forsaken by his edicts ploclaiming warre against them and also to certifie the Germans thereof which were his friends and alyed whereupon shee agreed to giue passeports that with safety of the messengers they might be aduertised thereof Vpon this promise of passeports the 29. of December the King of Nauarre to omit nothing which might shew the desire hee had to pacifie the miserable troubles of the realme and for to dispose as well them of the religion as his friends confederates and seruants he sent forth notable gentlemen into diuers countreyes as well of the realme as out of the realme with letters of credit and ample memories to informe them of all that had passed in the interuiew betweene him and the Q. Mother to that end that nothing should be disguised and falsified to them as it had chaunced often times in the former ciuil dissensions by them who doo watch nothing more then to disunite the heartes vnâ—ted to so good a worke as is the quarrell debated so many yeares against the Romish League enemie to al quietnes these were the contents of these letters of credit The King of Nauarre sent to them to whom he directed his letters this Gentleman N. carrier of the said letters to visit them and to let them vnderstand the state of the common affaires and how all things had passed at the meeting of him and the Q. Mother hee praieth them to beleeue the messenger as well about the particularities of the meeting as about all those things which he had to tell them from him he praieth them also to be of good courage and not to bee wearie because of the good hope which hee hath of the blessed issue of so many labours and for his part he will omit no point of his duetie touching the preseruation of the common cause As touching the memories the write inclosed in the letters contained the summe of them The King of Nauarre protector of the reformed Churches in France supposing that to bee the charge of his duety after so many stormes passed to visit and to confirme the remnant of the dissipation hath sent this the Lord N. to represent vnto all them of the religion in the Prouince N. what the estate of the common affaires is And to this effect the saide Lord shal repaire to the Lords Gentlemen other persons of meaner qualitie who haue retired to their owne houses or vnto other places of the said Prouince for the rigour of the edicts if it can be possible that he may find them and shall certifie them how that after so many lettes and delayes which mistrust bringeth hee hath seene the Q. Mother nigh Coignak that hee hath entred into no treatie of peace but onely hath hearkened vnto all that should be proposed to him touching the attaining to the same that he hath promised to doo nothing therein without the aduise of the Churches kinsmen friends confederats and seruants And that acknowledging the honor which the sayd Lady hath done to him considering the labour which she had taken at that tyme of the yeare and in that age that she is of after many discourses which she hath made of her desire and inclination to peace he hath consented to a truce of two moneths in the prouinces of high and low Poytow Laudonoys Mirabaloys Angomoys Xainctonge as well on this side of Charante as beyond as also in the towne and gouernement of Browage and Aluert the countrey of Aunis the town and gouernment of Rochel in the meane tyme to send for the deputies as well of the churches of France as of the conâ—ederats out of the realme for to intreat of the peace by theyr common aduise But hauing sent the Lord Turenne with six men of honor with him to Coignak for to agree vpon the conditions necessary for the entertaining of the sayd truce The sayd Q. mother among other discourses had declared vnto him that the king would suffer but one religion in the realme to wit his owne which determination of the King she saâ—d shee would playnely shew least any man should bee deceaued therein commaunding him to declare the same to the king of Nauarre to his partakers Which message the sayd Vicount reported vnto the king
of Nauarre as hee was vpon the way to goe to the place appointed for the second interuiew The sayd Lady also had made him more particular declaration and also commaunded him to make acquainted the other nobles and gentlemen which were with him and to send her answere the morrow after Which thing the said king of Nauarre shewing her to be impossible to graunt after hauing supported for so many yeares the weight of armes for the defence of the selfe same thing onely and that if so it were indeede that there was no neede to take so much payns as she did to loose it She persisted therein notwithstanding so that thereupon the sayd king of Nauarre tooke his leaue of her And the selfe same day at night the sayd king of Nauarre geuing notice to the sayd Lordes which were there at Iarnak of the kinges determination all answered with one mind and consent that it was impossible the said determination to be obeied and performed The morrow after by a common accord they sent to her the Lords Montguyon and Force to desire her most humbly to declare again whether that was the last resolution of the king For as much as they were all resolute after hauing shed their bloud and fought for so iust a quarrell to liue and die yet for the defence of the same and vpon that to finish the truce which was to end six dayes after Vpon that occasion shee sent the Lord Monpensier and the Marshall Biron to excuse her selfe that shee had not spoken so rawly and that her discourse about that matter was of aduise and not of resolution desiring that they would stay vntill the sixt day of Ianuarie next whilest she sendeth the Lord Rambouillet to the king to knowe his answere and expecting the kinges answere the truce hath béene continued according to the articles agreed vppon for that purpose Since the K. of Nauarre returned from Rochel whens he had likewise sent a gentleman to the king to notifie vnto him what was passed in that interuiew to the end that he might also know the dutie of the king of Nauarre therein Which thing likewise he hath done to the churches and to the chiefest who make profession of the religion to let them vnderstand in what maner he hath proceeded least the aduersaries should giue out thinges otherwise then they are as their manner is to doo for to sow hatred and dissention among vs to deuide vs by such crafty meanes The selfe same message hath the King of Nauarre sent to other prouinces and Lords strangers our partakers of whom wee do expect succour Now therefore knowing the state of the affaires the king of Nauarre prayeth them to giue him their aduise what is expedient to be done greatly desiring in that which concerneth the honour of God and the common quietnesse of his whole church to proceed as he hath done before not in following his owne opinion but by the common aduise and consent of all He willeth them to know that as partaker of the miseries of the griefs vexations which so many persons do suffer in their soules bodies goods being partaker of so many gronings and teares of so many poore families scattered and depriued of their commodityes he hath alwaies desired that for their deliuerance it might please God to giue vs a good peace But perceauing the crafts and deceites of our aduersaries and their hardnes of heart hee hath bent himselfe to patience finding all his paines and labours whatsoeuer light and easie in the defence of so good and iust a cause wherein hee hath felt in himselfe a wonderful great fauour and assistance of God hauing seene that which he durst not haue thought on and done that which he would neuer haue beleeued Whereupon he exhorteth them that haue remained constant expecting the goodwill and pleasure of God to perseuer and hope shortly of a good issue And them which through feeblenes or heauy burthen of euils haue fallen to keepe their hartes to God and that they will not suffer that fire of zeale whereof they do feele yet the heat to be cooled and quenched hoping for their deliuerance that by the meanes thereof and the grace of God they may reunite themselues and ioine to that body where from they are gone That they will assure themselues both the one and the other that there shall neuer be peace before affaires be established as wel beyond as on this side of Loyre and that the said king will prouide for necessarie safety in case of imminent danger for their safe retire otherwise there should be nothing done As the king of Nauarre beareth to them and all that concerne them a singular loue and affection that they would render vnto him the like that Godblessing such a correspondance of good willes we may all enioyne to his honor and glorie the fruit which such vnity and concord would bring to the confusion of Gods enemies Also other particularities necessarie to this Argument the said gentleman N. shall shew vnto them of the Religion following what he hath seene and heard by the course of the affaires being otherwise impossible to reduce them all in writing And aboue all thinges hee shall assure them of the good firme and constant resolution of the said king of Nauarre and of them who do assist him to employ their liues and meanes for the glorie of God and deliuerance of his Church At Rochel the 29. of December Henry below Berzeau The end of the third Booke THE FORVTH BOOKE IT is sayd before how the Duke of Guize in the apprehension of a great fright in a great heate went both to complaine to the King how all the heretickes of France had conspired to ioyne their forces together to oppresse his brother the Duke de Mayne almost destitute of defence and also to giue him counsell how to let such a dangerous association of them to wit by diuerting their forces And that could not be done but by sending seuerall armies into seuerall Prouinces where they of the religion were strong It is also sayd how vpon this aduise the King prouided sixe armies whereof be sent one into Poytow and another into Languedock the third into Daulphine the fourth into Auuergne and the last was a Nauie conducted by the Commaunder la Chastre and the sixt most daungerous was lead by his Mother agaynst the King of Nauarre vnder the colour of parley of peace hauing with her a legion of Italian wrenches and figges which did her no seruice Whilest the King was left alone and his forces scattered farre wide from him the Duke of Guize aduised himselfe of a dilemma that either he might easily oppresse the King or els at least might worke iollily the seduction of the people Therfore he called his brother the Duke de Mayne began to complayne greatly of the King and to impute the ill successe of his brother in Guyenne to him to wit how his brother was forsaken destitute of
men money and munition That this was the argument that the Catholikes were betrayed that the King was corrupted by counsell and that he hated and despised them whom hee should loue and embrace and that he had intelligences with the heretickes And that if he would not dishenerite and degrade the King of Nauarre and the Prince of Conde then there was no cause why the Catholikes should commit their liues to a dissembling King who had nothing in his tongue but warre and in his hart did seeke for peace with heretikes And therefore they cryed out that the enemie was at hand and stoode at the doore and that omitting and leauing all others he onely was to be assaulted This was the text whereupon the Friers Priests and Iesuits made their chattering discourses in the pulpets This was the lesson which his fauourers should repeate with great vehemencie among men of all degrees when they met in companie By these false reports and trayterous slaunders much hatred and misliking of his gouernment was procured to the King Yet considering that both he and his partakers were very néere daunger the Q. Mother was sent out of Poytow where she had béen parlying and brawling with the K. of Nauarre foure or fiue moneths seeking occasion to make her Italian pipes play She in great hast fearing the breaking of good fellowship betwéene the King and the Duke of Guize for by such frayes she had kept her selfe alwayes in authoritie commeth to the Court and by the Leaguers who were about the Kings person easily doo perswade him to holde with the Leaguers and so once more the heads of the Leaguers do obtayne securitie and doo pause a while wayting for a better opportunitie For as much as the voyage and practizes of the Q. Mother agaynst the King of Nauarre and the Prince of Conde in the parley and interuiew at Saint Brice could not bring to passe the effects pretended her returne to Paris and the intelligences of the leauie of the Germanes gaue matter vnto the King to enter into newe deliberations to defend the Leaguers For without his counsell power and countenance they had béen reduced to that plunge as they had neuer béen able to get out With this newe yeare therefore 1587. we will begin this fourth booke which will shewe marueilous tempests and euents to haue béen brought foorth to the small aduantage of Gods enemies yet to the great furtherance of that rebellion which hath ensued wrought and procured by the Leaguers But first wee will speake and begin by the exployts of warre which had béen done specially in Daulphine and then wee will returne to pursuing of the great stirres and preparations of this yeare It is said before how the Duke Espernon appointed for Daulphine and Prouance did there what hee could and in displacing the Leaguers out of many townes and holdes he did good seruiâ—e to the King but seeing that warre in that countrey to be endlesse committing the remnant of his forces to his brother the Lord Valete repayred to the King in Nouember 1586 after the siege of Sorges After his departure out of Daulphine the Lorde Diguieres recouered the towne of Sorges and imployed three-moneths to wit Ianuarie Februarie and March in visiting the countrey viewing of the places fortifying the holdes and repairing the ruines which the armies had made the yeare before looking to haue a new armie vpon his back the spring folowing which notwithstading came not to passe by reason that the King made all preparations which could bee possible against the Germanes both in the heart of France and on the way which they should come in to receaue them with small courtesie This thing caused that the Lord des Diguieres had apportunitie to doo great things this yeare 1587. in that Prouince as foloweth In the beginning of Aprill the Lorde Diguieres tooke the Castel of Champer two Leagues from Grenoble at which time the Court of Parliament there opened a way to a truce which notwithstanding did not let the exploytes of war for as much as in the meane time the said Lord Diguieres brought three pieces of batterie to Nants to batter Venterol towne and Castell but they surrendred themselues before they saw the cannon The 7. of May the companie of men of armes of the Lorde Diguieres conducted by the Lorde Poligny his Lieutenaunt and the companie of the Lord Rosse a popish Gentleman lead by himselfe did drawe foorth to skirmish the Garison of Saults There they killed sixe skore men among whom there were twentie of commaundement tooke sixe prisoners and wel nigh had entred into the towne mingled with the enemies all this was done with the losse of one man onely of the religion The 31. and last of May the Castell of the Lord Menestrier strong and situated vpon a rock builded againe at the charges of the Countrey to keepe them of the religion in bondage was rendered by composition and rased after it had sustayned 14. dayes siege by the Lord Diguieres assisted by the Lords Brikmaut Morges and others A little before that the Pont of Coignet surprised few dayes before by the Lorde Valete was yeelded at the diseretion of the Lorde Diguieres The towne of Quinsieur in Merindol was compassed about by the Lorde Gouernet and a while after the Lord Diguieres assisted with the Lordes Poet Blacons Montbrune Vacheres Brikmaut the younger and the troupes of the Prouince there conducted three pieces of artilerie at the ariuing and sight of the the which towne was surrendred with their safetie and the Castell at discretion The 18. Beniuay was surrendered likewise The 19. the townes of Pierrelongue and Esgalieres were taken The 22. Ionquieres a towne belonging to the principalitie of Orange was compassed and the same day taken after it had sustained 25. voleys of Ordinance Gygondas also was rendered at the newes of rendering of Ionquieres The 23. Poet Laual was besieged and after it had sustained one hundred and fiftie shot of two field pieces at length was surrendred the 29. of the same moneth although that the breach was not sufficient and that they who besieged had set vp the ladders and after tooke them vp with further assault The thirteenth day of Iuly the Lorde Valete tooke Pierrelongue by composition after sixe score shotte of pieces of battery They who were within the towne came foorth with their armour their stuffe and baggage safe their Ensigne open the drumme playing and their match fired The eightenth day the Lord Diguieres went to Oste a towne vnwalled and bestowed the rest of the moneth in fortifiyng of that place wherein he imployed the Lord Vacheres to make warre against the towne of Cerf halfe a mile distant from that place The Lord Chastilion hauing gathered certain forces in Languedock to ioyne with the Suissers who were comming into Daulphine was expected vpon the Rosne by all the forces of Daulphine from the 19. of Iuly The Lord de Poet gouernour of the towne of
Montlimart went foorth with a good parte of the forces there to fauour his passage The sayde Lord Chastilion and Diguieres passed ouer the Rosne the first day of August and soiourning long there they gaue leasure to the Lord Valete to seaze vpon the banck of the riuer Lizere and so letting their passage had opportunitie to doe what hee did Whilest the L. Chastilion soiourned in Daulphine the said L. Valete practized a secret execution vpon the towne of Montlimart so began to drawe his forces thither ward but the inhabitants mistrusting his approches prepared themselues which caused him to retyre back againe yet he set such an order that the Lord Balathye surprized the towne but the Castel remayned still in the hands of them of the reformed Religion The L. Valete did greatly feare that the sayd towne would be surprized again by the Castell and would haue prouided a greater power to put in for the keeping of the same But the said Lord Balathye answered that he was strong enough to defend the same towne This was done the sixteenth of August The seuenteenth day at 9 a clock in the morning the Lord Chastilion and Diguieres vnderstoode of this exployt done though they were more then twenty leagues off The said Lord Diguieres dispatched speedely the Lords Poet Blacons Sales and Sousbrochet with their companies they tooke also the Lord Vacheres with some other companies In the mean while the gentlemeÌ„ of Viuarâ—ts which doe lie right against it on the other side of the Rosne vndeâ—standing of this surprize did send forces into the Castell by two Noblemen of the countrey to wit the Lords Mirebel and Allard When the enemie had possessed the said towne of Montlimart three dayes the Lord Poet with his companyes being about three hundred men and fiftie horses entred at night into the Castell and proposing what was to be done determined to set speedily on the towne and the 19. day about 7. a clock in the morning he assembled all his forces which were about two hundred pikes and one thousand Harquebusiers issued out of the Castell into the towne with such fiercenes that they forced their trenches and Barricadoes and cut in pieces aboue two thousand men and among others the countie of Suze the Lords Ancone and Logieres Teil the sonne and Dupuy Saint Martin with many others Noblemen Gentlemen Captaynes and men of fame remayned dead vpon the place There were a great number wounded among whom were Ancone and Saint Fereol Many were taken prisoners among them men of name which were these the eldest sonne of the Countie Suze the Baron Garde Chemlak gouernour of Viuarets Straung Teil the Father Pracontat the young Cossans the young Vauterel Balathye the Captaine of the enterprize vpon Montlimart all Noble men The Lord Ramfort had ariued in the towne but foure houres before not willing to flie away shamefully found the meanes to get into a tower of the towne where hee defended himselfe three dayes but at length seeing the peeces yeelded himselfe to them of the reformed Religion there died not many more than twenty among whome was the Lord Tissieres there was about sixe and twenty hurte This blow did greatly weaken the Papists in that Countrey so that afterward they were more flexible vnto a reasonable peace than they had beene before This was the worke of God which vsed the valour diligence good gouernement of these Noble men but specially of the Lord Poet chiefest gouernour of the said place There excelled also the valiaâ—tnes of the Lord Blacons Vacheres Mirebel and Allart Gentlemen of Viuarets the which being in so small number to wit about twelue hundred men forced more than three thousand men of warre furnished lodged aduantagiously within their Barricadoes flanked and defended in front with three Cannons to reuenge the cruelties which they had vsed and to beat downe their pride The Lord Chastilion had procured certaine regiments of Suissers to come out of the Lordships of Berne to descend along the lake of Losanne and to repaire into Daulphine there to assist them of the Religion against the Lord Valete and to bring that countrey and the next prouinces about out of the bondage of the Leaguers and Catholikes The Lorde Chastilion came as is saide before into Daulphine the first day of August and went accompanyed with the Lordes Diguieres and Poet to receiue them at the riuer Lizere But the Lord Valete hauing left Balathye in Montlimart for the safe keeping thereof went with speed ouer Lizere to let the L. Chastilion with his coÌ„pany to passe ouer that riuer to ioyne with the Swissers The Swissers being two thousand Pikes fiue hundred Corstets three hundred Harquebusiers two hundred Musketâ—ers and foure hundred Frenchmen gathered on the frontiers of Suisserland being all in number three thousand and foure hundred men drew neare to the riuer Lizere to haue ioyned with the said Chastilion But the Lord Valete accompanied with Alphonse Corse hauing intelligences of their comming with fiue hundred Harquebusieres and foure companies of horsemen set vpon them defeated them and tooke eleuen Ensignes which hee sent to the King and one Coronet of horsemen This ouerthrowe was giuen the same day of the recouering of Montlimart and in the sight of the Lords Chastilion and Diguieres who were on the other side of the riuer and by no meanes could passe ouer to rescue them There were slayne about one thousand men twelue hundred taken prisoners and were sent to Valence to worke to the fortifications there a greatnumber saued them selues in Daulphine God maketh the number and armes preuaile as pleaseth him They which were prisoners were redeemed by exchaunge of them that were taken at Montlimart Thus thinges passed on both sides the Lord Chastilion at length hauing intelligences of the Germans comming with his companies tooke his iourney to meet them whom he met in Basignye nigh ChaumoÌ„t the 22. of September next following as shall be noted hereafter The 31. of August the eldest sonne of the County of Grignan at the solicitation of the Lord Diguieres tooke part with the king of Nauarre agaynst the League and seazed vppon the towne of Clausures and Monsegur townes well situated in the County of Grignan wherein the Lord Valete had put garrisons few dayes before About the same tyme the Lord Blacons tooke the town of Suze which after it was ransacked was geuen ouer because the castell could not bee taken The first day of September the Lord Diguieres accompanied with the Lordes Gouernet Brikmaut and the yong Morges besieged Guylhestre and battered it with foure meane peeces and two litle field péeces so that after hauing sustayned two hundred shot and the breach being reasonable the enemy forsooke the towne and retyred into the castell the which also after certayne volyes of canon shot rendered themselues the 5. of September by composition by the which it was agreed that the Gascoynes should depart and be sent away with a
vsed them very courteously performing inuiolably whatsoeuer hee had promised them From Fontenay the King of Nauarre sent the Prince of Conde to Manlion a little towne with three peeces of ordinance which notwithstanding was taken with ladders before the ordinance had played The morrowe after the King of Nauarre arriued thether who had retyred to Lusson after the taking of Fontenay fayning to retyre to Rochel The King perceiuing that his Mother could neither execute her secret practizes nor bestowe her Italian figges vpon the King of Nauarre nor the Prince of Conde immediatly after her returne to the Court to please the Leaguers and to entertayne their fauour for that he was so much beholding to them immediatly he determined to send a mightie armie into Guyenne against the King of Nauarre and of them of the religion And supposing that the Marshall Byron had gone too slowly about his matters in the last armie he was desirous to trie what another Captaine of a hotter spirit could doo And because the Duke Ioyeuse the Kings brother in lawe was somewhat famous not for his valour but for incredible monstrous excesses of crueltie which he had shewed the yeare before at Lodeue Saint Ponce and Marueiolx and other places in Languedock for the true description whereof newe tâ—â—rmes and words had néede to bee deuised The King I say supposing him a fit iustrument to execute his choler vppon them of the religion which so valiantly had heretofore resisted the iniuries of the Leaguers and despised their forces for the great wrongs proffered to his Maiestie by the Leaguers sent him with a mightie armie to passe ouer the riuer Loyre The King of Nauarre and the Prince of Conde were in the low Poytow with their companies very braue and lustie though very small in comparison of the multitude of the enemies And as some companies of the Duke Ioyeuse had passed Loyre and aduaunced themselues vpon the King of Nauarre his men the said King of Nauarre wholly discomfited a band of the enemies which thing being done he caused his companies to retyre some to Saint Mexent others into Xainctonge to employ them as occasion might serue to the ouerthrowing of that newe mightie armie But not long after it happened I knowe not by whose fault committed that two regiments to wit the regiment of Charboniere and of Captaine Debory were left within the towne of Mote Saint Eloy nigh Saint Mexent being not assured of the Castell but only by the promise of them who did hold it Which afterward seeing the enemie assault the said Charboniere and Debory did not fauour them but tooke part against them and that more is deliuered two pieces of ordinance to the enemie wherewith they brake the Barricadoes of our men so they were discomfited by the Lord Ioyeuse Debory was taken prisoner Charboniere was then at S. Mexent where hee did good seruice at the siege which the enemy shortly after laied before the saide towne Among other examples of barbarous and sauage crueltie in diuers places by the said Ioyeuse executed deserueth a speciall note of infamie that the posteritie may discerne men from monsters The Souldiours of the said Charboniere and Debory to whome vpon his faith he had promised safety of life yet contrarie vnto the same hauing caused them to be stripped starke naked and so they falling vpon their knees crying vnto God for mercie and vnto the enemie for compassion without any pittie or feeling of humanitie commaunded his Souldiours to trie their strength of their armes and the sharpenâ—s of their swords vpon those naked bodies destitute of all defence After that he besieged Saint Mexent which resisted the furie of his armie and of all his ordinance for the space of 15. dayes and about the 22. of Iune the towne was surrendered by composition which the King of Nauarre did greatly mislike because that L. Iarriete being knowne and stayed at the gate as he went forth among the rest was brought to the Lord Ioyeuse which committed him to the hands of the Marshall with commaundement to put him to a shamefull death This learned and godly man had faithfully and vertuously executed the ministery in that towne and there he confirmed the doctrine which he had preached with a most constant and Christian death which was vnhappie to them who without a cause put him to the same For they themselues who executed that vniust commaundement would not dissemble to say after they had heard the earnest confession of his faith and praiers which he made in the end of his life that certainely God would reuenge the death of so good and godly a man in whome there was found no cause of such punishment and in deede the Duke Ioyeuse and his armie did not suruiue him long After the taking of Saint Mexent the Lorde Ioyeuse came to Niort with shew to sease vppon Marans as well to cut the way into Poytow to the King of Nauarre as to shut him vp into Rochel and by these meanes to besiege Fontenay with lesse danger which as yet was but slenderly fortified also to sease vpon Talmound hauing al the rest to his deuotion which thing seemed to him easilie to performe For although the King of Nauarre fayned that he would defend Maran against that armie as he did the yeare before against the Marshall Byron at the selfesame season yet notwithstanding hee had not determined so to doo as also it was a thing impossible to defend it for the Marishes and ditches and channels were so dried vp and the earth so hardened that the footmen could easilie goe thorough euery where there was some more discommoditie for horsemen by reason of the steps but yet it was accessible euery where In the meane time the King of Nauarre sent in the regiment of Captaine Preau with some other companies who shewed great diligence in fortifying the holdes of Bastile Brune Poyneuf and Clowsie as for the Fort Brault the King made it in forme of Sheeres on the side of the land and had determined to defend that onely and the Castell The others were only to holde the enemie in hand and in the meane time that this resolution might be stayed the heads hauing commaundement to retire into the towne and not harden themselues obstinately in the defence of the said Fortes After that the Castell was furnished with necessaries Captaine Preau should retyre to Fontenay the Lord Iarry with a number of Souldiours should retyre into the Castell when he should be enforced to forsake the towne and there to abide the force of the enemie for eyght dayes which thing he could doo well enough In the which space the King of Nauarre and the Prince hauing assembled their forces woulde haue giuen so many crosses to the Duke Ioyeuse that perhappes he should not haue needed to take the paine to goe to dye at Coutras notwithstanding for these considerations or other the Duke Ioyeuse set not on Marans but at the request of the
Lord Saint Luke and others going out of Niort through the countrey of Aunix and the towne Sorgeres went to batter Tonnay Charante which he tooke by composition and there vnderstanding that the companie of the Lorde Puelles was at Croixchapeau halfe the way betweene Tonney Charante and Rochel he went with the choyse of his armie to set vpon them at the breaking of the day This companie commaunded by some officer for the Lord Puelles was then at Rochel did most couragiously defend themselues but the place was such as the enemie had meanes to enclose them on euery side and to get to the top of the houses through the back side and to driue them out by setting the houses on fire great part of them was slaine in the fight other yelded themselues vpon promise of the safetie of their liues other hid themselues in the caues They were almost all killed against the faith giuen to them with like sauagenes and barbarous crueltie as the Souldiours of Debory and Charboniere were at the Mote Saint Eloy This done the Lord Ioyeuse returned to Tonney Charante vnderstanding that the King of Nauarre was gone out of Rochel to set vpon him and thence to Niort At the same time they which were at Marans did looke to be set on but he vnderstanding that some companies of the Prince had taken Tonney Charante vpon the Garison which hee had left there in hast returned thether with his Ordinance tooke it againe being kept only by a sergiant of a band who with 15. Souldiours onely had obstinatly vndertaken the defence thereof In the selfe same place he was aduertised of the euill watch and of the small company which was at the Abbey of Maillezay a very strong place thether he went with speede and the Lorde Malicorne gouernour of Poytow with him he compassed it so that it was not possible to put in new forces so that the fourth day after it was surrendered by composition After the taking of Maillezay it was thought that the Duke Ioyeuse would set on Marans but hee durst not fearing the King of Nauarre and the Prince who were in the field seeking occasion Some dayes after Ioyesue made a shew to set vpon Talmound but the Lord Saint Stephen hauing seazed vpon it first caused him to haue no great affection thereto So as his armie decayed dayly being infected with the Pestilence the King of Nauarres on the other side waxed strong The Lord Ioyeuse hauing stayed in Poytow somewhat lesser then three moneths about the 15. day of August he rode in poste to Paris to the Duke of Guize as well to informe him of his noble actes and what Kingdomes hee had conquered in winning few villages in Poytow as to minister texts vnto the Fryers and Iesuits to preach vpon vnto the sottish people of Paris to wit the notable slaughters which hee had committed vpon the hereticks in Poytow he was receaued with exceeding ioye of the Parisions he left his companies with the Lorde Lauerdine who conducted them after him all by ease But the King of Nauarre who slept not went forth out of Rochel vpon the newes of the retiring of the saide Ioyeuse with a marueilous celeritie and passing through Marans with some horsemen pursued the remnant of that armie so liuely and that with few men that he discomfited three companies of men of warre conducted by the Marquis Renel tooke their Ensignes and many of them with a great number of Gentlemen This being done he pursued after Lauerdine which conducted the footmen with two culuerines but with the fauour of passages ouer the riuers saued himself in the Haye in Tourenne where the king of Nauarre besieged him but hauing neither Ordinance nor footemen forsooke him and went to Monsoreau vpon the riuer of Loyre in Tourenne where he made a Fort vpon the riuer and there he staied 15. daies to expect the companies which were brought to him out of France by the County Soissons Whilest these thinges were passing thus in Poytow the king about the 23. of Iune vnderstood that the army of Germans both great and strong was in readines to take their iourney into France whereupon the King determined to prepare not onely to defend himselfe but also to inuade the enemie Therefore he sendeth his commissioners into all Prouinces to assemble all his Nobilitie with all their forces and them to deuide into three seuerall armies wherof the rendes vous of the one vnder the conduct of the Duke of Guyze comprehending the Nobilitie and others who were knowen notorious leaguers was giuen the 20. of Iuly in the towne of Chaumont in Bassignye The second armie vnder the conduct of the K. himselfe was of the Nobilitie in the which hee had most trust out of Picardy France Normandie Britayne and other Prouinces betweene Seyne and Loyre The rendes vous was appoynted at Saint Florentine in Bourgony between the cities of Troyes and Auxer the first day of August The third vnder the conduct of the L. Ioyeuse was of the Nobilitie of y e coūtries beyond Loyre and the rendes vous was assigned at Gien The Duke of Guize with his armie of conspirators and Leaguers should stop the passage to the Germanes vpon the borders of Lorreyne specially should hinder them frō taking their way through Champaigne on the north side of the riuer of Seyne The King of Nauarre about the beginning of Iune vnderstanding that his armie of Germanes was in readines to departe out of Germanie to come to his succour sent Ambassadonrs to the King humbly to intreate him to take some pitie of his kingdome and poore subiects both to shew him some wayes of peace and also because that heretofore the saide King had acknowledged the heads of the League to be his enemies and to haue raysed all these vprores not so much against the house of Bourbon as against his owne person he requested the King to vse his and the Germane forces against the common enemie of the Realme But the King hauing many disloyall seruants both about his person and in his counsell who were greatly addicted to the league they disloyally betrayed him making him beleeue that if he should accept the King of Nauarre his offers and so change his mind it were the nearest way to rayse an vniuersal rebelliou of all his subiects against him and that this Ambassage of the King of Nauarre did proceed not from loue and duetie but frō feare and dread who saw his manifest ouerthrowe at hand by these three great and mightie armies which he was setting in a readines The Duke of Guyze with his conspirators aduertized by his special friends which hee had alwayes about the Kings person who were priuie to al his secrets of this Ambassage and proffers made by the King of Nauarre was not a little amazed fearing that the King now was better aduised hauing a fit opportunity to reuenge himselfe vpon the pride arrogancie iniuries proffred him by them considering that
they were not able to withstand so great a power and that they might be vndone ere euer they should perceaue it vseth two shifts to auoide the tempest hee sawe comming First writeth a letter full of flattering prayers protestations and feare for he with an humble stile endeuoureth to make the king beleeue that he had been gentle and tractable neuer refusing the means of a good peace Thē he prayeth the King to thinke no hurt in that which they had done as not proceeding from any malice but rather frō zeale of the Catholike Religion and inflaming him to oppose himselfe and all his forces against the Germanes the auncient enemies of the Realme promiseth him for that purpose a strong ayde and succour against them Last of all hee fayned himselfe his partakers and all the Catholikes to stand in great feare of a successour vnknowen and like to be much inferiour vnto him and an enemie of the Catholike Religion and that if hee would resolue his subiects in that matter doo assure him that all things would prosper and succeede after his owne wishing The King with his armie of Catholikes should stay for them in Berry and keepe their passages ouer the Loyre but should suffer them to goe forward betweene the riuers of Sene Loyre that at length when they had gone forward in that sliue betweene the said two riuers the Catholikes on the one side and the Leaguers on the other side following after them either should enforce them through difficulties to retyre homeward the selfe same way that they came or else by some occasion or surprize should oppresse them The Duke Ioyeuse with his armie should goe to get the aduantage betweene the K. of Nauarre and the Germanes Upon this occasion the Duke Ioyeuse as is sayd repayred to Paris there to haue his instructions to receaue the Kings commandements According to this orer the Duke Mercure almost then king of Britaine taked out of Britaine as many Leaguers as he could and being sent vnto the Duke of Guyze vnder the conduct of the Lord Hautboys they miscaried by the way for about the beginning of September they were met and slayne by the King of Nauarre being then at Monsorean During which time of the soiourning of the King of Nauarre at Mōsoreau the Duke Mercure tooke his iourney out of Britaine to ioyne with the armie of the Duke Ioyeuse his brother in law who hauing encreased his armie with a new supplie of men of armes artillery and inunicion stayed at Tours to march against the King of Nauarre The Vicount Turenne hauing intelligence thereof set vpon him and tooke his rich carriage nigh Saumur and shortly after the sayd King of Nauarre hauing receaued the County of Soyssons with his French companies returned to Xainctonge and so went to Rochel where after he had remayned some dayes at length he departed thence the tenth of October there he tooke some peeces of artillery and going through Taillebourg repayred to Pons where hauing assembled and mustered all his forces determined to passe into Gascoyne partly to gather more forces in going partly to ioyne with his army of Germans which were already farre entred into Bourgundy passing through the Prouinces which were fauourable to him For to execute this determination it was needfull for him to passe the riuers Droune and Lisle which were the nearest with resolution to fight with Ioyeuse if neede were The Duke Ioyeuse had aduaunced already to Saint Mexent when the king of Nauarre departed out of Rochel and knowing the intent of the said King of Nauarre thought to cut his way and with great iourneys passing through Poytow Engomoys came to Barbesieulx so to Rochechalays in Perigord with commaundement as he sayd not to spare the extremity of the battayle if other meanes would not serue concluding that by the ouerthrow of the king of Nauarre which hee made sure in his conceit the army of the Germans would not bee able to continue The chiefest aduantage in this exployt was to passe ouer the sayd riuers for it seemed that hee who first might goe ouer these two Riuers would haue great aduantage vpon the other for the which cause the king of Nauarre vsing that prouidence and accustomed diligence which doth render him admirable accompanied with the Princes of Conde and Soyssons the Lords Trimouille and Turenne and others taketh his way to passe the riuer Droune and lodged at Archiak and Montlieu and other places thereabout The Marshall Matygnon had geuen counsell to the sayd Ioyeuse to seaze vpon Coutras a towne and castell situated somewhat aboue the meeting of the sayd riuers Lisle and Droune a place of importance Both the King of Nauarre and Ioyeuse did striue to get that towne the one did striue to passe ouer the riuer Droune the other to stop the passage thereof The Lord Ioyeuse caused his light horses to aduaunce to the place who arryued there one hower sooner then he could haue done himselfe But as they were taking theyr lodginges there they found the companyes of the king of Nauarre which came thither also to whom the enemy gaue place quickly as beyng the weaker The king of Nauarre therfore passed his forces ouer the foord of Droune but the Duke Ioyeuse hauing great desire to do some great exployt and considering that the king of Nauarre was inclosed betweene two great riuers he promised himselfe an assured victory of him as not able to auoyd any way Therefore he giueth the rendes vous the morrow morning after beyng the 20. of October to a certayne place betweene Rochechalays and Coutras The day being come he tooke his place for the battayle with as much aduantage as he could choose within halfe a league of Coutras Here is the place the persons the causes and euentes to be consideres The place is in the very edge of Xainctonge where he had committed horrible and sauage cruelties and other excesses against them of the reformed religion which haue no names in any language The persons were Leaguers for the most Atheistes walking among them vnder colour of zeale of popish religion men besides polluted for the most part with the bloud of the Saynts which they had spilled like water vpon the earth and other abominations which follow treasons Idolatry Atheisme they were more in number without comparison better armed and furnished with all necessaryes The causes were that after they had for these foure yeares refused all reasonable offers of the king of Nauarre they hated him without a cause they did draw theyr tongues and swords agaynst the God of heauen and his Gospell with a Ciclopicall rage Therefore Adrasta did stay them in that place swolen with pride arrogancie contumelie vaine hope and confidence in the arme of flesh which could not deliuer them There they do◠prooue the force of the God of Battels and drinke a harty draught or rather a carowse of the Dregges of Gods wrath and iustice least that theyr abominable
crueltyes should be knowen further And also that the saincts as it were out of the middest of those prouinces which do embrace the Gospel might see that the Lord is the iust reuenger of such abominations and defender of the iust cause And that they may learne to feare him and in him onely to trust and repose themselues Here therefore Adrastia doth stay them to answere vnto Gods iudgement Now let vs come to the euents The King of Nauarre early in the morning being first aduertyzed of this preparation was not mooued at it no more was hee vpon the second warning But at the third tyme he shewed no lesser desire to fight then the enemy to whom twise before he had proffered the occasions He taketh horse rydeth forth out of Coutras to méet y e enemy commaundeth the Lord Clermont master of his Ordinaunce in all hast to passe ouer the canon for he could not do it the day before he putteth his army in battayle array placeth his artillery in the forefront so commodiously that all peeces did seruice without harming any man of his owne greatly did endomage the enemy At length hauing encouraged his souldiers to the battayle whom he found full of desire and readines caused prayers to be made from company to company About 9. a clocke in the morning the artillery began to play on both sides the ordinance of the king of Nauarre was so commodiously placed that it did wonderfully annoy the men of Armes which the Lord Ioyeuse had at his right hand and the regimentes which did flanke those men of armes Many being beaten downe with it some of the heads tooke resolution rather to goe to the charge then to die so miserably without any fight The Harquebuziers in like maner began to ioyne and there was no man on both sides who shewed not to haue a great desire to do well The Ordinance of Ioyeuse did let flye certayne shot towards the company of the Prince of Conde but without any effect saue a horse whereon a page did ride which was slayne The cause of this small effect was a litle rising of the ground which did let the free aspect and ayming of the Ordinance so that many shot did light vpon the ground About nine a clocke the light horsemen of the Lord Ioyeuse to the number of foure hundred horses conducted by the Lord Lauerdine and captain Mercure set on the horsemen of the king of Nauarre but after some fight began to wauer and to make roome The rest of the horsemen of the king of Nauarre consisted of 4. Squadrons distant the one from the other in this wise The Squadrons of the King of Nauarre and of the Prince of Conde were distant about a hundred and fifty paces The Squadron of the Prince of Soissons at the left hand of the king of Nauarre about three score paces The Squadron of y t Vicount Turenne distant so much from the Prince of Conde at his right hand The Lord Lauerdine charged the Vicount Turenne but without any endomaging of him These three squadrons where stoode the Princes of the blood standing fast did behold all this fight vntill the Lord Ioyeuse followed with his mayne force of horsemen and hauing both on the right hand and the left two great hedges of horsemen aduanced to giue the generall onset Then these three Princes marching euery one at the forefront of his squadron close first went a soft pace then began to gallop last the watch word being giuen with a loosed bridle set on so liuely euery one seuerally by himself according to his course vpon that multitude that incontinently the companies were mingled and came to handiblowes The speares which were in great number in the armie of Ioyeuse did but small seruice for they ioyned néerer It is a wonderfull thing that in a moment such a furious troupe as was that of the Lord Ioyeuse armed furnished to the aduantage flanked both on the right hand and the left with two great battaillions of footmen was ouerthrowne and vanquished by a troupe which had neither in number nor in furniture nor in armes nor in situation of the battell any aduantage at all God who gouerneth all things and holdeth in his hands the balance of victories and ouerthrowes made then courage to preuayle against multitude the iust cause against iniurie and the lawfull defence against bragging and the great preparation of warre And as the men of armes were quickly ouerthrowne trodden vnder foote and put to flight so in as little space were the footmen discomfited being set on by the regiment of the King of Nauarre where commaunded as Masters of the Campe Castelnaw Parabiere Salignake and others And at the left hand of the King of Nauarre Charboniere Preau Orges and others who all euery man right forward following the occasion of the victorie cut in péeces all that made any resistance and put to flight the rest which were on the side of copses at the right hand as on the side of the riuer Droune at the left hand And as a little before nine a clocke these two armies came to hands the quarrell was so soone decided that at ten a clock there was found not one onely man of the enemies which stood to his defence nor that was in sight but such as were laied dead vpon the ground or taken prisoners or in flight The place where the battell was fought remayned so couered with men of armes horses and armours but specially of Launces matted so thicke that they stopt the way There remayned the Lord Ioyeuse and also his brother with a great number and notablest Lords The King of Nauarre the Princes of Conde and Soissons with the rest of the armie pursued the victorie There were taken many notable Gentlemen and among others the Lord Belegarde gouernour of Xainctonge the Lords S. Luke and Montigny of Berry who commaunded ouer a companie of horsemen hee was noted in ioyning of the battell to haue pearced further then any of the companie for hee entered euen to the side of the gardes of the King of Nauarre which were at his right hand and there by them beaten downe was taken by some of the sayd gardes God gaue this notable victorie to the King of Nauarre and in that iorney did shine the valour wherewith hee hath indued him in all the speciall graces which may decke a noble and vertuous Prince and great Captain not onely for the counsell resolution diligence and wise gouernment but also in the execution of armes For doing the office of a Captaine Souldier he pressed so farre as to take the enemie by the coller The Prince of Conde also shewed himselfe valiant for he had his horse slaine vnder him the Prince of Soissons also tooke prisoners with his owne hand The horse of the Vicount Turenne was also slaine God made these Princes strong in this dayes worke according to the order of their preheminence by them to doo the execution
after they had stayed for the cannon It was vtterly destroyed Montague abandoned by night ransaked and destroyed The house of Mondesier rendered and after put in the hands of the Uicount Myels who gaue his word for it Monpaun forsaken by night and the wales destroyed no liuing soule left dwelling in They did fortifie it againe The 4. of December the strong hold and towne of Sorzack was rendered by composition after sixe dayes of siege the cannon could not ariue sooner by reason of the foule weather and foule waies The Castell of Greenholds one of the strongest places of all the countrey was surprised and Garisons put therein The house of the Lord Oulmes giuen ouer The Castle Franckes forsaken the fortresses were rased The Castell of Mussidan a strong hold with the towne were put in the protection of Salignak who answered that they shoulde make no warre thence The houses of Herbasses Gaudilak and Mazeroles were put in the protection of the King with the house of the Lorde Brouillet with the house of Viuant and the noble house and auncient Castell of Marsilak The Castell of Saint Pardoux which was belonging to the Lorde of Neufuy was put into the hands of his brother the Lord Foillons The 10. day of December the armie departed from Sorzak to goe to besâ—ege the towne of S. Astier and Bishops Castell distant two Leagues from Perigeulx These Leaguers about the Kings person did cast forth their forcering perfumes to wit if his Maiestie should accept the King of Nauarre his offers first he should put the holy Catholick Romane faith in daunger to be wholy subuerted in few yeares and at length he should be by the Hereticks supplanted deposed and displaced Secondly that there would ensue an vniuersall rebellion of the Catholicks so that the hereticks themselues if they would which thing they woulde neuer carrying alwaies in remembrance the iniuries and massacars by him committed vppon them bee able to keepe him in the possession of his estate Thirdly that the holy father and all other Catholick potentates of Christendome would take it in very ill part and would bend their forces against him so that Iupiter himselfe woulde not bee able to defende him Last of all that it would dot be honorable for him so to doo for it would be thought that after the fresh losse at Coutras feare had compelled him to yeeld to dishonorable conditions and to receaue law of his subiects and so against the honorable actes of his auncestors hee should seeme to haue ioyned himselfe though not in opinion yet in societie with the hereticks and so thought not to haue forsaken yet to haue been himselfe against the Catholick religion Furthermore the heathens did neuer giue so much credit to the oracles of Apollo as this besotted King whome God had endued with good partes if hee would haue vsed them with libertie did attribute vnto his mother being vnto him as Vates fatidica and a shee Priest of Apollo a snare confusion and shame Shee therefore at the request of the Masters of the League sendeth her Oracle ex aurcatripode that by no meanes the King should accept the offers of the King of Nauarre Fearing that if the King had receaued the offers aboue saide hauing the Princes of the bloud about him to helpe by their counsell and wisdome the establishing of the decayed state shee should haue been turned out of gouernement and de Ponte Deiecta commaunded to sit at home to mumble her beades So this great King yet once more traiterouslie was be witched and by the abouesaid counsellers and Mother was sold to his owne ruine and wofull fall The King of Nauarre after the victory obtayned at Coutras became not insolent of the victory but mooued with compassion for the miseries which afflicted France submitted himselfe and searching out the means to pacify the troubles sent Ambassadors to the king theÌ„ being on the South side the riuer Loyre in Berry to require him yet most earnestly and humbly to consider the pitifull state of his realme and to pity and remedy the manifold oppressions of his people And although they might haue considered his good successe for the space of three yeares in beholding so great forces and strong armies prepared and sent agaynst him partly to haue vanished away as dust blowen by the wind and partly ouerthrowen by the singular assistance of the mighty God of battels yet doth proffer with many humble prayers and submission not onely peace to his disaduantage but also his forces with the army of the Germans if it pleaseth him to vse theÌ„ to take reuengement of the iniuries so often reiterated rebellions of the League But the Duke of Guyze head of the League hearing of this message seeing himselfe his practises hope and all that euer he had with his fellows followers and companions to be in a dreadfull precipice like to be thrown down into a miserable headlong downfall taketh order by pollicy to deuise some meanes to auoyd the danger that is to worke by all means possible to let the accomplishing of this ambassage And that this thing may be brought to passe the king is to be enchaunted with that kind of sorcery which in old tyme was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is a â—eluding of mans reason as to make a man thinke to see that which he seeth not Two sorts of witches are to bee employed to wit the Leaguers of his counsell as Villeroy Rets and others but specially his mother whose deuillish and factions craftines was admired of him as a most perfect wisdome These persons must vphold the League or else all wil be spilled It is said before how the King with all the forces he could make gaue his last indeuour to oppresse the King of Nauarre and with him them of the Religion for the which purpose he â—et vp three great mightie armies the one to abide vpon the passages of out of Germanie into Lorreyne there to stoppe the entring the sayd Germanes into France The second the king himselfe should haue about him in his owne person to let the passage ouer Loyre least the sayd Germanes should ioyne with the King of Nauarre The third was conducted by the Lord Ioyeuse into Guienne where we shewed the same to haue beene buried in perpetuall infamie at the battel of Coutras Now remayneth to speak of the other two what they did and what became of them The King had in deede gathered mighty armies but he had no money to maintain them for the Priests would haue no more warre so costly as they had two yeares before the Parisiens would heare no more these words da mihi affer mihi The Kings money either was intercepted by the way in diuers chances or else his Taliages Tributs or subsidies were not payed either by some for lack of good wil or else by some for lack of money Therefore in the latter end of August hauing foure thousand Swissers at Estampes and eight
thousand more entring already into France with foure thousand Rutters which were euery day expected he must needes prouide money for them For these shameles Mercenaries who sell themselues to dye at other mens commaundement neuer considering the iustice of the cause will make no warre longer than they are fed with money Considering the great charge which he through euil couÌ„sell had drawen vpon his armes he gathered a great summe of mony vpon the Courts of his Parlâ—aments wherewith he payed those Souldiers But whilest the K. was so busie to fight against the God of battells his Sonne whome he had anoynted vpon his holy hill Sion and pollâ—d his iudges and Magistrates that they might recouer money with aduantage by peruerting indgement Beholde a preamble of that rebellion which followed against him in Paris the moneth of Maie next ensuing There was a certaine Masse Priest Parson of Saint Seuerine at the lower ende of Saint Iames streate named Preuost who preached most seditiously against the King and certain other Lords who were his faithfull seruaunts without any respect of persons degree or dignitie This Priest being threatned to be had before the King a certaine notarie made a great assembly both of armes and men for to defend the Priest The King being aduertized of this misâ—emeanour commanded one of the porters of his chamber accompanied with two Archers of his garde to goe to the sayd Notary to bid him come to speak with the King They which were assembled in the Notaries house seeing the sayde company to enter into the house set vpon them with great violence and enforced them to saue their liues by flight â—rying arme arme and so put al the side of the Vniuersitie in such a wonderfull commotion that there was nothing else to be hoped but a tragicall euent and afterwarde vntill the 8. day of the sayd moneth the whole Citie was in an vprore keeping watch al night at the corners of the streates Now to returne to the course of the history The King hauing three great mighty armyes and no money to entertaine them turned himâ—elfe to the olde shifts broughâ— into France by the Cardinall of Lorreyne and paltring Italians who came with the Q. Mother and gouernd King Henry the second father to this King at their pleasure when they were disposed to make him a slaue to their passions For the ninth of September the King went to Parliament for to establish fifteene Edicts among the which there were three notable the first was of the establishing 27. Secretaries The second was to choose the sixt chamber of enquests consisting of twenty counsellers and two presidents The third was the creation of the Masters of accounts with two presidents out of the which estates he made his reckoning to pluck two Millions of golde Where thou mayest see gentle Reader in what miserable state France was then from the highest to the lowest The Leaguers secretly agaynst the king They openly made warre agaynst God distroyed his subiectes to bring to passe his owne subuersion and to hide the treasons of his enemies refusing to harken vnto any motion of peace proffered him by the king of Nauarre or to any good counsels and for to maintayne this his enterprises iustice must be peruerted by plurality of offices which is one of the principallest pillers of kingdoms by the which magistracy is vpholden mans society entertayned As concerning the armies which were in hand that which should bee lead by the king himselfe consisted of foure score and eight companyes of men of armes and ten thousand footmen twelue thousand Swissers 4. thousand Rutters he caryed twelue double Canons and two thousand Pioners and about the 1. of September the companies began to repayre to Montereau faut Yoynne with commaundement to stay there abouts about Sens in Bourgony vntill his comming and then to repayre all to S. Florentine there to be mustered The king sent to Marshal Biron to Montereau to view the place where they should campe for the king had determined to campe alwayes and for that cause all the Lords had prouided tentes He tooke for his counsel the Lords Villeroy and Bruslard secretaries the Dukes Espernon Danuile Retes and the Marshals Biron and Aumont The Prince Soyssons was with the king of Nauarre and the Prince County was in NormaÌ„dy Mayne Aniow to gather as many companies as he could to ioyne with the Germans knowing well that these great armies were specially prouided to destroy the house of Bourbon vnder the colour of defending the popish religion The Duke d'Aumaule was appoynted Colonel of the Swissers this armie went not further Eastward then Sens from thence turning South and West ward and crossing the Countrey of Auxeroy and Gastinoys passed Loyre into Berry after the determinatiun of the Germanes was knowne As for the third armies thus is it the Duke of Guize Lorreyne at the beginning of September were at Nancy there they had between 20. and 25000. men among them were many horsemen there they receaued 400. Launces of the Duke of Parma all olde Souldiers 2000. footemen Italians and betweene sixe or seauen hundred light horses they made no great account of the Italians the sonne of the Lord Antragues gouernour of Orleans about the 15. of September brought vnto the Duke of Guize beside horsemen about 700. footemen when a little before all the companies of the Leaguers of Britayn sent vnto him by the Duke Mercure vnder the conduct of the Lord Hault Boys were discomfited by the King of Nauarre nigh Monsoreau vpon Loyre as is before reported The army of Germans for y e king of Nauarre when it departed out of Germany was of fiue thousand Rutters fiue thousand Launceknights armed with corsâ—ets and launces sixteene thousand Swissers foure thousand harquebusiers on horsebacke and about thre hundred horses of French men But after they had passed the mountayne of Sauerne the further it went forward the more it did encrease for the Lord Mouy brought two thousand Harquebusiers French men on horsbacke The L. Villeneufue Cormon one thousandand the Lord Lours one thousand The Lord Chastilion the 22. of September brought to it fifteene hundered Harquebusiers about 200. horses so that the totall summe myght amount to 34. or 35. thousand besides the companies which the Prince County brought afterward They had 16. pieces of ordinance to wit foure great culuerines eight field pieces and three peeces which were taken from Salabrine The Lieutenant of the King of Nauarre was the Prince Bullion assisted with a counsel consisting of these which follow the Lordes Guitri Oneaulx Cleruan Beauuoys la Nocle Vezins Digoyne Louet Ramboillet Laube Cheuorles Huguery and Beauuieu This army was the terror of the one side and the hope of the other and yet both were disappointed of their expectation For God shewed to the one part that he hath means ynough to chastife whom and when he pleaseth to the other part hee shewed that they are not safe who do
trust in man and make their force the arme of flesh Beside these three mighty armies and the armies of the king of Nauarre and Ioyeuse whereof it is spoken before The Lords Mommorency and Diguieres had the fifth in Daulphine agaynst the Lord Valete beside the armes and assembled forces scattered elswhere Such was the state of miserable France which had great cause to grone vnder the heauy burthen of so many so great and mighty armies This tempest was very blacke and thicke and at length thereout issued dreadfull thunder clappes But now we haue to speake of these three armyes conioyntly to wit of the Leaguers lead by the Guyzes of the Catholikes conducted by the king himselfe and of the Germans guided chiefly by the Duke of Boillon Here we haue to consider the iudgementes of God which were powred vpon these armies First y e Leaguers by the K. forces did work y e K. vndooing y t by his fall they might be lifted vp on high The king in pretending y e defence of the Catholike religion which no man did oppugne by violence but the Leaguers went about to root the Gospell of Christ out of France The Germans for the most part were mercenaries who regarded not the right of the cause neither came to serue him who procured them but did in mynd swallow downe the spoyle of France And some among them who were lead with an vpright mind yet being mingled with prophane and irreligious men and trusting in the outward apparance of that army turned theyr confidence from God to the arme of flesh therefore all were disappointed of theyr intents for neyther of them all had any benefit by this great warre but blowes slaughters and calamityes About the latter ende of August after this great armie had passed the mountaine of Zauerne and began to enter into Lorreyne the Dukes eldest sonne with certaine regiments approached so nigh them at Salabrine that 3. of his companies were discomfited and six Ensignes sent to Strasbourg and proceeding further they tooke Blasmond The said army drawing neere to Nancy about the beginning of September certayne seruantes going about to forrage with their cartes were set on by certayne companies which issued out of Nancy when they had seazed vppon some cartes were pursued and beaten into the very gates of Nancy This army of Germans being about Nancy there was a counsell holden to wit agaynst whom they should first turne theyr armes The French men were of that aduile to make warre in Lorreyne and that it was the pleasure of the king of Nauarre that they who had of lustines kindled that miserable warre in France might first of all feele the heauy burthen of the same but specially the Duke of Lorreyne who was one of the heads of the League The Germans in taking a certaine summe of money which the Duke of Lorreyne proffered them were at length content to passe by as neighbours and friends yet notwithstanding they concluded warre did there many acts of hostilitie such as warre doth commonly drawe after it This armie being yet newe and lustie did neglect a notable occasion to oppresse the enemie at the bridge S. Vincent vpon what occasion that opportunitie was neglected it is vncertaine But it is confessed of all men that if they had come to hands that day they had seene the end by the iudgment of men of that warre assoone as the beginning Thus some exployts of warre being done there the scarcitie of victualls beginning to growe they determined to goe foorth out of Lorreyne But vpon the determination of the way which they should followe there was great difficultie found For the Germans desired to passe toward Sedan from whence they might hope of many good commodities and if néede should be they might haue a newe supply of forces out of Germany which thing could not bee if they enclosed themselues among so many riuers which are on the South side of Seyne Some French men on the contrary sayd that they should turne right to the riuer of Loyre for to ioyne with the King of Nauarre The Lord Boillon desired greatly that they would approach to Sedan as they had as he sayd promised him and that in hope of it he had made great preparations of powder and artillerie which hee had made of purpose Considering also that he had to prouide for the securitie of his places which might incurre some daunger if they were not prouided for All reasons debated and weighed on both sides the course to the riuer of Loyre was concluded Whilest these things so passed in Lorreyne the Lord Chastilion the 22. of September came to the armie with his troupes he had much adoo to passe and was as if it were enclosed in the towne of Gresille but was rescued by the Countie de la Mark yonger brother to the Duke of Boillon The armie drawing néere to Chaumont in Bassigny there it was put in deliberation to execute a certaine enterprize which the Lord Chastilion had in hand but it could not be done The armie came to Chasteauuilaine where they soiorned some dayes and in the meane while they tooke a Gentleman named Viliers comming from Rome his iourney to Rome was to solicite the Pope to helpe his master with money to make warre against them of the reformed religion and also to pray the Pope Frier Sixtus to name the King head of the League assuring him that it would greatly mooue him to warre and roote out them of the religion whom he named heretickes The answere which the Pope made him as it appeared by his words was that they should liue in peace with their neighbours and that hee could not furnish them with money being not willing to make warre against any man who desired peace among all men The sayd gentleman carried a letter very ill written which he sayd to be the hand of the Duchesse of Lorreyne mother of the Duke contayning thus much I am very glad to vnderstand the state of your affayres and I aduise you to goe forward for neuer a fayrer occasion was offered you to put the Scepter in your hand and the Crowne vpon your head This letter gaue occasion to them of the Counsell to agree that this Gentleman should be kept carefully and brought to the King of Nauarre The armie soiourning at Chasteauuilaine the King with his great armie stayed about Montereau faut Yonne and Sens but vnderstanding the determination of the Germans retyred with his armie into Berry beyond Loyre there to stop the passing ouer to the King of Nauarre and to giue them freer accesse betwéene the two riuers of Seyne and Loyre where hée thought either to weary them or by ioyning his with the armie of the Leaguers at the tayle of them easily he might oppresse them During this soiourne the Baron Oneau brought the artillerie before the Abbey of Cleruaulx which compounded to giue a certaine summe of money and some quantitie of wine and meale notwithstanding that capitulation
did not hold because the sayd Lord Oneau had not taken hostages for the performance of the sayd conditions contenting himselfe with the faith of the Captaine which was within but as the armie marched forward he kept not promise The armie departing from Chasteauuilaine made foure dayes iourney to the riuer Seyne where they arriued about the 2. of October and passed ouer the sayd riuer aboue Chastilion vpon Seyne without enterprizing vppon the towne because the Lord of Guize had put into it the Lord Chastre with a certaine number of horsemen and footmen which made a sallie The Lord Chastilion was commaunded to make the rereward with three companies of light horsemen and seauen Cornets of Rutters and three hundred Harquebusiers The Colonel Berbistroph was a little more toward the riuer to fauour the Lord Chastilion which thing the Lord Chastre seeing he made hast with his horsemen being fauoured with certaine harquebusiers which hee had set in a coppes to charge Berpistroph who incontinently aduertized the Lord Chastilion to the end he might cut off the returne of those horsemen of the Lord Chastre which thing he did The seauen Cornets which were with the Lord Chastilion followed him with a shewe of good will to fight but cōming not in time the Lord Chastilion with the Frenchmen began to charge the harquebusiers of the garde of the Lord Chastre who were all cut to péeces and the horsemen followed vnto the gates of the towne One of the Rutters on a sudden forsaking his band killed a French Launce with the shot of a pistoll From thence they went to lodge at Leyne where they soiourned two dayes The Germans complayned much of their lodgings The Marshalls could not denie but that they had oftentimes ill lodgings but the fault was in the deare yeare as they among the principall Rutters could testifie who in the yeares before in their former voyages had béen well lodged in the selfe same lodgings where they were now In the same place dyed of sicknesse the Countie de la Mark yonger brother to the Duke of Boillon who had hetherto alwayes conducted the auauntgard about the third of October From Leyne they remooued to Ansi le frank to Taulay where newes came that the Duke de Mayne was in a Castle not farre off The Baron of Oneau who was lodged nigh the said Castle wrote about it to the said Lord Chastilion with a declaration of the good will which the Rutters had to assault him if they would send them some number of footmen And if the Duke of Guize would haue approached to the right hand of the said Lord Chastilion they would come to his succour assoone as néede were There was then a fayre occasion as it seemed to enforce the Duke of Guize to battell notwithstanding there was found some difficulties For some of the countrey sayd that the Castle was strong others that it was a wood land fit for the harquebusiers of the Duke of Guize and disaduantagious for the horsemen of the armie and that it would bee hard in camping there to get victuals and therefore they stayed not there From Ansi the armie tooke course to the riuer of Yonne and came to it the second day after About the fift of October the sayd armie passed the riuer at Mally la vile where also arriued the Lord Longa from the King of Nauarre and willed them in the name of the sayd King to direct the armie toward the head of the riuer Loyre where he determined to receiue it Many notwithstanding thought that the Germans would hardly take that way supposing that if they should take y t course many of the Swissers would disband themselues drawing so nigh their countrey considering also that with much adoo the artillerie would passe through the Niuernoys partly by reason of the foule wayes and partly for the great scarcitie of victuals which would be found in Niuernoys and Moruant Vpon this incertitude the armie marched forward the resolution of that matter being referred to the incident occasions This thing mooued the Germans to complaine and to require another gouernment to be vsed in marching The forme of marching which they desired was in forme of a triangle so that the Rutters should make one wing the other wing toward the side of the enemie should be of the Frenchmen and the middle should be the gard of the artillerie and the Swissers which notwithstanding was not so resolued then also began the discommodities to encrease in the armie Thus the matters passing in that armie doubtfully and without any resolution vppon any expedient counsell at length they determined to trye the passage at Charite and for this purpose were chosen both horsemen and footmen but the enterprise being delayed off one day for want of some commoditie the King had leisure to send thether men of armes who arriued there at the same instant when the armie did approach which gaue occasion to retyre without doing any thing The Lord Chastilion with the Marshall of the Campe of Rutters and the Colonell Boke with two thousand horses drewe néere to Cosnes partly to fauour them who were gone to seeke passage at Charite if neede were partly to seeke occasion to see the enemie There they missed the Duke Espernon but a little who had passed the riuer at Neufuy The same night the sayd Lord Espernon set vpon the Campe of the footmen but did very little preuaile and after that returned to Cosnes carrying away with him the Captayne Bonourier sore wounded In the meane while the King with his armie was on the other side of the riuer to oppose himselfe to the passage so that the day being come the two armies could see one another At euening al the army arriued at the riuer side that night the K. made great trenches at the foord of Neufuy fortifyed the same with a garrison of Harquebuziers and Musketters and for to fauour them caused 3. great boats well furnished with ordinance to bee brought The riuer of Loyre was to be passed at foordin many places vntil that time and there was yet in some places foordes yet had they no meanes to passe because the kings armie kept the bancke of the riuer euery where If that army had marched somewhat speedily it might haue passed well ynough in preuenting the kinges armie which came out of Paris somewhat late for the king reposed himselfe vppon the assurance of the Duke of Guyze who assured the said king to stop the passage of that army which thing he could not performe and had not béen done if the king had not opposed himselfe to them at the banke of the riuer The morrow after the Lord Boyllon came to sit in counsell at Neufuy There the Lords Oneau and Huguerie made many complayntes in the name of the Germans by reasons of the safetyes and exemptions which were giuen as wel to y e popish gentlemen as to them of the religion in fauour therof they receaued into
their houses y e goods of the vilages where y e army was lodged and that was true indeede and therefore required that there might be no more geuen to any man or else that they might be taxed to pay money for the army They requested also that they would take order for the paimeÌ„t of the Rutters for a moneth which was promised them and for lacke of the sayd pay they would goe no further adding many difficulties concerning the passage of Loyre beside that the winter did draw neere and that there was but two moneths to keepe the field They were requested patiently to stay a while vntill they might aduertize the king of Nauarre to know his pleasure That in the meane tyme they would goe to soiorne in Beausse where was great quantity of corne and of fodder for the horâ—es so that the armies might there easily berefreshed As for the pay it was impossible to the French men at that present tyme to furnish so much money and that drawing into Beausse and Vandomoys there some money might be had The Germans were contented with that so that speedily they would send to the K. of Nauarre with promise to stay vntil they might heare from him They quartered themselues the next day and all the army was lodged vpon the lands of the Lord Chastilion who offered it willingly to shew example to others to preferre the publike commodities before the particular The Lord Boillon lodged at Chastilion with other noble men to aduise vpon the affaires of that armie Some dayes before Tilman colonell of the regiment of Bearne departed through sicknes Bouschet his Lieutenant wrote a letter to the Lord Cleruaut in the name of all the Swissers that they had determined to let the king vnderstand the causes wherfore they were come into France and to that effect would send Ambassadours to the king That resolution séemed to many very dangerous they sent to him neuerthelesse The towne of Bleneau vpon Loyne aboue the towne of Chastilion had resisted the Baron Oneau for which cause they forced them and vpon that occasion the army soiorned 2. dayes about Chastilion In the meane time newes came that the Duke of Guyze did approach with his forces and was to lodge about Chasteau-renard distant from Chastilion three small leagues The Lord Chastilion then opened them the meanes which he had therein to enclose the sayd Duke of Guyze but many difficultyes were aleaged which did hinder his enterprise Notwithstanding the sayd Lord Chastilion went on horsebacke with twenty horsemen in company euen to the gates of Chasteau-renard and there hauing taken some of that place learned that Guyze was gone thence about one houre before for to ioyne with his brother the Duke de Mayne and that he had lodged in the towne with three hundred horses onely and before his going away had put garrisons in the Castell The said Lord Chastilion brought with him about 25. Harquebusters on horsebacke whom he sent to the Lord Boillon by them he learned as is aforesaid that the Duke of Guyze was gone to ioyne with his brother that all their Bands were so scattered here and there in the Vilages about Some gaue counsell to turne the faces of the army agaynst the Duke of Guyze and his brother that it was an easy thing to force him to battayle afore that hee should approach neerer to the Kinges army or to Montargis to fauour one an other notwithstanding some were of a contrary opinion and that it could not be done but the Lord of Guyze would haue knowledge thereof and then would hee retyre into some sure and safe places which thing being done their returning backe would bring great discommodities to the army which by these meanes would be combered betwéen the riuers Yonne on the East Loyne on the West and Seyne on the North ouer whom they could not find passages when néede should require it and that if they should do no exployt they should repasse that way which they came where they should finde all thinges eaten vp which thing would encrease the discomodities and the complaintes of the strangers this opinion preuayled and therefore nothing was enterprized They went to lodge about Montargis leauing the riuer of Loyne at their right hand for to get the way to Beausse They lodged at Landon and Vimory and other Townes there abouts This way is moorish broken foule and full of quakmiers where the wagons of the Germans and Frenchmen did so sinke that the Rutters were fayne there to lodge The 27. of October the Lords of Guyze Mayne Elleufe Aumall Barre the young Ianuile and the brother of the Lord Mercure with other heads of the League and their forces which were about fifteene hundred horses and fiue thousand Harquebusiers went to lodge at Montargis and thereabouts on the East side of the riuer Loyne which running betweene both let the Germans to goe to them of the League but on the contrary gaue this aduantage to the Leaguers to passe to y t armies side when they would because they had the foordes and bridges at theyr deuotion This aduantage with the fauour of the Towne of Montargis and of the Countrie gaue them occasion to enterprise to set vpon Vimory where the Baron Oneau was lodged with seuen Cornets of Rutters that place being not distant from Montargis aboue a League and a halfe The Enemies arriued at Vimory in the end of Supper about seuen a clocke at night The Rutters the alarum being giuen do repaire to their Cornets with great speede and whilest the enemyes were busie in the streetes to robbe the Baron Oneau did oftentimes charge as well their horsemen as their footmen the first onset was vpon the Duke de Mayne who with a good companie of horsemen made head to the Rutters At this onset the Rutters did so play the men that many notable gentlemen were left dead vpon the place as well of the companies of the Guyze as of his brother de Mayne The Cornet of the Duke de Mayne with the gentleman that carryed it Rowray of Burgondy was taken There were two other Cornets taken whereof one was of the Lord Bordesiere The Duke de Mayne receaued two shot of Pistoll within his armor whereof hee was so amazed that hee came not to himselfe vntil the morrow after about eight a clocke There is no doubt but the League would haue had much adoe if it had not been for a great rayne darkenes and thunder which on a sudden came and parted the fight The League lost there aboue fortye gentlemen notable among them among whom was the Marques d'Arques eldest son to the Lord Listenay and the Lord Cigoigne sonne to the Duches de Mayne and others were sore wounded The Rutters lost aboue fifty men about one hundred seruing men three hundred wagon horses they lost three Cornets of their seruantes wherein were painted the Starre the Horse-comb and the Sponge The Baron Oneau receaued a blow with a sword
the Duke of Neuers who had shewed them the wrong that they did to their ancient aliance which they had with the King so to beare armes against him he shewed them the danger wherein they put their Common-wealth to be troubled by the occasion which they had giuen him to remember their enterprize but that they might easily remedie it by retyring themselues from so many discommodities and necessities whereunto they were reduced Also that if they would determine to retyre home he would make meanes to the King in their behalfe to giue them money with all the securitie which they might aske Also that after hee had so spoken to them the sayd Lord of Neuers brought them to the King who shewed them a very angrie countenance reproouing them very sharply for the offence done against their aliance and their othes so to arme themselues against him That it was he which was King of France that he did weare the crowne vpon his head that hee was not a spirit that it was hee himselfe who ventured both his person and all his meanes against them who had imployed their forces he thought that they had béene circumuented vnder a false pretence but now when they saw it they could not pretend any ignorance hee assured them also that hee would see them pursued by the way of iustice before theyr Lords To these things they are reported to haue answered that they had borne these armes to support the crowne of France and to oppose themselues to the wicked practises of the Leaguers whom his Maiestie heretofore both by words of mouth and also by his edicts had declared his enemies And that beeing euery way dulye informed of the truth of this matter they could do no lesse then to satisfy the iust request of the King of Nauarre first Prince of the bloud who was most faythfull vnto him for to accompanie him in such a iust quarell They said also that they added all which they thought might haue serued for that purpose Notwithstanding whether they were amazed at the word of the King whether they were already wonne by money at their returne they chaunged the mindes of their felowes who then openly began to mutiny and to aske two or three moneths wages or else to haue leaue to depart The Baron Oneau with all the Colonels emploied them selues very faithfully shewing them what wrong they did to themselues and to their nation to picke quarrels for to separat themselues from them and the Frenchmen which they could not do with a good conscience The morrow after the Duke Boyllon with the Baron Oneau and other Lords of the Counsel went to the quarter of the Swissers to see how to remedy that disorder The matter was pleaded with many wordes but at that time there was nothing done The Colonels and Captaines determined to send once more to the king to haue pasportes to send to the king of Nauarre to know to know of him whether he did beare armes against the crown of France and that if he should deny it they would serue him for money if to the contrary they would take their leaue from him with entreatie to be content with that which is past This answer was receaued as wordes for they themselues were sufficiently enformed of the good and right affection of the king of Nauarre towardes the king his crowne and estate and though they had not knowen it yet was it not time now to enquire thereof This answere also was not regarded but that they made this quarrell mooued from some where else The alleaged also their necessityes and that without money they would not passe further As these thinges passed in the army they of Estempes made a sally by night vpon the Swissers but without any notable effect At the same time the enemyes gaue an onset vpon the footmen but by reason they were succored by the Lord Chastilion they did but a litle hurt saue that they tooke prisoner the Lord Cormon who was incontiuently brought to the Duke Espernon they vsed him to bring to passe that whereby the army was afterward disbanded The 15. of Nouember the army remoued toward Chartres and there was put in question whether they should proceed further or returne backe it was agreed that they should make one dayes march yet further to fauour the comming of the Prince County of whom they had newes by the Lord Essars who had seene him in returning from the king of Nauarre The next lodging was within two litle Leagues of Chartres the Duke Espernon with the kinges aduangard was at Bonauall which was the only passage which rested for the armie to passe if they would haue gone further along the riuer of Loyre from thence departed the Lord Chastilion by the common consent of all to goe to receaue the Prince County who came the 20. of Nouember to Prunay where all the Nobles came to meets him There they represented vnto him all the great discommodities which they suffered For the king was on the one side vpon the border of Loyre the Leaguers were on the right hand of them and if the army would turne backe they mustrepasse the way they came and fighting with the Duke of Guyze on the one side they should haue the kings army at their héeles All reasons wayghed it was concluded to returne backe as speedily as might bee and with great iourueyes to recouer the head spring of Loyre Some of the Germans thought good at midnight next folowing to depart and proposed it in the Counsell by Huguery◠but on the one side the way was not yetresolued on the other side they had no tyme to aduertize the whole army and also it was not thought honorable to depart in the night as though they had béen carryed away with terror The departing therefore was deferred vntill the 24. of Nouember and that it should bee by day Whilest these thinges were a dooing the messengers of the Swissers returned and gaue to vnderstand that at this third time they had found some alteration in the discourse hee had with them and that the king had commaunded them to repayre to the Duke Espernon so that it seemed by theyr discourse that they were ashamed that euer they were entered into any negotiation with the King so there was some hope to stay them To the same end Huguerie was sent to the Baron Oneau to propose that it was necessary for the contentation of the Germans to trye by all meanes to stay the Swissers it was alleaged for a principall reason that the same huge body going away would cary with them some companies of Rutters who might moue the others and render them more vnwilling to do that which they were requested The matter being proposed in the counsell some thought theyr departure to be not greatly hurtfull bringing these reasons to verify their opinion first that it was a bodie so heauy and so vnwealdye to remooue that by this action the enemy might driue the whole armie into
some disaduantagious streight For without that heauie trou â—â—they might more easily get the height of the riuer Loyre which was the onely sure way which the army could take The other on the contrary shewed that such separation could not be done with out great alteration in the rest of the armie and that if it were not let it would bee the beginning of a dissipation which was like to haue an euill end and that the Germans would do the like at the least occasion and that with the Swissers they were able to beat the kings power which thing they could not do without their aide The K. of Nauarre had shewed what should be done in such extremity to wit to turne their faces toward the Duke of Guyze to enforce him to fight or else to enclose him in what soeuer place he were which thing did not seeme very hard considering that he had no good towne to make his retrait vnto That the Swissers would not refuse to fight against the League and vnto all these thinges aboue said would helpe much the prosperous victory which God had giuen to the king of Nauarre but the Swissers could not be kept hauing so far dealt with the king They vpon the resolution to depart required their Rowles to be sealed to that end that the bodies being asunder the affections might remaine ioyned together and that in so doing they would be sworne to promise to bring to the king of Nauarre two or three regiments of Swissers at the time and tearme prefixed The counsell stood vpon a letter which the Baron of Oneau had written by the which he warned them that if they gaue assurance of pay to the Swissers who contrary to their duty did forsake the seruice of their master they should put no difference betweene the good seruitors and the bad The day for the army to depart which was appointed the 24. being come the Duke of Guyze either of his owne motion or else by intelligences marched all Night and put certaine Harquebuziers into a Castell which was at Aulneau where certayne countreymen had repaired and had agreed with the Rutters to furnish them with all that they needed The gardes of the Baron Oneau who was lodged at Aulneau a little towne enclosed did not perceaue the said Harquebusiers The Duke of Guize with the rest of his troups stayed till the day breaking when the wagons of the Rutters began to goe forth and the gardes were taken vp for to depart that hower seemed vnto him most fit to surprize the sayd Rutters whom otherwise he durst not assault Hauing geuen the watchword they entered into the gates which they found open and without any resistance because that euery one was in his lodging ready to take horse The Harquebuziers of the enemies going along the stréets set on the first lodgings The Rutters vppon the alarum tooke horse and found the gate seazed vpon and the streetes hampered with their wagons so that they could neuer ioyne together to take the field The Baron Oneau with sixe or seauen being the first at the gate pearced through them which came in The gate was quickly shut They of the Rutters which had got on horsebacke ran about the walles to finde a way to get out and when they found none standing on the horse saddle leaped vp the wall and so threwe themselues into the ditch where some saued the Colonels Cornet and fiue others but all the Gentlemen of all these Cornets were for the most part taken or slaine The Baron Oneau with the rest of the Rutters stayed within halfe a league of the Towne The Swissers repayred thether in battell aray where also came the Lord Chastilion There it was propounded to send for the rest of the armie and ordinance and presently to compasse y e towne where they might finde some yet busie about the ransacking but there was no order to hearken vnto that so the Duke Boillon all the Counsell concluded vpon their departing The Lords Cleruant and Chastilion were sent to the Rutters to comfort them about their losse and to cause them to followe the way But the morrowe after the Colonels were mooued to mutinie saying that they would goe to the Swissers and so with them into Germanie and cause their wagons to turne that way These newes were brought to the Prince Countie and the Duke Boillon Notwithstanding an houre after the Baron Oneau sent for the Lords Cleruant and Chastilion to returne to them and that he had so wrought with them that they would come to the rendes vous There it was shewed them that it would not bee honourable to them to retyre so vpon a sudden losse and that there was no safetie for them if they would followe their determination but that it was farre better to remaine with the Frenchmen with whom they were able to fight against whomsoeuer and that the way which they would followe was the néerest for them to returne into Germany Vpon these perswasions they agreed to followe the next day to the rendes vout where they sayd they would see the Frenchmen and that there they would entreate of all things A certaine man a friend of the Lord Chastilion had sent word vnto him from the Kings armie that he had waightie things to tell him The sayd Lord Chastilion had shewed the letter to the Lord Boillon and the rest of the Counsell which willed him to send thether some faithfull friend which thing he did The messenger who was sent returned with the Lord Cormon whom wee haue sayd before to haue been taken prisoner by the enemie bringing offers from the King that he would giue safe returne to the Frenchmen to repayre into Germany or els to their houses with many reasons which were alleaged which could not bee presently answered because the armie marched on There was some aparance of danger least the armie should be pursued by the King and the Leaguers ioyned together which was the cause that it was propounded to the Rutters to burne their wagons and to set as many as they could on horsebacke promising that the Frenchmen should doo the like At the rendes vous it was shewed to the Rutters that within twentie daies they should be brought into the presence of the King of Nauarre or els they should be set in place of safetie That the Prince County the Lords Boillon or Chastilion or other such as they would choose should answer them for the summe which was due to them And in case the King of Nauarre would not content them all assoone as they should come vnto the sayd Lord King of Nauarre they would yéeld themselues their prisoners this was an agreement by words which should haue béen put down in writing and afterward sealed on both parts with assurance and promise giuen by them that they would repayre to the King of Nauarre The rendes vous on the next day was at Landon foure leagues from Montargis an vnfit place by reason of a bridge
which is in the middle of the Towne where was great confusion in going ouer The Lord Chastilion was commaunded to goe to trye the passage at Gien but many inconueniences let that enterprise although he had gone part of the way In the meane time the enemie aduaunced in such sorte that the forerunners did charge the Launce-knights and vnarmed about one thousand or twelue hundred did hurt a great many tooke the artilterie and munition About 25. horsemen did all that The Launce-knights did retyre in good order toward Buissiere as also the wagon men with their horses and other such stuffe as they could saue The Lord Chastilion went also to the sayd Buissiere who did incontinently sende to the horsemen on euery side for to take aduise what was to bee done for they were like to haue the enemie very shortly on their backes but the companies went to the rendes vous which was appoynted at Bouuy The Lord Chastilion hauing stood in battell aray at Buissiere to receiue the Launce-knights who did passe in order made the retraite hauing not with him aboue three score armed men and sixe score harquebusiers on horsebacke at the most The same long soiorning which the Lord Chastilion made at Buissiere gaue time to the enemie to followe him so that in marching the high way to Bouuy the enemy appeared marching along the parke at whose discouering hee put his companie in battell aray foure and foure by reason of the narrownes of the place The Lords Morinault and S. Albine did leade the forerunners who discouering that the enemie was of more then two hundred horses sent word to the Lord Chastilion who strengthened them of ten men of armes which were with the Lord Byramont and willed them to march a small pace after the companies But a little after they were so pressed that they turned their faces against the enemie with sword in hand who then staied and after in that manner followed the Lord Chastilion more than three leagues The said Lord Chastilion geuing to vnderstand to the Prince County that the enemy was at hand the Duke Boyllon went backe to the said Lord Chastilion with 2. hundred horses and going backe to a litle brooke which they had left behind thought good to stay there for the enemie but the Lord Monluet who alwaies had remained behind gaue to vnderstand to the Lord Chastilion that he doubted somewhat and for to know better what it might be they went toward the enemies and at the discouering of them began to speake either to stay them or else to make them come nearer but at length the enemy began to retire vpon which occasion the Lord Monluet and Chastilion pressed them so farre that they pursued beating them beyond the Brooke where they left dead of the enemie seuen or eight vpon the place The Lord Chastilion pursuing the disorder of the enemie was aduertized by the Lord Boillon that the Rutters were more then fiue leagues before with the rest of the Frenchmen that the companies which he pursued was the whole power of the enemie where were the Lords Espernon Nemours and Mercure that necessity required to march forward without any further delay which thing staied the Lord Chastilion who in returning passed by a little wood where he spied about foure score Harquebuziers of the enemie who hid themselues in the said Wood whom the said Lord Chastilion made countenance to charge that in the meane time hee hee might retire his forerunners whom the said Harquebuziers made their rekoning to surprize in theyr returne but they came againe without any damage The truth is that there was in all those troupes but onely the Dukes Espernon Nemours and Mercure who were greatly amazed when their forerunners so fearefully did cast themselues in their armes That same day they went to lodge fiue leagues from thence and the next day they began to enter into Moruaut which is a wood land and so thicke that with much adoo they could not goe aboue two and two They appointed the rendes vous for the chiefe of the army to heare what commission the Lord Cormon had brought which was that the King would geue such surety vnto the Germans as they would to retire into Germany and to the French men Papists who would liue Popishlie in their houses safetie with their goods Others of the religion which would retire out of France might enioy their goods so that they would beare no armes against him requiring furthermore in token of their obedience and good intentes by the which they had declared to haue borne armes onely for his seruice that all the French men should surrender him their Cornets and Colours All these thinges being debated on both sides it was aduised not to dispise these offers but for the sureties and ensignes to take further aduise The reasons which induced them were the great amazednes wherein the whole armie was and to that feare there was such negligence ioyned that there was no more meanes to keepe any order neither among the Germans nor Frenchmen Many French gentlemen had and did dayly resort home there was no assurance that any great number would stay any longer There was no resolution to fight against the enemy the wayes were full of stuffe and armes as well of Germans as Frenchmen the Horses were weary they had to make long iourneys to goe farre from the enemy when they came they found no guide to lead them the way to the Vilages so that they trauelled some time one or two leagues after they were arriued at the rendes vous for to take their lodginges The most part of them remayned either in the woods or else in the first houses which they met men without bread horses without fodder many horses were tyred for lacke of shooing There was foure daies iourney to goe through woods The Harquebuziers and footmen did diminish on both sides all the regimeÌ„t of the Lord Villeneufue had disâ—anded themselues not passing thrée daies before because the master of theyr campe was prisoner there was almost no men left in the regiment of the Lord Mouy They whom the Lord Chastilion had brought out of Languedock for lacke of horses could not follow or else for to follow in so long iourneyes were inforced to cast away their armors most of them had no powder nor meanes to recouer any Their Peeces were either broken or vnprofitable for lacke of workemen to mend them There remayned not aboue two hundred Harquebuziers They which rested of Launce-knights being about two thousand were vnarmed all these reasons made them conclude that it was better to saue the men to do seruice another time then to loose them and geue the praise to the enemy to haue wholly destroyed that army Vpon these deliberations they dispatched to the king the L. Cormon In the meane while the army went forward followed still by the Lord Espernon accompanied with seuen or eight hundred horsemen and with as many Harquebusiers as he could put
on horsebacke and was then with in a league of the army The Armie marched fiue daies iourney vnto the towne of Lancy in Masconoys where the rendes vous was geuen The Rutters and Frenchmen assembled themselues the 6. day of December The Lords Cormon Lisle and Moriuault came from the Lord Espernon there the heads and the troupes being assembled conferred together of the things which were to be entreated The king fearing greatly that the remnant of that army should escape into Viuarets and Languedock so into Gascoyne to the king of Nauarre Therefore they inuented surmises to increase the terror and impossibility to diuert them if it were possible from going that way which they saw was the easyest and safest to escape the danger into the which they did cast themselues and to cause them to accept of disauantagious offers The Lord Lisle Moriuault being sent by the Duke Espernō opened a rowle in the which was read how many companies of armed men and regimentes of footmen were in the forrest countrey to stop the way to the armie if they should take their iourney to Viuarets he reported also how Mandelot was enforced to retire his armie by reason of the great Snowes which were fallen there so that there was no meanes for them to passe this thing discoraged the army greatly Vpon this deliberation appointed to determine what was to bee done the Lord Chastilion shewed that the hardest most dangerous part of the Forrest was past alreadie that within foure daies they could bee in a place of safetye and shewed them to the eye the mountains of Viuarets where within 24. howers they might haue the Lord Chebault with fifteene hundred Harquebusiers that he knew well the meanes of Mandelot how that he could not gather such companies as could be able to stop their way he warned them to take heed of rumors which were spread abroad by the enemie to terrify them offered vpon his life to conduct the companies into Viuarets without danger The meanes which he proposed were to deuide the army into two partes to put one halfe of the Rutters and Frenchmen in the vaungard with as much of the stuffe as was necessary that which they could not spare and to cut off all the rest but specially all the tired horses which serued for nothing but for lets The other halfe of the armie should march after and that they should resolue themselues to fight against whomsoeuer would oppose themselues in their way either afore or behind And that in so doing he trusted by Gods power that they might ouercome all impediments which might be proffered considering that God had plucked the armie as if it were by the hand out of more and farre greater daungers then they which remayned behinde Thereunto he added that the Lord Espernon was left a long dayes iourney behinde the armie Guize thrée dayes iourney the King was beyond the riuer Loyre and that before the armie there was nothing which might doo hurt He shewed furthermore that there was no cause to accept the disaduantagious and vnhonest conditions which were offered vnworthie to bee accepted of them who professed the true Christian reformed religion On the other side he shewed the small assurance which they might haue of the Kings proffers and the impossibilitie to returne home in safetie the way which they determined to take For first the King did offer safetie to retyre wheresoeuer they would with assurance of enioying their goods as well to them who would repayre to their houses and liue according to the Romish religion as to others who would retyre out of France to liue in freedome of conscience without bearing of armes He did offer also safetie to the straungers to repayre to their countrey with their Cornets and Ensignes requiring onely the Colours of the Frenchmen But now he altereth these conditions and will giue no suretie to returne home nor libertie to enioy their goods but onely to them who will liue after the Popish manner or would promise neuer to beare armes except by his expresse commandement and beside asked all the Cornets and Colours indifferently as well of the Germans as Frenchmen This alteration made him thinke that there was some false dealing euen in the armie it selfe which gaue occasion to the King to reuoke his former proffers and to offer harder considering that it was not vnknowne that the Lord Espernon hath not at this present time fiue hundred horses and not so many harquebusiers on horsebacke so that if he would stay for them which be had on foote he would neuer ouertake the armie going forward But if he should come with them which he had he would be still the weaker and himselfe as wearie as the armie in danger still to be well beaten hauing no reason that hee should doo so now seeing that hee durst not doo it when he had greater forces néerer the armie and in a countrie fauourable to him euery way He concluded therefore that there was nothing so sure for the armie as to passe the Loyre He shewed also that it was impossible to returne into Germany safely for to goe thether they ought to passe the riuer Saosne and that still vpon bridges because it cannot bee passed by foor◠any where He shewed that the bridges and boates were in the power of the Duke de Mayne and that if the Saosne might be passed yet must they go through the enemies lands so that they must needes commit themselues into the Leaguers mercie whose crueltie he knewe the King himselfe were not able to stay Many Germans and others shewed that they approoued well this aduise as the surest way But this is to be confessed that God would not vse the means of this armie and that he would wholly scatter it For although they sawe and approoued the most expedient reasons yet they could not follow them Others thought that they who would returne into Languedock would haue others to followe them for to assure their way Others alleaged the impossibilitie by reason of the Snowes others the barrennes of y t countrey where they should finde foode neither for men nor horses The Rutters thought vppon the losse of their horses when they should passe the downefalls of the mountaynes of Viuarets where the countrey men alone were able to resist them so that easily they were withdrawne from that voiage For then the common sort of them without their Colonels flocked together to heare what the Lord Lisle mariualt would say who perswaded to diminish somewhat of the conditions proposed vnto them or els to carrie away their Cornets and sweare neuer to returne into France except it were for the Kings seruice or the Emperour or els to surrender their Cornets and to goe with libertie and to returne when they would Upon this proposition the Lord Chastilion breaking through y e preace shewed that the Lord Lisle mariuault had no authoritie nor writ to treate with them nor that could binde the King to
entertaine that which he proposed he shewed also how in all that there was no securitie and that the Kings offer was as good as nothing in offering to men of warre Souldiers conditions shamefull and vnreasonable and such as could not bee accepted without forcing both their religion and honour But the tumult encreasing as is commonly seene in such diuersitie of opinions the Germans concluded to accept one of the two proffers and that same day at euening they would shew which of them Upon this resolution the Prince County with his white Cornet separated himselfe and went to lodge at a Castle not farre off They made some proffers to the Lord Chastilion to disswade him from his returne into Languedock amplifying the great daungers which did attend him if hee should hazard that voyage Notwithstanding he went to the Lord Boillon and hauing made a discourse of the dangers whereinto he did cast his life and state vpon the feare which he conceaued shewed him â—ow this delay of resolution would giue leasure to the enemie to stop his passage and taking his leaue from him tooke his way to his troupes which stayed for him This being done there came 25. or 30. Rutters after him to call him saying that they had somewhat to say to him Then hee began to mistrust them as that they would arest him and being in the middle of them vnderstood that they talked among themselues that they had no securitie for their payment that the French men should giue them assurance There some of the princiâ—allest of them sayd vnto him twise in the eare my Lord goe your way fearing the mutinie of the common Souldiers The Lord Chastilion then speaking to the companie of the Rutters it is reason said he that you should haue securitie of your paiment and for my part I am ready to bind my selfe to de what you will But said he I must haue the Lord Boillon whom I goe to fetch to you And vpon these words â—urned bridle and making roome tooke the galop to the forefront of his troupes the which with sword in hand tooke their way with a soft pace about two miles and thence got easily to S. Laurence where was the rendes vous The said L. Chastilion through great daungers with his company arriued the 11. of December at a Castell in Viuarets called Retortou where was a garrison of them of the Religion the fift day after his separation from the army The Lord Chastilion so retired from that armie the Rutters and others who remayned among them concluded the capitulation with the Lorde Espernon as appeareth by the articles which were brought to the King and afterward by his commaundement sent into the Prouinces and gouernments of his realme whereof the tenor followeth Articles and capitulations concluded by the Lord Espernon with the Lords heads and guides of the armie of strangers Baron Oneau Colâ—nels Captaines Writmasters Lords and Knights c. The Frenchmen who are in the armie shall render their Cornets into the hands of the Lorde Espernon to bee sent vnto his Maiestie to whome the King giueth libertie to enioy their goods in safetie in their houses so that they obey the Kings edicts They also shal make promise to him signed and sealed with their hands neuer to beare armes except it bee for his seruice and by his expresse commaundement except it be out of the realme They of his said subiects who will retire out of the realme without obeying his edicts and yet will make the said promise the King doth graunt them libertie to inioy their goods and securitie to returne with the strangers out of the realme but they who will promise nothing at all they shal only haue safety to retire out of the realme with the strangers without inioying any of their goods And for as much as some of the Captaines may make doubtes to surrender their Ensignes the King will that such shall not at all enioy the benefit contained in these Articles As for the strangers the King dooth graunt them passeport vnto the Frontiers of his estate on that side where they are now nearest vpon condition that the said Colonels Captaines Writmasters shall promise to the King neuer to carrie armes in France against the King being thether called by his subiects without his expresse commaundement and shall lap vp their Ensignes in returning to their Countrey Also they shal not take nor carrie away any prisoners of the Kings subiects without his expresse licence neither shall commit any act of hostilitie in his realme in which dooing the King shall prouide them necessarie things for the performing of the premises the 8. of December This was the end of this armie by the which God did euidently shew to his children that it is hee onely vpon whome they ought to cast their eyes in their afflictions that other meanes are altogether vnprofitable except that he will further them neither will he further them except they be well vsed with an vpright minde and intent This separation of the army tooke away from the enemies of Gods people all occasion to swell of the victorie which they may not attribute to their valour who durst neuer looke them in the face and in skirmishes the enemy had alwaies the worst except at Aulneau onely where through their negligence they were surprised Now Christian Reader consider well the vse of this dissolution of the Army The King prepared great power to oppose himselfe to it vsed great pollicy to drawe it into that straight whereinto they wilfully did cast themselues for not following the good counsell of the K. of Nauarre who would haue them to passe aboue the head of Loyre But as men destitute of vnderstanding heedily went into a manifest mishap and knew not wherefore as to close vp themselues betweene so many riuers whose passages they knew well to be holden by the enemyes And as the king vsed great pollicie in snaring them that way so he tooke great care labour to disunite them that without blowes he might throw them downe and at length beeing by themselues weakned sent them away to the slaughter vnder the shadow of a pasport If the King had béen so long at schole with Salomon as he was with his mother the onely furie that hath beene these many ages hee could haue learned that it was an vnseemly thing for a king to speake a lie But marke the fruit that he receaued thereby all this redounded to his vndooing for of euill can no good bee done by man The Duke of Guyze as he had turned all his actions heretofore to his viscredit so did he this for he caused certaine horses which he had taken of the Rutters at the skirmish at Vimory in Gastinois at the surprize at Aulneau to be lead some into one City and some into another almost through all France by his horsecorsers and riders with this song Saul hath killed a thousand and Dauid ten thousands as it shall
asswaged the rage and passion which caried away many would haue stayed the persecutions against them of the reformed Religion and would haue made a way to some reasonable agreement but the Leaguers and other enemies without any remorse of conscience without feeling of their owne priuate or publike griues so much the more made hast to worke the vtter subuersion of the sayde religion oppressing with greater crueltie the professors thereof than they did before Sathan therefore the captaine of murtherers of the Saints deuided his forces one part to assault the remnaunt of the Church left in the popish prouinces of France and the Churches of the principalitie of Boillon which we will in order recite As after the breaking of the armie of the prince of Conde in Vandomoys in the yeare of our Lord 1585. they thought that with the same Prince al their hope had been gone which thing made them increase their crueltie euen so did they after the dissipation of the armie of the Germanes supposing that they should shortly see the end thereof The authors of these persecutions were the King the Leaguers the Bishops the Iesuytes the Fryers the Monkes the parish Priests and Magistrates In these assaults appeared the cowardlines of a great many of them who had professed the true religion who looking more on the euents and present dangers than to the end of such skirmishes where we ought to shew a proofe of our fayth and with pacience to expect an happyend for feare were caried away to vnlawfull things against their conscience But the Lord as at all other times left not his truth without witnesses for many in diuers parts of the Realme being cruelly persecuted shewed their constancie in maintaining their faith and religion whereupon it seemeth me not to be out of purpose to make mention of the constancie which God gaue to a man of base condition in defending of his religion who in this respect shewed the way to many which in the sight of the worlde had greater meanes to doe it than he had There was in the towne of Marchenoyre in Beausse a poore man borne in Boysgencye vpon Loyre named Francis Tixier as if wee shoulde saie weauer this man by his occupation was a maker of packsaddles who by reason of his family had not departed out of the Realme according to the Kings Edicts neither had obeyed the Kinges commandement in conforming himselfe to the Popish religion but had alwayes constantly remained in the profession of the true religion praying dayly in his house often times ioyning himselfe secretly to others to the same effect and to sing Psalms as it is vsed among thē who do professe y e reformed religion He visited also them who were sicke and strengthened them and if any were which stoode in neede by the meane of some small collections which was made among them secretly hee helped them as he was wont to doo when the reformed Church did assemble at Orges in the which he did beare the office of an Elder God blessed that zeale in time so hard and difficult for some of the villages thereabous by the meane of that small exercise without feare of the persecution forsaking the Romish Church ioyned themselues to the pure religion But this course was not continued long for by the watches and searches of them who in the former assaults alarumes could get nothing vpon this man he was at length discouered and complained off to the Magistrate So that the King passing through Marchenoyre the accusers addressed themselues to one of his Aulmoners and instructed him of certaine accusations against that poore man to wit that hee had not obeyed the Kings edict but on the contrarie did perseuer in his heresie and dogmatize so they kindled the Aulmoner in such a sort that they agreed altogether to put a complaint to the King they made also a booke of others of the religion which they caused the sayd Aulmoner to present to the King For his custome belike was so to bestowe the Kings almes The King commaunded that they should bee apprehended Tixier as the most hatefull was first taken and with great solemnitie brought before the King who was desirous to see him for he was informed that hée was a Minister The King himselfe examined him when he had appeared with great assurance When the King had asked him whether he was an Hugonet and wherefore he had not gone out of the Realme being one as he did confesse and whether he would goe to Masse once or twise and so to escape from punishment The poore man answered that he had not the meanes to auoyde and that he would not goe to Masse nor alter his religion which he knewe to be the trueth When the King perceiued his constancie he sent him to Bloys with letters to his Iudges there commaunding them straightly to make his processe according to the rigour of his edicts There in the Kings presence he was greatly reuiled by the Lords Courtiers and Clawbackes Being carried to Bloys there he was assaulted by three manner of enemies the Iudges his friends and the rest of prisoners First the Iudges had him in hand and after they had gone about to withdrawe him from his religion to Poperie with such bald reasons as they could affoord he made them a plaine answere that he knewe the true Catholike and Apostolike Church and that hee was one of the fellowe citizens of the same but for the Romish Church he neither knewe it nor cared to knowe When these great Deuines had spent all their reasons euen to the bottome they began to drawe out their threatnings to hang him and to giue him opprobrious words The poore man despising their reasons and the dregges thereof made them a flat answere that as he had liued in that religion which they call heresie so was he readie to dye for it if so it were Gods will And after many examinations all about on thing to wit whether hee would goe to masse one asked him of whom he held his religion and who had taught him he answered that hee held it of God who had taught him by his holy spirit Vpon this answere one Saint Seuerine an Italian replyed my frend thine holy spirit will hang thee if thou come not to thy selfe The Lord reproue the spirit of blasphemy This was the miserable state of that realme then that the most vile saucy blasphemous Atheistes were raysed vp by the Q. Mother to high and honorable dignities Saynt Paul had learned the Pharisaisme at the feete of Guualiel but this lewd Italian had learned Atheisme at the Popes feete in Italy and is welcome in France by them of his religion to teach Atheisme and to shew the way to the Frenchmen how to blaspheme a l'Italiane Many other such like trifling talke they had with the pore man more fit for gatherers of old shooes and ragges vppon the dunghil of Bloys then for magistrates The Prisoners did greatly afflict him
with their continuall brabling and brawling with him with few popish vnreasonable reasons which they tooke out of certayne Sermons of popish Frierly Doctors which they had among them and not onely did daily complaine vppon him to the magistrate but also were some time ready to set vppon him to murâ—her him and the more hee was feruent in prayers the more they did moiest and vexe him The third sort of enemies who did assault him were they which professed friendship who oftentimes came to aduertize him in the prison that the Iudges had concluded to condemne him to die and that it were high time to looke about perswading him to auoid the danger to goe to Masse once or twise and after he could make some shift to get him out of the way but he refused all that counsell So he made his will fully determined to die which hee sent to his wife yet the Iudges must haue a fling more to trye what he would do or otherwise resolue to condemne him made him sit vpon the stoole whereupon they that are condemned of capitall crimes are vsed to sit when they do receaue sentence of condemnation But behold on a sudden they changed their mynds and sent him againe into prison The King had written and set his owne hand to a letter commaunding them to make his Processe with all â—igour of the lawe The Iudges were cruell Papists and Leaguers the Italian was an Atheist contemner of all religions but a notorious blynd enemy of the trueth The opportunity of the time might haue encouraged them to vse all extremity But the Lord to the comfort of his children did put a ring in their Nostrels and after a long imprisonment the eight of Aprill they pronounced sentence agaynst the sayd Tyxier by the which they banished him out of the realme for euer and commaunded him vpon paine of death within two moneths to auoyde his goods were forfaited to the King Which sentence was signifyed vnto him the same day by the secretary of the same Court of Bloys It is sayd how the two noble Princes of Boillon and his brother the County de la Mark dyed the one in the Moneth of October at Lany and the other in Geneua in Ianuary The death of this noble Prince being published abroad the Leaguers tooke it for a presage of their good successe and occasion to encrease their power As for to enterprize any thing against Guyenne or the king of Nauarre the bad successe of de Mayne and the death of Ioyeuse at Coutras did not counsell them There was as little hope in other Prouinces where they of the reformed were strong in armes and fortes as in Languedock and Daulphine where now of late an assotiation vpon the defensiue was made betweene the Catholikes and them of the Religion To attempt the old plat agaynst the kings person the time was not yet come On the other side they did greatly feare the tempest which did threaten them on the side of Germany by reason of the fires which they had kindled in the County of Montpeliard and the execrable outrages by them there committed where as is aforesayd they charged the Rutters in them retyring homeward This feare caused the Duke of Lorreyne to send to the king for succour for they thought that it would be greatly for their aduantage if the King in defending them on that side might haue procured the hatred of the Germans and with all consumed his forces in defending and iustifying theyr vilanies and so all by one meanes should spoyle himselfe of the amity of his neighbours and of his owne forces in being after more easy to be oppressed by them Therefore among so many difficultyes nothing seemed vnto them more commodious to bestow and exercize their forces and by little and little to encrease their power then to inuade the said principallity of Boillon supposing that to be of an easy executioÌ„ considering the opportunity proffered it selfe thereby preparing the way by easy thinges to harder and more difficult matters The oportunity seemed vnto them very fit to wit the death of the two bretheren the amaze which fell vpon the subiectes in the territory of Sedan and Iamets The weakenes of the yong Princesse fatherles in tears and mourning by reason of the death of her two brethren a mayd euen vnder age destitute of men armour and Captaines and as if it were disdayned of the world forsaken of her friends not through vnfaithfulnes but being themselues hampered and busied in the selfesame daungers that shée was in Other friends of the contrary profession durst not shewe her any fauourable looke for feare to be heretikes or fauourers of heresie and so to prouoke agaynst themselues the bloodie power of the League And that which is more she being accounted an hereticke for professing of the trueth and therefore accursed by the Pope proscript by the League and as it were dead to the world by the articles of Nancy whereof it shall be spoken hereafter at large And to that ende they might the better both to inuade that yong Princesse and resist the Germans whom they feared by reason of the villanies wherewith they had prouoked them as is aboue sayd they had succour of the Duke of Parma Italians Spanyards Wallons Legeoys Germans vnder the conduct of the Baron of Sarexenbourg to the number of ten thousand men in all All these occasions opportunities causes forces mooued the Duke of Lorreyne to lay the siege before the Towne of Iamets next of the principalitie which lyeth nigh the borders of Lorreyne about the 20. of Ianuary In the meane while the Princesse caused the inhabitants to sweare fidelitie to her and gaue the gouernment of her affayres vnto the Lord Nueuile vntill she might vnderstand of the Prince Monpensier her vncle appoynted Warde and of the Lord la Noue executor of the Will of her brother but specially of the King of Nauarre whose counsel she desired greatly to followe The companie which she had were the Princesse her selfe the Princesse Bourbon and the Lord Laual a young child the heire of the Lord Laual who dyed at Taillebourg the yeare 1586. in Aprill as is aforesayd The forces were the inhabitants of the countrey and a certaine number of Frenchmen exiled out of their countrey by reason of the persecution of the League The Duke of Boillon being dead the King of Nauarre was certified thereof from Geneua and also from Sedan an expresse messenger was sent to the sayd King to let him vnderstand the state and necessitie of the affayres The King of Nauarre vnderstanding the state of Sedan the iniuries and violences of the League sent thether the Lord Reaulx and from thence to the King to put him in mind of the protection which he did owe to the sayd Princesse and of the seruices done by her predecessors to the Crowne of France but specially to shewe him the importance of the places which the Leaguers did intend to inuade
to make much for the safetie of Mets. She sent also to her vncle the Prince Monpensier who promised her all assistance to his power The Dukes of Sweibrook sent her word that they would doo what lay in them to diuert those forces from her The King not greatly regarding the suit and protection of the sayd Ladie for hatred of the reformed religion sent backe againe the Lord Reaulx to the Duke of Lorreyne where he taried so long that all things were burned and spoyled before he returned to Sedan And at his returne he deliuered a commission from the King to be receaued as Lieutenant generall for the King and protector of the Princesse and that after being receaued when they had giuen their oth then he would declare what order should be taken They made answere that it was a newe thing and that the soueraigne Lords of Sedan had neuer receaued such charges and therefore they could not accept them considering that they had giuen their oth vnto the Prince Monpensier her vncle and Warden to doo her lawfull and faithful seruice and to keepe the places against all men vnder the protection of his Maiestie who would as he hoped bée contented with the assurance which the Prince Monpensier would giue him About the same time the Lord Nueuile gouernour of Mezieres came to Ioram nigh Sedan seeking by fayre promises of friendship to haue that Lieutenantship and propounding certaine captious articles was so answered that if he had come into Sedan there was not of his kinne enough for halfe the women of Sedan for euen they who mooued the matter first stood in some danger The Prince Monpensier sent diuers times to visite and assist her and went to the Court to obtayne the continuance of her protection But nothing was obtayned for the King sought nothing els but to put in such as he thought would fulfill his desire to oppresse and scatter the Church and to haue in his possession that Princesse to nousse her vp in Poperie that there might not be any hope left hereafter to restore the Church Whilest the Duke of Lorreyne besieged Iamets the Duke of Guize sent to Sedan to proffer them great friendship and to preserue them in all libertie of conscience and religion if so that there might a mariage be made betwéene the Princesse and his sonne The Duke of Lorreyne vsing all manner of hostilitie and villanies that could be possible made suite to haue the sayd Princesse in marriage for his sonne the Lord Vaudimount both with flattering words also by thundring of the double Canon The weaknes of this Princesse caused the enemy to be very secure and carelesse which encouraged them which were besieged at Iamets dayly to make sturdy and stout sallies vppon the enemies geuing them no aduantage not so much as to approach to place their peeces and compelled them to trench themselues in the Vilages where they were charged by them within the towne dayly and this continued vntill the beginning of Aprill next following During these two Moneths of February and March and the continuance of the siege of Iamets the Lord Resne with certayne troupes of Italians Germans Wallons Legeoys and Lorreins to the number of 7. or 8. hundred horses with certayne regiments of footmen did scowre the countrey about Sedan where they fired all thinges so that in all the principality of Boillon there remained in a maner but ashes and calamity besides Sedan and Iamets Their outrages and cruelties were such that the like were neuer heard of For all maner of whoredome rauishments violences and woorse were committed by those infernall helhowndes villaines and sauage robbers besides they put all women maidens and children to raunsome as many as they could take such violences they continued vntill the latter end of March thereby to terrify this yong and desolat Princesse Whilest the Leaguers as fire brands blowne out of hell subiect vnto no law gouernment nor power do proffer iniuries vnto all maner of persons without any respect about the beginning of February while they tryed by al means possible both by faire words open violeÌ„ce to seaze both vpon the person and state of the Princesse of Boillon the chiefest of them assembled at Nancy in Lorreine where they continued in counsell vntil the middest of Februarie in the which assembly they concluded many articles against the Kings person and state also they tooke order to continue the eiuill warres which they had kindled and that still vnder the â—olour of popish religion they might win by little and little and so make themselues way to the state by the vndooing of whome soeuer And for as much as they were out of hope to preuaile against them of the reformed religion in Guyenne or other where they aduised themselues by policie to giue the King no rest by hampring him into new troubles in proposing to him vnreasonable requests and still vnder colour of Catholickisme For there they framed articles which haue three principal finall causes to destroy the King the nobilitie and to saue themselues The first is either to shorten the Kings life by some lot of warre or else at the least to weaken him and make him odious to the Church-men The second is to kindle and entertaine the warre immortall that the nobilitie may be destroyed by mutuall blowes and woundes Thirdly to saue themselues from blowes and charges and to keepe themselues in authoritie vntill the opportunitie which they watched for should proffer it self these things are euidently seen in y e articles following But here first before wee come to these articles marke well Christian Reader the turkish hearts who contemning all that is named God and Iustice they haue extinguished in themselues all humanitie and reuerence of superioritie For contrarie vnto all humanitie they went about to rauâ—sh away that noble Princesse issued of noble race left desolate fatherlesse brotherlesse and friendlesse and also to lay hand vpon her state Now haue they despised the superioritie ordayned of God when they desperatly and imperiously dare giue lawe to their Soueraigne euen such law as is altogether vnreasonable contrarie to the duetie of subiects But now let vs come to the articles First they say the King shall be requested to ioyne himselfe more openly to the League and shall put away from him and out of his strong holdes and out of all states and offices of any waight such as shall bee named vnto him Here first they will haue the King to take vpon him all the shame dishonour and hatred of their detestable actions and iniuries which they doo intend Note to proffer to all manner of men vnder the name of the League which they will the King to take vpon him in these words that they wil haue him to ioyne with the League Secondly whereas they seeke to displace from about him such as they would their intent is to depriue him of his authoritie forces and faithfull friends to put him vnderward that he
bee the King and the Princes of the bloud but among them chiefely the King of Nauarre and the Prince of Conde Therefore they must bee made away by one meanes or another and whereas warre and violence were neither the safest nor the surest way they concluded that poyson must bee tried But to bring this to an happie end they must haue the helpe of the Q. Mother she must be one instrument to commit parricides for it is to be thought that if she would not spare her owne Sonne Charles the 9. she would not spare them whome she neuer loued for she neuer cared what shee did so that shee might not doo good she is therefore easily won to doo that which she greatly desired Poysoners are hired they haue their drougges and instructions with them some are sent to minister their Phisick to the King of Nauarre if by any meanes they could But howsoeuer it be either that they which were hired to poyson the King of Nauarre did altar their mindes or had not the meanes to execute so vilanous an act so it is that his death was bruted in Lorreyne and at the Court about the same time that the Prince of Conde dyed But it hath pleased the Lord to haue deliuered him from their snares to punish them in time according to the measure of the treacheries and innumerable enormities by them committed As touching the Prince of Conde they had their mindes vpon him for at length the diuel furthering their treacheries procured some of his owne houshold seruants to bee wonne to take the matter in hand and among others one Brillant and a Page vpon whome he had bestowed great benefits to giue him poyson the third day of March at supper he fell sick of a great paine of the stomack about an howre an a halfe after supper that paine was followed incontinentlie with great vomiting comming at sundrie times with continuation of the said paine and with a great thirst hee was assisted by Nicolas Poget his master Chirurgion At the same houre was called Master Bonauenture de Medicis Doctor of Phisick which considering the accidents did helpe the vomitings following therein the motions of nature The sicknes notwithstanding continued all the night hauing inuaded the inferiour bellie with swelling and hardnes of the same with such difficultie to take breath that he could not lie in his bed but was faine to sit still in a chayre The morrow after were called to counsell Lewis Bontempts and Ihan Pallet Doctors of Phisick who altogether did indeuour to helpe his Excellencie with all diligence and fidelitie by all the meanes which they iudged fit according to the accurrant accidents The fift day of March and second of his disease about three a clock in the after noone all things went from worse to worse so that there came a suffocation of all the famolties of nature in the which he rendered his soule to God halfe an houre after In the death of this Prince God did shoote an arrow of his wrath against the vngratefulnes peruersitie of this world but speciallie against France in plucking this Noble Prince out of so many labours into the societie of the inheritance of his Saints in light Henry Bourbon Prince of Conde Sonne vnto Lewis of Bourbon Prince of Conde whose famous name shall bee in the euerlasting remembrance of the righteous was borne and brought vp in the Church of God whose preseruation was as deare vnto him as his owne life God had endued him with noble vertues he was faithfull vnto God duetifull in the true worship of God true vnto his King louer of his Countrey and of the libertie and honour of this realme enemie vnto the perturbers of the peace of the same and of them all whome he knew to be coniurators against the King and state His generositie und valour with the greatnes of courage had been shewed in many noble exploytes done by him but speciallie in ouercomming many assaults labors perils and miseries during these miserable ciuill warres to be short God hath plucked him in all the course of his life out of many daungers His death was the more to be lamented because it was vyolent and in the flower of his age which happened the fift day of March 1588. at S. Jhan d' Angely in Xainctonge to the great griefe of all men among whome from age to age the remembrance of him shall be honorable For the death of this Prince was hurtfull to all France but gainfull onely to him who chaunged a vaine and paynfull life into one onely true and stedfast life immortall quiet and euerlastingly blessed in the assurance of the which hée died in our Lord Iesus Christ This sudden and vnlooked for accident gaue occasion to the sayd Doctors Phisitions and Chirurgions to thinke that this sicknesse came thorowe some extraordinary and vyolent cause For the sayd Phisitions gaue out vnder their hand and seale as followeth After his departing about two houres there began to issue out of his mouth and nostrels a froth thicke and white which gathered by little and little to the bignesse of ones fist and out of the same place a little after did issue yealowish water in great aboundance On the Lords day being the sixt of March by the commandement of his Counsell we Phisitions and Chirurgions haue beside called Peter Mesnard Focault Chotard both Masters Chirurgions of S. Ihan d' Angely to make the anatomie of his bodie and to search altogether the causes of a death so sudden And first wee haue found all the body blewish and leadie the bellie in a strange manner swolne stretched and hard In the opening of the body we found in the lower bellie all the parts thereof with the inwards blewish and blacke and the hollownesse of his bodie full of yealowish waters After searching diligently the stomack we haue also found it blewish and in the right and vpward part of the same an inch or thereabout vnder the Orifice of the sayd stomacke we haue found a round hole eaten through and through that hole had fallen the waters and liquours which we found within the capacitie of the inferiour bellie Then hauing diligently taken vp viewed cut and emptied the sayd stomack we haue seene euidently the whole bodie of the sayd stomacke as well without as within specially on the right side blacke burned vlcered and gangrened in diuers places but notably about the hole aboue sayd So that wee cannot iudge that it could bee done otherwise then by a notable quantitie of burning vlcering and caustick poyson which had left euident markes of his passing in the Oesophage The liuer also in the place ioyning to the sayd hole was found altered and burned the rest of the substance of the sayd liuer blewish as also the lights There was no part of y e bodie of his Excellencie which was not of a very good constitution and very healthfull if the vyolent poyson had not corrupted y e parts aboue sayd All
the premises are according to trueth and for the certitude of the same wee haue sealed this report with our hands andseales at S. Ihan d' Angely the 6. day of March 1588. Medicis Bontemps Pallet Poget Mesnard Chotard About the same time the King of Nauarre came out of Gascoyne who being aduertized of his death commaunded that such as were suspected of that villanous fact should be pursued Whereupon a page suspected saued himselfe by flight many more were apprehended The processe was made vnto many with all the solemnities requisite thereunto whereof within a while after the condemnation of one Brillaut ensued the page also was condemned vpon centumacie executed in Picture Brillaut was drawne vpon a hurdle through all the streates of S. Jhan and in the chiefest place of the sayd towne was torne in peeces with foure horses Now we see how the Leaguers when they haue not been able to destroy the Princes by valour haue vsed treacherous procéedings For first hauing treacherously shortned the life of the Duke of Alençon by poyson as it is saide in the first booke and seduced the Cardinall of Bourbon making him dreame of a kingdome in his old doting age and to oppose himselfe to two Kings to wit the King and the King of Nauarre and to all the house of Bourbons out of which God had made him that honour as to haue issued one of the chiefest as is sayd in the second booke They also haue condemned the King of Nauarre to dye by their Italian figges and there uppon proclaymed his death which they had promised to themselues both in Lorreyne and in the Court and in Townes and Cities of their fauourers but God hath disappoynted them of their murtherous purpose At length by the long suffering of God to plague France they haue preuayled agaynst that good godly vertuous famous Prince of Conde and that vpon such a day as hath béen fatall to the house of Guize to work mischief murther and rebellion The death of this noble Prince amazed all men in Xainctonge knowing that God had some heauie iudgements to execute vppon France and that GOD had taken that noble Prince least he should see euill dayes as the Prophet Esay saith It is sayd before how the Lord Lauerdine who was master of the Campe saued himselfe by flight out of the slaughter of Coutras betooke himselfe to the towne of Niort to the Lord Malicorne his vncle where hée soiourned as his Lieutenant Here Christian Reader wee haue to obserue that although the King and the Leaguers hated in wardly one another and in outward appearance did deepely dissemble their affections yet wee doo see that as Herode and Pilate did excercise priuie hatred betweene them and at length in persecuting Christ did well agree as friends so in men of like degrées and in like actions the like affections are boyling in their hearts For the rumour of the death of the King of Nauarre and Prince of Conde which the Leaguers hauing set some secret price vppon their heads had promised vnto themselues did cause the King and the Leaguers in outward apparance to be great friends and to promise vnto themselues an vtter rooting out of them of the religion and a sure subduing of all things beyond the riuer of Loyre With speede therefore they sent eight or nine regiments conducted by the Lord Courbe to the Lord Lauerdine Lieutenant of his vncle the Lord Malicorne at Niort in Poytow who with al the forces which he could gather both in the lowe and high Poytow the 16. day of March about two a clocke after midnight descended into Marans by boates through the marishes of Beauregard and with fiue hundred footmen seazed vppon the house and farme of the sayd Beauregard hauing found no resistance but onely of two of the inhabitants of Marans with a little boate who were gone to discouer the Iland Cicoigne these two discharging their peeces vpon the enemies retyred to the trenches of Beauregard there they found but fiue or sixe Souldiers as well of the inhabitants as others who also discharged certaine shot vpon the enemie who notwithstanding aduanced and came to land The cause why the Lord Lauerdine subdued these Ilands so easily was first the certayne newes of the death of the Prince of Conde and the rumours bruted abroade touching the supposed death of the King of Nauarre which thing caused great amaze and discouraging among all men Secondly the ill order and prouidence of the gouernour for if he his troups and inhabitants had done their duetie Lauerdine had not entered that Iland at that price or els had been chased out to his dishonour and losse The Lord Iarry had béen aduertized three dayes before of the enterprize of Lauerdine and might haue put into the Ilands forces sufficient to resist the enemie for the companies of the Lord Trimouille conducted by the Lord Boysduly returning from Cotaudiere were very nigh him to wit at S. Radagond Champaigne and Puyreneau who desired nothing more then to enter into Marans But the gouernour and the inhabitants fearing the preace of Souldiers which was excessiue indeede would not admit them but sent to Rochel the Captaine Plaute Lieutenant of the Gouernour to request them of Rochel to send them about fiftie Souldiers whom they would entertayne vntill they might see what the enemie would doo which thing they of Rochel could not doo for that time Notwithstanding this refuse and that the gouernour was well aduertized that he had not sufficient forces to let y e enemie to take land yet the companies of the Lord Boysduly passing through the Brault were sent further as farre as Esuand through foule wayes ouerthwart the Marshes whereas they should haue been stayed to be vsed as the necessitie had required They sent notwithstanding the same day at euening to the said Boysduly but arriuing not before ten or eleuen a clock in the night was the cause that succour could not come in time although that the diligence of the sayd Boysduly and his companies was wonderfull for without any leasure to lodge and without any respect of the indignitie proffered him and his troupes the day before they departed presently and repayred to the fort Brune one houre and a halâ—e before the enemie tooke lande at Beauregard But whilest the gouernour and the inhabitants made some difficultie to let in all his troupes being not willing to receaue aboue 50. or 60. the enemie on the other side entred at Beauregard as is sayd so that the entrie into Brune was not opened to the sayd Boysduly nor his troups afore that the enemy had already gotten the farme house of Beauregarde There had beene meanes to driue back the enemie if speedely the troups who were entred at Brune about three a clock after midnight had gone to meete the enemie as some did giue their aduise to doe For the L. Lauerdine was not yet well accompanyed and it had beene an easie thing to cut the way to the
of Guyze sent his horse coursers and riders with his Oratours to bring in triumph and to shew the horses armor and spoyle of the Rutters taken from them at Vimorye and Aulneaâ— by Montargis and Chartres not onely with amplifications of his victoryes and great valiantnes but also with deprauing and debasing the Kinges dooings with calumnies lies false reportes and slanders into such Prouinces and Citties where these sycophants did venture to goe for such were the graces and ornaments of their rhetorike wherewith these Oratours did beautify their demonstratiue orations It is sayd also how the King of Nauarre after the prosperous iourney at Coutras sent Ambassadors to the King to search the meanes of peace offered him his and the Germans forces to be reuenged of the Leaguers his secret enemies Also how by what pollicy the good hope of this Ambassage was preuented and made of none effect by the Leaguers seeking to nourish dissention and warre in the Realme Furthermore it is sayd how after the dissipation of the Germans the King retyring to Paris and hearing of the proceeding of the Duke of Guzye against his person and honour and what great discredit he had procured him among his subiects too late hee saw his error in hauing reiected the proffers of the King of Nauarre and neglected opportunity of reuengement which he doth purpose to dilay and referre it to another time supposing this to bee his best course first to repayre the fault committed For seeing the communalty addicted altogether and affectionated to the Duke of Guyze hee determined to doo some thing plausible to the Commons to recouer their good wils and affections In the twelfth Chapter of the Actes there it is shewed how a King killed Iames seeing that it pleased well the people to get their loue to the vttermost tooke Peter also intending to kill him like wise so this King with dutiful reuerence of the soueraigne power be it spoken in comparing the counsels and actions not the persons determined to recouer the loue of his subiects by the slaughter of the King of Nauarre Nobility and people which follow the example of Peter and imbrace the same forme of doctrine which he hath deliuered Hee concludeth therefore to make warre agaynst them of the reformed religion The King therefore passing the latter end of Winter in the meditating of these enterprizes in repairing and renuing his forces an expedition was published abroad agaynst them of the reformed religion whereunto the K. in his owne person would go the next Sommer The Iesuits fearing least the colde of the Winter and the sweetnes of the spring next following would both coole and quallify that heat and bitternes which did so boyle in the Kings minde importunatly by their outcryes and tumultuous Sermons did presse him forward their Pulpites ringing of nothing else but fire fire burne burne kill kill the heretikes to sharpen and flesh him to goe about his businesse more eagerly They daily assured him and shewed him certayne argumentes of Gods wrath against the heretikes as they tearmed them promised him an assured victory and blessed issue descanting specially vpon the fatall yeare 1588. so much spoken of by the Astronomers Yet for all these hellish Frogges crying croak croake the King made no great hast to his voiage in Poytow either doubting of some new rebellion of the Leaguers or else mistrusting the euents But whilest the thinges abouesayd do so passe in the Soueraignty of Sedan the king hauing opportunity geuen him by the death of the Prince of Conde and the good successe of Lauardine in subduing so speedily the Iles of Marans which he thought to be a good beginning to bring vnder his obedience the rest of Poytow and Xainctonge and at length to force Rochel began earnestly to resolue himselfe vppon his expedition of Guyenne and thought good to vse some speede and celerity in inuading Poytow and Xainctonge as the neerest of them which did embrace the Gospell Therefore he prepareth all things and deuyseth all the means possible to destroy the King of Nauarre to take the I le of Rhe to Blocke in Rochel to get the towns of Talmond Ganach and Fontenay and gyrdeth about his loynes to goe in his owne person to that voyage there to fill the measure of his prayses and victories hoping thereby to winne agayne the harts of his lost subiectes On the other side the master of the league perceiuing himselfe to haue crept deepely into the hearts of the people and to haue dislodged the K. from thence forgetteth the heretikes and the defence of the holy Church which he had heretofore pretended and beginneth to discouer the haâ—red against the King which had lyen hidden in his brest a long time cryeth out that the warres so often times mooued against the king of Nauarre had vanished away without profit the onely fault is the kings intelligences with the heretikes but the supporter of the king of Nauarre being once dispatched with lesse labour shall he be ouerthrowne hee dreameth that Germanie and England are so angry with the king of Nauarre for the dissipation of the Germane armie that he can hope for no more ayde nor succour from thence As for the K. he is weary of warre his good Souldiers are spent worne out the residue weary of the tediousnes of this war or else for want and neede doe onely desire quietnes and peace Hee doth enholden and incourage himself vpon the fauours which he had at the court of the chiefest about the kings person concludeth that the king may easily be oppressed and the king of Nauarre cannot defend himâ—elfe long and in the meane time he determined to try what miracles the slubbersawce figges of Italy can doe as is afore sayd Of all the armies which were prepared the yeare before against the K. of Nauarre remayned none but onely the Leaguers companyes such as were together were occupied at the siege of Iamets and in wasting the teritory of Sedan who in token that there they had been they left their accursed carkasses for gage for the most part The masters of the League hauing receiued the foyle before Iamets and at Douzie in the principalitie of Boillon as is afore said considering that their counsells succeeded not their forces were greatly diminished and that they had opened diuers wayes at diuers times but nowe specially their intents too euidently and considering also that a small hole in such a dangerons conspiracie would in a little space turne to a great breach which bloweth abroad the counsels weakneth the authority mollifieth the courages tooke aduise to remedie speedily those daungers which might ensue thereof for their goods their honours and liues stoode thereon They knew also that their counsells and treasons had peareed in-into the kings closet who might dissemble but neuer forget it First therefore in hasting the execution of their conspiracy necessitie compelled them to put feare aside and respect of all authoritie vnder foote Secondly
that in such extremiâ—ie none but a violent remedy would serue Thirdly that the execution could not much increase the punishment of such a dangerous conspiracie Last of all Fortune would helpe their valiaunt courages and that high enterprizes could not be brought to passe but by diligent exploytes These are the reasons which made them haste the execution of their enterprize The meanes to exempt their purpose was to seaze vpon Paris the cheâ—fest towne in the realme and there with the helpe of their partakers to kill or take the King therein and by the selfe same meanes to destroy the Pinces of the blood as many as should come within their reach and all other the Kings faithfull seruants and officers of the Crowne with all others as should oppose themselues to their purpose As for the prince of Conde they had dispatched him out of the way by their paltry pills The Cardinall of Bourbon was the Tree vnder whose shadowe they did worke all their conspiracies The King of Nauarre they made no account of assuring themselues of his life by one meane or other To bring this proiect to a perfect wished and blessed end they needed two things to streng then themselues and to weaken the King Their forces were diminished greatly by reason of the Bastinados which they receiued at a maidens handes at Iamets and Douzie in the teritory of Boillon yet was it easie with a short warning to repaire them sufficiently Therefore the Duke of Guyze sent into those countries and Prouinces which fauoured him to warue his partakers to bee in Paris with horse armour and furniture at the beginning of May and there to attend vpoÌ„ his Mastership for he had a mistical may-game to play wherin he had neede of their seruice For the weakning of the king they vsed this Dilemma we will so work that the king will send his fores into Picardy whereby he will weaken the safety of his owne person and so shall he be easier to be surprized or hee will not send If he send and recall them to Paris to preuent the danger which we will prepare him then will it be a good occasion to the factious citizens to pick a quarrell and to make an vprore against him and so by open violence of many against few he may easily well be dispatched If the King send not his forces from about him into Picardie it may be wrested out of his hand and in course of time the next Prouinces will followe and yet will wee so prouide that in Paris he shall be able scarse to defend himselfe Now let vs consider how they executed euery part of this dilemma The Duke d' Aumale with all theresidue of the forces which suruiued their companions at Iamets and Douzie with other complices of y e Guize who were in the countrey of Pycardie were sent into the sayd countrey of Picardie to make warre not against the Hugonets for there were men to oppose themselues agaynst the Leaguers but agaynst the hereticks of the Romish Church who will remayne faithfull to their King they therefore most furiously did warre against the Kings Cities Townes Forts all was reduced from the Kings obedience saue Calis and Boloigne which was besieged greatly distressed They in Boloigne were worse hereticks then Rochel although they did worship our Ladie with all the Saints and the Saints of heauen and some diuels also among them with greater deuotion then euer they did worship God The like did he in Normandy and in all those countreys the Catholikes without changing of their olde superstition were on a sudden become heretickes the King by many degrées worse then an hereticke The King of Nauarre had béen of good religion if he would haue cast his lot among them and haue had a common purse with them and gone with them to shed innocent bloud About the beginuing of May by the secret aduertisements of the Duke of Guize there repayred into the Citie of Paris out of diuers parts of the Realme Gentlemen and of all qualities beside men light headed rash malcontents and desirous of nouelties aboue 15. thousand Besides this great number of strangers in Paris most part of the citizens and an infinite multitude of sottish and rash people desirous of nouelties who had most villanously conspired the kings destruction and to that intent secretly had giuen the hand of association and oath of obedience to Guize great master of the League in France This accursed multitude was greatly incouraged by the straungers who altogether would haue made a mightie armie and had béen able to match with the Turke both in number and qualities All these were swimming in that citie as in a large and wide sea being not perceaued nor knowne but by their partakers On the other side the King liued in securitie voyde of any suspition of treachery of the people of Paris who made his right hand of theÌ„ as whom he had alwaies cherished loued as himself and more regarded in a manner then all the rest of his kingdome But as counsells which doo drawe after such haughtie euents cannot long bee kept close but doo take winde so the déepe prouidence of the masters of the League could not take so good order being not able to execute any thing alone but distrust began to rise in the hearts of many men who were faithfull to the King so that after diuers mutterings sundrie aduertisements were giuen to the King that there was some great matter in hand against his person and estate And although they could not tell him expressedly that which happened afterward yet experienced of long time in the anatomie of the hearts and counsels of them of Guize began to mistrust the matter determined to remedie it by all gracious waies grounded vpon reason The King in the latter end of Aprill hearing of the commotions of the Duke Aumale in Picardie and Normandy sendeth the Duke Espernon into Normandy with part of his forces and some part into Picardie there to defend his authoritie The Duke of Guize hearing how he was expected in Paris both by the mutinous citizens and straungers who vpon aduertisements giuen them had flocked thether out of diuers parts of the Realme and vnderstanding that the King had sent his forces into Picardie and Normandy resolued himselfe to goe to Paris with a small companie for to auoyd suspition yet assured to finde there as in a little world a number of partakers prouided of all necessarie things and in readines sufficient to surprise a great King The King informed of this deliberation of Guize to come to Paris and desirous as is sayd before to preuent all their attempts by gracious waies about the eight day of May sent the Lord Belieure to the said Duke whom he met at Soyssons to informe him of his will that his comming to Paris would not bee agreeable to his Maiestie willing him in the Kings name for that time not to come to Paris and beside
the king commaunded the sayd Belieure that in case the sayd Duke would néedes continue his purpose of comming thether plaine termes he should tell him that it was against his Maiesties will and that in so doing he held him as a Traytour and author of all the troubles and diuisions of the Realme and therefore iustly to deserue his displeasure The Lord Belieure gaue notice of all the Kings will and intent vnto the sayd Duke as he was charged to doo The Duke subtilly gaue him a doubtfull answere not declaring whether he would goe or not but as the water being stopped waxeth stronger and more violent so the prohibiting of him encreased his heate and ambition by nature impatient and made him thinke that the delay was an irreuocable losse So that at one instant after the departing of Belieure out of Soyssons the Guize tooke horse and his way to Paris and followed the sayd Lord Belieure so nigh that the one arriued the Monday about nine a clocke and the Duke likewise arriued at Paris the same day about twelue a clock accompanied with eight gentlemen hauing in all not aboue fifteene or sixteene horses that could be seene and being there arriued he lighâ—ed at the lodging of the Q Mother at the penitent Sisters the 9. of May. The King being aduertised of the Dukes comming to Paris tooke great discontentation therof conceaued a great displeasure against the said Belieure as though he had not faithfully deliuered his commandement and in the same tearmes as he was charged to the Duke of Guize This solitarie comming of the Duke of Guize encreased the suspitions and mistrust making euery man that knewe him and his pompe thinke that such extraordinarie comming had some mysterie which ere it were long should be reuealed For if it had been simple and without fraude a cooling of the partakers had ensued as commonly they who doo obey doo frame their actions according to the manners of them which doo command so that such a tumult had not insued it as did A little while after the arriuing of the Duke of Guize the Q. Mother caused her selfe to bee carried to the Loure to speake with the King The Guize with a small companie to see too followed the Q. Mother on foote and it is to be noted that by the way the Lord of Guize going through the streates of Paris with the Q. Mother the people flocked in great companies to bid him welcome and among others a gentlewoman standing vppon a bulke plucking her maske downe saluted him with these words Good Prince seeing thou art come we be safe The Q. Mother and the Guize arriued at the Loure together entered into the kings chamber who then sat nigh his bed and did not stirre out of his place for the comming of the sayd Duke who saluted the King with a fayre and humble countenance making a courtesie almost his knee to the ground Fewe would haue iudged by this interuiew that there had been so dangerous vlcers in their hearts the King greatly displeased at his comming shewed neither to his mother nor to the saide Duke any other welcome but asked him thus Cosin wherefore are you come He answered that it was to purge himselfe of the calumnies and slaunders that hee was charged of as though he were guiltie of the crime of treason In making this answer he seemed very much moued and pale as though he had feared that the King euen then would take punishment of that contempt wherewith he had despised his commaundement The King relyed that he had sent him an expresse commaundement that he should not come for that time The Duke made answer that it was not told him in such sort as that hee had occasion to feare that his comming should bee so disagreeable to him The King then turning his speach to the Lord Belieure asked him whether he had not commaunded him to make him vnderstand his intention When Belieure would haue recounted in what sort hee performed his message the Duke of Guize interrupted him and said to the King speaking by Belieure that he had tolde him more Vpon this the Q. Mother beginning to talke with the King a side the Duke of Guize drew nere to the Queene raging and talked together with her during the parley of the Q Mother with the King The Guize a little after went away being neither accompanied nor followed by any of the Kings seruants The King being aduertized a new how Paris was full of armed men replenished with faction and madnes and that there had resorted and howerly did resort a number of strangers of all qualities and that the Duke of Guize was the adamant stone which did draw the yrâ—n of that commotion began to double his mistrust thought it was high time to take order to assure his affayres and prouide both for the safety of his person and the state of the Citie And first to assure his forces about his person sent for two thousand and fiue hundred Suissers which were in Picardy for the companies of his guardes and some regiments which were extraordinarily ordayned by him for two companies of Suissâ—rs to fortifie his gardes and three companies of Frenchmen The tenth day he commaunded the Escheuins that is the Aldermen and chiefest men of the Citie to make search through the Citie in all houses of all such men as were to be found without any lawfull busines they dissembled the matter as though they had good liking thereof He caused also notice thereof to be giuen to the Duke of Guize who had no great liking of it but tooke it for a token which hasted him to doo his feate this order was taken but not executed vntill the morrow after The same day the Master of the League that is the Duke of Guize came to Loure accompanied with thirtie or fortie horses and accompanied the King in his walking to the artilleries and there conferred together verie friendly about the warre of Guienne against the King of Nauarre The 11. day the search being a making through the Citie by the chiefest of the Magistrates and certaine Knights of the order of the Holy Ghost commonly called the Kings order to countenance the matter gaue great occasion of mistrust whereupon the King caused the search to cease The 12. day very early the Suissers and the French companies being 12. Ensignes of footemen entred into Paris through the gate Saint Honore the King and his nobles being there on horseback to receaue them At the arriuing of them the Parisians gaue themselues the alarum and faigned great feare as though the great Turke had entred the Citie with an hundred thousand men euery man ran into his house shut vp their doores and windowes many cried that they were lost vndone and would be all murthered It had been an easie thing for the King if he had had an euill intent against them as afterward they made themselues beleeue to haue let the attempt which they
did that same day in raising and trenching themselues against their King But the King was accustomed to vse patiencie and long delayes euen in the middest of mistrust The Kings forces being entred the Citie were by his commandement vnder the conduct of the Lord Byron distributed into diuers plares of the Citie not to enterprise or to offend any man but there to holde fast least that any mutinie should rise in the Citie as all things seemed apparantly to bée disposed by the comming of the Duke of Guize Part of those forces were appoynted to be about the King to fortifie his gardes and another part was placed at Saint Ihan de Greue before the common house of the Citie vnder the conduct of Marshall Haumont the Prouost of Marchants and other of the chiefest of the Citie who knew the Kings intent Likewise part of the saide forces were set vpon the little bridge vnder the commaundement of the Lorde Tinteuille There were also also some of them placed at the new market vnder the conduct of the Lorde Dampieore some were also at Saint Innocent and many other places This diuision of the Kings forces was well made for that end to the which it was done but it was not vniuersall nor in some speciall places where the necessitie did specially require For in the place Maubert was no body placed And that place was of such importance that being seazed vpon it might be the meanes to recouer all the others but yet if it had béene prouided with one hundred Pikes and thirtie Harquebusiers they had béen sufficient to let them for a time who would stirre The Lord Byron was warned of it and himselfe was not ignorant of it but for lack of men hée prouided not to it beside that these words were not looked to The Duke of Guize considering that his treacherous intents were already too manifest kéepeth his bedd that morning to dissemble the matter more kindely and supposing that all this preparation was for him whilest the King should make his processe he thought to preuent the worst therefore by secret messengers he sent to his partakers to flock together to seaze vpon as many places as they could to strengthen and to Barricado themselues afore the watch woord be giuen and that he may sweare that it was not his doing he was a sléepe still About eight a clock in the morning behold the Escheuins whether they were terrified by threatnings or accessaries to the rebellion in a moment of one side they began to vanish away and to descend from the vniuersity on the other side the people flocking together seazed vppon the place Maubert Barricados were planted within ten paces of the Suissers who might easily haue let it and immediatly they began euery where to trench themselues with Barricados from thirtie to thirtie paces the chayne 's also immediatly were drawne their Barricados were well flanked and well furnished with men to defend them so that it was no more time to goe through Paris any where without watch word passeport or particular billes from the Captaines or Colonels of the wardes The Duke of Guize vnderstanding that the Kings forces were seuered a sunder and disposed in certaine places knowing his partakers to bée stronger and more in number without comparison trenched with Barricados hard by the Kings Garisons set in diuers places as is before saide euen with thirtie paces one from the other and perceauing that all this while a sléep he had inclosed vp the Kings forces on euery side how much more can he doo awaking out of his bed if he would bestirre himselfe about his busines now séeing that it resteth no more but to charge and to dispatch the Kings forces that destitute of all succour more easily he may be had out of the Loure dead or a liue resteth therefore but the watch word to begin the may game All things being in a readines two sorts of men are appoynted the one to giue the watch word the other to giue the first blowe The watch word was giuen by interposed persons who went about the Citie reporting that the King would establish new Garisons in the Citie and executt one hundred of the chiefest inhabitants and many other noble men at the suggestion of the Duke Espernon who had intelligences with the King of Nauarre Others were interposed among the Kings French Souldiers who did bid the inhabitants to lay cleane sheetes in their beds for the same night they would lye in their houses On a suddaine therefore the fire was set to the myne in a moment Paris was fired into an horrible and confused commotion and as if there had been question to run vpon the enemy euery man doth prepare himselfe to set vpon the Kings gardes and the rest of his forces The others who were appoynted to beginne the fray were Brissak Boysdauphin Chamoyes and other partakers of Guyze who at the watch-word geuen began to charge the Swissers whereof some were killed some vnarmed the like was done to the other companies of Frenchmen many were slaine and all vnarmed The Duke of Guyze wayting a sleepe for this beginning started vp as he sayd out of his sleepe ranne to the fray shewed a double dilligence did endeuor to shew outwardly to the world that hee enterprised nothing and that he was vtterly ignorant of all these thinges and to that end hee might haue witnes he caused the slaughter which was made of the Swissers to sease caused the armes to bee rendred to the Kinges companies who had béen vnarmed but after such a maner as did shew how much greater regard they of Paris had of him then of the King and what intelligences hee had with them whereof hee did shew himselfe not discontented In that commotion some would haue killed the Marshal Biron and the Lord Belieure which thing this King of the may game misliked would not suffer Such occasions did content him greatly for by such actions he confirmed himselfe in the trust and confidence which he had in that people he would also haue them whom he saued from the slaughter to beleeue that he had no small part in France besides that he bound them to him in as much as their liues were woorth To be short no man was in danger of y e rage of the people who either was with him or was commended by him The Duke of Guyze after the vnarming of the Kinges companâ—es set themselues as prisoners vntill the euening and within a little whyle after these thinges were done they made their approches by litle and little to the Loure where the king was The King being aduertized of all which was a dooing did not shew himself mooued therwith at all But the 2. Quéenes were greatly amazed specially the Q Mother which all the dinner tyme did nothing else but weepe with great aboundance of tears And immediatly after dinner she tooke her coach to goe to the house of Guyze where the sayd Lord of Guyze
had retyred after hauing taken prisoners the Kings forces to do her best endeuor to passify the commotion but it was without any effect for they who heretofore had in admiration her deuilish craftines as a diuine wisedome did now when they had the vpper hand account it a deceitfull Italian dissimulation So that old Caâ—ye is no more regarded then she deserued For shee her selfe with much adoo could passe through the streates so thicke trenched with Barricados that shee was enforced to forsake her Coach and be carryed in a chayre and euery varlet would presume to bid her stay what will you haue whether goe you and opening the way only for her chayre did bid her goe her way As the seditious made all thinges in a readines to besiege the King in the Loure the next day the Duke of Guyze went out of his house to purchase to himselfe some good will of the Master by shewing some curtesy to the seruantes and came to the place where the Kinges forces were stayed and vnarmed in the euening caused theyr armes to be rendered them He sent one Saint Paul who had growen from a latrey to be a great man and greatly fauored by the Duke of Guyze to go before the Kings gards leading them as captiues in a tryumph and commaunded them to be turned out of Saint Anthonies gate and to shift for themselues The night following the Rebels besieged the Loure where the King was set their Barricados nigh the gace stopped the issues skirmished with them that came foorth and yet all thinges are so disguised that to besiege the King and kill him in his owne house to execute it dilligently and that without sparing the life of any man at the commaundement of Guyze is to obay the King to defend the King and the countrey to fight for liberty to expose valiantly their liues for their tempels their altars theyr wiues and children The morrow after as the tumult increased the King had aduertisement from two seuerall places the first by one who was familiar and houshold seruant to the Lord of Guyze the second by a gentleman of good calling that the sayd Guyze and they of Paris his partakers had determined to bring foorth the night following fifteene or sixteene thousand men by the new gate and other gates of that side of the Citty to besiege him without there to stop all passage and to force him in his house The King receaued confirmation of the same determination by one of his faithfull seruants a man of honor and vnderstanding who labored much to cause one of his seruantes to step to the Loure for that purpose who could not haue brought it to passe if it had not béene by the helpe of one of the Captaynes of the wardes of the City who conducted the messenger to the Loure The King did step asyde to receaue this message by the mouth of him which brought it which when hee vnderstood iudged the mischiefe and daunger to be greater then hee had thought and began to be amazed seeing that which hee would neuer haue expected of the Parisiens without shewing any token of dismay He was also aduised at the same instant to get him out of Paris though he should goe foorth alone if not he would be vndone and that when his person should be without he might find many seruaÌ„ts faithfull subiects The K. did not refuse that counsell for he saw the danger to encrease euery moment and yet he made no great shew to follow it But on y e contrary encreasing the assurance of his countenance did seeme to promise shortly to remedy it He sent the Q. Mother to the Duke of Guyze once again shee with much a doe hauing accesse to him exhorted him to bring of his owne so much as he could to pacifie that commotion prayed him very instantly to come to the king with great protestation of assurance that he would bee well pleased thereof protesting of his good will and confidence which he reposed in him The King delayed his departing out of Paris meditating reuengement vpon the head of this rebellion and had sent his mother to the ende to haue drawen him within his reach supposing that the head being off the members would coole and waxe weake The Q. Mother hauing done all that euer she could with her Italian Rethorick could not perswade the Duke of Guyze hauing learned by tâ—e simplicitie of them of the reformed Religion and by the tragedies which through his counsell he had caused the King to play vpon them of the religion how little credit was to be giuen to Kings faith and to her fayre promises but shewed himselfe very cold in that matter and contemptious towards her person for he feared that he should not be able to execute his enterprize within the Loure so well as without mistrusting to be preuented if he had entred therein The Q Mother seing that he was not moued by her wordes sendeth his answere to the king by the secretary Pinart The King being aduertized of the hardnes of the Duke out of hope to execute his will vpon him To preuent a farther mischiefe which hee saw to be at hand commaunded his companies to retire and determined to goe out of Paris and to take his farwell of the Loure at the perswasions of many officers of the Crowne who gaue him counsell to giue place to that desperate conspiracie and to retyre into a place of safety he sent his household to the place called the Tuilleries and leauing the Q. Mother there in the Loure went foorth out of Paris on that side which was most sure for him to wit through newgate with a walking staffe in his hand as though he went according to his custome to walke to the Tuilleries with as ioyful countenance as in the most ioyful day that could shine vnto him When he was out of the gate he turned his face toward that citie casting foorth certaine speaches of indignation with protestation against their ingratefulnes treachery and treason When he came to the Tuilleries he tooke his horse with them of his trayne who had meanes to get horses they who had none either stayed behinde or else followed him on foote Many great Lordes went after him on foote vntill they had the meanes to get horses Many great Lordes and gentlemen of the Kinges side went out of Paris in great haste some without bootes some destitute of all things euerie one vnder the shadowe of some friend such as they met withall in the middle of the confused prease The King that night went to Trappes and lodged in the house of Danuile brother to Mommorency and alyed to the Duke d'Espernon The flight of such a great King so vngratefully dealt with all by them whome he had so greatly fauored was lamentable The Duke of Guize hauing remoued the Kings power from him partly by killing and partly by sending others another cleane contrary way from the King supposing that the said King
them that now the time is come that they ought to liue and dye together to bring to passe their intents Thus the Duke of Guyze with his Parisiens hauing dispatched those thinges which they thought necessary either to strengthen or excuse their actions Now he taketh in hand the third pen to write to the King wherewith he powreth out the words of a faithfull seruant and in disguising his enterprize goeth about to deceaue him to lul him asleep but to do it with good grace in his exordium hee doth chafe braule first for feare the King should haue that aduantage ouer him as to begin with him And although this his last action did openly shew the intentes of al his former dealings he must dissemble and make the words of seruice obedience sound highly There he doth lament and almost fall a weeping Crocodils lacrymis for his estate that by reason of the slaunders of his aduersaries he hath béen rendered suspect to the King of the cryme of high treason Secondly to make his innocency appeare he sheweth how he came to him with a small company to iustify his actions Thirdly he blameth the King that he would harken to his enemies who caused him to put extraordinary forces in Paris and to dispose them into the cheefest places of the sayd Citty and that he would be mooued by their perswasions to make such an exemplary execution of so many noble men and cittizens whose names hee doth omit in silence Fourthly he sayeth that when the commotion began hee was altogether vnarmed and fast a sleepe in his house Fiftly that his great paines which hee tooke in contayning the people from murther doth declare him that his intent was neuer to stir that Citty to sedition Sixtly the care which he had to saue them of his officers who had not well deserued of him doth manifestly prooue that he neuer intended any thing agaynst his seruantes Last of all the sauing of the liues of his Swissers Captaines and Souldiers doth plainly shew that hee neuer feared any thing so much as to displease him These be the pennes where with he doth so vary his skill and doth write so contrary thinges not to delight as the art of Rhetorike teacheth but by the one to confesse the truth with the other to colour his actions dissemble and lye and by the third to diuert the crime of those things which haue happened from himselfe and his partakers and to charge the King of Nauarre and the Duke Espernon namely as the workers and practisers of all the misdemeanours that haue fallen out in that commotion On the other side the King about the 17. of May being at Chartres sent letters vnto the gouernours of the prouinces of his Realme to geue them notice according to the trueth of things which had happened at Paris But namely hee wrote letters vnto the Lord Boiseguine gouernour for his maiesty in the citty of Poytiers and knight of the order of the holy Ghost wherin he sheweth briefly the summe of the matter of so sudden and contrary to his will comming of the Duke of Guyze of his owne intent in placing new garisons within Paris what had there hapened by the secret practising of the Duke of Guyze of the causes of his retire to Chartres praying him to giue notice of all these thinges to the Lords Gentlemen and all other of credit in Poytow and thereabout He writeth also to the same effect vnto the people and inhabitants of his realme for to diuert them from rebellion to the which they might be sollicited by the Duke of Guyze and his partakers and by the example of the Citty of Paris Whilest these things are so handled on both sides euery one iustifiyng his cause The Leaguers seeing themselues farther to execute their intent vpon the kings person than euer before do seaze vpon as many towns and holdes as they can and about the 25. and 26. of May the Cardinall and the Duke of Guyze went out of Paris and seazed vpon Meaulx and Chasteautiery in Brye The king seazed vpon Corbeil and Meloune and other holdes and places vpon the riuer of Seyne right against Brie and vpon the high wayes to Paris but the Duke of Guize hauing made sure Meaulx Chasteautiery as is said about the 27. of May returned to Paris and considering how the holding of Corbiel and Meloune was very grieuous to Paris do in hast prepare all things for the siege of Meloune and doth his best indeuour to force it but seeing that it was too hot for him and that it would not be recouered being so strongly fortified by the king gaue it ouer Whilest these things aboue said were a doing there appeared within Paris spanish captaines euery day more than other out of diuers parts men did ioyne with them Some who were faythfull to the king and of some credit among the people went through the streetes to perswade the inhabitance to open their shops and to doe as they haue done before Other who were of the league did cry with a lowd voice shut vp your shops and take armes if you will not be ransaked your wiues rauished and lose your traffick Many of the inhabitants went foorth out of Paris and retired some whither else they who could not doo it desired greatly the Kings returne In the meane time that on euery side they make their parts strong and that the parties were like to come to handy blowes The Leaguers considering their strength to be weak if the king should take the matter at the worst sent three manners of spials First they sent of their owne faction vnder the colour of seruice to view the kings countenaunce and to giue intelligences thereof from time to time Secondly the Capuchins were sent thither in procession that vnder the colour of hypocriticall holynes they might see what weather was at Chartres and to try if the kings minde was any thing altred toward the Friery Monkerie and popish superstition and inclining in any wise to y e heretikes as they tearmed theÌ„ The Capuchins are a sect of hypocrites differing from the Franciscan Friers nothing but in haire and forme of their cowle Their garments are of colour like the robes of the sweepe chimnies here in England and their cowle is made after the maner of a suger loafe likeso many melancholike Deuills spewed out of hell to make the worlde laugh Last of all another sorte of spialls were sent wiser of greater countenance than the other 2. sorts who would sound better make a more perfect anotomy of the kings heart to wit certaine picked out of the court of Parliament and among others namely the Lord Dauron master of the requests to excuse that which had bâ—ene committed in that tumult and to endeuour to pacifie that indignation which iustly hee had conceiued against Guyze and the inhabitants of Paris To whome he shewed himself very casie to be entreated as it may appeare by his speaches
that many of them to serue their turne did not feare to affirme that he was the eldest of the house of Bourbon and that if neede were hee was capable of the succession to the Crowne This man therefore serued much to their faction him they thrust forward for the negotiation and aduauncing of their affayres according to the occasions So that hauing determined to send a supplication to the King to asswage his displeasure while they aduise vpon other wayes to entangle and entrap him yet once more They prepose the said Cardinall his name in the said petition that the greatnes of his name onely of that faction of all the house of Bourbon may serue as a vayle to the affections of them who were more watchfull in handling of their affaires theÌ„ the said Cardinall was in the gouerning of his owne They doo present this supplication in the name of the Cardinall of Bourbon and of the Masters of the League who would faine becalled Princesse and in the name of the Citie of Paris and of the other Cities of their confederacie In this supplication they make a low coursie and al contemptious capping with an humble submission and protestation of their good willes with a proffer of their seruice and of all that they haue for the defence of his estate and of the Catholick religion so that the Duke of Guize may haue the leading of his forces and managing of their affaires Secondly they charge the Duke Espernon and his brother the Lord Valette to be fauourers of the hereticks to haue betrayed y e kings forces in hindering all good exploytes to bee done against the hereticks and the King of Nauarre To haue fauored the armie of the Germanes in their retiring home to haue beene the cause by his counsell of the vprore happened of late at Paris To haue wasted the Kinges treasure to be the author of all the disordeâ— which is in the gouernement Thirdly they purge themselues of any priuat inimitie or affection towards him in this accusation and for proofe of the foresaid offences doo referre themselues to the testimonie of the Queene Mother and of the officers of his Crowne if it pleaseth him to examine them vppon the saide crimes and giue them licence to speake their mindes with libertie Fourthly they demand of him instantly with prayer to put the sayd Espernon and Valette his brother and their adherents from his person and fauour and to discharge them from all charges and gouernements which they haue in the Realme that the king will prouide them of some small charges of no importance at all They also doe assure the King that in so doing he shall greatly please the people in deliuering them as they say from that feare which they haue conceaued of the power of the said Espernon These lets being taken away they require him to make warre in Guienne in his owne person to whome they doe promise their ready will courage and assistance against the heretikes and in the meane time to appoynt his mother to gouerne Paris Fiftly they require that the Duke de Maine may haue an armie to goe into Daulphine against them of the Religion they tell him that hee may make a great booty of the spoyle of Espernon his brother to maintaine the warre and that hee will abolish all new subsidies and charges layd vpon the people Sixtly they doe require that he will name a successor Catholick fearing it greatly to fall into the hands of them of the reformed Religion Seuenthly they of Paris as partakers in this request doo faine and glose with the king and pray him most humbly to beleeue them that all which had happened of late at Paris was not that they thought to do him any harme and that it was done by their Magistrates and that onely they doubted least the authors of the counsel in bringing extraordinary forces into the Citie would haue abused his authoritie in oppressing them They fayne themselues very sory that hee went foorth of their Citie in displeasure and mistrust praying him to giue them leaue to liue in rest vnder his obedience Last of all they require that the Lord d'Ho be discharged hereafter of his charge which he had to commaund in the Citie and that he will allow the deposing of the Prouost and Escheuins and approue the new election which they haue made of others and that hereafter it be lawfull for the Citizens to choose their owne officers Also when it shall please him to returne into the Citie hee will not bring within twelue leagues thereof any other forces beside his ordinary guards This supplication was presented to him the eight and tweÌ„tith of May. The King hauing receiued this suplication answereth it the nine and twentith of May at Chartres wherein first hee rehearseth the zeale which he hath to the Catholick religion the great and dangerous warrs which he had done the great charges which hee hath beene at for the same the famous victories obtained by him against them of the reformed religion and how he hath pacified the troubles raysed by the Leaguers and vnited the Catholicks which were by the Leaguers deuided Secondly he sheweth himselfe willing to put vp all iniuries passed against him in Paris when the inhabitants shall behaue themselues hereafter as it becommeth them to doe and in so doing hee proffereth them to preserue them in their liberties as his predecessors haue doone before him Thirdly hee wisheth nothing more than that all the popish Princes Lords and subiects may be reunited againe to warre against the King of Nauarre Fourthly he greatly desireth the reformation of his Realme in al his partes and for because it is a publike contagion he supposeth that it can not be well done without the assembly of the States which he intendeth to assemble in the towne of Bloys the fifteeneth of August where he promiseth to satisfie them in warranting them from falling into the handes of the king of Nauarre or any other hereâ—ick As touching the complaints against the Duke Espernon he promiseth to them iustice therein It is sayd before how the King after the retyre of the Germans returning to Paris intending to make a voyage to Guienne agaynst the King of Nauarre with all his forces and in his proper person had prepared the way to doo great exployts by sending forces vnto Lauerdine Lieutenant of Niort immediatly after the death of the Prince of Conde and how the sayd Lord Lauerdine with those forces seazed vpon the Iles of Marans and tooke all the Forts within the Iland Which exployts being done the Lord Cluseaulx otherwise called Blanchard obtayned the gouernment of the sayd Iland where hee determined to settle himselfe and after many extorsions ransackings and robberies done during and after the siege of Marans to them of the reformed religion who had abandoned all things to saue themselues at Rochel he promised to himselfe to fortifie and kéepe well the sayd places in hope shortly after to
occupie the whole gouernement of Aunis and to plague the inhabitants of Rochel Therefore he lodged there his regiment which consisted of ten Ensignes whom he deuided in the Forts of the Iland and to make warre out right he ordained the Lord Tremblay to bee in garrison there with a companie of fourtie light horses He caused great store of white Corslets and newe Pikes to be brought thether out of Paris to arme his garrisons there He sendeth Commissioners to the Parishes round about euen to them which lye next to Rochel to haue a number of Pyoners to gather Subsidies and Tallages and to bring them to Marans He prepared a number of Barkes and boates for to hold the Sea and to seaze vppon the I le of Rhe by the intelligences which he had with the Lord S. Luke of Browage He caused the Corne and Wine to be taken vp through the Farmes of the gouernment of Rochel and tooke many prisoners To be short speaking very bigge he omitted no poynt of hostilitie hoping to make there a second Browage and a Blockhouse to famish Rochel The King of Nauarre did beare with him and hauing spied his counsell during the space of two moneths and a halfe the sayd King hauing on a sudden assembled certaine companies of footmen and horsemen made all things readie the 24. of Iune entered the Iland at Charron nigh to Marans ouer the bridges which he had caused to bee made in diuers places In this Iland were holden by the enemie the Forts of Charron and Brault wherein were foure score Souldiers harquebusiers commaunded by Captaine Chautery hee besieged the Fort of Brault as the néerest of greater importance and more defendable by the enemie whose losse drew after it the losse of Charron He drewe by the channell of Seure two shippes set in readines to batter it but at night it was surrendered their liues safe notwithstanding of courtesie he granted both to the Captaine and Souldiers their swords immediatly they of Charron surrendered themselues likewise being in number twentie of the best Souldiers of the Regiment The 25. day he caused a bridge to be made vpon the channell of Brune approaching still to the I le of Marans and went himselfe to view the fort Clouzie and a certaine house fortified by the enemie called the house of Clouzie nigh the méetings of two channels which doo wash the sayd house on both sides These two Forts doo lye vpon a deepe channell which they must needes passe ouer to enter into Marans distant one from the other about sixe score paces and beyond the sayd channell betweene the two forts a newe fort was builded for to let the casting of the bridge if any should be made This newe fort was in the sight of the two forts to wit the fort of Clouzie and the house of Clouzie whereof is spoken of before All things well viewed the sayd King concluded to attempt vpon these fortes the rest of the day passed away in shooting certaine volleys of Ordinance vppon those fortes out of the shippes and in certaine light skirmishes In the euening the sayd King caused the shippes to goe downe the water to the Iland Charron to take from the enemy the suspicion of the thing which hee determined to do the day following The 26. day being the Lords day about three a clock hee came with few of his men before Clouzie made his bridges sure aduauncing forward his Gabions prepared the bridge to bee cast betweene the two forts searched the places where they might enter into Marans causeth his shippes to approach into that place where they were the day before putting his regimentes in battaile aray placing them in the same order that they should march and also his footmen to sustayne the enemy at the entring of the Iland and to serue for such occasions as might ryse he being himselfe in person the formost to see with the eie what should be needeful to be done The morning passed away in such exercises and in the meane while the enemy did what he could to keepe him off At 11. a clock prayers and singing of Psalmes vnto God being ended throughout all his regimentes and troupes of horsemen after hee had appoynted euery man what they should doo hee began to force the passage kept by a companie of the regiment of the Lord Cluseaulx and with the company of light horses of the Lord Tremblay flanked on y e one side with the fort Clouzie and on the other side by the house Clousie which was as is aforesayd fortified and in front defended by the third fort and a trench in the middle Vpon the right hand of the house of Clousy marched the master of the Campe Preaulx who had slyded with his troupes into the reedes to passe ouer the channell in a place knowen and yet not without danger and the Captayne Ferrand with him hee tooke also with him the Captaines Lomeau and Nede into the same reedes A little behind was the Baron Salignak with his regiment to geue the scalado to the sayd house Right against the house of Clouzie foure captaines with their Souldiers thosen out of the regiment of the Lord Granuile did aduaunce the Gabions vppon the banke of the channell and behind their Gabions were in battell aray the companyes of Rochel at the right hand of the sayd Gabions right agaynst the meeting of the two channels the saide Lord Granuile with thirty armed men did push forward the said bridge they were couered from the gunshot of the fort Clousy by the Captaine Valley of Rochel with a great number of targets of proofe and behinde them who did push the bridge marched the rest of the regiment with the troupes of Rhe conducted by captayne Planch At the lift hand going toward Clousy to occupy the enemy all along the channell marched the new and old gardes of the King of Nauarre conducted by the Captaynes Porte and Vignoles and the Harquebuziers on horseback of the Lord Peujas who were al lighted of their horse with Captaine Limalle The horsemen were behind the footmen the troupe of the Lord Peujas behind the regiment of the Lord Granuile and the companies of Rhe which followed the bridge The mayne forces of the King of Nauarre commaunded by the Prince of Soissons were a hundred paces and more behind but a litle more aduaunced vppon the lift hand The enemyes seeing the Kinges forces in that aray and that they had bowed theyr knees on the ground to make their prayers to God afore they went to the battell and calling to remembrance the prayers which were made at Coutras did fall into such a feare as they began to crye they pray they will beat vs as they did at Coutras and beginning to wauer on a sudden fled away in great disorder Here is to be noted that had it not béen for the fault committed through hastines in casting the bridge in a place where the chanell was forked whereas it should haue
béene cast below the méeting of two channels they had béen followed with such violence that they had béen cut to peeces afore they could haue come to Marans It is not to bee forgotten that the King of Nauarre at the same houre caused the regiments of his gardes of Charbonieres and Soubran conducted by the Lord Mignonuile Marshall of the campe to take paines for to wade ouerthwart the Marishes in the water to the knee more then a League and defeated a part of the enemie whome they met in their retyring The Fort of Clousy seeing the disaray of their fellowes rendered immediatly at discretion therein were fourescore men commaunded by Captaine Serre who were all saued the enemies partly made their retire in great haste to Marans and partly fled another way In the towne where it was thought that some resistance would haue been made was such a maze that there was found no body Many of the forces of the King of Nauarre not staying for the setting on of the bridge both a foote and horseback cast themselues in the water The Lord Cluseaulx who did dine at Marans whilest the King of Nauarre did force the passage hearing of the flight of his men as well with them which had remained within the towne as with them who had retired from the garde of the passage with the Lord Tremblay few of the company fled into the Castell because there was no other way nor place to flee to The first which entred into Marans were the gardes of the King of Nauarre followed at hand with the rest of the armie as fast as they could passe ouer at Clousy At the same instant the enemies were besieged in the Castell the quarters parted to euerie regiment and at euening euerie one was lodged vpon the Castell ditch The King of Nauarre followed them at hand with his maine forces and lodged that same night at Marans The same day were summoned all these forts following fortified with Garisons of the enemie The Fort Boysneuf where commaunded the Lieutenant of Captaine Serre with thirtie men with him who yeelded Also the Fort Brune wherein were threescore men commaunded by Captaine Camart who yeelded also The Fort Allowette holden with twentie men commaunded by the Lieutenant of Captaine Roque all yeelded with their liues safe There rested in all the Iland that day being the sixe and twentie of Iune to recouer from the hand of the enemie but the Castell the Forts Bastile and Paulee situated vpon the other entries into the Iland The prudence of the K. of Nauarre is not to be forgotten that before he assaulted the Iland hee placed the Lord Trimouille with all his light horsemen and the companies of the Lord Orges Plassak and Arambure within the town of Saint Ihan of Liuersay in the high way from Niort to Marans that the enemie might not receaue succour through the Bastile The Lord Trimouille had made a Fort in two dayes betweene Saint Ihan of Liuersay and Bastile to cut from them which were therein all meanes to escape away and hope of succour The monday on the seauen and twentie of Iune the Captaine and Souldiours of the said Bastile séeing that all the meanes to auoyde were cut off from them did yéeld and went foorth with like conditions as their fellowes had done the day before being in number fourescore and ten commaunded by Captaine Chapel The eight and twenty the King of Nauarre with two canons and two Culuerines began to approach and in the middest of the day put them in place of batterie The Lorde Clermont there did commaund that night there were certaine motions of Parley The nine and twentie about three a clock in the morning when the besieged saw that the King of Nauarre went to worke in good earnest they demaunded to Parley and in the name of all the rest came forth Captaine Riuiere to require conditions of the King of Nauarre At length the composition was concluded that the Captaines and Gentlemen should goe forth with their horses and corselets the souldiours with their swords that the rest of their armour should remaine within the Castell The master of the campe the Lord Tremblay the Captaines Maron and Toure should remaine in the hands of the King of Nauarre to deliuer him the colours to wit eyght Ensignes for two companies had none and the Cornet The agréement was carefully kept the King himselfe conducted them part of the way they were not iniuried so much as one word although the Lord Cluseaulx had great enemies The same day Captaine Roque rendered the Fort Paulee with the same conditions that the Castell was yeelded vp the Lord Lauerdine sending word that he could not rescue them for because the Lord Boulay was lodged on that side The King of Nauarre kept Cluseaulx prisoner who was brought with great solemnitie into Rochel where he was kept prisoner a long time hauing lisence notwithstanding to goe where he would vnder custodie of certaine Souldiours he was better vsed then many did expect at length he was deliuered and among other vpon this condition neuer more to ioyne himselfe to the League The King of Nauarre also sendeth all the armour which there was taken in great stoare with the colours to Rochel there were taken also many faire horses So in the space of foure dayes he recouered all the Iles and Forts of Maran did rid all that quarter of the filthie sinke of the Leaguers where he did shew no lesse courtesie to his enemies then valour and diligence in the repressing of them It is said before how that after the accursed and execrable rebellion and insolencie of the Leaguers in Paris they perceauing the foule and dangerous errour which they had committed in missing of the Kings person and that hee was now safe enough from falling into their hands againe which might redound to their vtter vndooing they sent three manner of spyalls to him to view his countenance to sound the thoughts of his heart by the way of sorrowing and excusing the desperat fact attempted against his sacred person in Paris It is saide also how they sent a supplication vnto him therein faining a submission full of snares and vnreasonable demaundes It is sayd also how vppon the rumor spread abroad throughout all the realme his faithfull seruantes of all callinges and degrees moued with anger and compassion repayred vnto him most humbly prayed him not to put vp such publike iniury proffered him their seruice goods and liues for the reuengement of such an outragious offence Now agayne many of the Kinges subiects of all qualityes and degrées do repaire a fresh vnto the King most instantly to require him not to suffer such a damnable treason of the Guyzes and their confederats let go vnpunished but that punishment be executed vpon such offenders in such sort as is fit for the greeuousnes of the offence they do promise him againe all aide and succour if hee will resolue himselfe to seeke the
strong not so much with the outward force as with plurality of suffrages which in all places they had secretly suborued by premises and corruptions And so it came to passe that there came but few to that assembly but they which were of the Leaguers faction Here Christian Reader wee may see Gods iudgements calling this great King as it were by steps to a miserable and shameful fall for his vnthankfulnes He hath forsaken one part of his subiectes and that the best part though not the greatest in number holdeth them for enemyes and wil haue none of their counsell and by the selfe same means hath opened a dore to weaken himselfe in his Parliament and committed his person into the hands of them that were assembled to dispossesse him out of his kingdome either by murther or by captiaitie making the way plaine before his enemies to rule the matter as they would without controulement Now we will leaue the King with all his courtand traine with his Leaguers to goe soft and fayre for feare of sweating too much to â—loys there to take order for their Processions Massing and other solemnities And vsed by men of that religion and there to stay for the arriuing of the deputies while we do see what things had happened in other places While and after the Edict of reunion was a casting in Iuly and the States appoynted all meanes were sought out to vndoe the King of Nauarre and with him them of the Religion The sayd king of Nauarre of his part did make himselfe ready vppon the defensiue grounded vpon all his reasons propounded often times by his declarations and vpon the grieues and iniuries proffered vnto him and vnto them of the religion It is said before how the Lord Colombieres had brought certaine companies out of Normandy vnto the King of Nauarre and in Iune before had seazed vpon the towne of Montagne This was a towne belonging to the Prince of Conde which had beene miserablie defaced in the former ciuill warres The wall and the castell being one of the strongest places in all that countrey had beene beaten downe But the ruine of the towne was not so great but within few dayes it was reasonablie repayred and made defensible by the said Lord Colombieres and other Captaynes with him The companies of the said Lord Colombieres out of that towne made dayly long roades and courses toward Nantes and against other places holden by the papists whereby dayly they greatly molested them After the Edict of reunion Duke Mercure gouernour of Britaine and others of the countrie who did holde with the League but specially they of Nants who could not away with such neighbours gathered certaine regiments of the Leaguers to make certaine roades into the lowe Poytow as well to let the enterprizes of the king of Nauarre there as to prepare the way to that armie which should folow shortly after vnder the conduct of the Duke of Neuers but specially intending to lay the siege before Montagne to gett that place out of the hand of them of the religion The Duke Mercure therefore with as great forces as hee was able to make went in person to lay siege before the said Montagne abouâ— the eight of August and lodged the regiment of Gersay at Saint George And sending from thence to view the towne a hot skirmish was begonne against them of the towne in the presence of the sayd Mercure who stood in battle aray with two hundred horses on the side of Barrillery so called because there they make barrels tubbes and such like stuffe They within the towne at the discouering of the enemie issued so furiously and did so beat them back that many men and horses remained slaine vpoÌ„ the place among whom were some of the guards of Mercure who seing that it was so hard for him to lodge his men of war in y e suburb of Saint Jamets as he had determined to doe sent them againe to their lodgings at Saint George As for himselfe in the euening hee retyred to Elison hauing sent downe the riuer Loyre from Nantes three double cannons to pont Rosseau which is a towne situated on the fall of the riuer Seuie into Loyre The King of Nauarre aduertized of Mercures inuasion into Poytow gathered such forces as he could and vpon some other occasions also departed out of Rochel the ninth of August accompanied with a hundred horses onely and the harquebusiers of his gardes and taking his iorney toward Loyre went that day to lodge at Lusson The Duke Mercure being lodged at Clisson the tenth day of August vnderstoode that the King of Nauarre was gone foorth out of Rochel and vpon the shadow of his owne feare he perswaded himself that it is to raise vp the siege of Montagne so that hauing represented vnto himselfe the accustomed diligence of the King of Nauarre in his exployts of warre he imagineth to see him alreadie whereupon he determined to retyre before he had planted his siege and returned to Nantes the 11. of August two daies before the comming of the King of Nauarre he left the regiment of Gersay to make the retyre and lodged the 12. day at Mounieres a towne situated vpon the riuer Seure The King of Nauarre at his departure from Lusson went to lodge at Bourneueau where the Lord Boulay with his companie of armed men well appoynted and a companie of harquebusiers on horseback commanded by Captaine Nede ioyned to him From Bourneueau the King went to lodge at Essars where he was aduertised that the Duke Mercure was departed and retyred to Nantes and that the regiment of Gersay was lodged at Mounieres These newes did cause him to dislodge the day following very earely least he should lose the occasion to ouertake that regimeÌ„t he went through the Towne of Montagne with much toyle and there tooke the garrison commanded by Luzerne eldest sonne to the Lord Colombieres and with extreame diligence in a little space of time came to the riuer Seure which he passed ouer speedily on foord there he found that the regiment was parted from Mounieres purposing to retyre to Pilmil Suburbe of Nantes The garrison of Montagne being forerunners to the sayd King followed with diligence and ouertooke them in a way hollowe and couered very aduantagious for the enemie by reason of three little houses wherein they had put men to flancke them There the skirmish did continue about halfe an houre vntill the sayd King of Nauarre had arriued with all his companies at whose comming the enemie was discouraged begaÌ„ to faint and flée away in disaray and there was wholly ouerthrowne The King of Nauarre tooke to mercie as many as were taken prisoners to the number of foure hundred and fiftie and suffered none to be killed but such as were slaine in the battell The master of the Camp Gersay saued himselfe by flight by the meanes of a fayre Ienet of Spayne yet hurt with a shot There were eight Ensignes taken great number of carts
horses of carriage the onset was giuen within two leagues of Pilmil suburbe of Nantes The King after giuing of thankes vpon that place where the skirmish was fought for that prosperous successe and victorie made a light dinner vnder a tree and after retyred to his lodging at S. Georges where hee soiourned the whole day following for the long daies iourney which he had made the day before notwithstanding that day hee went a hawking for Partridges and in the euening viewed the towne of Montagne to take order for the fortifications and garrisons of the sayd towne and purposed to haue layed the siege to the towne Clisson not farre thence The King being yet at S. George was strengthened with foure regiments of footmen to wit of Charbonieres Sallignak Preau and the regiment of his gardes commanded by the Lord Querine there also he receaued the light horsemen of the Lord Trimouille who had discomfited the regiment of Lestele and taken foure Ensignes which they presented vnto the sayd King The selfe same day being aduertized of the daunger wherein the Duke Espernon stood within the Towne of Engolesme besieged there within the Castell by a conspiracie of the Leaguers caused him to giue ouer his enterprise vpon Clisson the day following being the 15. of August departed from Saint George purposing to make toward Engolesme to succor the saide Lorde Espernon but hearing by the way how the tumult there was pacified went not so far as that place It is saide before how that the Leaguers in their request presented vnto the King made a great complaint against the Duke Espernon charging him to haue intelligences with the King of Nauarre and them of the religion to haue been the cause that their armies had heretofore small successe and that if he should grow to greater authoritie it were danger that in time he would deliuer the places of his gouernement to the King of Nauarre that he is the onely cause that the politick state is so corrupt and out of frame and therefore the King must needes put him from about his person and fauour This Lord Espernon of the auncient house of Valette grew in great fauour with the King through his faithfull seruice a man altogether sold to popery yet a louer of the Kings person crowne and state a louer of the realme and peace of the same a hater of conspirators and perturbers of the quietnes of the King and his subiects who neuer could bee drawne to the conspiracies of the Leaguers neither by faire promises nor other meanes whatsoeuer which thing was the cause that the Leaguers hated him as the onely man about the Kings person who did hinder the execution â—f their enterprises that man therefore must not be about the King nor be admitted into the assembly of the states The King to giue place to their hatred for a time and to auoyde the inconueniences which through y e malice of his enemies might befall to such a trustie seruant determined to send him out of their sight and where hee thought that they should be least able to practise against him And giuing him a very great power and commission in a most ample manner to commaund in the Prouinces of Aniou Toureyne Poytow Engomoyes Xainctonge commaunded him to depart the Court about the same time that the edict of reunion was made by the Leaguers who hauing soiourned a while in the Tower of Loches situated in Toureyne vpon the riuer Vndre which falleth into Loyre betwéene Tours and Samure to fortifie and assure the said place to the Kings obedience against the practises of certaine Gentlemen of the League made against that place From thence he tooke his iourney to Engolesme where he vnderstoode that many enterprises were a working by the League against the Kings seruice There commaunded the Lorde Tageus his kinseman vnder the charge of the Lord Valette his brother The saide Lorde Espernon arriuing at Engolesme accompanied with a great number of the nobilitie was honorably receaued by the Maior and Aldermen of the Citie by the officers of iustice policie with great numbers of people who went to meete him at the gates of the Citie hee was likewise receaued by the Bishop and his Priests at the doore of Saint Peters Church where they sung solemnly a great te Deum laudamus in the worship of him Not long after the said Lord Espernon called together the Bishop and his Priestes the Maior and the Escheuins the Kings officers and other chiefe Citizens to giue them notice of the occasions of his comming which was first to preserue them all in the Catholicke Romane religion for the which and for the Kings seruice he would willingly aduenture his life against all manner of men Exhorting them to aduise what was requisit for their conseruation and that they would propound the same vnto him All answered with one consent that they would dye vnder his authority in the same resolution and for to testify their willes the better they would haue his authority from the King printed read and published as the manner is through all the towne The said Lord hauing many companies both of horsemen and footmen yet would he innouate nothing not so much as to change any part of the garrison of the Citty and to testify vnto them more apparantly of the confidence which hee had in the promises and fidelity of them he would not lodge in any stronger place nor more aduantagious for his preseruation but in the Castell which is called the Kings house wherein he found his Cosin the Lord Tageus lodged as the gouernours heretofore had accustomed to do This Castell hath no strength which is any thing worth nether in Ditches nor in any handy worke except some great Towers of stone very olde but otherwise very commodious for the store of chambers which are therein The said Lord had brought his Lady with him and had also lodged the Lady Tageus there Hee went the same day into the Citadell wherein he commaunded the Lord Bordes with all the nobility which accompanied him could euen then haue lodged there if he had had any diffidence of the inhabitants for the keies were presented to him by the Lord Bordes That Fortresse was sufficient to haue bridled the inhabitantes considering the strength and great store of Munitions of the said place as well in Ordinance as in other necessary things But specially hauing a gate to get out of the towne whereby may be let in as many men as one would But the sayd Lord in stéed of mistrust kept an open house as well for the nobility of the countrey as for the inhabitantes of the citty without any respect of persons whereof a great number but specially the Maior of the town with his conspiratours sat ordinarily at his table with great curtesy and welcome shewed vnto them by the sayd L. Espernon He walked familiarly with them through the citty and suburbs with a small company of his
without any other care then to conferre louingly with them about the necessary thinges for the preseruation of their Cittye The Maior had in his possession all the keies of the Cittie the inhabitantes made their accustomed watches and by halfes with two companies which were vnder the commaundement of the Lord Bordes whereof the most part were inhabitantes of the Citty Vppon request made vnto him by the Maior and Aldermen concerning the necessary fortifications for the safety and increasing of their Cittie the said Lord promised to lend them to that effect such a summe of money as they should thinke good And to aduaunce the worke the said Lord commaunded the Maior and the Lieutenant Nesmond to make the proiect by the counsell of Captaine Ramel son of Augustine mayster of the Kings workes In the meane while the said Lord caused the edict of reunion to be published in the Cittie and according to the same did prepare to war agaynst them of the religion to let them from gathering subsidies and tallages to represse their courses furthermore had made an enterprise agaynst one of their best places And for a beginning of y e performance of these things had commaunded his cosin the Lord Tageus to take with him all the companies of his light horses and the companyes of the Lords Sobelle and Cadilan with all the footmen and troops which he had brought with him And besides all this for to win the hartes of the inhabitantes he caused euery day all sorts of publike exercises of Romish poperie to be done in all their chiefe Idoll Temples in the Cittie He had also promised to the gray Fryers to helpe the reedifying of their couent and temple of the same For the warre defensiue and offensiue agaynst them of the religion hee obmitted no meanes he had no indsturie nor diligence For his pastimes he would go euery day without mistrust of any man to the Tenis court situated in one of the furthest partes of the citty Euery morning he would get vppon his horses himselfe to exercise them in the sight of great assembly of people with a very small company of his men about him It is sayd how the King to conuay the Lord Espernon his trusty and faythfull seruant out of the ielousies dangers of the Leaguers haâ— sent him into Guyenne to keepe such townes there as did wauer into his obedience The towne of Engolesme was aboue all the townes of that Countrey inclyning to the League so disposed by many Gentlemen therabouts who were leagued and deuoted to the Duke of Guyze The Duke Espernon as it is sayd went thether to make it sure to the kings obedience The newes comming to the towne of the determination of the saide Duke the complices of the conspiracie of the League considering that neither to admit him nor to exclude him was a safe way for them considering that the King might recouer the town at all tymes by the citadel which was kept by the L. Bordes a faithfull seruant to his Prince did immediatly send one who was y e Maiors brother to the court to know by the Oracle of the Leaguers what was to be done in such a doubtfull matter The Duke of Guyze with his counsell to wit his brother the Cardinall the Archbishop of Lyons did sit vpon the death of the Duke of Espernon they did condemne him to die They answered to their partakers to admit him and bid him welcome but to rid him out of the way if it can bee done by any meanes the reuenge they neede not to feare for they are in good hope that the master shall followe him shortly and if not yet they wil finde out some shift to excuse the matter and will find him guiltie of his owne death else they will so worke that the King shall haue little leasure to thinke vpon the reuenge They writ also to their complices gentlemen of the countrey as to Mere Massilieres Maqueuile Boucheaulx to the Baron Tonnerak Caze and Fleurak They caused also Vileroy the Kings Secretary to write his letters to the Lord Aubeterre to repaire to the Maior of Engolesme with al his power at such time as they should haue warning by the â—aid Maior in the meane while they expect the Oracle of the Leaguers the Duke Espernon is lulled a sleepe and cast into a dangerous security by the Maior and the rest of the conspiratours they make him beleeue that they loue him as their owne soule by the which dissimulation hee vnarmeth himselfe sendeth his forces abroad to warre agaynst Christ At length Souchet long desired commeth from the court geueth the answere that Espernon must die by all meanes possible biddeth them to put asyde all feare of reuenge for the causes afore shewed Now then it must be executed out of hand afore the returne of the Lord Tageus with the Dukes forces for then shall they not be able to put in execution y t iudgement hauing any forces about him or else because he will goe forth to war agaynst the heretikes according to his deliberation The tenth day of August the Lord Espernon very early got him on horsbacke to goe to his ordinary exercises with few of the nobility with him The maior with certaine of the inhabitants of the cittie were all that morning with him The sayd Lord lighting downe of his horse embraced the Maior and with great curtesy asked him whether hedelighted in horses Thence the sayd Lord returned to his lodging and went into his closet to change his shirt intending to goe deuoutly to Masse in the Chappell of Saint Laurence in the church of Saynt Cibert where his Almoner had prepared all the tooles ready to finish that misticall play this was about 7. a clocke The Maior on the other side with his complices who were gone to see his riding onely to spie what strength he had about him went home to put on his armour to charge his pistoll to take order about nine of the clock that the toxin should be rung and to appoynt at the same time certaine firebrands of sedition to goe about the streates crying that the Hugonâ—ts had seazed vpon the Castell The Maior also did craftily entice the Lord Bordes gouernour of the Citadell into his house vnder colour to discouer him a certaine enterprize against the king and when hee had him in his house kept him as prisoner Betweene eight and nine a clock the Lord Espernon being in his closet and knowing that the Abbot of Elbeue and the Lord Mariuault were in the next wardrobe staying there to accompany him to Masse sendeth a Page to call them to him into the Closet which when they had done hee â—hewed them a place in a booke sent him from Paris full of defamations against the honour authoritie of the King lamenting the vnbridled licence of this age hee prayeth them also to sit by him to vnderstand out of his own mouth his resolution and platforme of war against
them of the religion assoone as the Lord Tageus could returne from this exployte whome he would leaue there for the preseruation of the Citie Behold Christian Reader this noble man indued with good gifts raised vp to high degree sent out of the danger of his enemies to keepe the kings subiects in peace and iustice vnthankfull of Gods good graces doe meditate how to turne that power wisdome and graces receiued of God to persecute his Church and whilest hee is laying downe his plott God sendeth him a warning to wit murtherers to execute the rage of Gods enemies vpon him For as they concluded vpon the resolution of this warre which he purposed against the Children of God the Abbot of Elbeu sitting next vnto the doore of the closet heard the sound of a pistol shot within the wardrobe and some crying kil kill At this alarum the said Abbot ranne first to the doore nigh the closet where he found the Aulmoner of y e said Duke who had rushed in had shut vp the doore and thought it had neither lock nor boult but held the said doore with his back very pale and frighted The Abbot enquiring what it was speake softly sayd the Aulmoner there be armed men which seeke to kill my Lord. At the same instant the said Lord Espernon the Lord Mariuault and the Abbot heard two other pistolls shot in the same wardrobe with manie voyces crying kill kill comming to the said doore cryed yeeld my Lord for you are but a dead man The Abbot and Mariuault then counsailed the sayd Espernon to keep within the closet where was a second doore very narrow hard to get in At the same time the Toxin began to ring in all Churches of the Citie and they of the faction ran into the streates crying that the Hugonets had surprised the Castell and willing all men to run to succour it according to the instructions giuen by the Maior These tokens being giuen the people ran on euery side to their weapons and went toward the Castel they lodge themselues in the house next to the Castell The Maior that morning intending to bring to an end their conspiracie had perswaded them of his faction but especially 40. or 50. of the vilest and most desperat persons of all the Citie that his brother in law Southct came from the Court and had brought with him an expresse commaundement from the King both by letters and word of mouth to seaze vpon the person of the said Lord Espernon dead or aliue and to assure the citie some of them he had appoynted to run through the citie and to giue the alarum as is afore said some should seaze vpon the gates of the Castell when hee should haue entred the saide Castell and some should goe with him to execute this murther This vile traitor then head of the conspiracy entred first armed into the Castell through the great gate hauing two men booted with him which as he saide were Purseuants whom he brought to speake with the Duke and followed with ten men going vp into the hall and passing through it saluted the Lord Couplieres who sat vpon a table and thence passing through the Lord Espernon his chamber went as farre as the wardroabe supposing there to finde him and there to execute his damnable conspiracie there he met with on Raphael Gyrolamy a Gentleman Florentine Rouillard and Segnencio Secretaries and one Sorline the Kings Chirurgion The Lord Aubine one of the Kings Magistrates in the Court of Engolesme who was expressely come to aduertise the Lorde Espernon that there was some practise against him in the towne and there he stayed for his comming foorth to doo his message The Maior therefore entred as is said first of all armed with a Corselet into the wardrobe with a Pistoll in his hand ready charged and the cock downe came to Sorline first who set his hand to his sword and did hurt the Maior a little on the head Another man great and strong with a Pistoll set vpon Raphael who immediatly taking him by the coller cast him downe vppon the ground and with his sword wounded him as he did three more as they haue confessed after and beate them out of the chamber crying still my Lord is not here but being wounded with a Pistol he fell downe and then they made an end of him with their swords The others who were in the wardrobe saued themselues as they could Sorline running into the kitchen gaue the alarum to the cookes who ran with their broaches but the conspirators being in the hall and hearing the noyse in the kitchen stopped the way out of y t kitchē into the hall In the meane time while these things were dooing within the wardrobe by the Maior his partakers went about as they had receaued instructions aforehand of the Maior to seaze vpon the great gate of the Castell for to bring in the people who were already in armour but they were let by some Gentlemen who were in the Court of the Castell staying there for the Lorde Espernon his comming forth The first were the Lordes Ambleuille Beaurepayre Sobelle and others in defending of the said gate the Lord Beaurepayre was slaine with the stroake of a Halbeard the Prouost Baretes likewise and one of the gardes the Lord Clauery was hurt certaine Gentlemen entred into the said gate afore it was shut vp as Captaine Baron Artiges the Countie Brune brother in lawe to the Duke Espernon the Lords Goas Mirane Coste Emars and others They beleeued then that the Lord Espernon was dead so that being astonied and looked one vpon another they knewe not what to doo nor in whome to trust vntill that the Lords Ambleuille Myran Sobelle and Emars acknowledging one another and giuing hands with promise to dye together gathered as well Gentlemen as Souldiours of the garde close together and ran to the Chamber doore of the Lord Espernon through the which the conspiratours would haue gone forth to seaze vpon the tower of the Castell but they were let by the Gentlemen and gardes who wounded the Maior through the doore where of he fell downe they shot also against the residue of the conspiratours with these threatnings you shall dye traitors Seguencio the Secretarie whome they detayned prisoner reported that at that threatning they began to be amazed and to say among themselues we are vndone if we doo not saue our selues some where and thereupon carrying away the Maior went out through a little doore of that chamber which issued to a little paire of staires that did lead vp to a chamber nigh the tower but they were followed by the said Gentlemen and at the same time the Lord Espernon the Abbot Elbeu and the Lord Marinault who vnderstanding the voyce of Sobelle went forth of the closet with Pistolls and swordes in hand The conspirators were enforced to saue themselues in that Chamber nigh the great tower to y e which no man could go but by a
payre of staires so narrowe that but one man alone might passe there were none armed neither the Lord Espernon nor any of his were at all which thing caused them to stay their going vp At the same instant a maidseruant aduertised the Lord Espernon that the Maiors brother with a number of armed men did enter into the castle through a hole in the wall on the side of the Curtine The sayd Lord Espernon ran thether who found alreadie the Maiors brother entred with another which both were slaine there and a gard was put at the place At the same time the complices of the conspiracie and among others the foresaid Souchet the Maiors brother in law who had come lately from the Court with some other gentlemen of the countrey seeing that they could not fire the first gate where they found resistance as is sayd before ran to another gate of the Castle with fire to burne it preparing also giâ—s to breake it vp But the Lord Espernon with fiftéene of his men whom he had gathered together ran also to the sayd gate to defend and fortifie it with earth stones boords and such like leauing his gard to keepe the dore of the chamber where the conspirators were locked vp the which endeuoured themselues to issue foorth but notwithstanding were repulsed by the sayd gardes and the Lord Espernon himselfe who hauing deuided his gardes vpon the entries into the Castle went too and fro as néed required and where hee iudged his presence necessarie so that resorting to the foresayd doore he killed one of the sayd conspiratours with his own hand as he went about to issue foorth The inhabitants in the meane time did bestowe their shot freely vppon the chambers of the Castle because they were so great and wide and because the inhabitants had seazed vpon the next houses and among others vppon the house néerest to the Castle called the Quéenes house The diligence of the Lord Espernon and other gentlemen which accompanied him was such that within two houres they assured themselues of the Castle so that it had béen hard for the gentlemen and others who were within the Towne to force it without Canon The labour bestowed in fighting fortifying and breaking the staiers of the chambers and in fiering the narrowe staiers which went vp the chamber where the conspiratours were locked vp had béen quicke and violent The L. EspernoÌ„ desirous to make the gentlemen which were with him to drinke there was found in al the house but foure flagons of wine which were brought in that morning for his breakfast there was no water at all and very small store of bread for the inhabitants had seazed vpon the well which was in the other court and also the way to goe to it which thing did greatly trouble them that were besieged the space of two dayes and a halfe that they were inclosed therein But the discommoditie was little in comparison of the constant resolution which they tooke rather to dye then yéeld themselues vnto that sedicious multitude It is sayd before how the Maior afore hee began to execute his enterprise had by false surmises entised the Lord Bordes gouernour of the Citadell to come to his house making him beléeue that hee would discouer him some great practise against the King whom when he had in his hands he kept prisoner in his house This thing did greatly amaze the Lord Espernon that he heard not the Citadell play against the Citie the cause was that when the fray was begun at the Castle immediatly men appoynted by the Maior brought the sayd Bordes before the Citadell to cause the Lieutenant to surrender it or els to stay him from discharging the Ordinance against the towne which in case hee should doo it they threatned to kill the sayd Lord Bordes The Lieutenant desirous to saue the life of the sayd Lord Bordes promised to doo their request and so kept promise with them The Lord Espernon ignorant of all these things was greatly dismayed fearing least the Citadell had béen in the hands of the conspirators or els had fauoured them The conspirators closed vp in the high chamber of the Castle did affirme the same and when they were summoned to render themselues they answered that it was for the sayd Lord Espernon and his to yeeld that they should quickly see the Canon of the Citadell before the Castle There was an other mischaunce that happened The Ladie Espernon before the coÌ„motion began was gone to Masse to the Dominican friers WheÌ„ the alarum was giuen she went about to go forth to get the citadel ouer her head beleeuing that they were Hugonets that had attempted against y t town she was lead by y e armes by 2. gentlemen to wit Seguency not the secretary but an other of that name Pial she was arrested prisoner and her two Gentlemen slaine by these two Catholicks within the Church doore not permitting the Priest to make an ende of his iuggling game They tooke also many Gentlemen among whom were the Lords Curee Mesme Blere and Captaine Ramel the Baron Coze and many others of all degrees of the traine of the said Lord Espernon The Lords Curee and Mesme went about to get into the Castell but the people with Holbards kept them back although they saide that they would go fight against the Hugonets when they assaid to haue entred the Castel The Lord Haultclerie a man of that countrey of great estimation with much adoo saued their liues Captaine Ramel fell into the same daunger of the people in going about to get into the castell by the Curtine of the towne wall but he saued himselfe by taking the Bishops house In the middest of all these discommodities the Lord Espernon sendeth a Lackie to the Lord Tageus who was at Xainctes with all his horsemen to make haste to succour him The Lacky was let downe the wall of the Parke ioyning to the Castell but he was incontinently taken by the inhabitants Notwithstanding the Lord Tageus was aduertized of the commotion by two Gentlemen who in a good houre went forth of the towne to goe on to hunting who hearing the Toxin did gallop vnto the gate of the Citadell where they caused immediately all the bread and prouision which was in the subburb to be brought in and the selfe same day at night came to Xainctes to warne the Lord Tageus of that commotion The people in the meane while continued in their rage assisted and conducted by diuers gentlemen of the couÌ„try who were of the league among whome was one brought vp in the house of Guyze Messeliere Makuole and Boucheaulx and others who two houres after the commotion summoned the Lord Espernon by a drumme to yeeld and to deliuer the place into their hands promising him and his life and baggage safe That proffer he disdayned and gaue them no other answere but that he would within few houres make them change their language They threatned also the Lady Espernon
the Lord Argence As they were all ready there to signe the agreement behold a new commotion of the people who will not compound the reason was the arryuing into the towne of the Baron of Tonnerak with diuers gentlemen of the League also of captayne Caze Marshall of the lodgings of the L. Aubeterre who do assure them that the sayd Lord of Aubeterre will come with succour to them the next day morning with three hundred horsmen and fiue hundred footmen The Abbot by these occasions was enforced to get him to the castle agayne with greater danger then at the first by reason of the raging of this Leagued people For they brought him by force before the Citadell to forbid the Souldiers to discharge the ordinance agaynst the towne which thing notwithstanding in a while after they continued to do because that the people assaulted the castell continually vppon a vayne hope incited by those leagued gentlemen newly come The chiefest officers of the King and Bourgeses of the Citty hauing duly considered in the Bishops house the danger wherin their citty stood if so many strangers on euery syde should come in ioyned themselues with the cheefest Gentlemen agaynst the rest who were stubburne They sent agayne 2. of the chiefest Bourgeses to the Lord Espernon to beseech him that it may please him that the Lord Tageus his kinsman newly arryued in the Suburbs with his companies might signe and seale the agréement to the which they added onely that they who were detayned prisoners in the castell should be comprised therein and set at liberty according to the fayth which he had geuen them promising of their part to do the like to them whom they did detayne and all that which had been taken in the houses should be restored The Lord Espernon graunting vnto them their demaund sent againe the Abbot who went forth with them of the towne to the Lord Tageus to make him seale the composition which was done about foure a clocke in the euening Within a while after the trenches were broken the people went away the Lady Espernon was conducted by the sayd Abbot into the castell with all the prisoners detayned in the towne The Lord Bordes entred the Citadell the conspiratours and Maiors fellowes who were prisoners in the castell were set at liberty Mere with his complices went forth out of the towne and retyred into theyr houses vnder the conduct of the Lord Maumont captayne of light horses The dead on both sides were quietly buried and namely the Maior whose corps with the corps of his brother were freely deliuered to their friends to be buried When the agreement was concluded it was nine and thirtie houres that neither the Lord Espernon nor any of his had eate nor dronk There was no more powder for the shot he had determined the night following to issue forth vpon the enemies for to seaze vpon the well hee also looked that night to be rescued by his men to be short by the singuler goodnes of God he escaped a perilous snare of the Leaguers a marueilous great danger for the which to auoyde hee shewed himselfe both valiaunt and watchfull and if he would be thankfull to God for so great deliuerance and consider from whence for what cause these blowes came he should doe the part of a right noble man About the selfe same time that these things were done at Engolâ—sme against the Duke Espernon the Lorde Autragues gouernour of Orleans sent to the King to protest obedience with excuse that the things which he had done in fauour of the League had been for none other cause then for zeale of the Catholick religion but perceiuing that the chiefe Leaguers passed further then he thought he wholly doth renounce detest y â— League and vpon that protestation he was receaued in fauour by the King Whilest the King after hee had sent his writtes to the Prouinces Townes and Cities to make thoyse of their deputies men of wisdome discretion and louers of peace to send with speede to the States preparing all things to resort with a soft pace to Bloys to the States It is said also how the Leaguers peruerted all things suborned all the most vile and accursed traitors that could be picked out in all France It is said also how least that execrable company might be spied or crossed they had obtained by the edict of reunion that none of the reformed religion or suspected to fauour the same and that none of the Princes of the bloud shoulde bee admitted to that house least they shoulde bee spyed when they should go about to make processe against their lawfull King and naturall Prince The King considering the shortnes of the time reiourned his estates vntill the beginning of October following whatsoeuer other causes did moue him so to doo But toward the latter end of September he and his mother accompanied with the Duke of Guize with all their traine ariued at Bloys The Princes of Monpensier County and Soyssons did appeare at Bloys and for because the Prince County had ioyned himselfe to the army of the Germanes the yeare before his company was greatly suspected and many of his friends went about to perswade him to send to the Pope for an absolution but in that following the counsell of his best friends and seruants he did it noâ— The Prince of Soyssons had alreadie obtained a Bull of the Pope containing a pardon for hauing followed the part of them of the religion with a Renuoy for his absolution to the Legat of Venise who was also at the States hee made great difficulties in the matter so that they of the assembly had once resolued to require the King not to suffer the saide Prince to bee admitted but at length it was found good to stay their sute for that time Whilest these things aboue said do passe so diuersly in sundry places the great and mightie armie appoynted for Daulphine vnder the leading of the Duke d' Mayne dooth march and at length arriued in Liomoys there continued long daring not enter far into the Prouince of Daulphine for feare of scalding but soiourned vpon the borders betweene Liomoys and Daulphine as a man that came onely to see whether he could make the hereticks afraide or not The King arriued at Bloys with all his traine maketh readie all the solemnities fit for that assemblie whilest the deputies and assignes of the Prouinces doo make readie their instructions and hast to the place appoynted The King hauing more trust in his subiects then his subiects were to be trusted of him doth expect honest wise and indifferent deputies such as would seeke onely the good of the Common wealth But the Duke of Guize had so laboured of long time and so reduced the people that there was almost no citie towne nor prouince in all France but the complices of the Leaguers vnder colour of zeale of religion preuailed in sending such as were altogether factious and desirous of innouations
the Kings secret enemies and most false traytors to their king and countrey hyding al their intended treasons vnder the old gabardin of the Catholike religion These conspirators against God their King and their Countrey being come at length from euery part of the realme the second day of October being the Lords day the King caused a generall procession to bee made with great solemnitie from the Temple of Saint Sauiour which is in the court of the Castle vnto the Temple commonly called our Ladie of helpe in the Suburbe Vienne on the South side of the riuer Loyre There was in this procession great magnificencie and outward apparance of deuotion but as little godlines loue as could be The King the Quéenes the Princes and Princesses Lords Ladies which were at the Court generally all the people as well strangers as inhabitants of that place were at it there they offered vnto their gods which did stand gazing in their temples with great store of dissimulation and hippocrisie They carried in great pompe that Idoll which commonly they doo call the corpus Domini through the streates which were decked with tapistry and other such things as they are accustomed to bee done that day which they call corpus Christi day In the saide procession the King with all the States marched in this order following The formost of all were the Frieâ—s Monkes and Abbots like a swarme of Locusts after them followed y e deputies of the third estates foure foure They were followed of the nobilitie and after them marched in battaile aray the deputies of the Clergie in long gownes and square caps onely next after them went the Archbishops and Bishops with their rochets after the Bishops went their God otherwise called by the Prophet Idolum vastans by some Corpus Domini and by some Corpus Christi by some the Sacrament of the Altar It was the same God by whome the King with all his Lords and traine did dayly and at euerie word sweare by That God was arayed in pure beaten Gold and had beene so beaten and turmoyled by the hereticks these 27. yeares before that he was gone so weake that it could not goe but was carried verie demurely by the Bishop of Aix in Prouance vnder a Canapie This Canapy could not goe neither no more then their God but was caried by foure Knights of the holy Ghost they sung continuallie so many gaudeamus so many salue fest a dies and so many aleluia and so many ora pro nobis and so many black sanctus that it was too bad and that with such melodie that a man would haue thought that all the Cuckoos of the spring and all the Owles of winter had mett together to try who could make the pretier noyse The King followed that company with the Queenes and Princes and other Lords of the court After they had walked their God through the streats to take ayre and to recreate him a little hauing beene kept so long in very straight and close prison at length in that order they came all to the Temple of our Lady of help where the Archbishop of Bourges iugled and charmed the Masse plaied with his God as the Cat with the mouse and at length eate him vp The Bishop of Eureulx babled out a Sermon as well as he could And that done haue with you to good cheare This was such a painfull iourney to those ghostly fathers but specially for the Bishop of Aix to carie all the way such a heauie fardell that S. Christopher was neuer more combred with his burthen than this piller of the holy Church was with his They would do nothing all that weeke but eate drink sleepe and doe worse as these ghostly fathers can doe that well The 9. day of Octob. the K. the Lords deputies of y e three estats were housed together at the Friery of y e frantick franciscaÌ„ Friers There they did eate so much raw flesh that the canibals of y e west Indies might haue surfeted with one halfe of that which was spent there Blood they dranke none hoping shortly to fill their bellies with the blood of Saintes Such as was the beginning of this assembly such was the end thereof as you shall see hereafter in the sequell It began with heathenish superstition and Idolatry it ended with heathenish murthers and disloyall rebellion As this was done to confirme the vnion and correspondence which was betweene them for performing of their enterprize of which thing by the meanes of this vnion euery man conceaued so good hope that nowe they made no doubt but all would goe well This done the K. delayed the proposition of the States to the sixteenth of October willing in the meane time the officers of the assembly in euery order to be chosen For the Priests in the absence of the Cardinall of Bourbon the Cardinall of Guyze the Archbishop of Bourges was chosen president The County Brissak and Mignade were chosen Presidents of the Nobilitie The Prouost of Paris was for the third estate But the headlings of the League had greater things in their brayne than all this for they were day and night consulting how to make an end of all their labours The sixteenth day of October all the deputies of the States being assembled in the great Hall of the Castell appoynted to that vse their places taken according to their order The King followed and accompanyed with his court maketh an Oration to the assembly by a long doubtfull speach paynted with diuers tearmes of sorrow by the which he sheweth that his minde caried a remembraunce of the iniuries receiued by the Leaguers from time to time by the which he coÌ„playneth his authority to haue decaied and vniustly to haue beene debased And first proposeth the things which ought to be done in that assembly to wit the establishing of Popery the rooting out of heresie the setting of good order in the gouernement the ease of his people and restoring of his authority protesting that he is their lawfull King giuen to them of God and that he will not be but that which he is neither doth he couet greater authoritie or honour in this Realme than hee ought to haue He protesteth also of his great sorrowe which he hath felt in the miseries and oppressions of his subiects acknowledging the same to bee procured by his and their offences in generall Also he sheweth the care which hee hath had to take away the causes of the sayd miseries and how he hath tryed all the wayes that euer hee could dâ—uise and following the auncient manner of the Realme accustomed in such a case had assembled his estates for that intent but that he hath been interrupted alwayes by new vprores stirred vp to hinder his good mind and purpose and to ouerthrow his good indeuours And also complayneth that to bring to passe these things and to make his labour in that behalfe taken frustrate they haue peruerted by false
sinister and malitious interpretations the sincerity of his meaning And last of all he complayneth of the partialities and corruption of the Deputies of prouinces exhorting them to assist his vertuous and royall enterprises He protesteth of his zeale to popery and good affection to Papists which he hath testifyed by sundry benefytes most largely bestowed vppon them by the victoryes and conquests which he obtained against the heretikes being then but a child and that now being a man hauing more experience then euer he had he hath also more wil and courage which hee would haue playnly shewed in his voiage to Guyen entended to haue béen performed in his owne person if the League had not let him After these complaints and protestations hee giueth the charge to the assembly that when they haue conferred wisely and aduisedly about their instrucions they will specially shew him the means howe to reforme and represse swearing and blasphemies and corruptions in bestowing ecclesiasticall liuings which he called simony selling of offices of iustice which things he was about to reforme when the League rose vp in armour Anno 1585. He promiseth them that hereafter he will make a better choyce of men in prouiding them of dignities and offices He commendeth to them the carefull prouision for the aduancement of learning crafts and traffick to seeke for the meanes to cut off excesse and waste and to pull downe the excessiue price of things He commendeth vnto them the royall authoritie and the ancient laws for the preseruation of the same As for the feare which they haue coâ—â—eiued to fall hereafter in the gouernement of an heretick Prince as he hath prouided therefore already by his Edict of preunion so hee pretendeth to make it in the next Session a fundamentall law of the Realme He willeth them to prouide for the ease of his subiectes for the reformation of his reuenues tributes and treasury so that consideration be had to the entertaining of the royall dignity and publike charges promiseth for his part to reforme himselfe and his house exhorteth them to goe faithfully about their businesse And calling heauen and earth to witnes protesteth the fayth of God and men that the fault shall not remayne in him if the realme be not reformed but in them if they do abandon their lawfull King in such an holy laudable action Last of all citeth them to appeare before the righteous Iudge who shal make open their craft hipocrisyes and dissimulations and punish their treachery and vnfaithfulnesse in case they do not their duty in this matter The King hauing ended his â—peech the Lord keeper of the Seales began by the Kings commaundement to open the matter to be intreated of in that assembly more at large and hauing spoken of the originall Ordinance Power Authority and of the benefites thereof First he exhorteth the Priests to propound vnto the people the word of God which sayth he is liuing full of efficacy and more pearcing then a two edged sword and confirme the same in their hartes by vertuous life shewing that for lacke of dooing these things on their parts had issued out all the corruptions and miseryes of the realme but all these good speeches are aeren verberare laterem lauare oleum operam perdere Secondly hee directeth his speech vnto the nobility shewing them what their dutie was how they should excell in all iustice goodnes and godlines and specially to assist the king in obeying him in the execution of iustice tantundem efficit He sheweth them the great execrable swearing and blasphemyes to be much vsed among them willeth them to follow the ancient manner of the nobility of France which was to sweare in the word and faith of a gentleman and that with great reuerence and circumspection sheweth them the great mischiefs which do procéed out of duels fraies or priuy combats abhorred in all ages of all good christians and that they should shew themselues valiant in commaunding ouer their owne affections Thirdly hee spake vnto the third estate whereof the iudges and ministers of iustice did hold the first roome and vpon which all Monarchies soueraignties and powers are grounded and stablished Sheweth the ouerthrow of the distributiue iustice done by the delayes subtiltyes disguysing of the truth and malicious interpretation of the law which thinges commonly are done euery where attributing all these faults partly vnto particular coueteousnes of the ministers of iustice partly to their ignorance and wicked life partly to the multiplicity of offices in the realme He sheweth the horrible faults committed in not obseruing the lawes for the punishment of swearers blasphemers players vnthrifts vsurers vniust purchassars deceauers in selling vncleane persons such as do resort to brothel houses and such like vicâ—s Willeth them to consider the maintenance of royall dignity his charges and debtes and last of all to bee carefull to preserue the Catholike religion The Priests Nobility for the most part Deputies Commissioners and Assignes of the Prouinces appointed for that assembly did harken to that doubtfull yet wise and graue orations of the King and Lord keeper with a mery countenance as it seemed but with a dissembling and treacherous hart So that they who for his vndooing and ouerthrow were assembled and sworne fed him with fancies And first the Archbishop of Bourges doth closly couer all the dissimulations and traitrous thoughtes of the Priestes with a low courtesy and great grammarcy and wee hartely thanke you for your great paines in so opening the way to the assembly prayseth his great eloquence and wisedome compareth him with Vlisses and Nestor both he and the rest of his fellowes do shew themselues ready not onely to kisse his foot but also to runne into his tayle with their noses if it please him to giue them leaue gratia sit auribus He exhorteth him to execute his charge which saith he is to persecute the heretikes as he tearmeth them to establish popery and with tooth and nayle to defend the holy Mother the church by holy Church hee meaneth the swarms of Masmonging Priestes and the legions of the Fryery and Monkery which thing if hee doth he doth not onely promise him the long life of Argantonius and Nestor but also euerlasting life because belike the more bloud of the Saynts he shall spill for that is to â—efend the church the more he shall merit to win heauen When the Archbishop had ended his flattering Oration the Baron of Seuecy in the name of the Nobility doth awake the King of his sleep bloweth the Trompet soundeth the alarum crying out vppon heretikes set vppon heretikes down with heretikes strike kill murther spoyle rooâ— out heretikes restore the church ease the people establish the realme in the first dignity and brightnes proffereth to the King in that respect and in the name of the nobility to expose all vnto the last drop of theyr bloud This being ended the Prouost of Paris least he should seeme to haue neither
illumination of your owne brayne and that you will make them beléeue for an vndoubted truth vpon your single asseueration and all the reasons which you bring for the confirmation of these your fantasies you lay downe sic volo sic iubeo I pray you my good Lord tell me whose voyces be these But what if they will not take your sic volo sic iubeo for reasons which may induce them to subscribe to your abiuration and will not suffer themselues to bee cut off neither being not conuincted of error but stand to defend themselues against an vniuersall contumelie iniurie and violence What will you doo My Lord Bishop hearing this newes what will they neither beléeue vs neither suffer themselues to be burned for our pleasures Now all my Lords religion is turned into madnesse his zeale to rage his authoritie to tyrannie and his mildnes that holy Church doth not couet after blood is turned to murther Then my Lord in his furie and in the trance of his hart he crieth Open the Kings Arseuall bring foorth his Ordinance gather together his men of armes and footmen and if néede bee the whole Realme set vpon them kill them slash them cut them spoyle them murther them and worse if you can This is not to warre quoth my Lord no no holy Church thirsteth not after bloud But here is good play which I doo offer you seeing that you must néedes to warre there is in France many legions of diuells of your haire put on your carnall armour for the spirituall armour you haue lost long agoe let your Myter serue you for an Helmet your Rochets for Corslets your Surplesses for shirts of male your Crosses for pikes your Crosier staues for Launces your red roundaches which the Cardinalls doo weare vpon their heads for Targets your Holy water tassels for Clubbes put on your Spectacles too that you may the better aime at your enemie call vppon all the he Saints and she Saints which the Popes haue deified with thousands of Ora pro nobis set you all in battell aray be fiue against one méete the heretikes if you dare in y ◠plaine open field I aduise you though you be desperate enough not to come within their reach least that with bastinadoes the pockes and the gowtes be wrong out of your rotten boanes against your wills But to returne to the purpose he exhorteth the States to vnite themselues and to sweare the foresayd edict which speaches being ended the King tooke the word thus Sir you haue heard the contents of mine edict and vnderstand the qualitie of the same the greatnes and worthines of the oth which you be about now to sweare And seeing that I perceiue your iust desires to agree with mine I will sweare and doo sweare before God in a good conscience the obseruing of this mine edict as long as God shall continue my life here and will do ordaine that it may be kept for euer as a fundamentall law of this realme and in witnesse of the correspondence and vniuersal consent of all the States of my Realme you shall now sweare the obseruation of mine edict of vnion all with one voyce you Churchmen laying your hand vpon your breast and the rest lifting vp their hands to heauen which thing was done with great reioysing and acclamation of all men crying God saue the King Now by this hee in his owne person and his subiects haue sworne an immortall warre in his Realme of which thing he commaundeth an act to bee made in writing to serue for a perpetuall remembrance of the fact The act is such as followeth This day the 18. of October 1588. the King sitting at Bloys in the assemblie of his generall states of his Realme hath sworne in his faith and word of a King to obserue this present lawe in all that shall concerne his Maiestie Also the Lords Cardinalls of Bourbon Vendosme Princes of Soyssons and Monpensier Cardinalls of Guize Leuoncourt and Gundy Dukes of Guize Nemours Neuers and Retes the Lord Kéeper and many other Lords aswell of his Counsell as Commissioners of the three estates of his Realme haue sworne to kéepe and entertaine inuiolable the sayd lawe as well in their proper names as in the names of the Prouinces which haue sent them to the said assemblie of the States This thing being done the King testified the great desire which he had to make an end of this assemblie and to prouide for all his subiects vppon their iust complaints and grieues and for that end promised not to depart out of Bloys vntill the finall end of the said estates commanding likewise them of that assemblie not to depart by any meanes whereof they gaue him most humble thankes The assemblie dismissed the King the Quéenes Princes and Princesses Cardinalls Prelates and other Lords with all the deputies of the States went to the Church S. Sauiour there to sing te Deum where they were alwayes accompanied with a generall voyce of the people crying God saue the King shewing an extreame ioy and gladnesse for their owne calamities and miseries which they had sworne Now good Christian Reader consider well three things in this history to see Gods wrath iustice and mercy the thing which they haue done the miseries which haue followed and the gracious godnes of God in vpholding the ruines and miserable fall of that kingdome For first in this session Gods wrath drawing them to work to sweare and to reioyce in their owne dreadfull destruction they haue degraded and disherited the Princes of the most noble and ancientest family of the world from that inheritance and preheminence which God Nature and Law had appoynted vnto them whose auncestors haue gouerned that kingdome with iustice and equitie aboue thirteene hundred yeares And now without cause contrary to Gods ordinance Lawe and Nature to plant another family vnknowen in France within these threescore and ten yeares the performance of this most vniust exheredation and degradation they haue sworne to execute an oath more damnable than witchcraft ioyning to that iniurie the persecution of the true church of God But O thou most highest rayse vp thy selfe bruse them like a Potters vessell What hath followed that execrable oath First the most wretched and infamous death of the chiefest authors of this coniuring and witchcraft Secondly an vniuersall rebellion against him who sware first and ministred the oath to others I am not a Prophet nor the sonne of a Prophet yet thus much I dare affirme grounded vpon the nature of Gods iustice who sayth that who shall do those abominations shall die the death That peace shall neuer be restored to France as long as there is one left aliue of that damnable and accursed company who with that abomination haue poluted the land either in their mind haue giuen approbation vnto that accursed execration and vntill the Lord hath washed away the polution of their execrable deede with their owne blood Last of all here we haue
to consider the Lordes prouidence in releeuing of the afflicted States and tottering kingdomes that he whom they had sworne should not raigne ouer them him I say the Lord hath set vp and annoyuted him with the oyle of grace and wisedome and said that he shall raigne ouer them that it may appeare that his Scepter is of God And wheras likewise they haue sworn the rooting out of Gods truth the Lord wil make it florish vnder their noses vnder the authoritie of him whome they haue reiected Here also is another thing worthy to be noted that the Lorde in all ages for to restore peace iudgement iustice and religion in any decayed state hath raysed vp Princes endued with heroycall giftes and graces called by the ancients Nemesis by the Prophet Psal 51. the principall spirit of force constancie iustice wisedome counsell and godlines by the which crooked things are made straight and all things reduced to their order For as fortitude in an hot and vnwise nature is transformed into a barbarous cruelty rage so the same being in a wise nature gouerneth the victory with mercy and mildâ—nes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ad benficentiam The experience teacheth vs that if God had not giuen his principall spirit to this King now there raigning to direct the valiantnes of his courage and the prosperous successe of his victories with clemencie and mildenes one fourth part of France by this day had beene reduced into a miserable wildernes But thou O great King issued out of Noble race gird thy loynes with force and might goe on still and follow the Lord who goeth before thee and leadeth thee by the hand to restore the decayed ruins brought into that kingdome by the obstinate and vnwise counsels of the Valoys and the accursed snares of Sycophants whom they haue fostered and nourished in their bosoms by the bloud of theyr subiects and the fatnes of their people It is said before how immediatly after the making of y e edict of reunion the Duke Mercure out of Britayne with certayne companies inuaded the low Poytow intending to lay the siege before Montagne and how hee was defeated and ouerthrowen by the King of Nauarre after which ouerthrow the said K. being strengthened with new forces of the Lords Trimouille and Boulay intended to haue rescued the Lord Espernon who stood in great daunger in Engolesme by a conspiracy of the Leaguers but vnderstanding that the tumult there was pacifyed went to Rochel where he appointed an assembly of the reformed Churches of France there to take aduice by a generall meeting what they had to do agaynst the cruell and neuer heard of conspiracie of the King and the Leaguers who had sworne the vtter subuertion and vndooing of the King of Nauarre and reformed churches hee sendeth therefore in the moneth of September his messengers into all Prouinces of France willing them to send theyr commissioners and deputies to Rochel in Nouember next The King of Nauarre hauing done all necessary dispatches for that thing in y e latter end of September departed from Rochel intending to lay the siege before the castle of Beauuoyre lying vpon the Sea in the low Poytow and passing not farre from Niort some of his company aduaunced very nigh vpon them that issued out of the town not much further then their Suburbs The Lord Valette great prouost of France who alwaies had followed the King of Nauarre and a gentleman named Peray set vpon them and gaue them a hot skirmish wherein the said Lord and gentleman were slaine fighting most valiantly The Lieutenant of the towne beeing a most seditions Leaguer with other of his fellows shewed themselues no lesse then insoleÌ„t in committing great indignities vpon their dead bodies whom they caused to bee drawen through the streetes of Niort by the common people From thence hee tooke his iourney toward the sayd Beauuoyre as is sayd a Towne and Castell vppon the Sea a place of great importance as well for the situation as for the commodities thereof because it holdeth the Iles about in subiection out of the which great reuenues are receaued by reason of the salt and other commodities The King lodged his footmen in the Suburbs of Clisson There he receaued newes that certayne regiments of footmen of the enemies had passed Loyre at Saumure which thing caused him to dislodge in great hast to goe to charge them but the enemy being aduertised therof repassâ—d the Loyre before that he could come to them Therefore he tooke his way toward Nantes and in the low Goleyn with all his army There the Lorde Trimouille presented him the Captaine Bonneueau whom he had discomfited and taken at Doway a walled town The sayd King went to lodge at Vretow a little league from Pilmil suburbe of Nantes and there passed his army vpon the caulsies ouer the riuer Seure the other part of his army passed the sayd riuer by a Foord at Mounieres and came to lodge at Tousche Liuosiniere The morow after the fourth of October he passed before the Castell of Maschecow which he viewed the Marquis Belisle beeing within did let flye a shot of Culuerine Passing further with his companies of men of arms his light horsmen and Harquebuziers compassed the castell of Beauuoyre wherin was in garison a company of footmen who at the arriuing of the King forsooke the Towne and retyred into the Castell The Towne beeing deliuered to him he left within the towne his Harquebusiers and he with his troupes went to lodge at Saint Geruays within halfe a league of Beauuoyre There arriued vnto him the Lords Montluet and Plessis from Rochâ—l with a faire company of nobility After they had embarked in the hauen of Rochel two canons two culuerings gabions and other munition of warre which they had conducted to Saynt Gyles hauen distant from Beauuoyre about seuen leagues But this furniture could not arriue at Beauuoyre in fifteene dayes after the siege was begun by reason of contrary windes and continuall rayne with the discommodity of the waies the countrey beeing very moorish The souldiers were in the water to the mid legge with other great discommities notwithstanding they ceased not to make trenches vnto the very ditch out of the which he drewe great store of water so that the platformes being made the Ordinance brought with much ado being placed and leuelled he began the 21. of October to batter and after 30. Canon shot they who were within seeing the forces prepared against them did choose rather to prooue the clemencie of the said King in yéelding then to stay a greater batterie and the extremitie of an assault which infallibly would be giuen them therefore they would parley and yeeld The capitulation was such that they should render their Colours should goe foorth with armour and baggage but their match out They went foorth about 53. persons and were safely conducted to the Iland Bouing whether they sayd they would retyre The King of Nauarre lost at that
siege two Gentlemen to wit the Lord Drow one of his house and one Villebeau Captaine of one of the companies of the Lord Salignak The inhabitants of the Iland Bouing had promised to the King of Nauarre who had vsed them very courteously that they would suffer none of the enemies to enter their Iland which promise they kept not The Lord of Guize though very busie at the States at Bloys yet ceased not but as he was very busie to supplant the King at home so was he very diligent to prouide for the affayres of warre and for to crosse in this siege the King of Nauarre if he could He sent to the Duke Mercure the regiment of S. Paule the fayrest and most dreadfull of all the companies of the League The 22. of October and the morrowe after the rendering of the Castle of Beauuoyre the inhabitants of the Iland Bouing against their promise receiued two of the fayrest companies of the sayd regiment of S. Paule But they had not so soone entered into the Iland but that immediatly they tooke such dreadfull feare that without any shame they sent a Drumme to the said king to beseech him to giue them safe conduct to retyre into a place of safetie They had some reason so to doo for the feare of his sworde put them in a fearefull apprehension For he had so prouided that they were at his mercie hauing sent his nauall armie to a place called Collet aboue Bourgneuf of Rhe which was the place where of force they must needes passe by But the accustomed clemencie of that Prince sustayned and eased the feare of these two companies who trusted that he would be no lesse fauourable to them then hee hath accustomably béen vnto others who did submit themselues vnto him Whereof they themselues among many other examples are and ought to bee hereafter witnesses for although hée might haue cut them in peeces yet of his good will leauing a marke of heroicall humanitie vnto the posteritie he gaue them their liues armour with a pasport for their safe returne so that they should retyre the selfe same day He forgaue also the Iland men who had falsified their faith and had rendered themselues worthie of sharpe punishment This clemencie to them shewed did so touch them that they haue remayned euer since most faithfull being otherwise most deuoted and addicted vnto poperie The saide King being desirous to passe into the Iland to sée it could not doo it for the contrarie windes hee left there for gouernour the Lorde Quergroy a Gentleman of Britayn of great reputation with a necessarie Garison And vpon the aduertisements which he receaued of the great preparation and marching of the royall army vnder the conduct of the Duke of Neuers who descended into Poytow he departed thence the 24. of October with all his army taking his way to Montagne where hee left the regiment of the Lorde Preau ordering all necessary things for the defence of that place which as was thought should be the first place where to that army would lay siege which also hee determined to rescue in conuenient time he deuided his garisons in the places which he iudged necessary and among the rest he put Garisons in Mauleon Ganache Talmond Fontenay and other places That being done he tooke his way to Rochel to be at the assembly of all the reformed Churches of France which hee had called thethere for diuers and notable considerations The deputies of all the Churches of all sorts and qualities stayed sometime in Rochel for him where the said King being ariued receaued them with great contentation and according to his naturall facility and mildenes to the great reioysing of all men which hoped for much fruite of this assembly for the preseruation of the realme of the Kings authority against whome the Leaguers vnder colour of the States at Bloys did worke dangerous conspiracies and for the iust defence of them of the religion so long time so cruelly intreated in all partes of the realme The said King being certified of the comming of all the deputies of this assembly of all degrees and conditions Lordes Nobles Iudges Kinges officers Maiors Aldermen and other notable men of the Prouinces gaue an opening vnto the saide assembly by the inuocation of the name of God the 14. of Nouember in the towne house of Rochel assisted by the Lordes of Turenne his Lieutenant general in the prouince of Guienne Trimouille Colonell of the light horses and many other Lords Barons Vicounts Gentlemen and other his counselers The same day were called all the deputies for the assembly the authority which euery one had of the Prouinces for whome they were sent There was almost no Prouince in France which had not sent their deputies to wit deputies were sent out of Gascoyn Amignak Albret and other places from beyond the riuer Garonne out of the Prouinces of Britayne Anjou Tourene Berry Lodunoys the I le of France Normandy Orleans Picardy Champaigne and others beyond the riuer Loyre out of the Prouince of high and lowe Languedock Daulphine Rowergue Mountalban and out of the gouernement of Terrides there were also out of the gouernement of Xainctonge on this side Charante out of all the Iles of Xainctonge other deputed for Rochel for the Prouinces of Limosin Perigord Agenoys for the towne of Bergerak in particular for the Prouinces of Poytow and Engomoys for the principalitie of Orenge and many others for the baily weekes townes and comunalties with sufficient shew of their charges and commissions The 16. day of Nouember after publick inuocation of Gods name the King of Nauarre accompanied as is aboue said represented to the whole assembly the chiefest causes of their conuocation the great necessities which should moue euery man to oppose himselfe to the enemies whose intent was too apparant for they went euen against the King and the whole estate he shewed that hee had hetherto in so iust and godly a cause spared neither goods nor life as his former actions could testifie and that if these mischieues should growe to the worst he for his part felt his courage to be increased of God in the resolution which he had long agoe taken to spend therein euen the last drop of his bloud and the last pennie of all his goods and desired onely that the world would iudge in this his resolution of his good intent as indifferently and truely as himselfe sincerely had walked before God and determined to doo hereafter He shewed how the long continuance of war and lisence of armes had to his great griefe bred and brought in many disorders to the which hee required them as well it might bée to prouide both in respect of the glorie of God of the King of the realme and in respect of all priuat men Prayed them that were of that assembly to bring with them cleane spirites voyde of all passion endued with the loue of the common wealth which thing if they did hee assured
himselfe that God would blesse their counsell and woulde make them to reape much fruite to his glory and the deliuerance of his children Hee represented vnto them the good and prosperous euents which might ensue vpon their firme and fast vnitie in a cause so iust and holy as this that presently was in question by establishing of all good order towards the whichâ—ause hee exhorted all the assembly to continue as well affected as they had done before and to bring so much the more aboundantly as the nouelties and late alterations happened by the malice of the enemies did most euidently require Aboue all things hee willed them to prouide for that which imported most of all the glorie and seruice of God the good order policie and Discipline of the Church And to auoyde the prouoking of Gods wrath by swearing blasphemies rapes whordomes robberies forbidden games and other disorders who had crept among many by the vnhappines of war the required that the lawes made for repressing of such things might bee straightly enioyned commaunded and obserued by the Magistrates without any dissimulation support or respect of persons commaunding also the Magistrates to assist euery one in his behalfe vppon great paines that the Discipline of the Church may haue a due authoritie and execution He willeth them also that the poore may bee assisted with certaine ordinary summes of money which should be dedicated to the same effect according to the forme of the books that should be made for that intent with the authority of certaine chiefe officers magistrates consuls or commissioners appoynted for that purpose Also that charges and offices bee giuen to men capeable and sufficient for the due execution of the same to the ease contentation of euery one and as for other orders it should be ordayned as the sessions and propositions should be made in order All the assembly gaue most humble thankes to his Maiestie for the care which it pleased him to haue as well in particular of the said Churches as true and lawfull nurser protector and defender of the same as also in respect of the publick peace welfare and preseruation of all with proffer of their most humble seruice and obeissance for so good so holy and so lawfull puâ—poses protesting with a most constant resolution to employ their persons their liues their goods to fauour so good and rightfull a cause with praier vnto God to continue in him his blessing and fauour for his honor and glory for the preseruation of his Church for the good and quietnes of the publick estate The Sessions propositions resolutions and ordinances were afterwarde made and continued in good order in the presence of the said king vpon the diuers arguments which were there to be handled And first they entreated of the glory and seruice of God next of iustice of a good counsell and good ordering of the same then afterward of the mannaging of the treasure gifts pasports officers order of warre commissions bootyes prisoners of warre protections â—taking of townes and places of the safety of husbandmen and many other statutes as euery one of the deputies of the Prouinces was seuerally charged by their remembrances and instructions Many such things were there determined vntill the dissolution of the sayde assembly which was made the sayd King sitting accompanied as aboue in the presence of all the deputies on the Lords day being the 17. day of December after the preaching of the worde and inuocation of Gods name with the vnitie consent voluntary approbation of al men to the glory of God and for the Kinges seruice the preseruation of the Crowne and Realme restablishment of the State and for the defence of all faithfull Frenchmen against all enemies leagued mutinous and seditious persons who directly or indirectly would seeke the trouble and euersion of the same Whilest these things did passe and so contrary assemblies did take contrary counsells and resolutions to worke so contrary effects for at Bloys counsell and deliberation was taken to destroy the K. the Crowne the Realme the State the true Church of God In Rochel they went about to saue the King to defend the Crowne to preserue the Realme to vpholde the state to maintaine the true Religion the Duke of Sauoy after great preparations of warre made the Duke de Maine being as then at Liomoys and about the borders of Daulphine inuaded the Marquiz at of Saluces and by treason and intelligences of the Captayne surprized Carmagnole one of the Arseuals of France he tooke also Rauel and Chasteaudauphin with some other holdes These newes brought to Bloys did greatly trouble them who coulde take no pleasure therein But the Leaguers did greatly reioyce thereat For they thought that â—his increase of miseries would further their enterprizes and that the sire being kindled in diuers places that which they did blow in the middest of France would not be either quicklie or easily put out This enterprize of the Duke of Sauoy was by the practize and counsell of the League which was that the armies of these two Dukes of Sauoy and Maine should respectiuely fauour each other each keeping his entent seuerall to himselfe For the Leaguers and the Duke of Sauoy did agree in this to wit in hating the true religion and the professors thereof and in making against them cruell warre to roote them out if they could doe it But the particular thoughts of the partie were kept incommunicable within the heart of them both of them reseruing to themselues the meanes to worke their affayres according to the opportunitie and occasion And in this respect as it commonly falleth out among them who doo aspire to any Soueraignetie there was neither societie nor saith betweene the Duke of Sauoy and the house of Guyze each of them enuying his fellow in that which he wished for himselfe The Duke of Guize with his partakers intended to raigne and to stablish his authoritie in France and would not admit any fellow neither the Duke of Sauoy nor any other The Duke of Sauoy on the other side thought himselfe so well descended in blood that he might claime to haue a good part and thought it very conuenient for himselfe to enlarge his dominions and that being Sonne to a Daughter of France he was nigh enough to possesse all and would haue beene very sory to haue had any companyon either of the house of Guyze or any other whatsoeuer These diuers drifts did lurke close hidden in the hearts of both parts being holpen and aduanced mutually by the common pretence which they tooke on both sides to wit the rooting out of the reformed religion which tearmed heresie and to that end in open words they agreed together did helpe and ayde each other reseruing to the craftiest the beguyling of his felow or to the strongest to preuaile Fryer Sixtus Vicar vnderstanding of this inuasion of the Duke of Sauoy fearing least the King should suppose that to haue beene some of Fryer Sixtus tricks
and vpon a sodaine desire of reuengement would haue his peniworth vpon the Countie of Veuese and Auignon which is a part of the de Mains which Saint Peter purchased with his penie that the Fryers might liue like kings after him to wash his hands and to make the world beleeue that hee saw nothing first beganne to chide and brawle with the Duke of Sauoy and findeth great fault in him reprouing him for such an enterprise The Duke of Sauoy playing falshood in good fellowship faineth although that Fryer Sixtus had no finger in that pie goeth about to excuse the matter and did colour this action specially with Fryer Sixtus saying that hee had done all thinges for the aduantage of the holy church of Rome because he vnderstood that the K. had determined to put those places which he had taken into the hands of the Lord des Diguiers and other heretikes which thing would be very daungerous both to him being nigh neighbour as also in tyme very domageable to the holy church and the county of Veues Some of his counsellers also did greatly mislyke his enterprise foreseeing that it would be in tyme as pernitious vnto him as it had béene to his father in tymes past for not knowing the measure of his forces Whilest the King of Nauarre did holde the assembly of the reformed Churches at Rochel as is aboue sayd and that the Duke of Sauoy inuaded the Marquesdome of Saluce the States did continue at Bloys with strange mistrust which did spring from hower to hower among the partakers The pretence of Religion did continually rowle among the Leaguers and Leagued Their liues and state sayd they did hang on a rotten threed In December two great alarums and pannick terrors were raised within the castell of Bloys who did put the whole court in armor and made them stand vpon their guardes The cause of the first was a quarrell which arose betweene the pages and lakeys who did hold with the Bourbons and them which did hold with the League The commotion and the feare was such that the Duke of Guyze tooke the alarum ranne into his chamber shut vp the dore with Cofers and other such like things as were at hand The second alarum was geuen by a souldier hurt which saued himselfe in the chamber of the Duke of Guyze into the which hee was pursued by some of the Kings guardes who went vp with sword in hand whereupon once agayne all the court was in an vprore About the same time also there were great enmities and seedes of quarrels in the court besyde the vlcer of ambition desire to raigne betwéene the Lord of Guyze and many other Lordes of the court by reason of loue for as the Duke of Guyze in the middest of those waighty matters which he went about to compasse was greatly in loue with a Lady of the court there were some Lords also who pretended the like affection to her whether it were that they did so of purpose to pick a quarrell or otherwise but so it was that there passions of loue were openly perceaued The Duke of Guyze about the middle of December did shew himselfe a more contemner of the Kinges authority then euer he had done before for there was seene after him in great security following his trayne and lodged euen in the Kings house a great number of ruffiens and malefactors condemned in diuers places for diuers crymes and executed in picture for contumacy euen many of them which in August before had raised vp a sedition in Engolesme agaynst the Lord Espernon they were in such security vnder his wing that no magistrate durst say any thing to them The said Duke also had shewed himselfe more saucy and malapert in his words and behauiour then euer hee did before For the King hauing intercepted many of his letters by the which hee did shew in open tearms the vilanous intent which he had purposed in his hart called his Nobles willed them to sweare to him that they would neuer consent nor practise any thing agaynst his person he most arrogantly and contemptuously denyed so to doo euen in his presence saying he will not do it and if hee did it there was good lawes to punish him spare him not let him bee punished bould and arrogant speaches were geuen dayly by him and his partakers The Duke of Guyze considering that by these fresh iniuries the King could not be much prouoked calling to remembrance his former attempts and that the stroke which he had long before intended was made knowen to the King began to enter a great fearfull apprehension that the King would not delay his reuenge but will goe about to preuent him And now considering that all his partakers had bent their eyes vppon him and expected some great atchieuement which should farre exceed the former attempts seeing also how the K. of Nauarre by the edict of reunion sworne by the assembly of the States was condemned and disherited that there was nothing left in the way to hinder him of his enterprise and that hee himselfe was now vpon the last step of the stayrs either to be King or first commaunder vnder the name of King of France so that nothing was wanting but either quite to dispatch him or else to take him prisoner Hee resolued himself therefore to hasten one of these two executions least perhaps he might bee preuented hee vndertooke himselfe to do that feat and layed that burthen vpon his shoulder And that such disorder might bee done orderly he called the chiefest of the conspiracy to counsell The chiefest of this counsell and conspiracy were Fryer Ladouik cardinall his brother and Fryer I. Archebishop of Lyons with few other to whom he shewed in what state his matters stood and that all thinges are brought to some good effect that nothing is obstant to obtayne the thing so long and so greatly desired but the person of the King and that their counsels beeing come to light hee was driuen to such extremity as that â—ither he or the King must needes perish Hee propounded vnto them therefore whether the King was to bee dispatched out of hand or else to bee imprisoned till all thinges were confirmed and established for a new gouernment They answere that this matter is not to be delayed but that the King was to be made away and dispatched out of hand their reasons be these for say they fetters and prisons are altogether vnprofitable that no dungeon how deepe soeuer could be able to keep close so great and mighty a Potentate and that so long as he should liue hee would couâ—t alwaies for reuenge If hee were kept in prison it would seeme cruell and strange to the common people and intollerable That they of late after the Kings fleeing from Paris had found and learned by experience that pitty preuaileth more then fauour But assoone as he should be dispatched new deuises should bee practised new counsels taken and that euery man would fall
whence his slacknes in repressing and punishing by time those offences Specially when remembring the fauours that hee and his predecessors had giuen to that famely but he aboue all had more esteemed them then the Princes of his bloud had made him his fellow and companion in all the exploytes done against them of the reformed religion whome hee had fauored with diuers great dignities pardoned him of so many grieuous offences which he would not haue forgiuen to his owne brother to be short he loued and imbraced him as his own soule this incredible vnthankfulnes and treacherie did moue him to great indignation But specially what griefes and sorrowes did this â—nhappy King conceaue in his heart not onely to 〈◊〉 so vnthankfully rewarded of them whome hee trusted most but for that he in the space of 20 yeares had seen so many warnings giueÌ„ both to his Brother Charles the ninth and to himselfe of their aspiring working not onely by the Princes of the bloud by the King of Nauarre by many Lords Gentlemen and learned men in France but also by the Princes of forren nations and specially by the Princes of Germany who from time to time had proffered their seruices and their assistance vnto him for the repressing of their insolent presumptuousnes And namely when he considered how halfe a yeare before when he was in a manner dispossessed of his kingdome Authority after his flight from Paris how his faithfull subiects of all callings and degrees resorted vnto them both to shew him the vnsufferable indignities which he had receaued of that house and also to proffer him their seruice and assistance When hee called to minde how often and how faithfully the King of Nauarre had proffered him his forces and that in such sort that if it had pleased him but to holde vp his hand onely and let him alone with them he with his owne forces and charges would set him at hearts ease from any danger or sâ—ur of the League He I say as a man which is willingly and wittingly lead to his fatall destruction and fall had neuer regarded nor considered all these things vntil now when being destitute of all meanes and deliberation and scarse knowing whome to trust hee is with too late repentance driuen to shift for his owne life as well as hee may which he seeth is most certainely to be taken away within foure and twentie houres if he dooth not preuent the conspiratours The King in this agony and heauy sighes not considering the causes of these blowes and terrors of death full of sorrowes and indignation dooth determine with himselfe as well as hee can to preuent the treasons of his domesticall enemies in this wise The keyes of the Castell were brought euery night vnto the Duke of Guize as being great Master of the Kings house but the saide Duke of Guize the 22. of December the night before his death prouided not so wisely but that the keyes fell into other mens hands then them of his side So the King tooke the keyes of his house in his custody he also caused a rumour to bee noysed abroad that the day following hee will goe on pilgrimage to the Church called our Lady of Clery situated betweene Bloys and Orleans And according to his prudence he prouided that as well in the Castell as in the towne they of the League might not stir with any force against him for within the Castell he doubled his gardes In the towne hee tooke order that night that the gardes of the towne gates should not in any wise open the saide gates vntill they should haue expresse commaundement from him to the contrary so both the Towne Castell and keyes thereof are made sure in that night and all this was done vnknowne to the Duke of Guize The Lord grand Prior that night made a match to play at Tenis with the Lord Ianuile sonne to the Duke of Guize to whome he gaue his word that the next day very early hee would take him in his bed for that end So the King hauing dispatched many things but specially prouided to make all things sure which he thought needefull to preuent the determination of the Duke of Guize which was vpon the poynt of execution retired into his closet where he was all night to doo many needefull dispatches The same night hee wrote to the Duke of Neuers who was in the army at the siege of Smache hee wrote to Lyons and to diuers other places where hee thought it necessary for the assuring of his affaires and the preseruation of his person The same night the Duke of Guize Frier Lewis the Cardinall his brother and the Archbishop of Lyons to take opportunity to commit their parricide concluded to sit in counsell the next morning early The 23. of December the Duke of Guize the Frier Cardinal his brother the Archbishop of Lyons the Marshall Haultmont and others came to sit in counsell in a chamber nigh to the Kings chamber being but a narow aley betweene them The K. being in his closet with certaine Lords and gentlemen sent for 7. or 8. of those 45. Pensioners or gentlemen y t were daylie attendant vpon him very early in y e morning to whom he vsed some speaches about his affaires so greatly importing him so nearely touching his person abouâ— the assured aduise intelligences which he had receiued of the enterprize against his person State They prostered most willingly their ready seruice to execute his coÌ„maundement in such a iust cause and defence Within a while after the Duke of Guize being in the counsell chamber before they began to sit was called to come to the king He saw at his first comming the guards more carefully disposed than of custome so that as it happâ—neth oftentimes y t vpon the instant of great aduentures the mind of euery man is to him as a Prophet of y e euent or a heauy presage of his mishappe euen as hee had iudged of the enterprize of an other man by calling to remembranâ—e of that which he had in his owne mind and tâ—e stroke which he receaued by that which he intended he entred into a motion of extraordinary mistrust so far that his countenance changing at that calling his heart waxed cold as though he had been ready to fall into a swound whereupon hee sent to the L. Pre one of them who did waite in the K. chamber to aske some raysins which were brought him Afore his going out of the counsell chamber hee sent a page to his chamber to fetch him a handkercher his secretary had bound fast in one of the corners thereof a small bill written contayning a warning to get him out or else hee was dead The handkercher was brought but it was not deliuered for it was intercepted with the remembrance when the page came vp againe with it The Duke of Guyze being about to goe vnto the king when hee went forth of the counsell chamber into the
alley which was betweene it and the kings chamber encreased his mistrust and would haue gone back yet neuerthelesse he did not He had beene perswaded long before that the Lorde Loignak had vndertaken to kill him so that of all other he hated him most and mistrusted him greatly and entering into the kings chamber he saw the same Lord Loignak sitting vpon a coffer hauing his armes a crosse and supposing that he stayed there to set vpon him for he shewed that hee was touched with a violent apprehension of mistrust although the said L. Loignak did not stir yet the Lord Guize notwithstanding did set vpon him setting his hand to his sword did draw it halfe for he had his cloake as commonly he was wont to haue in scarâ—e wise and vnder the cloake his sworde which was the cause that he could not draw it cleane out of the sheath before that some of them who were there seeing him to enterprize such a violent fray at the Kings chamber doore preuented and killed him there Beholde thou vngratious man thou hast hidden all thy conspiracies vnder a cloake of religion and so hast prophaned a prophane religion say then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thou vnthankfull slaue of ambition hast thou thought to murther thy naturall prince ordayned of God to commaund thee Say then or if thou wilt not I will 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It could not be done without some rumor which was heard out of the counsell chamber whereupon the Cardinall his brother entred into mistrust and conceauing a great feare made haste to get out but he met one of the skottish guardes who had charge to arrest him He tooke that arrest very straunge and made shew to resist but seeing the rumor and daunger hee ceased from his resistaunce and yeelded The Archbishop of Lyons at this alarum went forth furiously and would know more and as he said would succour the Duke of Guyze but he was arrested by some of the guardes and his fury was so cooled that from a woolfe he was turned into the forme of a lambe yet retayning still wooluish conditions so these two Fryers the deuills ghostly fathers remayned both prisoners The graund Pryor was gone very early to awake the Lord Ianuile to to play the match which they had made the day before and found him in his bed and after he had made himself quickly ready but whether it were that he saw the graund Pryor followed incontinently with some of the guardes or some other matter hee began sodaynly to mistrust and went about to slip into a doore of his chamber and to make some resistance seeking to get forth with his sworde in hand against some of the guarde but considering the danger he yeelded him selfe to the sayd guard The graund Pryor seeing that by these new euents the match was broken off went his way At the same instant one Pellicart secretary vnto the Duke of Guyze was taken with al his papers writings by the which many secret counsels of the sayd Guize were discouered to the King with the names of the chiefest of the League as wel of the princes and Nobles as of the priests and townes The king of the Fryers to wit the Cardinall of Bourbon who was at bed was desired by a captayne of the guarde to rise and so was his person made sure The Marquesse d' Albeuf likewise and many other of the partakers of the Lord of Guize were taken and put in places of safety That day the king made a fayre hande for he caught a number of cruell beasts and vncleane foules as Woolues Foxes swine wilde Boars Apes and such like But the loosing of some of them afterward was the cause of his vndooing and death For either through feare of the Popes excommunication or to asswage the displeasure of his subiects or some other cause â—lse he did set at libertie the Archbishop of Lyons which was one of the chiefest counsellors deuisers and procurers of his death These exployts being done at Bloys a gentleman was speedely sent into Poytow to the Lord of Neuers with commaundement to seaze vppon the Lord Chastre gouernour of Berry who was greatly suspected by reason of his great familiaritie with the Lord of Guize But the layd Lord Chastre was aduertized by his friends of all that which happened at Bloys before the gentleman sent by the King arriued at the camp whereupon he went to the Duke of Neuâ—rs saying that he was aduertized how the Duke of Guyze had beene put to death which thing made him beleeue he had enterprized somewhat agaynst the king Hee sayde that he had been alwayes seruant to the Duke of Guize for his particular but that if he had enterprized against the king that hee was neuer made priuie to it And forasmuch as the loue which the said Duke of Guize had borne vnto him might happily make him to be suspected by the king he yeelded himselfe willingly into the hands of the sayd Duke of Neuers for to iustifie his actions Afterward the Gentleman went from the king to the sayd Duke of Neuers who informed him of all that which is aboue sayd and within a while after the Lord Chastre went to the king The King had some speeches with the sayd Lorde Chastre of all that had passed touching the particular of him the Lord Chastre of long continuance which hee woulde forget and vppon the promise which the saide Chastre made to remaine his faithfull seruant commaunded him to make sure the townes of his gouernement to his seruice and to prepare himselfe to goe to Orleans against them of the League which thing the saide Lorde Chastre promised to doo A little while after the death of the Guize the King went to see the Queene his mother and shewed her what was done that morning whereof at the first she was greatly moued yet remembring the iust occasions which the said Duke of Guize had giuen him to seeke reuenge shee prayed God that it might bee well done and willed the King to aduertise the Popes Legat that which was done For a while after the King sent the Cardinall Gundy to shew to the saide Legat the attempt of the Duke of Guize against his person and estate which thing had enforced him to doo that execution he shewed that in it he had followd the Popes his masters counsell who aduised him so to doo if by no other meanes he could auoyde such enterprises Where it is saide that the King dooth aleage to the Popes Legat his masters counsell and consent the matter goeth as the common report gooth It is most certaine that Frier Sixtus and his Chaplines with his predecessors before him had been and were then the chiefest authors setters on and maintainers of the League in France and that by all meanes so that it were not with money for to meddle with the purses of these ghostly fathers is sacriledge and to tirannize the holy Church did fauour foster and further all the
felouies trecheries and treasons of the Duke of Guize The King hauing a perfect knowledge of these their dooings yet by policy he obtained Frier Sixtus and his Priests both his consent and hands to iustifie his actions which he entended to bring to passe vpon the persons of the Duke of Guize and others his adherents if the Pope after the fact if Soltan Solyman out of the capitall of Rome would thunder his vaine boults not excommunication but of proscription which this Antichrist most arrogantly doo vsurp vpon Princes He wrote therefore to Frier Sixtus that he had a number of rebels of all degrees as well of the nobilitie as of others who had conspired against his life and state whether that hee might make such a slaughter of them by surprise as hee made at Saint Bartholmew in the yeare 1571. and kill them by all meanes possible seeing that he could not follow against them any extraordinarie course Frier Sixtus and his harpies about him supposing that the King by rebels vnderstood the King of Nauarre and others of the nobles with him and of other degrees and that he had so fetcht in his head whereby he hoped to drawe them into his snare were as ready to further him to that exployte as the King was ready to doo it Frier Sixtus answered in his name and of his Ianissaries that hee might destroy them by all meanes possible for in extraordinarie dangers extraordinarie course might be taken This is that which he alâ—ageth to the Legat touching the Popes counsell and consent The Legat vpon this newes was wonderfully amazed for beside that hee feared his owne skin hee had also assured all Italy of cleane contrary euents then those which he saw to haue fallen out The same day the Legat was prayed to make intercession with the King for the Cardinall of Guize which thing hee promised to doo Men cannot by any meanes prolong the time of their ende many haue thought that the sauing of the life of the Cardinall of Guize might haue been easily obtained But as a haughtie courage which thinketh to bee nigh to some great and extraordinary prosperous fortune cannot easily quiet himselfe when he seeth himselfe debased and carried away farre from his expectation So this man fallen from so high and moued with his domesticall losses could not quiet himselfe but by hot words hee threatned to performe more theÌ„ euer his brother entended whose chiefest setter on he was This his raging minde wrapped him in the selfe same punishment with his Brother being founde and iudged culpable of the selfe same crime of treason Here marke Christian reader a notable example of Gods iustice for the King would easily haue pardoned him and spared his life but Gods iustice bringing him to iudgement forsooke him in the perturbation of his heart to prouoke his Soueraigne King whome hee had offended in the highest degree against his will to make him drinke of the cup of Gods wrath So that the King seeing his threatnings which discouered plainly the damnable thoughts of his heart caused him the same day to bee strangled as it is reported with a tippet of silke which he was wont to weare about his neck to put a difference between him and the common sort of traitors for they are strangled with ropes of hempe but this traiterens Frier was choaked with a holy tippet of silke in the selfe same place where he was arested prisoner These executions being done vpon the conspiratours the King went to goe to Masse into the temple of Saint Sauiour which is in the court of the Castell There the Popes Legat did walke and talke long with the King sometime smiling in the sight of a great number of people which did marke it Among whom many seeing the ioyfull countenance of the Legat thought that hee was not greatly sory for that which had passed there that morning although that his great familiarity with the house of Guize would haue giuen occasion to expect of him the contrarie But all that was but to make faire weather which the King fearing himselfe vpon the heate of the Kings reuenge to haue sustained the same punishment with his companions which he had no lesse deserued then they had Now we haue to speake somewhat of the conspirators who were of fiue sorts In the euening all things were as quiet at Bloys as they had béen before saue the close and hidden sorrow and murmuring of many who had not foreseene such a suddaine tempest to fall vpon the house of Guize Brissak and others to mollifie the Kings displeasure which they supposed by the guiltines of their consciences the King to haue conceaued of them that in time they might escape out of his clawes made an oration gratulatory for his good successe in escaping that conspiracy but specially did clawe him in that place where he did most itch to wit exhorted him to continue the warre against them of the reformed religion vsing great outragious wordes and inuectiues leauing them no hope of merrie This oration was followed of many such others not for loue to the K. but for three speciall causes First that with such holy water the King being blinded they might flye out of his hand Secondly that by setting the King agaynst the King of Nauarre and the heretikes as they tearmed them hee should haue his forces scattered and his person beeing the weaker by it they might at some opportunity surprise him Thirdly they feared least he would vpon this occasion ioyne the King of Nauarre and so to haue béene able to take reuenge vpon all the sort of the conspiratours therefore they thought good to blow the coales to let all reconsiliation The same day the King sent to the assembly of the states to let them vnderstand that it was his pleasure that the states should continue with a full determination to follow their reasonable counsels in all things The 24. of December the King dispatched diuers messengers into dyuers Prouinces with these instructions following The first troubles raised vp by the Lord of Guyze in this realme in the yere 1585. haue shewed sufficiently an other meaning in him theÌ„ the zeale of the Catholike Religion wherewith he hath couered his actions to abuse them who are more ready to embrace nouelties then wise to consider the euents For hauing couered his entents with the cloake of the catholik religion and the rooting out of heresy all his exploits haue béen executed in the catholik townes and in the best which he could seaze vpon to lay downe a stedfast foundation of the drifts long before notoriously forecast for the â—surpation of the crowne The King sheweth that by the meanes of the rising of the sayd Duke he was enforced to let him haue the best part of his forces and meanes whereby he hath not béene able to oppose himselfe to them of the religion as he was willing to doo whereby heresy sayth he hath taken deeper root in the Realme then euer it had
before He sheweth that while his forces were occupyed against the heretikes in Guyen Prouance and Daulphine he and his partakers haue practised to withdraw all that euer they could from his obedience He sayth also that notwithstanding the seditious seazing of Paris by theÌ„ of the League yet he was desyrous to forget all offences passed and besides he gratifyed him with as many graces and fauours as hee could require thinking thereby to mollify the hardnes of his hart He aduertiseth them that the ambition of the sayd Duke of Guyze was growen to that contempt of his estate that hee would no more depend of any other and that in stead of thankes to acknowledge these fauours hee had vsed them to his further enterprises He neuer ceased to practise the townes which were left vnder his obedience to his faction so that the Magistrates could hold no longer the inhabitants in their duty nor from stirring sedition one agaynst another Many men conuictâ—d of capitall crymes were so vpholden by his authority that it was not possible for the Magistrate to doo iustice vppon them He and his did braue threaten and put in feare them which would remayne seruants vnto their King to make them to forsake him that so he might the more easily oppresse him The Duke of Guyze by his partakers had practised the Prouinces by his factions to render his authority hatefull to his Subiectes suborning them to make vnciuill requestes that in obtayning them they might debase his authority and in refusing them which he will perswade the King to do hee might make him hatefull to his subiectes The King had vsed all the prudence that euer he could deuise vntill he perceaued himself to be fallen into the contempt of his subiects which was a way to performe the blow long before hand entended Besides he sheweth how hee hath had diuers aduertisements euen by the next vnto the Duke of Guyze to beware of him by whom he was in danger to loose both his life and crowne Hee notifyeth to them that considering the euill could not be auoyded but by the death of the author he was enforced to saue himselfe by slaying the sayd Duke of Guyze the 23. of December To preuent therefore all false reportes hee was willing to let them vnderstand the truth of the matter that all occasion of tumult which might arise by false reportes might be taken away He certifyeth his Subiects that he intendeth to follow the warre for the extirpation of heresy and the mayntaining of the Romish religion Hee sayth also that he declareth to them that he will haue his subiectes eased as much as shall bee possible and that he hath sent word vnto the deputies assembled in the Towne of Bloys that he would haue the states ended with all liberty He warneth them also that he will haue no partialities leagues associations nor intelligences among his subiects and that they shall not hereafter acknowledge any other then him who is their King ordayned of God He certifyeth them also that he will suffer no longer the contempt of his authority but will chastize them who shall offend in that behalfe These informations were sent by the King into the Prouinces to the gouernors and Magistrates to geue notice of the same to the people least by false rumors they should haue béen stirred vp to rebellion by the Leaguers who were dispersed in all partes of the realme But particularly he writeth to the Lord Tageus his gouernour in Xainctonge and Engolesme willing him to execute sharp punishment vppon them who shall stirre vp any sedition Within few daies after these things so passed at Bloys the Q Mother dyed who there had fallen sicke vppon the first assembling of the states she had liued a long age and too long for France if it had beene Gods will that it should haue béene otherwise for she hath beene the cheefest worker of all the great miseryes and lamentable alterations which haue happened in France hauing bewitched with her Sorceryes as an other Circe hir countrey woman her owne Children and many Princes and Nobles of France whom she transformed not in outward forme but in conditions and qualityes of Tygers Wolues Foxes Swine and all maner of cruell beastes and vncleane fowles euen a number transformed into the nature of vncleane spirits and deuils She neuer ceased from her enchantments vntill by Gods iust iudgement she had destroied her owne children house family To be short she was a woman of a base birth and ability bold to worke all iniquity and vnrighteousnes Now wee haue to descrybe the conspiratours and how they shifted for themselues The three greatest domesticall enemies that euer France or any King had in his bosome were the Duke of Guize the Cardinall his brother and the Q Mother they three are smitten downe by the finger of God as if it had béen with a thunderboult The second sort of the conspirators most dangerous and cruell beasts were in hold as the Cardinall of Bourbon the Marquis Albeuf the Guizes sonne and Frier Archbishop of Lions as is before said and more the King might haue caught and if the King had béen a carefull reuenger of Gods lawe and had feared God more then man they had drunke of the dregges of Gods iustice as their fellowes did The third sort of conspirators were in the Kings sight and within the Towne as Chastre Brissak Boysdaulphin and others to whom hée forgaue the due punishment and they did speake him fayre for a while vntill they sawe an occasion to worke him mischiefe as the sequell did verifie The fourth sort of the traytors were some in the Towne and many in the Suburbs there lurking vntill the Duke of Guize would haue giuen the watch word readie to execute or to helpe him in the execution of his enterprise there notwithstanding the shutting of the gates either through the testimonie and guiltines of their consciences or that the rumour that was spread flying ouer the wall gaue them the alarum so that they of the reformed religion did neuer depart out of S. Germayne suburbe on Bartholmew day in the yeare 1572. as these fellowes departed out of Bloys without boates or other furniture These most damnable traytors carrying abroade the rumours of the Duke of Guize with amplification and with deprauing of the Kings fact did begin and aduaunce the rebellion which answered afterward agaynst the King The fift sort was of them who the day before tooke it to bee a poynt of honour wherupon to challenge to the combat if any man had called them Royals now they on a sudden did hate outwardly worse then murther to bee called Guiziens of this sort were the most part of the Priestes and Commons there assembled at the States who by little and little slyding away one after another caused through the most part of those Prouinces which had rooted out the Gospell from among theÌ„ an vniuersall rebellion The King forgetting his calling to wit to bee a
' and Gyancs into their owne naturall countrey yet doo not I speake of all generally but of the most part Rochel and other townes of safetie round about were quickly replenished of exiled people out of Poytow Britaine Touraine Landomoys and other places nigh the soiourning of this armie Euen many Catholickes fled into the townes of the reformed religion abhorring accursing detesting those misbegotten monsters The first place where this flood spewed out of the Dragons mouth to haue drowned the woman which was in trauaile I meane this army was stayed was before Mauleon which is a small towne feeble and of no strength at all There is in the same a Castell which is of no better defence than the towne The king of Nauarre as it is sayd after the taking of Beauuoyre lest within the same towne the Lord Viliers Charlemaigne for gouernour with a certaine number of Souldiers not for to obstinate themselues vpon that naughty place which was not able to resist a farre lesser than a royall armie but for to keepe the field and for to refresh himselfe The armie descending from Turenne tooke way to Mauleon about the 13 of Nouember The forerunners of the armie shewed themselues the garison there would not dislodge for them but made a shew as though they would hold the place But forces arriuing more and more vnlooked for at length the Ordinance was brought before the place The Lord Viliers seeing that determined to capitulate by the meanes of the Lord Lauerdine the captayne and one Croix were appoynted to conclude the capitulation The Lord Miraumont Sargeant maior of the battell was sent for hostage to Mauleon for safety From Mauleon went forth also for hostage Captayne Laudebrix The agreement was made and concluded with small aduantage to them who were besieged within the towne for the Lords Brigneulx and Chastiagueray did draw nigh the walles of the Town which were already forsaken by the garrison and not defended and after they had pulled down few stones by surprising and contrary vnto the agreement entred into the towne did kill and wound all them whom they found both of the garrison and also of their owne side notwithstanding the resistance and reproofe which the sayd Lord Miraumont could do for to let such a treacherous vnfaithfulnes vnworthy of men of warre The passion of these leagued Souldiers was shewed so disordered and barbarous that they compelled the sayd Lord Miraumont to saue himselfe into the castell with the remainant of the garrison which had escaped for many had béene most vilanously slaine after they had yeelded their armor some did saue themselues by flight casting themselues ouer the wall other were hurt some taken and spoyled of all that euer they had contrary to the agreement The Lords Chastre and Lauerdine aduertised of this disorder hasted thether and caused although very late the killing to cease and conducted the rest of them who had escaped beyond the riuer Seure toward Fonteney After this exploit done the army marched straight way toward the Towne and Castell of Montagne at the solicitation of them of Nantes and Nobility of Aniou and low Poytow who were not of the religion who altogether receaued by it many discommodities the most part of Gentlemen hauing retyred some to Nantes and some to Anger 's and they all desired to haue that thorne out of their heele Some were yet remayning in Poytow vnder the protections of the King of Nauarre wayting for the occasion to stirre at the comming of that army This towne and castle of Montagne pertained to the Prince of Conde which by the outrages of some of the countrey and neighbours had béen surprised and the walles so beaten downe that there was no hope left that any warre could be made there Notwithstanding the Lord Colombieres whom wee haue said to haue brought certaine companies vnto the King of Nauarre out of Normandy with his yongest sonne called Lucerne some companies with them had seazed vpon it the towne was very little repaired of the former ruine and decay which was great the castell had béene better relieued trenched and made commodious The Lord Colombieres commaunded there the King of Nauarre had sent thether beside to strengthen the said towne the Lord Preau with foure companies of his regiment at the approching of that army for his two other companies had béen sent to Ganache and other places All that could bee in that place of footmen was about three hundred and besydes there might be about fifty Harquebuziers on horsebacke There was in that place reasonable store of victuals for the time that they were minded to defend it as well in wine whereof there was aboue foure hundred pipes as in corne meale salt béefe and other necessary munitions for mans life About the 25. of Nouember the Lord Miramont Sargeant maior of the army accompanied with the Harquebusiers on horsback of the army lighted at the Barillery where afterward the Lord Neuers lodged and from thence went with his company to view the place and to make his approches Captayne Beauuoys and Beuf leaders of the company of the Lord Colombieres went out with a certaine number of souldiers to receaue them The skirmish endured very hot a good hower and a halfe and there were slayne of the side of the enemies Brichanteau sonne to the Lord Bigueulx and many others for whome there was great mone made in the army Go now truce-breaker Brigueulx learne yet once to breake the publike fayth at Mauleon Captayne Beuf who issued forth out of the towne was shot with a pellet in the thigh After this skirmish ended euery man retyred and the enemie went to lodge at the Barrillery The two dayes following passed away in light skirmishes The 29. the armie made approches on the side of the heath Buor Then the Lord Preau issued out so there was a fierce skirmish in the which were layed on the ground a great many of the enemies but none of the towne that euer came to knowledge The enemies who had begunne their trenchâ—s were compelled by the sayd skirmishes to giue ouer their worke for that time After that about eight dayes past before that the Ordinance could arriue for the continuall rayne floodes and foule wayes which were the beginning of the sâ—ourge of that armie of sauage robbers The eighth of December the Cannon arriued and there passed three dayes before it was occupied But the eleuenth of December the Duke of Neuers saluted the towne with certaine volies of twelue pieces of ordinance and at the same iâ—stant summoned them to render the towne Whether the Lord Colombieres had beene already labored wonne by some friends whom he might haue had in the armie or otherwise so it fell out that vpon the summons hee shewed vnto the garrison what small apparance there was to obstinate that place against an armie and amplifiyng the great discommodities and inconueniences which might ensue concluded to render the place adding as
some afterward haue reported certayne discontentments which he said he had receiued which did discourage him in the performance of that seruice to which the occasions and many other reasons did binde him The Lord Preau on the other side said that the place might be reasonably defended That he was seruant to the king of Nauarre to whom he had promised to keepe faithfully that place so long as the skill of warre would permit him and that his credit did restrayne him from consenâ—ing to the rendring thereof Out of this diuersitie of affections the diuision began which afterward was the cause of the so sodaine losse of the place The Lord Colombieres had on his side y e Harquebusiers on horseback which had followed him were there in garrison The Lord Preau had on his side his soure companies some voluntary gentlemeÌ„ and strangers betweene them both were laboured by each partie of the inhabitants there were few or none â—â—t after long reasoning Colombieres the gouernour caryed it away knowing very wel y t the enemie was not ignorant of that diuision and sent to the camp Captayne Courbe his lieftenant to offer agreement to the L. of Neuers who tooke great pleasure in this occasion For the soiourne of 15. dayes before that plate in so fowle weather in so great scarsitie of victualls as was in that armie was a second wound of his dissipation The tearme of this agreement was so short that the king of Nauarre being vpon the poynt to succour them was compelled to breake his enterprize although it was agreed that the king of Nauarre should haue beene aduertized of it The conditions of the agreement were that the colours should be rendered the souldiers should goe forth with their match out and the gentlemen with their furniture that they should all be conducted by a Herault and a trompet as farre as Saint Albine with condition that they should retyre within three dayes The L. Colombieres conducted all the Garrison about halfe a league and then he asked if y t there were any in the companies that would follow him but almost all refused Captaine Courbe with six or seauen more as well of his houshold seruants as others followed him So he taking his leaue and induced either with discontentment or with some other affection he ioyned himselfe to that armie The rest of the troups were safely conducted nigh as farre as Lussen and Saint Gemmes and were left there vpon the conditions abouesaid by the Herault and Trompet But the Lord Sagonne Colonel of the light horsemen did so cut the time prefixed that desirous as it was supposed to reuenge the death of some friend of his in that armie who had been slayn before in that place surprized those companies who were at S. Albine and charged them so hardly that scarce they had time to get into a church and to shut themselues therein They were without munition of necessary things so that they were coÌ„pelled to render themselues yet once againe hauing little resisted This composition was not like the first for they had onely their liues they were vnarmed and ryfled and some few were slaine With a speedy retire they might haue auoyded that iniurie Montagne so surrendred the towne of Ganache was greatly threatned The Marquesse of Belisle who made his abode at Maschecow desired greatly to be dicharged of such neighbours And besides this place was very fit for him if by the meanes of that armie he coulde haue gotten it This place pertained to the Lady of Landimoys of the house of Rohan who had retired to Nantes obaying the kings Edict concerning the alteration of religion The King of Nauarre had giuen the gouernement of this place to the L. Plessis Gette the which diuers times but specially a few dayes afore the siege had been greatly laboured by the said Lady also by the Marquesse of Belisle with faire and large promises to yéeld the place into their hands to whome he would neuer hearken but determined to keep it faithfully The towne of Ganache being distant from Montagne but seauen leagues the Lord Plessis fore seeing the siege dispatched withall diligence to the King of Nauarre who was at Rochel the Lord Sabloniere and Iesserant to let him vnderstand the small commodities that they had to holde that place against a royall army That notwithstanding the saide Lorde Plessis with the rest of the Captaines with him had determined to doo him good seruice so that he would furnish them with meanes At these newes the King dispatched the Baron Vignoles with all his companies to strengthen that place He sent also by sea two Captaines of the regiment of his gardes vnder the conduct of the Lordes Aubiguy and Robiniere who imbarked themselues part at Rochel with powder pikes and other munition of warre part at Esande But the contrarie windes caused them to cast anker at the Iland of Rhe where they stayed eyght daies for winde during which time many being sea sick were found wanting so that at the imbarking againe in stead of two hundred were found fewer in number The Lord Plessis in the meane time laboured hard in the places where was most neede and caused the victuals as well for men as for horses to be brought in out of the vilages round about The L. Ruffigny arriued there with 50. Harquebusiers on horseback by the coÌ„mandement of the said King in staying y e succor which came by sea Ganache is compounded of a towne and Castell situated in the borders of Poytow and Britayn yet holding more of Poytow it is distant from the sea three leagues with an open prospect on that side of the side of Montagne and Maschecow it is woody and couered There is a great poole which compasseth a great part of the towne vppon the Castell side which with diuers brookes watereth the great medowes about it that maketh the waies to the towne moorish and foule but specially in winter The said poole dooth compasse almost two parts of the towne to wit from the suburb Saint Leonard to the suburb of Saint Thomas which is al the side of the Castell The towne is compassed with an indifferent good ditch cut out of a rock the wall is auncient flancked with small towers and made with loope holes after the olde fashion it was found better to resist the cannon then it was thought it would bee specially on the side where it was battered the which for being too feeble and naked hauing but an olde gate the Lord Plessis had fortified and couered with a spurre assoone as he had the gouernement of that place which did him good seruice during the siege Hee made two bulwarkes more on the other side of the towne toward thâ—suburb Saint Thomas the one to couer a tower of the Castell made after the forme of a horseshoo the other nigh vnto the causie which dooth kéep the issue of the poole ten dayes before the siege which was the fourth of December hee builded another
fort which dooth couer the gate of the towne towards Maschecow without the which the enemy euen the first night of the siege might haue lodged hard to the wall that place being not flanked with any thing The worke began to goe forward after the succour ariued by the sea with the munitions of warre of whome a part was sent to Beauuoyre by the commaundement of the King of Nauarre to wit they which were of the regiment of Valirant who had embarked themselues with them who were sent to Ganache The Baron Vignoles a Gentleman of Gascoyne entred into Ganache as also the Lord Saint George by the King of Nauarre his commaundement with his companie of 50. Harquebusiers on horseback There was then none of all the forts of sufficient defence vpon which occasion they deuided y e quarters as wel for the defence as for to labour about the fortifications euery one in his quarter with such diligence as necessity required The Baron Vignoles with his captaines Piue and Solas tooke on him the keeping of the fort of the causy right against a broaken chappel of Saint Thomas suburbs This fort was commaunded by a little hill couered with fruitefull trees and also by the suburb for which cause they couered themselues with barricadoes and Gabions The two companies of the Kings gardes which were commaunded by the Lordes Aubiguy and Robiniere vndertooke the keeping of the fort of the tower which we haue saide to haue the forme of a horseshooe The Lord Ruffigny with his companie vndertooke to keepe the fort of the suburb Saint Leonard which was the best hauing the ditches full of water of the height of 9. foote Captaine Beauregard who commanded ouer the company of the Harquebusiers on horseback of the ordinarie garison vndertooke to make a fort at one of the corners of the towne but it was a worke of long time and serued but a little and cost much to keepe and was not begon but in hope that Montagne which was already besieged would debate longer then it did notwithstanding they laboured about it continually and whereas the Captaine Beauregard had not aboue 18. Harquebusiers of his owne halfe of the companie of the Lord Saint George was giuen him The two captaines of the two companies of footemen ordained for the ordinary gar ion did drawe the lots to whome should remaine the fort which was begun at the gate so it fell to the lot of Captaine Ferriere who laboured so hard that euen in ten dayes during the siege it was made defensible and serued to good effect The other companie of the garison vnder the commaundement of the Lord Forestiere a noble man of Britaine was appoynted for the garde of the Castle and the Doue house which was in the garden The charges so deuided euery man doth labour some doo pull downe the Suburbs others goe about the Countrey to get men to labour for there was none of the inhabitants left in the Towne not so much as an artificer but only a butcher The Lord Plessis aduertised of the surrendring of Montagne sent foorth his forerunners to scoure the countrey they reported the 14. day of December that part of the armie was alreadie lodged at Lege The morrowe was discouered a great troupe of horsemen who appeared aboue the mils of Porrieres to view the Towne The Lord Perrine Lieutenant of the companie of the light horses of the Gouernour who had retyred before to his own house supposing there to passe part of the winter returned into the Towne about three daies before the siege and went out with foure or fiue light horses to view them The 16. day of December againe very early he went out on horseback but he had not passed aboue halfe a mile when he found the forerunners of the enemie whereof he aduertised the Gouernour About 11. of the clocke there marched a great number of horsemen conducted by y e Lord Sagonne followed of many regiments of Chastiagueray Brigueulx Leslele and ohers who in hast aduanced to get the Suburbe of S. Leonard These troupes discouered by the L. Perrine hee turned face to them to hold them play to giue time to them of the Town to prepare to receaue them which thing could not be done so timely but that when the bel began to ring for the alarum the enemie was at the entring of the Suburbe The L. Ruffigny went to meete them with sword in hand resolutely followed by the Lord Vignoles and Maretes sons to the Lord Sabboniere and some other Souldiers of their companies with them approached nigh them But the L. Ruffigny for not hauing had leisure totake his Corslet entring into a house where he sawe the enemies lodge receiued a pellet in his stomacke whereof being carried thence two houres after he dyed This his death was occasion that the Suburbs were lost vnto the Chapell sooner then otherwise it had béen Captaine Iahn and fifteene Souldiers besides them who were wounded of the enemies side were slaine aswell within the sayd house as in the Suburbes as afterward some of the enemies reported For to rescue them who did fight came the Baron Vignoles with Captaine Forestiere and 40. Souldiers harquebusiers who defended all the day that which rested of the Suburbe betweene the Chapell and y e towne There was wounded Captaine Mote Standard bearer of the Lord Vignoles with a pellet in the highest part of the thigh whereof he dyed fewe dayes after There was before the towne gate beyond an olde hollow way certaine houses somewhat ruinous The Lord S. George the alarum being giuen went to lodge within the same ruinous houses assisted aswell of his owne as of some armed men of the companie of the Gouernour to helpe the harquebusiers if they should be forced There also the enemie presented all his forces and sent to begin the skirmish which was sustayned and continued vntill night so that the enemie was not able to lodge within the sayd ruinous houses without great losse and seeing the obstinacie of them within lodged in a village vpon the way to Maschecow They of the towne lost a souldier and the Lord Coulee was there wounded The night following the regiment of Brigneulx and Chastiagueray who had gotten the Suburbe of S. Leonard lodged in the houses nigh to the Chappell which were pulled downe Notwithstanding they could not set vp any Barricadoes by reason of the continuall shot which did raine out of the Forts and Curtine so that they could not get out of y e houses All the dayes following to wit from the 16. vnto the 29. of December passed away in continuall skirmishes as the enemie made his approaches for to lodge but specially at the comming of the regiments of the Countie of Beaupre who went about to lodge at the Planches for there commonly began the skirmishes which neuer ended but commonly by the death of some of commandement of the side of the enemie Like skirmishes were daily fought on the side of the
Poole against another regiment which was lodged at Guinefole where certaine Gascoynes of the garison came to hand blowes with the enemie All these skirmishes were so fauourable to them of the Towne that beside the first day they lost not one man onely some were hurt so that the enemie could not during all these skirmishes get any aduauntage vppon them not so much as the hedges within foure hundred paces of the Curtine and Forts Euen ten dayes after they were besieged they issued foorth and pulled downe certaine houses in the sight of the enemie and burned others and among them a house called Escraziere from whence the enemie who had lodged therein was driuen out with losse of certaine men The horsemen also did issue foorth and tooke so great number of prisoners that they were enforced to send back a great many of them that were most vnprofitable they kept a great number to worke at the fortifications others of greater calling were put to their raunsome The Lord Chastre accompanied with ten or twelue hundred horses passed at the Planches to the place where the Lord of Neuers was and séeing certaine horsemen who were issued out of the Towne when he would haue gone to view and aduaunced somewhat for that purpose his horse fell in a ditch and had not béen the diligence of them of his companie in succouring of him and that he was couered with a great number of harquebusiers which followed those horsemen hee had béen taken by them of the Towne As thinges did so passe there the Lord Plessis sent diuers times to the King for to aduertise him of the state of the affayres and by the same messengers had answere againe Whilest these skirmishes and blowes were geuen at Ganache the artillery was brought from Montagne and tooke the way of Maschecow for to auoyd the foulnes of the other way they were whole fifteene dayes before they could conuay the said ordinance although they of the Countrey did shew themselues so desyrous and ready to conduct the sayd ordinance that they omitted nothing of all their meanes industrie and labour but specially the Lord Belisle for the desire which hee had to possesse that place There was of that artillery twelue peeces of Ordinance vz. sixe canons of battery foure great Culuerins and two of a meaner sort This Ordinance being arriued the 21. of December about noone the Duke of Neuers set his army in battell array and saluted the towne with a voley of all these peeces from the top of a little hill nigh the place of execution about fiue hundered paces from the towne That being done he sent an Herault of armes to sommon the Lord Plessis to surrender him the towne as vnto the Kings lieutenant The Lord Plessis by the aduise of al the captaines answered that he and all his fellowes were most humble and faithfull seruantes and subiectes to his maiesty but that hee did not acknowledge in all Guienne any other lieutenant generall for the King but onely the King of Nauarre to whom to none other if it were not by his expresse commaundement hee would surrender that place The Herauld was yet sent twise from the Baron Paluan and the Lord Villeneufue of Anjou for to find the means to speake to the Lord Plessis who knowing the importance of such parley flatly refused it At the selfe same time that the army did so muster in battell aray in the sight of all men a souldier Wallon of the companies of Picardie with his sword in hand drawen began to runne ouerthwart a great medow right to the Fort of Captaine Beauregard crying viue Nauarre the Duke of Guyze is dead and Niort is taken that voice was so high that it was heard of both sides they let flie at him diuers shot but not one did hit him but only in his hat They of the towne were fully aduertised by him of the state of the armie and of the strange euents which had happened at Bloys They vnderstood also of the exploit which the King of Nauarre had donein igh Poytow since the siege All these newes brought not only great ioy to them of the towne but also encreased their courage The Duke of Neuers hauing receaued answere of the besieged caused his Ordinance to bee planted in certaine ruinous houses on the one side of Maschecow defended with certaine Gabions which caused them besieged to thinke that they should bee battered of that side where they also began to crench themselues with great labour and dilligence But now wee will leaue the siege of Ganache whilest the Duke of Neuers doth prepare his battery to make a breach and maketh himselfe ready to giue the assault and also the besieged do prepare themselues to defend the place and receaue the enemie and wee will goe to see what exploits the King of Nauarre hath performed in high Poytow It is sayd before how the King of Nauarre after the taking of Beauuoyre set garrisons in the townes of Poytow to keepe the countrey about and to make head against that army which was comming with great preparations might fury and threatnings which thing beeing done heretired to Rochel to gather all his power and to prouide all necessary things either to crosse or to geue battell to that army if occasion might serue And whilest these blowes and skirmishes aboue sayd did so passe at the siege of Ganache and such strange and so vnlooked for euents did fall out at Bloys the Lord Saint Gelays had long before hand curiously sought out the meanes to enterprise vpon the towne of Niort as well to do seruice to them whose part he followed the inhabitants hauing béen alwayes of the chiefest of the League and great enemies to them of the reformed religion as also for the iniuries which they of the sayd Towne proffered vnto him and to his houses thereabouts doing vnto him all the wrongs that euer they could deuise The King of Nauarre arriued from Rochel into Poytow vnderstood as well by the sayd Lord Saint Gelays and by others of the enterprise vpon the said towne of Niort but the execution thereof was oftentimes delayd at length the sayd King hauing with a type iudgement wayed all the circumstances and seene the facility of the means to compasse that enterprise at length ended his counsell with resolution to try speedily the execution thereof and for that purpose departed from Rochel to Saint Ihan d'Angely vnder other colours about the 21. of December The 24. of December the Lord Saint Gelays departed from Rachel accompanied with the Lord Ranques with ten horsmen of his traine only and arryued at Saynt Iahn about nine a clocke in the night The 26. of December arriued at S. Iahn early at the first opening of the gates a Post from Bloys riding with two Horses who sayd that voluntarily he had departed from Bloys to bring newes to the King of Nauarre touching the death of the Duke of Guyze These newes did not stay the execution of
the enterprise so that the said King hauing geuen order to the men of warre which should be at the execution and appointed them who should conduct them to wit the Lordes Parabiere HaraÌ„bure Preau and others the Lord S. Gelays Ranques with twelue horsemen onely departed from S. Iahn and making toward Villeneufue within a league from Saint Iahn met about 40. Harquebuziers on horse backe of the regiment of the King of Nauarre his guards who were conducted by the Lord des Listres with this troupe the said Lords Saint Gelays Ranques went the way that goeth to the left hand of the Forest Thence beeing yet day the Lord Ranques accompanied with ten or twelue Harquebusiers left the Lord Saynt Gelays and went the way to Foys he was far gone on his way when he met with ten or twelue horsemen of the enemies who were thought to bee Albaneses hee charged them and one was flaine the rest saued themselues in the forrest of Chizai In the meane time while the Lord Saint Gelays with the rest of his troupe went the crosse way nigh to the towne Saint Plausiue where the Lords Parabiere Harambure Preau with others who folowed him to the nuÌ„ber of 350. men with sixe mules carrying the ladders other necessary thiÌ„gs which met y e said Lord S. Gelays ther they staied awhile for the rest of the troupe all assembled together which might be in number between three and foure hundered men Harquebuziers and three or foure score armed men All this companie tooke their way toward Niort with as much silence as could be to the gate Saint Gelays The Lord Ranques separated himselfe as is saide before to scoure the countrey the way which goeth to Saint Jhans gate of Niort to see that no man might goe into the towne to giue aduertisement of the things which were done abroad There were left behinde all the companies two seruants of the Lord Saint Gelays who went on foote they followed their master the way of County to Niort A countrey man was sent to Niort by the Lord Ferriere Lieutenant of the companie of the Lorde Malicorne who then was in his house at County This countrey man did cary letters from the saide Lord Ferriere to the gouernour or to the Lieutenant of Niort a man Leagued turbulent and at whose beck all the inhabitants did tremble with aduertisement that already he had warned them twise to take heede for although the report went that the Hugonets were going to Coignak it was fained for certainely they had returned back and went straightly to them And that he feared least his men had been taken seeing that he had not receaued since any newes which thing caused him to send to them the third time that countrey man to aduertise them carefully to take heede These seruants of the Lord Saint Gelays asked the countrey man whether he goeth He answereth to Niort and we also say they but we feare it will be too late to come thether in time for it was sunne setting care not for that saith the countrey man for I can get in and if it were midnight for I bring letters to the Lord Malicorne The seruants hearing that and perceauing that the countrey man had the letters within a ball of earth which he carried in his hand forced him tooke his letters from him and lead him with them and meeting the Lord Ranques at the rendes-vous at the winde mill tooke him the letters with the countrey man When he had read them hee shewed the same to the Lords Saint Gelays Parabiere and others when they came This had been enough to put them out of heart but in vaine dooth the garde of the citie watch when God will surprise it there is neither safety nor counsell against his power The insolency of the inhabitants of Niort against the King of Nauarre and them of the religion was come to a full measure For notwithstanding the great doubt least they of the towne had been aduertised of their enterprise at the instaâ—t request of some they determined to goe through The troupes had already lighted a great halfe league off in the valey nigh Vouilay and had left their horses made fast with certaine seruants to keepe them they caused the Mules which caried the ladders and other necessarie things to goe through the fieldes vnto a quarrie of stone nigh the towne and distant onely from the wall a bow shoot there were the ladders vnloaden and destributed to them that should occupie them There were prepared the petar shy two Gentlemen named Vilesan and Gentil who being very industrious in such things should vse them which were brought within a stones cast of the wal and the ladders also and all in the high way that leadeth from Chiçay to the gate Saint Gelays all this stirre passed without any perceauing of them within the towne The Moone was not downe nor went not downe foure houres after which increased greatly the feare of them who did enterprise least they should be discouered yet they determined to abide patiently in silence both the great and extreame cold and also the going downe of the Moone at whose shining many lying vpon the frosen hard ground did sleepe being wearie of their long iourney more swéete then if they had béene in their beddes In the meane while the Lordes Ranques Valieres Gentil and others went to view the ditch and the place where the ladders should bée set vp and the gates where the Petars should be applyed When they had viewed all and sawe that nothing did stirre in the towne and had made their report they began to let downe the ladders into the drye ditch by an easie path and also to set the Petars to their places The first company ofskaling ladders was conducted by the Lords Ranques Valieres Ionquieres and others guided by a Souldier named Reuaudiere At the second companyes of ladders were the Lords Preau Arambure and des Listres followed by the men which they had in their companies The Lord Saint Gelays and Parabiere went to the gate of Saint Gelays where the Petars should play The scalado was set vp at the wall of the towne distant from the saide gate of Saint Gelays about thirtie or fortie paces They who caried the Ladders were not so soone descended into the ditch but the Sentinel which was vpon the wall farre from the place of the scalado about forty paces demaunded furiously who goeth there they without held stil without answere He which commaunded the guard of the towne which was vpon the gate of Saint Gelays came forth and asked the Sentinel who is there The Sentinel answered I heard some noyse but it is nothing There happened then a great darknes as commonly doth after the going down of the Moone which did fauour greatly them which were without to steale away from the eyes of the Sentinel for without any knowledge of the said Sentinel the Ladders were placed safely It had been concluded betweene them
that were to giue the assault that they should enter as many as they could by the scalado and thaâ— the Petars should not play â—vntil an extremitie so that surprize was begun by the scalado The Ladders then lincked one within another for they were made with such an art were applyed to the wall of ten foote in height distant one from the other three or foure paces The Lords Ionquieres and Sousonbre being vpon the wall followed with fiue and twentie or thirtie next vnto the Sentinell cast the sais Sentinell ouer the wall and as the remnant went vp the walls the sayd Ionquieres Sousonbre with the Lords des Listres and Preau and about fiftie with them set vpon the garde where were seauen or eight poore labouring men for the rich men of the towne were asléepe in their beds for as they afterward reported many of them had passed the most part of the night in playing and dansing to whom no harme was done considering the silence which they kept A souldier of them which were entred apprehending the great daunger of such a small number in such a mightie and populous Towne cryed to set fire to the Petars so that which was set at the gate of S. Gelays shot and gaue the alarume to the inhabitants it did open the gate with the shot The other also was fired and brake the drawne bridge and opened the gate The Lord S. Gelays and Parabiere with many other Gentlemen and Souldiers armed entred thereby They who entred by the scalado diâ— slide close although few in number a long streate and went to the market place where some of the inhabitants running out of their houses made shew of some resistance there was hurt the Lord Harambure At the same instant came to theÌ„ the Lord Parabicre with his traine they cryed to the inhabitants to put lights at the windowes and in the streats who hearing Viue Nauarre and supposing that it was a surprize were affrayde and obeyed theÌ„ for they durst â—ot disobey being in a maze The other parte of them which had got vp by the ladders found resistance in a corner of the streate nigh the hospitall For a certaine man of the towne naÌ„med prince receiuer of the tallages rising early to write letters to his children being Schollers at Poyâ—iers at the alarum giuen went out of his house wâ—th a broad Target in his left hand and his sword in his right hand But he forgot to set the scarfe of his Target about his neck which turned to him displeasure For hauing resorted to the Lieftenaunt of the towne who was accompanyed with some of the inhabitanâ—s and souldiers of the gouernours guarde they with all this companie set furiously vpon them who had entred and did aduance into the towne and did driue them back But the sayde Prince weary with the waight of his Target either for that he was hurt or otherwise gaue it ouer So that this being done the rest began to wauer The Liefetenant was hurt and as dispairing of his life put himself into the hands of some gentlemen with promise of great ransonie and therupon he was hidden that it could not be knowen where he was vntil after his death The rest of the people which tooke weapons did assemble together in the streate of the town house they let flee certaine shott but without effect for incontinently they lost courage as it falleth out ordinarily in such sodayne surprizes specially where the warnings are neglected as had beene done by this Liefetenant of Niort disdaynfully few dayes before Some cast themselues ouer the walls whereof some were slayn others were let down with cordes many retyred into the Castell others did hide themselues so that these few companyes of the King of Nauarre in lesse space than three quarters of an houre entred vanquished and remained masters of the place without any losse more than of fiue men There was slaine of the inhabitants of the towne betweene fiue and twenty and thirtie yet the greatest part of them for going indiscreetly to the place of the alarum with lincks and torches which serued for leuell to the Souldiers in the dark to shoote at them When the day began to appeare the souldiers wandred about for the spoyle which was made in the houses but so that it was done without any murther or rauishing of woman or maide And so much as was done happened because it was impossible for the leaders wholy to represse it For it was a town leagued ful of theÌ„ y t had their hands yet defiled with the blood of them of the religion whom they had euery way cruelly handled were rich by the spoile of their goods of such as had deserued the iust indignation of the King of Nauarre against whom they had behaued themselues no lesse rashly than presumptuously To be short it was a towne surprized by them in whose affectioÌ„s they had kindied the firebrand of teuenge if the conqueter would haue vsed it Yet all was doone with as much moderatenes as the circumstance of the action of the place and of the persons with whome they had to doo could permit The richest sorte and of the greatest calling enemies to the resormed Religion were quist in redeeming their liues and goods by a small sum of money small in respect of the whole For such as had tenne or fifteene thousand Francks were quit for two or three hundred crownes The leaders dispatched incontinently a messenger to Saint Iahn to the King of Nauarre to let him vnderstand the newes of that execution About nine a clock in the morning the Lord Malicorne who was in the Castell was sommoned to yeeld himselfe and the place at the discretion of the King of Nauarre There was no meanes for him to yeeld for all the Ordinance was in the towne Hostages were giuen on both sides two Gentlemen to wit Despaue and Rousiere went foorth of the Castell for the Lord Malicorne and the Lord Pont of Corle with two souldiers of the guards of the King of Nauarre entred into the Castell to lette the disorder that might rise there The seauen and twentith day the King of Nauarre arriued there with a certaine number of horsemeÌ„ he receiued at his comming the sayd Lord Malicorne very courteously to whome hee permitted to carry out of the Castell all that was his and graunted to the Lady Malicorne to enioy the Abbey of Saint Ligaire The eight and twentith after y t the Lord Malicorne had departed out of Niort the Liefetenant was found dead in a poore house at the gate of Saint Gelays where he died of the wounds which he had receiued in the conflict his bodie was brought out to be hanged on a Gibbet before the Castell The K. of Nauarre notwithstanding graunted it easily to his friends to be buried although be had deserued some notable marke of dishonour euen after his death for he had liued very seditiously and had sworne to the League one of the first
he had cruelly defiled his hands with the bloud of many innocent persons vnder the colour that they were of the religion And not long before had committed an act no lesse odious and cruell than felonious for he had caused the dead body of the great Prouost of France to bée drawne through the streates of the towne after hee had béen slaine in the fight nigh the walls of the towne and that a little before his surprise as is afore said There was one Iamart of the richest sort of the towne taken who being vpon the point to be put to his ransom and to be deliuered as the other inhabitants then were was accused euen by many of the romish religion and of the towne to haue been a man of wicked life who had committed many things punishable by the lawes He was conuicted to haue been one of the chiefest doers in the sedition of the League and had vnworthley and outragiously spoken against the principall Princes of the bloud his proces was made according to the crimes committed by him This was the onely man who was iudicially executed at the surprise There were found in that towne fiue great pieces of battery carying halfe a foot and an ynch in the mouth two very long Culuerins which the Lieutenant abouesayd had caused to be cast as he sayd in dirision to salute the King of Nauarre when hee should approach the walls of Niort There were found also two meane culuerins the fiue canons were made ready a new by workemen specially called from Paris for that purpose for to bee brought to the army of the Duke of Neuers for the siege of Fonteney which was intended after the winning of Ganache This towne was full of rich men and riches by reason of the spoyle of them of the reformed religion of all the countrey round about There was sufficient quantitie of corne to maintaine an armie of twentie thousand men for the space of two yeres There was also sound twenty thousand weight of powder besides a maruelous quantitie which euery man had in particular This is a rule of Gods iustice he that spoyleth shal be spoyled he that wasteth shall be wasted The King of Nauarre gaue the gouernement of that place and of the countrey to the Lord Saint Gelays the Lorde Parabiere was appointed to dwell in the Castell To conclude this booke with the yeare Christian reader thou maist see with thine eye y e iudgements of God executed vpon his enemies generally for their Idolatry superstition and atheisme But specially vpon Henry the third for obstinacie in refusing through the hardnes of his heart to heare the Lorde Christ speaking vnto him and warning him to bee wise and feare the Lord with reuerence in refusing the counsell of wise noble Princes Senators noble men and faithful friends and following alwaies the vniust and wicked counsels of his mother of flatterers and sicophants but specially of his domesticall enemies by whose counsels and perswasions he lost his authoritie credit reputation kingdome and life as shall be said in the booke next following Thou hast seene also how the Lord out of the heauens from the habitation of his seate hath derided laughed to scorne the pride arrogancie and contemptuous presumptiousnes of the King of Spayne hath extended his mightie armie vpon him and his seruants as he did vpon Pharao King of Aegipt clothed him with dishonor as with a garment and made him ridiculous and contemptible in the sight of the Princes people and nations of the world We haue seene also how that the Lorde to punish the parricides murtherers of the saints atheisme execrable life of the Duke of Guize of his bretheren father and vncles turned him to a spirit of ambition to worke all treasons treacheries villanies commotions seditions and rebellions against his naturall King Prince benefactor and countrey couering all these execrable enormities vnder the cloake of Catholick religion and Gods glorie by the which he hath wrought his owne his children house famely bretheren and kindred sudden fall being beaten downe on a suddaine and vnawares from the top of high degree honour dignitie and wealth as with a suddaine tempest wee haue séene on the other side how God according to his mercie and promise hath preserued from the suares of the enemies of his trueth First that great Elizabeth of England nurce of Gods Church the ioy of Gods people hath decked her head with a Crowne of glory hath cloathed her with honour hath established her seate with iustice and godlines hath made her the terror of al enemies of Christ and the beauty of Europ The same Gods prouidence and merciful kindenes hath also preserued Henry of Bourbon King of Nauarre and now of France from the commotions of the people and whereas his enemies haue set vppon him by land by sea by force by policie poyson and all other meanes which the angell of darkenes hath been able to teach them to swallow him alone aliue beholde the Lorde not onely hath established him in his owne hereditarie kingdome but also by the meanes of his enemies though against their wills hath made him a way to place him in that throane of Maiesty which appartained vnto him by that succession which God had ordained in that kingdome being one of the most famous kingdomes of Europ and hath made him a victorious conquerour of the wicked and the restorer of that afflicted state But also in this booke we haue séene how the Lord in whose sight is precious the death of his saints before the comming of those miseries the Lord hath taken vnto himselfe the most noble vertuous and godly Princes the Princes of Conde and Boillon and many other noble men least they should see euill daies whose names are written in the booke of the righteous Wée haue séene also how the Lorde hath turned the most wicked and damnable oath taken not at the states but rather conspiracie of Bloys to an borrible confusion and dissipation of the wicked for after that the wicked haue gone continually to wrack and confusion and neuer preuailed in any action but in wrapping themselues into miserable treasons rebellions and commotions replenishing their streates with murther and bloud The end of the fift Booke THE SIXT BOOKE THis newe yeare bringeth foorth new euents and strange full of confusions the kings death and an alteration in the succession of the Crowne of France as it shall appeare Wee haue left the royall Armie vnder the conduct of the Duke of Neuers weakened with hunger colde and hard lodging amazed with the straunge accidents happened at Bloys before the towne of Ganache there preparing all things for the batterie Also wee haue shewed what exploytes the King of Nauarre did in the meane while Now wee will returne from Niort in high Poytow to Ganache to see what would be done there The first day of Ianuary 1589. passed away with light skirmishes but without any great effect The second day they within
assault geueÌ„ was one of the first which went vp to the same breach which the said Baron Vignoles kept intending to haue saued him but the said Poysson beeing not knowen by his friend Vignoles was receaued by two Harquebuze shot which did bear him downe to the ground so that he was carried away The heat of the fight dured a long hower and after that time the enemies began to faint but on the contrary their courage was doubled that were on the breaches Euen some of the souldiers who were gone towards the Castell to take breath after they had retyred within the forts ioyned themselues againe to the defenders of the breaches Then went they apace to worke vpon the enemy There was great disorder in the retire of the enemie for most part of them did cast away their weapons and lost them in the ditch and in the fortes which they forsooke Many were drowned in the ditch casting them selues downe from the fortes vpon the yce which by reason of that brake vnder them The ditches were incontinently lighted with a number of torches and linkes out of the Towne and Fortes for it was very darke The besieged in the towne spoiled the dead that euening some went out of the Forts vnto the brooke which doth separat the town from the suburbe to get armor Notwithstanding a point of humanity was shewed toward the enemy worthy to bee remembred for they did not hurt so much as to take any thing from the enemies who were left hurt vpon the breaches and in the ditches but rather they were had into the towne their woundes dressed and curteously vsed euen to the day that the towne was surrendered This victory is the more memorable because about fifty men defended the breaches against such a multitude for all the regiments of the Swissers also assaulted the same in witnesse thereof many of them remayned in the ditch It is also to bee noted that during the assault when they within the towne had set fire into a pomgarnad for to cast it into the ditch it fell again betweene the legges of the Gouernour and did burst without doing any hurt Upon this prosperous issue of that assault the Lord Plessis gouernour called all the Captayns and Gentlemen to render thankes to God for his gracious fauour shewed vnto them On the side of the Towne the Lord Perrine was killed with a shot in the head whereof he dyed within a while after Captayne Forest and the Lord of Saint Cosmio were hurt in both armes Of the enemies syde there were found the fifth day of Ianuary aboue fifty dead within the ditch besides them who were drowned and many which dyed afterward in the side of the Towne iâ— is certayne that there were found missing in that day of the army aboue three hundred and that one Captayne onely had lost aboue sixe score Beside them whith were wounded in great number was the Lord Brigneulx master of the campe this man lost his Sonne at Montagne now he hath a blow let him learne then not treacherously to vyolate the right of Nations as he did at Mauleon The night after the assault was bestowed in fortifiyng and continuing the trenches This day was bestowed of the enemie in the burying of the dead The same day in the euening a drumme of the enemie brought letters to the Lord Plessis gouernour of the place from the Lord Palneau When he had receiued them he assembled all the counsell to open the sayd letters in their presence The letters in substance did import that the said L. Palneau had great desire to speak with him about a thing which would bring him much contentation which he said he could not write In the same letters he prayed the Lorde Plessis to giue him meanes and safe conduct to speake with him All the Captaines gaue their aduise that he could not refuse that parley because that the Lord Palneau second sonne to the Earle of Carauas was a faithfull seruant to the King and great friend to the house of Bourbon and deadly enemie to the League and that by him they might also vnderstand newes of the King of Nauarre whereof they were in great care The 6 day of Ianuary the Lord Palneau accompanyed with the Captaine Grange who was of the regiment of Countie Graâ—pre went to the fort of the tower of the Castell made after the forme of a horseshooe During this parley they began the battery with two pieces at the breake of the day about noone they encreased with three pieces more and continued till night There were bestowed that day aboue eight score Cannon shot There were two souldiers slaine whereof the one was named Bourg of the company of the Lord. Vignoles there was great mâ—ane made for that man for his great valour for he was a rare patterne of godlines and vertue The Lord Plessis going foorth to that parley accompanied with the Lord Ayomont vpon returne reported to the counsell that the Lorde Palneau had notified vnto theÌ„ that the Duke of Neuers had determined not to vnbit nor to depart from that siege before he had salued his honour and to that end he would spare no friend no meanes nor authority That his stay there in that siege did hinder the affaires of the king of Nauarre more than they did think That the King did besiege Orleans by the citadell where was the Marshal Haumont and that the king would vse the forces of the King of Nauarre against the leagued To be short the Lord Plessis and all others which had assisted him had gotten honour enough in the defence of such a naughty place and that there was no more meanes to stand obstinate in defence of the saide place the said L. of Neuers being sufficiently informed of the necessities wherein they were as well of men who were greatly weary as of victualls That if they would hearken to render that place into his handes he offered vnto the gouernour gentlemen armes horses and baggage and to the souldiers armes and baggage and for the safe conduct the County Granprè the Baron Poluan and Bastenay Captaine of an hundred light horses should conduct them safely whither soeuer they would goe He gaue them beside eight dayes space to aduertize the King of Nauarre of the capitulation and in case that the said King should not giue any succour within the sayd eight dayes by any meanes he in his person or his Lieftenant the sayd L. Plessis and his should surrender him the place and they to enioy the benefite of the agreement There were many gaings and commings vpon this proposition and at length the affaires being propounded to the counsell they did stick much vpon the voluntary proffers of the Duke of Neuers to giue eight dayes to aduertize the King of Nauarre which made them beleeue that the sayd king was neither ready to helpe them nor had sufficient power so to doo which notwithstanding was the only hope of them that were besieged who
otherwise could not withstand if they should be pressed All things being well considered they determined to hearken to so aduantagious proffers with hope thereby to make the K. of Nauarre priuie to their affaires and for that intent to send Captayne Robiniere with a passeporte that was concluded and sealed on both sides the sixt day at night The seuenth day the truce was agreed and hostages were giuen on both partes and all acts of hostilitie ceased The same day the Lord Robiniere departed with a trompet of the D. of Neuers to goe to the King of Nauarre The gouernour in the meane while was greatly carefull to take heede that no man should goe foorth to visit or frequent with them of the armie and also that none of the enemies should enter into the towne To preuent all inconueniences hee made a diligent watch both day and night vpon the breaches so that hee himselfe tooke his meales and did lie thereon notwithstanding the hardnes of the winter The eleuenth day of Ianuarie the Lord Robiniere returned from the king of of Nauarre and brought with him the Lord Rinuile to the Lord of Neuers who after he returned to the king of Nauarre obteined leaue to enter into the towne with the Lord Robiniere By them they within the towne were enformed how the king of Nauarre had marched forward very nigh intending to succour them and to venture a battel for that end but that he fel sick with a dangerous disease which had hindred the execution of his enterprize They reported also howe that the said King of Nauarre had sent the Lords Chastilion Rochefocault Trimouille Plassak with the greatest partes of his armie to trie how they might enterprize vpon the enemie but considering that nothing could bee attempted without great disaduantage they were faine to returne backe For the Lorde of Neuers had lodged and trenched himselfe in so aduantagious a place that the towne could not sayle but fall into his hands except it were rescued by the winning of a battell which thing the time prefâ—xed could not permitte being already almost expired Notwithstanding the twelfth day at night the Lords Chastilion Plassak Trimouille went to view the armie so nigh that in the darke night some shot of Ordinance was giuen out for a token of the alarum toward the Porrieres The Duke of Neuers vpon this alarum feared greatly least the Lord Plessis seeing that helpe nigh would haue receiued some succours within the town interpreting the tearmes of the agreement to his aduantage But the saide Lord Plessis would haue done nothing of dangerous consequence much lesse against his promise The 14. of Ianuarie the Lord of Neuers perceaued that they within the town went faithfully to worke for euery man disposed himselfe to depart also he vsed much courtesy toward theÌ„ who were besieged prouiding carts for them whereof they had need to carie as well their bagage as theÌ„ which were wounded caused them to issue foorth out of the sight of y e army least they should bée molested by any man The said Lord of Neuers was in his own at their comming forth with a small companie he commaunded their matches to be kindled saluting very courteously euery man There were some souldiers hurt whome they could not carrie away he commaunded them to stay with assurance to be dressed and otherwise courteously vsed All the companies were safely conducted vnto the Abbey Brilleybant the companies of the King of Nauarre being lodged at Palneau halfe a league thence to whome they ioyned themselues easily the regiment of the Câ—unty of Beaupre was left there in Garison So then the saide Duke of Neuers hauing receaued the towne of Ganache as is aboue said on a sodaine that great and furious army was broaken to pieces as smitten with the finger of God Many there dyed many were hurt they of the League liuing in great mistrust either did dissemble their actions or retired to such places of safetie as they thought most fit the artillery returned into the places from whence it was taken The Lord of Neuers went to Bloys withall the rest of the armie as remained with him whereof a part was sent to the Marshall Haulmont who in the Citadell fought with the inhabitants of Orleans within a few dayes after the Lord of Neuers went from the court to his house of Neuers So all the lowe Poytow which had béene terribly threatned with that tempest was deliuered by this sodaine and vnexpected alteration For the execution which was done at Bloys vpon the person of the Duke of Guize was as an horrible thunderclap not onely vnto the leagued which were in the army of the L. of Neuers of whom the most part did consist and to others who were in multitudes in most partes of the realme but also vnto all others of that confederacie which were out of the realme For the newes fléeing as farre as Lorreyne the forces of the Duke of Lorreyne which had blocked Iamets in y e soueraignty of Boillon euer since the moneth of Aprill before were so amazed by the vnexpected losse and surprise of that support that they taking sodainely bagge and bagage as men frighted out of their wittes brake the siege and retired away so that God there deliuered his Church after a long and daungerous triall which shall induce the posteritie to feare and admire the iust iudgements of God who within a moment and by euents not forséene by mans wisdome dooth turne vpside downe the counsels of the wicked to the ioyfull deliuerance and comfort of his saints Righteous O Lord are thy iudgements all thy waies are righteousnes and trueth The army of the King of Nauarre returned to Niort and Fontenay It is said before how after the surprising of Niort the King of Nauarre repayred to the saide towne the 27. of December and soiourning there a while there he gathered the greatest part of his forces and about the 6. day of Ianuarie in this yeare 1589. the said King departed with such forces as he had from Niort toward the towne of Ganach intending to succour them who were besieged therein or else to fight with the Duke of Neuers if he would haue let him But God who gouerned all things with an vnsearcheable wisdome disappointed that enterprise by that dangerous sicknes which fell vpon him The cold was very extreame and as he is a most laborious Prince after he had béen long on horseback all armed a great cold came vpon him so that he was enforced to light downe of his horse and goe on foote with a swift pace and violent motion to get him some heate and a little after hee had eaten a strange extraordinarie cold tooke him with a great feauer About the 9. day of Ianuary it was incontinently perceiued that it was a pleuresie This happened at a little village called S. Pere there he was enforced to stay without any meanes to transport him to any other place by reason of the
sharpnes of the sicknesse but to a little Castle nigh that village where being the sicknesse did so increase that many doubted of his life He also resolued himselfe constantly to abide the good will of GOD readie willingly to end his life if Gods will was such the thing that only grieued him as that good King Ezechias was the néede which the Church of God might haue of his presence in France if he should fall and also the want of his fidelitie in that kingdome if in the middest of so many great troubles and confusions he should be taken out of this world Notwithstanding he ceased not as much as the disease which was sharpe and violent did permit him to prouide ordayne for the affayres of his armie according as the occasions did fall out He was let bloud and worthily serued and succoured by them who were about him as much as the discommoditie of the place could permit them He sent to all the Churches round about to make prayers and supplications for him which was done with much feruencie and sorrowe The newes of his daungerous disease were brought to Rochel in the euening being the 13. day of Ianuary The congregation was called spéedily with the ringing of the bell to repayre to the Temples This was about seauen of the clocke at night an houre not vsed to such méetings the necessitie notwithstanding requiring the same The people aduertised of the cause ranne with such multitudes to the places of prayers so that the like was neuer seene in that towne All manner of men indifferently euen children and apprentises forsooke the houses to repayre to the Temples the multitude was such that many being not able to goe in went home agayne heauie sad answering by their priuate prayers to those that were made in publike with much lamentation and teares For all men knewe well the greatnes of the affliction throughout all France generally if God at that time so troublesome and confused had taken out of this life that first Prince of the bloud whom he had endued wiâ—h so many graces The sayd extraordinary prayers were continued for the space of many daies vntill that the recouering of his health was certainly knowne The rumour of his death was spread into diuers places of the Realm euen at the Kings Court for the which reports all good and true men did greatly mourne The great contentation which the leagued receiued thereof dured not long for the King receiued newes shortly after of his recouerie It is sayd before how that after the execution done vpon the person of the Duke of Guize the King sent into the Prouinces to aduertise the Gouernours Magistrates and people of the iust causes and necessitie that inforced him to doo that execution And interrupting the continuance of the euents which followed that execution we descended into the lowe Poytow there to see what exployts the great royall armie conducted by the Duke of Neuers had done there and also what the King of Nauarre did all that while Now hauing seene that armie to haue made shipwracke and vanished out of sight we will leaue the King of Nauarre being in bed sicke of a dangerous pleurisie expecting health of the Lord which giueth saluation vnto Kings and to restore him to his health and strength and will come to the matter agayne and consider the horrible accidents which followed the death of the Duke of Guize and of the bounsing Priest the Cardinall his brother After this execution done vpon the bouldest authors of the conspiracie and the rest of the heads of the same being in holde there was great hope that the burning fire of all ciuill dissentions should be on a sudden quenched the flaming torches of tumults being put out But the newes of the sayd execution of the Duke of Guyze being brought into all parts of the Realme by them that fled without bootes and spurres out of the suburbs of Bloys the report came also to the Duke de Mayne being then with an armie in Liomoys he taking with him such as would followe him went out of the Countrey for two causes First fearing vppon these newes the neighbourhood of them of Daulphine Vienoys and Viuarets who might haue doubled their courage vpon that occasioÌ„ being there most of the reformed religion Secondly that because of the death of his brother the hope for the which he and his brother the Duke of Guyze did greatly enuie and malice one an other with mutuall haâ—red doth now proffer it selfe vnto him without any manifest competitour This Duke de Mayne therefore now swallowing downe the crowne of France in one morsell by imagination with as many as would follow him made hast into Burgondie and Champaigne and there made sure to himselfe in those Prouinces as many places as hee could preparing all thinges to warre agaynst the King Here it might bee thought strange how the Duke de Mayne doth so cruelly mooue warre and rebellion against the King seeing that it was he himselfe and his cosin the Duke d'Aumale who gaue aduertisement to the King of the conspiracy and intent of his brother the Duke of Guyze as is aforesayd The question is easily resolued there is no fayth nor fidelity among them who do aspire to the same one kingdome there is no society be it neuer so sworne and holie These three to wit the Duke of Guyze Mayne and Aumale did affect the Kingdome but because the Duke of Guyze was more fauoured of the partakers then the other two he was carryed theretoo as if it were vpon the shoulders by all the partakers who attaining vnto it would haue established the same to himselfe and to his Sonne already in mans estate and to his posterity The Dukes of Mayne and Aumale no doubt did loue more the Duke of Guyze and would haue had the Crowne rather vppon his head then wheâ—e it was yet according to the rules of the Diuinity of Sorboun that charity beginneth at it selfe they would haue worne the Crowne of France euery one vppon his owne head rather then that any other should haue had the occupying of it howsoeuer great and deare friend hee might haue béene This emulation about the affectation of the Crowne was the cause that these two to wit the Dukes de Mayne and Aumale each of theÌ„ in respect of himselfe discouered the conspiracy to the King to the end that he beeing made away they might march a playne way in the same steps which hee had traced before them reseruing to the craftiest or mightiest hereafter to oppresse his cosine for it is not to bee thought that there would haue beene more vnion and loue betweene the Dukes of Mayne and Aumale beeing but cosins then there was between the Dukes of Gnyze and Mayne being brothers Thus wee see what ambition did worke in these new men by affectation of that roall dignity which doth not touch them at all and without any likelihood euer to approch néere vnto namely rebellion
vnto him Hee sent Cotteblanch Prouost of Paris and the president Neuilly to Paris to see whether they could reduce that seduced people to their dutye the Lords Vilaguier and D'Abin did the like but neither of them could do any good About the fifteenth day these strange alterations beeing done in Paris vnder colour of the authority of the States there called and holden by few seditious persons letters were sent from they sayd assembly of rebels there vnto all citties of their confederacy to go forward in the like outrages and furie as they had done And first to autorise their seditious procéedings with great honourable tytles they call their letters a declaration of the Princes Catholikes vnited with the three estates of France touching the Massacre committed vppon the persons of the Duke of Guyze and the Cardinall his brother First they doo warne their fellowes to beware of any manner of instructions giuen vnto them by the King himselfe or any others contayning any excuse of the execution committed at Bloys vppon the Duke and Cardinall his brother Secondly they doo aduertise them that they haue as yet of that broode the Dukes de Mayne Aumale Mercure and Nemours and that the Duke de Mayne hath a great armie in readines to defend them Thirdly they go about to cléere the Duke of Guize of the crime of treason saying that it is but calumnies of hereticks denised against that house the space of 25. yeares So with them to spye from time to time the trayterous attempts and Note secrecies of the house of Guize is heresie and a worke of heretickes Fourthly they accuse the King of violating the publike faith and prophaning their corpus Domini as they tearme it vpon the which hee had sworne the edict of reunion But in déede the King swore the edict and not to suffer himselfe to bée murthered by the Duke of Guize Note At length they doo aggrauate the death of the Cardinall of Guize and the imprisonment of the Cardinall of Bourbon and Archbishop of Lions and exhort their companies to vnite themselues and to followe theyr example In the first page of this letter was this marke in the other side the Image of the Duke of Guize Now wee will leaue these confusions of Rebells assembled vnder the colour and name of the States of France to procéede further to fill the measure of their trespasse and will goe to see what the King doth at Bloys and elsewhere Immediatly after the death of Guize the King thought good to make Orleans sure of his side The Citadell in the middest of all these tumults and rebellions of Cities was and did hold for the King And the Lord Antragues who a little before had giuen ouer the League did all that euer he could doo to hold the Citie in the Kings obedience But the inhabitants being seduced afore hand by the Leaguers partakers of the Duke de Mayne encouraged by the conduct of Captain Breton and others who did promise to the inhabitants readie succour from the Duke de Mayne tooke weapons and by the confidence which they had in their riches and strength of their walles did openly reuolt It is commonly said that the Citie of Orleans is the Citadel of France as well for the commodious situation of the same vpon the riuer Loyre as for the fortifications thereof These reasons among others caused the King to trie by gracious and fayre meanes to bring them backe to their duetie But reason not preuayling with a people carried away with passion and seduced by the louers of alteration from the obedience of their King he was compelled to trie by force the meane of the Citadell He therefore sendeth the Marshall Haumont with forces as well of footmen as of horsemen with him hee sendeth part of his gardes and the Swissers The inhabitants on their side goe about by all meanes possible to rid themselues of the Citadell as of a heauie burthen they doo besiege it within the towne side doo trench themselues and couer themselues with horsmen and platformes doo vndermine it to blowe vp that Fort which nothing els but onely one of the gates commonly called Porte-bamere they make issues out and euen vpon the Swissers with some successe they doo thunder and rase that Fort with shot of Ordinance on the inside thereof They of the Kings side doo what they can there is a great number slaine on both sides The Lord Antragues promiseth notwithstanding to the King to keepe during the space of a moneth the out side although it were but broken walls and ruines during the which time he might call backe the armie which was in Poytow at the siege of Ganache vnder the conduct of the Lord of Neuers The inhabitants made two Mines vnder the Citadell but they were vented by them within About the 17. of Ianuarie there went forth out of Paris thrée thousand men well furnished but young souldiours and not trained vp in warre to goe to succor Orleans but they were discomfited by the Lorde Montigny and other Gentlemen who charged them betwéene Estampes and Orleans many of them were slaine the remnant were turned home naked The Duke d'Mayne about the last day of Ianuarie sending some supply of succour to Orleans stayed so their estate which did seeme to hang a side that they tooke courage partly by ruines partly with shot of ordinance and other meanes so wrought that they of the Kings side were inforced to giue ouer the ruines that rested of that which was called the citadell By these meanes Orleans remained hardened at the deuotion of the League So good Christian reader thou séest how the right of God and man is turned vpside downe their popish religion which they would séeme so much to honour reuerence and defend they haue most wickedly prophaned vsing it for a couering of their rebellion thou séest how the reuerence of all soueraigne power and authoritie is blotted out of the minds of them the respect of all lawes troden vnderfoote the sanctuarie of iustice violated and poluted thou séest here a damnable and diuelish anarchie the séeds and foundation of a barbarous and intollerable seruitude laied downe in France by the Duke d'Mayne and his partakers in a manner in like sort as Mahomet began his rebellion against the empire of the Romans Therefore yée O Noble Princes and Nobles of all the Kingdoms of Europe all men who are the louers of vertue and ciuility desirous to resigne to the posteritie good lawes christian libertie and discipline vp make hast to runne vppon these accursed enemies of all mankinde put out by time that fire which dooth threaten all authorities and powers of an horrible cumbustion Now there remaineth but thrée things for the League to bring to passe to set vp and dedicate their Idoll which they haue made to wit the Duke d'Mayne and to finish that piece of worke which his brother the Duke of Guize had brought almost to an end if he had
making their pulpets the trompets of murther treason and rebellion for beside that they did inuaigh against the King in all manner of vile tearmes and interpreting all his actions maliciously to the worst they also forbad the people vpon paines of spirituall and bodily punishment for if they did it was a capitall crime to pray for the King Also the inhabitantes of the citie of Rhemes in Champaigne published an infamous libell comming forth out of the Iesuites forge bearing this title A grieuous lamentation of the inhabitants of the citie of Rehmes vpon the death of the Cardinal Archbishop of Rehmes peere of France and what may he not be if they would That libell was sawced with infamous inâ—ectiues vnworthy and outragious speeches against the king by their language the authors thereof did testifie sufficiently their consent in the rebellion of other towns and cities And seeing that the priests Iesuites and Friers did say such a masse at the funerall of their Bishop it was no marueile if the ignorant people who beleeued them answered Amen And for as much as among those rebellious countreys and cities there were none of the reformed religion vpon whome they might spew their gall they called their owne Priestes Parsons Vicars and Curates for to subscribe vnto their rebellion charging them vpon payne of death not to pray in their massing for the King But such as kept an vpright heart to their Prince and would not conient to their prohibition but in their prayers or otherwise did wish well to the King were executed as male factors and great fauour was shewed them vpon great intreatie of friends if they might escape with depriuation of their liuings or imprisonment and cary away their liues for a pray And by such iniuries shewed vnto their owne priests they placed such as were fit to serue their turnes in kindling more and more the fire of sedition The third taske appoynted to the Fryers and Iesuites was to render the King of Nauarre and them of his part execrable in the eares of all men that by the consent and generall misliking of all men if it were possible he might be excluded from his right of succession The occasion was thus The 26. of December the King of Nauarre had surprized the towne of Niort in Poytow of the taking it of the said Kings gracious goodnes and clemency shewed vnto the inhabitants his deadly enemies which had committed great outrages vpon them of the reformed Religion against his owne person against the Princes of the blood and of late agaynst the Lord Valette an officer of the Crowne of France as it is sufficiently spoken of before These writers of lies to testifie to the world whose Children they are did set foorth such ridiculous falshoods and execrable calumnies and that with as much assurance as they tell vs of their lies and lying miracles which they did worke with their holywater among the sauadge people of Giapane whether they be sure that no man will send to enquire about the truth of the matter with so bolde and impudent faces they did auerre most manifest lies which out of any parte of France might bee disprooued within foure dayes The shamâ—les pamphlet went abroade with this inscription The execrable cruelties committed by the heretiks against the Catholicks of the towne of Niort in Poytow The fable sayth that they of the religon would neuer haue taken that towne without the intelligences of the politicks that is to say of them which fauour the king which were within the sayde towne It is sayde in the Pamphlet that the Kinges officers of Iustice were slayne that the Maior and the Aldermen of the towne were hanged That many were hanged onely for that they would not denie their religion also that all the Priests and Monkes were hanged for companie Also a Priest was opened aliue before his fellowes by terror to make him denie God and his noble partes were pulled out but they remayned as constant as rocks for all those cruelties and valiantly suffered martyrdome That there were innocent persons killed in such great number through the towne euen betweene two or three hundred persons so that the streets flowed with blood and dead bodies That the heretikes as the fable sayth tooke a woman which reprooued them of their cruelties whom they would haue enforced to deny the Masse which thing shee refusing they filled her belly with powder and then set fire to it to make hir burst so that sayth the lyer there is nigh three hundered martirs there put to death which are now in heauen These holy Martyrs may be called in one word holy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 All this lying lybell is easily confuted euen by the inhabitants themselues by the Magistrates by the Priestes who there do liue in liberty of their Religion and by all the people who will testify that there was no such thing nor otherwise then is recited in the discourse of the surprise of their towne but will testify of the Christian mildnes clemency and moderatnes of the King of Nauarre and surprisers to haue béene far greater then euer they could haue expected or had deserued at his hands But this grosse kind of lying was spread abroad to hasten the rebellion of the Citties and to render the people vntamed and hard harted agaynst true and dutiful obedience whatsoeuer might fall hereafter as if to fall into the handes of the King of Nauarre and of them of the Religion were to fall among sauage beastes mad Tygers and cruell Lyons The King considering that the more he endeuored himselfe to winne the rebels by gentlenes clemency and promising of impunity the more hardned obstiuate insolent and bolde they became Seeing that he must be driuen by force to chastise their rebellions first he procéedeth against them by order of law And for as much as the Dukes de Mayne Aumale and Cheualier Aumale he as if it were subroged in the places of the Duke of Guyze and the Cardinal his brother the King doth first and chiefly proceede iudicially agaynst them three by proscription as attaynted of fellonie rebellion and high treason First the King doth shew himselfe to be a King ordayned and geuen of God hauing receaued of God that sword and power which he had not by vsurpation but by lawfull and naturall right of succession Secondly hee doth shew the great benefites which hee and the Kings his predecessors had bestowed vpon them and namely that he hath spared their liues whom he might iustly haue punished for their diuers attemptes fellonies and disobedience for the loue which hee had vnto them and their house He sheweth also how he had since this their last rebellion sent vnto them diuers of his faythfull seruants with letters and euen Heraulds of arms to let them vnderstand his good will and readines to put vp all iniuries offences and to receaue them to his fauour But that in stead of humbling themselues and of accepting his gracious fauour
they became more insolent which they haue shewed in surprising his townes fortresses and in rebelling agaynst him his Officers and Magistrates couering their treasons vnder the name of Catholike religion Therefore he doth declare the sayd Dukes de Mayne and Aumale to haue forfayted all estates and offices honors power gouerments charges dignities and prerogatiues which they haue receaued of his predecessors and himselfe hee doth declare them attaynted of fellony rebellion and high treason commaundeth his Officers to proceed agaynst them by any maner of way and agaynst their posterity as agaynst such as he hath declared them if they do not submit themselues by the first day of March next following This proscription was declared the first day of February The same day also the King pronounced the like proscriptions against the rebellious and trayterous Citties of Paris Orleans Anjous Roen Abeuile and others declaring them conuicted of fellony rebellion and treason in the highest degree willing all his officers to proceede agaynst them and against al them that doo or shall assist them by any meanes and against their posterity as agaynst such as they be declared if they do not returne vnder his obedience by the 14. day of march next following The King intending by these thunderclaps to call them to their dutie purposing yet to haue forgotten all offences for the loue which he had to popish religion common to the rebels with him and for hatred of the reformed religion gaue them as is aforesaid a certayne day prefixed by the which tyme if they did not returne to their duty he determined to chastise them by force and therefore the sixt day of February hee sent forth his commissions to all Nobles Gentlemen and Captaynes to prepare themselues with all furniture necessary to repayre to him the 12. of March following Neither is the sentence of the King an ydle threatning but is as if it were a condemnation of Gods law pronounced by the soueraigne Magistrate whose punishments God hath partly executed and partly hath reserued to execute hereafter in the fulnes of time About the middle of February the King vnderstanding what had passed in Paris how the rebels had enforced the Senat to swear an vnion against him his life person and estate did transport the exercise of iustice and of all his courts and chambers of Parliament from Paris and also all other courts of iustice in the aforesaid townes of Orleans Aujous Abeuile Roen and others to his citie of Tours vpon Loyre deprauing the sayd trayterous cities of al offices dignities charges and priuileges commaunding al his Iudges Counsellers officers of al his courts in the said cities to repaire to the citie of Tours vpon Loyre by the fifteenth of Aprill next following there to execute their charges vpon payne of depriuation of their wages offices forbiddeth also that no apparance be giuen by any officer vnto any suter and also no parties to appeare in any other place saue in Tours onely before his Iudges there vpon payne to be declared rebels It is sayd before how wee haue left the King of Nauarre sicke in bed of a dangerous pleuresie whilest the League haue nigh filled the measure of their execrable treasons and rebellion Now the Lord reseruing that noble Prince if not to restablish the flourishing estate of that Realm yet he hath raised him as it were out of his graue to prolong the vtter dissipation of it and in the middest of the horrible confusions thereof to reunite the hearts and mindes of the godly and vertuous to saue some corner of the sayd Realme for a place of refuge for the remnant of the Israel of God Behold therefore O great King the Lord hath restored thée to health strengthened thine armes to warre and thy hands to fight he hath girded thée with force constancie wisedome and iustice the Lord of Armies doth call thee to restore true religion iustice iudgement Discipline and peace vtterly decayed through the malice of thine enemies be strong and faint not for the Lord will put a great worke in thine hand to execute Followe the vocation of God and the Lord will be a shadowe at thy right hand to kéepe thée from euill doo good things with good meanes and thou shall see thine enemies to fall before thy face thou shalt pitie them and do them good Whilest the King doth so thunder the threatnings of Gods lawe and the claps of his iustice agaynst those Rebels forsaken and reiected of God as is afore sayd the King of Nauarre perceiuing the King to be in distresse persecuted and dispossessed out of his Towns and Cities euen out of his owne houses by his enemies abroade and to liue in great mistrust of his domesticall enemies who did daily eate bread at his owne table did greatly lament his case keepeth himselfe quiet beyond Loyre ceaseth from all acts of hostilitie and exployts of warre least he should encrease his affliction and heauines And desirous greatly to make a proofe of his fidelitie towards the King and to crosse the actions of the leagued rebels proffereth peace to the King and watcheth diligently that his enemies might not set foote in any place where hee had meanes to make sure for the kings seruice as for the ease of them of the religion So that after the taking of Niort as is afore sayd in the latter end of Ianuary the inhabitants of S. Meixant and Maillezay two Townes nigh neighbours of Niort yeelded themselues vnto him The Lord Aubiguy was appoynted Gouernour of that Iland About the 14. of February the King of Nauarre hauing recouerd his perfect health and strength with part of his forces tooke the field marching toward the riuer of Loyre The inhabitants of Lodune Lisle Bouchard Mirabean Chastelerault Vinonne and other places and Castles of the countrey of Turenne and Poytow offered to open the gates of their townes vnto him and also proffered vnto him their seruices He receiued them very courteously and without innouation of any thing he suffered them of the Romish religion to liue with all libertie with their ordinarie exercises onely he commanded them of the reformed religion with the exercise of the same there to be established commaunding them of both religions to liue in amitie and peace About the same time many Townes and places in diuers parts of the Realme which before did seeme to bee at the deuotion of the Leaguers were made sure for the Kings seruice as well in Bourgondy as in other Prouinces and among others the Towne and Castle of Sancerre in Berry was seazed for the King That Towne had béen greatly defaced in the former warres for the walles of the Towne had béen rased by the Lord Chastre Gouernour of Berry who did put a Captaine within the Castle for the kéeping of the same and to bridle the inhabitants there who were all of the religion But after the death of the Duke of Guize the Lord of Requien of the house of Montigny Captayne of
the Kings gardes seazed both vpon the Towne and Castle the which Towne notwithstanding it was without walles yet being situated on high and in a strong place by nature hee vndertooke to fortifie the same by the helpe of them of the religion who did so resort thether from euery where daily that the sayd Lord Requien waxed strong there as hee is a valiant man employed himselfe with them of the religion to make warre against the rebelled Leaguers for the Kings seruice About the 23. of February the King of Nauarre being at Chastelerault tooke occasion to seaze vppon the Castle and the Towne of Argenton in Berry by the meanes which followe That place doth pertaine to the Lord Monpensier but it was graunted to the Lady Dwager of Monpensier sister to the last Duke of Guize by her contract of marriage hauing that honour shewed her to haue married the Duke of Monpensier Prince of the bloud and father to this Duke yet liuing In the beginning of this last warre of the League the castell of Argenton strong and well furnished was made sure for the League the towne remayned at libertie as being not strong and commaunded by the Castell But after the death of the Duke of Guize the garison of the Castell was increased double intending thereby to assure the towne also the garison vnderstanding of the taking of Chastelerault which is not farre of by the King of Nauarre fearing that which afterward happened vnto them they sent to the Duke d'Mayne for succour who sent certaine Captaines with their companies from Orleans They of the towne refusing the association of the rebellion of the Leaguers and willing to remaine faithfull to the King doo aduertise him of all their estate and good wil towards him doo require succor of him as well against them of the Castell as others which did approach to seaze vpon their town The dispatch could not bée in so short space but that in the meane time they of the towne and of the Castell fell at variance vppon the matter each party trusting in the succour which they hoped for The King of Nauarre aduertised of al this and of the succour sent they there by the Leaguers nigh aduaunced with certaine troupes of horsemen determined to make them agrée and vsing his accustomed celerity it fell out with him so happely that hee preuented them in a moment who were sent from Orleans sending before some of his gardes who entred on a suddaine into the towne to the great amaze of the garison of the Castell At the ariuing of the gardes of the king of Nauarre there was a hot skirmish and some were killed on both sides few of the King of Nauarre his gardes but many more of the garison but when the Leaguers of the Castell saw the companies of the King of Nauarre first they were amazed and shortly after conceauing a great terror yéelded the place After that the King of Nauarre had taken possession of that place he appoynted the Lord Beaupre gouernour there where he established the exercise of the reformed religion with liberty and safety in stead of the romish religion as in other places The King of Nauarre returned to Chastelerault where considering how the King was in great danger both abroad and at home how hée had euill counsell giuen him pittying his estate and considering that hee could not bée moued neither to make nor to accept of his seruice for his defence considering also that the Leagued rebels waxed strong and the King weake he putteth forth a protestation bearing date the fourth of March wherein he sheweth that notwithstanding his affaires and estate of them of the reformed religion was neuer stronger who within thrée yeares hath borne the fury of ten mighty armies whereof some had béen beaten to cloutes the others haue béen scattered as dust in the ayre hee doubteth not but the same God will strengthen him with the same force and will defend alwaies hereafter his iust cause and innocency yet hee dooth proffer them that if the King will hearken vnto peace hee was neuer so willing to imbrace it Furthermore hée proffereth himselfe to heare reason and to bée taught by a conference and a counsell promising that if he be conuicted by the word of God to be in any error he will reuoke it and bring all them of the reformed religion to doo the like But to bring him out of that religion wherein he hath béen borne and brought vp euen from his cradell with the dint of the sword he warneth them that therein they haue taken a contrary course by which they will neuer preuaile Last hee dooth adiure all the states by the name of God by the ashes of their ancestors by the loue of their natiue countrey to counsell the King to this ordinary course or else to deuise some better if they can by the which they may stop the subuersion of their countrey About this time came the excommunication rowling from the capitall and thundering like vnto a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the olde Comedy pronounced against the King for the execution done at Bloys vpon the persons of the Duke of Guize the Popes champion and the Cardinal the saide Popes Chapline and the imprisonmént of the Cardinal of Bourbon and the Archbishop of Lyons shot out of the belly of Frier Sixtus at the sute of rebels With the stinke of this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Frier Sixtus came forth out of the bottomles pit of hell a number of Iesuites and Friers and such misbegotten monsters to raile to accurse defame their lawfull and naturall King and Prince ordained of God without any remorse of conscience Many of the Leaguers who after the death of their Captaine had hanged downe their heads had retyred to such places as they thought sure far them some other who had forsaken their faith their promise and oath giuen to the League now considering foure accidents which had happened and seen to fauour the affaires of the rebels doo rebell a new doo forsake their King whom God nature thankfulnes and nobility commaunded to dye at his feete First the vnseasonable lenitie or rather pusillanimitie of the King who had stated the execution of iustice for such notorious and hainous treasons committed not against him but against GOD in his person whome God had consecrated to that high dignitie vpon the heads onely of Guize and the Cardinal his brother and in the imprisonmēt of six of the chiefest without proceeding any further Secondly Fryer Sixtus his excommunication by the which they supposed though not in conscience but in passion onely themselues to be set at liberty to doe whatsoeuer without any grudge of conscience Thirdly the beating away of the kings garisons and forces out of the citadell of Orleans by the Duke de Maine therein supposing in a manner for so is the blindnes of mans passion to haue conquered all France Lastly the euill counsell of leagued dissemblers and dissembling traytors whom
they knew to be about the Kings person in great number wayting for opportunitie to deliuer him prisoner to his enemies or else to dispatch him out of his life with one blow knowing that by their counsels his forces diminished his cities and strong holdes were surprized his enemies waxed strong But specially they feared greatly the playes and tricks which they had taught Charles the ninth his brother and him which they had played many times with them of the religion they I say feared at length to bee snared in the like springes Therefore all these things wel considered they begin euery where to strike the alarum and prepare themselues to the battell against God their King their countrey their liâ—erties and the graues of their fathers So that the Lords Brissak Chastre and Boysdauphin to whome a little before the king had forgiuen great treasons who a little before had promised with an oath obedieÌ„ce to the king who did shewe a semblant of great ioy for the execution done at Bloys they priuily doo steale away and breaking their fayth promise and allegeaunce to their king reuolted agayne to the enemie Brissak went to Anger 's where he thought to cause that Citie to rebell agaynst the king for some of the citie of Anger 's had hitherto dissembled their affection and good wills whch they had to the league and rebellion as well because they had the king at Bloys and Tours who looked to them neerely and narrowly as for not hauing the meanes to execute their enterprize But now at the reuolcing of Brissak they made him head of their enterprize for to seaze vpon the Castell one of the strongest places in all France And for to bring their counsell to a good passe with speede fearing least by delay they might be preuanted by the king being so nigh them therefore they followe a short course for first they trie what corruption may doe They doo promise to the Lord Pichery gouernour of the Castell an hundred thousand crownes and to entertaine foure thousand footmen so that he would keepe it for the league The Lord Pichery as a faith full seruant to his Prince refused all those proffers whereupon the Lord Brissak with the rest of the rebells within the towne did assault the Castel and fortified themselues by all meanes with trenches and barricadoes vpon the ditch of the sayd Castell Whereuppon the Lord Pichery aduertised the King of the state of his affayres and attempts of the Lord Brissak and inhabitantes of the towne The King sent the Marshall Haumont with the regiment of Picardy and part of his guardes who were admitted into the Castell by the Lord Pichery who opened vnto them the great bridge of the said Castell Assoone as the Marshall Haumont entred into the Castel although the rebels were in farre greater number yet the skirmish began then was it tyme for the enemy to packe away in hast many of the rebels were slayne There they were taken prisoners to the Kings vse so many as yeelded one hundred throusand crownes for raunsome Some were executed in the towne and chiefly some Iesuits and Fryers who had beene the firebrands to kindle the combustion and the trompets of the rebellion The Lord Brissak head of the rebellion there saued himselfe by flight with few of his company and seazing vpon the townes of Mans Alençon and Faleze caused the inhabitants there to rebell agaynst the King About the same time the Duke Mercure desirous to get the fauour of the townes and people to assure better the dutchy of Britaine to himselfe tooke vpon him the name of protector of the Romish Church in that prouince of Britanie by the helpe of the Bishops and other rabble of that sinagogue who prescribed certaine formes vnto the Iesuites and Friers whereby in theyr sermons to bring the people to that deuotion Although Christian Reader thou mayst easily perceaue by the whole course of this his history how from time to time the house of Guyze who were not so much by nature as to bee admitted into the society of the Nobility of France at the first made a fayre wether after that preferred them selues before the Princes of the bloud And when through too much lenity of the house of Valoys toward them they had obtayned that they haue practized to steale away the hearts of subiects from their natural Prince at length haue enterprized vpon his life And when by a singular prouidence God had deliuered the King out of their snares and clawes and see they are not able to depriue him of his life they doo depriue him of his Crowne ad dignitie First by the iudgment of Sorboune Secondly by the assotiatiation with they haue sworne to present him to death by all meanes possible Thirdly by taking away from him the name of King though not in plaine tearmes yet by paraphrase as when one taketh vpon him to be the protector of the Crown of France y â— other protector of the Church and giue the same to themselues which properâ—y is and hath beene the office of the king of France For the Kings in France haue had alwayes that honour as due vnto them by right to be Protectors of the Crowne Dignitie State Kingdome Church and people of their dominions and neuer yeelded that title to any man neither durst euer any man vsurpe that title vntill this yeare 1589. by these two companions to wit the Dukes de Mayne and Mercure But it may be obiected that the same title hath béene geuen and taken to the King of Nauarre as protector of the reformed churchs of France and therefore they do that which the heretikes haue taught them To this it may be answered that the case is not alike for the reformed churches were forsaken of the King without any cause at the solicitation of flatterrs sycophantes and clawbaâ—kes who to bring the King to that confusion that hee is come vâ—to did hold his kingdome into troubles and ciuill warres by litle and little to entrench vpon his authority at length to tread him downe vnder feete That part therefore of the Kings subiects which was the best though not the greater in number being wrongfully put from the Kings protection and assaulted euery where haue recourse not to a stranger nor strange bloud the first Peere and Prince of France who after the King hath most interest to the Crowne him they haue requested to protect them vnder the Kings authority against the violences of them who did so counsell the King to forsake the protection of his people But these companyons what hath moued them to vsurpe these tytles The King did neuer forsake the Crowne nor the Romish Church in godliues that way in zeale in integrity and austericy of life in wisedome prudence and fortitude to defend the romish Church he hath passed all the Kings of all ages he hath bestowed his forces hath spent his goods hath ventered his life diuers times hath made shipwracke of his honor for
the defence of the Romish Church What neede therefore had that church of any other protector then their owne King whose bountifulnes and liberality they so oftentimes haue tryed Whilest these things did so passe at Anger 's the citty of Nantes vppon Loyre began to hault by the secret practises and treacheries of the seditious Leaguers who were within the cittie But when the newes came of the taking of Anger 's and of the execution done vpon some seditious Iesuits and other Fryers the rebels at Nantes tooke the alarum in this wise for the Ladyes Martignes Mercure wife to the Duke of Mercure gouernour of Britayne tooke occasion thereupon to hasten the rebellion for beeing aduertised that many of the cheefest officers of iustice in that cittie as also other good Citizens faithful to the King seeing the practises which were wrought in their cittie by the Leaguers did disswade theyr fellowe citizens to geue eare to such seditious persons and aduised them rather to remayne faythful vnto the King then to draw vpon themselues the Kings wrath with a cruell and mortall warre For to breake the good purpose and intents of these men and to chastise them for their too great fidelity to their King These Ladies sent for two Captaynes of the towne well knowen for their seditious practises great affection to the traytors they shewed vnto these two Captaynes their passions with great amplifications of the thinges past at Anger 's They began by many inuectiues and spitefull speaches against the K. to shew how the King had put to death a great number of Priests and Friers who were taken at the winning of Anger 's how he had taken the chalices and relickes and wholly became an heretike then with much lying they fell to talke of them whom they would haue to bee taken prisoners in the citty charging them that they sought to bring into their cittye the K. of Nauarre with all his troups with determination to haue the cittie ransacked to take away their goods liues and religion and that therefore it was needfull they rayse the people to rebellion out of hand to seaze vppon them which were faythfull to the King and make the citty sure for the League The chiefest Captaine appointed for this execution was one Gassion a Gascoine brought vp in the house of Martignes and greatly affected to the League An order before that time was that the said Gassion for one halfe yeare commaunded in the castell and the Lord Crambok who was faithfull to the King the other halfe yeare this man no authority then at all The counsell of these two accursed women was quickly executed by the said Gassion hauing for that time the rule of the castell The people vpon these furmises were armed the streats were fortify to with Baricadoes The first execution of this rebellion was the apprehending of foure score of the most notable men and richest families in all the Citie and among the rest were the Lord Miron the Kings threasurer in Britaine the Lord Bourin a great Lawier and one Doctor Rogues Dean of the facultie of Phisicke and many other faithfull seruants of the King who were put in straight prison in the Castle their houses were spoyled and goods rifled The Citie being thus made sure for the League by the Rebells the countrey about was not free from that tempest light horses are sent into places most suspected many gentlemen are taken prisoners abroad without respect of age qualitie or religion such as did escape with the losse of their goods thought to haue sped well In like manner the Citie of Rhemes head Citie of the lowe Britaine which had behaued themselues modeslie enough hetherto might greatly haue fauoured aduaunced the treasons of the Duke Mercure if he could haue got it to his deuotion But for that purpose first it was needfull to haue the helpe of the Bishop of the place named Emare Hannekin sonne to a citizen of Paris for the stage play could not bee well seazoned with mirth except a Priest might play the diuels part Sir Hannekin therfore bestirreth himselfe all that euer he can to bring his treason to passe but his credite being there yet vnder age and small account he taketh the Bishop of Dole of the noble of Espinay to countenance the play being also assisted by a citizen named Botelier who was much beholding to the sayd Sir Hannekin because he was such a louing ghostly father to his wife he had also some other citizens some of the court of Parliament there men of faction who secretly set their shoulders to that worke All this blessed companie by the counsell of these two sedicious Priests deuisers of rebellion against their naturall and lawfull Prince doo raise vp the people in armes giuing to vnderstand though most falsly that the Lord Huuanday Lieutenant generall for the K. in that countrey the Lord Moubarot gouernor of the Towne and the Lord Asserake who accompanied them would haue oppressed the libertie of the Towne and brought in garrisons to sacke it Vppon this false rumour spread abroade by those two lying Priests the people armed did seaze vppon the Market place and fortified the streates with Barricadoes The Duke Mercure who then was a petie King at Nantes aduertised of these things so passing at Rhemes and desirous to enlarge his newly swallowed vp kingdome of little Britaine doth gather forces as great as he can and fayning to goe to Vaunes to the States of the countrey taketh his way to Rhedon and turned vp short to Rhemes where he arriuing was receaue◠with great ioy of thē of the League he put garrisons within the tower of the Fuller within the gate of S. George in the white gate It was time then for the Lords Huuanday Montbarot and Asserak to keepe themselues close within their houses being sought out for no lesse matter then for the price of their liues The Lord Montbarot had seazed vppon the tower of the gate Mordelese hee was summoned by the Duke Mercure to yeeld the sayd tower into his hands which thing he refused to doo saying that there he was placed for the King and for his seruice Vpon this refusall the Canon was brought before the Tower and many houses pearced to make it ready to the battery There was no appearance to sustaine a battery much lesse to hope for any succour which thinges béeing considered the Lord Montbarot agreed and yeelded the place with honorable conditions both for himselfe and his fellowes By these meanes Mercure remained master of the place whereof hee changed the whole estate and gouernment placing therein men at his deuotion there he caused a Iesuit most bitterly seditiously and vnworthy to inueygh and rayle agaynst the King he dispatched a Captaine Spaniard named Iohn with his company to scoure y e country hee did execrable oppressions robbing and sacking all indifferently he tooke many gentlmens houses which he robbed many men whom he cruelly entreated and put to great
raunsoms sparing neither Nobles nor others of the romish religion for that onely they were faithfull to the King This exploit done Mercure gathered as great forces of men of warre as he could and from thence tooke his iourney toward Fongeres in the low Britayne a towne which he had gone about long before to seduce and had the chiefâ—st of the inhabitants at his deuotion they receaued him very willingly and hauing the towne he agreed with the Captaine of the castell who solde him the place with all the moueable goods and furniture therein belonging to his master the Marquesse Roche for the summe of fifteen thousand crownes which he receaued In Aprill the Lord Bordage and other Gentlemen of the religion accompanied with few men tooke the town of Vitre belonging to the yong Lord Laual which thing when Merceur who was then at Fongers vnderstood hee sent a Gentleman of Britaine named Tailowet with certaine companies of men of warre and the commons of the countrey whom he raised vp in armes to the number of sixe thousands they besieged Vitre the space of fiue wéekes but the place was valiantly defended by the saide Gentlemen and their small company During this siege in the moneth of May they of Roen hauing receaued letters from the King by the helpe of some honest and faithfull men came againe to their right wittes and returned to the Kinges obedience with whom they agréed for the impunity of that offence which was past They tooke prisoner the Lord Charroniere whome Merceur at his departing to Fongeres had left there gouernour they tooke also the Spanish Moore to wit Captaine Iohn and many other of that faction and behauiour if the Lorde Merceur had béen there it had béen an easie thing to haue taken him also Whilest these things were a dooing on both sides the Lord Morlak entred into the Castell Iosselin the strongest place of all Britaine for the Kings seruice The Lord Saint Lauuers a Captaine of the Leaguers with certaine companies enterprised to surprise the Towne and so to kill Morlak therein choosing for the executioÌ„ of his purpose the day which they call holy Friday a day of great deuotion among the Papists least of al suspected and so to haue taken it when they should haue béen busie about their ceremonies and enchauntings so he surprised the towne but not the Lord Morlak who did holde the Castell Whilest these broyles did so passe in Britayn in other places also as if it were at a day appoâ—nted the traiterous Leaguers tooke Molins in Borbonnoys situated vpon the riuer Allier which rising out of the Mountaines of Anuergne falleth into Loyre at the towne Charite That place was well defended by the Lord Rostayn but being set on when the Garison was absent for lack of men the towne was caried away to the Leaguers About the selfe same time the faction of the League in the citie of Bourdeaux shewed themselues and attempted to surprise the towne against the King They had conspired an accursed practise both against the Marshall Matignon the Kings gouernour there and also against the towne and good inhabitants who were knowne to bée faithfull to the King their intent was to stab the said Marshall Matignon to sâ—aze vpon the citie and Castles and to kill all them that should not bée of their side The traitors had made a great preparation of shippes at Browage had stayed many shippes which were bound to Newland for fishing to fauour the enterprise vpon Bourdeaux Vpon Easter euen therebels there vppon the watch word rose vp in armes part of them did seaze vpon the gate of Saint Iulien and part of them had incamped themselues at another side without the citie The Magistrates of the citie séeing this commotion with strong hand went toward them who had stayed vpon the gate Saint Iulien the rebels did resist the Magistrates and beate them back The Marshall Matignon taking part of the Garisons out of the Castells with the assistance of the inhabitants faithfull to the King dooth march with some forces a foote through the streates of the towne toward the gate that they had seazed vpon The rebells séeing this power comming against them without any fight began to faint and in a while after to run away and shift for themselues yet could they not so spéedily auoyde but there was fiue slaine vpon the place many of that conspiracie were apprehended There were two executed one a captaine of the citie and the other was of the gaâ—des of the Marshal who declared the whole conspiracie and accused a great number and of the chiefest of the citie They who had remayned within the towne fearing to be detected by reason of a guiltie conscience the night folowing left behinde them their maker whome they shoulde haue swallowed downe whole and aliue the next day following being Easter day They leapt ouer the walls for on the morow a great number of ropes were found hanging at the wals by which they slided down the greatest part of them retyred to Browage and shortly after the King sent eyght hundred Launce-knights there to bée in Garison to kéepe the rest in their duetie Whilest these rebellions were a working in Britayne and other places and Prouinces of the realme the King vnderstanding the greatest part of his realme to be reuolted from his obedience and how a great many Noblemen and Gentlemen whome he hath forgiuen at Bloys and let scape vnpunished abusing his lenitie or rather accounting it as it was in trueth pusillanimitie had turned againe to his enemies began to fal in great mistrust and to despaire both of himselfe and of his estate The Leaguers who were about his person to increase this his amaze aduertised him though falsely for the most part that the Spaniard the Princes and States of Italy the Dukes of Sauoy and Lorreyne had sworne the reuengement of the death of the Duke of Guize Also they perswaded him that he was not in safety at Bloys and therefore aduised him to retyre to Tours this counsell they gaue him not for any care which they had of his safetie although that God turned it to the best but for that they thought to haue more assistance there to performe their wicked intent purposed against him that citie being great and populous and where were many of the chiefest Leagued who had promised their helpe to the traitors They tolde him also how the King of Nauarre with great power approched and was already at Saumour to passe ouer Loyre for to inuade the Realme The king not knowing what to doe nor whom to trust and perceiuing theÌ„ that were at Bloys for the most part to be his secret enemies to haue intelligeÌ„ces w t the rebels in the latter end of March departed from Bloys and remoued to Tours being wel assured that at al extremities he should haue the King of Nauarre whose fidelitie and valour he knew well howsoeuer the Leaguers of his counsel did terrifie him of his
but one he seazed also vpon many other weake Townes in that champian countrey where hee stayed very long doubtfull of minde what to doo whether he should go néerer to Tours or goe backe To goe further he feared the King of Nauarre being so nigh a neighbour to goe backe shame his great bragges and promises made to the rebels of Paris would not suffer him Concluded therefore to stay in Beausse where lodging and victuals for the taking were to be had without money liuing in hope and watching still for some conuenient occasion to execute his damnable purpose vpon the Kings person by the intelligences which hee had with the Leaguers of the Court and of the Citie of Tours During his soiourne in Beausse he made the like bragges and promises to the Nobilitie and people as he had done in Paris The Wallons which were in his armie considering that nothing was done and lacking money determined to retyre home but with much adoe were stayed vpon promise that great forces were expected from the Duke Aumale out of Picardie and that shortly they would goe about their busines handsomely like good fellowes and that one houre would make them men for euer In the latter end of April the Leaguers of Poytiers began to stir against the King and to make that great and large Cittie sure for the League holy vâ—ion vpon the newes thereof the king sent the greatest part of such forces as he had to rescue that piece which was of great importance The Leaguers aduertised the Duke de Mayne who was about Vendosme of the state of the affaires and how the King was left destitute of the greatest part of his forces now imploied about the reuolt of Poitiers how that he might come easily and without finding any resistance to lodge in the Suburbs of Tours or the Abbey of Marmonstier neere by and that they would so prouide within the citie that by the helpe of his frendes the King might be dispatched or deliuered into his hands aliue The Duke de Mayne vpon these intelligences setteth order for the safe keeping of Vendosme and marched toward Chasteaurenault the towne Caâ—tell hee battered he layeth also the siege before Saint Oine nigh Amboyse where the Countie Brienne was appointed by the King for the keeping of that place intending the night following by stealth to haue resorted to Tours to execute y e enterprise of the Leaguers which were in the court and the Citie vppon the Kings person And that hee might be sure to worke safely he had sent into Picardy to the Duke of Aumale his cosin praying him to send him such forces out of Picardy as he might putting him in hope by some new supply of succour to bring to passe the thing which they had most desired but the towne of Gaulis which by the means of the Lord of Thore was reduced to the Kinges obedience hindered that this new supply could nether be so great as was expected nor could come in any time to do him seruice Of these forces of Picardy it shall be spoken hereafter but for this time wee will leaue this great Duke to batter Chasteaurenault and Saint Oine and will shew what was done in other places at the same time The King considering that the enemy with a puissant army was on his armes and stayed for nothing but to know what assistance he might haue of the Leaguers of the court and of the cittie to worke his feat knowing also the infidelity of his subiectes and seruants both in the court and in the cittie and on euery side and almost dispossessed of his Crowne and Kingdome is enforced for the safety of his person to cast himselfe into the armes of his mortall enemy as he was made beleeue by the Sycophants who alwayes had béen most in eredit with him but in very deed his most profitable and necessary frend if long before he had vsed him Truce therfore at length is concluded betweene the two Kings and among other things it was agréed that the King of Nauarre should haue the Pont de Sel a Towne vpon the riuer of Loyre betweene Saumour and Nantes tight against Anger 's for the safety of his passage But some difficulty beeing made at the surrendring of the said Pont de Sel by the Captayne the King graunted him the towne of Saumour vpon Loyre The sayd towne was receaued for the King of Nauarre by the Lord Plessis Marlin to whom the sayd King gaue the gouernment thereof But now before wee proceede further to shew the accidents which happened after this vnexpected reconsiliation of these two Kinges wee wil search out what hath happened in other countreys After the death of the Guyze the Duke de Mayne sent into the Prouinces but specially into Normandy to perswade the people that the Countrey men might arme themselues without any leaue or consent of the Nobility who were not of their side for the defence of the Catholike religion their liberty he hired specially in Normany the priests monks Friers Iesuits such rabble of woolues with summes of money in their Sermons to stir the people to rise agaynst their Soueraygne and to take counsell agaynst the nobility The means or arguments which these Atheists both for money will ryse agaynst God his ordinance and set the world in an vprore to pollute the earth with bloud were these The King sayd they with great vehâ—mency and amplifications hath murthered the Cardinall of Guyze imprisoned the Primat of Lyons and hauing touched two of the Lords annoynted and layed handes vppon two chiefe Pillers and rulers of holy Church ouer whom neither hee nor any of his had any power or iurisdiction agaynst fayth and promise and hauing violated the publike faith at the States at Bloys the King was no more childe of the Church was excommunicat banished out of the Church and cast out of the communion of Catholikes and therefore the people were not bound to obay him any more but that it was lawfull to persecute him by all meanes possible as the holy faculty of Theologie had also of late determined but rather that it was lawfull to murther and to destroy the King and persecute them by all means possible that wil not league themselues and beare armes against the King They dayly preached also that the King was a protector of heritikes and had intelligences with them and that he sought nothing more then to stablish heresie in his kingdome And for as much as examples do both moue and encourage to doo or discouraging from dooing they encourage the simple and ignorant first declared themselues enemies to the King renounced his obedience gaue forth vilanous vnworthy and traiterous speeches of him so as nothing more vile may bee named and spoken These were the deuout prayers of such despisers of God and all godlines in their Pulpits to the which the People said Amen But after the truce was taken betweene the two Kings then they had a large
argument to walke in they cryed out that he serued himselfe of the forces of heretickes no maruel if they cry out now when they see a whip prepared for their backes and that now they are further from bringing to passe theyr wicked thoughts thâ—â— euer they were By these execrable outragious and seditious inue ctiues of these damnable Iesuits and Fryers hyred to sound the trompet of rebellion in a maner throughout all France but specially froÌ„ the riuer of Loyre north west and east and among other Prouinces Normandy was so infected with their poysoned and detestable rebellions that there was not so much as a Uillage to bee found where there was not some of all qualities dronken with their cup of abominations It is sayd before how the King had pardoned Brissak Boysdaulphine and Chastre with many others who within a while abusing the Kinges facility and ascribing their impunity to the Kings puâ—â—llanimity fled and reuolted to the League agayne After this reuolt Brissak and Boysdaulphine went to Anger 's as it is sayd and procured that great Citty to rebell but after the reducing of the sayd Cittye to the Kings obedience by the Marshal Haumont the said Brissak and Boysdaulphin fled and in their flight caused by the meanes of their partakers the Citty of Mans which was already wauering to rebel against the King To these 2. manipuli furum resorted the Lords la Mot Serrant Touchet Angeruile and Normandiere who by theyr treacherous solicitaâ—ion procured almost all the townes of Normandy to rebell and to open their gates to them as Roan which was reuolted long before Luseulx Falaize Newhauen Seas Bayeux Argenton and afterward Alcencon all these opened their gates to the rebels who afterward a most in a litle space consumed them There remained Caen Constances few other towns in base Normandie in the kings obedience by the good and prouident counsel of the Lord de la Veaue Beuuron the Presidents Aulbiguy and Lizeres and some other loyall and Noble men We sée how the cities of Normandie for the most part at the solicitatioÌ„ of Brissak Boysdaulphine and others whose names shall be knowne hereafter and by the preaching of the furious and frantick Iesuites and Friers are brought from the Kings obedience to a damnable rebellion The countrey men also and pesants were induced by the selfe same meanes to rebellion vnder colour of the defending the Catholick religion and hope of libertie There is in high Normandie a certaine place called la Chapelle Gantier thereupon the perswasions of the desperat Iesuites and Friers to countrey men were stirred vp to rebellion both against the King and the Nobilitie and began to commit horrible excesse and cruelties by reason of this beginning all the rebels in Normandy were called Gantiers these Peasants ioyned to themselues a number of Priestes but specially the Priestes of Sees and a great number of bedlem Friers furious Iesuites Parsons and among others the Parson of Vimonstier the most pestiferous desperat and seditious firebrand of all Normandy About the 19. the King vnderstanding of this rebellion in Normandy and foreséeing the mischiefe which might ensue if this euill were not in time remedyed thought good with all spéede to send the Prince Montpensier generall Lieutenant for his Maiestie into that Prouince to reduce them into the true way of their duetie and obedience and commaunded the Lord Saint Cire one of his counselers and Master of the requests of his house to accompany and assist him The King to bring this seduced people in the right way of iust obedience gaue charge to the saide Prince to offer pardon and impunity vnto the rebels in case they woulde liue quietly and peaceably vnder his gouernement Secondly hee discharged them of the third part of all taxes due vnto him hoping to haue a better opportunity and more happie season woulde come when he might gratifie them in some greater matter Thirdly hée gaue a forme of an oath to the said Prince to commaund all men to liue peaceably vnder his Gracious gouernement and to forsake all Leaguers and associations whatsoeuer and in case they would refuse either to returne vnder his protection or else to take that oath he gaue him authority to chastise them with strong hand as traitors and rebels About the 30. the saide Prince departed from Tours accompanied with the Lords of Backeuile and Archant and came to Luce where hee vnderstoode that Boysdaulphin and la Mot Serrant and other rebels had surprised the towne of Mans and purposed to méete with him to stop his way The 31. day this noble Prince of the house of Bourbon passed hard by the nose of the enemies and came as farre as Alencon where hée found the inhabitants amazed for the surprising of the towne of Mans by the enemy whome the rebels also had enueigled to enter into their rebellon and confirmed them in their obedience and duetie toward his Maiestie There this noble Prince with great deuotion and solemnitie kept his Easter and hauing taken order for the safetie of the towne appointed the Lorde Reuty gouernour of the said place with two companies of shot on horseback to kéepe the towne and Castell and to make roades in the villages about to repulse the rebells when they should come to forrage and constraine the inhabitants to pay them taxes and other tributes due to the King The 4. day the Prince vnderstanding that the citie of Sees were minded to ioyne to the rebels and had refused to take the oath according to the prescribed forme of the King purposed to passe that way and sent worde before to the Bishop and inhabitants that they shoulde open the gates for him who vpon a short consultation answered that they were ready to receaue him and being met by the citizens a great way out of the towne hée accompanied with the Lordes of Bakqueuile Archand and their troupes passed through without any stay The said Prince shewed vnto the Bishop and the inhabitants that he came from the King to offer pardon vnto the rebels and that the King ment to deale fauorably with his subiects to make account of them according to their duety and obedience towards him to chastise the rebels obstinat The inhabitants protested though with fained lippes of their loyaltie affection and obedience toward his Maiestie The departing from Sees met with the Lordes de Hallot and Creueceur his brother with a good and honorable tronpe of nobilitie to whome they proffered with many protections faithfully to serue the King as long as breath was in their bodies The 5. of Aprill the Prince departed from Escouche had intelligences that the Lords Touschet Angeruile Normandiere Captaines of the rebels with many Laâ—nciers and a good number of footemen haue come forth out of Falaize and marched on to stop the Princes way and went as farre as a village called Perrefit distant two miles from Falaize where they being met by the Lords Bakqueuile Archand Creueceur were
so charged that they stood little to the fight for the Prince leading the maine Battaile beginning to appeare they fled and left behind them Touschet Angeruile and Normandiere their chiefest leaders who were taken prisoners and brought before the Duke who were redeliuered into the hands of those that had taken them till such time as hée should call for them againe All the companies of these rebels were hewen in pieces the Prince lost not one man there was none hurt of his side but only the Lord Chammont in the head and in a short space after cecouered That same day the Prince Montpencier came to Falaize where the enemies made a shew as though they would haue set open the gates for him intending some surprise against him The Prince hauing no Ordinance to force theÌ„ tooke his way to Caen where he entred about y e seauenth day of Aprill all the faithfull Citizens welcomming him with these salutations often reiterated God saue the King and my Lord the D. Montpencier in token of an vnfained ioy they kept that day holy day The Lord Beuuron accompanied him to his lodging which was the house of the presideÌ„t Aubigny thether came the L. Verune to do reuerence to the Prince who receaued him courteously and highly commended him for his loyall seruice to the King in kéeping the towne within his obedience The said Prince soiourned in Caen about ten dayes to set all things in a readines as well for the safety and defence of the Citie as for to assault the enemy and to scoure the country During the Princes soiourne there ariued the County Thorigny and afâ—er him the Lord Longannay with a great troupe of Gentlemen who were courteously receaued and imbraced with great thankes for their good affection toward his Maiestie promising to aduertise the King of their duetifull seruice and to requiâ—e it in particular as occasion would serue About the 15. of April the Prince Montpencier hauing done al things that were there to bée done and gathered such forces as hée might and by the aduise of the Lord Saint Cere he concluded to warre vpon the rebels and to make them to leaue that which they hold so fast in the countrey and because they had the chiefest townes he resolued to carry a long some pieces of artillery to force them if possible he might Therefore he sent away before Monsieur de Hallot Batreuile Archand with the regiment of Monsieur Tracy the companies of the Captaines Saint Denis Maillot Radier Chauuaine Daulphin Roqueuile Glaize and other voluntary Captaines to attempt vpon Falaize The Sonday to wit the 16. of Aprill hée like a good Catholick caused a procession to be made and a sermon and a certaine forme of prayers to bée dayly said for the safegarde of the King and the good successe of his affaires against the rebels The 17. the Prince hauing appoynted officers ouer his treasure money victuall and artillery departed with two Canons and one bastard Culuerine hoping at the least to drawe the enemy to the field ariuing at Falaize he lodged at the Abbey Saint Iahn On the other side the ringleaders of the rebels as Brissak the Lords of long Champ the Barons of Eschaufour and Tubeuf assembled the flower of their rebell forces within the towne of Falaize The 18. of Aprill they laid their Artillery to batter and hauing beaten downe thrée towers they sent a Sergeant and ten Souldiours to view the breach but séeing that they would haue enticed them to enter into the towne to haue intrapped them and considering that the wall was yet too déepe the Prince sounded the retraite And vnderstanding that the rebels had taken from about Aigle Orbeck Sees Argenton Vimonstier and other places néere thereabout a company of more then sixe thousand Gantiers wel appoynted for Muskets and Harquebuses as might bée among these peasants they intermingled some seauen or eight hundred good Souldiours such as they could come by some also of the Nobility of the weaker sort to these companies of rebellious robbers resorted a great number of Priestes CaÌ„ons Monkes Friers Iesuites and such stinking poysoned vermine the Lord Brissak accompanied with the Barons of Eschaufour the Lords Vieupont Roqueuual Beaulieu and Annay and other Captaines receaued them and conducted them the right way to Falaize to them repayred the Baron Vernier with his forces from Damfront The Lorde Pierrecourt also came with such forces as hée could make out of Ponteau de mer and Ange and Houfleur supposing to haue inclosed the Prince betwéene the Towne of Falaize and these great forces and so to haue surprised him and his power The Prince hauing intelligences of the enterprize prouided for them remooued his artillery from the trenches and sent away his cannon to Courcy and with the Culuerine resolued to encounter the enemie in the plaine field The enemies had lodged in three seuerall villages not farr distant a sunder betweene Argenton and Falayze to wit Pierrefit villiers and Commeaux The Prince Montpencier appoynted the County of Thoriguy and Longaunay and the Lord Vickes the elder brother to lodge betweene the said villages and Argenton there to stay them if they should seeme to recoyle back He sent also the Lords of Bakqueuile Archand and Benuron with their companies to enuiron them on the other side The 20. day y e prince himself ayded with the L. Hallot Creueceure his brother with the whole armie and being on the top of a hil commaunded the Lords of Emery and Surene Marshalls of the field to aduance the infantry which was on the left hand with the Culuerine which they did these footemen were lead by the Lords of Saint Denis Maillot Radier Roqueuile Chauuayn Daulphine Glayze and others all so well resolute to encounter with that rabble of rebels that they made no delay but skitmished straight with a hot on set on both sides but assoone as the culuerin had begun to play in their faces they began to bee amazed and Brissak himselfe caused his Cornet to turne bridle and retyred from the danger with a number of horsemen as hardy as himself The rebels notwithstanding stoode to the fight but when the Culuerine roared once againe and they sâ—w the Lord Vaumart one of their chiefest leaders with fifteene others carried away with the shott they began to quauer Then the prince commaunded a fresh charge hee marching formost of all his companies which was giuen so hot and fierce that al the rebels were put to the chase to yeeld and to fall downe before them whom God had armed with authoritie and force to reuenge that most damnable rebellion This first encounter was vpon two thousand who were lodged at Pierrefit they were all slayne or takeâ— prisoners few onely excepted The prince hauing assemblâ—d his troupes agayne immediatly set vpon the third village named Viliers where were another company of rebels conducted by the Baron Tubeuf they were all put to the sworde saue the Baron Tubeuf and a few
others who were taken prisoners And because the night drew neere apace the Prince thought good with all speede to assault the other companies of rebels who were at Commeaux who were about a thousand or twelue hundred men conducted by the Lord Beaulieu This company had trenched and fortified themselues and therefore the most part of thē were y e cannons priests monks fryers Iesuites of the Citie of Sees and many persons of the countrey round about who would shewe some proofe of their valour and how they could fight better with a Caliuer then with their Portisse but at length it was found that they had more skill in iugling a Masse and making of Gods then in handling their weapons among them was the Parson of Vimonstier a desperate and sedicious Priest The Lord Beaulieu was their captain who at the first onset the sayd Lord Beaulieu was taken among the first in the forcing of the Fort who being carried away by the Captaine Chauuayne before the Prince sayd that there were within that Fort at the least seauen hundred well armed and appoynted The Prince vnderstanding that commanded the Lords Bakqueuile Archand to get into the Fort and for that purpose he left them the Culuering and went that night to Escouche where he arriued about eleuen of the clocke in the night And assoone as he was gone the rebels of Comeaux vnderstanding how their fellowes had sped yéelded with their liues onely saued who were immediatly disarmed and brought to Escouche to the Prince There the Duke soiourned all the next day being the 21. of Aprill to take the view of the prisoners who were in great number of all qualities of persons The same day the Lords Hallot Bakqueuile Beuil Bellefontayn and Archand went abroad with their companies to see if they could méet with any ranging Rebells where they mist not much to haue taken the Baron Vernier The sayd Baron and Brissake with the rest of their complices retyred in great speede to Argenton fearing to be as kindly hit on the hips as their fellowes had béen The 22. day the Prince leauing the Lords of Harcourt of Saint Mary Venoix and Sassay at Escouche went to Courcy where hee vnderstoode that the Lord Pierrecourt was lodged with some Launciers not farre of he mounted straight on horsebacke and went to finde them out but he had dislodged a little before they came to the place Here Christian Reader marke the presence of God in the assisting of a good cause and handled by persons of lawfull calling First thou seest how the King heretofore in the warres against the K. of Nauarre had not prospered but all things haue fallen to his owne charges dishonour and shame because he persecuted him without a cause and such persons were put in trust of his affayres and aduanced themselues forward intending vnder that colour to supplant their master Now when the King hath a iust cause in hand and put men in trust that are lawfully called bearing a true and vnfayned heart to the King kingdome Crowne and Countrey such as bee the Princes of his bloud and other of the true Nobilitie of France the Lord also is of his side and fighteth for him maketh him victorious and restoreth to him his authoritie by steps as it shall appeare hereafter Secondly here is a notable thing happened which neuer did happen vnto any Captaine that euer I haue read saue vnto that noble Athenian Conon that a Captaine had obtayned three noble victories in one day but vnto this noble Prince of ancient and noble rase Thus the Prince Montpencier by these victories gaue a tast vnto the rebels of the cup of their treasons and so did driue them into Townes and Holds that afterward it was rare to see any rebels abroade except it were when they had neede priuilie to steale out to robb their nigh neighbours of their goods Hauing done this exployt he purposed to bring the artillerie from Courcy and returne to the Citie of Caen intending shortly after to be in the field agayne and to carrie by it vntill he had subdued the countrey to the Kings obedience agayne By a pertinent digression I haue shewed what noble and profitable exployts the Prince Montpencier hath done in Normandy against the Rebels now we will returne to continuance of the narration interrupted It is sayd before how the King seeing himselfe in extreame danger made truces with the King of Nauarre and deliuered him the Towne of Saumour for his safe passage and repassage ouer the riuer of Loyre which he committed to the Lord of Plessis Marline Few dayes being expired after the deliuering of the town of Saumour the King of Nauarre went thether to the great contentation and reioysing of all the inhabitants and of all the Nobility round about well affected to the Kings seruice and good of the realme Liberty was geuen by the K. of Nauarre to all the inhabitants concerning religion indifferently as hée had done in other places The King of Nauarre hauing ordered all things at Saumour about the 17. day of Aprill went foorth and besieged the Castell of Brissak the Lord thereof beeing a traitour and a rebellious Leaguer and tooke it by composition The 18. the King of Nauarre passed all his Forces beyond the riuer of Loyre ouer the bridg of Saumour and within few dayes ioyned with other forces which stayed for him gathered out of Normandy Mayne Anjou Perche Beausse and other countries beeing betweene Loyre and Seyne intending shortly to see face to face the army of the rebels conducted by the Duke de Mayne Thus the King of Nauarre greatly iniuried and offended so often and at the request and for the pleasure of the Duke of Guyze assaulted now commeth to rescue out of danger captiuity and death him that had persecuted him so long with all the forces of a mighty kingdome he commeth I say with a chosen army not onely great in number but also in valour so that euery common souldier might haue supplyed the roome of an Officer Goe on O great King put on the armor of God follow his calling this day thou hast obtayned a greater and more famous victory then at the day of Coutras in ouercomming the desire of reuengement which vpon diuers occasions might haue risen by the frailty of mans nature The 21 the King of Nauarre hauing passed ouer the riuer Loyre and ioyned with his forces gathered out of the Countreys abouesayd setteth forth a declaration shewing the causes of this passage First hee sheweth that hee is called to enter into this action by God by nature by the lawe and by the iust approbation of his Prince which causes do moue him to determine to imploy his lyfe his meanes power for the reestablishing of y e Kings authority restoring of the realm and for the defence of good Subiects within the same decayed and oppressed by the treasons of the Leaguers vnder the colour of godlines and iustice Secondly he protesteth
to hold for enemies onely them who haue declared themselues enemies of the realm by theyr rebellion and outragious insolencies committed against the soueraigne magistrate and iustice promising notwithstanding to receaue to mercy them which deceaued by the enticements of the rebels or feare rather then by their owne malice haue associat themselues to the said rebels Denounceth therfore to all Prouinces Cities Commonalties Church-men Nobles Magistrates Captaynes Souldiers Borgeses Citizens and all other of any degree whatsoeuer to retire speedily from the society of those traitors and rebels and to returne vnder the obedience of their naturall and lawful Prince and King but specially willeth the Church men whereof some haue rendered themselues instruments of the former treacheries and rebellions to loue peace and to keepe themselues within their bounds returning and abiding vnder the obedience of their King Thirdly he protesteth that this his passing the riuer of Loyre by the commaundement of the King is for their defence and therefore taketh all the Kings faithful subiects vnder his protection but specially the Church men forbidding vpon payne of death all his Captaynes and souldiers not to proffer any iniury vnto any of them their goods or places of exercises willing also all the aforesaid persons to repayre vnto the king or vnto him to haue and receaue pasporte and protections that the faythfull may be discerned from the Rebell Fourthly he turneth his speach to the foresaid persons admonishing them to consider the horrible euils which haue already and shall rise out of that damnable rebellion To the Cleargy hee speaketh to consider how godlines is euery where choked in the middest of those tumults the name of God blasphemed and religion despised The Noble men he prayeth to consider how theyr order must needs fall with the ruine of the King Crowne and Estate The Magistrates hee warneth to represent before their eyes what execrable violating of iustice will follow by the examples of the Parliaments of Paris and Tholouse carried away Prisoners as in a triumph by rascals and vilanous persons The commons hee aduertiseth to thinke how they are eased by these tumultes where their goods are exposed to the pray of the vilest sort their traffike interrupted their husbandrie altogether turned into wast and desolation Last of all he exhorteth all men to endeuour themselues to bring what they can to remedy these euils which y e rebels haue procured to the realme which cannot be done without a good peace neither can that be obtayned but by the returning vnder the Kings obedience restoring his royall authority and reestablishing of iustice hee assureth himselfe that God who geueth saluation vnto Kinges will assist him in this enterprise and iust cause Auuergne is a Prouince in France full of hilles and mountains wherein there be three Cityes situated in forme of a triangle and not distant farre one from another to wit Rion Clermont and Monferrant the Kings long before had established at Rion beside other courts a soueraigne court of his treasurers receauers This Citie had receaued the League and had committed rebellion agaynst him in shaking off the yoke of obedience Therefore the King about the 24. of April seeing their obstinacy in their rebellion do reuoke from the said Towne of Rion all his courts and doth transport the same to the Citie of Clermont commaunding all his officers of al his courts in that citty to repaire to the said Clermont and there to execute their charge About the same time also the King doth adiudge all the goods of the Dukes of Mayne Aumale and of the Cheualier Aumale and of the voluntary inhabitants of the cities of Paris Roen Amiens Abeuile Rhemes Orleans Chartres Mans Lyons Tholouse to bee forfaited to his crowne for their treasons and perseuerance in the same aboue the time prefixed vnto them which was the 15. day of March last past and ordained commissioners to sell the sayd goods and lands to his vse The King of Nauarre in the meane time scoureth the countrey and prepareth himselfe to receaue the Kings commaundement and vnderstanding that the Duke de Mayne was lodged at Vendosme and Montoyre the 28. of Aprill he determined to surprize some of the enemies and about foure a clock in the morning taking eight hundered horsemen and one thousand shot on horsbacke went to bait at Chaulx in Anjou ten long leagues from Saumour departing thence hauing already gone forward three leagues he receaued newes how the Duke of Mayne had brought his forces to Chasteaurenault and had sent part of them to besiege the County of Brienne who was at Saint Oyne nigh Amboyse The King hearing of the siege of Chasteaurenault and Saynt Oyne by the enemy hauing him so nigh neighbour and fearing that he would come to lodge in the Suburbs of Tours being in danger to be deliuered into the hands of them by the intelligences which they had wiâ—h the leagued of his Court and of the Citie he did dispatch diuers Postes both to Saumour also to other places to the King of Nauarre And about three leagues from Chaulx toward Vendosme hee was aduertyzed by three Postes that the King sent for him whereuppon the sayd King of Nauarre turned bridle and came that night to lodge at Maille vpoÌ„ Loyre within two leagues of Tours after he had beene 24. howers on horsbacke and immediatly sent word of his comming to the King The King vnderstanding of his being so nigh him did greatly reioyce knowing that the enemy neither would nor durst enterprize any thing whilest he was so nigh his person The enemy sent certayne companies in the euening with a great brauade and tooke a Suburbe of Tours where they defloured a Mayd who had fled into the Church before the high alter in the armes of a Priest but hearing that the King of Nauarre was at hand without any leasure to take breath they retyred presently The King of Nauarre rested himselfe and his troupes the next day but the 30. of Aprill beeing the Lords day in the morning the sayd King of Nauarre iudging that it were necessary for them both to see one another thereuppon to take some certayne resolution of their affayres beeing also requested by the King although his counsell had diuers opinions of that interuiew hee sent to the King by the Lord of Mignouuile that he was gone to set all his troupes in battaile array at the Pont la Mot a quarterr of a league from Tours and thatif it should please his Maiesty to come to the Suburbs he would kisse his Maiesties hands and would receaue his commaundemeÌ„ts to execute theâ— according to the necessity of the affayrs After the said King of Nauarre with all his troupes had stayed about two houres the Marshall Hautmont came to him from the King to pray him that he would passe ouer the riuer to come to him to Plessâ—s les Tours where the King with all the court stayed for him That thing he immediatly determined to
doo leauing of all suspitions and despising the counsell of many who would haue him to differ that interuiewe vntill another time considering also that there was no apparance of danger he passed ouer the riuer at the bridge of Saint Saphorine went to méete the King accompanied with the Marshall Hautmont and many of his nobilitie and his gardes leauing the rest of his forces to stay for him at the passage He found the King staying for him in the alley of the Parke of Plessis there was so great throng as well of Courtiers as of the inhabitants of the Citie who ran thether from euery where that the two Kings stayed the space of halfe a quarter of an houre stretching their armes one toward another before they could touch one another so great was the preace for the place though very spacious would not receaue the multitude so that the trées were loaded with men to beholde that blessed méeting The embrasings the salutations were reiterated diuers times of both Kings with a shew of mutuall ioy and contentation The reioysing of all the Court and of the people was incredible for all men did crie by the space of halfe an houre God saue the King a voyce that had not been hard either at Tours or in any place else where the King had béen in more then foure moneths before Another acclamation followed the first God saue the Kings God saue the King and the King of Nauarre all men praised God and blessed that happie and long desired reconsiliation The two Kings parting thenâ—e entred into counsell where they were the space of two houres and after the counsell they tooke their horses and roade together accompanied with the Court vnto Saint Anne which is halfe the way to the Suburb called Roches the streates were so full of people that it was hard for them to passe all the way sounded with acclamatioâ—s and voyce of ioye for the hope which euery one had conceaued that these two Kings being so vnited would ouercome their enemies and restablish the state of the kingdome and would end the miseries which had vexed France so long The said King of Nauarre departed from the King at Saint Anne repassed Loyre where his troupes stayed for him lodged at the Suburbs of Saint Saphorin nigh the bridges end The morrow after being the first day of May about sixe a clock in the morning the King of Nauarre entred into the towne to goe to salute the King All that morning was employed in counsell vntill ten a clock that the King would goe to Masse where hée was accompanied by the said King of Nauarre vnto the Church doore from thence hée went to salute the Princesse of Condy and County staying for the Kings returne from Masse Afterward the said King of Nauarre as long as hée made his aboade there oftentimes visited the King and tooke counsell together for the common benefit of the realme The same day the said King of Nauarre obtained of the King for them of Sedan ten thousand Crownes for to helpe them in their affaires with letters written vnto the Duke of Lorreyne commaunding him to make warre no longer vppon Sedan declaring that they were vnder his protection Whilest these things were a dooing at Tours the Duke d' Mayne did batter Chasteaurenault but vnderstanding of the interuiew of the two Kings at the selfe same houre of the interuiew hée brake the siege and in haste retired to Vendosme The King as is before said stoode in great danger to be either murdered or else deliuered to the enemy by the intelligence which the Duke d' Mayne had with some traitours which were of his counsell in the Court and in the Citie Now by this blessed reconsiliation here is a great change to bée séene on a suddaine for by this the King is put out of feare liueth out of danger of the rebels is fortified by ariuall of this mighty Prince and army vnlooked for the hearts of all good subiects are herewith encouraged and the conspiratours are terrified for the Duke of Mayne being at Vendosme and in the territory there abouts with a mighty army of traitors had committed such insolencies vppon the people of their owne League and vnion that the countrey was replenished with outcries curses and imprecations Feare therfore of the King of Nauarre and of some insurrection of the people of the countrey constrained him first to place part of his army in garisons in the townes of Beausse Anjou Mayne and Perche to make hauock of all that he left behind and afterward to returne to Paris The Duke d' Mayne hauing so deuided his army with one part of the same giueth to himselfe many alarum in that retire to Paris It is said before how about the beginning of Aprill the King considering the reasonable proffers of the King of Nauarre who in his great prosperity and when he might haue enlarged his authority farre and wide throughout al France proffered peace and ayd vnto the King to his great disaduantage at length necessitie inforced the saide King to conclude a truce with the King of Nauarre for a whole year beginning at the 3. day of Aprill 1589. and ending the same day of the same moneth in the yeare 1590. inclusiuely The conditions of the said truce were agreâ—d vppon and promised to be obserued by the two Kings the 26. of Aprill First in publication of the same truce the King with a long discourse doth protest of his consiancy in the Catholick religion and opposeth the proofes which he hath shewed from his youth vp as well in his priuat profession and exercises as in pursuing the contrary religion by all meanes and restablishing the said romish religion in places where it had béene abolished against the calumnies false reports and slaunders of the Leaguers On the contrarie sheweth how his enemies haue taken the pretence of religion and discharging the people of sundry exactions to make associations to strengthen themselues to replenish the realme with tumults and confusions whereby they haue giuen opportunity to the heretickes to abolish the Catholik religion and to enlarge theirs and they themselues haue by sundry cruelties and extortions oppressed his subiects of the Catholick religion he complaineth that the Leaguers hauing attempted against his person and proclaymed an open war against him and his authority who through their iniuries haue enforced him to call the King of Nauarre to his naturall and lawfull defence against their rebellions and treasons Secondly he declareth how the King of Nauarre acknowledging his duty toward his Maiesty and pittying the miserable state of the realme subuerted brought to a lamentable confusion by the Leaguers hath instantly required peace of him Whereupon by the aduise of the Princes of the bloud officers of the Crowne and Lords of his Counsell he hath concluded a truce and ceasing from all hostility throughout the whole tralme therein comprehending the County of Venisse and state of Auignon belonging to the
Pope the said truce to begin the third day of Aprill and to continue a whole yeare The conditions of the said truce are as followeth First that the King of Nauarre shall not during the time of the said truce employ his forces within nor without the realme but for his seruice and at his commaundement and direction Secondly that wheresoeuer the King of Nauarre shall come he shall alter change nor innouat nor interrupt the exercise of the romish religion nor shew any displeasure to the Priests nor to the places of their deuotions Thirdly that whatsoeuer place Towne Citie Castell or Fortresse he shall take by any meane whatsoeuer immediatly deliuer the same to the Kings pleasure Last of all the King graunteth to them of the reformed religion the liberty of their consciences wheresoeuer within his dominions and the exercise of the same in places were it was exercised at the time of the concluding of this truce also that they all shall enioy their goods wheresoeuer so that likewise they shall suffer the Catholikes to enioy the freedome of their religion and goods in places which are in their power This was proclaymed and recorded in Parliament the thirtie day of Aprill at Tours the day of theyr interuiewe About the same time in like manner the king of Nauarre did set foorth a declaration of the causes of these truces wherein first he doth protest that in all these ciuill warres he hath armed himselfe and his friendes against his will nature and necessitie enâ—orcing him so to doe and sheweth that his warre of the League began vnder a pretence and shadow of religion but in very deede is found a war of estate Protesteth that his great desire hath beene alwayes to doe some good and acceptable seruice to the king Complayneth of the malice of his enemies disguised and coloured with fauourable pretences to ouerthrow the State Commendeth the king who at length hath with a good iudgement discerned his innocencie from their malice through so great and thick mist of colours and calomnies of his enemies Secondly he sheweth that the Leaguers making the world beleeue to warre against the reformed religion whome they doe cal heretikes neuer went to seeke them out where they were but abusing of the kings authoritie and power which they had â—â—il in hand to that end haue by the said forces surprized the townes and fortresses which were furthest and least suspected of religion Thirdly he sheweth that they haue not vsed their preachers and Iesitites to conuert the pretended hereticks as they should haue done but in all places where they haue borne the sway haue made them serue for trompets of sedition and firebrands to sound the alarum and to set the whole Realme on a fire and miserable combustion to rayse the subiects against their prince to seduce them from the obedience of their magistrats to dispose them to tumults alteration and noueities whereby they haue procured an horrible deformitie in the Realme a generall and incredible rebellion by the which they haue banished all pietie and iustice out of all Cities and places which are vnder their tyranny Fourthly he sheweth the causes of this their reconsiliation and interuiew to haue been no respect of religion at all But that he for his parte pitying the miserable state wherunto the enemies had reduced the realm when he mought haue vsed the publike calamities of the saide state for to doe well and assure his affayres forgiuing all iniuries and discurtesies receaued vnto the realme hath offered to the king his life and meanes to assist him to restablish his authoritie which proffers the king of his clementie and goodnes accepted And vpon that acceptation that hee might the better haue meanes to doo him good seruice the sayd King bath conciuded a generall truce throughout all his Dominions for a whole yeare including therein the Countie of Venisse and state of Auignon Last of all hee chargeth and commandeth all them of his side and religion to keepe the conditions of this truee inuiolable forbidding them to enterprise innouate or alter any thing either in religion or policie in any place of the Kings dominions And as the King of his gracious goodnes had giuen libertie to them of the reformed religion to enioy the freedome of their consciences goods he willeth also the like libertie to bee giuen to the Catholikes who are in the Prouinces Townes or Cities holden by them of the reformed religion so long as this truce shall endure Among all other Prouinces which through rebellion had forsaken the Kings obedience Picardy and the I le of France had waded most déepely in that rebellion hauing generally reuolted Calis and Boloigne excepted In the I le of France there is a small Towne named Seulis in the way bewéene Champaigne and Paris that Towne also had rebelled and ioyned to the vnion of the League a Towne of no strength neither in fortifications nor situation About the beginning of Aprill the Lord Thore of the house of Mommorency went vp and downe in the Towne of Seulis conferring with the good and faithfull inhabitants of the sayd Towne who with his good and graue reasons reduced them to the Kings obedience About the beginning of May the sayd Lord Thore within the space of three dayes made a choyse and muster of able men out of the villages of the Dutchy of Mommorency so that as well of his companies as of the inhabitants of the Towne he made a sufficient number of resolute men to the number of two thousand able to stand against any forces that should seeke to assault the Towne furnishing the same aboundantly with victuall and munition and all necessary things for the kéeping and defence thereof This he did not that the place was of any such strength but reposing his trust in God who is a defender of a iust cause and in the courage faithfulnes of the inhabitants and souldiers there The Parisiens amazed to see the sâ—daine reducing of the sayd Towne to the Kings obedience did all their diligence to put out that fire kindled so néere them The Lord of Mayneuile whom wee haue sayd the Duke de Mayne had left gouernour of Paris in great hast with a company of Parisiens well armed came to besiege the sayd Towne of Seulis The Duke d'Aumale with a braue companie of horsemen and a sort of footemen arriued incontinently there after the Lord Mayneuile so that on a sodaine they besieged the Towne being at the dash to the number of foure thousand men The fourth day the Parisiens and other partakers and fellowes of the vnion came posting from many places being well horsed and furnished and found themselues that day before that Towne to the number of sixe thousand men The fift day they sent to Paris for Ordinance whereof three were sent them to wit two Canons and one Culuerine and because none would enterprise to conduct the sayd Ordinance this way was deuised In the alteration which
was made in the Citie in Ianuary last they had appoynted a Captain for euery warde of the Citie which be eightéen which by turnes should haue out of his warde twelue hundred men to march to the Boys of Vicennes nigh Paris to keepe that Castle from surprizing by the Kings friends Captaine Aubret his regiment was appointed that day to that charge to wit to conduct the Ordinance to whome was added the companie of Captaine Compan they leauing for that day the kéeping of the Castle Vicennes their baggage apparell and prouision of victuall which was gone before through the gate S. Anthony went through S. Martins gate where the Ordinance was gone before vnder the charge of one Brigard Procurator of the Towne-house They arâ—iued with these three pâ—eces at Seulis the sixt day of May in the euening At their arriuing they saluted the Towne with a peale of that Ordinance At the noyse therof they of the Towne on a sudden came to the Towne walles and offered to make as great a breach in the wall as they would demaund and so to ease them from taking so much paynes as to vse the Canon shot The Duke d'Aumale presently sent to summon them to yeeld vnto composition they within promised to make an answere the morrowe following Vpon this answere a Post of the Towne went to Paris to bring them good newes which encreased greatly by the way as the manner is there the report went that Seulis had proffered thréescore thousand Crownes some multiplied that to one hundered thousand for their rauâ—some The 7. day they of the Towne gaue their answere both by portraiture and by mouth for they all night had portrayed on a cloath the Dukes de Mayn Aumale hanged on gibbets the Dutchesse Montpensier kneeling at the feete of them with her head all vncouered weeping and wailing and tearing her haire which they caused to be set on the morrow being the 7. of May to bee spread vpon the walles the people crying with vile and reproachful speaches that the same was the portraiture of the composition that they demaunded Vpon the sight of this picture and words spoken out of the wall they sent agayne to Paris for more Ordinance to beat the Towne to dust for they had sworne so to doo The Parisiens made excuse that they lacked Bullets and such Pieces as they demaunded The cause of this excuse was not lacke of will to do so much mischiefe as the other intended to haue done but for feare of the ielousies betweene the Duke de Mayne and Aumale for the Duke Aumale had béen greatly and oftentimes desired after his departure from thence to returne to Paris which he denyed to doo The Parisiens therefore fearing that Aumale hauing such forces as hee had at Seulis and expected dayly from the Lord Balagny and hauing store of Ordinance and munition either might turne all these forces agaynst them or keepe them short from hauing any victuals out of Picardie or to make a third faction and to striue with the Duke de Mayne about the state and so weaken their party to expose them to be a pray for the King The Duke d' Aumale seeing that there was little succour to bee expected from Paris sent to Peronne where he had sixe pieces of Ordinance and out of Anjous one which were conducted to Seulis by y e Lord Balagny gouernour of Cambray About the 13. day of May they of Seulis made a sally out of the Towne with a hundered horsemen whereat they that besieged the towne were so amased that they thought best to flee so the Parisiens casting away their armor fled and hid themselues in bushes on euery side Of these hundered horsemen fiftie returned into the towne and the other fifty kept the field for to ayde any that might come to succour them About the 15. of May the Lord Balagny with his companies of Wallons Cambresines and Picardines came and ioyned to the D. Aumale with sixe pieces of Ordinance which hee had taken at Peronne and Anjous as is aforesayd The 12. day of May they began to batter Seulis with ten pieces of battery and within a while hauing made a great breach the enemy confusedly gaue the assault who was repulsed with some losse The same day about noone word came to the enemy that the Duke of Longueuille accompanied with the Lordes of Humieres Bonniuet la Nowe Giury Mesuiller and Tour and other nobles of Picardy were at hand to the number of a thousand horsemen and three thousand footmen to rescue the towne of Seulis Whereupon the Lord Balagny pitched in campe the best power of his men and beeing then accompanied with the Lords of Mainuile of Saisseual Mezieres and Congy with others approched somewhat neere to the Duke of Longueuille in good hope to discomfit him The horsemen of Cambray and the Wallons also first charged the footmen of the Duke of Longueuille The said footmen departed themselues in the middle gaue roome for the ordinance to shoot which at the first volye made a great flaughter of the Cambresines and Wallons who lyking not that play recyred backe with greater hast then they went to it but afterward they came all to a set battaile fought stoutly on both sydes and with great courage but the Ordinance of the Duke of Longueuille made still so great spoite of the enemy that conceauing a great dread they began to wauer neither could the Duke d' Aumale nor the Lord Balagny by any perswasions encourage them nor bring them to good order agayne so the confusion and terror encreasing the whole army which besieged the towne fled away presently The Duke of Longueuille his power with the power which was in the Towne issuing forth did so follow the chase that with handy blowes they killed as many as they could ouertake There remayned slayne of the rebels vpon the place betweene fifteene hundred and two thousand as many were slaine in the chase besides them who were slayne in the Villages by the countrey people All the Ordinance and munition of warre bagge baggage was left behind The Duke d' Aumale had a blow which did him no good the Lord Balagny had an other which did him no great hurt hoth of them fled to Paris in lesser company then when they went to Seulis The Duke d' Aumale the 19. of May went out of Paris fearing there to be welome and mistrusting the snares of de Mayne mutiny and factions of the Parisiens he retyred to Saint Denis Balagny remayned in Paris faining there that hee would take order for the gathering of the Souldiers breathing out cruell threatning what hee would doo and promising to the Parisiens that a new supply of Wallons would come out of the low Countrey he cheareth the people of Paris who were smitten with the dread of Iericho The selfe same day the rebels of Rion in Auuergne had an ouerthrow no lesse then this but the particularityes are not knowen vnto me for lacke
of instructions We haue inserted by digression the iudgements which God hath executed vpon the rebels before Seulis First how they were conuicted of treason and felony vpon the walles of Seulis and there their cheefest Captains hanged Neither was that a play of boies but the worke of God which by that fearefull picture would haue admonished both the headlings and vnderlinges of that rebellion of their offence of his iudgements executed vppon rebels in all ages and put them in remembrance of their duty Secondly wee haue seene a blow geuen of God vnto such vnfaithfull Traitors despisers of Gods Ordinance in earnest of heauier plagues if through repentance they do not returne to their dutifull obedience Now wee will returne to shew the effectes of the meeting and interuiew of the two Kinges at Tours the 30. of Aprill It is sayd how the Duke de Mayne tooke a fright as soon as he heard of this interuiew returned to Vendosme where soiorning a few dayes hee ordered his army placed part of them in garrisons in diuers townes and holdes as is said It is said also how he had sent to the Duke Aumale to send him some supply of horsemen out of Picardy that he might be the better able to geue the blow so long intended The King of Nauarre taking for some dayes counsell with the King about the publike affaires made some light roads in the Countrey about which was leagued expecting to haue al his forces in a readines to do some exploit At length the said King of Nauarre vnderstanding how that the Duke de Mayne fled with parte of his army about the thirteenth day of May followed him so neere vppon the heeles that he put all straglers which were left behind to the sword and did so scoure the countrey of Beausse that not one of the enemyes durst shew themselues abroad out of their holdes Whilest the King expected certayne regiments of Suissers and other forces which did dayly prepare to come to hiâ— thâ— King of Nauarre soiorning in Beausse about Boysgency had sent the Lord Lorges to scoure the countrey toward Chasteaudune and Bonaual and retyred to his house of Lorges nigh Marchesnoyre The Duke d' Aumale had sent the Lord Saueinze with some companies of Picardy but specially the Lords of Brosses with sixe or seuen score gentlemen al the choise of the Nobility in Picardy that were fauouring that side and soiorned at Chartres This Saueinze tooke with him his companies of Picardy and Arcleinuile for the Duke de Mayne gouernour at Chartres accompanied with fifty horses intending to haue surprised the Lord Lorges Arcleinuile went before to view the countrey and to know who stirred in the fieldes The 18. of May the King of Nauarre sent the Lord Chastilion accompaniâ—d with the Lords Fouqueroles Charboniere Harambure Mony Resny Saint Sere Fresillon and Chambalame and other gentlemen to make warre with two hundred horsemen and as many harquebuziers and by Boysgency vnderstood that these troupes of Picary sent by the Duke d' Aumale came that way to haue met the Lord Lorgâ—s the Lord Chastilion therefore with his companies directed his way toward Bonaual and tooke with him the Lord Fonquerantes with twenty of his gentlemen for scoute they met Arcleinuile with fifty horses with him The Lord Chastilion maketh towards him to charge him and so vsed the matter that they killed sixe men of the enemy Arcleinuile hauing no great lyking of that play retired and gaue the alarum to the rest of the troupes a quarter of a mile comming orderly vnder the leading of Saueinze he had 30. Harquebuziers of the Lord Forceuille and many other Gentlemen of name making in all the number of sixe hundred men The Lord Chastilion changed his pace with a trot for to entertaine them Charboniere and Harambure with their companies of light horsemen were on his left wing on the other side Saueuze setting forth before his Harquebuziers set his company of Launciers in rankes and commeth a great pace without breaking ranke for the space of a quarter of a mile The Trompets sound the charge on both sides The Lord Chastilion casteth about a little to stay for his Harquebuziers he deuideth his horsmen into two companies and hauing placed his footmen goeth to the skirmish Saueuze commeth forth very brauely and couragiously galloping for thirty paces his Harquebuziers on horsebacke gaue the onset neere ynough The Lord Chastilion his footmen receaued them who after the first Harquebuziers were discharged euen during the fight rushed in among the horsmen killed many horses with their swords of the Lord Chastilion his men were slayne one that had beene of the King of Nauarre his guardes and two souldiers of the garrison of Boysgency and no more Saueuze who on a sudden had bent him selfe against the light horsemen charged so furiously the Lord Chastilion that the first rankes were broken which hee vnhorsed and layed along and eight or ten of his gentlemen incurred the like misfortune among whom was the Lord Mony Rosny Saint Sere Freslon Chamberlan and among them three were hurt with Launces twenty or thirty of their horses slaine The Brosses set vppon the rereward of the Lord Chastilion which were greatly distressed At length the Lord Chastilion and others that were ouerthrowen recouered themselues and fell a fighting with their swordes on foot and he aduaunced so far that he was hurt in the face In the meane while the Lords Harambure Charboniere and Fonquerules with their companies set vpon Saueuze and his troupes so furiously that they entred and brake a ray put the enemies to flight in such sort that they could not gather together agayne There were slayne some of their Captayns all the gentlemen of Picardy and aboue threescore in the flight so that there were aboue two hundered of the enemies slayne but specially all the Harquebuziers two cornets were taken and the bearers slayne forty Gentlemen were taken and among them Saueuze and Forceuile Many of account were hurt The Lord Chastilion lost but thrée men as is aforesayd this execution was done nigh Bonaual about foure a clocke in the after noone Here Christian Reader may wee see the great goodnes and mercy of God which calleth sinners and transgressors to repentance sending them messengers and tokens of his wrath denouncing them assured destruction for first at Seulis the Lord represented vnto the heads of the league the greatnes of their trespasse by the painted punishment deserued Secondly the Lord prospered the Kings armies with three noble victoryes in two dayes in the sigâ—t in a maner and hearing of three great and mighty rebeiled citiyes to wit at Seulis nigh Paris and at Rions in Auuergne and at Bonaual not far from Orleans Furthermore the Lord hath executed yet most terrible iudgements since because they despysed these gracious warâ—â—â—gs by consuming them with a long and continuall disease as if it were with a phisike carrying with them the worme of the conscience
to passe Now therefore they must search out some way to bring such a bold and daungerous enterprise to possibilitie he that shall happily vndertake that feate ought to bee willing bold sturdie and quicke handed and a man so qualified that without any suspition may haue a speedie and sure accesse to the Kings person Many offered themselues to be the executioners of that vilanous act But it was considered that they could not passe through so many gards and doores without suspition which if they should bee taken by torments they would be made coufesse the matter and that would be a caâ—eat to him to looke more diligently to himselfe which would bring the matter to impossibilitie Many are solicited thereunto by great and fayre promises and lacked no good will but onely courage But aduising themselues of the Kings more then supersticious heart concluded to make choyse of some saucie desperat wretch who couered with the cloake of hypocrisie might pearce through all the gardes of the Kings house without any suspition or examination To spie out such a one as would vndertake to atchieue such a desperate parricide was committed specially to one Pichnard an incestuous most vilanous person This Pichnard therefore to giue some good grace to this tragedie brought in a Frier to play the diuels part such a one as might at all times assure himselfe of free accesse And for as much as among all other sects of idolatrous Friers the Dominicans were most welcome to the King he made his choyse of one of that order for the determined execution as shall hereafter be declared But we will by a digression shewe the holines of that order of Dominican Friers and others that it may appeare that it is not newe nor contrary vnto Frierie and Monkerie to bee hold readie and strong to commit all vilanie All about one time out of the bottomlesse pit of hell by a iust iudgement of God to reuenge the vnthankfulnes and idolatries of the world and to fill the measure of iniquitie of the spirituall Sodome by Antichrist there issued two frogges with lying spirits to seduce vtterly the world to wit Francis in Italy and Dominick in Spayne two misbegotten monsters in all respects one like to another saue onely in their haire and king of francie These two seducers like in hypocrisie ignorance superstition idolatrie and rage were possessed with diuers spirits of francie For Francis was a franticke sot ignorance it selfe made onely to make the world laugh with his follies and yet by his follies such was that accursed age he gat himselfe a great fame and reputation of holinesse and drewe after him an infinite number of disciples of the like humour to his Dominick in Spayne was of a hotter francie so that it may bee sayd of him as of Caligula vrceus conflatus ex luto sanguine immanitate oppletus For his owne Friers doo write of him that whilest he was in his mothers wombe she dreamed that she was deliuered of a Dogge that held a burning Torch wherewith he kindled a fire in the world and set it to combustion What this mad Dogge did in France the horible murthers which he caused to be committed vpon the Albigeoys who after the cruell conflicts of the Waldenses with Antichrist had restored the Gospell in Guien Gascoyne and Languedock but specially in the territorie of the Citie Alby as also the raging follies which was committed at Tholouse were incredible to report except his owne disciples had written them in his legend His disciples after him haue shewed no lesse furie and rage in diuers respects but specially vppon the most noble Emperour Henry the 7. of the noble house of Bauierne who did poyson him with the powder of beaten Diamonds mingled in his challice when they did minister to him such a communion as they had deuised of their owne For that cause onely that the good Emperour wished had some speaches about the reforming of the Church But the accursed rage of the Inquisition which doth consist most of Dominican Fryers hath so farre surpassed all the tyrants that euer were that O yee Busiris Perillus Phalaris Nero Caligula Domitian Heliogabalus and thou vnnaturall house of Otheman and yee that are famous for any notorious wickednes reioyce for your infamy is iustified by the raging cruelty of these Atheistes Sorcerers Negromancers Idolaters Enchaunters and Parricides the accursed Dominican Fryers and the whole rabble of Friery and Monkery against the Church and Christian Princes I leaue off the hipocrisy enchauntments and sorceries which these companions played at Berna and Orleans no maruaile therefore if wee heare neuer a pleasant tale but of the deedes of Friers wee neuer laugh but at theyr follies we neuer wonder but at their impudency we are neuer astonished but at their furie we neuer tremble but at their rage we neuer see a mery play but a Frier playeth the Deuils part Pichnard therefore considering all things as is aforesaid thought good to pick out such a one as was brought vp in Dominiks schoole well practised and exercised in the affaiers of their order Whereuppon he solicited one Iames Clement another S. Dominicke in all respects in ignorance exceeding so that he knew no more then his Portiforia such a one as for his lewdnes and for beeing taken often tymes in stewes and whorehouses had béen by the order of their discipline diuersly punished This Frier Iames was in great fauour before with the lady Montpencier sister to the late Duke of Guyze being her confessor not for any good quallity in him but because hee was a lusty sturdy ghostly father among Ladies of her religion could giue her such good counsell as could please her well Pichnard perceaued this companion to bee a fit instrument to execute their damnable and deuilish sentence made motion of the matter to him The Frier although very desirous of the Kings death yet willing that it should be done rather by another then by himselfe feared to thrust himselfe into that assured danger of a present death was vnwilling to heare any more of that Fryer Iames is called in There were the Dukes de Mayne Aumale Nemours the Lordes Rosne Sagonne Brissak Boysdaulphin Villeroy and such good Catholikes and to fill the messe there was Pagarola Fryer Sixtus his Chaplaine a very louing Priest and one that can write very louing letters to the Curtisans of Rome to giue them such spirituall counsell as he can skill They had poore silly Frier Iames Clement vnder benedicite there they shewed to this accursed parricide what a good deed he might doo to deliuer holy Church from the tiranny of Henry the third who was become an heretike and that with one blow hee might procure peace to the whole realme and a blessed quietnes to the holy Church They shewed vnto him how his order had done many times such good seruice to holy Church as in ridding away the Emperour Henry the 7. who intended to persecute
holy Church They let him vnderstand how among all other order of Friers his had deserued the greatest praise in spilling daily the bloud of heretikes as water in the townes and citties of Spaine and Jtaly and all for the honor of God and exaltation of holy Church But this pinch would be the noblest act that euer was done by any man the rememberance thereof should remaine for euer and his name should be made immortall thereby and if he should die he should dye a glorious Martir as Thomas Becket did in England Afterwad he was brought to the Ladies catholike and chast women the Duchesses of Montpencier Guyze Aumale Nemours Foyeuse the mother and the holy Virgin the Ladie Saint Beufue who as a speciall fauour had bestowed the pockes of late vpon the Duke de Mayne and beside diuers of the principall leaguers in the time of her Virginitie This Lady is of such holynes that shee is neither a maide nor wife nor widow in this company were Thais Lais and Bacchis of Corinthus all holy Catholike women They began to shriue the Frier if they were men or if they could be so transformed into men that they might haue accesse to the tirant they could finde in their harts to stabbe him that is a speciall point of honor which they do proffer him to doo such a famous deed It is hereditarie to his order to exalt the Church and to deliuer it hee is a man endued with strength they haue béen his good Ladies they haue fauoured him greatly and pleasured him in any thing that euer he requested What will hee not do so much at their request they must die all and all the citie of Paris what a good deede it is to saue the liues of Princesses Ladies good Citizens deuout Priests and religious men of so many innocents whose death the tirant had sworne with the razing of the cittie If he refuseth to do that good deede they thinke him not to be that man that they tooke him for They shewed him how easy it was to performe it for there were many Leaguers and their partakers in his counsell in his court in his chamber in his campe in his gardes who would assist him and if any danger should stirre they would defende him and rescue him and that none would bee so hardie as to proffer him a blowe for else Frier Pagarola would fome like a boare and thunder like a deuill against them What and if it should happen that he should die for holy Church then he should be happie to deserue the name of Martir that his brother Frier Sixtus would make him a Sainâ—t But if hee returne safe as hee shall no doubt God forbid else hee shall be well rewarded in money hee shall haue a Bishopricke for his paines Frier Paugarola will procure Frier Sixtus to make him a Cardinall for a Frier will doo for a Frier and who knowes not that by these meanes hee may be made Pope after Frier Sixtus is weary of his roome To bee short if hee will not do it he shall see with his eies his good Ladies all his order all the good Catholikes of the whole citty of Paris put to the sword the cittie razed for the tirant hath sworne both he shall die himselfe an assured death ere it bee long the holy Masse the holy Saints Images and relikes the Churches shall all be destroyed and the heretikes shall haue all thinges all these mischiefes cannot be auoyded but by his death By these perswasions the accursed Fryer otherwise ready ynough to all mischiefe is induced to commit one of the most villanous parts which euer was committed in France So Sathan hauing possessed his hart the Fryer perswadeth himselfe that an Angell hath appeared vnto him and commaunded him to kill the King he opened this to another Fryer which was greatly esteemed in Paris by reason of a good opinion of great holines which the people had of him The other Fryer doth encourage him promiseth him that by doing such a holy deed he shall deliuer the Church and set the whole realme at quiet banish warre and restore a most assured and perpetuall peace as Iudith did deliuer Betulia by the death of Holofernâ—s Behold Christian reader the King condemned to dye the executioner to commit the parricide sought out by Pichenard perswaded by the heads of the League and some Ladies belonging to them deluded by Sathan confirmed in this delusion by another Frier as good as himselfe with assured promise of a most sure and constant peace Frier Clement desireth to knowe how he may doo it surely and safely The Leaguers therefore enter into deliberation about three things to wit the accesse to the Kings person the stroke and secrecie As for the first poynt to conuey him to the Kings person they considered his coate which for the reuerence and loue which the King did beare to it would prepare him the way Secondly whereas the rebels in seazing vpon Paris after the death of the Duke of Guize had taken the Senate prisoner and did as yet hold a great many prisoners and among other the first President of the Senate named the President Harlay They had also in like sort many of the chiefest Citizens for bearing good will to the King or because they were rich as is aforesayd whom they detayned in like manner prisoners The sayd Lord President and some of the sayd Citizens procured to write letters vnto the King which should bee deliuered to Frier Iames Clement They taught him also a lesson contayning matters of importance with commaundement that they should not be disclosed vnto any man but vnto the King onely and that in secret As for the stroke it must néedes bee deadly too for els it would but increase their miserie and such a blowe could not bee giuen but by a secret weapon that might bee hidden easily about him for otherwise if it could be perceiued it would make the King more warie hereafter and carefull of himselfe But what could be more fit then a knife which might bee easily conueyed in the Friers sleeue and whose noyse might not detect the treacherie But yet there was another mischance to be preuented for the wouÌ„d of a knife might light vppon such a place as could not be deadly they finde the meanes to worke surely that if he cannot kill him out of hand yet that at length it may be his death Therefore Frier Paugarola Frier Sixtus his Chaplaine must blesse the knife with some poulderdoribus of Rome which such men as he is doo commonly carry in store for great holines among other holy reliques of Rome hauing greater force theÌ„ their Agnus dei or any other agios others they haue to worke miracles and such as the master Frier in Rome dooth vse to giue in a drench to his friends when hee is wearie of their companie to make them giue roome But because such waightie matters cannot bee kept so close very long but will vent out
therefore least the smoake of this execrable intended parricide should flee ouer the walles of Paris and so by giuing intelligences their haynous vnnaturall and hellish treason and murther might bée preuented it was diligently prouided that no man should goe out of Paris before the exployt were done Therefore the gates were shut vp and carefully kept and all the issues at the Suburbes end straightly and narrowly watched that no man could goe to tell tales out of the schoole Now the Frier hath on his hypocriticall coate his letters in his hand his lesson in his head his poysoned knife in his sleeue order is taken that no intelligences may be giuen the way is made plaine before this diuellish murtherer euen as farre as to the Kings gate the doores are made open to him by these meanes the execution is to bee performed speedily least delay should disappoynt his enterprise This murtherer accompanied with the other Frier who had confirmed him in his reuelation or illusion wherewith Sathan had deluded him as is aforesayd the 21. of Iuly which by the newe heauen of the Popes making is the first of August out of Paris taking his way to S. Clow which is a Towne vpon Seyne beneath Paris two small leagues and comming to the Campe he tolde them whome hée met first that he had letters from the first President and certaine other Parisiens well affected to the king which contayned matters of great importance and beside that hee had great and waightie things to disclose to the King The King being scarce ready and aduertised of this accursed Friers comming commaunded that he should attend and that speedily hee should be admitted to his speach the Frier did attend with his letter in his hand which he said was from the first president detained prisoner The King being made ready and at such an houre as he was wont to enter into his oratory and when it was not lawfull not for the Princes of the bloud to haue accesse vnto him caused that sauage murtherer to be called to him The Frier came before the King with a bolde countenance the King looking merily vpon him said these words amice ad quid venisti The Frier making a low and humble reuerence euen to the ground gaue the King the letter which he said came from the first president of Paris which letters when the King had read asked the Frier what newes hee brought from Paris the Frier answered that hee had matters of great importance to declare vnto him Whereupon the King commaunded two Gentlemen who waited and serued him at his vprising to goe foorth out of the chamber and sat downe in a chayre to heare what the Frier would say The Frier drew nigh to the King and falling vpon his knées began to tell a tale the King stouping somewhat low to heare what the Frier was about to say gaue more attendance to his words than to his fingers The Frier drawing softly his knife out of his sléeue stabbed the King there with in the lower part of the belly and made hast to get away The King amazed at the suddaine and vnexpected stroak cried out and laying hand vpon a dagger that lay nere him stroak the Frier who partly for the blow partly for feare fell presently down Vppon this noyse the Lordes came running into the Kings chamber and after many woundes slew that cursed Frier Some doo report that the King commaunded that hee should not bee flaine but taken vp and examined which declared who set him on and the authors names of so vile treacherie the wound was presently dressed and as the report went seauen stitches made in it at length the wound being dressed hee was laide on his bed and slept a little vppon his paine and griefe After his sleepe hee made his praiers vnto God and with a loude voyce made a confession of his faith and of the féeling which he had of his redemption adding there unto this feruent praier IF it bee to thy glorie O God and the commodity of thy people graunt me I most humblie desire first pardon of my sinnes and then some longer dayes of life But if it be otherwise I thanke thee most highly O Father that thou doost barre me hence forth from the thraledome of sinne whereby we most oftentimes procure thy wrath against vs and therefore I am ready most willingly to come where thou callest me The King hauing made an end of his praiers sendeth for his brother the King of Nauarre and for the chiefest Lords of his court gouernours and captaines but specially for the heads of the strangers to the intent that if it were Gods will that hee should dye they might knowe his last will First speaking to the King of Nauarre commended vnto him the charge of his Realme the gouernement of his subiects the lawes of France Often times he repeated wordes whereby hee charged the said King of Nauarre to haue a speciall care to keepe Christes flocke in vnity and concord and to preserue the godly and ancient institutions of the realme requested him that by all meanes he would pacify the matter of religion in France and not to alter any thing therein but by the aduise of a generall or naturall counsell lawfully called which things the King of Nauarre promised to doo To the rest of Princes Lords and Noblemen he signified that the lawfull succession of the royall state of France fell not to any other then to the person of Bourbon and declared at that time the King of Nauarre first successor he prayed and exhorted the whole company to acknowledge him and to be faithfull vnto him willed them also to protest in his presence all with one voice the acknowledging of him and to promise true obedience vnto him as to the true lawfull and naturall heire of the Crowne willed them also to cause the like promise and acknowledgement to be made in the Campe by all true and faithfull Captaines and Souldiers that could not be present at that assembly consisting as well of Frenchmen as strangers In all these speaches he shewed himselfe of a good cheere which caused all men to hope that hee stoode in no danger of death The said King sent presently letters to all Prouinces and Cities to aduertise them how things had passed at S. Clow and of his will and last Testament requiring all his faithfull Subiects to protest the fulfilling thereof The second day toward the euening there appeared in the King accidents prognosticating an assured danger not so much through the nature of the wound as through the poysoned contagiousnes of the weapon wherwith the wound was made so that all remedies being vsed by the Phisitions and Chirurgions to preuent the danger and nothing preuailing the King called againe to him the King of Nauarre and other Princes and Lords before whom he greatly bewailed the accursed ciuill warres which had béen the vndooing of his house his nobility and realme and the breeders of so many
treacheries and treasons whereof he feeleth the smart imputing the causes thereof vnto himselfe in that hee had alwaies preferred the bad and violent counsell of his secret enemies before the good wise moderat admonitions and warnings of the Princes of his bloud and many other Princes strangers and faithfull friends willeth him to make a iust reuenge for example sake vpon the authors of such a vile act The King of Nauarre with the rest of the Princes and Nobility departing very sorowfull and dismaied the King called for his Confessor to whose eare he confessed his sinnes and hauing craued pardon for his offences said that he had a sensible feeling that they were forgeuen him through Christ The Mediatour desired to communicat of his sacred body and that all might heare that he had receaued fréely of God the forgeuenes of sinnes in like casehe not onely forgaue the conspiratours but also the very murtherer and procurers of the murther so the poyson preuailing and scattering it selfe through did infect the noble parts whereby the night following the 22. of Iuly he yeelded his soule vnto God Here Christian Reader thou mayest see with the eye notable examples both of Gods iustice and mercy shewed vppon this noble King of a noble kingdome issued out of noble Kings First how this King hauing obstinatly persecuted the Gospell partly for hatred partly at the pleasure and solicitation of Priestes and Fryers and other sycophants and clawbackes who were continually about him and set him on still that vnder the colour of catholike Church and rooting out of heresie they might weaken him spoile him of his authority of his Kingdome and at length of his life For they neuer gaue ouer nor left him at rest vntill they had snatehed his forces out of his hand and kept his armies alwayes in their hands or of their friends and partakers then by calumnies slaunders libels seditious preachings had procured the contempt and hatred of his subieets agaynst him Moreouer vpon oportunity they seazed vppon his Townes and fortresses expelled him out of his owne house seat city of his kingdome and of his realme condemned him twise to die and at last executed that condemnation with hipocrisy and treachery which thing they could not bring to passe by force Who did all these vnnaturall iniuries vnto their naturall King They whom he had so far fauoured as to expose his goods his state his credit his honor his life for the defence of their iuglings filthy pleasures pride ambition and atheisme to wit of the Priests Monks Fryers and Guyzes in whose loue fidelity and force he trusted more then in God But behold with trembling the iudgements of the Lord which are all righteous and pure This King had not harkened vnto Gods wisedome which-cryed in the streates of the Citie O ye foolish how long will yee loue foolishnes Gods wisedome therefore forsooke him in the day of calamitie and so his table was made an occasion of fall vnto him so that his familiar friends with whom hee tooke sweet counsell together in the temple of their Gods haue lifted vp their heeles agaynst him This second iudgement of God is also to be considered with feare and trembling The famous Gaspar Coligny Admiral of France with a great number of the chiefest Nobilitie of the Realme were most vniustly and cruelly murthered in the yeare 1572. the 24. of August This King being then King Charles the 9. his brother and Duke of Anjou who issued out of noble rase not regarding his degree debased himselfe so farre as to become the chiefest Captayne of an accursed sedition and procurer of such a murther as hated both of God and man the fame thereof shall be execrable and stinking in the eares of men for euer And after the murther most cruell indignities were shewed vpon the dead bodies of the sayd Admirall and his fellowes who after were carried to bee hanged at the place where men executed for exemplarie iustice are hanged in chaynes called Monâ—faucon which lieth right against the place where the King was murthered on the North side of the riuer Seyne so that euen as Pompey after the poluting of the Temple of Ierusalem did neuer prosper but after many calamities suffered came to Alexandria where in the hauen as a man should say in the sight of the Temple he was villanously murthered by them whom he trusted Euen so this King after that murther thereby hauing poluted the Temple of iustice neuer prospered and from the Lord deliuered into the hands of vile and base men whom he trusted was brought to receaue the punishment for that murther nigh to that place where they had executed the vttermost poynt of infamie vppon the bodies of the sayd Admirall and other noble men Thirdly whereas S. Peter in his second Epistle and second Chapter doth forwarne the Saints both of false Prophets and errors which they shall bring foorth with them among others maketh mention that they shal not onely contemne but also shall speake euill of authorities Behold thou Christian reader hast seene in the former bookes of this historie all the prankes which this holy League hath played for the space of these twelue yeares all the horrible villanies poysonings and murthers by them committed and hauing in their mouthes nothing els but holy League holy Vnion holy Church holy Catholike faith euen holy murthers and all that is prophane wicked and damnable is holy with them so that it be for holy Church God through iustice and mercie in this peruerse age dangerous times when men will not discerne the trueth from lying by the word but by their affection according to the doctrine of S. Paul 1. Tim. 4. hath marked by these their abominations as with a hot burning yron their idolatries hypocrisie and false religion that men looking vppon the fruites may iudge of the goodnes of the tree which beareth them So in his grace and fauour he hath preserued his Saints professors of his word from such abominable déedes that his trueth being iustified may be louing and amiable vnto men carying the stampe and grauen image of the sonne of God which is innocencie mildnes and perfect Christian loue Herein also is noted the mercifulnes of God who will loose none of his children This king dyed not presently of that wound but God prolonged his life both to giue him time of repentance and to lay the foundation of the restablishing of that afflicted estate For first as concerning his repentance it doth appeare that hée entered déepely into he consideration of his sinnes and by that foundation of faith which remayned in him confessed in the symbole touching the death of Christ the forgiuenes of sinnes through him made him as if it were forget the most part of the idolatrous fantasies and tromperies in the which he had béen brought vp and delighted all the daies of his life and necessitie and feeling of his sinnes enforced him to repose himselfe on the onely sacrifice of
the Sonne of God So the Lord knoweth who are his Herein also appeareth euidently the mercifulnes of God who worketh all things to the best and comfort of his children For when as the Rebels and murtherers supposed that by the Kings death they might easily make an alteration of the state and transferre the Crowne vpon the head of the Duke de Mayne and so disappoynt the Princes of Bourbon of their right of succession the Lord turned al their counsels vpside downe For the Lord mooued the King lying on his death bed when he was in perfect memorie and farthest as the manner in such a case from all manner of affection and parciality to pronounce his sentence and decrée or rather supplying the person of God to proclayme the King of Nauarre right heire and successor of the crowne and by the inuocation of the glorious name of GOD bâ—und the Princes péeres Nobles Captaines and Souldiours to yéeld him dutifull obedience so that God himselfe hath béene the iudge of his cause giuing sentence on his side by him whome he appoynted his officer in that behalfe It will stand Thus much of the vnworthy death of so great a King in whom ended the issue of the noble house of Engolesme according vnto the fatall period of great Noble and mighty families which is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wherein we haue to note the whole family excepted onely Francis the first as Henry the second Francis the second Charles the ninth Francis Duke of Aniou and this last King Henry the third 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 per sanguinem ruit and haue died of an vntimely or violent death because they were polluted with that accursed woman Catherine Medicis Pope Clement his sisters brothers daughter And so making an end of the Epitasis of this vnnaturalltragedie played by leaguers we will make an end likewise of this 6. Booke Here endeth the 6. Booke THE SEVENTH BOOKE NOw we will follow the Catastrophe and last act which although it be full of Calamities yet it is like to bee ended with a ioyfull and happie successe The King beeing dead great heauines and sorrowe seazed vppon men of all degrees the Campe was full of sorrow and lamentation the wise saw this to be new seeds of a world of euils which wil worke the vtter subuersion of France On the other side great reioysing was seene among the rebels and traitors authors and procurers of the murther their ioye they shewed diuers waies but speciallie with contumelies and sarcasmes demaunding one of another whether the Friers knife was sharpe enough or not The rebels in Paris certified of the assured death of the King and supposing that the army had béen greatly dismayed replenished with teares and lamentation conceaued a good hope to do some great and notable exploit and imagining that it were easie in this mourning of all men to defeat the Kings forces all that night the Duke de Mayne did muster and prepare a mighty army and early in the morning issuing out of the Suburbs was so receaued by the Kings forces that he was enforced to retire within the Citie with blowes and dishonor That morning being the third of August but by the right calender the 23. of Iuly the King of Nauarre who was appointed the Kings Generall lieutenant by the King after that hee had receaued the wound assembled the Princes Lords Nobility and Captaines to deliberat how to remedy those great euils and to put out that combustion which the rebels had kindled in all partes of the realme First there was a capitulation made and concluded betweene theKing and the said Princes and Nobles Lords gentlemen and souldiers that there should be no innouation made in the Romish religion but the same should stand and be exercised peaceably without any interruption And that the reformed religion should be contained with all liberty in the exercise thereof within the places where it was then at that present time established prouided that the Romish religion should bee there exercised also without any disturbance And that men professing these two religions liuing peaceably like good subiects should be protected by the Kings authoritie in their liues goods liberties and franchizes vntill that by a nationall Councell some good and peaceable order should bee taken for some reconsiliation or vniformitie touching religion Which thing the King promised by the faith of a Prince to kéepe inuiolably and with as much speede as might be to prouide that a Councell and méeting of the learned might be assembled This order being concluded and the obseruation thereof promised by the King all his Princes Nobles Lords Gentlemen and Captaines promised vpon their othes all duetifull fidelitie and obedience vnto the K. and to assist him with their liues goods and meanes as well in the defence of his royall authoritie agaynst all traytors rebels and Leaguers which goe about to vsurpe the state as in the execution of the exemplary punishment vpon them who haue procured or committed that haynous disloyaltie felony and treason vpon the Kings person last deceased and all others who shall be knowne consenting knowing or accessarie to the same This order being taken as the readiest and most expedient to vnite the subiects with the King being promised and sworne the King of Nauarre was saluted declared proclaymed and crowned King of France and Nauarre by the name of King Henry the 4. And whereas in this historie hée had béen discerned from the King of France by the title of King of Nauarre now in the course of this historie following he shall be simply named King without any other addition or title This noble King being proclaymed King is crowned and put in the possession of the Crowne of France due vnto him by right not with triffling childish and Monkish cerimonies with holy oyle holy water holy toyes and holy trashes but after the ancient manner of the Emperours of the Romanes in the Camp by the whole army Princes Péeres Nobles and Captaines of the kingdome Here Christian Reader is to be noted Gods most gracious fauour toward France and prouidence toward this great King for except the Lord had prepared this heroicall Prince to restablish this decayed state which was cast downe headlong into such a depth of miseries by the Leaguers as in mans iudgement it was impossible that it could euer haue been vnited againe but rather reduced into a lamentable desolation But the Lord in his mercie beholding from heauen his holy habitation with his lightfull countenance after so many tempests hath raised vp lead by the hand and placed by his own authoritie and power this great Prince on the Throan of that state whom hee hath endued with wisedome prudence fortitude moderatnes modestie iustice and pietie to bee able to heale the deadly wounds of that sickly state to pacifie the controuersies of religion to lodge therein iustice and iudgement so long exiled out of that common wealth and to restore peace so long wished and desired Againe
Mount berry remayned there a whole day to try whether the enemies hauing rested and refreshed themselues thrée dayes in Paris would haue gathered stomacke and pursued him But vnderstanding of their kinde of warre and victories which they had agaynst the Coffers of the citizens of Paris hee determined to leaue those wicked rebels to destroy one another and to take the Towne of Estampes vpon this occasion The Lord Clermont of Lodeshe in Languedocke had thrust himselfe into the sayd Towne with fiftie or threescore Gentlemen through the assurance which the Duke de Mayne had giuen them and confirmed the same by many of his letters which were intercepted that he would come to reléeue them with his armie The King by these letters knowing that the Duke de Mayne stood bound vpon his faith honour to rescue Estampes with all his armie the fift of Nouember hauing sent part of his forces to compasse the sayd towne which was done the same day early he followed and arriued at Estampes with the rest of his armie when it was dark night and at his comming he wonne the Suburbs which the enemies had made shewe to haue defended The same night also the Towne was taken the Souldiers retyring into the Castle The sixt day of Nouember the Castle was enuironed approaches made and two Culuerines placed in batterie The stout Souldiers with the Lord Clermont who did looke so bigg first seeing that the army which should rescue them did not appeare and that they had no newes of it demanded parley and yeelded themselues the same day with condition that eight of them should remayne prisoners vntill such time as they should giue eight others who were named to them to be deliuered After that agréement the King did shew that fauour to the Lord Clermont and vnto fiue others that should haue remayned prisoners to send them away vpon their oathes so there departed out of the Castell about forty Gentlemen and two hundred Souldiours who were safely conducted halfe the way to Paris The King considering that poore Towne of Estampes to haue béene taken thrée times in foure moneths and thought it had been necessary for him to haue kept a good Garison in it yet notwithstanding being of his owne nature as easie to be ouercome with â—lemency as he is inuinsible to his enemies by force was centent to take no other assurance of the towne then the oath of the inhabitants wherein he reposed his trust And that the Castell should not bée a meane of their rigorus vsage hereafter hée determined to rase it and to commit the keeping of the Towne to the townesmen onely perswading himselfe that they comparing the vsage which they haue at his hands and of his enemies together it will be the surest Garison to keepe them in obedience About the eight of Nouember the King remayning yet there arriued a Gentleman from the Quéene Dowager to the King bringing a request which she presented vnto the King veséeching him to doo her iustice for the detâ—stable murther committed vpon the person of the late King her Husband the King deferred the answer vntill such time as hée sat in counsell The ninth day of Nouember the Gentleman was called before the King and his counsel who after he had deliuered his message the request was read aloud in the presence of all the Princes Marshals of France and other Lords and Gentlemen who were then in great number about the King by the which request besides the desiring of the King shee did adiure not onely the Princes and Nobility of France but also all Christian Princes to be assisters in this cause The King making answer himselfe declared that he highly commended her vehemency in following this sute and sent the said supplication vnto his court of Parliament transported to Tours commaunding his generall atturney with the atturney of the said Lady to make information against the offenders to the end the matter might bée determined afterward in his presence in manner and forme conuenient And for his owne part he would not cease to prosecute the matter but vowed in presence of all the company to employ his trauailes and armes vntill such time as he had doue the iustice that God had appoynted him to doo So that as the pittifull tearmes of the request of the said Lady had filled the eyes of all with teares so the princelike answer of the King had quickly dried them vp and replenished their hearts with iust indignation and burnâ—ng desire of reuenge At that time all with a loud voyce renued the oath of not laying downe armes vntill such time as they had reuenged the hatefull death of the late King their master The King séeing that there was no hope to bring the enemy to a battaile but by extreame necessitie sent back the Duke of Longeuile and the Lord la Nouë with such forces as they had brought out of Picardie to refresh themselues in that Prouince he did the like also by the Lorde of Gyury who met him with a good troupe at his departure from Paris and sent him againe into the Country of Brie The King with the rest of his army determined to make a voyage to the riuer of Loyre in the meane time whilest his strange forces that were comming would be further in their way Therefore the tenth of Nouember hee departed from Estampes and marched through the Countrey of Beausse and being aduertised that the towne of Ianuile stopped all the passages he desired to winne it in passing by the way The 11. of Nouember the King arriuing the Captaine that was within it made a shew as though he would defend it but when hée sawe the Canon approach he yéelded it vp and departing with two hundered Harquebusiers the King entred therein and there stayed the day after They of the Towne receaued no displeasure nor discommodity no more then if they neuer had reiected his obedience The King leauing a good Garison in the Castell which is a good strong place departed thence the thirteenth of Nouember to the Towne of Chasteaudunne where as soone as he was arriued he sent to sommon the Towne of Vendosme which was his auncient patrimony and the ancieÌ„t title of his predecessors and because that thereby they were his double subiects they were the more culpable in taking his enemies part yet the King hauing more care to kéepe them from further offending then to punish them for their double treasons he stayed thrée dayes at Chausteaudunne to giue them time to aduise themselues Whilest the King lodged at Chasteaudune the Captaines of the Suissers arriued who were sent immediatly after the death of the late King by their Câ—lonels of the foure Regiments to knowe the pleasure of their superiours whether they should continue in seruice or aske leaue to returne home The saide messengers reported vnto the King that they had expresse charge from their Seignories to giue his Maiesty to vnderstand that they not onely doo commaund the Colonels and
Captaines of the said regiments to continue in dooing his Maiesty good and faithfull seruice but also that they did offer him all such other succour as they shall be able to make and as he shall néed holding from that houre the same aliâ—unce and good friendship confirmed with his Maiesty as they haue had with his predecessors The Lord Malbenehard some dayes before vnderstanding of the kings comming into Beausse had called vnto him certaine Gentlemen beeing his friends and with them had foure hundred Souldiours in Garison there beside the inhabitants which came to eyght hundred able men and knowing that there hee should bée besieged whilest the King was yet at Chausteaudune desired to parly with the Lord Richlieu great prouost of France with whome hee was familiarly acquainted and when the saide Prouost came to him he desired of him that without yéelding of the place the army might retyre The 16. of Nouember the King departed from Chausteaudune hauing sent part of his army before who the same day inuironed the Towne of Vendosme The same day the King arriuing at Mâ—lay before he lighted went to view the towne and castell which are both of a good reasonable strength The Towne is compassed with a great ditch well watered and a strong wall well flanked and in many places rampered within the Castell is much stronger being situated vpon an hill inuironed with a déepe ditch toward the field and it is of a great height ouer the towne it is defended with a strong wall with many Towers The same day the King caused the Suburbs to bee won and parted the Lordes Marshalls of Byron and Aumont the one of the one side of the riuer Loyre the other on the other side and hauing well considered of the forme of the siege hee determined first to deale with the Castell which being wonne the Towne could not hold long which thing would haue happened if hee had begon with the Towne The Towne of Vendosme being besieged the Lord Malbeuehard sent againe for the Lorde Richlieu who had no wiser answer then the first wherein appeared that God would make him féele the recompence of his deserts not permitting him to helpe himselfe with resolution but GOD left him in the dampe of his rebellious coÌ„science as a man troubled with giddines of the head not knowing what he did The seauentéene and eighteene dayes the King bestowed in viewing where he should place his battery putting all things in readines and being present at the workes all day long and part of the night And the night following the eighteenth day hee passed in a manner in conducting and placing the ordinance to the battery The 19. of Nouember at the dawning of the day hee began to beat two towers of the Castell and to take away the defences of the breach which he purposed to make and after the bestowing of sixe score Canon shot hauing made a hole in one of the said towers where onely 2. men could passe in front certaine Souldiers were commaunded to sée if they could lodge in the said tower they gate vp and in a furie entred the retrenchment and being followed by some conducted by the Baron of Biron and others and others by the Lord Chastilion they made those within so dismaied that after they had offered to fight they fled and abandoning the Castell ran into the towne where they were followed so néerly that part of the Kinges souldiers entered confusedly with them and made themselues within lesse then halfe an houre masters both of the towne and castell The said Malbeuehard and his souldiers being retyred into an house did yeeld incontinently vnto the Baron of Biron none otherwise then at the Kings mercie In this assault there was none of the Kings side slaine and very few of the towne All the inhabitants were pardoned saue the Lord Benehard and a seditious Franciscan Frier whom the Inhabitants accused to haue béene the Author of the mischiefs happened among them they two were executed he gaue the towne to the pillage causing the Churches carefully to be kept The 20. day he commaunded all his army to depart out of the Towne permitting no man any longer to bee pillaged or raunsomed Hee restored the ecclesiasticall persons vnto their seuerall charges much more peaceably then they were when the towne was in the occupying of the League The King beeing at Vendosme finding himselfe so neere Tours purposed to make a iourney thether to determine with the Lords of his Parliament there of certaine speciall businesse leauing in the meane time the army to be conducted by the Marshall Biron The 21. of Nouember hee departed from Melay by Vendosme and arriued at Tours the same day two houres within night where he was attended with so great ioy and gladnes of all the people of the Citie that such store of lights there was prepared in the Stréets at his arriuall that it was as light as the noone day That night the Prince Cardinall of Vendosme came to the King to doo him reuerence who receaued entertainment and countenance agreeable vnto his neerenes of bloud with the King The 22. of Nouember all the chambers of the Parliament came personally to salute and acknowledge the King the first president making the relation with such substance and eloquence as caused a great contentation to the King After them came the Maior and Iurats of the Citie who were most eurteously accepted by the King Last of all came the ecclesiasticall persons of the Towne all with great shew of ioy and hope of an happie and quiet gouernment therin they were confirmed by the answers which they receaued of the King in most excellent tearmes and Princelike eloquence The same day the Ambassador also of the state of Venice had audience where first he presented the letters of the seignory vnto the King and afterward declared the ioy they had of his happy succession vnto the Crown beseeching him to accept the offer of the friendship of the said feignory vnto his Maiestie and to promise and assure them of his and to maintaine the good entercourse betweene his crowne and the said signorie whereunto the King answered to their contentation The King was determined to haue stayed at Tours but one day but the people were so desyrous to see him that hee was faine to stay there foure dayes During which time of his aboade there the terror of his armes the loue of his clemencie which he shewed wheresoeuer he came the opinion of his iustice and the admiration of his wisedome and modestie did so mooue the people that the Townes of Lauerdine Chasteaudeloyre Montouert situated vppon the riuer Loyre and Montrichard situated vppon the riuer Chere in Toureyne voluntarily yeelded themselues So the 25. of Nouember the King departed from Tours and with one iourney went vnto his army at Chasteaudeloyre ten leagues of The King hauing great desire to besiege the Towne of Mans from Chandeloir sent to the Lord Farges to compasse the saide Towne
and to common it The Lorde Boysdaulphin which commanded in it for the League made answer as though hee had been resolued to bury himselfe therein and all those that were with him rather then to depart out of it and the 27. of Nouember the saiâ— Boysdaulphin went out of the towne to burne a great part of the Suburbe named la Consture but the Lord Farges comming vpon him with his troupes reseued a great part of the said Suburbe from burning The 28. of Nouember the King departing from Chasteaudeloyre the second day arriued at Iuray Leuesine distant from Mans one League The 30. of Nouember the Baron of Biron and the Lord Chastilion arriued with the greatest part of the French infantry by whome the same night the trenches which the enemie had made in the Suburbs was woon in some twenty foot high and might easily haue attended the Canon after that it was supposed that they were easier to be dealt withall then it was looked for considering the high loftie speaches of Boysdaulphine Captaine of the Rebels The 29. of Nouember the King came and lodged in the Suburbs which are faire and in a manner more commodious to lodge in then the Towne The same day the King caused all the rest of the Suburbs to bee woon except the Suburbe Saint Jahn situated on the other side of the riuer Sarthre which was woon the day after The said Boysdaulphin had burned more then halfe but specially that part which was next the bridge beeing the fairest houses so that their valour appeared in nothing else but onely in burning the houses and goods of their owne frendes The King bestowed three daies and nights trauelling himself almost the whole night in making Gabions and other preparatiues necessary for the battery and to see the pieces brought to their places All things beeing in a readines the second of December the King began to batter certaine defenses of the wall of the Towne and after certaine volâ—is of Canon Boysdaulphin perceauing that within three howers he should haue had an assault geuen him and his hart failing not willing to abide it for he was a man experienced nâ—t in feats of armes but onely in feats of sedition among a mutinous company of robbers as it did appeare in his dealing in Paris After few voleys of Canon shot his high wordes were turned to vanity he demanded parley and in fine by two a clocke in the after noone the said Towne of Mans was yâ—elded vnto the K. which without great â—are of the King had béene sacked by the Souldiers but he caused the gates to be kept shut and to take away all occasion of annoyance to the Citie he would not lodge in it himselfe but kept in the suburbs where he was first lodged There was within the Towne more then two hundred gentlemen and twenty ensignes of footmen who duâ—ing the time of parley did publickly scolde and outragiously reuile one another For the gentlemen said that the Souldiers would not fight the Souldiers said that against their wils the gentlemen would compound but in verie deede beeing but a rable of seditious persons when they came to the pâ—nch euery one did feare his skin For whereas they had caused the towne to bestow aboue two thousand crownes in fortifications they had burned aboue one hundred thousand crowns in housing in the suburbes they had ruined the countrey sixe times as much more and yet would they not abide aboue three voleyes of Canon Whilest the King battered Mans Brissak another busie Captaine of rebellious robbers heard the thundering of the Cannon beeing at la Forte Bernhard with two regiments who were coÌ„ming to succour the town of Mans beeing put in great feare gaue to himselfe the alarum and fled back againe twelue leagues and in retiring fell vnawares into the Rutters quarter that serued the King who tooke from him thirtie or fortie horses chariots without the losse of any man The King restored into the Towne the Bishop and the Lord Larges his brother to his office of Gouernour there as he had been before and pardoned the inhabitants who came as well Ecclesiasticall as other to giue him thankes with protestation of fidelitie and true obedience The King abode there after the taking of it fiue daies during the which time the greatest part of Gentlemen who were in the Towne of Man and had bin seduced by the League and by them induced to this rebellion put themselues into the Kings seruice About the second day of December the Castles of Beaumont and Touuoy yéelded vnto the King and about the same time in the countrey of Laual the Townes of Sabliee Laual Chasteaugontier townes of importance and many other of lesser name were brought vnder the Kings obedience About the 9. of December the King sent his armie to Alencon vnder the conduct of the Marshall Byron and the Baron his sonne Marshall of the Campe whilest he himselfe made a voiage into the countrey of Laual to the intent by his presence to comfort the Nobilitie and people of that countrey who were newly redeemed from the slauerie of the Rebels and reduced to his obedience but specially to cause the Prince D'ombes to repayre vnto him out of Britaine that he might see him So taking his iourney the eight of December arriued at Laual the ninth day There as well the Ecclesiastical as Cannons and other sorts of popish priests with their ornaments wherewith they had accustomed to go to procession met him a great way out of the towne and hauing by the mouth of one made their submission and protestation of their fidelitie and obedience they accompanied the King marching before him vntill he entred into the towne singing with great melodie all the way along Viue le Roy. There came out likewise the Magistrates of the sayd Towne to méete him and the people saluted him as he passed through the stréetes with this acclamation viue le Roy. The King abode there ten daies and in the mean time the Prince D'ombes arriued with a great companie of Nobilitie out of Britaine who was most courteously receaued of the King In his way from the Man to Laual certaine of his companie departed from him and tooke in their way Chasteaubriault in Anjou and brought with them the Captain to the King being at Laual with many other prisoners The King hauing spent certaine dayes with the Prince D'ombes and taken order for the affayres of that Prouince sent him againe to his charge of Britaine and dispatched the Marshall Aumont to gather his straunge forces together so that the 20. of December the King departing from Laual went to Mayennelafahes where hee was very well receaued assured himselfe of the Castle and withoutleauing any other garrisons in the Towne passing through a most foule countrey arriued at Alencon the 23. of December Now the Marshall Byron departing from the Towne of Man with the armie the ninth of December could not reach to Alencon vntill the 15. day of
the same moneth by reason of the foule way which hindered the carriage of the Ordinance but hauing sent the Lord Artray certaine daies before he had compassed the Towne and at his first comming tooke the Suburbes and drew them of the Towne to composition Captaine Lago Gouernour of the Towne retyred into the Castle with foure hundred and fiftie Souldiers making shew as though he would defend it The place was very strong enuironed with water and strong wals well flanked and good towers The Marshall of Byron being entred the towne kept so good order in it that it was not seene that it had bin besieged the shops being kept open that day as if it had bin in time of peace and presently caused the artillerie to be brought before the Castle and shot at the defences found meanes to take away their water The 23. of December the King being arriued at Alencon and viewing what was done at the siege of the sayd Castle sayd that the siege would not be long The same day the King caused the sayd Lago who was within the Castell to bee aduertised that he was come and to bee sommoned at which newes he began to bee astonied and the morrowe after he required parley and the same day yeelded the place with promise of safetie of liues armes and baggage The King hauing prouided for the assurance of the place left there for Gouernour the Lord Artrey with a good garison in the towne and castle and departing herehence the 27. of December went and lodged at Sees where the Bishop and his Priests with the Magistrats of the Citie came to méet him and receaued him so well that he trusted vnto the inhabitants of the place without leauing therein any other garrison The 28. of December the King departed from thence to Argenton which is a good towne in Normandie wherein is a Castle of good strength There was in the same Castle three Ensignes of footmen whom the Lord Brissak had left there who with Captaine Picart and his regiment were come from Paris to Man and had promised to shewe himselfe at all the sieges which the King would take in hand and he would empeach him from the taking of any towne in the countreys of Mayne and base Normandie But this great warriour was as olde in courage as he was hot in words for he neuer shewed his face at any siege The inhabitants of the towne of Argenton hauing determined to yeeld to the King came foorth and met him most humbly desiring his Maiestie to receaue them to his fauour which thing he did willingly The Souldiers seeing that retyred into the Castle beseeching the K. to suffer them to depart with their liues and baggage which thing the K. granted vnto them The 29. of December the garrison of Damfront vnderstanding that he had sommoned the towne and that the inhabitants had determined to acknowledge and admit the King entred in consultation what they should doo and being deuided into contrary factions put themselues in armes one agaynst another It happened that they who would submit themselues to the King although they were not halfe so many in number as the other were encouraged and assisted of God for the iustice of the cause had the victorie The Baron of Verny Gouernour of the Castle was slayne and certayne other whereupon as well they of the Castle as of the Towne sent to the King to craue his fauour and clemencie which they obtayned The 30. of December the King sent to the towne to be assured of both partes which thing was done without force or violence The Lord Brissak and his companions rebels being beaten away out of all townes of Anjou Mayne and Perche had put himselfe with the regiment of Captaine Picart into Falaize a Towne situated betweene Argenton and Caen where is a Castell very strong and esteemed to be the best place of base Normandie the Castell of Caen only excepted Thether Brissak had entised many Gentlemen and Souldiours of the Countrey men of his owne humour whose heart did boyle with rebellion and treacherie and also the remnant of the Gantiers who had escaped the slaughter done vpon them before by the Prince Montpencier vaunting that they would repayre the honour of their companions who had yeelded and lost all other townes and that at this place all the spoyle which the King had gotten should be surrendred The night following the 30. of December the King sent the Baron of Byron to enuiron it with certaine troupes of men of warre who came thether the morning following so happily that hee found the Lord Brissak comming out of the Towne purposing to haue burned the Towne of Gybray which is as if it were a Subbâ—b of Falaize The saide Lorde Brissak perceauing the troupes of the Baron of Byron returned back into the Towne in hast and with great terror so that by the comming of the said Byron the Towne of Gybray was kept from burning seazed vpon and the enemies there inforced to râ—tyre into Falaize The 31. of December the King arriued and went presently accompanied with the Marshall Byron to view the Towne and Castell which are both strong The Towne is compassed with a great poole whose water cannot be drawne away the wall is good and flancked with good Towers and hard to approach for the battery of the Ordinance The castell is much stronger fortified with great and strong towers and very good walls with a dongeon separated and compassed with great deepe ditches Besides this the Lorde Brissak was within well accompanied with Gentlemen Captaines and Souldiours and made a great shewe that hee would defend that place effectually with intent to get honour The first day of Ianuaâ—â—e the King sent to sommon the Towne to the which the Lord Brissak made answer with a great bragging of resolution that he had vowed vnto God neuer to speake of any composition for that Towne Vpon this answer the King caused with great diligence and expedition gabions to be made baggs to be filled with earth and al things necessary for the battery to be done which thing was so dil gently followed that the third day of Ianuary all was in a readines and had begon to batter that day but he stayed for three Canons which the Prince Montpencier did bring to him out of the Castell of Caen which arriued at the siâ—ge that same day That sâ—me day the Prince Montpencier came to the King hauing with him about twelue or fifteene hundred Souâ—diours a good troupe of Gentlemen of the Countrey and certaine companies of men of aâ—ms with the three Canons aforesaid They which were within the Towne did neuer all these foure dayes sally out but with great braggings shewed a resolut minde supposing therewith to feare away the King The King hauing put all things in a readines for the battery determined to make one worke of two for knowing that the Castell being won the Towne could not hold out long hee concluded to place three
batteries whereof two from sundry parts should batter at one breath of the Castell The third being placed vpon a rock should scoure certaine waies along behinde the breach of the side of the Castell Therefore the fift day of Ianuary at eight of the clock in the morning his Ordinance began to beate two great towers which flanked from the one to the other whereof the one serued for a defence to the breach which he supposed to make And after the bestowing of foure hundered Canon shot the top of one Tower being fallen and a hole being made in the other Tower that defended the creach the King caused it to be battered spéedily for there néeded but the beating of a little piece of a Wall This done the King commaunded certaine companies of Souldiours to goe and view if they could lodge in the said Tower at whose commaundement certaine of them entring the hole which was made through went into the Castell and finding no resistance called their fellowes who entring one after another in a shortspace they became Masters of the Castell and Towne They within being sore dismayed without any fight retyred into the dâ—ngeon out of the which they sent thrée Gentlemen to beséech the King to receaue them vpon any composition The King answered that he would not receaue them but at his pleasure and that they should proue his clemency without binding him else vnto any condition The sixt of Ianuary the King suffered the Lord Brissak to come and submit himselfe vnto him and being ouercome with pitty which hée had vpon the young Gentlemâ—n graunted their â—iues in choosing fifteene of the best sort of them whome hée would keepe prisoners as warlike enemies and fifteene more such as hee should thinke good should bée at his Maiesties disposition Thus God did so beate downe these proud and insolent rebels roaring and breathing a little before nothing but fire and bloud that none of them did proffer or séemed to make head otherwise then by words The Towne being taken by assault could not be preserued from pillaging and sackaging that there might be a difference betweene them that fled to the Kings clemency and those who obstinatly did proue the force of his army the one being wholy desolat the other reioysing in a full quietnes and perfect peace The 15. whom the King tooke for warlike Enemies were put to their ransom the town was geuen to the Souldiours of the other fifteene who were at the Kings disposition the Lord Brissak as consenting and accessary to the Kings death was condeÌ„ned to die But wheras after the Kings death and when the townes of Picardie did reuolt the rebels had taken the Duchesse of Longeuille mother to the Duke now liuing prisoner for abhorring their rebellion and detained her in captiuitie in the Citie of Amiens The Duke of LoÌ„gueuille greatly desirous to deliuer his mother begged the said Brissak to set his mother at liberty and in place of safetie by exchange with the said Brissak which thing the king granted supposing that it would not bee long afore he would come againe into his hands to receaue the reward of his rebellion and parracide Hetherto Christian Reader thou hast seen into what miserable and wofull state the whole Realm was throwen in by the Leaguers by their Friers Monkes and desperat Iesuits and by their venimous seditions and vngodly sermons preached to the people to stirre them to all manner of damnable license And how that kingdome sunke and drowned in a most confused rebellion was left by the king Henry the third and last of the noble familie of Valoys and deliuered to Henry the 4. now king of France and Nauarre named declared and inthronised by his predecessor approued accepted and proclaimed lawfull and natural heire and king of y e crowne of France after the maner of the Emperours of the Romans by the Princes Nobilitie Officers of the Crowne not among few Priests Bishops and Monks with a trash of ceremonies but in the middle of an armie by y e Marshals Colonels captaines Souldiers acknowledged obedience sworn vnto by the best and soundest part of the realm towns cities Commonalties people as well ecclesiasticall as temporall resisted onely by few rebels and robbers who hauing surprised some Townes and Cities do exercise an intollerable and more then Turkish tyranny ouer the Citizens otherwise well disposed Thou hast séene also how God hath guided his hands to battell and his fingers to fight hath blessed his armes before and now in the beginning of his raigne with prosperous successe of victories and reduced Townes Cities and whole Prouinces seduced by the Leaguers to their duetifull obedience and hath so restored to them which will be quiet vnder his gouernement peace iustice and iudgement that they may say that the Lord after a long continual stormy tempest hath geuen them as a calme weather to restore in that afflicted state saturnia regna wherein godlinesse and iustice ought to raigne Now before we make an end of this yeare and this seuenth booke together wee will lay downe other exploits of warre done in other partes of France but specially in the Prouince of Daulphine and hauing no ample informations nor obseruation of time and other circumstances necessary to the perspicuity of the history we will put downe onely the euents bare and naked as it were priuate memories in such sort as they were sent to the noble Princesse of Orenge out of her soueraignty of Orenge by some of her seruantâ— there desyrous onely to aduertize her excellency simply of the accidents which had passed there It said before how the Guizes head of the League tooke for party the king of Nauarre and with him the professors of the reformed religion as onely hinderers of their driftes And afterwardes they proclaimed open warre against the Lords Espernon and Valete his brother who with their faithfull seruice and wise counsel were stumbling blockes in the way of the said Guizes and Leaguers disappointing them of their purposes The L. Valete beeing in Prouance and Daulphine and vnderstanding of the execution done at Bloys vppon the persons of the Duke of Guyze and the Cardinall his brother by a prudent wisedome foresaw how some new tumults would ryse thereupon and how the king would turne his forces against the Leaguers vpon that occasion would reconcile the king of Nauarre to him and vse his seruice and of them of the reformed Religion And thereupon to auoyde all inconueniences which might ensue this strange and vnexpected accident thought good to make peace with the Lord des Diguieres a noble man of great valour who had constantly and valiantly defended the cause of the religion and brought many Townes Cities and Fortresses from the tyranny and slauery of the Leaguers to the Kings obedience And when after the death of the Duke of Guize many Townes and holds had rebelled partly induced by the outâ—ries of y e Leaguers and partly surprized by them but
specially in Prouance Peace vpon these occasions was made betwéene them that their forces being ioyned together they might the better be able to preuent the traiterous attempts and resist the practizes of the saide Leaguers After which agréement the said Lordes des Diguieres and Valete came together and oftentimes sat in counsel to take aduise for the safe kéeping of the countrey of Daulphine and Prouance in the Kings obedience they together entred Valence Romans Tullet and other places After these two Noble men by this newe reconsiliation had been some dayes together they determined to separate themselues and their forces the Lord des Diguieres remayned in Daulphine and the Lord Valette went with his forces into Prouance there to stop the attempts of the Rebels After the separation of these two Noble men the Lord des Diguieres first layed the siege before the fortresse of Auxonne right agaynst Montlimart which had been surprised by the Rebels and tooke it by assault the fift day of Ianuary the Captayne of the sayd Fort and all his men were put to the sword Shortly after the taking of Auxonne the Lord Eschambault who had constantly defended the reformed religion in Viuaretes ioyned his forces with the Lord des Diguieres which thing before he could not well doo From Auxonne the Lord des Diguieres strengthened with the forces of the Lord Eschambault layd the siege before the Hold of Colonseles in the countie of Griguan which he tooke by assault The Gouernour of that Hold was hanged and all his companie put to the sword one onely saued vpon condition that he should pay all the expenses that the whole armie had béen at that siege The sayd Lord des Diguieres departing from Colonseles tooke his way straight to the County of Veyascin and assoone as he was entred the countrey the Holds of Bauuyes Taussie le Bouschâ—l Racheringes and Rochegardes yéelded vnto him neuer expecting the Canon These Forts being surrendred he went to lay the siege before Camaret a place well fortified distant from Orenge about two miles The sayd towne yeelded at the sight of the Canon with safetie of liues as well of Souldiers as inhabitants From Camaret he went to the siege of Vacquiras he tooke also by composition Aubiguan where he rested the whole armie to refresh his Souldiers ten dayes Thether came the Deputies of the countrey to demaund a truce From Aubiguan the Lord des Diguieres went to besiege an Hold called Cayranne which was taken by assault the gouernour thereof being an Italian was hanged in the worship of Nuestra donna de Loretta and all his Souldiers for company with him or els put to the sword After this execution done the Gouernours of all places and Townes thereaboutes as Rakesell S. Romans Villedieu Boysson Mirebel Paymerat S. Romanet and others came to him and offered him their keyes From Cayranne the Lord des Diguieres went foorth to besiege Molans a place well fortified where are Castles very strong There he bestowed three hundred shot of canon and at length a breach being made the assault was giuen and after two hundred and fiftie men of the enemies had béen stayne the Towne was taken The Lord of the sayd place had his life saued in paying ten thousand Crownes for his raunsome and besides his house sacked There was during the time that these affaires did so passe in Daulphine a certayne méeting of Deputies of Grenoble and other Townes Cities of that Prouince making suite for to haue a truce for foure yeares vppon whose suite the Lord des Diguieres drewe néere to Grenoble and lodged his armie thereabout in the Countrey but hee himselfe went to Nions There the Deputies meâ— and requested to haue truces and ceasing from warre during the space of foure yeares But when as they could not agree vpon the conditions the Lord des Diguieres appoynted another méeting at Bogency within two miles of Grenoble and at length a truce was concluded betweene them about the latter end of March which was signed sealed and confirmed with great solemnitie in the Suburbs of Grenoble It was agréed that the principalitie of Orenge should be comprised in it and that they of the League who wâ—re returned to the Kings obedience should pay to the Lord des Diguieres for the intertainement of his companies eyghtéene thousand Crownes and the one halfe of all tolles which was thought to amount to fifty Crownes a day Moreouer they agréed to pay him eyght thousand Crownes for the intertaining of certaine Ministers and workes of pietie in Daulphine Also that the Fort of Bogencie and diuers other holdes kept by the Leaguers should be beaten downe and rased to the geound This truce was proclaymed in Grenoble on Easter day About the same time there was an assembly of the Prouince of Languedock holden in Nismes and Lunel about the like truce It is said before how the Lord des Diguieres and la Valete had ioyned themselues in amity for the Kings seruice and how the Lord Valete after hauing soiorned with the said des Diguieres to take counsell â—ogâ—ther about the Kings affayres in Daulphine and Prouance the Lord Valete with his forces went into his gouernement of Prouance where finding that Countrey full of confusions and factions by the meanes of the Court of Parliament at Aix and the Lord of Vins which not onely were rebels but also had solicited the Countrey to the like rebellion the said Lord Velete had caused an assembly of the states of Prouance to be holden after his arriuing there and being very strong and hauing the greatest part of the holdes in the Countrey they agreed in the saide assembly to make warre against the said court of Parliament and Lorde of Vins and for that purpose the States there deliuered him ten thousand Crownes The Lord Monbrune ioyned himselfe with the Lord Valete and surprised some strong places in that Prouince The King had called the Lord Mommorency from the gouernement of Languedock and had giuen that charge to the Lord Ioyeuse but at length the King perceauing that the said Ioyeuse by the perswasions of his mother inclined to the rebellion of the Leaguers he tooke that gouernement againe from him restored the Lord Mommorencie to that charge with commaundement to remoue the Parlâ—ament of Tholouze to the Citie of Narbonne because that Tholouze had rebelled against the King as is aforesaid The Citie of Narbonne vnderstanding of the restablishment of the Lord Mommorencie by the King shut vp their gates against Ioyeuse sent for the said Mommorency being then in Auignon proffering to receaue him saeing that it was the kings pleasure to haue restablished him in that gouernemeÌ„t The said Mommorency departed from Orenge the 28. of March to Narbonne ward The Townes of Languedock which were in the power of them of the Religion refused to haue his authoritie published among them without the expresse commaundement of the King of Nauarre The Lord des Diguieres hauing
concluded a truce as is aforesaid in Daulphine and set that Prouince in some good stay with his campe marched toward Prouance to ioyne with the Lord Valete to reduce that countrey to the Kings obedience It is said before how the King during the déepe winter did great exploytes with prosperous successe in subduing the Countries of Beausse Anjou Toureyne Mayne Lauall Perche and most part of Normandie in reducing them to their duetie of aleageance restored them peace iustice and iudgement vtterly subuerted and troden vnder foote by the Leaguâ—rs and how hauing continued few dayes at the siege of Falaize tooke it by assault Now we will returne againe to few matters which were done in the end of this yeare It is said how the Duke de Maine after the Kings departure from Paris gaue himselfe to fight with the Coffers and counting houses of the Parisiens But for recreation sake also he put on the armor of Venus to fight with the Curtizans of Paris so that beeing molten in all filthy pleasures the Lady Saint Beufue or some other such Uirgin did so dresse him that his name shortly after was writteÌ„ in the Chirurgians hall among them that had the pockes and lying in Paris about two moneths with his army about the Citty without dooing any thing for the aduancement of the holy Union onely that it might appeare that he was a King of Fryers he was first annointed King of Fryers by the Chirurgians of Paris with that holy Oile and extreame vnction wherewith the Popes Priests Monks Fryers and Iesuits are oftentimes annoynted and after that crowned with such a crowne as the Fryers themselues are crowned with and about the time that he had somewhat recouered his strength and téeth began to be somewhat fast in his head and his drabbling had left him Fryer Sixtus who somewhat afore the Kings death had called home his Legat who was a Uenetian Bishop of Brixia for that he was thought in Rome to fauour very much the kings affaires vnderstanding the kings affaires to haue better successe then hee would wish or had expected sent a new Legat into France to comfort assist and further the affaires of the Rebels he sent I say Fryer Henrique Cardinall Caietan his brother Canuillo Caietan Patriark of Alexandria when he can haue it Frier Philip Siga Byshop of Placentia Frier Francis Pauigarola Bishop of Aste Hieronimo Moceuigo Bishop of Ceueda Laurence Bauchet Iudge de Rota and Secretarie of this Legacy all whelps of one litter and by one ye may know all the rest who were sent in company with their traine to rid Rome of so many Caterpillers These routes of filthy Friers with their Mouchachos arriued in Paris about the middle of December with loads of such blessings and holy reliques of Rome as the Mules of Frier Campegius did ouerthrow and scatter in Cheapside when hee came into England about the diuorsement of King Henry the eight and Queene Catharine of Spaine his first wife This Frier Henrique called the heads of the League to counsell keepeth a stirre with them chid them that they were lurking in taking their pleasures without dooing any thing for holy Church and holy vnion but now they must go about their businesse handsomly wherefore comprehendeth the whole affaires in four principall points whereof three of them he would performe himselfe And first after the maner of Fryers which is alwaies in their Sermons to remember their conuent to begin with the Deuill hee proclaimed a Iubile through all France to prooue yet whether hee might with that old patched net of robbery called indulgences fish any money to helpe his master who had sent him to fish to maintaine in their brauery the holy Mochachos and Curtizans in Rome During the time of this Iubile which began at the feast of the natiuity of Christ Frier Henrique do replenish the minds of the Parisiens with superstitions the streates of Paris with processions the Churches with sottish Idolaters his belly with the best meat he could get and his purse with as much money as he could This Fisher with his ragged net was not so much superstitiously receaued in Paris as he was despised and laught to scorue euen by the Catholiks generally through all France maruelling that this Saint Peter fisher had no better tooles to goe about his busines and so as the Prouerbe is seldome doo speede the fowler neuer the fisher for beside what he did in Paris in any where else he get not a poore peny to blesse himselfe Secondly he goeth about to weaken the King for hee wrote letters to the Cardinals Bishops and Nobility of the Catholick religion wherewith he warned them of the great danger of their soules in following ayding assisting a King heretick shewing them the great harme which this schisme would doo in time to the Catholick Church by which word he meant the Legioss of Locustes of Priestes Monkes Friers and Iesuites He wrote this supposing that his bare letter would haue caused the Catholicks by heapes to forsake the Kings defence and to ioyne with the rebels This letter of Frier Henryque had thrée diuers effects for first some Bishops thought good to repayre to the King to sée whether they could make him a Catholick to whome the King answered as he had once before answered a Cardinall that he was able sooner to make a Cardinall a Hugonet then a Cardinall would make him a Catholick Others as the Cardinals of Vendosme and Leuoncourt with diuers other Byshops were of opinion that it was most expedient to call a nationall counsel according to the which the king had promised to reforme himselfe But vnto this Frier Henrique the Legat would not harken by any meanes fearing both the light and the pinch The nobility answered that they did hold him for the true heire and successor of the Crown whom they would establish in the full possession therof and when the king had pacifyed the Realme they will thinke on that matter The third thing was to encourage the rebels to set vpon the king two manner of waies by counsell and money First he shewed vnto them that it was shame for them that while the king and hereticks had made great conquests they had done nothing but lurke and take their pleasures That Frier Sixtus his Masters pleasure was to set vppon the king with all their forces before hee were strengthened and confirmed in the kingdome the longer they should delay and linger the harder it would be for them to preuaile against him Now they ought to beate the yron while it is hot and followe the matter while the rebellion is vniuersall the number of partakers great the hearts of them animated while there is great store of money gotten out of the coffers of the inhabitants of Paris out of the confiscations and proâ—criptions of the Royalls they had receaued great store of the Catholick K. of Spayne and he had also charge from Fier Sixtus to deliuer to them fiftie
thousand Duckets On the contrary he shewed vnto them how the King was destitute of men and meanes there were a great number against few their furniture and munition was farre passing that of the King they had the countrey fauorable and enemy vnto him They were strong â—usty rested long but the K. with his forces was wearie weather beaten and weake by reason of his long toyling and moyling all the déepe of winter They had Frier Sixtus blessings but the king had the accurle therefore he concluded that they should make no difficulty of the victory it was too sure on their side and in a manner if GOD himselfe would fight for him for the Friers former spéeches emported but little lesse he could not preuaile He shewed also that there were already in the way forces out of Flanders comming to them by the procurement of Bernardino Mendoza and Frier Cardinall Damnj the King therefore was to be set on before he had any leasure to employ forten Princes to assist him and to shewe the great good affection which Frier Sixtus had to this worke of mercie hée had sent them fiftie thousand Duckets The Duke d' Mayne with the heads of the League receaued this holy money with as great deuotion as the Iubile and pardons or rather greater And if Frier Sixtus had sent all Saint Peters treasures it had been yet more deuoutly accepted and spent as merrily in Paris inter bonas socias as in Rome but they were content to receaue that in hoping for more Now wée sée the state of the Leaguers and rebels very strong and rich for they had set and gathered an excessiue impost and somme of money vpon Paris they had made aboue a million of Gold of the robbing and confiscations and ransoms of the Royalls in the Citie They had receaued three hundred thousand crownes of the Spaniard They receiued fiftie thousand Crownes from Rome nowe they are very lusty they deck themselues all with gold and iewels and perswaded by Frier Henryque they prepare themselues to goe forth out of Paris soone after the holy dayes and to goe to séeke the King vntill they had found a mishap Here endeth the 7. Booke THE EIGHT BOOKE WE haue séene what the Legacie of Frier Henrique hath done in Paris how he hath heated the rebels set them on horseback and sent them packing to séeke ventures Now in this eight booke we will see how they haue sped after their departing from Paris Kind Henry the third intending to besiege Paris sent Captaine Saint Martin with a strong Garison to seaze vpon and kéepe the Castell Vicennes nigh Paris which the rebels had forsaken after their losse at Seulis from whence hée did so molest the Parisiens with continuall roades and courses that no man could venture that way The Duke d' Mayne to pluck that thorne out of the héele of the Parisiens and to set them at liberty that way had practized by all meanes the said Captaine to render the place and to ioyne himselfe with the Leaguers which he would neuer doo therefore about the beginning of Ianuary after they had made their * This is a dronken baÌ„quet vpon Twelf tide as wassellis in England Roy boy in Paris he went forth to besiege that Castell and battered it with foure péeces of Ordinance The said Saint Martin séeing that the King was farre of and he not able to defend the place yéelded it with condition for him and his to goe foorth with bag and bagage and to be suffered safely to repayre to Seulis which was performed It is said also how the said King Henry the third in his way to the siege of Paris had taken Pontoyse and set a strong garison there to intercept all manner of victuals prouisions or marchandize which were carried vp by the riuer Seyne to Paris which did greatly annoy and distresse the Citie The Duke d'Mayne hauing taken Vicennes mustered all his forces and found them all lustie and more glistering with gold then valiant in courage and found his forces to arise to thrée thousand horses and thirtéene thousand footemen with whome whilest his succour of Flanders should draw néere about the latter end of Ianuarie hee lead his forces against Pontoyse which hee besieged in hope to ease the Parisians of that heauie burthen and when he had battered the same they within considering that they were not able to defend it yéelded the place vpon the same conditions that the Leaguers had yéelded it to the King not long before to wit with their armies whereof part went to the King to continue in the Kings seruice and part ioyned with the Leaguers The Duke d'Mayne hauing taken Pontoyse more full of money and hope then courage determined to descend into Normandie And in his iourney with his great army was stayed at Meulan a Towne situated vpon Seyne betweene Mante and Pontoyse distant from Paris ten leagues and from Homfleur where the king was thirtie leagues There he boasted and threatned that he would goe to make the king to raise the siege or else fetch him out of Homfleur but he protracted so the time that the king had time both to seaze vpon the said Towne of Homfleur and to rest and refresh his army there some dayes The causes of the Dukes delay were two First the mistrust of his cause which did still abate his courage which otherwise was neuer great Secondly for that he expected great forces out of Flanders who were already comming vnto him vnder the conduct of the County Egmond and the Lord la Mote gouernour of Graueling Whereupon he tooke occasion to excuse the basenes of his heart who durst neuer see the king face to face except they were three to one or very nigh yet to ease his stomack hee casteth forth these vaine boastings and threatnings aboue said but he durst not come nigh the king afore he had ioyned with this new supply for feare of the bastonado The king on the other side hauing taken the Towne of Homfleur and rested there his forces for certaine dayes said nothing but about the middest of February tooke his iourney to high Normandie to cause the Duke to raise the siege from before Meulan and hauing trauailed thréescore miles in the déepe of winter proffered battell to the enemy But the Dukes heart fayling him and hauing aduertisement that the forces of the Low Countrey were entred into France after that hee had battered Meulan diuers dayes hee went to méete the Flemmings and to muster them The Duke de Mayne receaued in Picardie betweene foure and fiue thousand Wallons conducted by the Lord Mot Gouernour of Graueling and a little after arriued the horsemen conducted by the County Egmond with thirtéene companies of souldiers taken out of the garrisons of Flâ—nders three companies of Launces of Spanyards conducted by Don Iuan Moreo Don Pedro Moreo his brother Don Iuan de Cordoua and a great company of Harquebusiers on horsebacke led by Captaine Colin rising all
left side was that of the Marshall Aumont consisting of three hundred good horsemen hauing on his two sides 12. regiments of French footmen The second was the squadron of the Prince Montpensier consisting of three hundred Horses and on his left hand foure or fiue hundred Lanceknights and on the right hand a regiment of Swissers euery company of the strangers forces being lyned with footmen The third Squadron was of light horsemen deuided into two companies the one whereof the great Prior Colonell was the Leader and the other company of the light horsemen was conducted by the Lord Gyurye Marshall of the field of the said light horses hee was able to make foure hundred horses These two companies of light horses were placed a little before the foresaid squadrons and at the left hand of them was the artillerie to wit foure cannons and two culuerins The fourth squadron was that of the Baron of Biron which might bee of two hundred and fifty horses and in the same ranke and order at the left hand towards the Prince Montpensier was a company of light Horsemen The fifth squadron was the Kings which made fiue rankes and in euery ranke sixe score horses he had on the left side two regiments of Swissers of the Canton of Glaris and of the Grisons and on his right hand a great Battailon of two other regiments of Swissers the one of the Cantons of Solethurne and the other of the Colonel Balthazare which amount in the whole eighteene ensignes The Battailon on the right hand had the regiment of Brigueulx and on the left wing the regiments of Vignoles and S. Iohn The sixt Squadron was of the Marshall Byron who had two hundred and fiftie good horses with two regiments of French footmen The seauenth Squadron was of the Rutters who had ioyned with them French footmen like as other companies had Things were so ordered by the King and Lord Marshalls and Baron of Byron plied the matter so that in lesse then an houre all was so fitly disposed that it could not be deuised better And while the King did thus set in order his battell the night before and that morning there arriued vnto him sixe hundred horses vnlooked for to wit the companyes of the Prince Countie both horsemen and footmen there came also the Lord Guiche great master of the Ordinance and the Lord Plessis Morney with their companies to whom vpon deliberation was graunted place in the Kings Squadron The same day also while the King stayed in battell array came companies from the garrisons of Deepe and Arques and other companies and Lords out of Normandie to the number of two hundred horse and more who were placed some vnder the gouernment of the Prince Montpencier some with the King and some with the Baron Byron In the meane time the King sent light horsemen for Spyes on the left side of the battell supposing that the enemie did lye at Iury which is a great towne hauing a bridge ouer the riuer Eure thinking there to set vppon the enemie But when they had scarse passed halfe a mile they vnderstood that the enemie was aware of the matter more then they thought and that the enemie had passed the riuer Eure and that they began to shew themselues in battell array The enemie had passed that riuer not thinking to haue the Kings army so nigh But the king hearing of their going to Verneuille thought to méet them there and arriuing thether found that the enemie had sent his Harbingers for to take vp lodgings euen néere the place where the kings army lay When these newes came to the Campe there was an excéeding ioy among all men of all degrees Betweene the two armies there was a Village in the playne which was holden by the enemie which the King made straight way yeeld to him but for al this occasion giuen the enemie did not stirre But the King seeing that it was nigh Sunne setting and hauing not yet descryed the manner of the lodging of their Campe and considering they might bee at some aduantage was aduised not to march for that time any further whereupon there he stayed his armie for that night All that day the two armies were in sight one of the other There were onely some odd skirmishes betweene them in the which prisoners were taken who reported that the number of the enemie was greater then they were aware off and that they were giuen to vnderstand that the Kings companyes were come thether rather for a fashion then minding to bid battaile The night drewe on which caused the army to encampe there where they were set in battell array It is reported that the night following the third day two armies were seene in the Skye and the lesser number put the greater to flight The King would not departe from the army before hee had knowledge of the enemies lodging and had set all his watches in order The Noble men lodged in the villages about the playne which the enemies thought to haue surprized that day the king was the last at fielde and two howers in the night lodged at Foucraynuille which is a Village at the left hand of the same plaine and there hauing a little refreshed himselfe sent word to his men euery one to be in a readines against the morning and after he had rested himselfe about two howres on a pallet obseruing the auncient precept by Homer giuen to the Princes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 very early he sent to enquire for newes of the enemies newes came that the enemie séemed to haue repassed the riuer Eure hee sent the second time then word came that vndoubtedly they had not repassed Eure but that they lay in the Villages about Eure some what further then they were supposed to be These newes cheered the king who desired greatly to come to hand with the enemy Day light being come the Princes and Lords Marshalls came to the king and set their men in battaile aray The king bâ—gan in the presence of his houshold seruants and other present to make a most feruent and deuout prayer to God committing his life and the liues of his faithfull subiects and seruants and the defence of his cause vnto him who is the mightie God of battailes The Princes and Lords Catholicks went to heare Masse and their deuotions done went to refresh themselues The King sent to them of the reformed Religion in like manner to commit themselues to Gods most mercifull protection by prayers went in like manner to refresh themselues The king liueth so in the presence of God that hee is a spectacle of royall godlinesse and vertue to men and to the blessâ—d Angels of God All the kings companies hearing that they should ioyne in battaile that day with the enemies did exceedingly reioyce and by nine a clock the king came into the field and vppon warning giuen by two Canon shot by ten a clock all the companies were in order in their places The placing of
the Duke d' Mayne his battaile was much like to the kings the Duke d' Mayne with his Cornet which might bee of two hundred and fiftie horses was in the middest of two Squadrons of Launces of them that were come out of Flanders which might be of twelue or thirteene hundred horse The Duke of Nemours with his Squadron of two hundred and fiftie horse for his safety set himselfe in the middle of these Squadrons of launces The Knight d'Aumale likewise thrust himselfe into that companie thinking himselfe there to be safe so that there was in that huge company about eighteene hundred horsemen marching in a front On the sides â—t this great huge companie were two regiments of Swissers lined with French foote men There were two other Squadrons of Launces the one of light horsemen French Italians and Albaneses on the right hand the other on the left side of Wallons and Spanyards in the middle betweene both were French-footemen and Lance-knights The two wings were two great companies of Rutters which might bee on the right wing seauen hundred horse and on the left side fiue hundred they had on their left wing two Culuerins and two bastard Culuerins The king perceauing that the enemy would not come forward went toward them and hauing marched about a hundred and fiftie paces got the aduantage of the sunne and winde and perceaued that his enemies were in number more then they thought for the king perceaued that they were fiue thousand horsemen and eightéene thousand footemen The rebels were glistering with gold which they had gotten out of the coffers of the Citizens of Paris Rhemes and other townes by violence and robery and out of the king of Spayne his coffers and also out of Saint Peters treasure The kings army was glistering with yron and stéele there were in the kings army to bée séene a terrible sight of two thousand Gentlemen in complet armour from top to toe burning in affection to doo their king and Countrey good seruice for the conseruation of their wiues children houses and goods The King was in the front of his Squadron with a great bunch of white feathers on his Helmet and another bunch on his horses forehead The Princes Earles and knights of the holy Ghost and other principall Lords and Gentlemen of the chiefest houses in France were in the fore ranke The king exhorted all his company with great modesty with their humble prayers to commit themselues vnto God and to shew example to others began to conceaue a feruent praier which done the king walked vp and downe willing them to doo the like and encouraging them like valiant men to stand to the defence of a iust cause As soone as hée was come to his place the Lord Mariuault brought him newes that certaine companies of Picardie vnder the conduct of the Lords Humiers and Mouoy with other Lords and Gentlemen to the number of two hundred horse were within two miles of him But the king fully resolued to giue battaile with that power which he had would not delay any longer but sent commaundement to the Lord Guiche to cause him to shoote with the Ordinance which thing hée did straight waies whereby the enemies receaued great hurt for the king had discharged nine Canon shot with great effect before the enemy could begin After thrée or foure voleyes of shot had passed on both sides the 1. Onset Squadron of their old light horsemen compounded of French men Italians Albaneses consisting of fiue or sixe hundred horses came to giue the charge to the Marshall Aumont carrying with them the Lanceknights who were on their side But the Marshall Aumont willing to begin set vppon the enemy so hardly that he enforced them to scatter and to flée with great confusion and feare whome he chased to a little wood on the back side where the said Lord Marshall stayed attending the Kings comming as hee had in charge During this chase the company of Rutters on the right hand of the 2. Onset battaile of the enemies marched to haue seazed vppon the artillerie but they were met with light horsemen who made them quicklie retyre Then the Squadron of Launces Wallons and Flemmings marched 3. Onset on to haue charged with a fresh charge the saide light horsemen fighting with the Rutters but the Baron Byron shewed himselfe in the field and gaue the onset on the reregard because he could not set on the forefront there in the conflict he was hurt in the arme and in the face but at length the enemy was deâ—eted and scattered The Lord Montpencier séeing a great army of seauen hundred Spanish Launciers and thrée hundred Harquebusiers on horseback with corselets and murrions with thrée great standards that were vnder the gouernement of the County Egmond aduaunced toward them and gaue them such a charge as that albeit he was vnhorsed yet quickly getting vp againe brake their aray put them to flight and aboade there Master of the field There was a frantick Franciscan Frier of Biscay called Frier Mathew de Aguirre who runne vp and downe with his GOD whome they call Crucifix in his hand all his wit was in his Crucifixes head and incouraging the rebells and running against the Hugonets as though he would haue frighted them and wrought some myracle with his Idoll or played the bulbegger in a cloyster but a shot of Ordinance did beate him downe and his God so that there he ended his frantick fit At the selfe same time the great Squadron of the Duke d'Mayne came marching to the battailion hauing on the left wing foure hundred 4. Onset Harquebusiers on horseback who gaue a volley of shot within fiue and twentie paces of the Kings Squadron the same volley being ended the head of the enemies Squadron set on the Kings Squadron The King receaued the enemy with such a constancy and courage that after a quarter of an hower of hard fighâ—ing hauing before played the part of a king and great Captaine in commaunding and ordering of things now hee playeth the part of a lusty and braue Souldiour So that in such a great and furious assault he behaued himself so valiantly that he brake and put in disaray that terrible Forrest of Launces and at length after he had put them to flâ—ght with great confusion and terror he followed the victory and being lost in the chase caused a great heauines in his army vntil that within a while they spyed him comming all berayed with the bloud of his enemies without any hurt receaued And as the king was returning from the chase to his company with fifteene or sixtéene horses he was set on by two battailions of Swissers enemies and three companies of Wallons and certaine other who did weare redd crosses The king did set vpon them with his small number tooke away their Cornets and killed those that carryed and guarded them When the King had come to his place againe the whole armie in token of
thanksgiuing to God for his safe returne â—aluted him with this acclamation God saue the King Two thousand horsemen in all of Princes noble men and gentlemen did defeat al this huge army of fiue thousand horsemen and eight thousand footmen the rest of the Kings forces neuer sâ—irring from their places Thus the Horsemen béeing scattered there remained yet Swissers Lanceknights and French footmen The Launceknights and French footmen were charged and about two thousand and foure hundred remained on the place as it were in a moment The rest were taken prisoners and some of them fled into the woods whereof a great number wandering abroad were slaine by the Pesants The Swissers notwithstanding they had lost their Horsemen which were at their wings part beeing slaine and part fled set a good countenance on the matter The King once was minded to set the French companies on them to disaray them and had sent the Baron Biron to that effect but calling to mind the ancient aliance betweene that nation and the crowne of France called him back againe with his companies and offered them grace and mercy so much he did to those companies of Frenchmen who were with them who refused not his gracious fauour but comming and passing by him rendered vnto his Maiesty their Colonels Captains Souldiers and Ensignes The King staying to pardon the Swissers gaue the enemy leasure to auoid by flight And whilest he stayed to do this Princelike act iudging that he was not called to that high degree of Maiesty ad interitum but ad beneficentiam generis humani The Marshall Aumont with a great company which he had assembled from the pursute in like manner the grand Prior and the Marshall Biron who by reason of his great experience for that hee had béen at so many stormes of battails and skirmishes with his horsemen and companies of French footmen was reserued to the last onâ—et if need had béen relyed themselues to the King The companies also of the Lord Humiers Mony and other gentlemen of Picardy came in the middle of the battell and after the victory came to the King The Duke de Maine seeing that the mishap which he wished to others fel vpon him tooke his way with great terrour toward Iury leauing behind his ordinance bagge and baggage and as many beside as could not runne away so swiftly as he did the great kill Deuils Don Pedro Moreo and Don Iuan de Cordoua two Spanish Moores with such as could follow them ran after him Great companies of the enemie had gotten before some followed after and as feare made them hast to presse ouer the bridge of Iury to runne a second course toward Mante it is reported that he killed some with his owne hand to make him a way ouer least he should be the hindermost and when he had passed ouer he caused the bridge to be broken leauing his friendes to shift for themselues and by that occasion many through feare beeing out of their wits cast themselues into the riuer where were drowned aboue fifteene hundred persons Others fearing to be taken by them who followed in the chase killed their Horses to stop the wayes and many supposing to haue saued themselues in the woods fell into the hands of the Pesants and countrey people which vsed them more cruelly then the Souldiers would haue done The Duke de Mayne hauing passed Iurye broken the bridge tooke his way to Mante there to passe ouer the bridge and to retire to Pontoise The inhabitants once had determined not to let him in whereupon some do report that beeing before Mante he swore with great othes that hee had discomfited the Kings forces and had killed the King with his owne hand but when they would not be mooued therewith knowing the contrary hee began to intreat them shewing them the danger wherein hee was they mooued with his prayers to compassion of his estate let him in with condition that his retinue should passe by ten and ten that night ouer the Bridge The Duke of Nemours Bassampierre the Vicount Tauaine Rosne and many others fled to Dreux and the day after to Chartres many who could not follow them went astray and knowing not whither they went were taken prisoners The King hauing played the great Captaine and lusty Souldier in getting the victory now sheweth himselfe a right Generall of an army in pursuing the sayd victory for which well to doe he deuideth his forces as followeth The grand Prior with a great company hee sent to chase the enemy on the left hand toward Eureux The Baron of Biron and with him the residue of horsemen who were gathered together and the companies which were arriued out of Picardie at the instant of the battel he sent at the right hand toward Dreux The King himselfe accompanied with the Princes Countie and Montpensier the Marshals of Aumont and Trimouille with a great company of other Lords and Captayns of the same army followed on the victory and continued the chase fiue howers The King vnderstanding how the Duke de Mayne had entred into Mante tooke vp his lodging at Rosnye two miles from Mante where he was as meanly lodged as the enemy Many were slaine in the pursute many were taken prisoners The King with two thousand horses killed aboue two thousand horsemen and many of them Commanders fiftéene hundred and aboue were drowned at the riuer Iury in the flight The most part of the footemen were cut off in peeces fewe ranne away who were either slayne in the chase or by the people of the country aboue 4. hundred of the enemies were takeÌ„ prisoners The Swissers and the Frenchmen ioyned with them yeelded themselues to the Kings clemencie So that of three and twentie thousand of y e enemie there returned neuer home aboue eight thousand Their bagge baggage artillerie and munition was stayed in the Kings hand There were aboue twentie Cornets of horsemen taken and among them the white Cornet and the bearer thereof to wit the Lord Boysdaul phine taken prisoner by the King The great Ensigne of the Generall of the Spanyards and Flemmings the Colonell Cornets of the Rutters were taken aboue threescore Ensignes of footmen as Flemmings French men and Launce-knights and foure and twentie of the Swiffers that yeelded themselues all these â—ame into the Kings hands Among them that were slayne were chiefest of all the Countie Egmond the Duke Brunswicke Captaine Colin a Spanyard the Lord Chastaigueray and many others Of prisoners taken were the Earle Austfrist who was with the Rutters many Lords Spanyards Italians Frenchmen and Flemmings Of Frenchmen the Lord Boysdaulphine Cigoigne who bare the white Cornet of the Duke de Mayne This is the third time that this Rebell had fallen into the Kings hands within foure moneths and had alwayes found fauour at his hands There were also prisoners Mesdauid Fouteyne Martil Lechant Lodon Huguesan Falandre Tenisay Chasteliere Descuueaux with many others Of the Kings side were slayne the
Lords Clermont Antragues one of the Captaynes of the Kings gards who deceased nigh the Kings person The Lord Tischombert who had borne great charges in warre and now would needes serue as a souldier in the Kings Cornet The Lord of Longauluay in Normandy of fourescore yeares of age the Lord of Creuay Cornet bearer to the Prince Montpencier the Lord Vienne Lieftenant to the Lord Benuron the Lords of Manuille Fequers Valoys and twentie Gentlemen more at the most There were hurt the Marquesse of Neste the Earle of Choysy the Lord d'O the Earle Lude the Lords Montluet Lauergne and Rosny and about twentie Gentlemen more without any danger of death The King going to chase the enemie and hauing deuided his companies as is aforesayd left the Marshall Byron with the rest of his forces to conduct them and followe after him Here good Christian Reader thou hast to note certaine fatall periods of things to wit the circumstances of the persons time and place in the execution of Gods iustice vpon his enemies The 23. day of December 1559. Claude Duke of Guize and Charles Cardinall of Lorreyne his brother in the raigne of Francis the second procured Annas du Borg one of the chiefest Senators of the Court of Parliament of Paris to be burned for the Gospell at Saint Ihan in Greues in Paris The 23. of December as their Calender is now which was the day of the natiuitie of Henry of Bourbon which now raigneth in the yeare 1588. the last Duke and Cardinall of Guize were slayne at Bloys when they had concluded to murther the King the next morning following that day The fourth day of March 1561. Claude of Guize father to this last tooke armes agaynst the edict of Ianuary and committed the cruell murther of Vassie by the which breach of the peace were ciuill warres raised vp in France and euer since haue béen entertayned and nourished by his posteritie which warre was his vndoing The same day of the same moneth in the yeare 1585. the last Duke of Guize sonne to the sayd Claude tooke armes against the King which was the beginning of these last ciuill warres of the League by the which they haue procured their owne vndoing and of many others The same day of the moneth the Duke de Mayne brother to the sayd last Duke of Guize and heire of the Captainship of the rebellion made a shipwracke of all his forces at Saynt Andrewes plaine without hope euer to recouer the like forces Claude Duke of Guyze in December in the year 1561. fought the first battell that was giuen in all these ciuill Warres with Lewis of Bourbon Prince of Condie Prince of famous and blessed memory in the plaine of Dreux with an vncertaiue issue but in equall losses so that to this day it is vniudged who had y e victory but well knowen that the Duke of Guyze had the greatest losse The Duke de Maine fought agaynst Henry of Bourbon the fourth of that name now King of France and Nauarre at the plaine of Saint Andrew next adioyning to the other and the places not distant passing a mile a sunder with a reparable losse The Lord Rendan a rebellious Leaguer in Auuergne with such power as he could make in the sayd countrey but specially in the Townes of Rions and Brion rebelled and holden in the same rebellion by the Iesuits besieged Isoire a great and populous towne in the said Auuergne because it continued in the Kings obedience The Lords Chasseran and Rochemayne willing to do some honorable seruice to the King and good to their countrey gathered such power as they could of the Kings subiectes to rescue the sayd towne of Isoire from falling into the handes of the rebels and with a meane power trusting in GOD the defender of his Ordinance and wayghing the right of the cause marched towards Isoire The sayd Lord Rendan vnderstanding of their approach raysed vp the siege and went intending to meete the sayd Lordes Chasseran and Rochemayne and at the same day and time of the battell at Saint Andrewes playne meeting in a playne field not farre from Jsoire tried the quarell by the sword There the sayd Rendan was ouerthrowen and aboue fourescore Gentlemen of his were slayne on the place all his footmen cut to pieces the artillery bagge and bagage with many prisoners taken so the Towne of Isoyre was deliuered from the danger of the enemie retayned and confirmed in the Kings dutifull obedience It is said how after the victory the King deuided his army into foure parts three of them were appointed their quarters to follow the chase and the Marshall Biron to follow after the King with the residue of the army The King hauing taken this order followed after the Duke de Mayne but finding the bridg broaken was faine to go thrée miles about to passe the riuer afoord and in that way he found many straglers whom he tooke prisoners which was a good turne for them or else they had béen slaine by others he came so fast after the Duke d' Mayne that hee did misse him but a little but vnderstanding how he was receaued in Mant the king lodged that night at Rosni as is said very simple The fift day the Duke d'Mayne very early fearing to be besieged there retyred from Mante to Pontoyse where he soiourned few dayes to take some sure order for the safety of the Towne and after went to Saint Denis The same day the King sent to sommon the Towne of Mante which deliuered the keyes of their towne to his Maiesty receaued and acknowledged him their king and prince and continued there vntill the twentie day of March to refresh his army wearied with so many labours and hardnes of winter to take counsel of the course which he was to take hereafter and to expect certaine munition of warre which was comming to him from Diepe The Citie of Paris first author of this warre had conceaued an assured confidence of all prosperous successe by the vaine bragges which the Duke d'Mayne did cast foorth afore hee went out with the army The Friers Iesuites increased this vain confidence in their pulpets by assuring them either of a certaine victory or else of recoyling of the King as farre as beyond Loyre so that euery day they looked for the King dead or aliue and all his spoyles to be brought for a spectacle and to bee solde and bought among them or else to heare of his flight as farre as the riuer of Loyre This great confidence made them to liue very secure and carelesse in prouiding for the Citie besides that they rested much vpon the great multitude which is within the sayd Citie there beeing great bablers and boasters for the Parisien is as Epimenides speaketh of the Cretayns a lyer euill beast and slothfull belly The towns also which then did hold round about their Citie as Pontoyse beneath vpon the same riuer Charonton Meaux Laguye Corbeil Melun Montereau aboue vpon the riuer
to bring with them thrée thousand men that should vpon a luddaine be landed there at the time appoynted and should seaze vpon the City to the King of Spaynes vse At the time appoynted came the Galeys and Souldiours and tooke land The second magistrate of the city being a faithfull Citizen and in that neutrality of the City suspecting some treason thought to preuent it by diligence and as it pleased God that night tooke vpon him to view the watch and in his way met with certaine Mariners all amazed and frighted requiring him to prouide for the safety of the city for that there were a great number of Spanyards already landed wherupon he commaunded the townesmen presently to arme themselues And going a little further accompanied with some good Citizens did light on the company where the chiefe gouernour was there taking order with the enemy for the entring of the Towne This magistrate dnderstanding of these things already well accompanied with townesmen commaunded the dromme to sound the alarum and with great courage charged vpon the Spanyards whome they slew in great number he tooke many of them and the gouernour of the City prisoner with them and such of his complices as were with them so the City was yet once preserued from the Turkish bondage of the Spaniards Euen as the shéepe straying from their shepheards runne into the Wolues daunger so townes and Cities euen whole Prouinces with drawing themselues from the obedience of their Lords are dayly in danger to be made a pray to their enemies It is said how the Duke d'Mayne after his flight from Saint Andrews plaine went to Saint Denis to sée what entertainement the Parisiens would shew him and after he with few had concluded to holde Paris and Saint Denis specially fast from the Kings power and so he and the Spanish Moore Commendator Moreo went into Picardie thence to Bruxels to the Duke of Parma The Duke d'Mayne soiorned at Pâ—ronne a towne in Picardie situated vpon the riuer Sonie betwéene Amiens and Saint Quintine to gather such forces as he could he craued aide from al parts but they are as slowly to come to him as he is earnest to enuite them Balagny Gouernour of Cambray did promise him fiftéene hundred horses out of Picardie There the Duke d'Mayne séeing that al things went contrary yet to ease his stomack he maketh great braggs how that he will make againe an army of thirty thousand men These great bragges did procéede of the vaine hope which they had already conceaued of the King of Spayne for while these things aboue saide were a dooing by the King about the 20. of March they sent foure Ambassadors into Spayne first from the Duke d'Mayne and another from the Duke of Lorreyne the third from the Duke Merceur and the last in the name of the whole body of the League They arriued at Vadolit in the latter end of Aprill The somme of their Ambassage was to begge and not much neither but thrée Milions of Gold and thirty thousand men vpon that condition that they would make him King of France if he could get it yet promising their furtherance So after much capping and crouching begging and crauing chopping and changing what money they obtayned it is not certaine but it is reported that they were promised one Milion and that they had thirty thousand Crownes which they tooke in hope that more would come and an army out of the Lowe Countreyes of Flanders The King of Spayne was willing to hearken to these Ambassadors for thrée causes ambition feare and desire of reuenging First by the proffer of this Ambassage hée was put in some hope that considering the great power of these three Dukes and the great power of the League that is of the Townes Cities and commons rebelled hée might perhaps spéede better then he looked for And if he should not spéed in the whole yet he might in part thereof The second cause was feare which caused him with all his meanes to keepe the King from growing mighty for considering his great valoure and the iniuries which both his predecessors he had receaued at the Spaniards handes would in time call them to remembrance and seeke the means to recouer his owne The third cause was desire of reuenge supposing that in working him mischiefe he might bee reuenged of the losse reproch and dishonour of his Spaniards and Flemmings who had remayned to dung the playne of S. Andrew by reason of these particular affections not for any loue which hee had to the Leaguers or Leagued he wrote to the Duke of Parma to passe in person with such Forces as hee had and could spare in the lowe Countreis to succour the rebels in France In the meane while that the King soiorned at Mante the Parisiens beeing hardened by the Deuillish and seditious Sermons of the Fryers and Iesuits as the Egyptians were by the enchauntmentes of Iamnes Iambres they elected for gouernor of their city the Duke of Nemours by whose conduct they began to fortify their walles men women and Children night and day they pulled downe many houses in the Suburbs they receaued into the City three thousand Germans whom they placed part of them in the Arsenall and others in watch and ward in the most needfull places of the city They gathered corne and wine into the Citie so much as the could They fortified also Saint Denis Corbeil Melun Montereau fault yonne and Sennes The King passing in the sight of the Citie of Paris layed the siege before Corbeil which shortly after yelded the King stopped the riuer of Seine with a chayne of Iron so that no boats being neuer so little could passe by From Corbeil the King went to lay the siege before Montereau which is a great towne situated vppon the fall of the riuer Yonne into Seine which yeelded without any resisting From Montereau the King returned to Melune a strong towne vppon Seine this town part of it lyeth vpon the South banke of Seine and part is in an Iland within the sayd riuer there the Rebels had placed a strong garrison but the Citizens and Souldiers perceauing that they would be forced and that there was no hope of succour yeelded the place and put themselues in the Kings seruice The King hauing placed a strong garrison there wentbacke agayne to Sens compassed it doth plant sixe pieces of Ordinance agaynst the wall sent a Tâ—ompeter to the City to sommon them to render the place promising them all good and gracious fauour The Gouernor called the Lord Chambalon determined not to receaue him except first he would become a good Catholike Whereupon the K. began to batter the towne in two seuerall places gaue two assaults where he was repulsed beeing within the town one thousand and eight hundred Souldiers besides the Citizens and Inhabitants who were able to make two thousand Souldiers more The king therfore thought good to leaue of that enterprise and to follow the
course taken to wit the siege of Paris raysed therefore the siege and marched toward Paris The 25. of Aprill the king layed the siege agaynst Charanton a towne situated vpon the fall of Marne into Seine in the sight of the City of Paris There was in a Tower ten souldiers of Paris which did obstinat themselues in the defense of the same whom he forced and caused their Gouernour to be hanged Hauing seazed vpon Charanton the king doth present himself before the Citie about the 28. of Aprill tooke the Villages about began to lay downe the forme of the siege where he determined to send part of his forces on the South side of the Cittie therewith to compasse that side And with the other part to besiege the North side and the Towne of S. Denis all at once there he maketh all things ready maketh his approches sitteth still without proffering any force but onely doth stop the entring in of victuals hoping that scarcenes and neede would haue mollifyed their hartes and the present danger of the very famin which did threaten them would haue mooued them to some moderat counsell Now wee will leaue the king before this siege harkening what the determination of the Parisiens is and goe to see what is done in other places About the beginning of May there was in the noble and loyall Citie of Renes in Britaine a sauey sot prating Frier who in the pulpit to stir vp sedition in the cittie tooke it for a poynt of diuinity and an ornament of Fryerlike Rhetorike to call the king heretike but the Court of Parliament there so gagged him with a cord about his necke that when hee had preached his last Sermon on the top of a Ladder he brake his necke with a sore fall there were also sixe of the chiefest Cittizens hanged with him for company for hauing procured this seditious Frier in his Sermons to stirre vp sedition About the selfe same time the Lord Rieux defeated the Duke of Lorreyn nigh Mâ—tes and tooke away all his artillery It is sayd before how the King sent the Duke of Longueuille with part of the army to scoure and stop the riuer Oyse who accompanied with the L. la Nouë tooke Beaumont which was gouerned by the Lord Pierrencourt there the Duke of Longueuille caused the chiefest men of the Towne to bee hanged Paris beeing besieged by the king as is sayd the people do harden their harts more and more being perswaded by the Fryers and Iesuits and by them whom that sottish and Idolatrous people had in admiration to wit the Popes Legat the Spanish Ambassador the Bishops of Paris Lyons Glasco Placentia Aste Rhemes Sanlis there were the Duchesses de Nemours Mayne Montpensier The Prouost Escheuins other officers they partly encourage partly do terrifie the people doo yet once agayne gather a great somme of money vpon the inhabitants they doo cast great store of artillerie and prepare all things to withstand the siege They made a search of all the grayne and prouision of victuals which were within the Citie They made also a reckoning of the people which did amouÌ„t to two hundred thousand persons the corne came to that quantitie as would suffice the citie for a whole moneth allowing a pound of bread to euery one a day and besides fourtie thousand bushels of Oates They appoynted one Anthony L'amy a rich Marchant of the Citie to haue the charge of the market and to appoynt Bakers in euery quarter of the Citie to whom he deliuered the corne at foure Crownes the bushell and not aboue after that rate they should sell the pound of bread at halfe a Spanish royall This order being taken they went about to assure themselues of the wil of the Citizens for feare that any sedition should arise by reason of the scarsenes which vndoubtedly they sawe would ensue They gathered all the chiefest Citizens and Captaynes in the halles of their quarters and there they were made sweare neuer to consent to receaue any hereticall King They were sworne also to detect and reueale any man whom they knewe to dissent from this their vnion and oath This last part of the oth taken replenished the citie with proscriptions confiscations banishments cruell torments executions funeralls and lamentations for a great many were murthered many iudicially executed many emprisoned many saued them by flight but all lost their goods and substance which was no small pray to the heads of the rebels And that they might molest the King with sallies they hyred the Lord Vitry Captayne of one hundred and fiftie horses with the somme of two thousand Duckets which the Ambassadour of Spayne did pay Thus hauing set a Militarie policie in the Citie touching the strength of the Citie and the sinewes thereof they sometime would set their heads out of the gates to see what weather was about but fearing some shewer of blowes they ranne in agayne The King hauing distressed Paris alreadie twentie dayes or very nigh and looking that vpon some reasonable condition they would haue sought meanes of peace and seeing them contrary to his expectation hardened and waxed more obstinate and malicious with part of his forces set vppon the Suburbs of S. Martin which he tooke without any great resistance From that day vntill the beginning of Iune the time passed away without any great exployts but onely certayne light skirmishes For the king would not shewe any extreame force hauing a care of them hoping still that famine would haue mooued them to hearken to reason and to remember their dueties In the meane time the King caused the peeces of artillerie wherwith the Duke of Longueuille had battered Beaumont vpon Oyse to be brought to Paris which being arriued the King battered the walles with thirteene péeces of double Canon The Duke of Nemours had in the meane time cast great store of Ordinance whereof hee caused threescore and fiue peeces to bee set vppon the walles About the 13. of Iune there came foorth out of Paris a strange kinde of men of warre which were neuer seene in the field before Quintus Curtius in the life of Alexander if I remember well reported of such a kind of strange warriours For when Alexander came into India with his victorious armie they perceaued on the top of a mountaine an army of men as they thought with pikes and long staues whereupon that terrible armie of Macedonians sounded the alarum Alexander sent horsemen to viewe the enemie when they came néere they perceaued an armie of Apes which had imitated the armie of the Macedonians whom they had spyed out of the trees and mountaynes All the courage of the Macedonians was turned to laughter So the Bishop of Sanlis would play the like part he made himselfe a Captain his Souldiers were the Cartusien Friers the reformed Bernardines and barefoote Friers the Cartusiens are of the dyet of the Otter for they eate nothing but fish their cowle is like vnto the bag wherewith the Apothecaries doo
kings death They were hanged without any scraping of the holy greasing which they had of their Bishop These murtherers left a president what trust princes may haue in the rable of Friers Monkes and shaueling Priests About the same time the Lord Rubempre gouernour for the King in Tourreyne gaue an ouerthrow to the Lord Chastre in the Countrey of Berrye About the beginning of Iuly the Lord Viques a most cruell Leaguer had besieged Pontarson a towne in base Britaine holding for the King against the Leaguers and after three assaults in the which he was repulsed he heard that the county of Thorigni was comming with great forces to rayse the siege wherupon he retired to S. Michaels mount wrote letters vnto the Duke Merceur who was then at Nantes for succour fearing least he should bee forced in the sayd mount Saint Michaell Hee that carryed the letters came with the sayd letters to the Earle of Thorigny who hauing perused the letters sent the copie of the same to the Prince Dombes who was betweene Saint Mal◠and Vitre and forthwith sent the Messenger to the Duke Merceur with his letters who after hee had seene them sent by and by an answere to the sayd Lord Viques praying him to be strong and that within three daies he would come to his aide with three thousand men to rescue him from the Earle Thorigny and to oppresse him seeing that the sayd Earle could not haue helpe from the Prince The Messenger came agayne to the sayd Earle and shewed him the answere of Merceur the copie thereof was sent immediatly to the Prince the resolution was so taken betweene them that the Prince caused all the horsemen to march speedily and to get betweene the sayd Merceur and Nantes and the Earle of Thorigny marched towards the sayd Merceur The Duke perceauing that hee was compassed betweene two armies ventured to fight with the Prince Dombes and whilest they were a fighting the Earle came vppon him on the other side hee was so beaten betweene them that he lost seuenteene Ensignes and twelue hundred of his company were slayne on the place he saued himselfe by flight into the Castell Josselin one of the strongest places in all France When the Lord Viques vnderstood of this ouerthrow he yeelded and in the conclusion he gaue his Daughter in marriage to the yonger brother of the Lord Montgomery who was kept prisoner by him He was permitted to keepe Saint Michaell for his safety About the same tyme the strong Towne of Dinan in base Normandie hearing of the sayd ouerthrow of Merceur did beat out of their town their gouernour brother of the Duke Merceur killed many of his Souldiers and among them the chiefest of his Captayns named Iahn and so yeelded vnto the King About this time also the inhabitants of Kilbeuf in Normandie took a galley of the Duke Aumale laden with his goods as it was going vp to Roan In this moneth of Iuly the Franciscan Fryers of Sanlis must needes plaie a Fryerlike part they were greatly desyrous to betray the towne and to deliuer the same into the Leaguers handes which for to bring to passe they caused many Captains of the rebels to come thether apparrelled like Countrey men hauing each of them a basket full of Cheries vppon their shoulders as though they were market-folkes to sell Cheries These Cherie mongers were receaued by the said Friers into their Fryery house where they had gathered together great prouision of armor But this thing beeing suspected by some good Citizens they notifyed it to the King Whereuppon many were taken and of the Fryers Masse-mongers Chery-mongers and treason-mongers of the Towne were hanged to the number of seauen score and so the play was ended Wee haue left the King at Saint Denis whilest wee went to see what was done in other places of the realme now wee will come to the siege of Paris and first speake of the state of the Citie There the famin had so preuailed in the beginning of Iuly that it far passed the famous famin of Saguntum Then began they to denounce war agaynst all the leane horses and skiruy iades agaynst the asses cats and dogges these things were more dayntie vnto them then the daynties of Sibaris little bread and that of Oates with huske and all was very scant it was for Princes and great Ladies and that a small quantity euery day In this extremity Fryer Henrico Caietano had sold and wasted all his money and plate and begging was there little regarded he with the rest of his Masse-mongers did bury in their stomackes their God whom they had made with fiue words in horse dung if they could get it but a strange thing there happened as had béen heard of in any age to wit the Asses of Sorboun were enforced to deuour their owne brothers flesh There were foure sorts of men who went about to remedie this extremity each one following their course Some of the best sort and stoutest stomacke pittying themselues their fellow Citizens whom they saw perish by heaps for the pleasure of few rebels by the aduise of one Renard Atturney in the Court of Parliament tooke counsell how to deliuer the Cittie into the Kings hands of whose clemency and gracious fauour toward the poore distressed people they assured themselues But beeing discouered some fled to the King who were graciously of him receaued some were taken prisoners and the said Renard with some others were executed but the goods of all were forfayted to the heads of the League The second was the Duke de Mayne who fearing greatly the losse of Paris being abroad where he made shift for good cheere though it were at other mens charge as the saying is Qui satur est pleno laudat ieiunia ventre He writeth letters to the inhabitants of Paris commending them for their great constancie promiseth them succour and great prouision of victuals within a certayne time prefixed in the letter willing them to bee patient yet and not to goe about any making of peace with the King The Friers and Iesuites tooke the copies of these letters read them in their pulpets and serued them for text to discourse vpon and to make braue and lustie sermous The third was the blind Captaine Bernardine who taught the delicate Parisiens the dyet of his countrey to wit to take Oates ground meale huske and all and therewith to make a kinde of pap such as the countrey men in Spayne doo vse for their ordinarie dyet and as they doo in France for the fatting of their hogges and here in England the Hunters doo for their houndes and that slubber sauce to bee sould to them that had money by a measure which was followed as long as Oates did last The fourth was the Priests who would also feede their mindes with idolatrous fantasies as their bodies were fed sparingly with spanish slubber wash and first to begin they perswaded them to vow to Nostra donna di Loretta a lampe
that they had no part thereof and seeing that contrarie to promise they were out of 〈◊〉 to receaue any but rather that they were like to die for hunger and were alreaâ—â— starued they fell into a â—elting chafe and in that anger wrote vnto Frier Sixtus a letter wherein they reproch vnto him the great good turnes which the Vickars of Rome had receaued of their auncestors whereof he shewed himselfe very vnthankefull They quarell with him how they hauing encouraged the people in their Sermons to withstand their King and to set the realme in a combustion to the catholike faith vpon promises of his aid and succour but now when they haue need nothing is perfourmed the people doo take them as they may well for abusers and the Pope for a cogging Fryer a deceauer a giuer of good morrows and faire wordes They say when they haue shewed their néed and gréefs vnto his Nuncio they had faire words how the Pope is very wise knoweth well what hee hath to doe hee will do his promise when he seeth his tyme. Maister Frier Sixtus and his Nuncio you doe not vnderstand well Note perhaps the nature of Sorboun they haue a rage in the belly which will not be asswaged by words I thinke no people in this world is so troubled with that sicknes as these bee but specially now when Asse flesh faileth them They accuse Frier Sixtus that he playeth Iack of both sides he holdeth with the hounde and runneth with the hare hee holdeth with the Catholikes and secretly fauoureth the King that they prooue by two Arguments First by the good entertainment which was giuen to the Lord Luxenbourg who first with dissimulation was excluded and afterward vsed very frendly The second argument is that Fryer Sixtus had beene greatly desired by the holy vnion and also had promised to pronounce excommunication against the King and the Royals which he would neuer doo They pray him instantly to send forth that excommunication and let them alone with that And whereas these Magistrinostri dare not beg openly yet they say that letters haue béene written from Italy by many great men to bee but folly to expect any money from Rome The reason I can giue you for they haue little enough to serue their turne At length they fall out with him openly with this praier that God so help him as he dooth help them But to returne to the purpose the staruing and eating of such vncleane things did bring generally to all the disease 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and a dropsie so that betwéene the famine and these diseases there was most commonly two hundred and more in a morning found dead at the doores of the rich where they came to get somewhat and were not able to depart from thence beside numbers which did dye euery where by heapes Al the musick that was in the streates was mourning wéeping lamentations and weake voyces of begging people and none able to relieue them The pompe of the City was turned into funerals leanenes pitifull sights and euident tokens of Gods wrath powred vpon a people which lead by seducers haue resisted Gods power and Ordinance The state of that people being so lamentable Frier Henrico Frier Sixtus Nuncio who was come himselfe to sixe ounces of â—aten bread and halfe a pound of asse flesh if he could get it supposing to be in antro Trophoni where the Poets doo faine the people to liue by shadowes went abut to relieue this people with idolatrous faÌ„tasies to wit with pardoÌ„s indulgences whereupon processions doo runne but softly vp and down they set their Idoll which their Priests did make with fiue words in his graue againe which they made for hâ—m vpon the great altar to see whether they might awake him out of his swound with smoak or candels or thumping on the breast or with weake misericordia or a faintie ora pronobis the more the famine did encrease the more Idolatries did multiply The Friers and Iesuites would sometime step vp in the puspit there they did looke like their woody and smoaky Idols which are by heapes in their temples differing nothing from them but in apparell and speaâ—h They had lacked their bread of chapter and vinum capitulare so long that they could no more rumble and thunder their sermons beate and shake their pulpets but with a mourning voyce prayed them whom they had cast headlong into that heape of miserâ—es to bée patient if they dye they shall be made confessors within ten dayes they shall haue victuals and succour enough But when they heard for a truth of the Duke of Parma his marching there they did with their weake voyces extoll him as the only Captaine of the world the deliuerer of France and of the holy Church What was he not Thus this miserable people kept downe by the tyrrany of the Leaguers hardned by seditious sermons of starued Friers and Iesuites fed with vanities of the Popes Nuncio blinded with ignoraÌ„ce and Idolatry of ignorant and Idolatrous leaders was not suffered to goe foâ—th and to submit themselues to their King to whom nothing was more deare then their preseruation neither could they be prouided But the tirranous rebels hauing yet somewhat to kéepe soule and body together had delight to behold with their cruell eyes that wretched people to pyne away by hunger The famine goeth worse one day then another in somuch that if the King had continued his siege any tyme longer that desperat rabble of rebellious Idolaters would haue done as the Saguntines Lampsarcens which destroyed themselues In the beginning of August the rebels did issue foorth conducted by the Duke of Nemours to charge the Kings forces but they were so receaued by the Kings Captaines that they who returned home said they would do so no more The King perceauing that the message of Vileroy was nothing else but to delude him and vnderstanding that the Duke d'Mayne was gone into Brabant to hast the Duke of Parma his iourney placed thirtéene pieces of Ordinance to batter the gate of S. Germaine on the south side of the City But hearing that for a certainty the Duke of Parma was ready to march with fiftéene thousand men Spanyards Italians Wallons and Flemmings all of the old bands garisons of the Countrey he thought good not to giue any assault but knowing that they were extreamely distressed with famine thought to vrge them with the same more narrowly then euer he did and so to enforce them to come to some reasonable composition and so to reserue his nobility and braue Souldiours to the enemies comming The famine did so preuaile that nothing being left to eate but themselues they began to fall to mans flesh Pedro Corneio a Spanyard who was in that siege dooth report that one of the Pseudopresidents there told him for a truth which hee knew very well that there were of his knowledge two and twenty Children eaten in that siege The King vnderstanding of the greatnes
now his age doth great iniurie to his memorie O man too much pride hath put thee out of thy wittes or els hath blowne thy wisedome into thy cap. When hee entred into France hee began to enquire how many dayes marching there was to Rochâ—l for he would take it by the way Man looke well to the would of thy cap. He imagined that the king at the first hearing of his comming would haue runne away and he would haue pursued him as far as the playns of Bourdeaux where he would haue fought with him sent his head in a charger to his master as Herode did of Iohn Baptist The Friers and Iesuits lacked no monkish Rhetorick to encrease nor winde to blowe vp these bladders Wheresoeuer he passed there he left tokens of his progenie to wit tokens of the most vilanous â—â—lthines and most barbarous crueltie that euer was vsed by any wilde people except it were by the Popes adulterous broode But whilest these things were a dooing there fel out such a chance as almost marred all Frier Sixtus a little before he went to render a count of the treasons murthers which he had caused to his power to be committed fearing by the threatning of the Lord Luxembourg who was sent to Rome by the Catholick nobility to doo a message in their name least the King would séeke for reuengement of the presumptuous iniuries receaued at his hands sent a flattering mandamus by the which hée dischargeth the King from excommunication and willed all his subiects nobles and others to obey him and pray for him whose subuersion hee himselfe desired Here ChristiaÌ„ reader thou maist sée what piety iustice or godlines is in this sinke of lewd Friers for aduantage this Frier Sixtus was the chiefest instrument countenance of the Leaguers to raise vp that most cruel warre and confused rebellion that euer was heard of â—n any realme by his excommunication by his aduise practises counsell and money Now when he seeth the whip in the Kings hands fearing to be handled as his countrey men did handle their flaues or as one of the Kings predecessors handled Boniface the eight whom he hanged at his owne window in the Citie Perugia now he sent his Curriero with his mandamus with his praiers he commeth as the Demoniâ—cles came vnto Christ Let therefore Christian Princes take héede not to trust these false dissembling Friers who do carry two faces vnder a hoode for there is nothing so wicked but for aduantage they dare doo there is nothing so vile but for aduantage they will debase themselues thereto But Frier Sixtus his mandamus his Curriero his commaundement was as much regarded of the Catholicks and Leaguers as of them of the reformed religion for the Leaguers will follow their deuotions that is their rebellion though all the Popes that haue béen euer since the diuel layed downe the foundation of that seate should say nay and therefore they tooke that mandamus abusiue for assentamur The Catholick Nobles who were with the King tooke that for a thing which is neither here nor there which could neither hinder nor further the cause wishing that Frier Sixtus would sit at home and make some new almanack or some new calender because yet we lack one or two to furnish the table and that by his Apostolicall authority hée would commaund the Sunne not to goe any more out of the way but to kéepe â—is course as some of his predecessors was so bold as to commaund the Angels They of the reformed religion laughed at the impudency and variablenes of the Friers wit who had breath both to warme his fingers and to coole his potage The K. did make account of all this Frierlike flattering rather to redound to his hindrance and dishonor then to any futtherance of his cause for he knoweth well that the praiets of Iâ—olaters would not be accepted of God and that all the godly minded would without the Popes bidding make their humble praiers and supplications to God for him not onely in France but in all Christendome Neither will he accept that obedience which is done by the Popes câ—â—maundement rather then in consideration of Gods ordinance And to receaue any goodnes of him or depend of him the King dooth knowe well that euery good gift commeth from aboue euen from the father of lighâ—s and that hee is his aboundant reward But the Pope is equus Seianus vnto as many as do meddle with him Whilest the Duke of Parma marched toward France the Duke de Mayne returned home to gather forces as is said before some were cut off by the waies as Aumale and the Vidasme of Amiens but certaine forces he receaned of Balagny gouernour of Cambray and the Lord Saint Paul with whom he made toward Paris The King vnderstanding of this went from his armie with a troupe of horsemen without any baggage and marched 17. Leagues without bayte to meete with the said Duke de Mayne to bid him welcome out of Brabant but the K. came too short by an hower For the Duke de Maine vsed with long experience to flee away from the Kings presence had saued himselfe in the towne of Laon in Champaygne but the King seeing that he had escaped out of the net he returned to his army Shortly after the D. de Mayne hauing gathered all his forces came to Meaux in Brie to ease his stomack geuing out that he came to giue battell to the King whereupon the King departing againe went almost to Meaux but seeing that the Duke had enclosed himselfe betweene the riuers of Marne and that which commeth from Crecy the King returned to his army once more In the latter end of August the Duke of Parma that great Soltan Solymon Mussulman Siech with his dronken Belerbeyes Bassas and Ianissaries entred into France The Duke de Mayne to requite his curtesy shewed him at Bruxels sent the Lord Saint Paul who the other day was a lackay and afterward houshold seruant to the Lord Beauuayes Nangy then he rose a step higher to wit hee was made one of the bawdes of the Duke de Mayne and now one of the chiefest of the League When the Duke of Parma came to Meaux vpon Marne about the 27. of August he thought himselfe to shew yet once an Italian proud tricke to the D. de Mayne for his so basely receauing of him in the land then he began to looke with a sower Italian brow and as the saying is Fronte caperata neither would he goe further except hee had an absolute power to commaund ouer all the forces as well French as Suanish which thing when he had obtayned he began to esteeme lesse the Duke de Mayne and his Captaines then the Duke de Mayne had esteemed him in sending a lackay in a Noble mans apparell to receaue him Now the Duke of Parma beeing on Cockhorse beginneth to triumph and disdayne all he altered the Duke de Mayne his resolution and the course of this voiage
yet necessitie which hath no law made the Duke de Mayne to take all these Italian insolencies pranks in good part néede which maketh the old woman trot enforced him to put in vre all the reuerences and ceremonies which he learned at Bruxels among the Spaniars wherein he had profited very wel for his time The Duke of Parma in taking his iourney beeing troubled with the humor that Monarcho his countrey man who was here in England the gasing pastime of children in London was troubled with had imagination in his conceit that by that time he should enter France the King would be fled from Paris halfe the way out of France But when he came to Meaux whilest they played these mery parts betweene them he heard that the K. was still at the â—iege of Paris whereat he maruailed greatly musing why the King should stay there and perceauing that the King stood not in any feare they eased their harts and couered their dread by publishing abroad euery where how they wil giue battell to the King of him and all his there is not a breakefast And thereupon in great earnest he called for the Cards and thinking himselfe far wiser then the Duke de Mayne who now was but a poore Souldier vnder him and hauing appointed to lodge at Chelles began to march forth out â—â— Meaux to take his lodging wher the King had appointed The King hauing intelligences of the Duke of Parma his marching out of Meaux the 30. of August raised his armie from before Paris leauing y e citie and the Suburbs at liberty The King with part of his armie went before with commaundement to the rest to follow after Pedro Corneio a Spaniard who was in the Citie during that siege reporteth that if the King had staied two daies more it was impossible for that Citie to haue holden any longer but that the gates had beene opened to him The Paristens seeing that when they had come to an extreame period of danger which in truth had béen an easie and an inestimable benefite to haue fallen into the Kings hands were filled with great ioy The Duke de Nemours Frier Henrico Fryer Sixtus his Nuncio blind Bernardino and all other rabble of Rebels went in procession to the great church called our Lady with a great number of people drawing their drie and starued bodies after them with much adoo and there they song merily te Deum laudamus The last wheat that had béene sold there was sold aboue two hundred Crownes and within three daies after it was there for foure or fiue Crownes The Duke of Parma at his first marching from Meaux hauing passed the brooke which runneth by the Towne of Clay lodged at the Castell Fresme The King departed from the Village Chaliot neere to Paris and appointed a generall meeting of his whole army in the plaine of Boundie making his reckoning the next day to haue battell Therefore hee mustered his army there all that day and there he staied two daies expecting the enemies comming but hearing no newes of the enemy all that time hee resolued to draw neere to them and for that intent sent the Lords Lauerdine and Chastilion to seaze vppon Chelles where he intended to lodge The said Lords there arriued found the enemies Harbingers who had begun to take lodgings whom they put to flight The King comming after them deseried some 7. or eight hundred horses of the enemie whom he charged so violently with farre lesser number that he conducted beating them euen vnto their lodgings The Duke of Parma vnderstanding that his Harbingers had béene beaten out of Chelles and that the King lodged there did double his feare and disappointed of his lodging would néeds goe accompanied with the D. de Mayne to view the plaine where the King stood in battel aray but perceauing the King comming with a good troup directly toward them was contented for that time to take no neerer sight The fifth day the Duke of Parma placed his army inclosed betweene two brookes and on the one side vpon one of the brookes there is a wood and a Castell called Brow and a little aboue the Castell a hill All that day the King stood in battell array in the plaine by Chelles The Kinges power of ten thousand foot Frenchmen foure thousand Swissers four thousand horsemen whereof three thousand were gentlemen of the chiefest families of Nobility in all France eight hundred Rutters In that army were sixe Princes two Marshals of France and a great number of noble men and Captains who were able to leade as great an army as that was About 11. a clocke that day the Duke of Parma with the Duke de Maine went vp on the top of the hill to view the army and the situation of the plaine which when hee had descried hee gaue a deepe sigh and fell into a chilling cold and after in a pelting Italian chafe after the maner of Italy and the custume of his predecessors the Popes of Rome swore and blasphemed God most horribly and reproched vnto the Duke de Mayne that he had brought him to the slaughter and that he descried before his eies not ten thousand men as he made him beleeue but twenty thousand men the brauest and best ordered that euer hee had seene This great Caesar that heretofore would kill the Deuill hethertoo had couered the fear which did lurk in his hart with swearings blasphemings braggings and boastings now not able to keepe it any longer hidden doth lay it open for he maketh hast to his campe biddeth his men to lay downe their weapons and to take in hand pickaxes shouels and mattocks The Macedonians were neuer so busie in building Alexandria as these men were in trenching themselues in their Moore for feare to bee set on by the King The King continued thrée dayes more in shewing himselfe in battaile aray vpon the said plaine and prouoked them continually by skirmishes alwaies some remayning behinde vppon the place or carried away prisoners The 6. day the King assaulted them and did beate them from one of the brookes the wood and the Castell and driue them all into the moore where they in great hast as is aforesaid had entrenched themselues very strongly Some prisoners being demaunded wherefore the Duke of Parma would not make a way through the Kings campe to goe to Paris and hazard the lot of the battaile They answered that after they had descryed the Kings power they had lost all stomacke to fight The Duke d'Mayne had left behinde him the Towne of Lagny which is vpon the riuer of Marne right against Corbeil which he thought could work him some displeasure he therefore did send the seauenth day of September certaine companies of Spanyards and Italians with ordinance to take the said Lagny which was but a weake Towne The Captaine named Laphin otherwise determined to leaue the Towne as not defensible when he sawe the enemies approach with such disorder as they did
tooke another resolution to wit to defend it to hold them play the enemies passing ouer the riuer vppon a bridge made with boates began to batter it with nine pieces of artillery the breach was made before the King had any notice thereof by reason of the great winde which was contrary and a great thick myst yet assoone as the King had any knowledge thereof he sent succour to haue rescued the Towne but the enemy giuing the assault afore the Kings forces could come and being few against many the enemy carried it away which being entred into the Towne omitted no barbarous cruelty and villany which that Sarrasenicall sauage nation could deuise there were betwéene two and thrée hundred Souldiours within the Towne gouerned by the Lord Laphin who defended that weake towne so valiantly that the enemy lost in that assault the most part of them that were at y e siege all the Garison Souldiours with their Captaines were slaine in like sorte as Leonidas with his Lacoues at Thermopylas The King tooke that losse very sorrowfully and supposing that this beginning would haue cheered and fleshed the enemy commaunded the skirmish to be giuen hoâ—ter then euer before But as the Woolâ—e pursued and hunted hauing gotten his den ouer his head will rather dye there then to get him forth and trie the matter with the hunter so these sauage rauening monsters could not be drawne out of their moore The King perceauing that nothing would encourage these fearefull warriours departed out of the campe with a good company of horsemen with ladders and marched toward Paris and caused certaine companies to draw nere the walls betwéene the gates of Saint Iames and Saint Marcel which being detected the alarum was giuen in the City the Kings Souldiours did hide themselues in the darkenes of the night being a great myst withall The Parisiens returned euery one home the Iesuites who are the most desperat and warlike of all the legions of the locustes of the kingdome of Antichrist watched all the night vpon the wal fearing some surprise and about foure a clock in the morning the Kings Souldiours lying in the towne ditch began to scale the wall the Iesuits fearing to be researched first for their horrible treasons doo sound the alarum and doo kéepe of the Kings men from leaping vpon the wall as well as they can whilest company doo run to helpe The inhabitants doo cast fagots kindled into the ditch by which meanes the Kings Souldiours being discouered did sound the retire gaue ouer the enterprise and so the King returned no more to Paris Here Christian reader thou shalt note in this City the notorious sins of the inhabitants the iudgements of God shewed vpon them and what is yet to come This City hath béen first of all the bulwark and strong hold of all Idolatry and heathenish superstitioâ—s which they haue increased of meere malicious wickednes and as it were to spight the Gospell whose voyce had been heard and had knocked at their gâ—tes many yeares They raised the alarum at the sound thereof they haue murthered the Saintes in the streates they haue shed their bloud vpon the earth like water their bodies they haue drawne by heapes and giuen them to bee meate for the beastes of the field and the fowles of the ayre they haue searched them out as it were with a lanterne that they might roote out the knowledge of God from the earth they haue made the gospel of life a hissing a by word a nodding of the head and a song of despight and contempt among them Therefore the Lord hath giuen them to a reprobate minde to commit among themselues all the abominations of the heathens and hath solde them to seducers and rauing false Prophets For beside the infinit heards of Epicures and idle bellies of idolatrous Priests Monkes and Friers about the yeare 1560. when the Gospell did knock at their gates there crept out of Spayne and Italy the vermine of Iesuitâ—s whome Sachan did burst out as vltimum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by whose desperat rage specially these sinfull people haue béen blinded and seduced to the vtâ—ermost They haue kindled and maintained to the vttermost of their power war against them of the reformed religion They were the first in all France to shew the fruite of their hellish Idolatry that haue rebelled against the King who was of their owne religion as great and deuout a Catholick as any was in the world they stirred vp and inuited to their rebâ—llion all other Cities of France by their example letters and Ambassadors and at length they haue shortned his life by an haynous parricide by the which they haue made their walls their houses their temples and themselues guilty of the damnable crime of treason hated both of GOD and man Now let vs sée the fearefull iudgements of God shewed vpon them the Lord hath executed his iustice vppon that defiled City defiled I say with the bloud of the innocents at all times by punishing them with his scourges of pestilence and dearth But after they had defiled their hands with the Kings bloud the anoynted of the Lord who represented before their eyes the image of God the Lord strooke them with the giddines of Sodome and the darkenes of Aegipt and sent euill Angels among them to vexe them with disquietnes with guilty consciences with vprores and seditions And now when the Lord during the siege had sent them mercy and fauour euen to their gates by the band of his messenger and Lieutenant Henry of Bourbon now raigning Prince of great and famous renowne They as men senseles fallen into a letargy and out of their wits would hearken to nothing but to the voyce of sedition of commotion of bloud and murther being deliuered into the bondâ—ge of â—raitors and tyrants And when the Lord had broaken the staffe of bread among them with greater rigour then in any place which euer was heard of they did not turne vnto the Lord who had giuen them bread wine oyle flaxe as Osea speaketh but multiplyed their idols worshipped diuâ—ls as Iames Clement the parricide and others euen with gréedines They did rather choose to eate the flesh of their sonnes and daughters which by the lawes of that realme is a capitall crime and to bee râ—uenged with fire then to accept grace and fauour at the hands of their King whome law nature and God had giuen vnto them Now let vs consider what by al reasons grounded vppon the stedfastnes of Gods threatnings is like to ensue thaâ— God may powre downe the fulnes of his wrath and iust indignation vppon that accursed City he in whose gouernâ—ment are the hearts of Kings and Princes doth alter the minde of the King to giue ouer that City vntill the day of vengeance Not for that he was not able to haue distressed the same longer and haue kept the Duke of Parma from approaching to it but to that end to hamper his enemies yet more in
wicked desires and to deliuer them into the hands of barbarous tyrants as it fell out after more heauy and intollerable vnto them then the extremity of the famine it selfe that God might take vengeance of that sinke of accursed idolatrous rebels first by a long calamity like vnto a consuming and pining disease And to giue space vnto them there whome hee knew to bee his to goe out of that Babilon and cage of all abominations and vncleane fowles that in great wrath that blasphemous and rebellious City may be swallowed down in destruction It is said before how the King hauing missed to take Paris by Escalade gaue it ouer perceauing that God had a further and a heauier iudgement to execute vpon that City then he was determined to shew if it had come into his hands and therefore resting himselfe vppon Gods good will which will turne all things to the good and comfort of them that bee his returned to his army which had remoued from Chelles to Boundy The enemies notwithstanding the King Campe had remoued remayned still in their myre fearing still to be drawne where they were not resolued to goe The Nobility who vpon the newes and rumour of the battayle had resorted vnto the King without any prouision of necessary things and by the obstinacie of the enemies perceauing that they were not determined to come to handy blowes brged their departure The King in like manner being out of hope to come to hand with the enemie otherwise then leasure might afoord from Boundy tooke vp his lodging to goe to Gonesse The 12. day of September at Gonesse the King assembled the Princes officers of the Crowne and the expert and valiant Captaynes of the Armie which altogether made a noble and famous counsell There he discoursed how it was playne that the Prince of Parma cannot or dared not fight But that there was some hope that by coasting him still he might be hereafter had at aduantage To returne to Paris he shewed that he had not purposed and was not willing to take it by force And whereas the enemie would not warre after his maner he thought conuenient to apply himselfe vnto his And sith he would not haue the honour to fight with so many honourable personages as were assembled for that purpose it would be expedient to distresse him with other discommodities as want of victuals and surprises He shewed also that in furnishing the Townes round about Paris with strong garrisons and victuals the Citie would remayne still distressed as well as with an armie Also that a meane power was sufficient to coast the enemie and to bée at his heeles whatsoeuer he would attempt and that the rest of the forces might returne to the Prouinces whence they came which would be a great reliefe for them and by relieuing themselues might haue opportunitie still to get somewhat Lastly by these meanes in bridling the enemie from doing any exployt when forces of straungers should chaunce to enter into the Realme they might easily assemble together agayne thus refreshed be twise as strong as they are now These things being propounded by the King he required their good aduise and faithful counsell which things being debated by that noble counsell at length were approoued by the consent of all and followed And first the King did begin with the Towne of S. Denis which after great suit of diuers noble men it fell to the lot of the Lord Lauerdine who thankfully accepted it The King also prouided garrisons to fortifie the Townes of Melune Corbeil Sanlis Meulan Mante and sundrie others which did hold Paris distressed on euery side The King sent the Prince Countie into Toureyne Anjou and Mayne He sent the Prince Montpensier into Normandie The Duke of Longueuille into Picardie The Duke of Neuers into Champaigne The Marshall Aumont into Bourgondie Euery one hauing sufficient forces to keepe their Prouinces in peace The King himselfe with a companie of eight thousand and the Marshall Byron crossing the countrey lying betweene Marne and Oyse determined neither to goe farre from the enemie neither to spend his time in idlenes and therefore went to lay the siege before the town of Clâ—rmont in Beauuoysin where he stayed about ten dayes which he tooke partly by assault and partly by composition The Duke of Parma durst neuer come foorth out of the myre where hée had wallowed himselfe abouâ— 14. dayes vntill he heard the King was very nigh twentie leagues from him At length hearing the King to bee farre enough and that he had passed the riner Oyse towsing bunselfe out of the dyrt tooke his way to Paris in hast as one that is carried with a fearefull imagination At that time as many noble men who had repayred to the King vpon the rumour of a battaile which should haue been fought out betweene the King the Duke of Parma were returning to their home among others the Lord Guiche Ragny and Ciper returning into Normandy met with the Vicount Tauanes with fiue hundred horses néere to Meulay whome they charged and left aboue fiftie on the place and tooke as many prisoners with their baggage The King being at the siege of Clermont the Duke of Parma was receaued in Paris with great ioy and triumph For they supposed to haue receaued some of the petie Idols of the Heathens called Dij tutelares To be short he was welcome but his victuals which he brought with him yet better Hauing soiourned there fewe dayes the pride and vilanie of the Spanyards was so rife that no man was any longer master of his house wife children and goods all was exposed to the appetite and lust of fewe Gotes and Sarrazins confusedly heaped in Spayne as into the sinke of all Europe The triall of fewe dayes gaue the Parisiens a proofe of their folly who had reiected a lawfull King and had admitted most sauage monsters to oppresse them with barbarous tyrannie In these extremities they being not able to rid their hands of them if by any meanes they might be shifted off requested the sayd Duke of Parma that hee would open the riuer for the traffique without the which thing that mightie Citie could not be prouided of necessaries wishing that their neighbours might bee combred with them rather then they themselues The Duke of Parma to please the people made them beleeue that out of hand he would goe to take the Townes situated on the vpper part of the riuer then hee would goe to rescue Clermont then will hee take all the Townes betweene Paris and Roan At length with much adoo he vndertooke to assault Corbeil as next neighbour This is a small town seauen leagues from Paris vpon the selfesame riuer that Paris is famous onely in Paris by reason of the great aboundance of Peaches which growe in their vineyards which they sent to the markets of Paris otherwise it is nothing neither in greatnes nor in strength by nature nor by art This great Tamberlaine made such a preparation
the conduct of the Marshall Byron to employ it where he should thinke most expedient About the sixt of Nouember arriued at Compiegne a Towne in Picardie situated vppon the miéeting of the riuers Oyse and Ayne where immediatly after his arriuall he sent to the nobility of Picardy to inuite them to come and assist him to reconduct the Duke of Parma according to the honour and papall nobility of his house who had deserued that fauour at his hand if not for any seruice done yet for the small hurt that he had receaued by him The Duke of Parma departed from Paris and soiorned for some dayes in Brie about Chaust heaut herij there in that fat soyle to refresh his Soulours hungerbitten and weake to proue whether hee might procure any of the Leaguers vpon the misliking of séeking parley with the King to forsake the Duke d'Mayne and to make him their Soueraigne generall whereunto by secret practises he solicited a great number But specially he feared greatly to venture his way alone for being forsaken of the Frenchmen he assured himselfe that he would be assaulted in his retyre by the King who did waite for the opportunity not farre of Therefore hée instantly vrged the Duke d'Mayne that he would rely his forces to kéepe him safe caring little what might become either of the Duke d'Mayne or of the Leaguers so that hée might get out of this lurch that hée sawe himselfe in This feare was the chiefest cause of his long soiourne in Brie But whilest hée was carefull of his safe returne into Brabant the King had appoynted the Lord Gyury a man of great valour policie to make choise of some sufficient number of his best and most approoued souldiours and to march toward Corbeil there to seeke opportunitie to reuenge the cruel iniurie done to his subiects by the Spanyards and Wallons wherof part to the number of one thousand were left there in garrison The occasion of recouering Corbeil was thus The maner of Wallons and Spanyards and popish nations beyond the Seas is to drinke and quaffe very largely the tenth day of Nouember in the worship of that good Bishop S. Martin who gaue halfe of his cloake to the diuell when hee was through pouertie enforced to begge But it is most like that they doo keepe that ryot more in the worship of the diuell who begged then of that good man who in his life time knewe very well that it is not the custome of the Church of God to worship the Saints neither with drunkennesse nor by any other meanes els The Lord Gyury knowing that dronken fashion of them very well tooke that opportunitie to do his feate For he delayed the time to approach the Towne vntill he supposed them to bee so crammed with good cheare and wine that it was time for them to goe to sleepe Then about midnight when that Spanish garrison were vino somnéque sepulti he placed his peeces of Ordinance and on a sudden battered the same breach which the D. of Parma had made which was not yet fully repayred The breach being quickly opened the assault was giuen The Spanyards and Wallons halfe dronke and halfe a sleepe ranne as desperat persons to the walles and made a very forcible resistance which continued all that night vntill nigh seauen a clocke in the morning The Duke of Parma heard the battering of Corbeil and fearing least his Trophâ—e should bee marred sent presently a power of Spanyards to succour them but comming too late were enforced to cast away their weapons as Demost henes did that they might fight another time The 11. day betweene sixe and seauen of the clocke in the morning the Town was throughly taken by the Kings forces and reduced to his obedieuce who entred by the same breach which the Duke of Parma had done and entred before There were found slayne two hundred Wallons three hundred Spanyards and among them the Cheualier Aumale brother to the Duke of Aumale one of the greatest cutthrotes of all the Leaguers was found dead The cause of his being at that banquet was that he was appoynted to prouide victuals for Paris Foure hundred were taken prisoners There were taken also foure brasen peeces and two Canons ready charged There were taken many spanish Ensignes which were made newe and newly displayed vppon the wall in token of victorie and in spite of the King There were taken also two hundred fat Oxen and foure hundred sheep some killed and some dressed and some aliue which the Knight Aumale had prouided for Paris This exployt being atchieued the Lord Gyury with all his companies with feruent prayers gaue thankes to God acknowledging this deliuerance and happie successe to haue been the worke of his right hand and power The newes of the retaking of Corbeil caused diuers and contrary motions in diuers persons the King receauing the newes thereof did admyre Gods iustice which euery where thundreth the claps of his displeasure vpon them who doo resist his ordinance and more and more conceaued hope that the Lord would performe the worke which he hath begun first in cloathing his enemies with shame and dishonour as with a garment and secondly in him to restore that afflicted estate The Parisiens and the Duke de Mayne were replenished with rage and feare together for they feared least by the taking of Corbeil and the retyre of the Duke of Parma the shambles of horses asses and dogges should be opened again The Asses of Sorboun began to feare their skinne least for want of foure footed Asses they should be assaulted and brought to the shambles Therefore they ranne to the sayd Duke of Parma they adiured and coniured him by the name of God yea by Gog and Magog and Beelzebub to returne to the recouering of Corbeil But the Duke of Parma remembring the price that hee payed for the sayd Corbeil would no more of that play specially knowing that he which did possesse it was a man resolute of courage valour and industrie Yet to please them he fed them daily vntill he should receaue supplie of forces to gard him with fat morsels of words to wit that he would take Chasteautherij and Compeigne and in the meane while he walked in Brie and Champaigne in like sorâ— as the Hords of sauage Tartarians doo remooue from place to place to grase vp the countreyes so did this great Crimme saue that his cruelties and villanies which he vsed there are yet vnknowne to the Tartarians Whilest he dooth raunge ransacke and riffle that countrey some of the Kings Captaynes tooke the towne of Lagny another Trophee or monument of the Duke of Parma his crueltie which thing both encreased his feare and hasted his iourney out of France Now we will leaue this omnipotent Cham with his hords of Tartarians to deuoure that countrey whose comming the vnnatural inhabitants had procured to maintaine a most damnable rebellion and contempt of lawfull power and we will see what the king had
done soiourning in Compeigne about fifteene or sixteene dayes The King soiourned in Compeigne for these causes following First to espye what the Duke of Parma would attempt for after the taking of Corbeil hee looked daily that he would haue returned backe to recouer it for which cause the sayd King had sent for his forces to be in a readines at a dayes warning intending vpon such occasion to trye the quarrell with a dayes worke Secondly to expect the Nobilitie of Picardie whom he had inuited to reconduct home the Duke of Parma as is sayd Thirdly that by his neighbourhead he might represse him from attempting vpon any places which were vnder his obedience Fourthly hee stayed in Compeigne without interrupting the soiorning of the Duke of Parma in Brie to geue leasure to the rebellions Prouinces to prooue what difference there is betwixt the milde good iust and fatherlike gouernment of a vertuous and lawful Prince and the cruell bondage of heathenish sauage and barbarous tyrants The sayd King during his abode there among other deliberations concluded to pursue the said Duke of Parma in his retire grounded vppon iustice to wit a wil and desire to punish him who had offended as far as God should geue him power and lawfull means to do it for as much as the D. of Parma beeing not prouoked with iniurie or vniust dealing had not only against the law of nature maintained and assisted the rebels in his realme enemies to all iust and lawful superiority but also had committed horrible murthers and crueltyes contra ius supplicum innumerable whoredoms Sodomitries hereditarie to the papall house of Pharneses all maner of vilanies vpon his faithful Subiects and also the necessary defence of his estate and safety of the places which in that countrey were vnder his obedience Uppon this iust resolution the twentith of Nouember the King with his forces departed from Coeuures in Picardie hauing with him of the Nobility of that countrey about fiue hundred horses beside his own forces and began to march directly against the said Duke of Parma It is said how the Duke of Parma departed from Paris and made their abâ—ad in Brie the causes also of that soiorning there haue béene opened what euents also haue happened during that time Now the sayd Duke perceauing that all his practises in seeking to supplant his friend would not frame vnderstanding of the Kings preparations for to accompany him into his countrey and that the King was all ready at the doore began to feare yet more then euer before séeing the tempest which would follow and wished that the Duke de Mayne had made more speed to send him the succour promised wished also that he might be quit in ceasing the clampering noyse of his Moiles belles and in the meane time about the 23. day of Nouember hee remoued to the towne of Phismes vpon Voisle there within a wall he determined to expect the comming of the Duke de Mayne who was comming with speed The King in this retire of Parma to Phismes arriued and met a certain companie of Spanish footmen whom hee put all to the sword without the losse of any of his men The Duke de Maine with his forces repairing to Parma seeing all this exploit and durst neuer rescue them that exploit done the King went to take his lodging in the Towne Feres in Tartenoys The 25. of Nouember the Duke of Parma accompanied with the Duke de Maine departed from Phismes tooke his way to Pontauers which is a towne situated vppon the riuer Esne where he had determined to lodge the night following The King hauing about eight hundred Launciers and so many Harquebusiers on horseback sent the Baron of Biron with fifteene light horses to view the enemie In the meane time the King tooke 25. horses and kept to the right hand by a wood seeking to iudge by sight the enemies marching But the Baron of Biron brought newes that the enemy was departed from a Village named Bazoges and marched toward Pontauers The King immediatly with all his forces following the enemie entred into the said Village where he found few Farmers and husoandmen armed and ready to fight in his Maiesties behalfe of whom the King learned more particular newes concerning the enemy The Kings Captaines but specially the Baron of Biron still pursued them and meeting with straglers payed them their wages for their comming so farre and gaue many onsets when occasion serued alwaies to the enemies costs The 27 the King sent the Lords Fronterack Chicot and Dauers on the top of Saint Martins hill to view if the enemie had put any ambushes at the hilles foote but they saw them in the open plaine marching apace toward Pontauers the way beeing without ambushes the King sent the Baron of Biron with a troupe of horsemen and he with an other company followed after commaunding the Lord la Now to send him ten out of euery company and to rest the remnant The King made fiue smal squadrons of fiftie horses in euery one of al these companies There was a hot alarum geuen in the enemies camp and gaue a dozen onsets on the enemies But whilest these things were a doing the King spied on an other side behind 300. Harquebuziers on horseback who conducted the carriage of tronkes and baggage and fearing the retyre of the enemy would haue brought him out too farre from his forces retired intending to charge these companies of Harquebuziers One of the Kings Gards beeing fallen into the enemies hands cried for helpe whereuppon the Baron of Biron charged them and slew twelue or thirteene of them but his horse was killed whereby he was put in great danger if he had not béene rescued by the King This fray beeing begun there was a great alarum geuen in the enemies campe which began to march toward the King But he considering that it was better to hazard few common souldiers theÌ„ the Nobilitie caused the companies on horseback of the Captaines Saint Denis and Saint Foelix to light and to charge the enemy there was a hot skirmish begun The K. in the meane time retired with his nobillity to a Village called Longauall thether also the Harquebuziers retired after they had fought a long space and in the retire Captain Saint Foelix was slaine with a shot the Souldiers retyred so leasutely that they did draw the dead corps with them by the legges When the King had passed Longauall toward Pontarsie the Harquebuziers of the enemy came to the wall and in a brauing fury sâ—rooke with their swoords vpon the gates of the towne but being saluted with the Harquebuziers within with shot through loope holes and seeing many of their fellowes fall vpon the place they retired and sound the means by the guiding of a man of that Town to seaze vpon an other gate and entered about sixe of them Captaine Bonmouoyr set vppon them and killed two of them the other retired The Harquebuziers tooke their horses forsooke
appeare that as the sayd Duke of Parma was not able to doo good to his partakers so came he not but to bée a scourge of Gods wrath vnto them For he came to raise the siege from before Paris if that had not béen done by dutifull submission the Citie might haue been relieued iustice iudgement which are more then centâ—plex murus to a Cittie had beene established they might haue had their owne Autonomie to wiâ— their Religion and Franchises in peace security and libertie Their commerce and traffike by which the greatnes of that Citie is entertained and nourished had been opened to bee short it would haue florished more then euer it did but the comming of the Duke of Parma disappointed them of all these benefites The Duke of Parma brought a little store of victuals but hee and his consumed not onely that within a few dayes but also all other prouisions which could be made for the Citie so the inhabitants were hungerbitten still with sorrowfull eies they saw others to intercept that which should haue béen their sustenance So that if it were not for the Kings goodnes which by winking and forbearing some store of victuals to goe to their market they would haue beene enforced in few dayes to open their shambles of horse flesh and dogs flesh Hee came to deliuer them as they thought from cruell handes but what could Busyris haue done to his enemies that this man did not to his friends to their wines and children To be short now he is returneâ— home with shame dishonor hunger nakednes feeblenes and stripes and they remaine in a worse case then euer they were before for before they liued in hope of him now they know that he neither may nor will do them good but hath lingered their miseries and heape of euils that they may perish as with a sharpe and consuming sicknes Last of all that al men may learne by seeing the punishment of rebellion to submit themselues vnto the powers ordayned of God as vnto his ministers for the good of the iust and the punishment of the wicked and vniust and that they may discerne between a sawfull power and 〈◊〉 It is sayd before how after the death of the Duke of Guyze the Lords Diguieres and Valete vppon a good iudgement entred in league of amity for the Kinges seruice and after that separated themselues and within a short space scoured the Leaguers for the most part out of Daulphinee some he enforced to receaue the Kings commandement and the rest enforced to seeke for truces for foure yeares which in March were granted and proclaimed in Grenoble vpon Easter day It is saide how the Lord Valete went into Prouance and gathering the states of the countrey by a common consent they concluded to warre against the Senate of Aix who were the ringleaders of the rebellion and had intelligences with the Duke of Sauoy The Lord Diguieres hauing put the countrey of Daulphine in a good stay went into Prouance to the Lord Valete making warre against the rebellious parliament there and the Duke of Sauoy The rumors went abroad that they had lost a field and were sent into their countrey with store of Bastinadoes but for lack of instructions I affirme nothing The Lord Diguieres being in Prouance with the Lord Valete had diuers letters from the King but specially in the latter end of May commanding him to warre against the Duke of Sauoy But the saide countrey of Prouance being assaulted by the Leaguers of Sauoy Lionnoys and Daulphine he thought good yet to employ the moneths of Iune and Iuly with the Lord Valete for the establishing of the affayres of the sayd Prouance wherein they had so good a successe that the enemie in token of that cowardnesse which their rebellion doth bréede in their hearts abandoned the townes and Castells of Peruis Pumichet Valansele Montignak Soluiers Pignauers and Lorgis some were brought to the kings obedience by force and some by composition In Iuly during the soiourning of the Lorde Diguieres in Prouance there was in Daulphine one captaine Cazete who with intelligences which he had with the Duke of Sauoy would haue sould him the townes of Briancon and Essiles in Piemont yet pertayning to the Dolphinate These two townes were kept by the Neutrals that is to say by them who would admit neither the K. nor the Leaguers The said Cazete had receaued commission from the Duke of Sauoy to leauie souldiers to that intent in expecting the arriuall of foure and twenty companies of Spaniards to bring his enterprize the more easie to passe The inhabitants of the valleies perceauing well that if this trayterous captaine should preuaile great warre and miserable desolations of their countrey would ensue therefore the chiefest of those valleyes making acquainted the Lord Diguieres of their purpose determined to rid the sayd Cazete out of the way and did worke so that the fifteenth day of Iuly his house was blowne vp and he slaine This traytor being made out of the way the inhabitants of the valleis seat word to the Lord Diguieres that they would send their deputies to Ambrun to treate with him Vpon the receipt of this message the Lord Diguieres considering the greatnes of the affayres and that it was very expedient for the king to haue those townes of Briancon and Essiles in possession to haue passe and repasse into Piemont when néede should be departed out of Prouance and in hast marched towards Ambrun where the deputies of the valeys did méete him And among other things shewed the treasons of Cazete by the papers which they had found in his house After that they bound themselues by oath to be faythfull to the King they promised also to doe their indeuour to confirme the people into his Maiesties seruice and obedience this was done about the fourth of August Immediatly after this méeting the Lord Diguieres being aduertized of the wauering which the death of the sayd Cazete and voluntarie yéelding of the valeys did cause in the towne of Briancon which was Neutrall knowing also that those who did fauour the kings side in the towne began to be encouraged caused foure Canons to be drawen and brought to that place and after a breach made the enemie did parley and came to that issue that Clauison appoynted there gouernour by the Duke de Mayne surrendred the towne and Castell the tenth day of August Whilest the Lord Diguieres did these exployts in Daulphine Martinengo one of the Duke of Sauoys great warriors did besiege Saint Maximine in Prouance for which cause the L. Valete did daylie solicit the sayd Diguieres to assist him in the rescuing of the sayd Saint Maximine The Lord Diguieres considering the safetie of Saynt Maximine to make much for the preseruation of Prouance when as hee had gone to Montgeneure to take Essiles vpon intelligences which hee had with the gouernour thereof and séeing that there was neither certaintie in al that neither was he
moneth Possonnes the Duke de Mayne his gouernour there considering the state of the Duke of Sauoy his affayres seeing the Canon planted and the Lord Diguieres fortified with newe supplies all the commonaltie bent against him and being without any hope of ayde or reliefe the 30. of September yeelded the Towne of Essiles by composition that his Souldiers should freely depart with bagge and baggage So by these meanes the passages into Piemont doo remayne in the Kings power and the countrey of Daulphine is limitted with his olde limits long before fortified by the French Kings during the warres of Italy Sonnes generall of the Duke of Sauoy had prouoked the Lord Morges his nephewe to fight fiftie agaynst fiftie on horsebacke and appoynted the place which thing the Lord Diguieres vnderstanding conducted the sayd Morges vnto the place where the sayd Morges remayned with his forces readie to accept the offer from nine a clocke in the morning vntill three a clocke in the euening and at length came a Trompetter with a letter from the sayd Sonnes carying an excuse The Lord Diguieres in attending the comming of y e enemie had espied a passage néere Iallon where the enemie had entrenched himselfe and there lodged eight companies vnder the conduct of Captaine Venust and perceauing that there was no more hope of Sonnes comming to the combat appoynted he determined to spend the rest of that day in doing some exployt and to assault the sayd companyes who did lye vpon the hanging of the mountayne betweene Suze and Noualize and hauing found meanes to place one hundred Musketters who battered the enemie vpon the side of their fort the trenches of the enemie were forced and fourescore of them slayne among whom were Captaynes Venust Gassard and Charband Captayne Vilars with some other was taken prisoners and foure companies of Senton master of the Campe were so scattered that they came neuer together agayne This exployt was done the first of October This being done the Lord Diguieres returned again to Essiles and sent backe the foure Canons to Ambrun and caused two great peeces to bee drawne from Gap to Barcelona a place situated in the County of Nice and pertayning to the Duke of Sauoy hee sent his forces before to besiege the sayd Barcelona and when hee came himselfe about the eleauenth day of October and had made a breach the same day the enemie did parley and yéelded themselues with safetie of their liues leauing behind them their armour colours horses and baggage the Captaines were permitted to depart with their swords vpon an hackney The inhabitants had graunted them to enioy their goods abiding vnder the Kings obedience as the rest of his subiects vpon condition to pay sixe thousand Crownes for the army and the fraight of the Artillerie The 13. day the gouernour called Coreloere departed with three souldiers with him and as many of citizens and countrey men who repayred to their houses vnder the Kings safegard The 14. day the Lord Diguieres layd batterie before the Castle of Metans which he slenderly battered the 15. day only to view the enemies countenance But they being greatly afrayed the next night did steale away and so saued themselues except thirtie of them who were intercepted by the watch In this way of Piemont the Lord Diguieres had neuer aboue three hundred horses and twelue hundred shot and found no greater enemie then the inaccessible height of the mountaynes where ouer he was forced to passe the Canon but chiefly in his iourney to Barcelona The Citie of Grenoble in the land of Daulphine notwithstanding the truces and good entertaynment from time to time receaued of the Lord Diguieres had been seduced after the King last deceased and did hold still after for the League though not with such desperat madnes and insolencie as many others had done Now the L. Diguieres hauing well repressed the madnes chastized the rashnes and folly of the D. of Sauoy and hauing in a manner subdued and pacified that countrey forsooke the Duke of Sauoy and determined to scoure as much as he could all the remnant and ragges of rebellion out of that prouince which thing to bring to passe he thought good to begin at the head to wit the Citie of Grenoble and as by the euent which followed it seemed that he did besiege distresse that Citie which thing caused the inhabitants to consider that the Lord Diguieres had in a manner all the land of Daulphine at commaundement His power was increased and returned out of Piemont with few victories of many they weighed also how they were out of hope of any succour as well from the Duke de Mayne as from the Duke of Sauoy who being taught by the schoolemaster of fooles which is experience would not haue hereafter great lust to returne in haste into Daulphine These circumstances caused them well to consider the danger wherein they stoode which thing moued them to make a motion of peace by the which they were reduced to the dutifull obedience of their lawfull Soueraigne This peace was concluded in the suburbs of Saint Laurence by Grenoble the two and twentith of December betweene the Lord des Diguieres one of the kings priuie counsell and of estate captayne of a hundred men at armes of his Ordinances and generall of the armie leuied for the kings seruice in the land of Daulphine on the one part and the court of Parliament the commonalties of the countie and the Consuls of the same First that the exercize of the Romish Religion shall remaine frée both within the towne and suburbs thereof as hitherto it hath béen and that the Cleargie in all the prouince shall enioy the full possession of their goods in any place in the prouince vnder the kings protection Secondly that the frée exercize of the reformed Religion may be publikely celebrated within Trescloistre suburbs of the sayd citie without any let trouble or molestation Thirdly that all dwellers in the same towne that will continue therein shall personally protest and acknowledge Henrie the fourth king of France and Nauarre for their Soueraigne and shall yéeld to him the oth of fidelitie in like cases requisite in the hands of the Lord Saint Andrew president of the court of Parliament and Chastelard counsellor in the same court in the presence of the Lordes of Blemew and Calignon and vpon the same oath taken the sayd inhabitants shall bée maintayned and restored in the full and peaceable enioying of their goods offices priuiledges and franchizes Fourthly if any man of whatsoeuer calling or condition soeuer it bée shall be vnwilling to take the sayde oath and shall be desirous thereupon to departe else where hee shall be safely conducted to any place that they will go and may enioy their goods offices and dignities either by sale or by receauing their annuall fruits or stipend thereof at their choyce prouided alwayes that they enterprize nothing against the Kings seruice Fiftly that the custodie and
gouernment of the said towne shall be referred to the Kings good pleasure who shall be requested to prouide it of such a gouernour and so sufficient garrison as he shall thinke meete for his seruice and the preseruation of the towne Item that in the meane time as the Lord Arbucy hitherto gouernour of the sayd towne vpon some considerations cannot as yet resolue to take that oath that the sayd place shall remayne in gouernance of the Lord Rochegiron and that the Lord Arbucy shall haue three moneths respit to resolue vpon the same oath which thing if hee doth the King shall bee requested to graunt him againe the gouernment of the same towne Sixtly that generally all the inhabitants of whatsoeuer calling or degrée they bee shall stand discharged and acquited of all leuying of the kings impost or coynes bearing of armes treaties and practizes euen with Forreiners or any other acts of hostilitie and that the Lord Diguieres hath vndertaken within two moneths to deliuer vnto them sufficient prouisoes for the same from the King Seuenthly that the memorie of all the offences past in all these troubles shall be extinct as matter not happened And that the Lord Diguieres with all other gentlemen of his partie doe promise that by themselues and by their meanes such matters shall neuer bee reuiued and that it shall not be lawfull to call such things to remembrance and that it shall be forbidden to argue or quarrell about it that al the kings subiects may liue together in peace like brethren friendes and fellow citizens Eightly that for a more perfect vnion of the hearts of the Kings subiects the Lords of the court of Parliament who by the Kings commandement had retired and are yet resident at Rouan or elsewhere shall returne with conuenient speede to Grenoble there to follow and continue their charges Last of all that within two moneths there shall be summoned a generall assembly of the states after the manner accustomed for the hasting of the meanes to discharge and relieue the people and establish the common bodie of the countrey Now Christian reader I beseech thée to consider both the euident and sencible mercie and iustice of God the difference which is betwéene the vessels of glory of wrath for this honourable L. des Diguieres in all the wars of Daulphine euer since the rising of y e execrable League hath neuer shewed any point of crueltie vpon his enemies in which there might appeare any small token of particular anger or appetite of reuenge but alwaies hath shewed good gracious entertainmeÌ„t euen vnto the very enemies in whom he hath marked some simple dealing had not vsed any â—normities or proud insoleÌ„cies If he hath shewed somtime some extremity yet did he neuer so much as he might haue iustly done hath knowen in such alwaies some notable iniuries which he w t a iust prudent wisdome hath thought to haue deserued some sharpe punishment To be short it may bée sayd of him In consilijs sapiens prouidus in aciâ— fortis in pace foederibus iustus fidus constans Therefore the Lord hath guided his armes hath made him victorious in all conflicts and méetings and hath endued him with such strength of the bodie as beyond all expectation to haue surmounted the inaccessible Alpes and at length hath not onely suppressed and rooted out the naturall rebells of the countrey out of Daulphine and Prouance their confederates of Spayne Italy and Piemont but with an incredible felicitie hath restored the afflicted state of that countrey and established peace iudgement and iustice On the other side whereas it is the dutie of Christian Princes not to rauish other mens kingdomes to enuade their landes and principalities to robbe spoyle and murder their borderers and neighbours but to gouern their Dominions in peace with piety iustice and discipline to liue friendly with their Neighbours but specially to relieue other Estates afflicted to assist Princes neighbours when through disobedience and rebellion of vnnaturall subiects they are disquieted and tormoiled But it fell so otherwise with France for when through the sinnes of the people and euill counsell of Henry the third the Kingdome was so torne with dissentions and rebellions that it seemed as in a shipwrack the pieces did flye abroad exposed to euery man that could catch hold First the King of Spaine who had beene this day a Muscleman and not a Catholike if it had not beene for the kinges of France with his Gold thought to haue all Secondly the Duke of Sauoy who whithout the goodnes of the Valoys had beene a pety and a poore Duke made his reckoning to goe away with the Prouinces of Daulphin and Prouance bordering vpon him for his part Thirdly the Duke de Mayne who without the gratious fauour of the Valoys had layn obscure in the Mountains of Lorrein there a digging for brasse in the cauerns thereof made his accampt of some scambling among the other as to haue carried away all that bordereth to Lorreyn d' Aumale made his reckoning of Picardie and Merccur of Britayn Last of all Fryer Sixtus and after him Fryer Gregorie the fourtéenth thought by these meanes to maintayne their tyrannie in that Realme All these I say were so farre from dooing the duties of Christian Princes and Pastors of the Church in assisting the right owner of the Crowne and in preseruing that Realme as one of the chiefest members and ornament of Europe that euen as the Edomites in the sacking of Ierusalem crieddowne with it downe with it euen to the ground so haue they not in words but in kindling and nourishing the flame of rebellion assaulting by all meanes the said Realme haue encreased the plagues and multiplyed the sorrowes of that aflicted state Therefore behold the Lord hath accursed their armes and as for the Duke of Sauoy his owne hand hath weakened him so that he durst neuer come to see the said Lord Diguieres in the face one way but he is gone out of the field seauen waies He did neuer in all these warres any thing with valour but by treachery and treasons as the taking of Carmagnole and his practises in Prouance doo testify thousands of his most approoued and skilfull Souldiours and Captains haue béen killed by few not only in their inuasions attempted in Daulphine Prouance but also at home where the said Lord Diguieres hath forced their strong holds hath put them to the sword and cast their carcases on their mountains to bee meat for the beasts of the field and fowles of the ayre See therefore how contrarie licours do flow out of contrary vessels and how the Lord protecteth the vertuous and iust according to his promise and clotheth the wicked with calamity shame and dishonor as with a Cloude Here endeth the eight Booke THE NINTH BOOKE I Haue declared in the former booke those euents which happened in the yeare 1590. and how the King conducted very curteously the Duke
committed treason but also solicited others to the like offence The sayd Citty had admitted the Duke of Sauoy for their Soueraigne who had put in garrisons to keep them in subiection and about the beginning of this yeare began also to build a citadel in the Citie whereuppon the people fell to a mutiny refused to receaue any more garrisons in his be hoofe The Citie of Marseilles is an ancient Colonie of the Greckes named Phocoei who forsook their countrey when Cyrus king of the Persians did war and subdue Asia the lesser that citie had been commended in the time of the Romans by reason of learning and good discipline which florished there It is a Citie gouerned by their owne Magistrates as Rochel is vnder the protection and obedience of the kings of France and hath continued very long in their sidelity vntill now a dayes degenerating greatly from their ancient vertue they haue shewed great inconstancie in their duty of sidelity vppon these occasions The king of Spayn hath beene greatly iealous of that Citie and hath vsed all the meanes possible to reduce that Towne vnder his obedience since that he dreamed of some possibility to inuade FraÌ„ce supposing that it would haue been a fit Port as a gate for him to passe and repasse to goe in and out of France vppon all occasions at pleasure To bee short to make it an Arsenall to subdue all those Southernly Prouinces lying vppoÌ„ the Mediterran Seas Therefore at the beginning of the League this citie was one of the pledges that should haue béen deliuered him by the Leaguers which practises haue been put to execution twise all ready but through the watchfull dilligence of some faithfull Citizens haue beene disappoynted of their purpose The King of Spayn notwithstanding the great charges which hee sustayned by giuing great pâ—nsions vnto some Captayns and Inhabitants there to fauour his proceedings seeing himselfe still disappoynted yet would he not geue ouer but began to worke another way to wit to continue or rather increase his beneuolence towards the inhabitants perswading theÌ„ in the mean time to associat themselues to the League and to accept the Duke of Sauoy their neighbour for their Protector supposing by these meanes in time the faction of the League preuailing there to make himselfe master of that place The Citizens corrupted with Spanish money and otherwise greatly addicted to Popish vanity and superstition to continue this Spanish liberality among them and to please thus farre the king of Spayne at his request accepted the Duke of Sauoy for Protector of their City and in signe that they were Leaguers aduanced the Standerd of the holie League and set it vppon their walles which is an Idoll which they called the Crucifix in that state they continued nigh a yeare But now vnderstanding the cogging and double dealing of the sayd D. at Aix in intending and attempting there to build a Citadell and how both the nobillity of the Countrey had forsaken him and the people resisted his attempts pulled downe the Standerd of the League and erected the armes of France publishing that they would hold for the King of France Wee haue left the King with his Princes at Chartres there to take possession of that great riche and florishing Citie and haue walked through part of Piemont Daulphine and Prouance Now let vs returne to Chartres there to know what the King doth and shew also the prosperous successe which haue followed the taking of this Cittie of Chartres The Citie of Chartres beeing in the Kings power the Parisiens conceaued a great amazement and terror knowing very well that this exploit would be a scourge vnto them For as in the ancient time Alexandria and Sicilia were the Nurces of Rome so the countrey of Beausse and this Citie of Chartres were the chiefest prouiders for the Cittie of Paris Now therefore the carriage of any kind of victuals and prouisions beeing stopped both aboue and beneath the riuer from the North side and the South and finding themselues destitute of victuals money and all other warlike prouisions for their strength and succour they fall to their olde custome that is to demaund bread of their Idols therefore the Bishop of Placentia their Fryer Gregory the thirteenth his Legat after the returne home of Fryer Henrico Caietano Sponte insanientes instigat set them on to running and gadding about the streetes to carry their Idols with or a pro nobis there is mourning weeping and beâ—ayling there is stridor dentium horror â—empiternus and regnum tenebrarum Yet the Fryers and Iâ—suits do comfort them with seditious sermons and bitter wordes as well as they can but venter non habet aures During the Kings soiourne at the siege of Chartres the Duke de Maine with such power as he could make went and layd the siege before Chasteauthierij situated vpon the riuer Marne The gouernour which was within sâ—nt word to the King that he would hold it against the enemie a whole moneth The King hauing taken order of the safe kéeping of the Citie about the twelfth day of Aprill remoued his armie from Chartres to Aulneaw and Macheuile which townes were reduced to his obedience About the fiftéenth day the armie remoued to Dourdan which towne immediately his armie entred by force where was found great store of victualls gathered with intent to be conueighed to Paris The sixtéenth day the castell a very strong place was assaulted and taken So by this expedition Paris is disappoynted of victuals and prouision and distressed neerer and neerer The same day the King separated himselfe from his armie and leauing the same to the leading of the Marshall Biron with a great troup of horsemen took his iourney toward Chasteauthierij purposing to rayse the siege and to see his face whome he had not seene many yeares before and to craue more acquaintance The Duke de Mayne ashamed and afeard to shew his face for the guiltines of rebellion and parricide procured had no great liking of that acquaintance neither durst be so bold to stay there and contrarie vnto the promise of the captaine of the place and the Kings expectation the Castel being râ—ndred to the sayd de Maine he fled as fast as his horse could cary him to the Citie of Reames The King hearing not onely of the hastie retire of the Duke de Maine from Chasteauthierij but also that he had deuided his armie into sundry parts and that they should continue in that sort for a certaine time determined to stay at Sanlis there to view the countenance of the enemie and in the meane while to take the townes of Dowserie and Claye where the enemies kept garrison which thing was speedelie done In this pursuite the king also tooke the towne of Tremblay by Mountfort which is nowe a great hinderance fo the enemie by reason of the passage The one and twentith day of Aprill while the King pursued the enemies the Duke Espernon and the Lords d'Ho and Vicres
vnderstanding of a great number of boates as great as lighters laden with corne monie and other prouision of war going from Chasteauthierij downe the riuer of Marne to victuall Paris set forward with great diligence to ouertake them which hauing done with great speede were sunk in the middest of the riuer to the number of fifteene of the greatest sorte with all the prouision that was therein few small boats of the lesser sort escaped towards Meaulx The same day the King vnderstanding of some companies of the enemies who were lodged in certaine villages betwéene la Fere and Chasteauthierij being the greatest part of the forces of the enemies departed early from Senlis to Crespij a towne in Valoys But for all the Kings secret and sudden departure yet by that time he had passed fiue miles he vnderstoode that his comming vpon coniecture being blazed among the enemies they had fled and passed beyond the riuer Marne with great amaze and terror this is according to the saying of the wise that sayth that the Kings countenance scattereth the wicked The 22. of Aprill the King from Crespij where he was returned tooke his way to Chauny intending to take the Castles of Manican and Genlis and for the better effecting of his purpose he caused two great Canons of Ordinance to be brought from Compiegne But they who were in Manican Castle did not attende but left the place and fled before hee arriued there The 24. of Aprill the King caused the said Ordinance and more which was brought from S. Quintins to bee brought before Genlis but at the sight of the Ordinance the sayd Castle of Genlis yéelded vnto the King About the same time two regiments of garrisons of the Leaguers were repayring to the Duke de Mayne whereof the Kings garrison of Saint Goubin hauing intelligence issued foorth vpon them and put many to the sword The Duke de Mayne had receaued seauen companies of Germanes being nine Ensignes who most wickedly as Mercenaries and slaues to their owne couetousnesse had for money consented to defend one of the most notable Rebellions that euer had béen hated of God and detested of all good Princes of the world Them the Duke de Mayne in the diuision of his armie as is aboue said had placed in certayne Villages betweene the riuers of Marne and Oyse intending to place them in Meaulx and Soyssons and as they marched they came to Coussie where they supposed to bee receaued but the gates of the towne being kept fast agaynst them and hearing a rumour of the Kings comming such a sudden feare fell vpon them that they fiercely ranne into the Forest hoping thereby to saue themselues The garrison of S. Goubin hearing of this amaze of the enemie sent fifcie men on horsebacke conducted onely by a Sargeant went foorth and taking about fourescore peasants of the countrey with them marched into the Forest This small company was greatly encouraged by hearing of the arriuall of the King from Genlis and pursued after these companies and charged them so roughly terrifying them with this voyce Viue le roy Immediatly the enemie supposing the King to haue been there indeede in great terror fled away without any resistance This small companie little thinking of any such good successe couragiously pursued them slewe them and tooke them in a manuer all except about threescore men who flinging away their weapons and armour the better to saue themselues retyred into the towne la Fere. Their Colonell was slayne and all the Ensignes taken saue two onely About 29. of Aprill the Lord Humiers knowing that the companie of horsemen of Mountcaure had assembled in a Village not farre from Corbeil departed out of the sayd Towne of Corbeil to charge them As he went about that exployt he met by chaunce the companie of horsemen of Dourlay whom he charged in that skirmish most part of the enemies were slayne part were taken prisoners and few by flight saued themselues The company of Mountcaure were in y e village playing some at cardes some at â—ice some drinking and some sléeping garded negligently with a small watch the Lord Humiers hauing done this exploit ceased not to prosecute his former enterprize vpon the said Mountcaure his companies who marching forward and comming to the village where they were set vpon them vnlooked for like a sodaine tempest which should fall sodainly from heauen whom finding busied as is aforesaid easily discomfited them killed them and tooke them without any resistance The King hauing in a little space eased that part of Picardie which bordreth vpon Brie of the insuries of the rebels beaten the enemies which executed intollerable oppressions betweene the riuers of Oyse and Marne as is said was aduertised that the enemie was in fiâ—ld in Britaine his Maiestie tooke his iournie thetherward with a small companie and had there that successe which followeth The Lord Tremblay did commaund in a towne in Britaine named Monconter where is a castell of reasonable strength wherin he had set a garison and departed thence to goe to doe some exploit fifteene leagues off about the beginning of May. The enemie aduertized of the absence of the said L. Tremblay tooke the said Monconter but they of the castell held out attending the succour which was comâ—ing from diuers parts vnto them The L. Tremblay hauing speedy intelligence of that which was past in Monconter tooke his iourney with 50 light horsemen resolued with that small companie to enter into the Castell with ladders which he perfourmed And after out of the sayd Castell he made diuers issues vpon the enemies in the Towne with terrible slaughter of them Many of the nobility of Britaine beeing then at Renes vnderstanding of the sturre of Monconter in the absence of the Prince D'ombes who was a little before ridden foorth about eighteene miles from the sayde Renes mustered vp immediatly so many as they might procure vppon the sudden which was about one hundred and fiftie horse men wel appointed and commaunded straight waies all the garrisons thereabout to march toward the sayd Monconter intending either to rescue the said towne out of the enemyes hand or else to let their further enterprises their forces came to two hundred footmen wel furnished these companies bring in all three hundred and fifty men came about two furlougs from the said towne of Monconter there to stay for other companies who came from other places for the same purpose Whilest these preparations were a making the Lord Saint Laurence Marshall of the army of the rebels vnder Merceur had entred into Monconter with three hundred horsemen well appointed and one thousand Harquebuziers intending to fortife that towne agaynst the King But in the meane while the King in proper person with sixe score horses onely had marched so farre as Londiak intending to search out the enemy The Lord Saint Laurence aduertised of the Kings comming considering that there was mustering round about knowing in his conscience the Kings iust
part also in the sayd attempt with his foure hundred Souldiers whatsoeuer should chaunce and therevpon displayed his Ensigne and together with Sir Roger vowed by Gods assistance to enter the Barricadoes and to charge the enemie The sayd Lord vpon this resolution chéered vp his Souldiers and willed them to fight in the behalfe of their lawful King whose right they were bound to defend and God doubtles will prosper the same to the confusion of his enemies Sir Roger in like sort like a true Christian Knight encouraged his Souldiers shewing vnto them that although fewe of their side haue to deale with a great multitude skilfull stout hardie and trayned vp in Martiall Discipline yet considering y t their cause is but an execrable rebellion agaynst their Soueraigne they are but a multitude of traytors opposing themselues to Gods ordinance therfore condemned of God to a shamefull death both here and in the world to come He assured them that God will assist them in the execution of his sentence pronounced agaynst them hée alleaged the common experience in all ages and Nations hee concluded that the God of battailes will so fight for them that their eyes shall haue their desire vpon them as vpon enemies of God of man societie and nature He assureth them that in putting their confidence in GOD not one haire of their heads shall fall which when hee had finished to speake hee prayeth vnto the Lord with great confidence And when he had ended prayer he made them to promise each vnto other to die euery man rather then they would flye one foote These things being done they marched forward with great courage displayed their Ensignes strooke vp their Drummes with their Trompets sounded defiance and with this resolution full of confidence these valiant English Souldiers gaue a fierce charge vpon the enemie and assaulted them in such sort as if they had not trauailed all night This fight continued two houres space the English men still hartening the Frenchmen At length they entred the Barricadoes of the enemie Sir Roger being one of the formost fought hand to hand with the chiefest gouernours of the enemies The gouernour of Deepe on another side entring did valiantly behaue himselfe at length the enemie began to recoyle backe and being all enclosed within their Barricadoes as a flocke of sheepe in a Shéepcot were all put to the sword by the English and Frenchmen suffering none to escape aliue Hauing obtayned this wonderfull victorie vpon their knees in the same place gaue thankes vnto GOD which had subdued their enemies vnder foote and with singing of Psalmes gaue the praise vnto the highest All that the Gouernour and Sir Roger Williams lost were not aboue eleauen men and fewe wounded but not very grieuously This exployt being so prosperously done the Generals tooke order not to stay there at any hand but speedily to returne to Deepe least some newe fresh supply should come from Roan vpon them or by casting about should meete them in the midway homeward They gaue order also that the Souldiers should leaue the spoyle behind them to the end they might not ouercharge themselues with carriage The Souldiers obeying the counsell of their Commander tooke nothing but that which was light and easie of carriage Thus safely they returned to Deepe The enemie as it was supposed came with a great power to meet them in the middest of the high way but they had passed foure houres before and so the enemie disappoynted of his purpose returned backe Wee haue shewed before how the King hauing had a prosperous successe in chastising the Rebells in Picardie went in person into Britaine where likewise God prospered his wayes Whilest the King was in Britaine his armie soiourned for a time at Vernon wayting to surprise the towne of Louiers situated vpon the riuer Eure betweene Pont de larche and Eureux The particularities of this surprise could I neuer heare but such as the King himselfe did write vnto the Prince Countie Gouernour for his Maiestie in Anjou Vendomoys Toureyne Poytow Berry and Limosin The sixt day of Iune ten of the Kings men possessed themselues with one of the gates of the towne and as it is reported by others in this manner There was a certayne Corporall in that Citie who was in great credit with the gouernour of that towne called Fonteyne Martel This Corporall considering the great wrong which the Rebels did to the King and desirous to doo to his Maiestie some seruice of import practised that there should be at seuerall times by sixe at once a number of footmen and horsemen sent into the Wood hard adioyning to the towne and in the meane time hauing woon to himselfe foure or fiue Souldiers of his owne companie his time came of his watch About noone day the sayd gouernour being at dinner and according to his signe giuen there came certaine horsemen of the Kings which he espying went presently to the gouernour who had the keyes lying on the table by him and sayd he marueiled that they sat so long at dinner shewing that there were some friends come vnto him The gouernour commaunded the sayd Corporall to take the key and let them enter which he did The King had caused the Baron of Byron to come néere with his forces who soone also entred therein Fonteyne Martel had one hundred Cuirasses in that towne beside the inhabitants who obstinatly made a strong resistance to the King which was cause of a terrible fight The King himselfe made one of the gates of the Citie to yeeld to him whereto most part of the men of warr and the inhabitants withdrew themselues to resist yet at length the Towne was taken There the Bishop of Eureux and Fonteyne Martel the gouernour of the place were taken prisoners There was found great quantitie of Corne Wine and Bacon beside other munitions and as the report is foure thousand fat Oxen in the medowes That towne was so fortified that it might bee called one of the Forts of France There the King lost about eighteene or twentie men among whom were fiue Captaines At the selfesame time that this exployt was done at Louiers the Lord sent prosperous successe to the Kings affayres in other countreys The Vicount de la Guerche a most wicked rebell in Limosin had greatly troubled the Kings peace in that countrey and about the beginning of Iune had besieged Belak a towne in Lymosin famous in that countrey for making a kinde of rough cloth like vnto Irish rugge with two Canons one Culuerine and a bastard péece of Ordinaunce The Prince Countie being come into Poytow with an armie for the Kings seruice to purge that countrey beyond Loyre of the oppression and tyranny of some remnants of rebels which were spoyling that countrey and being aduertized of the said siege of Belak marched directly thither to rayse the siege or to bid battaile to the said Vicount if he durst stay his comming The fift day of Iune hauing marched a
great dayes iourney as far as Lusack was giuen to vnderstand that the sayd Vicount had withdrawn his siege and with his horsemen had betaken himselfe to Chauigny a towne in Toureine leauing his Canon and footmen at Montmorillon The Prince séeing that he had missed the sayd Vicount determined to besiege the town of Montmorillon which the same day he caused to be summoned but they within being not willing to giue any answere the Prince commanded to giue certaine volleys of Canon after which he caused them to be summoned agayn but they still continued iâ— their resolution to keepe aloofe The sixt day of Iune at fiue a clock in the morning his excellencie changed the battery which continued very furious till ten a clock in the forenoone at which time a breach being made the Prince commaunded to giue the assault which was done very couragiously on al sides of the town and continued the space of three long houres together But in the end the Princes forces seazed vpon the high town compelled the enemy to retire into the low towne which is separated from the high by the riuer Vndre which floweth through the middest of it where they hid themselues within a Chappell from whence they greatly endomaged and molested the Princes Souldiers who were in the high towne which thing when the Prince perceiued he commaunded six or seauen voâ—leys of the Canon â—â— be discharged against the gate of the Chappell which being immediatly broken the enemie was compelled to forsake it whome the Princes power pursued and possessed the whole towne of Montmorillon There was slayne in the towne more than fiue hundred fooâ—men and thrée score Cuirasses two masters of the field and all the captaines slayne wounded or taken prisoners The Prince caused many of these rebells to be hanged to requite that which the Leaguers had done not long before at Saint Sauin There were in that towne foure Canons taken from the enemie and good store of other munition seauen Ensignes also were taken there The Prince lost in that exployt but one souldier of his guardes and a Gentleman named S. Martin The Marshall of men at armes was hurt with an Harquebush shot and very few Souldiers beside wounded The towne of Montmorillon being taken the seauenth day the townes of Chauigny Saint Sauin and Blank en Berry were voluntarily yeelded to the Kings pleasure also the Castells Bourg Archambault Plaisance Belarbre Auailles Belawne Angles Bisse did voluntaryly submit themselues to the Kings obedience Hauing layd downe the prosperous exployts done in Lymosin and Toureyne by the noble Prince County we will also represent to the reader the attempts and vnluckie successes of the rebells of Britaine The great and famous Quéene of England among other prince like vertues of a true Christian Princesse desirous to restablish the afflicted state of France sent vnto the King a new supply of forces to assist him in repressing of the rebellion of Britaine vnder the conduct of that noble and valiant Captaine Sir Iohn Norris Knight Generall of her Maiesties forces there The rumour of english forces flying in Britaine had caused noblemen and Gentlemen about fiue hundred in number with their wiues and children and all their chiefest and most precious wealth to retyre into the Citie of S. Guingcamp strong by Nature and Arte. There were within that citie besides the sayd nobilitie three hundred good french Souldiers with a great number of the inhabitants able men and experienced The renowmed Prince D'ombees generall of the Kings forces in Britaine accompanied with to the terror of the rebells the honourable Sir Iohn Norris determined to lay siege before Guingcamp there to take all these vnâ—aithfull vnnaturall and bastarde Frenchmen there heaped as if it were in a cubbe They arriued before the towne the third day of Iune and about three a clock in the after noone the sayd valiant Norris hauing obtayned to geue the first assauâ—t after certaine companies of French men had refused it did so presse the enemie for the space of three howers vntill the night did seperat them that after that day they determined not to come any more to such a feast The enemies within defended themselues most valiantly yet feeling so many woundes as they had and seeing so many dead of theirs as they saw determined the night following to talke of composition the next day In this assault Sir Iohn Norris lost nine worthy souldiers three valiane Captaynes to wit Denis Herne and Wolfe and about fortie souldiers hurt The fourth day of Iune in the morning the Lord Norris gaue a fresh assault with that courage that when the enemies had sustayned it with much a doo lesse then halfe an hower the remembrance of the losse past put them in fear of that which was present before their eies fearing to repent too late they made a token of parley determined to yeelde themselues if they might find any reasonable composition The Generall making signe to his people willingly harkened vnto them and promised to vse them well if they would freely yeeld themselues That seemed vnto them somewhat hard therefore they couenauted that the citie should not be sacked and that the souldiers within should depart with their weapons and other furniture and that they would bee content to pay any reasonable summe of money The assault being stayed and the agreement concluded vpon the promise of the sayd Generall the nobilitie most willingly and of their owne accord did yeeld themselues and swore obedience to the King promising to withdraw themselues presently euery man to his own house to be ready to serue the King in any his busines and payed fifteene thousand crowns and the Citie 25. thousand which was farre lesse then they did think they should haue payed The souldiers were permitted freely to depart according to the agreement and the gates of the Citie ioyfully were set open The Generall did not suffer any kind of iniuries to bee done to any maner of persons All these things beeing doue hee caused thanks to be geuen to God for his gracious and fauourable protection After the taking of Guingcampe the purpose of the Prince was to haue assaulted the towne of Morlaix to the end to reduce it the base Britayne withall to the Kings obedience But Merceur Captaine of theeues robbers and rebels vnderstanding the losse of the towne of Guingcamp and of the reuolting of so many noble men and gentlemen as had sworne to obay and serue the King fel in a pelting Lorreine chafe and swore by Saint Francis holy briech that he would be reuenged and presently remooued from Pontignie where hee ioyned with foure thousand Spaniards vnder the leading of Don Iuan de Lagula whom he hath sent for vppon the rumor of the losse of the sayd Guyngcamp and from thence began to march towards Morlaix by the way to Corlay The Prince vnderstanding of that and discouering the enemies forces to be of seauen hundred horses foure thousand Spaniards and
speedely put them to flight and followed them to their Barricadoes where master Kemp a Gentleman of that Cornet was slayne Anthony Sherleys horse was shot in the head and Charles Blunt his horse was killed vnder him with the Canon and he himselfe somewhat wounded The thirteenth day the enemie offered some light skirmishes but seeing that he could get nothing by it he refused to bitte The fourteene day the Prince expected the battell as vndertaken by don Iuan de Lagula generall of the Spaniards in the worship of Saynt Iohn whose day it was with them But fearing that bonfires would bee made to their cost and charges they gaue quite ouer the game prepared the same night to dislodge and the next day following repassed the hill for hauing spent al their victuals they must go forth to rob for more The Prince stayed sixe dayes vpon the Heath and in the meane while the enemie durst neuer presume to draw his armie into the Heath The sixteenth day the Lord la Now with the troupe of the Countie Mongomery and the Countie Chombourg came vnto Chasteau Laudran whose arriuall giueth hope of good successe in the Kings affayres They y t haue written the history of wilde beasts which doth recite that there is a wild beast in Asia named Pardalis it yeeldeth such a sauour that the Woolfe hath a great delight to follow a farre off but if it chance that this Pardalis dooth looke back immediatly the Woolfe retyreth and flyeth away So the Noble Princes of Bourbon doo yeeld sweete sauour of pietie vertue and valiantnes Merceur followeth them a farre off but if they turne their face hee runeth away as it hath appeared in the things which heretofore he hath attempted in Poytow There is a towne in Picardy situated vpon the riuer Oyse called Noyon commended if there were none other cause for being the place of the natiuitie vnto that man of God Iohn Caluin of blessed memory whose name is written in the booke of life and shall yeeld a sweete sauour to the true Church of God to the worldes ende whatsoeuer Sathan doth rage against the name of this seruant of God This towne was seduced long before from the Kings obedience by the Leaguers and through rebellion was possessed by the Kings enemies The King therefore after the taking of Louiers thought expedient to remooue his armie from Vernon and to draw Eastward that doing still some profitable exployt he might expect and receaue the forces that came to him out of Germany and considering that the sayd towne of Noyon did lye betweene S. Quintin Compeigne and Corbey which were long before vnder his obedience thought good there to stay for the approaching of the Germanes and during the moneth of Iuly hauing reduced the sayd towne to great distresse made his account shortly to be Lord of it The Vicount Tauanes head of the rebellion in the Citie of Roan and most hatefullest enemie of any that the King had enterprised to relieue the sayd towne of Noyon and for that intent in the beginning of August in the night season departed from Roan accompanied with foure hundred horse and fiue hundred footmen with good hope either to succour the said towne or els by surprise greatly to hinder the King But the King hauing intelligences of his comming met him about two or thrée leagues from Noyon as I haue heard reported where his power was discomfited slayne and taken prisoners and he himselfe after being wounded in the assault was also taken prisoner So the Lord knoweth bow where and when to stay his enemies The newes of this sorrowfull successe of the Leaguers flying abroad caused the Duke Aumale to assemble as great forces as he could make in the towne of Han which is situated vpon the riuer Some betweene Saint Quintin and Peronne vndertaking either to amend the fault committed by Tauanes or els to release the towne of Noyon accompanied with the Lord Largue and Lawney with all their forces ioyned all with the light horsemen the seauenth of August charged vpon the quarter of the Kings light horse where they were stoutly receaued and after more then twelue charges giuen the Kings companies yet very like to haue the victorie of their enemies began to retyre at which retyre that valiant man at armes the Lord Baron of Byron hauing twelue of his owne men did approach and the Kings forces supposing he had brought a supply of fresh Souldiers so soone as they heard him named tooke a wonderfull courage and seeing him in the middest of them gaue a fresh charge vpon the enemie with such force that they did driue the enemie euen into the gates of Han. To whom there was also comming a new succour and fresh supply of men who perceauing the euill successe of the rest retyred in agayne so that some of the Kings forces followed them euen into their Barriars In these so many charges geuen there were a number of armed men slayne on the enemies side and among them diuers of commandement In the number of the dead were found Don Francisco de Gueuara the best Captayne of light Horsemen which the King of Spayne had in the low Countreys also his lieutenant was slayne outright with diuers other of great accompt The Lord Longchamp one of the best Captains of the rebels was taken prisoner with more then foure score men at armes of account and lost aboue fifteene hundred of their best horses The King lost in this skirmish about twelue horse of his light horsemen and among a few which were slayne the Marshall of the light horsemen whose death was greatly bewayled beeing accompted a man of great valour The same day the Duke de Mayne arriued at the said towne of Han with all his troups of horsemen which he could gather which thing made the King thinke that he would goe about either to raise or to interrupt the siege or attempt some thing In the meane time he lost no opportunity about this siege for the same day that this exploit was done to wit the seauenth of August the Canon began to beat a church that standeth in the middest of the Suburbes which together with a great ditch did strongly defend the same The sayd Church beeing battered from the morning to three a clock in the after noone had by that time made a great breach in the same And a fierce assault being geuen there were slayne of the enemies about thirty and about fifty of the Souldiers retired into the vaultes of the said church The sayd Church beeing taken and consequently the Suburb in a maner as strong as the towne gaue occasion both to them that had retired into the vaultes to yeeld to the Kings mercy who sent them away safe with bagge and bagage and also to the Gouernor of the towne to mooue speaches of composition For the Gouernor called the Lord Vile considering how the Towne was slenderly furnished of all thinges but specially of men of armes and that the most
in forme of excommunication or interdiction in payne of confiscation of bodie and goods as infringers and perturbers of the publique peace The court doth commaund the Ecclesiasticall persons by vertue of the Kings letters directed vnto them that they shall not suffer the liberty of the French Church to be in any sort diminished but beeing assisted by their K. their soueraigne Iustice to oppose themselues against all the Popes enterprises Thirdly the court doth declare the foresayd Marcilius Ladrianus Fryer Gregory his Nuncio acommon enemy of al men a kindler of hatred and a sower of sedition commaunding the sayd pretended Nuncio to be pursued taken and apprehended aliue or dead and to be deliuered to iustice if it bee possible to receaue the punishment according to the greatnes of his offence But if he cannot bee apprehended within three daye â—to be summoned by the voice of the publike Cryer in the towne of Pont de Larche that there it may bee proceeded against him according to the Lawes of the Realme The order of the courts of France is that after a man is summoned at 3. seuerall tymes if he doth not appeare he is condemned as conuicted and then executed in picture Last of al the Court doth declare Fryer Gregory his excommunication and Bulles infamous libels full of impiety heresie deceit and slanders condemneth the same to betorne and burned publikly in the place of execution by the publike executioner of iustice forbidding all men to receaue allow reade fauour or conceale the said infamous libell vppon payne to bee attainted conuicted of high treason commaundeth also all manner of persons quickly to reueale to the court if they should know any such to bee kept secretly on the paines aforesaid This sentence of the Popes banishment and of all his tyrâ—nnie out of France was pronounced the third day of August at Caen in Normandie The selfe same proceedinges were vsed in all Courtes of the Realme whereuppon ensued the burning of the sayd Bulles in diuers and sundry places of the Realme but diuersly but euery where in as infamous maner as could bee It was burned at Tours in this maner The Magistrats and the common people of Tours being assembled before the Pallace gate there a piller was crected a little distant from the foot therof there was a fire made by the common Hang-man of the town then did he take the Bull and hanged it on the top of the Piller which beeing done he kindled another fire at the very foot of the Piller which by degrees crept vp vntill it tooke hold of the Bull which presently was consumed with fire to the great ioy of all the beholders Now Master Fryer I ween you be one of them that did drop out of the horses belly of Troy but I will thinke rather that you dropped out of an Asses bellie because you haue an Asses head Did not a little before your Standard reproue you to your face and told you what would follow your saucines and to put you in consideration of your folly gaue you a souse vpon the pate And you beeing of Asses brood will goe about to get Bulles and lo your Bulles bee turned into gydie Calues You neuer read for reading belongs not to your occupation but scortari crebro crebro conuiuarier that it was writteÌ„ in the horse of Troy sero sapiunt Phryges but it shal be hereafter in Asino Romano scriptum erit sero sapiunt Romanenses You knew not when you were well now haue with you to Auignon The towne of Noyan being surrendered according to the agréement betwéene the King and the gouernour of the saide towne the King went to receaue the right honorable Lord Earle of Essex as is said in the towne of Gisors and from thence returned into Champaigne to ioyn with the Germans who approached the borders of France leauing the Marshall Byron to reconduct his army into Normandie During the siege of Noyan the Lord of Pierrefont had béen taken prisoner and had promised vpon his deliuerance to surrender the Castell Pierrefont a place situated vpoÌ„ a rock and inaccessable almost on euery side The said Lord of Pierrefont being a desperat Leaguer had rather breake his faith with dishonor then to fulfill his promise with honour whereupon the Marshall Byron layed the siege before the saide Castell and battered it with nine skore shot of Ordinance wherewith hee made but a very small hole the stuffe wherewith the said Castell is builded being of such qualitie as resisted the shot euen to admiration which caused the said Marshall Byron to breake off his enterprise and march toward Normandie who ioyned with the English forces conducted by the right Honorable Lord the Earle of Essex the ninth of September and the twenty one of the said moneth laide the siege before the towne of Gourney It is saide before in the seauenth booke how after the cruell death of King Henry the third and last of the rase of Valoys the authors of that murther vnder the conduct of the Duke d'Mayne with great bragges and confidence went with a mighty army into Normandie hoping to oppresse the King who with a small power had retyred to Diepe for the causes there alleaged It is said also how the Duke d'Mayne in that iourney tooke the said towne of Gourney and the Lord Rubempre which his companie therein This Towne is distant from Roan ten Leagues from Gisors fiue from Beauuoys sixe and by estimation somewhat bigger then Diepe The Leaguers had fortified it with fortifications munition of warre and strong garrisons for Leagued Gentlemen of the Countrey to the number of foure skore and such power as they thought good to entertaine had settled themselues therein and from thence issuing dayly made courses to the gates of Mante Vernon Pont de larche and Gisors spoyling and wasting all that was in their way and taking prisoners such as trauailed on the high way to Diepe This towne being besieged the enemy put on a stout countenance at the first and being summoned to surrender the said towne they answered that they had receaued it of the Duke d'Mayne and for him they intended to kéepe it neither would they render it but to him onely This answer being giuen the English forces intrenched themselues within a stones cast of the gate and in making and kéeping the said Trenches they had sixe men hurt and one killed The enemies attempted diuers times to put men into the towne but they were in such sort looked to by the English men that they durst neuer approach The 25. day of September at night the Marshall Byron planted nine pieces of Ordinance before the towne the 26. in the morning hee began to batter it and a breach being made the English men were called to the number of one hundred shot to giue the assault who with great gladnes approached within sixescore pases of the wals the breach was scarse assaultable the ditch was more then halfe full of water it is reported that they had within certaine sluces which they might haue opened and greatly molested the assaulters the French men were very vnable to giue the assault because of their long toyling and wearines yet on a suddaine the enemies demaunded parley which being graunted they yeeldéd to foure dishonorable conditions such is the fainting of rebels First that all Souldiours should depart without bagage and armour with a white rod in their hands But the Lord Earle of Essex excepted the Queenes Maiesties subiects therein was found none but one Irish man who was executed The second was that the Gouernour Captaines Lieutenants and Gentlemen of quality should remaine to his mercy It was thought that the Gouernour and some Captaines should be executed The third was that the Citizens should haue their liues but their goods rested at the Kings pleasure The fourth is that they should receaue such garrisons as should bee thought good The taking of this towne is a great ease to the Countrey and preparation for the siege of Roan About the 28. the army tooke his way toward Caudebeck a smal towne situated vpon a rock on the banck of Seyne betweene Roan and Newhauen entending to cleere all the coast round about Newhauen of all filth of rebellion FINIS ¶ Imprinted at London by Thomas Orwin for Thomas Woodcock and are to be sould at his shop in Paules Church-yard at the signe of the black Beare 1591.
The inuention by the subtilty of the said ladie was that shee fayned to driue out of the Castell certayne pages of the Prince which the Lord Fredericke his chamberlayne had there with him They gaue aduertifement to the lord Lauall what had passed at Tilleburge also of the meanes how to enter into the Castell The 20. day at night captaine Pickard came out of Xainctes with 120. with him into the towne for succour The 21. the Lord Laual with the Lords Saint Mesmes gouernour of Saint Jhan and Bonlay and others determined to rescue the said Lady and taking about one hundred armed men and foure hundred Harquebusiers after dinner tooke their iourney toward Tailebourg and about twenty men of armes did alight downe on the side of the waren and entred into the ditch which is betweene the towne and the Castell folowed with a certaine number of shot and furiously charged the enemie in diuers places In the beginning the enemies defended themselues stoutely as well out of the houses as out of the Trenches which they had planted at the gate of the Castell They of the Castell perceauing that succour was come to them leaueled their artilerie partlie against the Trenches partly against the houses among whom the house of one Bordet was cleane beatē down The diuers charges began to amaze the enemies which without long resistance began to looke how to saue themselues and their liues by flight or otherwise There were found dead ofy e enemies side about 4. score men of our side onely sixe many were taken the other were put to flight wherof the night couered the shame y e marshes the riuer saued many the woūded and prisoners were courteously intreated many were sent away without ransome and especially the Captaine Beau Mont and Roke and others which were of commaundement during the skirmish within the towne the Lord Laual remained without the towne in battaile aray vpon the high way to Xainctes and from thence discouered some of the enemies who were issued out of the gates of Tailebourg with their colours and sought to saue themselues The said Lord commaunded his brother the Lorde Ryeulx to charge them who with twelue horses set on them whereof many were killed some wounded and some taken with foure ensignes The enemies being thus beaten the Lady Trimouil gratified the said Lord Laual with the other Noble men who had accompanied him for the assistance giuen her in such a conuenient time And although that before she would not suffer any further forces then she had to enter into the castell yet she admitted them in now and so they aduised before their departure of the meanes how to preuent like inconueniences and that it was better that this place should be kept by them of the reformed religion to the which the said Lady had no great fantasie Notwithstanding Captaiee Bousier Leutenant of the Princes gardes with certaine Harquebusiers was apoynted to keepe the said Castell and afterward there was ioyned to him the Lord Boulay It is saide before how the King vnderstanding of the Princes going to Anger 's with much adoo sent the Duke De Mayne out of Paris for Guyenne with a mightie armie that all with one voyage hee migh◠helpe to inclose vp the Prince and also in his absence to inuade Poytow and Xainctonge prouinces of Guienne for which he was apoynted Who taking his iourney from Bloys after the Princes armie was dessolued at Salonne to Poitiers vnder the colour of the lying in of his Wife soiorned there three weekes to seduce that great and populous Citie to his faction and at length when he could not obtaine his purpose by diuers expresse commaundements from the King hee departed about the fifteenth of Nouember And boasting that within three moneths hee would roote all the Hugonets out of Guyenne and Gascoyne hauing that mightie armie as we haue saide before in his way he tooke by surrender Lusignen and Mele and passing by Saint Ihan hee sent a few horsemen beyond the bridge Saint Iulion in the sight of the towne intending by that small number to draw the Lord Laual to fight who he thought would haue issued out and pursued those forerunners he thought also that the said Lord Laual would haue passed the bridge Saint Iulion and to haue taken him in ambushes with the whole companie of his horsemen who did lie in a wood and a dingle on the other side of the bridge which the said Lorde Laual could not haue repassed without hazard there to haue been discomfited The Lord Laual discouering the light horses issued out of the towne but not after the minde of the Duke For hauing put a good garde vpon the bridge he sent a few light horses onely to view the enemie and ordered the rest of his men of armes and Harquebusiers in battell aray vpon the banke of the riuer in the view of the enemie which seeing that he ventured not rashlie retyred without attempting any thing About the 28. the Duke De Mayne with his armie lodged about the towne of Saint Ihan The Lord Chassegay ensigne bearer of the Lord Laual accompanied with the Lord Orges and fiue and twenty horses more with him issued out to skirmish with the armie of the Duke They met nigh Varezes a little towne not farre distant twentie Launciers of the enemie folowed at hand by two hundered men of warre French and Jtalians The saide Chassegay was charged with these troupes and pursued to the bridge where hee stayed in the face of the enemie to fauour the retraite of his men but there he was beaten downe and taken prisoner with some others they which saued themselues gaue the alarum in the towne the forces whereof issued out but the enemie had retired About the latter end of December the Duke méeting with the Marshal Matignon about Coignake at length parted a sunder and the sayd Matignon went to Bourdeaux but the Duke being rid of the companie of Matignon who would bée but a let vnto him to bring to passe his intents tooke his iourney to sport himselfe through Perigord Limosin Quercy and Agennoys at the charges of the Priests and expences of the holy Rood hauing a great deale of money euen so much as the Sacraficers could spare to recreate himselfe when hée should finde himselfe wearie of winning of Cities and strong Holds in those countreys It is sayd before how that after the publication of the Edict in Iuly the Vicount Turenne had assembled some forces partly out of his owne land in Limosin and Perigord and partly many Noble men and Captaines of the countreys about had repayred vnto him For the persecutions had inforced many as well Gentlemen as others to forsake their houses to take armes and to repayre to such Prouinces as were of sure accesse vnto them This was the cause that Noble men and Gentlemen from about Paris Gastinoys Niuernoys countries betwéene the riuers of Loyre and Seyne which purposed to repayre to the King of
perswaded them that the King whatsoeuer might happen neither durst come neere them neither was able to let the carriage of the victuals to their citie which was the cause that they liued from hand to mouth and had prouided no more then in tyme of the greatest peace that can be But after the rumor of the ouerthrow of the Leaguers came to Paris all the Cittie was replenished with terror many of the Citizens came to the King to plead their innocency but specially two of the chiefest of the citie to wit Belieure who was one of the Kings lately deceased Secretaries of estate and Brulart President of the Court of Parliament in Paris These two men had béen wauering a great while not faythfull to their old maister King Henry the third who had preferred them neither did greatly trust the Leaguers and yet liued in some suspition of this King now raygning But when they heard of the Kings good successe contrary to their expectation like good Mariners they turned their saileâ— to the wind came to the King to make their excuse and submission and both of them were receaued curteously of the King The King said vnto Belieure that he had thought him to be an honest man vntill he fell to the Q Mother and ioyned to the company of Vileroy but Brulard was receaued with greater fauour whom the King hath employed since in great affayrs as to bee his Ambassador to the Cantons of Swisserland In this consternation the Parisiens who had liued in great security began to open their eies and see the danger whereto the great bragges of the Duke de Mayne the promises of the Fryers and Iesuits their vaine hope had cast them and did threaten them at their doores and caused them to bee deuided into diuers opinions for some who were of a hot nature would haue a new muster to be made in the Cittie and on a sudden afore he had suplyed the roome of them which were dead in the battell to set vppon him but this course was thought rash and dangerous for many eauses Other gaue a wiser counsell if it could haue béen followed to wit to try his elemency and that vpon reasonable conditions ther was no doubt but they should find fauour and peace and for the proofe thereof alleaged his gentle disposition far from all cruelty and desyre of reuenging which hee hath alwayes shewed in all his actions Some were of a contrary opinion and gaue counsell to take order for the prouision and fortifications and pollicy of the citie they shewed that by the multitude and other meanes which they had they were able to geue him a new battell if he would goe about to draw neere to their Câ—tie and at the worst they were able to abide a siege they shewed that he was not able with as great forces agayne as hee had to force them and that hee would not hazard his old experienced Souldiers so rashly knowing that it were hard for him to recouer the like againe to be short great variance rose among them as the manner is in such a case Whilest this variance was among them the Duke de Mayne came to Saint Denis to view the countenance of the Parisiens feare and shame warning him not to come into Paris None or few of the inhabitants of Paris went to salute him but they onely who had sent him to the butchery in the playne of Saint Andrew to wit Frier Henrico Caietano Frier Sixtus his Nuncio the blinde Captaine Bernardino Mendoza the Spanish Moore Ambassador of Spayne there and the incestuous Fryer Byshop of Lyons with few more to comfort him and to goe forward in his begun rebellion Therefore it was thought good to remedy the affayrs as well as they could deuise that the sayd Duke de Mayne and the Comendador Moreo who was then in Paris should goe with all speede into Picardie to stay the remnant of the forces of Flanders which were going home through Picardie after they had lost their guide the County Egmond and that there the Duke de Mayne should gather such new forces as he could the Comendador Moreo should goe to the Duke of Parma to bring him y e goodnewes of the victory of the County Egmond and his company but specially great care should bee had least Paris and Saint Denis should in any case yeeld to the King In the meane time Frier Henrico and Bernardino would take order to pacify the strife and diuersity of opinions They returning to Paris scattered few Pistolets of Spayne and Ducados Italianos among the Fryers and Iesuits to teach them Frierlike Rhetorike These rauing Prophets and among them one Peter Crestin such a one as was of my remembrance magister nostor de cornibus or magister noster Olyuer Maillard stept vp they fret they fume they fome lyke Boars they rayle they reuile there is nothing holy before them they shew how the King is an heretik a relapse son of an heretike father and mother they looke euery day for a new excommunication from Rome he is out of the bosome of holy Church incapable of the Crowne of France no obedience is due vnto him they descant vppon the praise of his gentle nature how it is but fayned and if he were once established hee would shew such cruelty vppon holy Church as hee did vppon Borgoyn Gessey and few other Fryers he would roote out the Catholik religion and plant here sie It were far better to die all then to admit such an heretike ouer them if they die in this quarrell they goe straight way to heauen they are blessed Martirs they shall be Saints as Frier Iames Clement was of late these raging furies of hell do so perswade the people that as a people destitute of reason and â—ereâ—t of their witts are lead to their owne destruction by these enchaunters so that afterward if any man should speake of peace with the King or of any thing besides warre fire and desolation hee was presently murthered by them or cast into the riuer in one day more then twenty persons were so murthered But fearing to bee compassed with a siege afore they had set order in their affayres and pollicy to daly with the King they sent from Paris Fryer Paniguerola Bishop of Aste and in hast and Vileroy to busie him and to dilay the siege which they supposed the K. would haue layedd presently with speeches of truces or peace that they might fortify themselues in the meane space The King would haue no speeches with such companions but yet of his accustomed clemency sent Paniguerola to the Marshall Biron to see what he had to say and what wisedome he had brought with him out of Italy After many salutations and popish blessings the Frier did wonder much to see sayd he that so great companie of Catholikes could finde in their hearts to followe after an hereticall King The Marshall Byron answered the saucie impudent malapert Frier that it would not be safe for