they tearmed Chanons or Monkes had lybertie to choose the other Benefices which were not electiue were bestowed by the Bishops and Patrones and all suites for matter of Benefices were determined each one in his owne prouince But the Popes by lyttle and lyttle beganne cleane to alter these elections and to drawe for themselues all the profit to Rome by reseruations and expectatiue graces and caused all suites to bee brought thether euen at the first instance This change began in France in the time of Lewes the ninth who notwithstanding stoutly resisted it by the aduice of his Councell and Parliament and made an ordinance in the yeer 1267. by which hee commanded the ancient custome should be maintained and for all that no man to paie ought to the Pope which lawe stoode in force many yeeres after But the authoritie of the Popes became in the end mistresse scattering among the Cleargie throughout Christendome their graces and reseruations which were most chargeable and odious vnto euerie man vntill the Councell of Basle vtterly abolished this manner of taking relying vpon the ancient lawes of collations and elections and forbidding the exaction of Auates So as Charles the seuenth after that hee had summoned a Councel of the choicest men of all his realme approued that Decree of the Councell and in the yeere 1438. confirmed it by an Edict which was commonly called La Pragmatique Sanction Yet afterwarde Eugene the fourth pronounced this councel of no valour so as the Popes which since succeeded haue vtterly refused this Decree named it Schismaticall Yea Pope Pius the second sent his Embassadour to Lewes the eleuenth sonne of Charles the seuenth by whom he tooth and naile insisted to make La Pragmatique Sanction to be abolished But the king tooke councell of the Parliment of Paris which is the most renowmed of all France composed of learned personages and experienced in the Ciuill and Canon lawe and in matters of estate or other publike charge Who fetching many things from the antiquitie and ordinances of the verie Popes themselues and Councels in time passed alleadging lykewise what his progenitours Clodoâ—â—â— Charlemagne Philippe Dicudonne Lewes the ninth Philip le Bel Lewes Hatâ—â— Iohn the first finally what his owne grandfather had ordained therein And taking occasion thereby to shew how exceedingly France then flourished and how in present shee was desolate and weakned deliuered vnto him boldly that if the ancient lawes should not remaine in force all order of the Cleargie would come to vtter confusion and that France would bee in the ende left cleane vnhabited by reason many retired themselues to Rome by little and little sucking out the whole treasure of the realme whence would insue that the Churches and such like buildings would in the end be vtterly ruined throughout the whole realme As concerning the treasure sayd they if the lawe of your Father take not place there will yeerely bee transported to Rome a million of golde For omitting the rest in the time of Pope Pius at the least twentie Bishoprickes were voyde whereof euerie one paide as wel for the Anates as other charges six thousand crownes about three score Abbeyes whereof euerie one payde two thousande and aboue two hundred other Benefices of which euerie one paide aboue one thousand crownes Besides that there is in your realme more than an hundred thousand parishes from which a masse of monie is drawen by this inuention of the Popes Followe then your Fathers traces and sticke fast to the Decree of Basle Such was the counsell which the Parliament gaue him But the Kinge ouercome with the authoritie or subtiltie of the Pope ordayned the abolishing of La Pragmatique Sanction by meanes of the Cardinall Balne one verie familyar about the King and deeply bound to the Pope Notwithstanding the Kings Proctor generall and the Vniuersitie of Paris which had a greate interest therein couragiously withstood it and appealed from the Pope to a Councell Lewes the twelfth was at great oddes with Iuly the second about the same and it was referred to the Councell of Latran But Frances the first agreed thereunto vpon certaine conditions with Leo the tenth in the Citie of Bologne la Grasse after that hee had gained all Lombardie To wit that a Bishopricke or Abbey becomming voide the Chapter should not haue power to choose but that it should appertaine to the King to name some one within sixe moneths to the Pope which he thought meet for such a charge This was the matter which the King ment when hee spake of a remedie by his Embassador for this was the raigne wherewith the Kings euer brideled the Popes and when they fall a quarrelling with them they presse to haue La Pragmatique Sanction reuiued cheefely in this time in which Popes commaundementes are not so much reuerenced as heretofore they haue beene and in respect that Fraunce is large and rich Rome cannot wel misse the mony without great losse Now the King since performed in deed what he threatned heere to Pope Iulye as we will handle hereafter Philip le Bel King of Fraunce vsed the same remedy against Boniface the eight for because that he had charged him to passe the Seas and to make warre against the Sarrazins not taking in good parte his excuses hee forbad him to leuie any monye vpon the Churches which the King of necessitie was constrained to doe and if he would not obey excommunicated him The King sent for all his Lords and estates of his Realme to Paris where after hauing discoursed of the outrage of Boniface and that all the Bishops Princes and Gentlemen confessed that they helde all their substance meerely of his grace bounty and liberalitie he forbad that any mony after should be transported to Rome and to that end caused a diligent watch to be kept in all the entries and passages The summe which was found in the account of the Parliament of Paris of that which the Bishoppricks and Abbies being voide did paye must be vnderstoode of the time passed for at this present the Taxes are augmented and passe the annuall reuenues so as some of the Clergie haue beene faine to leaue their Buls in the banquers hands for the ouer-great exaction Now there are in Fraunce twelue archbishoppricks Aix Vienne Lyons Narbonne Tholouze Bourdeaux Aux Bourges Tours Rouen Reims and Sens there are about 96. Bishoppricks by the vacaties of which is carried to Rome a masse of monye and of the Archbishopprickes about threescore thousand three hundred crownes as it is apparant by an account made in the time of King Lewis the twelfth Hereupon the King of Fraunce not content with the rigorous pursuites hee renewed against the Lutheranes to the end that notwithstanding the warre hee was resolued of against the Pope he might entertaine the Catholicke Princes in good opinion of his faith and Catholicke religion would make further shewe of his dutie and iust occasions of warre by a writing sent vnto
ought to haue done cōsidering how much the Turk at this day wasted Hungary albeit that they furnished all against the Infidels yet except there were a mutuall consent by a peace and brotherly beneuolence among the estates no thing could be brought about aduantagious against so puissant an enemye the Deputies notwithstanding gaue vp their appeale in writing and in the end had leaue to departe so as all being deliuered in councell the 14. of October 1529. the Princes and others assembled towardes the end of Nouember at Smalcade where the difference of Religion hindering as yet any resolution they departed vnder condition that whosoeuer would in each point consent to this doctrine and receiue it should meet at Noremberg the sixt of Ianuary 1530. there to deliberate of what were to be done Now they concluded nothing but to tarry vntill the day which the Emperour should publish in the Spring which was at Ausbourg the 8. of April 1530. Charles the fift elected Emperour in Iune 1519. at Francforde vpon the Rhyne notwithstanding the contrarye pursuites of the French for their Prince after the death of Maximilian the 12. of Ianuary and sacred at Aix in the end of October was crowned at Bologne le Grasse the 24. of February by Clement And whereas vpon the 20. of Iune when the day assigned by him at Ausbourg where he made his entry began he commaunded the Duke of Saxe to carry the Sword before him going to the Masse according to the office of Marshall to the Empire Hereditarie to the house of Saxe the Elector would first take the aduise of his Doctors who perswaded him that it was lawfull considering that he went thither to execute his office and not to heare the Masse he was there then onely accompanied by George of Brandebourgh After many affaires proposed and debated in the end he caused to be published this decree for religion that hauing reiected the confession of the Protestants faith hee ordained in summe that nothing should be changed in matters concerning faith and diuine seruice that whosoeuer should doe the contrary should be punishable both in body goods that reparation should be made of all the iniuries which had beene done to the Churchmen and to the end this decree should remaine inuiolable for religion he assured that he would imploye all the meanes which God had giuen him thereto euen to the spending of his bloud and life yea it was forbidden that any should be able to pleade in the imperyall chamber which astonished a great many for the Emperour took good assurance of all the rest for the execution thereof whereupon the Protestants being assembled the 22. of December 1530. at Smalcade concluded a forme of alyance to succour one another to the which the Princes at that instant bound themselues and with them many other Lords and free Citties thinking good to trye therein the King of Denmarke and Princes of Pomerania and Magdeburg with all to write to the Kings of Fraunce and England to disswade them from such false reportes as their enemies might make runne of them and their religion which they accordingly did the 16. of February 1531. The Landgraue allied himselfe with them of Zurich Basle and Strasbourg in Nouember vpon condition to succour one another for their religion but after the breaches betweene the fiue little Cantons and the rest which passed in certaine reencounters where the reformed had the worst and the accord made betweene them since that in October 1531. was put this clause that they of Zurich Berne and Basle should quit the allyance of the Landgraue and Strasbourgh with the fiue Cantons of K. Ferdinandes Afterwards the 29. of March 1531. they met againe at Smalcade where they receiued but slender answers from Denmark and Pomeranye they consulted of meanes how to haue succours ready at need of men monye and munition and for that they had had the opinion of learned men before they confederated together and that Luther had before taught and published in writing that it was not lawfull to resist the Magistrate hee now changed his minde for when as their Lawyers did declare in this meeting that such a case might bee offred as the Lawes permitted a man to resist as they did in this he said he was cleane ignorant of that point for that the Gospell did not impugne the lawes pollitick but often times confirme them and because they sayd that such an accident might arise in which necessitie and duetie of conscience did put the sworde into their hands he made a book by which he admonished all men in generall not to obey the Magistrate if he sought to imploy them in such a warre for they stoode well assured how that the Emperour sollicited by the Pope and other went about some mischeefe for them vnder colour of hauing a care for the common wealth of Germany King Frauncis the first wrote curteously back vnto them the 21. of April 1531. with offer of his helpe so did the K. of England the 3. of May. Now after the decree of Ausbourg the Emperour being sollicited by the Pope and other of the Cleargye seemed that he would make the Protestants range themselues to the common doctrine but for that certain Princes more peaceably addicted among the Catholicks saw that that could not be brought to passe but with great inconueniences to all Germanye considering that the Protestant Princes and confederate Citties had already prepared themselues they councelled the Emperour to assigne some daies to examine therein their doctrine and to seeke meanes of peace and accord in religion which often had bene assaied and euer in vaine by reason of the great difference thereof and that the Princes as Luther at other times had done by Pope Leo his Bull had appealed from the Decree of Ausbourgh to a future councell to whom properly appertained the debating of Religion In the end notwithstanding about the beginning of October the Princes wrote againe to the deputies Embassadors for peace that if any did thinke or could proue that their doctrine proposed at Ausbourg were erronious in any point or in default of so doing would submit himselfe to the testimony of the holy Scripture they held it most agreeable that if the Emperour would assigne a day at Spire and giue safe conduct and ostages to themselues their associates and Luther which they ment to bring thether besides if he would permit their free and publique preachinges together with the vse of the Supper according to Christs institution and not constraine them to make difference of meates they or their Deputies would be present with ful power and if their doctrin were not confuted they trusted the Emperour would no more hinder them in their Religion In the mean time since that they had formed an appeale to a lawfull Councell they besought the Emperour that he would not in the meane season innouate ought against them Now besides the point of religion the election of Ferdinande to
halfe a league from Mezieres to which it had doone many shrewde turnes because the Lord pretended certaine rightes besides that it was a retraite to all lewde persons an occasion that Frauncis the first had there builded a blockhouse which for all that serued to no purpose by meanes of the euil gouernement thereof The Lord of which had beene brought vp a Page in the Kinges house and euer held the French partie vntill that vpon some spite he changed for the Bourgonion crosse with which he dyed of the shiuer of a peece which hee tryed afterwards the King being determined of his returne and hauing made the D. of Niuernois Gouernour of Luxembourg all also furnished Roc de Mars and the other places with all necessaries notwithstanding the daily roades of Theonuille and other imperial places sent his armye to batter take and cut in peeces all those that were retired into the Castle of Trelon which was vndermined and raised as Glaion and other places and to content the olde Ensignes the sacke of Cimetz was bestowed on them a Towne and Castle of the Duke of Ascottes whither many of the Countrie and of Ardennes were retired with cheefest goods of valewe but seeing the batterye they cleane lefte the towne and ranne into the Castle the great Tower whereof was no sooner battered downe but those that were besieged being willing to parley were knocked downe by the Portail and other places where they found an entrance to sacke and rifle with so great greedines and indiscretion as within one of the towre vautes where the Powder lay were aboue sixe score Souldiars roasted by meanes of the fire which the kindled matches of some of the Harquebusiers put thereto After the Towne and Castle was consumed to ashes which greatly astonied the Bourguinions and other the borderers which already feared the siege of Auanes whether the King had indeede caused his armye to marche had it not beene for the sickenes which day by day encreased among the Souldiers of whome a good parte were alreadye secretly stolne away some charged with good booties some with sicknesse some with tedious and long paines and many with blowes more then riches hard to be endured in warre although but soddaine and of small continuance euen of the most hazardous An occasion that in the end of Iuly the armye was parted into Garrisons attending what the Emperour now would vndertake who much troubled with the Protestant Princes army of Germany saw him selfe then brought as it were into two extremeties either to accorde almost whatsoeuer Maurice and his cōpanions would demaund as well for Religion as the libertye of Germanye and so to enter into Fraunce and reuenge such iniuries as he had receiued by King Henry or else to let him alone at his ease to gaine the Countrie whereby he might another time enforce the Germanes to submitte themselues to the yoke of his power notwithstanding whether it were that an iniurye receiued from an equall seemed vnto him more hard to be abidden then the offence of an inferiour and one especially bound with a kinde of dutie of subiection or whether hee thought himselfe in better readines against the French or whether as some say that his hatred conceaued against King Henry did more passionate him then against any other Prince the Emperour resolued himselfe of a peace with Germany as it were to espouse a warre with Fraunce by such meanes as I will deliuer vnto you Maurice stood principally vpon two pointes besides the deliuerye of the Landgraue the one that Ferdinand with Maximilian his Sonne and the commissioners might from thence take notice of such matters as were hurtefull to the libertye of Germanye and iudge thereof according to the ancient custome of Germanye the other that Religion should be let alone in peace and no harme in respect thereof to any man in the Worlde vntill the difference might be decided The Commissioners allowed of this forme but the Emperour shewed what hee desired and iudged fitte how it was reasonable that such as had euer remained loyall towards him and thereby greatly fallen into calamities might receiue recompence for their losses After long debating and some articles eased it was concluded that the Emperour should giue his full answere by the third of Iulye and that in the meane time there should bee a truce and cessation of armes The Commissioners then sent their letters to the Emperour the 26. of Iune to exhorte him to a peace Afterwards the French Embassadour being pressed to deliuer the occasions of his Maisters discontentment and vnder what conditions he would enter into a peace hauing receaued newes from his Master answered that the King had not vndertaken this warre in respect of his own particular but to succour Germany so farre going to decay as touching the conditions of peace it was not the custome of the Kings of Fraunce to demaund it as became themselues in all respects therefore he did not thinke he had any cause to propose ought without an assured hope of obtaining the same especiallye considering that the Emperour had most vniustly made warre against him while he marched for their succours notwithstanding he would quit much for a peace so as he might see it generall and refused not but that they might take knowledge and determine of these differents to which if Charles would not doe reason he protested the fault shuld onely light of his necke for all the miseries which might ensue thereon In summe that these Princes perceiuing the delaies of the Emperour had no sooner besieged Francforte where was a great Garrison of the Emperours but by the aduise of the most parte of the Princes of Germanye the peace was concluded the last of Iulye 1552. See the occasions which draue the one and the other to conclude the same Among other reasons the great danger was laide before Maurice which he should stand in as well on the Emperours side which had alreadye prepared a great armie as of his Cosins behalfe Iean Frederic whom the Emperour meant to send home free into his Countrie The Emperour likewise stoode in feare of the force of the Germanes and of the French The Landgraues sonne for the long detention of his Father Among other articles the Captiue Princes were to be set at libertie no disquiet for their Religion which they would aduise of at the first assembly within sixe moneths the King of Fraunce was to declare vnto Maurice his demaunds Albert was comprehended therein if he layde downe armes The King misliked with the whole course yet hee sent back the Hostages and Maurice his to wit the Earle of Nanteuil and Iametz The Historie of Fraunce THE SECOND BOOKE YOu haue heere before seene what preparatiues the Emperour and the Catholicke Princes confederate for Religion made of all partes against the Protestant Princes to furnish the great armye that they might be able to the end they might range them at deuotion The Germanes notwithstanding
be giuen of such as shall be appelants that therin they take some of your Ecclesiasticall Councellors such as shall be chosen or for default of them some other notable and sufficient personages In regard of the inquisition that it be obserued to haue the Popes inquisitor deputed vnder him thoroughout all prouinces to be men of good renowne and of entire life And that the Bishop be at the charge and not the accused vpon condition notwithstanding that the processe being ended the charges be recouered of those to whom it appertaineth These things are proper to bound in and enclose such processe within certaine limits Moreouer for that it appeareth that by the punishments of Heretiques how necessarie soeuer they be they haue not amended them vntill this present but onely it hath beene shewed thereby how detestable the thing is and further for that it is farre better to preuent a sickenesse then to giue it leasure to grow and afterwardes apply a remedie you must herein most gracious Prince follow the customes and pathes of the primitiue and auncient Church for shee was not established either by sword or fire but the diligence of Bishoppes hath alwaies resisted against Heretiques because that they alwaies insisted to preach the word of God shew good example in their life Considering then how the Church was by this meanes confirmed there is no doubt but shee would still be able to maintaine and countergarde her selfe if you woulde therein vse your power causing Bishops and Pastors in their owne persons to gouerne their Churches and likewise all inferiour ministers That they liue holily and teach the word of God or cause it to be taught by persons sit And that hereafter the charge of Churches be not giuen but to men able of themselues to teach without substituting Vicars in their roomes This is the roote whereunto the hand must be put this is the foundation vpon which the building must be framed for by this meanes there is hope that heresies will by little and little vanish away But if no account be made of following this course there is danger that heresies will encrease more and more what Edict soeuer can be made or remedies vsed to the contrarie In summe few of the Lordes of the priuie Councell remaining there which would any waies contrarie the same the Edict which I will speake of else where was engrossed in the end coÌ„cluded and after published thoroughout the whole Realm to the contentment of some and displeasure of many other In this same time Charles of Austria Emperour of the Romanes tyred with the enterprise of humane actions no lesse then pressed with his particular inconueniences resolued to put end thereunto So that as well to appease the violence of his Goutes feeblenes of stomacke megromes headach and an infinite of other diseases which day by day diminished his naturall strength as to see the inconstancie of mundane accidents and small assurance in the fairest desseins of man good fortune the compagnion of manie his actions hauing bene often times enterlaced by the encounter of some Signal desastre Iointe the presages of Vesalins his Phisition and other vpon the breuitie of his daies he determined to exchange a publique life vntill then reasonable well gouerned with a particular and solitarie which rather carryed a Religious deuotion then any mundane managing Therefore hauing from the moneth of September caused his sonne Phillip King of England to come vnto him to whome for sixe weakes together he communicated his most important affaires and the meanes which he ought to holde in the gouerment of his estates hee caused the generall estates of all his low Countries to bee assembled at Bruxelles where hee declared the indisposition of his person the good they had receiued from himselfe and the fauour which they might receiue from his sonne whome as then rising out of his chayre and kneeling barehead before and ouer against the Emperour putting his hand vpon his head he inuested in all his patrimoniall goodes hauing recommended vnto him Religion Iustice he gaue him his blessing Then the Prince rysen vp and due reuerence made vnto his Father and Queene Mary his Aunt in the ende turning vnto the people thanked God for his present aduantages besought him to assist him in all his actions to come rendred thanks vnto the Emperour for the care he had of his person from his first age vntill that day vnto the people for the acceptaunce they had made of him assuring them of so good a gouernement as they should not haue cause to repent themselues of this happe and consent Afterwardes Queene Marye dowager of Hungarie Gouernesse of the Lowe countries seeing the teares trickle downe the graye bearde of the Emperour his pale and earthly face rose vp to declare vnto the people that for thirteene yeeres together while her charge endured which shee had receyued from the Ceasareal and she had employed all the meanes which God had lente vnto her to acquitte her selfe of her duetie that if any faulte happened it was vnwitting and not of any her malice for which shee besought all them to pardon her assuring her selfe that her brother the Emperour rested contente This done the Emperour publiquely acquited all his Subiectes of their oathes made vnto him and rising out of his Throane caused his Sonne to sitte therein who presently receyued the homages and oathes of all his Vassalles Afterwardes all the first Seales of Charles were broken in pieces and in their place King Philips were brought wherewith there were presentlye sealed certayne pardons and other dispatches Thus did hee disseaze himselfe of all his goodes and estates to leade a peaceable life in a house of pleasure which hee had builded in Castilia called Iust reseruing onely to himselfe the vsufruite of Castilia and the superintendaunce of all the commaundaries Afterwardes by his gratious Letters to the Electours and Princes of Germanie he besought them to reconcile themselues together vnfoulding vnto them the small occasion which they had to quarrell one with another aduertising them of his purpose to passe into Spayne and howe he had resigned the Empire into their handes counselling and beseeching them to chuse his brother the King of the Romanes whome they knewe to bee of desarte and age Fearing least if some younge Emperour shoulde bee chosen hee woulde encrease the warres among the Christians a fitte onuerture to the Turkes to empayre Christendome especially vpon his nearest neyghbours In the ende hee recommended vnto them his Sonne beseeching them that if euer hee had done any matter of woorth for them and their Countrey they woulde acknowledge it in the behalfe of his Sonne who beeyng charged with great affayres had neede of his friendes assistaunce At the least that they woulde not bee contrary vnto him though some particularities might turne them from ayding of him Hee sent likewise Sâ—uler a doctour to his brother Ferdinando to yeelde ouer vnto him on his parte
him aboue the Criminell to whome in very deede it ought to haue appertayned A little before the King hauing beene perswaded that by some fault of obedience in the iudges or thorough the strife for one an others iurisdiction and to auoide the expenses of the pursuites how that the Lutheranes were so sore multiplied and assemblies alreadie made by them in publike ordayned at Compiegne 24. of Iulie 1557. That the Ecclesiasticall Iudges shold not be troubled in the trial award of processe or iurisdictions of any crime of Heresie That the royall iudges should hold plea award Proces and punish all Sacramentaries disturbers of the publike repose vpon paine of death But the confiscations and fines which should growe vpon their iudgementes to charitable and publike workes not to the kinges vse who renounceth the giftes and whatsoeuer els might thereby growe vnto him Shortely after the Prince being as yet further animated by the Churchmen for the great assemblies which the Lutheranes made throughout his whole Realme especially in Paris aswel to celebrate the Supper and other exercises of their religion as to goe a whoaringe said they and commit other detestable actes forbad these conuenticles vpon payne of raising the houses in which they should bee made to what Lord soeuer they were proper at Vilier Cotteretz the 14. of September 1559. And for the better confirmation thereof King Francis the second added since payne of death to all such as should bee the authours of such assemblies whether they were made for religion or no and that as well by day as night and to all such as should assist without hope of euer hauing their houses builded vp againe at Blais in the moneth of Nouember 1559. And the 14. of Nouember hee pardoned the discloser thereof and gaue him for the first time one hundred crownes And afterwardes he willeth in February following that all Lords Iustices shall be depriued of their iusticeshippes and the royall officers of their estates and offices which shoulde any wayes bee founde negligent in punishing of the authours of these assemblies with an iniunction to the officers to aduertise him of their duetie within on moneth after any such assemblie made and his procters generall to whome they should send the coppie of the information and other proceedinges thereupon The Lutheranes in like sort to put out of mens heades especially of the Princes and Churchmen such vile conceites as had beene giuen out and imprinted within them as well of heresie as of their filthie and lewde behauiours in their assemblies which they made night and day aduised themselues to cause the articles of their confession of faith to be presented vnto the King and published in all places and to beseech his Maiestie that it might be permitted vnto them to assemble themselues in publike to the end all men might see how they behaued themselues offring to yeelde themselues to any such payne and punishment as it shoulde please him to ordayne in case they were founde of any worse conuersation then the rest of the Christians There ensued thereof what you shall belowe perceiue Now since that all Fraunce feeling the discommoditie of the disastre of S. Quentin no man could abstaine from pouring out complaintes some attributing the euill to haue proceeded from the ambition of the one side some from the couetousnes of the other parte there were enough founde which imputing the cause to arise no whit from any man saide that God was the sole authour thereof to stirre vp the flacknes both of great and small because they did not their duety in the prosecutinge of the Lutheranes of whome if Fraunce nay all Christendome were not in shorte space purged the Kinge himselfe ought not to expect any other progresse of his life managing of his estate then accursed and reprochfull to his whole posteritie In somme they so animated this Prince to renew and increase the punishment of those people that it neuer grewe so hot a time for them as then which not being able to remedie by any so earnest pursuites as by flight recantation or dissimulation they endeuoured to mollifie the courage of the greater sorte so hotly enflamed against them by a little writing wherein they inforced themselues to proue that all the scourges and calamities sent from God vpon that Realme proceeded onely from the contempt corruption of the true worde of God whereof they persecuted the true ministers and executors Adding in the end such meanes as the King should holde if he would see his Realme happie with a repose agreeable to all his subiects and cleare deliuered from all differentes which might fall out for the matter of Religion THe calamities and afflictions said they which possesse all Christendome cleane oppressed and left desolate were so great as euery man confessed that they proceeded from the iust iudgements of God and for that men suffred so many sortes of heresies to be hatched forth as raigne at this present But the mischeefe was indeede for that none of them which had the publicke gouernemente and to whome it appertained to prouide thereto did regard with any good iudgement founded vpon the holy Scriptures who were the Heretickes and what the true and false is thence to drawe out a true rule concorde and that the true office of a King was to giue himselfe to the knowledge of such differentes as had done to the good Kinges Ezechias Iosias and other And afterwardes hauing laide downe which were the markes and differences of the true and false Religion it was written in these termes Consider I beseech now Sir and you shall finde that all afflictions happened vnto you at such time as you vndertooke to runne ouer those whome you call Lutheranes When you made your edict of Chasteaubriant then did God sende warre vnto you But when you caused the execution thereof to cease and as long as you were enemie to the Pope being gon into Allemaigne for the protection of the Germaine liberty defended by the Protestantes and afflicted for religion your affaires prospered as your owne hearte coulde wish Contrariwise what is happened vnto you since that you are ioyned with the Pope hauing receiued from him a sworde which hee sent vnto you for his protection and who was the cause to make you breake the truce God hath turned in one instant your prosperities into such afflictions that they are no lesse to bee feared vpon your selfe then vpon your realme To what ende is Monsieur de Guise his enterprise in Italie turned going to the seruice of the enemie of God with full deliberation to ruine at his returne the valleies of Piemont to sacrifice them vnto God as a fruite of his victories The issue hath well shewed how that God is able to reuerse our deliberations as of late hee did that of Monsieur le Conestable at S. Quentins on S. Laurence day hauing vowed vnto God that at his returne he would go ruine Geneua if he obtained
vanished from among vs yet doth their goodnesse and memorie stil remaine fresh and fixed in the minds and harts of manie But how can it otherwise fare Illustrious Ladies but that you must needes succeede or rather abounde in all or greater worthinesse hauing the honour and blisse to bee trayned vpp in the same Schoole from the which they and all other borrow their light as the Moone doth frō the Sun at the mouth of that diuine Oracle Ex cuius ore melle dulcior fluit oratio that sacred Queene vnmachable and victorious Virgine Supereminens omnes Mans mirror Ioues darling worlds wonder and natures perfection whose Angelicall face so often as I doe beholde as behold to often I can not me thinketh J still with daseled eyes see as it were in full aspect Solarem Maiestatem cum Saturnina grauitate That the powerful and essentiall thing of things may number the peaceable yeeres of her Raigne like the sands of the Sea that the shadow gonne downe in the Dyall of Ahaz may be ten and ten degrees brought backward that the Sunne abide and the Moone stand still vntill she may be auenged of her enemies Let all her Subiects pray our age rest thankefull posteritie admire and the heauens eternise her name for euer The Historie of Fraunce THE FIRST BOOKE NOw that those our Actions are most worthy of praise which can both please profit together wherein a History ought to haue the aduantage to excell all other I do not wel know though I did hardly could I tell whether in representing vnto you the estate of Fraunce and nations neighbours vnto it since fortye yeeres past I might doe a generall pleasure considering the mallice enuye and diuersitie of iudgements of euery man True it is that if I be not deceiued through the selfe liking of my owne labour the truth herein so clearely represented the free desire of euery ones profit in sundry sortes the varietie and notable euente of so many accidents doe sufficiently promise vnto mee a gratious acceptance euen at the handes of the more gentle and better vnderstanding sort of strangers who being farre from my knowledge and thereby lesse tickled with enuie an ordinary compagnion of the liuing shall be more rightly able to iudge of my labours I doe lesse doubt how small or much pleasing soeuer the first Treatises of this Historie shal be but that all wil euen hasten to see the progresse and issue therof some allured thereunto through the pleasure which the diuersitie of so strange and memorable an Argument offereth vnto them and other of a curiositye praise worthie to be willing to know the meruailes of Gods iudgments the great hatreds and small charitie So many peaces broken so many warres renewed so strange cruelties so small fauours in summe al the Potentates of christendom at banding for and against the French who most miserably haue made themselues the foole in the play and the vnhappy end variable reencounter of more rare miseries then euer worldlings did practise I cleane contrarye knowing the verye causes and meanes through which wee haue beene cunningly ledde to such pouertye endeuour as much as possibly I may to estrange from my selfe the consideration of so miserable effects and fetch my history from more high reaching somewhat beyond the beginning of our ciuill warres where wandring in a true discourse of forraine affaires and such as are common vnto vs with our neighbours I seeke the recompence of my paines In this chiefely that as maister of my selfe I cōmand my owne affections for a while to forget our calamities passed from which I may boldely borrow so much leasure as I shall esteeme necessarie to turne awaye for a season so sorrowfull and pitious a remembrance as thereby I am howrely put in minde of and albeit the memory of such greefes ought not any wayes to cause a vertuous disposition to swarue from the truth no more then the frendship of some hatred of other or respect of great personages should doe and though hee is verye rarelye to be found which is not spyed in the ende if not throughlye gained yet at the least tempted by some one of these passions especially in so confuse graue and deepe a matter I will notwithstanding be found so little partiall as all men shall haue more cause in other matters to disgrace me then in the truth of such accidents as are heere set foorth which if they shal bring a form of a more agreeable setting forth either by the number of strange occurrents or exceeding by a more excellency of deliuery the rudenes of my naturall language howsoeuer it be so farre am I from enuying so great a benefite to those of my age that I shall holde my selfe for well satisfied when I shall not gather any other profite of my long watchings then to see my selfe at the end of so great trauailes to haue vndertaken more for the pleasure of others then my owne particular And now that among Historiographers my name resteth as obscured their high valour number which are able to shadow the light wil bring me some comfort ioyned therewithall is that my qualitie holding more of action then of contemplation doth dispence with me to make any profession of writing but in matter of consequence wherein I am most delighted which being the cause that I best iudge of my insufficiency for being able to conduct and profit so laboursome a trauaile I will call vpon his grace which is able to blesse the beginning pursuite and last end of such a labour Being then resolued to lay before your eyes the estate of Fraunce and her neighbours since fortye peares passed and considering how the causes of humaine accidents are maintained by an eternall bonde and knowne of fewe people I thought I should make my worke a great deale more commendable if I did fetch the matter from more high thogh not from the first spring yet at the least from the more apparāt occasions which haue brought forth so strange occurrents For when I should entreat but of the wars between Charles the Emperour and Philip his sonne against the Kings of Fraunce or of the change of Religion throughout Christendome or of the Seditions that ensued thereon I should worke you very small pleasure and lesse profit in laying downe these matters so rawly vnto you leauing in the meane time vndiscouered the roote and cause of these great ones enmities the beginning and progresse of the reformation the paines and pursuites against such as were wilfull in the faith when whence and how the Lutherans were dispersed throughout the whole world by what meanes and successe they haue beene maintained against the Catholiques in euery Countrie together with the motife and conduite which both the one and the other pretended to bring to the defence of the true and auncient religion And hereby in shewing you the beginnings and preparatiues of the stomacking warres among the Christians I shall make you to iudge
continuall instance of the Cardinals and other of the Cleargie about the King who besides would make him selfe appeare most Christian throughout all Europe especially for the reasons aboue mencioned the Court was so pressed that all the articles of the Edict were there in publique audience read the 3. of September 1551. in the Chamber called Doree Of all which Pierre Seguier the Kings Aduocate demaunding the ingrossing of the behalfe of the Proctor generall saide that it was well knowne how the Kinges of Fraunce had bene alwaies zealous protectors of christianitie of the faith and vnion of the Church for which they worthily deserued the name of most Christian that there was no doubt but zeale of Religion was one of the principall causes for which it pleased God to maintaine the estate of that Realme in that greatnes it was vntill that day that historyes did witnes among all the misfortunes and vnhappines which fell out betweene the Romaine Kings the raigne of Numa Pompilius to haue beene found most long happie and peaceable because hee was most zealous in Religion And Titus Liuius and Plutarch write Quod Numa Primus condidit templum fidei primus fidei solemne instituit And albeit that the Religion of Numa was not ruled after the worde of God yet hauing had so great an increase of good fortune in his Heathenishe Religion it may verye well cause vs to thinke that the care and zeale which the Kings of Fraunce haue had for Christian religion hath greatlye auailed and helped towards the maintenance and enlarging of the Monarchie of Fraunce Contrarywise negligence of Religion the leauing and apostacie of faith and the scismes and diuisions in the Church are the beginning and spring of all mischiefes and the forewarning of desolation and ruine to a Common-wealth The examples are verye common De neglecta Religione both in Valerius and other our owne Histories as the Bookes of Moses doe testifie that the children of Israel while they helde themselues vnited in the faith of God and precepts of Moses prospered and ouercame all aduersities but when they withdrew themselues from religion they fell into great ruine The most Christian King considering and well vnderstanding these things hath studiously diligently searched by all possible meanes how the error of the Pseudo-christians might bee extermined and cleane rooted out of this Realme and to this end hath commaunded these letters now read to be approued in this Courte and further said that he could not omit to yeelde due thankes vnto the King for his most gracious royall and most Christian will moste humblye beseeching God that it would please him to preserue the King in this charitie deuotion and zeale many yeares and hereupon concluded and required the publication and approuing of the letters enioyning the Prelates and Cleargy in what appertained to their charge to obey the contents thereof Then the Presidente after the counsellers had deliuered their opinions gaue this sentence The Court in obeying of the Kings will ordaineth that vpon the plight of the said letters shalbe set downe Lecta publicata Registrata audito requirente procuratore generale Regis and that the Iudges Presidiaux and such as assist them in iudgement of criminall enditementes shall vpon sight thereof cause the prisoners to be brought before them and heare them speake in person and such iudgements as shall be so giuen by the Presidiaux and their assistantes shall not be helde and reputed for sufficiently concluded and awarded except it passe the consent of two at the least according to the ordinance And gaue in charge to the Court of the said Iudges that after iudgement giuen vpon the said criminall enditements they should make them safely to be kept by such Greffiers as the court should appoint to haue diligent care of the same to the end they might both deliuer answere the same whatsoeuer they should be called vpon Moreouer he warned exhorted the Court the Archbishops and Prelates that resorted thereunto enioyning them to keepe and fulfill the contentes of the saide letters in whatsoeuer might concerne them the 3. of September 1551. Now let vs handle againe the imperials practises against the French you shal belowe see in place fitter for it the second meanes which the King had to iustifie himselfe for his actions in the occurrence of Parma If the Emperor were angry knowing of the Kings resolution in fauour of the Farnezes Pope Iulye made no lesse shew thereof and thereupon the 11. of Aprill hee bitterly accused Octauian by a writing published to that end When said he he receiued Parma at my hands and the estate of Supreame Gouernour hee promised me vpon his faith that he would neuer serue other Prince nor put any Garrison of Strangers into Parma without my leaue and assoone as any apparance was of any change I oftentimes very louingly admonished him by men expressely and by his own brother the Cardinall Alexander that he should remember his dutie But because he answered very strangely I threatned him by letters vnder great paines if hee should forget himselfe hoping in time to haue wonne him But since being aduertised how farre he swarueth from the accord I haue great cause to be extreamelye angrye that one whom I had enriched and aduanced to honor should offer me such an iniurye Now then though it were lawfull for me to pronounce iudgement in so apparante and cleare a matter yet to the end to make him know my curtesie I charge him to appeare at Rome within 30. daies to answere to his accusations and to put in good security for his comming if hereof he make no accompt I condemne and holde him for guilty of treason disloyaltie and other crimes willing and meaning that all his goods shalbe confiscat for which I require aide of th'emperour that he will holde a strong hand to helpe me to punish the same forbidding all in generall to yeelde him any releefe or succour The King of Fraunce in the meane time to appease the Pope and his Cardinals declared by his Embassador Paul de Termes of purpose sent vnto Rome that he was no whit at all to blame for receiuing of Octauian into his protection considering it a matter proper to the office of Kings to succour the afflicted Besides sayth hee he sought no particular profit to himselfe but all for the benefit of the Church of Rome according to the example of his progenitors which had inriched the same more than all other and oftentimes defended it with the sword for considering that Parma was of the patrimonie of the Church he would especially seeke to preuent that it might not fall into the handes of anie stranger which was the verie reason that hee was at so great ordinarie an expence Therfore he earnestly besought him to take it in good part and not to remaine in that harde opinion hee had conceiued of him a matter which should bring great profite to the commonwealth
de Foix her Cosin brother in lawe to Charles the first K. of Nauarre and left her there fearing least the Earle of Armignac who had taken from her the Earledome of Comminges should take her to wife to the end he might make himselfe a peaceable Lord and went her selfe to abide with her Vnckle the Earle of Durgel in Arragon but her daughter was married vnto Iohn Duke of Berrie widower of Ioane of Armignac dying notwithstanding without issue succeeded vnto her in the Counties of Bologne Anuergne Mary of Bologne her Cosin germane who was married to the Lord de la Tour and of Montgascon father to Bertrant de la Tour and Gabrielle wife of Lewis de Bourbon first Earle of Montpensier great Grandfather to the Duke liuing Afterwards came Magdalaine wife to Laurence of Medices ancestors to Catherine of Medices Q. Mother to the K. liuing at this present day About this time the Landgraue being come into Fraunce 1533. got of the K. a masse of mony to cōtinue the amitie which he carried vnto the Princes of Germany vpon the morgage of the Countye of Montbelliard in the name of Vlrich D. of Witemberge his Cosin by the league of Suaube expelled his Duchie giuen by the same League to the Emperour who since gaue it to Ferdinand in partage vpon condition that if he were not repaied within three yeares the County should remain vnto him he had besides other monie of his liberalitie and with that hee leuied men and recouered the Countrie and placed against his Cosin in May 1534. Afterwards paide the first monye back gratified with an ouerplus vpon this Clement 7. who at the marriage of his Niece to pleasure the K. had made Cardinals Odet de Chastillon Philip de Bologne Claude de Guiry and Iohn le Venier B. of Liseux hauing runne sundry fortunes died in the end of September 1534. Paul Ferneze succeeding him who presently made Cardinalles Alexander sonne to Pierre Louis his base sonne and Ascanio sonne of Catherine his base daughter As the doctrin of Luther profited in Germany Flanders England Italy cuntries adioyning Fraunce felt it no lesse rather it seemed to increase by the greatnes of persecutions which might be seene by the hotte persecutions in the yeare 1534. for searches and informations were no sooner made of the prisonners but they were as speedily burned quicke tyed to a stake after swinged into the ayre were let fall into the fire and so by a pullise pulled vp and downe vntill a man might see them all roasted and scorched by a small fire without complayning not able to speak by reason that they had taken out their tongue and gagged Afterwards the K. to the ende that might not be a meanes of diminishing of the Princes of the Empire their amitye towards him and to turne away the wrath of God which hee feared would fall vpon his Realme for the opinion of these people made a solemne and generall procession to be made at Paris where the relique of Saint Geneuiefe patrones of the Parisians descended which happeneth but rarely In the meane time hee excused himselfe towards the Protestant Princes by his Embassadour assuring them that he made them to be punished for their sedition not for their faith to conferre whereof hee prayed them to send some of their diuines to meete with his for as hee saide Pope Leo had himselfe heretofore tolde him that he must needes acknowledge many light ceremonies and humane traditions which were fit to be changed in time afterwards Guillaume du Bellay called de Langeay his Embassadour about them being assembled 1535. at Smalcade seeing that he could not conclude a generall alliance with them for they euer excepted the Empire and the Emperour returned without doing ought after hauing exhorted them in the Kings name not to receiue Mantoue for the place of Councell which the Pope promised nor any other place without aduise of the K. of Fraunce and England who would doe nothing the one without the other Louis 12. K. of Fraunce said he by his Embassador in time past maintained that it did not appertain to Pope Iuly to publish a councell without consent of the Emperor and christian Princes and because the K. of Nauarre was of the same opinion Iuly excommunicated him and vnder this title Ferdinande K. of Spaine seased of the Kingdome of Nauarre the K. of Fraunce is at this present of the same opinion that he can alow of no councell but in a sure place not suspitious where it may be lawfull for euery man to deliuer his minde Edward Foxe B. of Hereford Embassador for the K. of England spake much more affectionately and shewed that his maister greatly affected the same doctrine which he had already in a great part established within his Realme for which the protestant Princes humbly thanked thē praying that they would no more suffer such as were of like faith as they to be persecuted After the 12. of December 1535. by a decree made at Smalcade on Christmas euen they renewed for ten yeares their alliance which expired at the end of that yeare and deliberating among the rest of prouision and munitions it was there concluded that they would all receiue the confession of Ausbourgh and be content to runne the same race among other there were the Princes of Pomerany Vlrich of Witemberg Robert of Bauiere he of Deuxponts the Citties of Ausbourg Franckeforde Campodum Hambourg and Hanobry with many more who ioyned themselues at Franckford in April 1536. and after Guillaume de Nassaw and albeit that the Landgraue did not accord with them there in respect of their claim which was made to the signory of Hesse yet he promised that if there should be any outrage for the profession of the Gospel he would not abandon them whatsoeuer ensued theron In the end of March 1538. Christian K. of Denmarck and Iohn Marquesse of Brandebourg brother to the Elector were both receued therin Now for so much as Helde who had bene sent from the Emperour to the Germane Princes to bring them to agree to such a Councell as the Pope had assigned and therein to resolue vpon all their differentes in religion c. could gaine nothing charging them euery way if they refused so reasonable conditions of Peace hee framed a League of which he saide the Emperor King Ferdinande were the authors the associates to be the Archbishops of Mayence and of Salisbourg Guillaume Louis of Bauiere George of Saxe Eric Henry of Brunswich that it was cōcluded vpon at Noremberg vpon cōdition that if any were troubled for the ancient religion succour should be ready at hand and to endure for 12 years vnder the name of the holy League as made for the glory of God and defence of the Church Afterwards 1539. the 19. of Aprill at Francforte the peace of Germany was accorded vpon such conditions the Emperour graunteth to the confederates of the confession of
which were between the Counts for their liuings and inheritance in forme of an amiable compounder and Arbitrator And albeit they desired they might bury him in their Countrye yet the Elector of Saxe would needs haue him brought to Witemberg He left of a Nunne which he married 1505. Iohn Martin and Paul his children which haue not followed any course either for the diminishing or encrease of his reputation Hereupon to confirme the suspitions which many had of a warre at hand for Religion in Germany were seene the first effects in the holy League of the Imperialles and that of the Protestants made and renewed at Smalcade as I haue declared vnto you Moreouer the Emperour being from day to day egged forward by the Pope and Catholick Princes now discouering himself writeth to the cities of Strasbourg Noremberg Ausbourg and Vlme to aduertise them of his entent and drawe succour from them at the least not to fauour the enemies of the common Countrie and of Christian Religion giuing them to vnderstand after he had made them see what his dutie and affection was to the good of the common wealth of Germany how this warre was not prepared against the Citties but against certaine rebels which had committed treason who had confronted the authoritie of the Emperour pilled the goods of Princes and of the Church and would in the end the townes too if they were not bemet withall that they should then aduise themselues well of their dutie both towards him and the common countrie who and especially Strasbourge besought him to leaue off this preparation of warre and if the Princes had done him wronge rather to order them by iustice then by armes to ruine all Germany considering that all differents betweene an Emperour and the Princes ought to be adiudged by the Empire Now as the Landgraue being called for by him had in familiar speeche at Ratisbone where the continuance of the Colloquie was assigned tolde him that his companions had beene aduertised from all partes how he meant cleane to runne ouer those of the confession of Ausbourg how he attended succours from the K. of Fraunce how he had made truce for one yeare with the turk by means of the French and that this councell had beene begun by the Pope to the end the decrees made against them might be put in execution notwithstanding that they had yeelded him succour against the Turk and King of Fraunce and that as wel at Spire as at Ratisbone he had assured thē of a firme peace albeit they could not accord of religion he answered that he neuer thought it praying them not to beleeue such reportes that he had made peace with the French it was all and truce with the Turke to make poore Germany take so much more breath to the end that during this truce they might make ready to ouerrunne the Turke when it should be extermined considering cheefely that they aboue all had so oftentimes lamented the misery of Germanie but that the councell helde to determine the matter of Religion as they had so often required And after that the Landgraue had replied that there could bee no good concluded for them considering the Pope their mortall enemy commaunded there and that euen the Monkes called againe there in doubt the articles accorded that they were promised a free and sure on in Germany together with the reformation of the Imperiall chamber so bitter against them and that hardlye they could send their Doctors much lesse come themselues to Ratisbone as the Emperour desired for the reasons which he alleadged he retyred himselfe into his Countrie and anon after their Deputies at Wormes hauing intelligence of this communication slunk away the 23. of Aprill the 8. whereof the fathers cōcluded vpon certain points but of the generall sorte and least controversied in the Church In summe the holye league was set downe in writing and after the 26. of Iune 1546. proclaimed by which the Pope consigned one hundred and 50000. Crowns at Venice ouer aboue one hundred thousand already giuen and furnished twelue thousand Italian Fantassins and 500. Horse paide for sixe monthes permitting vnto the Emperour to take for that yeare the moitie of the reuenew of the churchmen in Spaine and to sel as much of the yearelye rents of the Monasteries of Spaine as amounted vnto fiue hundred thousand Crownes so as he employed them onely in this war vpon condition that hee should morgage as much of his own demaine for which he should make assurance to the Popes good liking Vpon this Vlrich of Witemberg and the Citties of high Germanie were first in armes against the Emperour after the Princes ioyned themselues the Elector Palatine standing neutrall praied them to submit themselues and demaund pardon of the Emperour They the Emperour and Pope entreated the Zuizers to stand Neutrall The Protestants sought succours of the K. of Fraunce and England Now the Emperour sought to hide his game vntill his forces might be in readines namely the Italians which were to passe the Alpes where the passages are easie to be kept for there are but two to goe into Germany from Trent to Enipont To goe from thence into Bauiere where the Emperour was stoode at the parting of the Mountaines Ereberge a forte almost impregnable Shartelin a Protestant Captaine seased thereof and had done as much as Enipont had not the subiects of K. Ferdinand risen So the Italians came vnder Octauian Farneze Cardinall with many renowmed Captaines Cosme of Medices ioyned therto 200. Horse of ordinance Hercules Duke of Ferarra 100. vnder Alphonso his base brother the 20. of Iuly the Emperour bannished the Saxon and Landgraue by his letters Pattents in which hee declared the reason at large as periured persons rebels seditious guiltie of treason and disturbers of the publique tranquilitie whome he determined to chastice according to their deserte withall those that should take their parte And the 12. of August the Protestants sent him letters of defiance naming him but Charles pretending himselfe Emperour Vpon this the Emperour sent the first of August the copie of their banishment to Maurice who hauing talked very familiarly with the Emperour went home and thence to Prague towards Ferdinande Now for that he was neer kinseman to the bannished in sorte that he might pretend some right to their goods he commaunded him and his brother Augustus to sease thereon otherwse it should be to the first occupier in sorte that the right of consanguinitie and contracts should nothing at al serue his turne ioyned withall that hee should be comprehended vnder the same paine as hauing bene disobedient vnto him and commaunded the Nobilitie and people to fulfill his commandement The two armies being incamped before Ingolstat vpon the Danube the Protestantes were the stronger in number of horse and artillerie but the Emperour had more Fantassins Lords and Captaines of Marke In summe the Protestants lost there a faire occasion to haue broken the
to aboue 350. crownes yearely rent to the Lord and that it was euen so in Lormarin and sundry other places of Prouence which dad beene desarts and laide open to theeues vntill such time as they came thither to inhabite They found likewise by information made in Prouence that the Merindols other of the persecuted were a peaceable people beloued of all their neighbours of faire conditions keeping their promises and paying wel their debts without sute or brabling charitable not suffring any to be in need of great almes to strangers and other poore passengers according to their power The Prouenaeals affirmed likewise that they of Merindol and the rest might very well be discerned from all other of the country of Prouence for that they could neuer be brought so much as to name the Deuill or any waies to swear if it were not in iudgement or passing of some contract A man might likewise know them for that if they were in any companye where lasciuious speeche were vsed or blasphemy against the honor of God they would incontinently depart out of the same we know not any other matter against them sauing said they of Prouence that when they go to the market or about the towne they are so seldom seene go into the Minster and if they do chance to goe in they say their praiers without regarding of either he or she Saint and that in the high way as they passe by crosses and images they vse no reuerence The Priestes being likewise hard as touching the same said that they did not cause any Masse to be saide nor Libera me nor De Profundis and that they neuer took any holy-water and if any were giuen them at their houses that they would neuer say grandmercie to him that brought it and they perceiued very well that they conned him small thanks that they neuer went on pilgrimage to gaine pardons that they neuer made the signe of the crosse when it thundred but only looked vp into heauen sighing and prayed without crossing themselues or vsing any holy-water that they were neuer seene make any offring either for the liuing or for the dead In summe Langeay following his charge aduertised K. Frauncis of the whole who hauing fully vnderstoode it sent letters of grace not onely for such as were condemned vpon default and cōtumacy but also for all other within the country of Prouence who were either accused or suspected for the like case commanding expressely the parliament that from thence forward they shuld not in such a case proceed so rigorously as they had done for the past Beholde the letters FRancis by the grace of God King of Fraunce Earle of Prouence Forcalquier and countries adioyning to our welbeloued and feal the people holding our Court of Parliament in the saide Countrie of Prouence sitting at Aix health and loue As we hauing vnderstood how some swarued from the right way of faith and Christian Religion whome they call Vaudois assemble themselues in certaine places of our saide Country of Prouence where they continue in their errours through the seducing of some euill spirites whereto it were necessary to yeeld good and wholesome prouision to the ende this venome may not proceede any further we make you to know how we enclining rather to mercye and clemencye then to the rigour of iustice and willing to assaye rather by way of curtesie and perswasion to retire and redresse the saide wandred persons from the way of saluation then by rigorous punishmentes to make them fall into dispaire considering especially the great multitude of them which they say are fallen into these faults and errours and that we may hope that through the bounty of God our creator they wil rather reduce themselues to the way of saluation thē to be out of the congregation of God faithfull christians and remain continually in the feare of the rigorous iustice as well of God as man We for these considerations haue giuen do giue by these presents grace pardon and remission as much as in vs lyeth to the said Vaudois And haue acquited thē do acquit them of al paines offences and of al punishments and condemnation which might touch them either in person or goods by vertue of any iudgement giuen or to be giuen Prouided neuerthelesse that within three moneths after notise of these presents duly made vnto them they returne to God our creator and make such an abiuration and solemne recantation as is requisite for all the errors and false doctrines into which they haue heretofore fallen from whence they shall entirely depart and promise to liue Catholiquely and faithfully as it is requisite necessarie for all good Christians liuing according to the law of God and the Church And to this ende and for to vnderstand if they will accept of this our present grace and mercy we will that they shall come or send vnto vs such a number of persons as shall bee thought fit and ordained by you in full suertie as well to come remaine as returne without that during the said time any disturbance or hinderance be offred vnto them in their persons goods or manner whatsoeuer And in case they shall not accept hereof but remaine in their obstinacy you shall make such punishment thereof as you shall thinke the case deserueth and for the better accomplishing hereof we haue giuen doe giue full power authoritie commission and commandement by these presents By which wee will and command all our iustices officers and subiects bee they of warre or otherwise that to you your commissioners and deputies they lend giue all aide fauour and assistance when as often as by you and your deputies it shall be required Yeouen at Fountaine-bleau the eight of February The yere of grace 1540. and of our Raigne 24. Thus signed by the K. Earle of Prouince Bayard These letters went for a time suppressed but in the ende they were signified to certaine prisonners who were detayned in the prisons of Aix of whome it was demaunded if they would take the benefit of those letters which should bee commnicated vnto them euerie one paying one crowne of the sum for the Coppie By this meanes the prisonners were enlarged in paying their expences and promysing to appeare at the Courte when and as often as they should be demaunded Afterwards hauing obtained that they might appeare in Parliament by Proctor they tooke out a Copie of the proceedings against them which before thay had not at the request of the Kings Councell which pursued them they sent a confession of their faith to Cardinall Sadolet Bishoppe of Carpentras and other and after to King Francis the first taught vnto them said they euer since 1200. yeares after the comming of Christ as their auncients and auncestors witnessed vnto them The which his ordinarie reader Castellanus read vnto him containing the Articles of God the father creator of all thinges of the sonne aduocate and intercessor for mankinde of the
to be the freest of all other was gouerned by strangers how the authoritye of the Princes Electors was from day to daye diminished how many thinges were done without euer once demaunding their aduice how sundrye appertinances were dismembred and cleane aliened from the Empire and the meanes sought how their right might be vtterly taken away from the chusing of the Emperour how in the imperiall daies for the most part they left behinde the opinions of the Electors how the particular assemblies of the Electors remained there I know not with what feare how their iurisdiction diminished for so much as contrarye to the ancient custome the Chamber receiued the griefes and complaints of those which were the appellants of that which they had ordained the differents of the estates of the Empire were therby increased and could not be pacified vntil both partes were greatly interessed how it grew to too great an expence and trouble but to haue audience in the Emperours Court for that causes could not ordinarily be throughlye vnderstoode for want of well vnderstanding the language how not onely great charge grewe thereof but much time there spent without any profit how at the imperiall dayes there was small amitye for if any one proposed ought for the benefite of the cōmon wealth it was strait construed in the worst part how Germany drew it selfe clean dry through these so often and long assemblies and in the meane time many things went to racke at home and yet for all that the publicke estate waxed not better but worse and stil enwrapped in more miseries how it was forbidden by a rigorous Edict that none shuld be entertained in wages by strangers how such as are reconciled are bound not to carrie armes against any of the Emperours prouinces and by that means are seperate from the Empire how those which in the warre of Smalcade serued but their owne Lords were condemned in great fines and how they leuied monie in like sorte of those which during the saide warre continually remained in the amitye of the Emperour yea vpon paine of seeing their goods solde before their eyes except they made a quick dispatch and because their Deputies accorded together incontinently proclamation was made that they should departe from the Court vpon paine of death how often they had brought strangers men at armes into Germany and after the last watre dispersed them throughout the prouinces where they committed a thousand villanies and disorders and bragging how they had tamed Germany and boasted that she should be annexed to the Emperours patrimony and how in the cheefe and principall Citties should be erected fortes and bulwarkes to bridle them in how as it were in mockery they carried out of Germany to strange nations great quantity of peeces of artillerie and furniture of warre how some for extreme couetousnes of vaine glorye haue engraued in such peeces as they caused to bee newe cast the armes of the Princes of Germanye as who would say that they had wonne them from them how they had imprinted little bookes yea with priuiledge of the Emperour to the great dishonour of Germany as if she had bene vtterly tamed and brought into bondage how at publique assemblies some were receaued to the number of the Princes and estates vnder the name of the Emperours prouinces which was craftily done to the end that the number being encreased they might gain their wils by multitude of voyces how foure yeares passed they had erected a Parlament of the Chamber and how lawes were priuatelye made by some and since published not without the great damage of a number and especially of those of the religion of Ausbourg for they gaue vnto them no place at all in this assemblye it is then most necessary said he that the lawes should be examined at the very first assembly Maurice proposed these things and sundry other more requiring to haue them amended considering how they touched the Empire and that the Empire might be restored to her antient brightnes and that it might not be lawfull for other to scoffe them or despise them the Commissioners after hauing consulted together iudged that these demaunds contained nothing in them but great equitie and yet to the ende the Emperours honour might be preserued and that himselfe might the rather be perswaded thereunto they were of opinion that many matters which concerned the reformation of the publique estate might very well be reserued to an imperiall day There was also Du Fresne the French Embassadour who made his oration in full audience of all the Princes the 13. of Iune saying That in olde time and long before euer the name of French was heard of among men there had bene so great a conformitie of life betweene the Gaulois and the Almans that at other times they were called by the Latins Germanes as brethren to the Gaulois but after that the French had seated themselues in Gaul the two nations were so vnited together that it was one selfe same Empire vnder the same Prince and the same lawes Afterwards as in change of time the empire was transferred to Germany so did the Saxons and other Emperours alwaies entertaine amitie with the French for because they were descended from the Kings of Fraunce in such sorte as Philip Augustus caused to be engraued in letters of golde that ancient alliance which was as it were cleane abolished thorough antiquitie and to be set vp in the most holye place and not without cause for whilest that this coniunction endured the common welth of both the people flourished and the force of Germany was so great as it gaue lawes not onely to the Hungarians Bohemians Pollakes Danes but also to the very Italians and the Kings of Fraunce in like sorte curious to amplifie Religion did often beare armes against Sarazins Turkes and other enemies of Christendome through Asia Affrica and Europe in atchiuing of most glorious victories Since that we are come in a more vnhappie age when as some Emperours as it were engraffed in and not of the naturall stocke of Germanes and vnworthye of their estate haue cleane abandoned this amitie of the Kings of Fraunce whereupon there ensued great misfortunes in the Common wealth But this soare was healed by the grace of God by meanes of the noble families of the Princes of Luxembourg out of which some Emperours descended men of high renowne and great freendes to the Kings of Fraunce for the Father of Charles the fourth died in fighting for the King of Fraunce The Princes of Austria haue bene in like sorte affected among whome Albert the first could not possibly be induced by any of the Popes promises or threats to make warre against Fraunce which hee recited to the end it might be vnderstoode how ill some of the familiars and and seruants to the most puissant emperour Charles the fifth order the common wealth not only seeking by all their trauell to disioyne these two most excellent Nations the one from the other
had the partie and were so well succoured as at the last the Emperour accorded parte of their demaunds at Paussau in the ende of Iuly vppon conditions ouer and aboue before rehearsed that Maurice should carrie such people as he had to the succour of Ferdinand King of Romanes against the Turkes come downe into Transiluania Afterwardes the Emperour extreamelye fretting at such losses as King Henry had caused him to receaue fearing worse and maruelously affected to a reuenge practised by all meanes possible to perswade the Christian Princes and aboue all the Germanes to succour him against the King whome he endeuoured to render a no lesse enemy to the Empire then to his owne particular hee preuailed at last so farre by the dexterity of his owne wit that the rest of the Princes and imperiall citties as well of the association as other were by little and little gained to furnish him with men monie and artillerie cheefelye in respect that hee protested that hee would not imploye any parte thereof to his owne particular but onely to the recouering of Metz Thoul and Verdun three free Citties and holding of the Empire which the King of Fraunce said he with a discourse very stout and full of great perswasions had withdrawne from the Empire of the Germanes vnder colour of comming to aide them for the maintenance of their Religion libertie which said he is not to be presumed for many reasons but principally for the diuersitie of the religion whereof he hath alwaies made profession and by the effect which ensued thereon hauing so much dismembred the Germane Empire which he had more annoied had hee beene permitted to haue passed the Rhin and entred into the Countrie full of garboyles and factions of all partes whereof he full well knew how to make his profite for his owne parte hee promised that hee would employ therein all his forces and meanes to repaire so great an iniury therefore he hastned the olde Spanish and Italian bands which he caused to come out of Italye both by Sea and land which being ioyned to the troupes of Lombardy and Piemont trauersed the Alpes to repaire to the rest of the armie which was assembled in Germany as well of Bohemians Hungarians Pollaques Germanes Hannuyers Wallons Cleuois Flemings Burgonions as other whereof he furnished the number of fiftie thousand Fantassins and twenty thousand horse with great prouision both of grosse and small artillerye Now for as much as Albert of Brandebourg would not agree to the conditions of peace concluded at Paussau and for not laying downe his armes he stoode as banished the Empire hee assembled a troupe of men as malcontent as himselfe who disuniting themselues from the former confederacie continued warre against such townes as refused to succour the league against th'emperour as Nuremberg out of which he receiued a great summe of monie afterwards besieged Vlme enforced the Bishops of Bamberg Wissembourg to very strange conditions entred into Wormes Spire Mayence Treuues and sundry other places whence he receaued great treasure so as making warre apart and yet as vnder the name and pretence of the K. of France whose armes they bare in their ancients and cornets he made himself more renowned for his rigours and extream cruelties thē for any other feats of war notwithstanding being followed with 2000. horse 8000. pietons certain peeces which he trained to make him open passage and enforce any places of resistance in the end he came as low as Treues which he ransackt and as he passed forwards towards Fraunce the King in whose name he made the warre and caused such places as he tooke to take their oath sent vnto him Iohn da Fresne B. of Bayonne altogether freshly returned out of Germany to vnderstand his intent and agree with him touching his owne paye and such of his people as would continue their course of liuing vnder the title and pretence of the seruice of France endemnifying the enemies as much as might be and chiefely vpon the frontiers of Luxembourg His first answere was very honest and gratious saying that as touching his owne appointment he was not come to the K. seruice for a particular profit or hope to enrich himselfe thereby but that all his life long he had euer a desire to employe his person and meanes to do vnto him all humble seruice considering the good zeale of his Maiestie in hauing so well maintained the franchisies and liberties of Germany the very occasion why he was seperated from D. Maurice esteeming the King so reasonable as that he would giue an appointment equall to the merits of his Souldiers men of choice and ready to dye for his seruice with many other gratious speeches But the King and his councel had a further reach into the matter and as he mistrusted least the Emperour went about to practise him certaine particulars happened soon enough to make him apparantly to iudge how his attonement was already in good tearmes the conclusion whereof the Emperor had notwithstanding euer delayed hoping to preuent him and vnder colour thereof so to shut him in and enclose him so neere with his army which he had in the fielde that he would haue him vpon what cōdition himselfe best liked the which the Marquesse had no lesse doubt of setting before his owne eyes such entertainment as his kinsemen and allies had before receiued an occasion that he euer sought to gaine the forewardes resolued that if hee were euer able to ioyne on the Frontiers of Fraunce he should rest assured and be well appointed by the King and that the Emperour would be most glad to agree to whatsoeuer he would demaund Some councelled him to rest vpon the Kings offers other to follow his fortune from higher of his owne Countrie vpon these plats and secret inductions he notwithstanding passed further mounting towards the riuer of Mozelle and coasting of Theonuille he came to encampe at Roranges three leagues from Metz where as soone as he was arriued he sent to demaund victuals of the Duke of Guise whom the King had already apointed Gouernour at Metz as well for the opinion of his valour as the credit and reputation which hee had in all those Countries for the entertaining of his armye who to take from him all occasion of discontentment vpon any refusall albeit it had bene reasonable did his best to helpe him with some for certaine dayes which notwithstanding being otherwise considered of by him he ceased not to importunate him from day to day to yeelde the same vnto him in as great an abundance as if there had beene no question but of taking all at his own pleasure without any regarde to the future necessitie nor to the place where this Prince was ordained the time of his keeping thereof being altogether vncertaine In summe that he so hardly pressed him and so often that hee was constrained to declare vnto him by Pierre Strossi how the reason of the warre which
those as had cōmitted so base and lewd an act to haue thē punished in example so as hauing recouered the trumpetors clothes horse with recōpence for such other things as had beene taken frō him he caused him to be safely cōueied backe by one of his owne Now for that some of the imperials had caused the bruite to run how that the French did flie before thē that if they woulde but stay 24. howers the Prince shold giue thē battel they answered that they saw no cause to be so brag nor so lightly to vsurp such glory occasion of cōbat hauing already beene often enough presented vnto them if they themselues had listed Notwithstanding if the Prince had so great desire thereto as he made shew for he assured them on the K. behalfe that he would stay full 24. howers no more or if he would come find him out neer Cambray he did assure him that would tarry for him 8. daies together wher nothing should be refused him But whilst they sought out the most cōmodious places to lodge their battellons men at armes the imperials in the end retired to their first lodgings neere to Bauets An occasion that at their departure thence the French with one march got as far as Craeuecaeur neere Cambray where the enemies had determined to fortefie and repaire the Castle hauing already begun to make certaine trenches conduits to tast the water purposing there to lay their foundations which the same day being the 26. of Iuly their pioners began to raise where the first wound of the miserable Cambresius was renued who had already set vp builded some little cottages only to keepe thēselues dry imagining that a long time there would not so great misfortune befal them hauing according to their habilitie againe sowed part of their fields to haue wherwith all to nourish and keepe themselues from famine so as the richer sort glad to that they were with their best moueables retired within the strong townes were not exempt out of al these losses aduersities for whē the tennant is poore afflicted the Lord fareth neuer a whit of ought the better Now whilst that in the plain countrie they made wast of Corne alredy ripe ready to be reaped many braue salies and skirmishes dayly fel out between them of Cambray the French the Citadel stil troubling darkning the aire with shot of Cānon which lighted only among the worst sort without slaying of any person of renowne which they did only by al meanes possible seeking to hinder the losse ruine of their fruits being notwithstanding often enough repelled and driuen into their owne gates so as these bickerings continued for the space of 8. daies whilst that the French lay ther encamped The imperiall armie in the meane time was pitched and fortefied in a place called Arçon betweene Cambray Le Quesnoy Valeciennes vpon the little riuer of Montet which commeth towards the Castle of Cambresy a little lower falleth into Leascau still continuing their courses to cut off the waies which the Prince De La Roche Sur-yon well perceiuing came thither incorporating his armie with the K. which hee succoured with great quantitie of victuals whereof they stoode in great want and necessitie In this time was the marriage concluded betweene Philip of Austria and Mary of England though with much more honor to the English then to the Spanniards hauing taken from him by the contract of marriage many commodities which ordinarily are proper and incident vnto a husband yea so farre as to denie vnto him the curtesie of England which carrieth That a Queene enheritrice to England comming to be married to a Prince stranger and afterwards dying the husband shoulde enioy such goods as appertained vnto her during his life though no heires at al were issued by marriage wherein likewise may be very well noted the power of the estates and Parliament of England ouer the disposition whether liuing or testamentarie of their Prince This marriage notwithstanding though very honorable to their nation yet stucke sore in the minds of many Lords and other of the countrie as well for the displeasure which they tooke in that they were to be commaunded by a stranger as for the change of Religion and pollicie already as it were growne olde and setled in the harts of many so as with a full resolution to hinder the same and to set vp Iane of Suffolke as Queene they rose in armes vnder Henrie of Suffolke Thomas Wyat and sundrie other as well in Cornewale as the North countrie Wyat vndertooke to bring his men straight to London chiefe Citie of the Realme hoping to draw the Londoners vnto him vnder a pretext of the countries libertie hinderance of the alliance with a stranger The Q. on the other side hauing leuied a great number of men caused the Duke to flie to Warwicke from whence seeking to escape into Fraunce hee was apprehended and brought to London by the Earle of Huntington who marched against Wyat gathering men out of the Dutchie of Norfolke the Duke whereof being taken prisonner by Wyat in no case would be perswaded to combat with this partie but afterwards being released hee reuealed vnto the Q. all the enterprise of Wyat and his partners with whome stoode likewise suspected and kept as prisonner Elizabeth daughter to Henry and Anne Boulen Wyat notwithstanding being ariued at London was much astonied But the Queene though with small force hauing publikely to all men rendred the cause which moued her to take the Spanniard to her husband and how that the countrie should there by receiue much more good then by her alone or any other English Prince besides how she would loose nothing of her owne nor any waies diminish the libertie of her subiectes encouraged them so farre as Wyat cleane out of hope of entring the Cittie and seeking to retire into Kent being pursued was defeated by the Earle of Penbrooke afterwards brought to London within short space both the D. of Suffolke and himselfe had their heads cut off being not long after followed by Iane of Suffolke and her husband for not hauing refused the vnfortunate Crowne which was offred vnto them Thus began the marriage of Marie with th' effusion of her subiectes bloud as almost all the rest of her Raigne consumed in diuision and full of murther and punishments of the most notable personages of her Realme These troubles being appeased the Prince of Spaine ariued about the end of Iuly in the Ile of Wight from whence being honorably conducted by my L. Paget and other entring afterwards further in to England followed by the D. of Alua Earles of Padille Rigomes Aiguemont the Admiral of Castile and Marquis of Languillare the mariage was solemnised the 23. of Iuly at Winchester wher Masse being finished the Emperors deputies declared how in fauour of that marriage his Maiestie did giue vnto his sonne the realme of
maruelously diminished and lessened euery day both by reason of sicknesse among the Souldiers as of the companies which were sent vnto the townes which were threatned with a siege at hand This done the D. of Vendosme knowing his Souldiers to be very wearye with the long trauaile of this voyage to refresh and solace them brake vp his Campe and sent certaine companies of men at armes of the most tired to winter in their ancient Garrisons and his light cauallerie in places neerest to the enemy and to helpe and succour the poore people to husband and sowe their fieldes The foote companies of French English and Scottish were lodged in the Townes and Borroghes all alongst the the banke of the Riuer of Some The Almanes of the County of Reingraue and Baron of Frontenay at S. Esprit de Reux which they caused to be fortefied for a counterforte to Mesmil and those of the Count Rocdolphe and Reifberge tooke their way towardes Piemont and Italy The Historie of Fraunce THE THIRD BOOKE YOu haue already seene how the French and the Imperialles sought out one another with as great stomacke as euer eche of them the more forward thorough the presence of their Princes which as then conducted the armies when as Henry with great fury battered the castle of Renty and had carried it had not the Emperour broght thither all his forces the better to encourage them which were besieged and allaye the fury of the French by the skirmishes and hotte sallies which he caused to be vndertaken by the cheefest of his army so as the Erench albeit they carried away the honour of the memorable reencounter which I haue mencioned in which the Spanish Fanterie put to rout the Almane Pistoliers of Count Vul-uensort since called Reisters were broken and put to flight by the French Cauallerie were yet in the end constrained to quit the place retyring themselues in march as if they should haue presented battaile to the Imperials from which the Emperour kept them thorough the fauour of his trenches Afterwards the two Princes hauing for the reasons which I alleadged elsewhere broken dissolued their armies wherof they placed a good part in the garrisons of their frontiers the better to be able continually to vndertake an enterprise more secretly as opportunity serued helde themselues a long time vpon their garde without much discouering themselues through the discommodities of the Autumne and violence of the blustring Winter employing themselues onely in some surprises and secret intelligences whereof verye fewe succeded so well as the vndertakers desired These two Princes in the meane space pricked forward no lesse with enuye then a reciprocall ambition boyling with a worldlye desire of reuenge by the remembrance of so great losses old new offences made ready al kinde of preparatiues for a war at hād and much more bloudye then the former so as the brute being spread throughout France of the rodes which the Imperial garrisons stil made the French therby soone tooke occasion to march vnder the Marshall of S. Andre for to surprise scale at breake of daye and cutte into peeces whomsoeuer they should finde in armes in the Castle of Cambresy At what time the Spaniards had notwithstanding the fauour of a faire warre to retire themselues whether it liked them best About the beginning of the same spring Bouillon as the K. lieutenant in the absence of the D. of Neuers Gouernour of Champaigne was sent thither to rescue those of Mariembourg afterwards to enterprise vpon the enemy as occasion should be offred for the Imperialles meant no lesse to the place then to the Garrison because that this Towne hauing before beene a Village and pleasant seate of Mary widdowe to Lewis King of Hungarie which she had caused to be most curiously builded and fortefied whilest that she was gouernesse of the Countrye for the Emperour her Brother was builded and raised vp much stronger and farre better prouided then before yea the K. would needs bestowe his owne name thereof as this Princesse before had done hers which notwithstanding more happye in that could not out of the memorye of the people bordering round about The three and twentith of March Pope Iulye the third of that name deceased after hauing taken great paines in the latter end of his yeares to reconcyle these two great Lordes whome himselfe before had set to debate an occasion that the ninth day of Aprill the Cardinall Marcel Ceruin of Montpulcien in Tuscane was chosen and proclaimed Pope who by no meanes would change his name as the rest were wonte to doe He was Bishop of Nicastre and Cardinal of the tittle of Holye crosse in Hierusalem who died poysoned for all that as some affirme the two and twentith day of his election for that he was of too good a life But in very truth as hee was before giuen to be sicke of the yellowe Iaunders the disease grewe so sore vpon him in his olde yeares as hee dyed the three and twentith day of his Papacye True it is that a fewe dayes before his death he made himselfe be crowned with very small expences and very modestly Now as he was very wise so men had a great hope that he would correct many thinges in the Romish Church and especially that he would chase away all the dissolution and superfluitie thereof from whence the brute of his poysoning did growe for indeede hee abolished the superfluities of gardes and other honours which the first Bishops of Rome knew not once what they meant Afterwards the three and twentith of May the Cardinals those in their conclaue the Cardinall Iohn Pierre Caraffa Deane of the Colledge called Theatin Neapolitain named Paul the fourth esteemed to be a man very eloquent and learned The first author being a Monke at Venise of Iesuistes of whome I will speake else where For at diuers times and throughout all the Prouinces of Christendome yea as farre as the East and West Indies they haue engrauen and thundred out the name of their profession thorough the merite of their paines incredible hazardes and cruelties which they haue suffered among the Barbarians for the name of Christ In this time Philip of Austria by Mary King of England as well to appease the mutinyes which were growne betweene the English malcontentes thorough the alliance with a Stranger and other greeued with the change of the Protestant Religion for the Romane as the better to entertaine traffique and other commodityes with the French one parte of the great riches of that insularie kingdome curious on the other side of the generall good and repose of Christendome refused not with Charles the Emperour his Father and Henry the second to hearken to a vniuersall peace especially at the perswasions of the English Cardinall Poole who hauing passed betweene the Emperous and the King of France did maruelouslye sollicite them to a good accorde whereunto the rather to induce them he insisted both by
all the charges of the Empire beseeching him to reconcile the Princes one to another in which the staye and encrease of the Empire wholly consisted the true and nearest cause of the ruyne thereof proceeding from diuision Then that hee woulde yeelde all ayde to his Sonne Philip as a neyghbour to such an enemye as the King of Fraunce was In the ende beeyng determyned to departe hee was stayed thourough the vyolence of his diseases contratyeties of windes long staye in the preparation of his Shippes and thourough a difference fallen out in some of the townes which would by no meanes receyue his sonne the father liuing and other which woulde haue his nephewe Ferdinande seconde sonne to the King of Romanes for their gouernour Ioint the male contentment of a number of Lordes and other who hauing employed all their meanes and often times their life in his seruice vnder a hope of great recompence sawe themselues by this his dimission and departure into Spaine frustrated of all their hope which they coulde not hope for at his sonnes handes who as ordinarily newe Kinges affecte newe seruauntes woulde employe his meanes but to the aduauncement of his fauourites or in recompencing their paines and seruice towardes him of whome himselfe had beene an eye witnesse About the ende of Nouember Ferdinande King of Romanes hauing assembled together the greatest parte of his men of warre wente downe the Danube as farre as Vienne to make head against the Turke who made great preparation for his descente into Hungarie to besiege agayne Vienne in Austria as I will shewe you To open vnto you the affayres and chaunges of the Realme of Englande in fewe woordes Henry the eyghte discontented in that he had no other heyre but Mary borne of Katherine aunte vnto the Emperour whome his brother Arthur had marryed at the age of foureteene yeeres and lefte her a Virgine by the aduice of the Cardinall of Yorke and many dyuines as well Frenche as Almaines and English diuorced her and hauing in full assemblie declared his daughter Marye illegitimate marryed Anne Bullen one of his wifes maydes the which Pope Clemente the seuenth so hardly coulde digest as that he condemned this diuorce as vniust and of euill example especially for that Anne was a Lutherane and he feared least the King and all his Realme woulde confourme them selues to the like religion Whereat Henrye tooke such disdayne as hee declared himselfe head of the Church thorough out all Englande with forbidding any to aduowe the Pope for head or to transporte any money to Rome or paye Peterpence a reuennewe which euerye house yearely payde according to the ordynaunce of Inas in the yeere seuen hundred and fourtie Whereupon there ensued a great alteration of Religion thorough out the whole Realme so confirmed by Edwarde his sonne as that the catholique was cleane banished out of Englande at the least in publique which caused many Englishe men to flye the Realme to seeke in some other Countrey a place of more free conscience Seeyng that the Dukes of Sommerset and Northumberlande gouerned the roaste in the yeere 1553. Notwithstanding as after the death of the Duke of Sommerset the Duke of Northumberlande seeyng howe the King was fallen sicke of a Fluxe which fell into his stomache from the moneth of Februarie had marryed his sonne Guilforde to â—anâ— daughter to the Duke of Suffolke and cousin vnto the sicke King hee wrought so much as that the young King reiecting his sisters Marye and Elizabeth declared for his heyre and Inherittice vnto the Crowne of Englande this Iane of Suffolke to the ende that by this meanes hee mought traunsferre the Royalle into his owne House and disinherite the true Heyres of their righte and legitimate Succession This Marriage and Testamentarie declaration beeyng done in the moneth of May gaue occasion to a number to thinke that this young King whome they helde for the piller of men of knowledge and gaue great hope of future vertue was poysoned and that beeing assured of the time of his death they had caused him to doe whatsoeuer they woulde haue him well were it of poyson or of a Caterre so it is that Edwarde the sixte of that name and the one and fourtie K. of England dyed the sixt day of Iuly the seuenth yeere of his Raigne and the sixteenth of his age solemly entered at Westminster not without the teares of his subiects who saide that his death was presaged by a Comet which appeared a little before his departure and by the great stormes windes tempests and thunders which had that yeere tormented London the chiefe Cittie of the Realme as the witnesses of such troubles as shortly after ensued in England for the people hating in secrete this Duke of Northumberland held for suspected the testament of King Edward as a thing made too much to the aduantage of the Duke and many Lords of the Countrie terming him too ambitious wrote vnto Mary the eldest daughter of K. Henrie the eight encouraging her to declare her selfe Queene and offring vnto her all dutie and seruice Marye who had no great meanes durst not so soone come to London to the ende that according to the custome she might remaine ten daies in the Tower before her Coronation but went into the Countrie and Dukedome of Norfolke bordering on the Sea coast from whence shee wrote to sundrie Princes and Lords of the Countrie complayning how that Iane of Suffolk had enterprised against her and that Edward was not able to dispose of the Crowne which appertained vnto her being the next daughter vnto the late Kinge Henrie she laide before them the wrong which had beene done vnto Katherine her mother and next vnto her selfe and that none of King Henrie his children were to succeede before her protesting that shee would pursue her right by the sworde and not suffer the Duke of Northumberland to vaunt how he would dispose at his pleasure of the Realme of England These letters being brought to London at the selfe same time as Iane of Suffolke against her will was proclaimed Queene within the Tower of London caused a great chaunge of dispositions among the Lordes there present and a strange alienating of their mindes touching the case of Iane whome sundrie from thence foorth left to take Maries parte The which caused the Duke of Northumberland to send certaine troupes of men at armes into the Countrie of Norfolke thinking thereby to hinder her desseins But in the meane time shee was proclaimed Queene in Suffolke by the principall personages of the land So as hauing recouered some succours from the Emperour on the coast of Flaunders albeit that the Duke had strongly armed vppon the Seas to hinder their comming shee practised with a number of the cheefe of the Duke his armie which in the ende incorporated themselues to hers In the meane time Northumberland to playe on the surer side woulde needes haue the Duke of Suffolke Father to Iane to goe as her Lieutennant
him he seased vpon the strongest places which were about Rome into which he put Garrisons And at the same instance caused to be imprisoned or assigned a brefe day to the authors of their commotion among the rest the Cardinall S. Fleur Camille Collone Iulian Cesarin and Ascaigne de la Corne. All which stomacking that they were so strangely handled fled vnto the Emperour and his sonne vowing themselues vassals vnto them where by they might find succour causing them so much to mislike the forme wherewith the Pope had proceeded and to doubt in such sorte the desseins of the French partie in Italy as they sent straight to the Dukes of Alua and Flourence to assemble all their forces and hauing ioyned them together with such new as they appointed vnto them so to shut vp the Pope and his adherents that no meanes shoulde bee left vnto them but bare words to expresse the repentance of such an attempt which they performed in a very short space hauing by the meanes and conduct of the Colonois among other regained from the Pope manie fortresses whereof they rendred some to these complainants Afterwards building many forts about Rome neere Ostia vpon the banke and course of Tiber they put the Pope in such a straight within the Castle of Sainte Angelo Rome in such necessitie and her supports so bare of meanes as they were constrained to demaund succour of the King of Fraunce as of the first sonne of the Church sending vnto him by the Cardinall Caraffe nephew vnto Pope Paul 4. his Legate a Hat after the fashion of the auncient Romane Senators and a Sword signifying the defence of the Church and Apostolike Sea Who being come to Fontainbleau about the end of Iune deliuered the presents vnto the King whome hee summoned and abiured to succour the head of the Christian Religion according vnto the title of most Christian which was giuen vnto him thourough the endeuour of his predecessors who had many times restored the Popes into their seates against tyrants paganes and other especially as his late father in fresh memorie did touching Pope Clement besieged within Rome afterwards in the Castle of S. Angelo by the troupes of Charles of Bourbon and Prince of Orâ—nge successiuely generals ouer the Imperiall armie To whome hauing answered that he would take counsell vpon it he put him notwithstanding in a good hope assuring him that hee would faile no whit in the vertuous deportments of his auncestors and would succour the holy Father with al his might in any reasonable sort Afterwards notwithstanding hauing giuen aduice to the Emperour and his sonne endeuouring to meditate the whole rather by perswasions then to come to action contrarie to the couenants so solemnly sworne of each parte for the repose of all the Christian Churches According to which at a feast which the King made at Fontaine-bleau he caused before supper all the Embassadours to retire into the Chappell in the presence of whome he told the Emperours to this effect That his master was not able to excuse himselfe but that the warre which the Seigneur Marc Anthoine Colone made against the Pope was maintained and conducted at his expences and prouisions Moreouer this Cardinal had beene not long before seene in Fraunce a man of war at the Kings seruice and was so fauourably entertained that he was soone laden with presents Now for that there was no Bishoppricke voide at that time Bertrande the Lord-keeper of the great Seale being requested by the King lent vnto him his Bishoppricke of Cominges which he bestowed vpon the Cardinall Caraffe and afterwards Bertrande was made Cardinall of Sens. Charles Cardinall of Lorraine being returned a little before from Rome hauing beene sent thether to congratulate the election of the Pope confirme the amitie of the French and if it were possible to draw him in League against the Emperour and who with great capitulations had made Hercules the second Duke of Ferrare the Kinges Lieutenant generally in Italy seemed to fauour the desseine of the Pope In such an occurrence the King wanted no aduise that very diuers they which councelled him to breake the truce laide before him the immortall honour which he should obtaine to defend yea and to free out of such a seruitude the great Pontife the holy Father and the vniuersall head of all the Christians in the world which he was tyed the rather to doe for that he seemed pricked forwardes thereunto by a generall emulation of so many Kings his auncestors who to retire him out of his enemies hands and to carrie themselues as the true piller of the Christian building haue attained and preserued as it were from hand to hand that faire and so honourable title of Most Christian and eldest sonne of the Catholique Church They likewise set before him the incredible profit which he should make in the conquest of that goodly Realme of Naples which being withdrawne from the Crowne of Fraunce by the ingenious malice of the Castilians and Aragonois stoode so smally assured betweene their hands that with the great authoritie which the Pope had thoroughout all Italy and the particular meanes of his owne house within that Realme together with the fauours of so many Princes who desired nothing more then to see againe the Flower de Luce better founded there then heretofore there was no doubt but that the armie which he might send thether would carrie it away euen at their first aboorde considering the discontentment which the Italians carried against the Spanniards who mastred them with all kinde of Rigor and considering the small forces which were there and the retreate of the Emperour Charles the fift who not to confounde himselfe in the vanities of this world had quitted all his goods and estates thereby to liue priuate and out of all managing of humaine affaires And to remoue from him any opinion of dishonour which they would imprint vnto him that diswaded him from breaking of his faith giuen to the obseruing of this truce they declared vnto him that the accident since happened vnto his holines caused so much more all occasions to vanish which might moue him to keepe his word as the Pope is aboue all the persons of the world And as the Sonne could not be thought to doe his dutie if he did not rush vpon his kinsman or allie what friendship soeuer were sworne betweene them which went about to endamage his Father So the malicious ambition of Charles and Philip of Austria who holde the Pope prisonner to enforce him to doe their will to the seruitude of all Italy whence they determined to chase out the credit of the French was sufficient cause enough for him to declare himselfe protectour of the holy Sea against all violence All good conuentions are lawful and to be kept but the Pope Christes Vicar is aboue all is alwaies in al things excepted as euery Soueraigne is in a reciprocall oth made among his subiectes for they
the footemen as by them which had bene before him This disgrace was likewise offered vnto him that notwithstanding any request which had bene made by him in the fauour of Ossun and Frauncisque Bernardin to be a meanes they mought receyue the order hee coulde neuer yeilde them any assurance thereof but it was D'Anuille which carried it away so as euer after they depended on the Conestable In summe the Mareschall still continuing to make instaunce of supplie wherewith he mought be able to oppose himselfe against his enemies forces who might vndertake eyther the forcing of some holde or fortifiyng themselues in some new and by that meanes mought abate their nomber it was aunswered him that they were matters easier talked of then done and that he must needes confesse that winter was alwayes winter during which season men were accustomed to surcease armes An aunswere in deede coyned by his enemies who woulde not so much as call to minde the taking of Lans Valence Iuree and sundry other places in the monethes of December and Ianuarie in the very hearte of Winter Thus did the complayntes of the Mareschall moue the Kinges Counsell bente to turne their eyes an other waye no more then the newes of their enemies comming into Piemont no not so much as the descente of the Duke of Alua at Gennes with 7000. men and that attending their ariuall in Piemont the enemies had put themselues within Galliany which the Mareschall willing to haue fortified onely for a time to haue founde the enemie occupyed was constrayned for want of money to leaue and rayse it which they beganne to fortifie And lesse the going away of many Captaines and souldiers day by day especially the Captaine Benes who demaunded leaue to departe home to his owne house and replie being made vnto him that hee did but come thence hee persisted to say that hee woulde goe come what woulde and whereas he was aduised to take time to consider thereof and afterwardes deliuer his minde vnto the Mareschall he refused it and the nexte morning wente home without once bidding farewell For this cause he besought his Maiestie that such disobedience mought not goe vnpunished and that his Companie mought be bestowed on the Captaine Lisle which the King liked well of and yet was it afterwardes rendred agayne vnto him Of which the Mareschall afterwardes complayning and standing vpon it had bene deliuered and bestowed on the Captaine Lisle Serieant of the Battayle who had long and faithfully serued they woulde yeelde no credite at all vnto him but the companie was bestowed vpon La Roche a gentleman of D'Anuilles who had beene nothing so long a Seruitour True it is that complainte beeing made of the wrong which thereby was done to the Mareschall it was in the ende restored to the Captaine Lisle In fine the Mareschall well weighing howe he was handled how that the instances and importunities which he continued as well by letters as expresse messengers to haue the affaires of Piemont better prouided for brought forth no fruit at all as small credit being yeelded thereunto he besought leaue of his Maiesty that he might come home and kisse his hande especially to declare vnto him the estate of his affaires and to deliuer vp an account of the gouernement which hee had receyued the which his Maiestie graunted for this cause hauing setled all thinges as conuenientlie as he was able hee departed out of Piemont leauing Gonner his brother the Kinges Liuetenant Generall in his absence Being arriued at the Court vnderstanding how some bad impressions had beene put into the Kinges heade as well against him as sundry other Gouernours and Captaines in Piemont he besought his Maiesttie hat he would sende thither to sift out the matters to the ende that hee and they might be punished in case they were founde true and if they were found contrary that the accusers might beare the punishment which the accused should haue deserued to the ende that by this example all false accusers might bee taught Notwithstanding his Maiestie woulde doe nothing saying that hee beleeued no whit at all the accusers that he should speake no more thereof but perseuer wel diligentlie to doe him seruice Let vs leaue the Mareschall at the Courte to looke backe into the olde pursuites which they began to renew against the Lutheranes for expiation of the desastre and misfortune of S. Quentins As the managing of forraine affayres doeth ordinarily breede a carelessenes amonge men at home the great ones bare such an affection to these warres and the Churchmen and iustices turned their eye so far fixed thereon for feare least the euent thereof would giue some shrewde checke to all Fraunce And besides they dispensed by little and little in such sorte with the pursuites of those which had beene accused for the euill opinions which they held of the faith as now a man could not see in all places but an incredible number of Lutheranes to the great disaduantage of the Catholicques notwithstanding any seuere ordinances or rigorous punishment which had beene before made against them There was no speech but of the secrete assemblies which night and day were made in many places and especially in Paris where in the end they discouered one in S. Iacques streete right ouer against the Colledge of Plessis Many saued themselues yet some were slayne in their owne defence and a great number remained there of prisoners of all sexes ages and qualities the women were the vnchoifed beaten and railed at in all sortes Among whom the Ladies Douartie de Rentigny and de Champaigne with mistresse Graueron de Guienne neere S. Foy were prisoners De Grauelles a younge aduocate in Parlement Clinet a schoolemaister renowned for his knowledge and sundry other to the number of sixe score were taken and clapt fast in holde afterwardes these two with Graueron hauing their tongue cut out because they shold not speake were burned together in the place Maubert and a number of other in sundrye other places Certaine daies after Graueron his confiscation was begged and obtayned by the Marquesse of Trans sonne in Lawe to Bertrandie keeper of the great Seale But these Ladies after long detayning were restored to their husbandes cleane contrary to them in religion and the widowe D'ouartie was sent backe to the Queene for this cause sundry Articles were added as then to the former aswell against these assemblies as agaynst bookes brought from Geneua and they began a fresh a newe pursuite agaynst the people giuing out that they assembled by night together and hauing put the candels out each man adressed himselfe to her that liked him best to abuse her at his pleasure Vpon these proceedinges and persecutions about which there grew a great sturre betweene the Liuetenant Ciuile and Criminel of Paris before which of them the cause should bee tryed Musnier being the Ciuill shewed himselfe so sharpe vpon this pursuit as he tooke the matter vpon
Guines were taken by the Englishmen notwithstanding the truce which then was by the conspiracie treason of one named Gilliaume de Beau Couroy Lieutennant to the Captaine of that place who for this cause was beheaded and afterwards hanged Now there rested no more of the whole countie of Doye but a little Castle called Hames which was not restored into the Kings obedience And for that this Castle albeit that it was little and not rampired nor fortefied by any art was notwithstanding naturally seated in so strong as it were vnaccessible a situation as being enuironed with Fleetes Motes and Maresches hauing but a verie narrow cawsie to passe ouer into it and that in manie places crossed with wooden Bridges broken and taken awaie it was almost impregnable to bee gotten from men well furnished and resolute they were in a great doubt after what manner they might besiege it In the meane time Sipierre to whome the keeping of this cawsie was committed hauing the Duke of Lorranes companie whereof hee was Lieutennant and some other aduertised the D. of Guise that they which were within Hames being frighted and dismaied at the taking of Guines had abandoned it and were fled away by night thorough certaine by-pathes which they onely were acquainted with all in the Maresches And so it fel out verie easie to be seased where they found much Artillerie and prouisions Afterwards the French remained in all and thorough all masters and there was neither forte nor Castle which was not yeelded vnto them or abandoned so that besides the Countrie which the Duke of Guise conquered ouer the Englishmen and the rich booties which were found therin and taken there were gained neere hand three hundred peeces of Brasse artillerie all mounted vpon cariages and as many of yron After this the King hauing kept his bed of iustice with the Dauphin and the rest at the Parliament of Paris and caused a number of Ordonances concerning his owne estate to bee proclaimed visited Calais with the King Dauphin leauing there De Termes as gouernour with charge to perfite the fortifications such as you see them at this daye Afterwardes the rygor of the winter enforced him then to dismisse his armie for to refreshe themselues all sauing such troupes as hee distributed into Garrisons where hee thought most neede resoluing to redresse a newe armie at the spring There was the charge of the light horse bestowed vppon the Duke de Nemours at the instance of the Duke of Guise whome he caused to bee preferred before the Prince of Conde who at the same time and before had demaunded this charge whereupon he grew verie malcontente then the King went to Fontaine Bleau whether Anthonie de Bourbon Duke of Vendomis and as then King of Nauarre thorough the decease of the King his late Father in lawe came vnto him shewing himselfe besides much offended with the D. of Nemours by reason of the Damoiselle de Rohan cousin Germaine to the Q. of Nauarre who maintained that he had promised to marrie her and vppon that sued him in the Arches The D. of Neuers being tickled with the good hap which accompanied the Duke of Guise gaue the Rende-uous at Yuoy to all such troupes as hee was able to assemble together within his gouernment wher hauing let them all to vnderstand how that there was no place more enemie nor of greater importance thē the Castle of Herbemont in being the principal place wher all the enemies bandes assembled together and retired from their enterprises hee resolued to carrie it away Therefore hauing caused it that night to be enclosed round with the light horse the next morning the armie lay encamped ready to batter the place after they had well viewed it thorough hot skirmishes vnder the fauour wherof they had gained as farre as the Courte and quickely after was mounted and planted a part of the artillerie to batter downe with Cannon out of the flankers of the Castle But when they perceiued how little they preuailed thereby by reason of the hard and bad situation thereof they planted the Cannon right in front and at the head to batter a bulwarke which couered and defended the onely passage and entrance vnto it which they shot off so furiously and bestirred themselues so well in so short a space albeit that the breach was not sufficient to giue the assaulte to as the desired parlie vpon some conditions But being deceiued in his demaunds and a short answere being made him by this Prince how that he should speake of no other cōposition then yeeld to his mercy otherwise that if he made not good hast he should instantly bee cut in peeces with all his albeit that hee was nothing so neere daunger as the faintnesse of his heart imagined trusting in the bountie of this Prince he notwithstanding yeeld himselfe vnto his mercy of which at the entreatie of Iametz he found experience the D. of Neuers vsing such sweetnes as to send him away with his wife and family and generally all the rest of the souldiers which were within their liues goods saued without being any waies pilled or ransomed This done the Prince sent a number of light horse and Harquebusiers on horse backe to view the ports of Iamoigne Chigny Rossignol and Villemont part whereof they found already abandoned and the rest yeelded at the first summons They were determined to haue gone yet further forwards and to haue giuen as far as Neufchastel in Ardaines But the raynes snowes and great frostes broke off their desseins Now the only taking of this Castle of Hebermont ought not to be placed among the least for besides that it is naturally strong and easie to bee made inexpugnable as being situate vpon a high and hard rocke on all parts vnaccessible sauing by this passage by which it was battered yet is it most proper conuenient for the assuring of the whole passages of the Ardenes all the Champion ouer and seconding the strong Castle of Bouillon to hold in awe all the fortes of the long forrests of Ardenes it appertaineth to the comte Bilisten and the Rochefort to the keeping whereof was appointed the Captaine de la Croix Lieutenant to Haute-Courte FINIS FOR THOV SHALT LABOR PEAC◠PLENTIE LONDON Printed by Iohn VVindet dwelling at Powles Wharfe at the signe of the Crosse Keyes and are there to be soulde 1595. The state of Fraunce and countries adioyning from the yeere 1544. The beginning of wars and miseries among christians Warres begun between the French and Spanish The nature of Charles 5. The nature of Frauncis 1. Paul 3. dieth Iuly 3. chosen Pope The meanes which Charls the Emperour vsed to get Parma The King of Fraunce taketh Octauian Farneze Parma into his protection Religion well maintained preserueth all estates Pope Paul seeketh to retaine Octauian Farneze Paul de Termes with the Pope in the French Kings behalfe The French king tearmeth the Counsell of Trent but
an assembly The French Embassadors oration in the Councell of Trent The choise of Bishops and Cleargie denied to the Pope The enacting of La Pragmatique Sanction 12. Articles in Fraunce The K. letters and complaints against the Pope The K. answere to the Emperours obiection The originall and differēce of Christian religion in Fraunce How the doctrine of the Vaudois and Albigeois was dispersed thorough Europe Opinions soner changed by ease and rest then violence The English Lords of Guienne in france Normandie Poictou Anioy c. The Religion of the Vaudois dispersed thorough England VVicklife his Doctrine Lollards in England Liuonia Sermatia c. How the doctrine of the Vaudois and Wicklife was carried into Polonia Bohemia and other countries of Almaine The Bohemians and Almaines persecuted by the Popes inquisitors before Iohn Hus. Councell of Constance summoned for the refomation of the Church Iohn Hus cōdemned and burnt as an heretique at Constance notwithstanding the Emperours safe conduct Popes deposed Ierome of Prag condemned and burned at Constance as Iohn Hus. The Bohemians angrye growe more resolute by the death of Hus and Hierom. Captain Zischa leuieth men against the Priests Monkes of Bohemia Luther his beginning 1518. Generall pardons published through Christendom 1517. Luther cited to Rome What caused a stay of Luthers reformation Martin Luthers beginning profession and carriadge of life Luther himselfe confesseth it in his answer to the book which H. D. of Brunwick wrote against him 1541. as Sleyden reporteth in the 14. of his history repeating Luthers words who discouered the occasions which moued him to preach and write against pardons My name saith he began to grow famous because no man was found else that durst oppose himselfe This little glory was pleasing as then vnto me c. Selim King of Turkes dreadfull to his enemies Selims crueltie towards his father bretheren and race Pope Leo endeuoureth the Christian Princes to enter league against the Turkes How the Christians armie should be bestowed to annoy the Turke Christian Princes rather respected their perticular then the common cause Selim dieth Soliman succeedeth The palorepiscopal mantle how made and giuen by Popes (4) Made of the wool of two white Mattons set vpon the Aulter in S. Agnes Church while Agnus Dei is sung vpon that holy day and afterwards giuē to the Subdeacons of S. Peters who shere them at shering time and of the yarne which cōmeth from them among other maketh a mantle three fingers broad reaching from the shoulders to the calfe of the leg with little knobs of lead at the skirts from thence laide vpon the corps of S. Peter S Paul with certaine praiers and kept there one night with great ceremony after deliuered to him that must haue it and is only for Archbishops Luther appereth before Caietan the Popes Legat. Luther apealeth from Caietan The foundation of pardons and Indulgences Luther eager against the Court of Rome Erasmus his opinion of Luther Luther condemned by Pope Leo. Luther appealed againe from the Pope Luther publiquely burneth the cannon law and Popes Bull. Luther banished by Charls his letters pattents at Wormes The Masse first abolished in Germany Iohn Hus prophecieth of Luther The Emperour visiteth in person the K. of England Images broken downe in Germanie Luther misliketh the breaking of Images by the people Leo 10. dieth Adrian 6. succeedeth Adrian dieth Clement 7 de Medices succeedeth Letters from the Pope to the Parliament of Paris King Francis writeth in the behalfe of Iacques Faber League betweene the regent and Henrie the 8. King of England Peace concluded between the Emperor Charles and Francis y e first Suissers reformed Geneue a first retreate to French Lutherans The decree of Spire permitted euerie mā to maintaine his Religion without alteration The beginning of the league of Smalcade among the Protestants Whence the name of Protestants first sprong The opinion of the Supper being diuers among the reformed is cause of great inconueniences The King of Fraunce and England succour the Lutheranes The Protetestants demaund of the Emperour Election of the K. of Romanes Frederic of Saxe elector dieth Accord between Fredederic K. of Bohemia and the D. of Saxe Peace thoroughout Germany and Religion free The race and descent of Medices in which the translator doth desire the indifferēt Reader to consider what scandalous libels haue of late yeares by to humorous affections bene cast out in disgrace of the house of Medices onely to a base the royal race of Vallois of this look Guicciardin in his first booke c. The Q. Mother descended out of the house of Bologne by the mother side K. Frauncis aideth the Protestants Pope Clemēt dieth Paul Ferneze succeedeth Persecutions in Fraunce The Pope hath no authoritie to assigne a councell (4) According to the Romaine Emperours who named the informers quadruplatores The Emperours Interim The Protestants oppose themselues to the decree of the Emperour Councell of Trent Decree of the Councell of Trent Martin Luther dieth 1546. The Emperour writeth to the townes for succour The townes send answers Speach betweene the Emperour and Landgraue The holy league betweene Pope Emperour and other Princes The Emperors army against the Lutheranes The Emperor banisheth and condemneth the D. of Saxe Protestants defie the Emperour The Emperors deuice to draw Maurice against his Cosin Elector of Saxe The Protestants fault and error Maurice warreth against his cosin and the Protestants The Elector hurt taken broght to the Emperour Great ransomes which the Emperour had of the Germaines The Emperor would haue the Councell remoued frō Bolonia to Treat Melancthons answere Persecution of Lutherans Diet of Ausbourge The Landgraue discouered minding to haue made an escape Difference about succession in the empire Councell Maurice demaundeth a more safe-conduct The Catholiques helde that faith was not to be holden with heretiques Safe conduct from the coūcell at Basle for the Bohemians Magdebourg deliuered vp Embassage from the king of Fraunce to Maurice Maurice and Brandebourg Embassadors speech The Princes Embassadors Maurices demaunds at the councell Diuersities of opinions in the Councell of Trent The Councell of Trent deferred for 2. yeares Crescence Cardinall Legat and president for the Pope died of an apprehension The birth of H. 3. K. of France and Pologne The Baronnie of Montmotency erected into a Duchie with right of a Petre. The K. letter to the Electors Hostages of Fraunce and Germany The propositions of Maurice The resolution of peace deserred and wherefore The Vaudois of Prouence how when by whom and wherefore persecuted as Heretiques Arrest of the parlament of Aix They were about 24. as well inhabitants of Merin dolas other their neighbours Particular iudgements vpon the merite of the arrest The president La Chassane differreth the execution of the arrest and his reasons Cause of delay of the execution Catalogus gloriae mundi made by Chassane and printed at Lions Guillaume du Bellay L. of Langeay lieuetenant for the