The theater of honour and knight-hood. Or A compendious chronicle and historie of the whole Christian vvorld Containing the originall of all monarchies, kingdomes, and estates, with their emperours, kings, princes, and gouernours; their beginnings, continuance, and successions, to this present time. The first institution of armes, emblazons, kings, heralds, and pursuiuants of armes: with all the ancient and moderne military orders of knight-hood in euery kingdome. Of duelloes or single combates ... Likewise of ioustes, tourneyes, and tournaments, and orders belonging to them. Lastly of funerall pompe, for emperours, kings, princes, and meaner persons, with all the rites and ceremonies fitting for them. VVritten in French, by Andrew Fauine, Parisian: and aduocate in the High Court of Parliament. M.DC.XX.

OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD, which haue bin Instituted by the Most-Christian Kings of France, and by Princes of their Blood. The Third Booke. (Book 3)

The Order of the Gennet, established by CHARLES MARTELL. Anno 726.

CHAP. I. The Order of the Gennet.

IN the time of the Merouingian Kings declining, the Suc∣cessours of King Clouis; the Maires of the Pallace,* 1.1 Stew∣ards of the Kings House, called since Seneschals of France, prime Officers of the Crowne of France, possessed them∣selues of the Gouernement thereof by absolute power: as we haue already said in the former Booke, and in the second Discourse or Treatise, concerning the Officers of the Crowne of France, where we haue obserued, what the power was of those Maires of the Pallace, and their diuers appellations, with the Genealogie of the Kings of the second Ligne, sirnamed The Carlouingians, of Charles Martell; wherefore it is needelesse to vse any more re∣petition thereof.

Cruell Ebrouin, Maire of the Pallace, in the time of King Clothaire, third of the Name, sayling with full winde, by ill-ordered fauour of the Kings, whom he gouer∣ned; was the first that (abusing their facilitie) proiected to change and alter the State, grounded on his owne power. Charles Martell, following the steps of his

predecessours, Maires of the Pallace (all perishing in the pursuite of so perillous a•• enterprise) by his valour and good carriage, wonne the Crowne of France to th•• of his Ligne.

In the yeare of Grace, seauen hundred and foureteene, the eleauenth day of No∣uember, the Moores of Affrica, hauing enfranchised the straight of Gibell-Tari•• ••¦therwise called Gilbrartar: possessed themselues of Spaine, by the death of King Rodericke, the last King thereof (issued from the Vuisigothes) slaine in a fought Ba∣taile, on the plaine of Cherez de Medina Sidonia, a Bourgade called sometime As∣s;id••nia, composed of two Villages; the one named Seritium Assidonia, and the o∣ther Caesarianum, on the Riuer of Guadaletta, called by the auncient Gaules (which inhabited this Prouince) in their Mother tongue, Lethos, which signifieth Ob••∣uion.

Now these Moores, not contented with their domineering in Spaine; conceiued (in their opinion) a conquest of the Gaules, which they thought would be as eas•• accomplished, as their winning of Spaine: but they had then no Count Iulian, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 serue as their guide and conducter. Neuerthelesse, it came so to passe, that in the yeare seauen hundred and twentie, these barbarous people, setting free the Py••∣nian Mountaines,* 1.2 on the side towards Narbona the warlike: threw themselues (like an impetuous torrent) into Languedocke, at that time called Gothia, and became Ma∣sters thereof, vsurping Narbona Beziers, Agda, Nismes, Auignion and Prouence, euen so farre as to the Mountaines of the Alpes.

This first passage hauing succeeded so well as they could wish; they concluded to goe into France the second time, inuited thereto by a Duke, who wonne them to it vpon this occasion.

* 1.3Charles Martell, Duke of the French, and sole Maire of the Pallace of France; desired to re-vnite to the Crowne thereof, the Prouince of Aquitaine, held then by Eudes, Duke thereof, issued from the auncient Vuisigothes, Brother in Law, and Cosine to Garcia Ximenes, Count of Begorre, and first King of Nauarre. And to a∣uert the Armes of Martell, and to expell the tempest of the French, ready to fall vp∣on his head: he practised the succour of Abdiramo, an Arabian Captaine, newly come forth of Affrica into Spaine, to the end, that he might enter on the Lands of France, being vnder the gouernment of Martell.

Abdiramo, with an Armie of foure hundred thousand Arabes, came thundring into Aquitaine, vpon the summons of Duke Eudes, and instead of well and milde vsing the Lands of the Duke; he rauaged the Prouince, pilled and put to spoile the Cities and Townes of Bourdelois, Xaintonge and Poictu, putting all to fire and sword, as if he had bin in a land of Conquest, and of his deadly enemie. This made Duke Eudes to acknowledge the fault by himselfe committed, so that falling into more familiar intelligence with Charles Martell; they agreed together, to giue a sudden gird ••o the Sarrazines, and to chastise them in such sort; that o∣thers (by their example) should loose all desire of euermore comming in•• France.

* 1.4The Armie of Martell consisted onely of thirtie thousand men, but all of them being choice Souldiors, actiue and braue spirited warriours, by whose assistance ••e assured himselfe, to haue the honor of a famous victorie. Grounding his hope on the God of Battailes, who giueth the aduantage of Armes to a small number armed in defence of a good quarrell: and in whose sight, men are not mea∣sured by number or multitude, or hugenesse of stature, but by valour and har∣dinesse.

Abdiramo and his maine troupes, hauing (like a deluge) ouer-flowne all parts from the Pyrenean Mountaines, so farre as to the Cittie of Tours, where he lay encam∣ped: beleeued verily, that this wealthie and well peopled Citie, would serue him but for a breakefast, as all the rest before had done. There Martell gaue him Bat∣taile, and the fight proued so successefull (seconded by Duke Eudes, who valiantly followed in the Rere of the enemies Army) that God bestowed the victory on him, famous by the death of Abdiramo,* 1.5 slain in the fielde, with three hundred fourescore and fiue thousand Arabes: on the French-mens side were slaine but fifteene hundred onely.

The Chronicklers of Spaine write, that Pope Gregory the third, had sent to ••uke Eudes hallowed Spunges, which being cut into small morsels and pie∣••s, and dist••ibuted among the Souldiours of the Christian Armie on the day ••f Battaile; they warranted all such as had them, from being wounded and slaine. ••ut these are meere Fables, and tales of Spanish Romancers, wherewith their dis∣••ourses are vsually filled, as that of their King Bamba. For it was at the re∣••uest of Eudes, that this circumcised people had past into France, to backe him a∣••ainst Charles Martell. It were a sottish thing, to referre the miracle of this vi∣••torie to inanimate matters, or to the creature; instead of rendring the ••raise and honour thereof to God, by whose mercie alone it came so to ••sse.

Our Annalists set downe this Battaile on the two and twentieth day of Iuly, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the yeare of Grace, Seauen hundred twentie sixe, which memorable victorie ••btained of God, by the intercessions and prayers of Saint Martine of Tours, the ••cond Apostle of the Gaules: Charles, in signe of thanksgiuing, erected in the place ••f fight, an Oratorie, in honour and memorie of the holy Bishop, called S. Martine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the battaile, and by corruption of speech, The Oratorie of S. Martin le Bel, Oratori∣••n sancti Martini de Bello. And Charles of Austrasia, as a noate of his great ••alour, was sir-named Martel, Tudes Saracenorum, The Hammer of the Sar∣••zins.

Among the spoyles of the enemies Armie, there was found great store of ••ch Furres of Gennets, and many of the creatures themselues were there aliue, ••eing presented to Martell: who made such estimation of them, for the beau∣••e of their Skinnes, and pleasing smell, somewhat neere to that of the Ciuit-Cat; ••hat for excellencie, he gaue diuers of them, to the Lords and Princes of his Armie, ••ho receiued them of him in very thankfull manner.

The Gennet is a Beast, almost like to the Foine or Wood-Martine,* 1.6 in bignesse and ••orme like to the Cattes of Spaine: it hath a snout or muzzell long and slen∣••er, the necke and body sleeke, supple, and it is as quicke and readie as a ••atte. It is represented (according to nature by Petrus Belonius, Physition, in ••s Obseruations, where hee saith. That this Beast is gentle, and make it selfe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 domesticke as a Catte, hee hauing priuately seene of them at Constantino∣••e, and other places in the East. Messire Iohn de Bourdigne reporteth in his Hi∣••orie of Anion, that good King Rene of Sicilie, residing in his Countie of Pronence, ••e King of Portugall (being his intimate friend) sent him for a rare present, an ••lephant, two Dromodaries, two Ciuet-Cattes, two Gennets, with Marmosets ••nd white Apes, beside many other strange Beasts comming from the In∣••aes.

There are two kindes of Gennets, the rare, and the common.* 1.7 The common 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Graye, spekled and spotted with blacke. The other, which is excellent and ••re, hath a blacke Skinne, and shining like to Sattin, or blacke vnihorne ••eluet; and it is marked or freckled with flat red spottes, which doe giue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the rest a wonderfull beautie. The Skinne of this Beast, being rubbed ••d chafed, yeeldeth a delicate sweete sauour or smell, like vnto Muske. ••nd therefore Princes and great Lords delighted (in elder times) to weare their ••ownes, Surcoates or Sotanes Furred with Gennets Skinnes: Nor is it aboue ••reescore yeares since, that the vsuall wearing of them ceased. For, as the Er∣••ne, and the Letice next thereto, are prized and esteemed for their rare whitenesse; ••en so was the Gennet for her shining blacknesse, and being most spotted with red ••eckles.

But because this second kinde of Gennet was so exquisite, and difficult to be ••und; the Martines Zubelines, which came from Russia and Moscouia, vn∣••er-went the others place; and is now held for the verie richest Furre. So that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 time, Skinners and Furriers will loose all knowledge of the Gennet, as they ••ue done alreadie of other rich Furres, which had their full course in the time 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our good King Saint Lewes. At his returning from the Holy-Land,

hee cloathed himselfe more simply then any man in his Kingdome, so saith the Lord of Ioinuille in his life. For he would no longer weare Minneuer, Gra•• nor Estoilettes (they were Gennets) in his garments, neither did hee euer after vse Stirrops or Spurres that were Guilded. His daily wearing cloathes were of L••••∣sey-wolsey, and on Feast-dayes, of Chamlet, Lile-Grograine or Wosted, Blacke, Blew, or Watchet, and the Furre of Garinthes, or Legges of Hares. The auncien∣test Skinners in this Citie, know not the Estoilettes, nor the Garinthes: but thinke men speake Flemmish or base Brittish, when they talke of such Furres. The Gen∣net, as well as the Puthois, or Fullmart, is brought from the Indiaes, Affrica and Pro∣uinces in the East, from whence come the richest Furres.

* 1.8After the Battaile of T••urs, Charles Martell went into Languedocke, to fight against the Moores, who vnder the conduct of Athinus, entred the third time into France, being sollicited so to doe by Hunauld (whom the vulgar called Huon of Bourdeaux, whose fabulous gests and voyages are written in his R••∣mant) eldest Sonne to Eudes, Duke of Aquitaine, deceasing within a while af∣ter. Athinus, this Amirant of the Sarrazins, was long time besiedged in Ar∣uignion, from whence stealing secretly, he got into Narbona, and was vanquished at the foote of the Mountaine De la Courbiere, with his companion A••∣rheo. Aghi••••rd maketh mention of these two Battailes, famously wonne a∣gainst the Affricanes. Carolus Tyrannos per totam Franciam dominatum sibi ••••∣dicantes oppressit, & Saracenos Galliam occupare tenantes, ducbus magnis praelijs, vno in Aquitania apud Pictauum Ciuitatem, altero iuxta Narbonem apud Byrram f••∣um ita deuicit, vt in Hispaniam eos redire compelleret.

[illustration]

The first Order of Knighthood knowne in France.

NOw to preserue the me∣morie of this famous Battaile to posteritie, so hap¦pily wonne against Abd••∣mo: hee instituted and de∣uised the first Order of Knighthood, which had bin seene in France, and which hee named Of the Gennet, in regard of the Beast before described. He composed this: Order, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 consist of sixteene Knights onely, hauing caused so m••¦ny Collers of Gold to be made, with three Chaines interwouen or lincked, of enamelled red Roses. A•• the end of which Coll•• hung a Gennet of Gold, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 amelled Blacke and Red, as at the Collor of France, bordered with Gold, vp¦on a Terrasse or ban•• of Floures, fairely ••∣melled.

The first persons honored with this Order, next to him that declared himselfe the Chiefe thereof, and the Maires of the Pallace after him, of his Blood, Princes of Au∣••rasia, were

1. Childebrand (Sonne of Martine) Colonell of the French Infanterie, Prince by ••rname of Austrasia, Cousine-Germaine by Father and Mother, and Brother in Lawe.

2. Eudes, Duke of Aquitaine, and his two eldest Sonnes, who had followed him, ••nd fought brauely,

3. Hunaud, And

4. Gaifier.

5. Carloman, Prince of Austrasia, and of Thuringe, eldest Sonne of Mar∣••ell.

6. Pepin le Bref, his yonger Son, afterward chosen King of France.

7. Luitprand, Prince of Lombardie.

8. Odilon, Duke of Bauaria, And

9. Lanfrede, a great Prince in Alemaigne.

The other afterward honored with the same Order, are not named.* 1.9 This Or∣••er we••t vnder full sayle in France, so long as the second Ligne of our Kings issued and descended of Pepin le Bref, and of Charles the Great his Sonne) ••eld, and possessed the Crowne of France, worne onely by her Princes; ••ntill King Robert, who hauing instituted the new Order of the Starre, in ho∣••our of the Virgin Mary. The Starre of the Sea; that of the Gennet became vtterly a∣••olished.

Wee haue said, that Martell appointed the first Order of Knighthood, which ••ormerly was vnknowne in France; and which is to be vnderstood of a distinct ••rder, and acknowledged by a perticuler title. For, from all Antiquitie, Prin∣••es, Monarches and Common-weales, haue knowne and confessed the valour and ••agnanimitie of their Subiects and Citizens, by noates of worth and reward, as we ••aue formerly said.

As our Kings of the first Ligne gaue the Bauldricke, that is to say,* 1.10 the Gir∣••e of Gold (one of the markes or noates of Chiualrie) to their Vassailes and ••ubiects, chosen into Offices of most Fame vnder their obedience. Wee haue ••finite examples in Saint Gregory of Tours, the most auncient of all our An∣••alists, and namely, where hee speaketh of one Leonardus, made Knight by ••hilpericke, husband to Fredegonde. Quae furore commota iussit eum in ipsa Ecclesia ••arisiaca (in the Church of our Lady in Paris) spoliari, nudatumque vestimentis, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Baltheo quod ex munere Chilperici Regis habebat, discedere à sua iubet praesentia. ••he same Author saith in another place. In Lib. 10. Cap. 21. Macone Comite eunte, vt ••bitum Fisco seruitium (this was not the Annuall right of Offices, but the re∣••ipt of the Royall Monies, whereof the Counties were accountable) solite de∣••ret inferre, Filij Vaddonis praesentiam expetunt Regis, & eo coram offerunt Bal∣••eum magnum ex Auro Lapidibusque pretiosis ornatum, Gladiumque mirabilem, cu∣••s Capulum ex Gemmis Hispanicis, Auroque dispositum erat. These passages doe ••ew vs, that this degree of honor and Knighthood, calleth it selfe properly, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gift Royall, which cannot be giuen but by the King himselfe, and these ••nights are distinguished from the Nobilitie, by perticuler habits of great ••hes.

Now, that these Bauldricks were not any common wearing Girdles, the same Au∣••or maketh it very plaine and apparant to vs. For the Nobilitie, that is to say, all ••e French in generall, vsed to weare the Golden Girdle, from whence ensued our ••ncient Prouerbe, vsed among vs.

Bonne, & commune Renommee, Vaut mieux que Ceinture doree.

Good fame, and common Renowne, Is more worth then a golden Girdle.

Whereas Knights wore such as were garnished with great Buckles, Studdes and Rings of pure Gold, being of great price and value: as is witnessed by the same S. Gregory of Tours.

We haue formerly obserued, that Collers giuen to Knights, were all composed of triple Chaines of Gold: such was the auncient custome, not to exceede the tri••e or ternarie number, full of misteries, noated by the Aegyptians.

Charles Martell caused those Chaines of Gold to be interwouen with Red Roses: And here you may behold a reason for it.

The auncient Gaules and French, hauing embraced the Demonomanie of the Romaines,* 1.11 chose for their Gods of pretention; such as corresponded best with their nature, and according to their Martiall and Militarie inclination, answerable to the knowledge of Arts and Sciences. Wherefore among all other Deities they honored perticulerly those of Mars and Mercurie: for the rest, it was but subsidi∣arily, and by way of superabundance. But they represented these pretended Deities, not after the Romaine manner; but according to their Philosophie, much more ex∣alted then that of the Romaines.

The Idole of Mars, the pretended God of Warre, was mounted on a strong Pe∣destall of Brasse (with a round Colomne) armed at all points, the Caske or Helmet on his head, slowing with Lambrequins, and leaues of Achantha, like an antique Plume, his broad Sword in Pall naked in his hand, with Ballances vnder it. In the other hand he held a Pennon or Banner, charged with a red Rose, as the deuise and Blazon. Close by him, and as it were vpon his left thigh, leaned his Shield, made according to the French fashion, broade aboue, and finishing in a point for the end: Blazonne d'un Lyon Rampant bien Arme, & Lampasse. Au d••uant de la Cuirasse estoit de relief vn Ours en colore & f••rie. Such was the presentation of this pretended God Mars in his Temples, as well at Mont-martre, as elsewhere. As also in Germanie, on Le Mont d'Eresberg, that is to say, Mont de Mars, adored by the auncient French and Germaines, vnder the name of Erminsull, in this Temple (the most remarkeable of Germanie) a•• Merspourg, destroyed by our Emperour Charlemaigne, in the yeare of Grace, Sea∣uen hundred seauentie two, according to the testimonie of our best and auncient Annalists. Carolus Saxoniam bello aggressus Eresburgum Castrum cepit, & Idolum Sax∣onum, quod vocabatur Erminsull, destruit.

* 1.12Now, as concerning the Temple on the top of Mont-martre neere Paris, buil•• (as is beleeued) in the Reigne of Augustus, successour to Iulius Caesar: it contin••∣ed in full and firme condition, vntill it was thunder-smitten from Heauen, and left in such estate, as was to be seene in the yeare Nine hundred fortie foure, and as we learne by Floardus in his Chronicle. Tempestas nimia facta est in agro Parifiaco, & turbo vehementissimus quo parietes cuiusdam antiquissimae domus, qui validisi•• constructi cemento, in Monte qui dicitur Martyrum diu perstiterant immoti, fundit•• sunt euersi.

Some are of opinion, that this Temple of Mars aboue Paris, was the same▪ whereof mention is made by Vlpian the Lawyer, at the Title of such as should be instituted Heires, next to the Code Theodosian. Deos haeredes instituere non poss••¦mus, praeter cos quos Senatusconsulta constitutionibus Principum instituere concess•• est, sicut Iouem Tarpaeum: Apollinem Didymoeum: Sicuti Martem in Gallia; Miner∣ua in Meliensem; Herculem Gaditanum; Dianam Ephefiam; Matrem Deorum Cybelem, quae Smyrnae colitur, & Coelestem Salinensem Carthaginis. So that it is not to be wondred at, if (during the Demonomanie of the Romaines) the Temples of these Idoles were full of riches, seeing they were capable to be instituted as Heires.

The Ballances vnder the Sword of this Idoll Mars, represented the doubtfull

••ccidents and euents of warre; victorie oftentimes inclining to the weaker side, ••or to the part of least iustice, as in the times of Caesar and Pompey.

—Quis iustior arma Tulerit, scire nesas:

For in outward appearance, the side of greatest iustice was that of Pompey, who yet was vanquished.

Causa Victrix Dijs placuit, s••d victa Catoni.

The Red Rose emblazoned in his Banner, signified, That like as that faire Flower,* 1.13 pleasing to the sight and smell, lo••seth his sweet sauour and beautifull red colour, from this day to the next morning: euen so it falleth out in the successes of warre, to day fauourable, to morrow vnfortunate; because such as march vnder the en∣signe of Mars, are said to haue no morrow at all, for their life stands on the instant daies determination.* 1.14 It behoueth them therefore to be armed with exalted cou∣••••ge, like to the Lyon, the symbole of Valiancie, as the Beare is of crueltie, as de∣claring; that Warre is voide of mildnesse and pittie, carrying along with it mur∣ders and massacres, according as Homer excellently figureth it, in the Shield of his Prince Achilles.

Now for his Shield, charged with a Lyon Rampant, on a banke or hillocke of variable flowers: it represented the auncient Armes of the Gaules, as also their na∣••urall and martiall disposition, they hauing no other delight and contentment, but ••n Armes, search of aduentures, broiles, encounters and battailes; being alwaies Armed, at their meetings, in their Temples, yea, and at their feeding. So saith Ta∣••tus in his Germania: and Caesar in his Commentaries; Strabo, with other Geogra∣phers; and Atheneus, as already we haue else-where said.

Charles Martell, hauing all his life time followed the exercise of Armes,* 1.15 and ••de his memorie acceptable to the French: died in the yeare of Grace, Seuen ••undred forte and one, so saith the Chronicle of Lauresheim, vnder the said yeare. H••can•• Carolus Maiordomus diem obijt, tres filios haeredes relinquens,* 1.16 Caroloman∣••um, Pip••, atque Grifenem. He liued, died, and was enterred as a King among ••he Kings of France at S. Denys, the Mausolus for the Monarches of the Noble Fl••ure de Luce, and this inscription is about his Picture, as the obseruation of his power.

Dux, Dominusque Ducum, Regum quoque; Rex sore spernit. Non vult regnare, sed Regibus imperat ipse.

So would he ordinarily speake among his followers, That it was a more glorious ••hing to command Kings, then to Reigne himselfe.

But his renowne (otherwise immortall) became soiled with a blemish, which ••ould not be wipt off; namely, in laying his hand on the goods of the Church,* 1.17 which he gaue to his Soldiours that followed him in Armes. For he was the Authour of the impropriation of Tithes, on the goods of the Church, for dischar∣••ing the actuall seruices of his troupes, so that these impropriated Tithes holding ••lace, and in the case of Fifes; the possessors of them were restrained and made ••ubiect to the Ban, and Arrierban, as we tearme it in France. That if they be be∣••ueathed, giuen or left in Mort-maine, Et ad primaeuam naturam redierint, to the Churches from whence they proceeded, by want of seruice, or in case of dutie ••o the King; they are not then only impropriations, but the detainers bound to ••he Tithes. This vsurpation brought into France by Charles Martell, and his fol∣••owing Kings of the second Ligne, was the cause that it reigned very little time, ••assing but as a flash of lightning, continuing only Two hundred thirtie seuen ••eares: yet this vnhappinesse lasted afterward in France, the Princes and great

Lords declaring no conscience at all, in maintaining their houses on the Churches reuennues, and with such licence, as they were not ashamed, to stile themselues Ab∣bots of Abbeyes, which they possessed.

* 1.18So the Father of Hugh Capet, was sirnamed Hugh the white, because he pleased to goe attired in a white Gonnelle. Our Historians commonly tearmed him, Hugh the great Abbot, because he possessed the Abbeyes of S. Denys in France, of S. Germaine des prez at Paris, and of S. Martine at Tours. So in our Annales, and those of Flan∣ders, we see that the Counts of Vermandois and of Flanders fought in ranged bat∣tailes, for the Abbeyes of S. Vuast, S. Berthin and S. Omer, titling themselues by the names of Abbots. In like manner the good Abbot of Fleury, and hee of Ferriers Loup complained, that they had threescore Religious persons to feede, and yet ne∣uerthelesse, they had no more then the halfe part of their Abbeyes reuennues, their great Abbots enioyed all the rest. For, Abbots by profession and habite, were cal∣led but the lesser Abbots, and Princes and great Lords, were named great Abbots, who (of the Churches goods) maintained both their horse and foote Souldiors; of∣tentimes for troubling the repose of France, and bandying themselues against their Soueraigne Prince, in prescribing Law to him. And thus by the meanes of so ma∣ny rich Abbeyes, Hugh the great Abbot, prepared the way for his Sonne Capet, to make himselfe King of France, vtterly exterminating the Ligne of the Carlo••i••∣gians.

* 1.19The manuscript Chronicle of the Counts of Foix, speaking of Dagobert, and of Martell, saith. We reade in Chronicles, that the said Martell is-condemned; because hee laid hands and impositions on the Tythes of Churches: as it was miraculously reuealed to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 holy man.

Our Auncestours gaue the most part of their goods to the Church, to the end, that the poore might be nourished, and such as serued at the Altar. Churches ren∣dered the same inheritances, to the poore kindred of the donors, as in Fee-Farme, and improuement. These Farmes of inheritance, are called in our Capitularies Praecariae, Quod praecario Laicis ab Ecclesiâ vtendae fruendae concederentur.

Charles Martell, Pepin le Bref, Charlemaigne, & Lewes the Debonnaire gaue these he∣ritages in all proprietie to their Leudes, as they tearmed them; that is, to their Francs, men of Armes and Soldiours, to enioy for perpetuitie, and still as Bishopricks came to be voide, beside the impropriated Tythes.

Charles the Baulde laboured to take away this abuse, introduced for ruine of the Church, as is to be seene in the fift Booke of our Capitularies. Nemini Regum, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cuiquam Hominum liceat Praecarias in proprium tradere, vel commutare, vel quocunque nostro coniato (conge) vendere. And in the ninth Chapter hee ordained, that from fiue yeares to fiue yeares, description should be made to him, of the Lands apper∣taining to the Churches of France; because they should not come to be lost in fol∣lowing time, and Noble-men should not appropriate them perticularly to their owne vsurpation.

The vsurpation of the Churches goods, was brought out of Italie, long time before Charles Martell, for Pope Symmachus, first of the name, who held the Seate from the yeare fiue hundred, to the yeare fiue hundred and fifteene (vnder the reign of our great King Clouis) in the Councill which hee held at Rome, consisting of a hundred and two and twentie Bishops, complained of this disorder, and bemoaned the miserie of his time, in these words. Communis dolor, & generalis est gemitus; q••••d intra Ecclesiam, nostris, & retroactis temporibus, de inuasione rerum Ecclesiasticarum, & Sacerdotum vexatione cognouimus. For, vpon the declining of the Romaine Empire, as well in the East as West, the Emperours, hauing their wealth greatly exhausted▪ vpon necessitie possessed themselues of the goods of Churches, which they gaue to their Captaines, to recompence their trauailes taken in Warre, hauing no other meanes, whereby to resist against strange Nations, who in enuie one to another; hurried themselues (like an impetuous and frightfull torrent) into all Prouinces of the Empire, there to canton themselues as best they pleased, displuming (feather by feather) the poore Romaine Eagle.

Charles Martell imitating this example, possessed himselfe of the Churches

goods. The fragment of the Chronicle of Fleury, in the Tract De Maioribus Do∣mus Franciae, speaking of the same Martell, saith. Carolus Tudes Maior Domus, & Princeps Austrasiorum, res Ecclesiarum propter assiduitatem bellorum Daicis tradidit. And Floardus, Arch-deacon of Rheimes, in his Chronicle of France, saith. Hic Ca∣rolus, cunctis, qui ante se fuerant, audacior Regibus, non solum ipsum Archiepiscopatum Rhemensem, sed etiam alios Regni Episcopatus Laicis hominibus, & Comitibus dedit. But behold here his more ample Historie and discourse, as it is recorded in the second Booke of the Historie of Rheimes, and the twelfth Chapter, in this manner.

A briefe Discourse concerning the Life and Actions of Charles Martell.

CHarles Martell, so soone as by force of Armes he was become Prince,* 1.20 and sole Maire of the Pallace of France; spoiled and expulsed from his Archbishopricke of Rheimes, the blessed Rigobert, his Godfather. For it is auouched, that hee held Charles at the Font of Baptisme, and he gaue the said Archbishopricke to one na∣med Milo, a simple Priest, that had followed him in the Warres. This Charles, borne out of lawfull marriage, of a woman of seruile condition, as we reade in the Annales of France; was the most audacious and boldest of all the Kings his prede∣cessors. For he haue not onely thus the Archbishopricke of Rheimes;* 1.21 but likewise all the other Bishoprickes of France, to Countes and Laye-men: so that the Bishops were bereft of all meanes, for exercising the workes of Charitie, not hauing where∣upon they might well liue.

But he was chastised by the iust iudgement of God, for the euill by him commit∣ted, and perpetrated against the holy man Rigobert, as also the Churches of Iesus Christ, whose iust displeasure fell vpon his head. For we learne by an Historie and true Relation, that S. Eucherius, sometime Bishop of Orleans, whose body is buri∣ed in the Monastery of S. Treudon; this holy Bishop being (on a day) in feruent pray∣ers, was rapt into an extasie, and carried into the other world. Where, among o∣ther wonders which he saw there, God gaue such permission, that he beheld Charles Martell tormented in eternall flames.

S. Eucherius meruailing at an accident so strange, and demanding the subiect of the Angell his conducter; he receiued this answere.* 1.22 That this Prince was condem∣ned for euer into Hell fire, beuause he had laid hand on the goods of the Church, which he had abandoned to his Souldiours, and imployed for the vse of prophane persons. S. Eucherius returning againe into this world, sent (in writing) this vision to S. Boniface, Archbishop of Maguntia, Legate then in France: and to Folrardus, Abbot of S. Denys the Areopagite, neere Paris, Arch-Chaplaine and Apocrisiarie, that is to say, great Almoner to King Pepin le Bref. And to assure them of his Relation, he sent them to cause the Tombe or Sepulcher of Charles Martell to be opened, for he dyed at Vermene, neere to Yssoire in Auuergne, and was brought for buriall to S. Denys in France. To which place Boniface and Folrardus being come, they procu∣red the Tombe to be opened, and found it so blacke with smoake, as if fire had bin burnt in it, and a very dreadfull Serpent, but no bones at all.

At the end of the workes of the learned Bishop Yues de Chartres, is a Chronicle added by an ignorant Author (for it fauoureth nothing, neither commeth neere the learning and stile of Yuo Carnotensis) who vnaduisedly attributeth this admirable Historie to King Charles the Simple, where as it is onely meant of Martell. And yet his testimonie may serue vs to second Floardus.

Karolus Ludouici Filius Rex Francorum Vicesimus quartus, regnauit Annis XXXVII. Huic Tutudis, quod Martellus dicitur, nomen est inditum, & quia in Regno suo vix, aut raro pacem habuit, ideo res Ecclesiarum suis militibus in stipendium contulit maximâ ex parte. Qui mortuus, in Ecclesia beati Dionysij Martyris sepultus à sinistra parte Altaris maioris, visus est noctu in specie Draconis, effracto sepulchro, per vitream Ecclesiae, cum magno terrore exijsse.

Atheists and pretended Reformists of our Age, doe make a mockerie of this Hi∣storie, and say, that it is a meere Fable, inuented by the Monkes; who ordenarily place in the Catalogue of Saints, such as are beneficiall to them, and when any such matter happeneth; it must not be held or reputed for a miracle. Because it is the vniuersall Doctrine of Hippocrates, and the Schoole of Physitions; Angue•• gigni ex medulla spinae hominis. Of the marrow in the hacke-bone of men, Serpents are engendred. So saith ••••inie, following the opinion of Pythagoras, and reported by the amourous Poet Ouid.

Sunt qui cum clauso putrefacta est spina sepulchra, Mutari credunt humanas Angue medullas.

And that likewise out of the Graue of Anchises, Father to Aeneas, issued a great Serpent, according as Virgill writeth.

Dixerat haec: aditis cum lubricus Anguis ab imis. Septem ingens gyros, septena volumina traxit, Amplexus placide tumulum lapsusque per auras.

These are naturall reasons, which neuerthelesse hinder not the effects of mira∣cles, and things monstrous; as is testified not onely by our auncient Annalists, but Strangers also, namely Rhegmon, and other writers of good noate. And in the rea∣ding of this Historie, Kings and Princes of the earth may learne, and feare the iust iudgements of God, who forbiddeth the throwing of precious Stones to Swine; that is to say, giuing Church Benefices to prophane persons. For, oftentimes we see them to be possessed by enemies to the Church, and of contrarie Religion; by Bawdes, Strumpers and Panders, to the great scandale & dishonor of Princes, which so basely bestow them

Charles Martell hauing bin but Maire of the Pallace, and Duke of the French; had for Successour his Sonne Pepin le Bref,* 1.23 exalted King of France, as wee haue said: And this Order of the Gennet was in maine strength then, and during all the length of the second Ligne, without proceeding any further.

A new Order of Knighthood in fauour of the Frizons, called, The Order of the Crowne Royall.

* 1.24CHarlemaigne, to honour them of Friezland, who had carried themselues valiantly in his Armies two and thirtie yeares, during which time, hee made warre on the Sesnes (which were the auncient Saxons, against whom the warre had beginning, from the time of the descendants of Clouis, and namely, vnder Clothaire the second, Sonne of Chilpericke and Fredegonde) who had ouercome them in a ranged Battaile, not leauing any one aliue, longer then his Sword: made them Knights of a new Order of Knighthood, which he established in the fauour of them, called The Order of the Crowne Royall. Because the Knights of this Order, v∣sed to weare on their breasts a Crowne Royall, in embroderie of Gold. The Go∣uernour of the Countrey, whom they called Potestat, after the manner of Italie, had power to giue this Order of the Crowne, to such as (for a certaine time) had fol∣lowed the Armies of France, and warfared for our Kings, as well in Italie, as in Germanie.* 1.25 And we vnderstand, that in those times when our Kings made Knights, they gaue them a blow or cuffe on the eare; as Bishops vse to doe, in conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation. Martinus Hanconius, in his Historie of Frisia▪ re∣porteth the Pragmaticall Sanction of our King Charlemaigne, touching the Instituti∣on of this Order of Knights of the Crowne, in these words.

I••super statuimus vt si ex ipsis sustentationem habuerint, vel militare voluerint, di∣cta Potestas eis Gladium circumcingat, & dato eisdem, sicut consuetudinis est, Ma••••

Colapho, fic Milites faciat, eisdemque similiter iniungendo praecipiat, vt deinceps More Militum Sacri Francia Regni, vel imperij incedant armati, eò quod consideramus si prae∣••icti Frisones secundum staturam corporis & formam ei•• à Deo, & Natura datam sic mili∣••auerint, cunctis in orbe terrarum militibus sua fortitudine, ingenio, & audaciâ (dummo∣••o vt praedictum est sint armati) facile praecellent, & praeualebunt. Qui Frisones signum suae ••ilitia à dicta Potestate recipere debent, in quo Corona Imperialis insignum suae libertatis 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nobis concessae debeat esse depicta. Datum Romae in Lateranensi Palatio, Anno Dominicae Incarnationis Octogentissimo secundo.

The said Charlemaigne wondrously enlarged the Kingdome of France. For, as Aeghinard saith in the life of this Prince, In foure and fortie yeares space (which he ••eigned) he added double thereto so much, as king Pepin his Father had left him, ••nd that was Gaule, limited by the Riuers of Rhine and Loire; of the Ocean Sea on the one side, and that of Maiorica on the other; that part of Germanie, which is comprised between Saxonie and the Riuers of Rhine, Danubie and Salas, which make the deuision betweene the Turingeans and Sarabes, from the Orientall French, wh••ch is Franconia from Germanie, and the Kingdome of Bauaria,* 1.26 whereto Charlemaigne annexed Aquitaine and Gascoignie, withall the bounds and ••kirts off and from the Pyrenean mountaines, so farre as to the Riuer Iberus, which ••unneth thorow Spaine, taking sourse or originall in the Kingdome of Nauarre, and ••fterward watering Arragon, looseth it selfe at Tortosa in the Sea of Maiorica. He conquered likewise all Italie, from Thurin so farre as the lower Calabria; Saxonie ••he great Prouince of Germanie; the two Panoniaes, that is to say, Hungaria and Austria; Denmarke from beyond Danubie; Sclauonia and Dalmatia, the mari∣••ime Cities and Townes only excepted, which he left (in courtesie) to be possessed ••y the Emperours of Constantinople. From thence he proceeded to the conque∣••ing of barbarous Nations, which inhabited betweene the Riuers of Rhine, and of Vistula the Ocean Sea, and wide spreading Danubie: speaking very well the same Languages, but their humours and customes being contrarie, he made them his tri∣••utaries. The principall People of those strange Nations, were then nominated and ••alled Veltabes, Soraues, Abotrites and Boemes, against whom he fought valiantly, ••o ranke them vnder his obedience: the rest (in farre greater number) voluntarily ••ubmitting themselues to be gouerned by the French Empire.

Charles Martell, Pepin le Brefe his sonne (of whom it is said,* 1.27 that

Maior in exiguo regnabat corpore Virtus)

And Charlemaigne, were valiant Princes: but their Successours more peaceable, ••hen warriors. And the Crowne of France▪ (with diuers successes) was held by ••he descendants of Charles Martell, euen as before him, by the same accidents, it had beene gouerned by the Merouingians. For like as the Ligne of Meroueus failed in ••he person of Childericke the third, the last of nineteene Kings descended of Clouis, (which Childericke was shorne a Monke in the Monasterie of S. Hemerian of Re∣ganespourg, at this day called Ratisponna, in the Duchie of Bauaria, as is recorded by Auentine in his Annales:) So in the like manner, of Charles Martell failed the Ligne at the eleuenth King, in the person of Lewes the fift, tearmed, Doe nothing,* 1.28 or the Hartlesse loiterer. Being so named, because the Annalists of the time obser∣ued all his Reigne, and comprehended it vnder these three words; Ludouicus nihil ••ecit. Likewise he reigned but one yeare, deceasing at Compeigne, (where he is bu∣ried in the Abbey of S. Cornille with King Lewes the Stammerer, Emperour) the ••2. of Iune, in the yeare of Grace 988. And so the race of the Carlouingians con∣tinued but two hundred thirtie and seuen yeares; and that of the Merouingians reigned in France three hundred yeares continuance, to wit, from the yeare of Grace 450. when Meroueus assured his conquest on this side the Rhine in the Gaules; vntill the yeare 749. So that according to the Chronicle of Lauresheim, which I haue, Bouchard, Bishop of Wirtzbourg, and Folrard Priest, afterward great Almo∣••ner to Pepin le Briefe, were sent to Rome to Pope Zacharie, to haue his aduise. Be∣cause it had beene called into question, for proceeding to the new election of a

King, and they made choice of Pepin le Brief, Maire of the Pallace of France, who supported all the burden of the Warres, reiecting the descendants of Clouis, with∣out vertue, voide of courage and sprightly valiancie. Zacharie gaue his opinion, answerable to the deliberation of the States.* 1.29 Melius esse illum eligere Regem quod quem summa potestatis tota consisteret, quàm qui Regis nomen tantùm, sed null•• virtute Regie potestatis haberet. Whereupon, the yeare following, the same generall States assembled at Soissons (called by Athicus, Augusta Suessonum) and Pepin le Brief was there declared,* 1.30 elected, and crowned King of France.

So by the cowardlinesse and negligence of Lewes the fift, last King of the second Ligne; by resolution of the Generall States of France, met together at Noyon, in the remarkable yeare, obserued in the last Chapter of the former Booke; Hugh Ca∣pet, a valiant and wise Prince, was elected first King of the third Ligne, which only hath continued (euen to this present day) more then both the two former.

Indeed Lewes the Debonnaire, sonne to Charlemaigne, was his Successour in the French Empire; but not in his good fortunes. He left three sonnes, namely, La∣thaire, Lewes, and Charles, called the Baulde, of diuers natures, bandying and con∣tending each against other, for enuie and desire of Reigning, without compa∣nion.

—Omnisque potestus impatiens consortis erit.

We finde the Salique Law to be in practise vnder the said Debonnaire. Because the said Emperour had by his first Wife Ermingarde three sonnes; to wit Lothaire, who was Emperour; Lewes King of Germanie, and Pepin King of Italie. This Pe∣pin had espoused the daughter to the Count of Mastric,* 1.31 Thiebert, of whom he be¦gat two sonnes, and two daughters, married to the Counts Reginard and Girard. The sonnes were Pepin, King of Aquitaine after his Father, and Charles: but these two Brethren (for their w••cked gouernment) were shorne Monkes; the one, name∣ly Pepin, at S▪ Mard of Soissons; and the other at Prum in Flanders. And by the ciuile death of th••se two brethren Princes, the Kingdome of Aquitaine, (which then contained Guienne▪ Gascoigne, Biscaye, Arragon, Catalogna, and Cerdaignia) were by Charles the Baulde re-vnited to the Crowne of France; with exclusion of the two Sisters to the said Princes Pepin and Charles, as is obserued by Aimonius the Monke.* 1.32

The three sonnes that remained liuing, of Lewes the Debonnaire, to wit, Lothaire; Lewes, and Charles, sirnamed the Baulde, after many furious and bloudie fight••; ac∣corded themselues, in the Assembly made at the Citie of Verdun, in the yeare of Grace 643. And there they deuided the French Empire (left by Charlemaigne) into the extendure before noted, and into three portions, which yet were vn∣equall.

Lothaire, the eldest sonne, had for his part, with the Title of Emperour (which after his death came to Charles the Baulde) Rome, Italie, Prouence, and the Lands which marched on the parts of the Baulde; and of Lewes of Germanie, after∣ward, the said portion was called Lotaringia, and now Lorraine, affer the name of the said Lothaire.

Lewes had Orientall France, which comprehended the most part of Germanie, and finished at the great Riuer of Rhine.

Charles, King of ••rance, tearmed the Baulde, had in his Lot and portion, Occi∣dentall France sometimes called Neustria, and Westria: which extended from the O••ean Armori••a, so farre as the Riuer of Meuse. This is that which is proper∣ly called France, without any other addition.

* 1.33This deuision was the total ruine of the French Empire, and the depressing of her prime Greatnesse; to verifie the Oracle of Truth it selfe, that Omne Reganus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 se deuisum desolabitur: Euery Kingdome deuided against it selfe, shall be desolated. And the deuision of the same Kingdome, by the sonnes of Clouis, might haue enstructed those three French Princes, in the misfortunes which fell vnto them, and to the Subiects, bandied and deuided one against another, by many bloudie ciuill warres.

Hereof (by good and iust cause) complained Hincmarus, Archbishop of Rheimes, ••n the Epistle which he wrote to the Emperour and King of France, Lewes the Stammerer, second of the name, Sonne to the said Charles the Baulde. Mortuo Lo∣••hario post multas controuersias, facta est diuisio inter Patrem vestrum Ludouicum, & ta∣••e deuenerunt miseriae, sicut vobis sunt nota; & hoc Anno talis pronenit lugenda infeli∣••itas, quae per vniuersum penè Mundum, & per futura tempora merito erit in oppro∣••rium.

Giuing Councell by this Epistle of his, to take example by the mischiefes,* 1.34 hap∣••ening through the meanes of this Deuision. For, to dismember a State into diuers ••etrarchies, vnder pretence of Natures Law, and aduancement of the Sonnes: ••s, as if we should from the body of man, cut off a legge or an arme, which maketh ••t altogether impotent and deformed. But the acknowledgement of these passed ••normities, gaue foundation to the Law of the Kingdome, wisely and religiously ••rdained by Hugh Capet, Authour of our Kings of the third Ligne.

That in following times, the Title of King should not be giuen, but to the Eldest Sonne ••f the Kings of France, Who hath right and Soueraigne power ouer his other Brethren, and ••ho ought to reuerence him as their Father and Lord, not hauing any assured portion or part∣••ge, but by his grace and fauour. If he giue them any Lands and Seigneuries, in title of ••ounger Bretherens portions: the said younger Sonnes shall hold and redeliuer them to the ••rowne of France; and they are not to be giuen them, but with charge of Hommage, ••urisdiction, and Rights Royall, and as reuersions of the said Crowne, deceasing without ••eires mayles, begotten and borne in loyall Marriage.

The Order of the Starre: Instituted at Paris by King Robert, sirnamed, The Deuout. In the yeare 1022.

CHAP. II. Of the Order of the Starre.

WEe haue seene in the precedent Treatise, the Crowne of France to change from the Ligne of the Merouingians, into the Ligne of the Carolouingians. In this whereof we are now to speake, we shall behold it fastened to a chaine of Diamonds in Coelum Empirium, and placed fixedly on the head of Hugh Capet, Father of Robert (the ••biect of this discourse) to continue, euen to the Worlds end, as proper inheri∣••••nce to them of his Bloud and Ligne.

Most part of Moderne Historians doe put to Compromise,* 1.35 the Originall and ••escent of the said Hugh Capet: because they would deriue him from that badde ••ranch Vitichinde, or Witikind the Sesne, that is to say, a Saxon by Nation, against ••hom our Emperour Charlemaigne made warre so long a time. And that of ••im descended Robert the Saxon, Graund-father to the said Capet; who by force ••nd violence possessed himselfe of the Crowne of France, against Charles of Lor∣••••ine, Vnckle to Lewes the fift, last King of Charlemaignes descendants, as ••ey say.

This his muddie and rustie opinion, worme-eaten with age,* 1.36 yet raised vp in ••ur times, by infinite mercinarie pennes, to trouble the peace of France with

their mustie pretensions. In like manner, that a certaine Bourgonguon, named of S. Iulian, (by a new Paradox) would make it to be credited, that the same Capet re∣ceiued birth of an other Hugh, the published bastard Sonne of Lothaire the se∣cond, whom Sigibert vnder the yeare 886. writeth to haue his eies pluckt out, and was then shorne Monke in the Abbey of Prum in Flanders, where he ended his daies, without leauing any issue. Hugo Filius Lotharij Regis ex Waldradâ pel∣lice, paternum Lotharingiae regnum rebellando assequi sperans, ab Henrico excoecatur, & nouissime in Monachum Prumiae attondetur. If Hugh Capet had beene borne of this Bastard to King Lothaire, and of Waldreda his Concubine: the said Ca∣pet neuer would (so soone as he saw himselfe established in the Kingdome of France) haue published the Decree against the Bastards of our Kings, obserued yet to this day, without any contradiction.

* 1.37Capet hauing obserued the faults in the State, concerning Kings his Prede∣cessors, that the aduancement of their Bastards had alwaies beene the cause of troubles in France, hauing equally taken part with the Legitimate; yea, and exalted to the Royall Throne, as Lewes and Carloman, Bastards of the Stam∣merer: he ordained,

That thence-forward, Euery Bastard should not only be reiected from the Crowne: but likewise from auouching the Sir-name of France.

And to manifest the obseruation of this holy Ordinance, it is sixe hundred yeares and more since it was published; and it is not read, That any Bastard of France, or issued or descended from the Sonnes of France, hath been legitimated and allowed. But Iohn Count of Dunois, Bastard Sonne of Monsieur Lewes of France, Duke of Orleans, who for his great and worthie seruices done to the Crowne, was by the Generall States of France (assembled by command of King Charles the seuenth, called the victorious) declared Legitimate, and he and his descent proclaimed Prin∣ces, and all their rancke assigned immediatly after the Princes of the Bloud.

The same Authour of S. Iulian (supported by the Arch-Deacon of Verdun, mis∣led with the same Doctrine) hath continued the descent of the Illustrous house of Lorraine,* 1.38 from Father to Sonne of the said Charles of Lorraine. And yet notwith∣standing, it is a matter most certaine, that Otho, only Sonne to the said Charles of Lor∣raine, died without Children. Which hath made a great Ligne, desciphered at large by the Authour of the Genealogie of S. Arnoull of Mentz, who liued vnder the Reigne of the good King S. Lewes, as it is described by himselfe. But returne it to the Originall of Hugh Capet, according to truth.

The Fragment of Maires of the Pallace of France, deriued from the Abbey of Ple••ry; Paulus Diaconus, in his Treatise of the Bishops of Mentz; Theganus, Coad••∣tor to the Arch-Bishop of Treuers, and all the auncient Annalists of Germanie and France, by a common consent doe instruct vs: That the two famous Fami∣lies of the Carlouingians, and of the Capets, are descended of Ansbert the Sena∣tour, Lord of the Auncient House, and whose Predecessors, at such time as the Romaines gouerned the Gaules, had beene Senatours and Gouernours of Au••¦sia, afterward named Orientall France. They erre then, that make this A•• the Senatour to be Auberon, the Graund-sonne to Clodion, King of France: F•• this Ansbert was of the Gaules Nation, sirnamed (but very vnconueniently) the Romaine.

This Ansbert was issued from an House so Auncient, that to know the pri•• Originall thereof,* 1.39 and to gratifie the same: it is referred to the Troyan Anchiser, the Father of Aeneas, the pretended Founder of the Romaines. All these Fables, let vs leaue them.

The truth of this Genealogie speaketh, that this Ansbert, sirnamed the Senatour, was Maire of the Pallace of Austrasia, who had to wife Blitilda, daughter to the King of all France (as well Westrienne, as Neustrienne, and Bourgongne.) Clothaire the Great, second of the name, only Sonne to Chilperick and Fredegonde. It is the same Clothaire,* 1.40 represented on the Frontispiece of the Church at Paris, holding an Apple or Ball in his hand (according as the Romaine Emperours are figured) to shew, that he was the only King of all France.

Of this Marriage of Ans∣••t

[illustration]

and Blitilda, was borne ••nauld, Maire likewise of ••e Pallace of Austrasia, Fa∣••er to S. Arnoull, Bishop of Mentz.

The said Saint Arnulph, be∣••re hee became a Bishop,* 1.41 ••as Gouernour to King Da∣••bert, first of the name (Re∣••rer of the Abbey of Saint ••enis in France) to whom ••e was Cousine Germaine, regard of his Grand-mo∣••er Blitilda, and by him ••eated Maire of the Pal∣••ce of Austrasia; in place Sadragesilus, made Duke ••f Aquitaine. Saint Arnulph ••d to wife Doada, daugh∣••r to a Duke of Saxonie, ••ter whose decease, hee ••oke holy Orders, and so ••came Bishop of Mentz. ••he Fragment of Maires 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Pallace, saith; Fu∣••unt Maiores Domus ex qui∣••s Generatio Regalis proces∣••. Primus quidem Ansber∣•• Senator, qui ex Blithilde ••undi Clotharij, genuit Ar∣••dum patrem Sancti Arnulphi, tandem Metensis Episcopi, qui genuit Anchisem ••trem Pipini.

Saint Arnulph had three Sonnes by Doada the Sesne, or Saxon, to wit, An∣••ises, Walachises, and Clodulphus; according as we learne by Paulus Diaconus, ••fore alledged, in these words. Arnulphus ex nobilissimo, fortissimoque Franco∣••m Aemmatestortus, ita Dei Ecclesiae praefuit, vt & Palatij moderator sub honore Ma∣•• Domus existeret. Hic iuuentutis suae tempore ex legitimi matrimonij copulâ tres ••lios procreauit; Anchisum, Walachisum, & Clodulphum.

Ansegisus, eldest Sonne to Saint Arnulph, had to wife Begga, sister to Saint ••rtrude de Niuelle in Brabant, daughter to Pepin Heristell the Auncient, a great ••d powerfull Lord in Austrasia. Of which marriage was borne Pepin, Maire of ••e Pallace of Austrasia, called le Gros (for then and in those times,* 1.42 men had no ••her sir-names, but of their imperfections, or vertues, as well of the minde, as bo∣••e) by reason of his fat and great corpulence.

Pepin the Auncient, had beside two daughters, a sonne named Grimoald, Maire the Pallace to Sigibert, King of Austrasia, which he possessed by his Maire. And ••ing himselfe without Children; he adopted (as his Sonne) Hildebert,* 1.43 Sonne to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Maire Grimoald.

After this adoption (which was done in the West parts, by handling the ••ard and Haire of the adopted Sonne, and in the East, by putting on his ••irt) Sigibert had a Sonne, named Dagobert, whom Grimoald and his Sonne ••ldebert (after the death of the King his Father) excluded forth of his Coun∣••y into Scotland, where he was shorne a Monke, so that no more speech was ••rd of him. And in his place, Hildebert was elected King of Austrasia,* 1.44 a King∣••me whereof he had no long enioying: because Archambauld (Ercebaldus) ••ire and Count (that is to say, Gouernour of Paris, Founder of the Chapell

of S. Christopher in the Citie) vnder King Clouis, second of the name, wer•• against those pettie Kings and Tyrants, slew Hildebert in the field, and brough•• Grimoald prisoner to Paris, where he was executed for his fellonies. And so, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whole ample succession of Pepin Heristell, fell to his daughter Begga, wife 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ansegises. For this cause Paulus Aemilius calleth her the only daughter; as she was from the death of her Father, and of the profession of her holy Sister 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gertrude.

Pepin le Gros, sonne to Ansegises and Begga, was Maire of the Pallace of Au¦strasia,* 1.45 after the death of Martine, his Cousine Germaine by the Fathers side▪ He espoused Plectrude, and of her begat two sonnes, Drogo, that is Dreux, dy∣ing young; and Grimoald, whom he made Maire of the Pallace of Neustri•• that was Occidentall France, whereof, Paris was the Capitall Citie, and por¦tion of the eldest; as Orientall France, called Westria, was that of the youngest.

Moreouer, he had by Alpaida, his Concubine, sister to Dodon (who stil•• himselfe Maire of the Pallace of Austrasia, and who caused Saint Lambert 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Liege to suffer Martyrdome) Charles, sir-named Martell (subiect of the Discourse of the Order of the Gennet) who hauing exterminated the legitimate sonnes of his Father, and published (as King) Theodorick de Cheeles, incapable to hold the Crowne of France: was made Duke, Prince of the French, and their King in effect.

Charles Martell maried Bertha, sir-named with the Great or Polte foote, daughter to Martine, Maire of the Pallace of Austrasia, his Cousine, sister to Childebr•••••• and Colonell of the French Infanterie, as we haue said in the precedent Chapter. In this marriage he had Pepin le Bref,* 1.46 called and sir-named the Dwarfe, or little man, in regard of his small stature: And Carloman, who yielded himselfe to be a Monke at Mont Cassin in Italie, being frghited with the report of his Fathers damnation. The Auncient Annalist saith; Carolus Martellus genuit Pipinum Nanum, & Carloman•• post Monachum.

* 1.47Pepin the Dwarfe, otherwise called the little man, married Bertrada, daughter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Emperor of Constantinople Heraclius, by whom he had two sons & one daugh∣ter named Gisla, Abbesse of Argentueil, in Latin Gemes, about two leagues from Pari••, of whom A••ghinard speaketh. He had by a Concubine other Children, among which were Gilan, Arch-bishop of Rouen, and Grifon, whose eies were caused to be plock out, by his Brethren Charles and Carloman; because he would not liue in peace, but raised still new troubles in France. Theganus, in the life of Lewes the Debonnair, saith. Sanctus Arnulphus cùm esset in iuuentute Dux genuit Ansegisum Ducem; A••∣segisus Dux genuit Pipinum Seniorem & Ducem (the word Senior in our Auncient Annalists, is not alwaies to be vnderstood the auncient or elder, but signified Lord also. In the Oathes of Hommage and fidelitie; Seniori meo Regi 〈◊〉〈◊〉, &c.) Pipinus Senior, & Dux genuit Karolum Seniorem, & Ducem: Karolus Se•••• & Dux genuit Pippinum quem Stephanus Pontifex consecrauit, & vnxit in Rege•• Pippinus Rex genuit Karolum quem Leo Papa Romanus consecrauit & vnxit ad ••∣peratorem.* 1.48 Ansegises was Father to Pepin le Gros, Father of Charles Martell, Fa∣ther of Pepin le Bref (sacred the second time by Pope Stephen, at S. Denys 〈◊〉〈◊〉 France) Father of Charles the Great, and of Carloman, who after the death of King Pepin their Father, were elected and Sacred Kings of France; to wit, Charles in the Church of Noyon, at the entrance whereof (on the North fide) is to be seene an auncient Table, which representeth the said Sacring: and Carloman at Soissons. The Chronicle of Lauresheim, saith; Pippini Regis 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Carolus, & Carolomanus consensu omnium Francorum Reges creati, & Carolus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 N••uiomago Ciuitate, Carolomanus in Suessiona insignia Regni susceperunt. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Carloman became in short time to be quite extinct: But for

Charlemaigne, he had a Sonne, Lewes the Debonnaire, first of the name, King and Emperour, Father of

Lothaire, Emperour, King of Italie.

Lewes, King of Bauaria; And

Charles the Baulde, King of France, and Emperour, Father of

Lewes the Stammerer, second of the name, King of France, and Emperour, who marrying in the concluding of his daies, had by Adeleida, that is Alix,* 1.49 sister to the King of England, a Sonne Posthumus, named Charles the Simple, third of the name, King of France, in whom ended the Greatnesse of the House of Charle∣maigne. The said Stammerer had by Ansegarda, his Lady in amorous embrace∣ments (before they were married) two Bastards, Lewes and Carloman, who being ••ome to age at the death of their Father; vsurped perforce the Crowne of France, and stiled themselues Kings.

Charles the Simple, so named in regard of his deiected spirit, had to wife Ogina,* 1.50 daughter to Elstan, King of England, and of her begot Lewes, sir-named of Be∣••ond the Sea, because he was nursed in England. This Lewes the fourth, espoused ••he eldest daughter to the Emperour Otho the first (eldest sonne to Henry,* 1.51 the Fow∣••er or Bird-catcher, Emperour, and Duke of Saxonie) named Herberga: by whom ••e had two Sonnes, Lothaire, King of France in number, and Charles who was Duke of Lorraine, making himselfe Tributarie to the Emperour, and a mortall enemie to ••he French.

Lothaire left Lewes the last, fift of the name, but last King of France, of the de∣••endants of Charlemaigne; whose Ligne failed in the said Lewes, blamed with the ••r-name of Loyterer, or Doe nothing, who reigned but one yeare. Et hoc mortuo sine ••beris translatum est Regnum ad Hugonem Capetum Filium Hadeuuidis, so saith our ••ncient Annalist. You behold here the descendants of Ansegises, eldest sonne to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Arnulph of Mentz: Let vs now speake of the younger Sonne, of whom are de∣••ended the most Christian Kings of France, in the third Ligne, which reigneth hap∣••ly at this present.

Clodulphus the third sonne (for the second was of the Church) of S. Arnulph ••f Mentz, had to wife Amalbertha, daughter to a Count of Brabant, and of her ••egat many Children. After whose decease (following the steps and example ••f his Father) he yielded himselfe to the Churches seruice, and was Bishop of Mentz.

His eldest sonne Martin was Duke, that is to say,* 1.52 Gouernour of Austrasia (as his ••ather formerly had beene) intimately affected for his vertues, by Sigibert, King of ••ustrasia, sonne to Dagobert the first. After whose death, and of his Maire Grimoald, ••nd his sonne Hildebert, the people of Austrasia deuided the power of the Maire of ••e Pallace into two parts, in sted of one: electing Martin, sonne of Clodulphus, ••nd Pepin le Gros, both Cousins Germane by the Fathers side. These two Maires ••ere summoned by Ebrouin, Maire of the Pallace to Theoderick, King of Neustriae ••nder colour (and his Maire in effect) to obey him. Vpon their refusall, he met ••em in Armes, neere to Laon in Laonnois, where the two Cousins were vanqui∣••ed, Pepin saued himselfe by flight; but Martin remaining Prisoner, was slaine (in ••ld bloud) by Ebrouin, who would needes be sole Maire in all France. As he did ••e like to Lendegisilus, Maire of the Pallace, and Count of Paris, after the death of ••rchembauld, Founder of S. Christophers Church in the Citie of Paris. After∣••ard, Ebrouin was slaine by Hermenfroy, a French Gentleman: as a iust punish∣••ent inflicted on him, for so many cruelties by him committed, on the Princes ••d great Lords of France, from time to time.

Martin, eldest sonne to Clodulphus, espoused Beatrix, daughter to the Count and ••ouernour of Ardenne, who was named Ebo, and by her he had diuers Children, ••e eldest whereof was

Childebrand, Duke of Austrasia, Cousine Germaine to Pepin le Gros, Father Charles Martell, and Mary de Bertha, sister to the said Childebrand, which is ••e reason, why the Continuer of Saint Gregorie Victor of Tours,* 1.53 and Gagui∣••s, doe call Childebrand, Father of Charles Martell. And this gaue subiect to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Tillet, to mistake himselfe, and say, that the fore-named Childebrand was ba∣••rd Brother to Pepin le Gros; and to Nicholas Gilles in his Annals of France, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 call him Vnckle by the Mothers side to Charles Martell. If hee would be ••edited, he should say, that this Bertha, sister to Childebrand, was wife to

Pepin le Gros, which he can no way finde: because he had none but Plectrude, and therefo••e he should not reade him Maternall Vnckle to the Children of Martell, to whom he was Brother in Law, and Cousine by the Fathers side. This Childebrand succeeded in the honours of his Father, as well as in his valiancie. For he is renow∣ned by all our Historians, for his dexteritie in managing Armes, whereof he made good apparance in the battaile of Tours, against the Sarazine Abdiramo, where that great Thunderbolt of warre Martell (as Paulus Aemilius saith) ordaining and disposing his Armie; vndertooke himselfe to conduct the horse-Troupes, and gaue that of the French Infanterie to Childebrand his Cousine and Brother in Law, Co∣lonell of the said Infanterie. Also, he had the honour of that victorious day; and, for recompence of his vertue, was first honoured (after the Chiefe) with The Or∣der of the Gennet. After the said battaile, the same Childebrand was sent against A∣thinus, the Sarrazine Ammirant, who had possessed himselfe of Gothia and Pro∣uence. He shut him vp in the Citie of Auignion, famous in those daies, for the strength of her Scituation; he made it French, and constrained Athinus to saue himselfe by the Roze (so did they call the Riuer Rhosne in Auignion and Prouence) and flie to Narbona.

* 1.54Thierry was the only Sonne to Childebrand, nourished from his youngest yeares, in the Court of his Cousine by Father and Mother, Charlemaigne, by whom he was made Count, and Gouernour of France.

The Voiage into Spaine of Charles the Great.

DVring the voiage of Charles the Great into Spaine, the Sesnes (according to their wonted manner) reuolted from their obedience sworne to the Kings of France: being incited to doe so, by Witichind, a Danish Lord, dwelling in Saxo∣nie. Charlemaigne at his returne, in the beginning of Summer, held his Parliament in France (which is to be vnderstood of Orientall France, in the Annales of Ger∣manie) hauing past the Rhine at Cologne, he came to the Spring of the Riuer of Leppe,* 1.55 where his Tents and Pauillions were erected. And there he held his Gene∣rall Parliament, in the yeare 782. which being ended, and the Ambassadours of Denmarke and Hungaria dispatched; he repassed the Rhine, and returned into the Gaules, the Neustriau France.

Vpon this his returne, the Sesne witichind, who the yeare before had sheltred him∣selfe in Denmarke, his naturall Countrey: came backe againe into Saxonie, once more to make the people reuolt against Charles: to whom (at the same time) news were brought, that the Sclauonians and Sorabes, inhabiting betweene the Riuers of Saltz and the Elbe, were entred into Armes, to forrage the Marches and confines of Saxonie and Thuring, fiering euerie where.

Speedily he expedited thence Adalgisus his Chamberlaine; Geilon, Count of his Stable;* 1.56 and Conrard, Count of his sacred Pallace (so in auncient times were called the Court and Castle of our Kings, as well during the first as second Ligne of our Kings, Why then should not we vse the same now?) Hincmarus, Arch-bishop of Rheimes, in the Epistle which he wrote to the King and Emperour Lewes the Stam∣merer, for ordaining and ruling his Court, speaking of the Pallace of our Kings, vseth these tearmes (Sacrum Palatium, Sacrum Regnum) whom he commanded to take with them the Orientall French, and the Sesnes vnder his obedience, to checke the forwardnesse of the Sorabes.

When they were entred on the Confines of Saxonie; they found all the Sesnes in Armes, conducted by Witichind, and readie to run vpon those parts of France, which were the gouernment of Thierry of Austrasia. Wherefore, they were con∣strained to leaue the Sorabes in peace, to deale with a much neerer enemie, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 marched with the Orientall French, to encounter the Sesnes where they were the encamped.

* 1.57At the entrance of Saxonie they met Thierry, who came with his forces be∣fore the Emperours Lieutenant, of whom Paulus Amilius termeth him to

be a neere kinsman, and to whom (in qualitie of a Prince of the Bloud) appertaine the command of the Armie. The Annalist of Lauresheim, vnder the ••eare before dated, saith, Quibus (Legatis) in ipsâ Saxoniâ obuiauit Thedericus Co∣••es, Propinquus Regis cum ijs copijs quas auditâ Saxonum defectione, raptim in Ripu∣••iâ congregare potuit. Thiery gaue them councell to send first, and (with all di∣••gence) to discouer by Spies, in what place the Saxons were, to the end they ••ight the better assaile them, if commodiousnesse of the place, and his owne sea∣••ng, would well permit it. The Councell being allowed for good,* 1.58 the chiefe ••eaders went in companie so farre as to the Mountaine of Sontall, on the North ••de whereof, the Sesnes had planted their Campe. Thierry hauing ordered his Campe, in the same place where he was arriued; Adalgisus, Geilon, and Conrard to engirt this Mountaine) passed by another way beyond the Riuer, where they ••ncamped with their Squadrons. And there calling a Councell, they concluded ••mong themselues; to set vpon the enemie, without any knowledge giuen to Thi∣••rry (to whom the Constable Geilon bare deadly enuie, for the intendence and supe∣••oritie of Commanding) as fearing, least the glory and honour of victorie, which ••hey accounted sure in their owne possession, should be attributed to him.

Ambition and enuie hauing made these Chieftaines resolute for battaile, they ••repared themselues for fight: marching (neuerthelesse) in very bad order, as if ••hey were to meddle with an enemie full of despaiting feare, ready for retreate ••nd flight; and not encamped on firme footing, or resolued to sell his skinne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a deare rate. On the spurre they galloped into the enemies Armie, and there ••repared themselues for pillage: whereas, on the contrarie, the enemie atten∣••ing them with a setled determination; enclosed them on all sides in such sort; ••hat the most part of them perished by the edge of the sword, very few re∣••ained, who got into the Campe of Thierry, which was on the other side of ••he Mountaine.

In this Battaile the losse was very great, in regard, that the chiefe Comman∣••ers lost their liues, to wit, Adalgisus and Geilon, foure Counts, and many great ••ords, to the number of twentie. Vpon these sad tidings, Charles himselfe mar∣••hed immediatly to the Field, with the Armie of Thierry; entred into Saxo∣••ie, called before him the principall Persons of the Sesnes, and made enquirie ••or the chiefe Leaders of the Rebellion. All laid the fault on Witichind, who ••fter this ouerthrow) fled for safetie into Denmarke, according to his wonted ••anner. Charles, in reuenge of this dishonour done him, discharged his anger ••n foure thousand and fiue hundred Sesnes, attainted and conuinced of disloyaltie, ••l which were beheaded in one day. Cum Witichindum tradere nequirent, eo ••uod re Perpetrata ad Normannos se contulerat, caeterorum, qui persuasioni suae mo∣••m gerentes, tantum facinus peregerunt vsque ad quatuor & quinquaginta millia ••aditi, & super Alaram fluuium in loco qui Ferdi vocatur, iussu Regis omnis vnâ ••e decollati sunt. After this reuenge so taken, Charles went and passed the Win∣••er, as also the Feasts of Christmas and Easter at Thion-Ville, on the Frontiers of ••uxembourg: giuing the gouernment of Saxonie to his Cousine Thierry,* 1.59 who ••fter that time) was Sir-named the Saxon. Yet with this condition, that foure ••eares after, to wit, An. 786. (Witichind, and the most part of the Sesnes being sub∣••itted to Charlemaigne, and embracing the Christian faith) the said Thierry should ••ke to wife Iutha, the only daughter to Witichind, sir-named the Saxon:* 1.60 who thence∣••orward liued peaceably with his two sonnes, of whom are descended the Dukes of ••axonie, which reigne to this day.

Charlemaigne sent the same Thierry (as his Lieutenant Generall) into Hun∣••aria, to warre vpon the Hunnes, in the yeare 792. For, hauing deuided his ••rmie into two parts, Partem Exercitus Thederico Comiti, & Meginfredo Cubiculario 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (marke how the Annalist of Lauresheim maketh this Prince of the Bloud, to ••arch before Meinfroy the Great Chamberlaine, and other Officers of the Crowne ••f France) committens, eos per Aquilionarem Danubij ripam iter agere iussit: Ipse cum ••arte quam secum retinuit, Australem eiusdem fluminis ripam Pannoniam petiturus ••cupauit.

Ansbert the Senatour, his Predecessours and descendants, hauing borne for Armes De Gueulles à trois Aigles d'Or, colour and mettall of the Romaine Empire: Pepin le Bref, whom the Genealogie of S. Arnulph of Mentz calleth Pepinum N••∣num, hauing bin exalted and Sacred King of the French, by vniuersall conse•••• of the States of the Kingdome (that is to say, of the Church, and of the Nobi∣litie) tooke them of France, that is to say E'Escu d'Azur seme de Fleurs de Lys d'Or, colour and mettall of France, forsaking the three Eagles, which his Predecesso•• had carried.

And the same Charlemaigne permitted to Prince Thierry, by sir-name of Austr••∣sia,* 1.61 as his Predecessours were; to forsake the auncient Armes of the Familie, and to beare De Gueulles au Raiz pommette & florence d'Or, à la bordure de France: Armes which were retained from the time of Hugh Capet, who bare De France sans n••••∣bre; so followed by the Kings his Successors, euen to Charles the sixt, Qui les re•• à Trois Fleurs de Lys.

In the marriage of Thierry, Count of Saxonie (that is to say, Gouernour) with Iuth•• were borne a Sonne and Daughter; to wit, Hermingarde, first wife to our King and Emperour Lewes the Debonnaire;* 1.62 and by this marriage was renewed the alliance, betweene the descendants of the two Brothers Ansegises and Clodulphus. The Son was named

Robert, called the Strong and Valiant, also sir-named the Saxon, because hee was borne in Saxonie. Our King and Emperour Charles, second of the name, and nick∣named the Baulde (The People is the ordenarie Godfather of Princes, whom they baptize with a Sir-name of their perfections and vertues of minde or body; as the Wise; the Valiant or Hardie; the Great, &c. as contrariwise, with imperfections; the Simple; the Stammerer; the Lame or Crookt backt; the Leaprous; the Good or Bad; the Blacke; the White; the Wrie-neckt; the Lewde; the Wretch; the Sullen or Dogged, and such like.) Sonne to Lewes the Debonnaire, and I••dith his second wife; caused the said Robert the Strong to come into France, to serue as a Bulwarke or defence against the Danish and Norman Rouers or Pirats, who issu∣ing from Scandinauia, spoyled the coasts of the Ocean Sea, all along Piccardie, Nor∣mandie, Bretaigne and Aquitaine.

This Nation (then being Pagans and Infidels) began to shew themselues (imme∣diately after the death of our Great Clouis) vpon the Marches and confines of Au∣strasia, conducted by a Leader, whom the Archbishop of ••ours S. Gregory Victor, in his Historie of France, calleth Cochilarius: who hauing carried his businesse but bad∣ly in this first proceeding, continued some while afterward in quiet, without seeking his fortune any where else.

Vnder the Reigne of Charles the Baulde, those Normans, that is to say, People of the North, (acknowledged vnder the name of Danes) returned to roue on the coastes of France, with most barbarous cruelty. They presumed principally on the Marches of Bretaigne, wonne the mouth of the Riuer of Loire, and vpon a Saturday, in the yeare of Grace, Eight hundred fiftie three, they surprized the Citie of Nantes,* 1.63 massacred inhumainely the Bishop and Priests, sacked the Citie: and in the same furie, put to fire and pillage, them of Angiers and Tours, returning loade•• with most wealthie booties to their Countrey in the North. So they left France as then for a time in quietnesse; yet troubled afterward againe by the same wicked Nation, who miserably forradged the Prouinces of Tourraine and Poicton.

* 1.64For assurance whereof in following times, and to represse these Norman Py∣rates, enemies (and riciprocally hated) of all Nations: our King Charles the Baulde, caused to come from Saxonie into France, this Prince Robert his Cousine, then esteemed (so saith Paulus Aemilius) for the most valiant Gentleman, among all the other of his time. Hee came accompanied with his three Sonnes, Thierry, Eu∣des and Robert; beside a good number of Gentlemen and Saxon Souldiours. The Baulde gaue him Aniou, in title of an hereditarie Countie, to him and his descen∣dants, and the name of Marquesse on the Coastes of Bretaigne. Fecit eum Praefe∣ctum littoris Armorici, say the Annalists of those times. And concerning this

Countie of Aniou, it is to be noated, that Aniou had (in former times) bin deuided ••nto two Gouernments, by title of Counties, to wit, the Countie of Aniou beyond Maienne, whereof Angiers was the capitall Citie,* 1.65 and the ordenary dwelling of ••he Count; and the other on this side Maienne, the principall place whereof was ••hasteau-Neuf. The Annales of Aniou (stuffed with Fables and old wiues tales, as well as ours) doe say, that to the Countie of Aniou beyond Maienne, belonged Counts from all antiquitie. But that on this side Maienne, was held by the Kings of France, and giuen by our King Charles the Baulde to Robert: who afterward ••so saith Iohn de Bourdigne) for defence and tuition of the Kingdome, against ••he furie and infidelitie of the Normans, then Pagans likewise, was made Count of Paris.

This Riuer of Maienne, which passeth by Laual, Chasteau-Gontier and Angiers, ••nd which it thwarteth in the midst; is called by the Poet Lucane in his descrip∣••ion of the Gaules, Maduana, in these fiue Verses, which are not found in the ••mpressions of Paris and Lions, but in a Manuscript, as wee haue said in the for∣mer Booke.

Pictones immunes subigunt sua rura: nec vltra, Instabiles Turones circunsita castra coercent, In ripis Maduana tuis marcere perosus Andus, iam placidâ Ligeris recreatur ab vndâ. Inclita Caesareis Genabos dissoluitur alijs.

In the yeare eight hundred seauentie fiue, the same Normans (being lickorishly ••onging after more French booties) made another new apparance on the Coastes of Bretaigne. For resistance whereof, Marquesse Robert of Aniou, hauing to aide ••nd succour him the Duke and Gouernour of Aquitaine Lord Ranulphe, gaue them Battaile: but the said two Commanders were slaine, and massacred in the Field by ••he Normans, who well mannaging their Victorie, went and surprized the Citie of Angiers. There were they as suddenly inuested by Odo, that is, Eudes, second Sonne to the Marquesse Robert, and compelled to yeelde to the mercy of Charles the Baulde; who (in ouer-much abounding clemencie) permitted, that they should re∣••urne againe into Dania.

Thierry, eldest Sonne to Robert, following the Court and fortune of Lothaire,* 1.66 King of Italie, eldest Sonne of the Debonnaire by his first wife Hildegard (by whose death he was Emperour, and after him so was Charles the Baulde:) This Lothaire established Thierry his Cousine, Duke and Gouernour of Bourgongne: which then (with Prouence) made part of the Kingdome of Italie, by the vnhappy partition of the Debonnaire. The Riuer of Saone deuided the French Bourgongne from the Italian, which since then hath bin named and called The French Countie, euen to this present. This Thierry left two Sonnes, to wit, Richard, Duke of Bourgongne who was Father to Raoull, or Radulph, Duke of Bourgongne, and King of France, af∣ter Eudes and Robert his Cousins by the Fathers side) and Richard also, Duke of Bourgongne, whose onely Daughter was married to Otho (Brother of Hugh Capet) to whom she brought in marriage, the Duchie of French Bourgongne,

Eudes, otherwise called Odo, second Sonne to Robert of Aniou, succeeded in the honours and titles of his Father, but with farre greater happinesse. For his vali∣ancie, he was intirely affected by Lewes, the Stammerer, second of the name, King of France and Emperour; who gaue him the Citie and Countie of Paris, with the title of honour and preheminence of Duke of the French, and Seneschall, that is, Great Maister of France. And because Charles le Gras, Sonne to Lewes King of Bauaria, in a brauado, and to despight him, had procured himselfe to be crowned Emperour: the Stammerer lying on his death-bed (by his last will and testament) ordained and instituted the said Eudes, his Cousine by the Fathers-side, Regent of the Kingdome of France,* 1.67 and Tutour or Guardian to the fruite which should is∣sue from the wombe of his wife Adelaida (that is, Al••ce) of England, she being con∣ceiued with childe foure or fiue moneths, if shee should be deliuered of a Sonne.

Declaring manifestly by this gift of Gardian and Regent, that he did not acknow∣ledge any other Prince in his Klngdome, neerer to succeede in the Crowne of France, then the said Eudes of Aniou.

* 1.68Adelaida was deliuered of a Sonne Posthumus, which was Charles, called the Simple, because he had slender endowments of minde. In regard of his mino∣ritie in yeares; Lewes and Carloman, Bastards to the Stammerer (whom he begat of a meane Damosell,* 1.69 named Ansegarda, that had the fauours of his youth) entitled themselues Kings of France: Reigned for a time, and are denominated in the List and Catalogue of Kings.

By the death of these two, Charles le Gras, Emperour, was called to the King∣dome by some French Lords: but being excluded by want of Iudgement▪ Arnoull, or Arnulph,* 1.70 Bastard to Carloman, Son to Lewes King of Bauaria, was elected Guardian for the person of the said Charles le Gras his Vnckle; in place of whom he tooke the title of Emperour. Arnoull seeing himselfe Emperour; pretended the Regencie and Tutelage of the Simple, and stiled himselfe King of France.

* 1.71Against this Arnoull, the Noblemen of France opposed themselues, who neuer would acknowledge a strange Prince for their King, although he were of the Blood of France. So that by common consent, the French ordered with one accord, that Eudes Count of Aniou, should Reigne ouer them, during the minoritie of Charles his Pupile. According to this agreement, Eudes was Sacred King of France, by Gautier, Archbishop of Sens. Against this Sacring, young Baldwine, Count of Flanders, made opposition, who maintained his right of preferrence, as being des∣cended in direct Ligne from Charles the Baulde, Father of Iudith his Mother, Si∣ster to Lewes the Stammerer. Notwithstanding all his reasons, he was payed with the money of France; from the Crowne whereof all Daughters are excluded, al∣though they be naturall and legitimate; according to the fundamentall Salique Law of the Kingdome.

* 1.72Successor Imperij Francorum Masculus esto.

Vnder the first and second Lignes of our Kings, Bastards haue rather bin ad∣mitted to the Crowne, then Daughters, and their legitimate Sonnes. Eudes dying, left the Crowne to the Simple, to whom it appertained by right naturall and di∣uine.

Robert, second of the name, Count of Paris and Aniou, brother to Eudes, main∣tained against the Simple, and his pertakers; that the Crowne appertained to him, by the death of his Brother, as a Prince of the Blood, legitimate and natu∣rall Heire to his Brother. Nor did the last words of Eudes hurt or preiudice him, for acknowledging Charles the Simple, to be by (good right) excluded from the Crowne, as well for his imbecilitie, as by consent of the generall States of France, who had adiudged to the said Eudes, that there was no right or due, to de∣priue the hereditarie rights of Succession, by renouncing them for the profit of a person, who had formerly bin sentenced as vnworthy and vncapable. Vpon which words,* 1.73 Robert ioyning effects to them, was Sacred King of France by Herue, Arch∣bishop of Rheimes, and made so strong a League with his kinred and friends, that death it selfe could not alter nor dissolue it. For those which proceeded of his Li∣nage, remained (very speedily) peaceable possessors of the Crowne of France: Ro∣bert hauing (as it were) sealed it with his death, and signed it with his Blood, being slaine (to maintaine his title) in a foughten Battaile, neere to Soissons, in the yeare of Grace 922. Charles the Simple (alwayes keeping that Sir-name) deriued but small benefit from this Cadmean Victory, being hated and despised of his owne people, for his little care of gouernment, in aduancing to the height of Fortunes-wheele, his Minnion Aganon, of base and meane qualitie, preferring him with the greatest Lords of France. Who forsooke him in such sort, that keeping him prisoner at ••••∣ronne, he died within foure yeares after his surprizall; compelled by old Hebert, Count of Vermandois (that kept him prisoner) to resigne his Crowne to Ra••••ll or Rodolphe, Duke of Bourgongne, his God-sonne and Kinseman, who reigned some

time. Robert the second espoused the Sister to old Hebert, of whom he left a Sonne, named

Hugh the great Abbot, otherwise called the white Abbot, for reasons noated in ••he precedent Tract. Hee tooke to wife Haunida (that is Auoya) yongest daughter to the Emperour Henry the Bird-Catcher, Sister to Otho, Emperour, first of the name, and of Gerherga, wife to Lewes of Beyond the Seas, sonne of the Simple: so that the King and his Subiect were Brothers in Law by alliance. Hugh (neuer∣thelesse) did not forbeare to maintaine the right, which he pretended to the Crown of France. This Hugh, had by his first wife Auoya, three Sonnes; as namely,* 1.74 Hugh Capet; Odo Duke of Bourgongne, and Henry, who by the decease of his brother Odo, became Duke of Bourgongne. In second marriage he espoused a daughter to Edward, King of England, sister to Ogina, wife to the Simple: and by her hee had a daughter, married to the Duke of Normandie, Richard sans Poeur, Sir-named Long-Legges.

Hugh, Sir-named Capet, or Capouche,* 1.75 because he was wilfull and obstinate (eldest Sonne of Hugh the white Abbot, because he delighted to weare a white Gon∣••elle, and white Cloake) was by consent of the generall States of France, decla∣red, published and Sacred King of Rheimes, in the yeare of Grace 987. as we haue elsewhere said.

And so the Crowne of France passed from the Ligne of Charles the Great, des∣cended of Ansegises, eldest Sonne to S. Arnulphe of Mentz; to that of Martine,* 1.76 Maire of the Pallace of Austrasia, descended from Clodulphe, yongest Sonne to the said S. Arnulphe, and was rendered peaceably to his Family (which reigned hap∣pily) in the person of the said Hugh Capet, who rendered it firme and stable to Ro∣bert the Deuout his Sonne, and to his descendants: God appearing well pleased with this translation to the Ligne of Hugh Capet, which hath already continued in ••t selfe longer time, then both the other together.

And this is the reason why William de Nangis, stopping the mouthes of the new Writers of our times (badly informed in our Historie, or purposely desiring to disguise truth, and obscure it with the vaile of lying) discourseth effectually, speak∣••ng of Hugh Capet: That hee was no Vsurper of the Crowne of France, but a legitimate Lord, and possessour thereof. Sed nec iste Hugo Regni inuasor, aut vsurpator aliqualiter est ••udicandus, quem ad tantam dignitatem Regni Proceres elegerunt, & euexerunt.

I let passe (vnder silence) the testimonie of the same Author, speaking of Pope ••nnocent, who In Decretali suo Ludouicum sextum (that is Lewes le Gros) qui descendit ••b isto Hugone adstruit processisse de progenie Caroli Magni, quod stare non posset, si iste Hugo de eadem progenie non descendisset.

The same Author writeth in his Chronicle of Hugh the great Abbot, Father of Hugh Capet, who hauing caused to be brought into France, the bodies of S. Riquier ••nd of S. Valery, to the Townes called by their names, and who, also to auoide the furie of the Normans, had transported them to S. Omer, in the Abbey of S. Berthin; S. Valery appeared to this Prince, and told him,* 1.77 that for the remembrance he had acknowledged of them; His Sonnes and Descendants should reigne in France vnto the seauenth Generation, that is to say, to infinite Ages. Ipsi Hugoni magno post hoc factum ••er visionem à sancto Valerico dictum fuit, quod propter hoc quod fecerat, eius Generatio ••st ipsum in Regno Francorum vsque in septimam Generationem, id est, in perpetuum reg∣••aret.

Very idlely then doe those Writers (enemies to the peace of France) vse their ••ercenarie tongues, and corrupted pennes, to lay a false imposition vpon truth against which no one can iustly write, so saith the great Tertullian) affirming by ••heir writings in our time: That Capet the Stranger (the Florentine Poet Dante de∣••erueth no answere) vsurped the Crowne of France against Charles of Lorraigne,* 1.78 legiti∣mate and naturall heire thereof. And that this vsurpation made contrary to all rea∣••on, of a Subiect against his Soueraigne Prince, could not hold any auaileable ti∣••le of prescription, or lawfull possession; whatsoeuer immemorable length of time may be alleadged for it. Impertinent Iurists, well chosen and tried, to sustaine so ••ad a cause.

What better title can all the Princes of the world haue, whereby to maintaine the possession of their Estates, then vniuersall consent of their Subiects? That is a valuable title, which maketh prescription against all such as can call it in questi∣on:* 1.79 being ioyned and annexed to an immemorable possession and enioying, which is another title of good fidelitie, yea, euen to a Stranger Prince, were he called from the remotest parts of China. Non est vsurpator & inuasor, quem ad Regiam dignitatem Regni Proceres euexerunt.

Impertinent is it by writing, to call Capet and his descendants, strangers, thereby to bring Strangers into France, and so to fasten the Crowne thereof vpon their heads. And much more shamelesse impudence is it, to make him (contemptibly) descended of a Bastard, Hugh, the Sonne of Lothaire the second, who gaue him the Dukedome of Bourgongne the higher, that is, La France Counte; and that this Hugh came to dwell in France, where hee was married, leauing a Sonne, named Robert, sent by the Emperour Arnulphe, to defend the Kingdome of France against Norman Pirats: by whom (say those vnnaturall French Writers) he was slaine in a foughten Battaile. And that the said Robert was Sonne to Eudes, Duke of Bour∣gongne, who vsurped the Kingdome against Charles the Simple, and his Sonnes. These are the tearmes of a pretended Plea, made (say some) by Lewes, eleauenth of the name, on the pretences of Mary of Bourgongne, eldest daughter to Charles the last Duke, brought to light at the beginning of the troubles excited in this Realme (vnder name of the Holy League, mad and furious) by a Bourgongnon, named of S. Iulian.* 1.80 Which discourse is without approbation, and namelesse of any Aduo∣cate or Proctor Generall, belonging to the said Lewes the eleauenth, but truely wor∣thie, and capable of the name of a Paradoxe, which it beareth for a frontespice. Neither is there any matter of truth in it, but where he saith in two passages, that this Hugh, the Sonne of Lothaire the second, was not reputed legitimate, and from thence should ensue a consequence, more then most dangerous, against the honor and person of our Kings, descending from Capet. But in those times then, was the reigne of false Prophets, wherein the Prince of darkenesse exercised his power on those sale-able soules; to the end, to cut and deuide in pieces (by Strangers Coyne) the Crowne of France.

Very true it is, that in the yeare of Grace, eight hundred and tenne, Godfrey, a Danish Prince,* 1.81 came and coasted on Friezland, with a Fleete of two hundred Shippes, burning and destroying the Islands thereof; so saith Meier in his second Booke of the Annales of Flanders. In the yeare Eight hundred thirtie seauen, the Normans, neighbours to the Danes, made the like descent into Zealand, and the ad∣iacent Islands, where they put all to fire and sword. So that the Emperour Charles the Baulde, for assurance of the Coasts on the Sea, in the yeare 863. erected Holland to be a Countie; and the first Count thereof was Thierry, who was likewise Sir-na∣med the Frizone.

Yet notwithstanding all this, the Normans left not their former courses, but re∣turned againe into France,* 1.82 in the yeare Eight hundred eighty foure, after the death of the King and Emperour Lewes the Stammerer, at such time as Lewes and C••∣man his Bastards, tooke the title of Kings of France. These two (being well fa••∣ted with money) bought of the Normans a Truce for twelue yeares, so that lea∣uing France at rest for a time: the said Normans ioyned themselues with the Danes, conducted by their chiefe Commanders Godfreye and Sigefroye. Being thus ac∣companied, they entred on the Lands of the Emperour Charles le Gras, and after they had pilled Piccardie, Cambresis, Therouenne, Artois, Cleues, Gueldres and Brabant: they tooke (by force) the Cities of Liege, Vtrecht, Tongres, Tr••▪ with Aix la Chappelle, from whence they set towards Mentz, to doe the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there.

* 1.83To checke these insolent courses of theirs, Charles le Gras marched in person a∣gainst them, and gaue them Battaile, wherein he was vanquished. So that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was constrained and forced, nor onely to desire their friendship; but also to giue them certaine parcels of Land, to make firme their dwelling in. And for the better assurance of these his new Guests, he gaue as wife to Godfrey, a choise 〈◊〉〈◊〉

named Gista, the Bastard daughter of his deceased Cousine Germaine, Lothaire the second; and for her Dowrie, he gaue the Countie of Friezland, so speaketh our An∣nales, and them of Flanders.

This Lothaire the second had married Thiethberga, a wise and vertuous Princesse, ••ssued from the Blood of Charlemaigne. But she distasting him, beeause hee kept a Concubine, called Waldrada: he grew mallicious against her, tearming her barren and vnfruitfull. So that hauing won to his part Gautier, Archbishop of Magunce, and Thietgauld, Archbishop of Treuers: they pronounced sentence of separation, betweene Lothaire and his wife Thiethberga, he being permitted to marrie againe,* 1.84 as (very soone after) he did, espousing his Concubine Waldrada. But the Pope then ••itting, declared a Nullitie of that marriage, excommunicating Lothaire and his Concubine; deposing also from their Archbishopricks Gautier and Thietgaulde, who had time and leisure enough, for better performance of their penance, so are the words set downe in our Annales.

Lothaire had by this Waldrada, the same Gista,* 1.85 which was married to Godfrey the Dane, made Count of Friezland; and Hugh, of whom our great Writers will haue ••o descend, Robert the Strong, Count of Aniou, and our Hugh Capet.

This Hugh possessed himselfe of a part of Lorraine,* 1.86 in those times of farre grea∣••er eztendure, then it is at this present. And to maintaine himselfe in this vsurpa∣••ion, and (by little and little) to impeach the French, from forcing him to leaue his prize; he moued his brother in law a 1.87 Godfrey, to send and demand of the Em∣perour Le Gras, farre greater matters, then (by his owne knowledge) was likely he ••ee would yeelde vnto. Which serued him as a new subiect, to forrage France and Germanie againe, and better meanes for himselfe, in the conseruation of ••is Conquest, whereof hee promised to bestow a part vpon his Brother in Law.

Le Gras discouering the mallice and perfidious dealing of the Bastard; made an∣swere to the deputies sent from Godfrey; that he desired to see their Prince, to the ••nd, he might the more sufficiently content him. Godfrey set forward on the way,* 1.88 ••nd the Emperour hauing prouided an ambush for him, by a Saxon Lord, named Henry; by the principall of his Court, being fallen in among them, was slaine in ••he place. Which wicked deede was reuenged on the same Henry, for he being ••ome to the succour of the Citie of Paris, besiedged then by the Normans; was ta∣ken by them in a charge, and there instantly slaine, as is more at large declared in the Booke of the same Siedge.

Saxonia vir Ainricus fortisque, potensque Venit in auxilium Gozlini Praesulis Vrbis.

And a little lower speaking of his death.

En & Ainricus Superis crebro votitatus, Obsidione volens illos vallare, necatur.

And as for the Bastard of Hugh, being forsaken of his owne followers;* 1.89 he was betrayed, and brought before Charles le Gras, who caused him to be shut vp in a Monastery, his eyes being first pluckt out of his head. The Annales of Germany, and Sigibertus Gemblacensis, vnder the yeare Eight hundred eightie sixe. Hugo fi∣lius Lotharij Regis ex Waldrada pellice paternum Lotharingiae Regnum rebellando assequi ••perans, Godefrido Normannorum Duci, cui Soror sua Gisla nupserat, medietate affectati Regni promissa persuadet, vt ab Imperatore Imperiales fifcos ad libitum suum sibi addi ••eteret. Per hoc vtrimque Imperatorem circumuenire putans: si daret Normanni hostes Regni in visceribus regni immitterentur: Si negaret iustam rebellandi causam habere viderentur. Ad hoc tractandum iussu Imperatoris, Henrico duce, & Godefrido in Bata∣••ia ex condicto conuenientibus, inter agendum Godefridus cum suis punitur. Nec ••ulto post etiam Hugo ab Henrico excoecatur, & nourissime in Monachum Prumiae at∣••ondetur.

Hugh Capet then was not issued of Witichind the Saxon Stranger, nor of this bad∣••red Bastard, as ignorants say: But a Frenchman by extraction and originall, as also

a Prince, of the Noble blood of France, issued from the Counts of Aniou and M••, who made their abiding at Chasteau-Neuf in Aniou, whose Tombes and Sepulch••••, are yet to be seene, with their Armes and Banners De Gueulles au Raiz pou••mette, & Fleuronne d'Or, de huit pieces, à la Bordure de France, as we haue already said else∣where.

* 1.90Now concerning the Crowne of France, it appertained to the said Capet by three meanes.

First, because he was descended of Eudes, brother to Robert, Count of Aniou, Sacred and Crowned King of France; whereof he was Regent, and Guardian 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King Charles the Simple, as well by the Testament of the late King Lewes the Stam∣merer, Father of the said Simple; as by the consent generall of all the States of the Kingdome, by reason of want of gouernment in the Simple.

Secondly, because he was Son to Hugh the Great, Brother to Robert; Sacred like∣wise King of France, in the Church of Rheimes.

And thirdly, because he was issued of the auncient Princes of the blood, Cousin•• (in many degrees, as well by Father as Mother) from Pepin and Charlemaigne, and their Sonnes and descendants, as we haue said. So that being the prime Prince of the Blood; Charles of Lorraigne (meerely became a Stranger) the Crowne appertai∣ned to him.

Adde we hereto, that he was the wisest, and most iudicious Prince of all them in his time. And, for his rare vertues, he was wished, desired and requested of all the French people, as a sacred blessing sent of God from Heauen, to calme the tempests, troubles and disorders, which ouer-whelmed all France: whereof, by consent of the whole world, he was proclaimed King.

The Kings of the first Ligne, had begunne the Monarchie of France by fran∣chise and libertie,* 1.91 retained it (very long time after) on the tearmes of duetie and o∣bedience. But these bounds and limits were out-stept and changed, into all impunitie of doing euill. This first Franchise was supported, made firme and ena∣bled, by sinceritie of Religion; which saw it selfe disformed by abuse and Si∣monie.

* 1.92Charlemaigne the true Sonne of the second Race, by holy Ordenances (reported in his Capitularies) reformed the franchise of Religion; seruing as a Glasse or Mir∣rour to all them of his descent, for imitation of his example. But when they be∣gan to contemne it; it fell to the ground, without hope or meanes of restoring. For, leading dissolute liues; they abused Religion, possessed themselues of the Churches goods, to bestow them on their Haganons, Women and Minnions. Yea, God did so farre suffer it, that the greatest men in the Kingdome, had the very best and richest Benefices: and, on their Reuenewes, they payed Armies, to make wa•• with their Kings, and (in the end) to suppresse them.

* 1.93God raised miraculously Hugh Capet, who, to become wiser; made profit of the later Kings bad behauiour; so that from the very entrance of his Reigne, hee ap∣peased all troubles and disorders in the Kingdome. Yet not by Fire or Ca••∣terizing, but by a farre milder way, that is to say; by politticall Lawes, and, through the obseruation of them, hee brought all (at the first) to former obedience.

He made the Law of Reuersions, and yonger Brothers portions; and that also, against alienating the demeanes of the Crowne. And, being able to doe no other∣wise, he confirmed the Dukes and Counts in their Gouernements, which (of themselues) were become hereditarie to them; but yet with charge of seruice, and of continuing Liedge-men; and by these meanes he contented the Lords of the Kingdome.

* 1.94Hee discharged the people of all new Subsidies, and expelled from his Court dissolutions, superfluitie of habites and Feastes, corruption and sel∣ling of Court Offices, Flatterers, Bawdes, and councell of yong heads without experience.

In his time, his Court, and chiefely in himselfe, shined most wise and modest carriage in all actions. Power was maintained in the King; Iustice ruled euery

••here, fastened with a knot and bond (more then Gardian) of Peace. Religion was ••••refully kept, and the State affaires were mannaged by iudgement, and aduise of the ••••st aged and wisest Councellers, with speedie expedition, the onely noate of ad∣••rable experience.

Hee forgot all reuenge, and pardoned the offences committed against him ••••d his Predecessours. From him grew the remarkeable Apothegme: That the ••••gs of France will not meddle, in reuenging the enmities of the Counts of Paris, and of ••iou.

Hee caused his Sonnes to be educated among them of the Nobilitie of the ••••ngdome; to the end, that being inured to the good and happie ayre of the ••ourt, as also the obedience and seruice which they owe to their King: by ••grees they might be nourished vp in Religion, which shined principally in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Court. For, to shew an example, among others, hee restored to the Ab∣••yes of Saint Denys in France, of Saint Germain des Prez, and Saint Martin 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Tours, the fruites and reuennues, whereof, hee, his Father and Grand∣••••thers had (against all right) vsurped. So that hee serued as a Lanthorne or ••ide to the great Lords of the Kingdome, for doing the like, to the great ••od of the Gallicane Church. Whereto hee also caused to be restored, the ••ods of the Pagans Idoles, giuen by Charlemaigne, and whereof euery Gentle∣••an (in his place of dwelling) was made Maister by right of correspondencie. And ••re you may behold the very words of his Ordenance, published throughout all the ••rouinces of France.

••N Dei nomine, omnibus praesentibus & futuris. Hugo Dei Gratia Francorum Rex.* 1.95 Cum sit dignum Deo omnia bona referre, & quae sunt Dei Deo dare, vt diuina bo∣••as multiplice semen Regale nostrum in sui honorem, & vtilitatem gentium, omnes ••clesiarum libertates, dona & priuelegia firmiter & deuote confirmamus. Volumus ••tem vt Carta gloriosae memoriae Caroli Francorum Regis de possessionibus Dijs genti∣••n quondam dicatis, & diuino cultui applicandis, in omnibus obseruetur. Qui au∣••m de his aliquid subtrahere voluerit, vel aliquo tempore Cartam hanc Regalis rescrip∣••nis violare praesumat, sentiat in omnibus rebus suis detrimentum, & partem habeat ••m Sathanae principe tenebrarum. Pactum hoc ad Aram beatorum Apostolorum Pa∣••sius (which at this present is Saint Geneuiefue of Paris) sub sigillo nostro, & infra∣••••scriptorum. S. Roberti filij nostri. S. Roberti de Nogeria. S. Genselini Syluanectensis Bu∣••ularij. S. Martini Cam••rarij. S. Genserici Referendarij.

The great Officers of the Crowne had abused their charges, and made profit of ••em, to the preiudice of the Kings their Maisters:* 1.96 so that being become more ••owerfull then they, euen in an instant, not onely they possessed themselues of ••e Prouinces of France; but also of their Kings persons. As was put in pra∣••ise on those Kings, Charles the Simple, prisoner at Saint Quentin, and Cha∣••au Thierry, and his Sonne Lewes of Beyond the Seas. Hugh Capet therefore made ••stinction of the Officers of the Crowne, from them about the person of Kings. ••ee suppressed the Maires and Counts of the Pallace, burying their Offices ho∣••orably in the Royaltie, and in place of the Officers of the Houshold, Pallace ••oyall, and person of the King, preceding all other dignities; he caused them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be preceded by the Officers of the Crowne, whom hee instituted, to the end, ••at such as possessed the Kings person, might not also possesse the State.* 1.97 So that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this meanes, he planted an opposition or contradiction in his Court, to main∣••••in (as it were by a counterpoize) the said Officers seuerally in their duties. He made ••e Maister of the Horse, chiefe Commander in his warres, and of his Armies: the ••hancellor was the prime Officer of Iustice, and Pollicie in the Kingdome, as if he ••ere the Lord chiefe Iustice.

On behalfe of the Nobilitie, and men of warre, which swarmed thorow France,* 1.98 〈◊〉〈◊〉 daily it happened during, and at the returne of the inciuile Warres, hee or∣••ined and established Marshals in all the Prouinces; to haue a vigilant eye ••t the peoples tranquilitie, and roughly to chastise Theeues and Robbers

on the wayes, pursuing them from one iurisdiction to another, with•• any regard of the territories. Henry, first of the name, yongest Sonne of Cap•• gaue ranke and title to Officers of the Crowne, and Marshals of France, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 power to command in the Armies, as also to leade and conduct them to wa•• This was the first of the Kings of France, that submitted himselfe, as well to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iustice of his Parlement, as of his subalternate Iudges; establishing an Attorne•• Generall, to exercise in his name, and vndergoe iudgement and condemnation, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 well in causes which concerned his State, as in those of the subiects agai•• him. By this meanes, great men, and the Nobilitie were (by little and little) ••∣ly disarmed, and made familiar with Iustice; whereas before, all their actions 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no other gouernment, but by force and violence, like to wilde beasts, and vo•• of reason.

* 1.99And in regard that these great Lords of France, had the principall cha•• and superintendencie, for assembling the Nobilitie vnder their Banners, at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 times, and as often as they should goe to the warres, and that from the•• grew the originall and birth of Leagues, factions and partialities in the land: C••∣pet wisely ordained, that Bayliffes and Stewards of Prouinces (to whom it appe••∣tained, to giue and lend the strong hand of Iustice) should likewise haue the charge for assembling the Nobilitie, and people of the Ban and Arriere-〈◊〉〈◊〉 of France, and conduct them to Gouernours or Lieutenants Generals of the Prouinces. So that by this meanes, the Noblemen, Barons and Lords could not leuie a Banner, without leaue of the said Bayliffes and Stewards, who, vnder the shaddow of exercising Iustice, resided in the Prouinces of their Iurisdictions, and thereby contained the Nobilitie within compasse of due••ie, cutting off the spurres of all their complottings,* 1.100 and causing power to remaine in the Kings owne hand, without whose command, the Bayliffes were not per∣mitted to make any Muster, or leuye of Armes. So that (in time) the Baro•• became subiected to the Stewards and Bayliffes, and so (consequently) to Iustice Royall.

* 1.101And thus Hugh Capet (by admirable wisedome) redressed the affaires 〈◊〉〈◊〉 France, when all was in decadence and confusion, hauing the sadde counte∣nance of Warre, as in a Chaos and commixture of infinite Lords, without any rule or pollicie. Hee solemnized principally the Feast of the three Kings, and ordenarily hee wore a Starre of Gold in his Bonnet; in memorie of that Starre, which guided and conducted them from the Easterne Indiaes, so farre as to Bethlehem, there to take knowledge of, and to worship the most Sacred Bread of Life.

* 1.102Robert, the onely man of that name, a wise and deuout Prince, succeeded after his said Father Capet, and following his steppes; hee serued as an ex∣ample and mirrour to all the Princes of Christendome. For hee addicted himselfe to Pietie, and to erect and builde Churches, one in emulation of another; so saith (very notably) Glaber Rodolphus, in the Life of the said Robert.

EGo regnante contigit in Vniuerso pene Terrarum Orbe, praecipue tamen in It••l••, & in Gallijs innouari Ecclesiarum Basilicas, licet pleraeque decenter loc••tae 〈◊〉〈◊〉 me indiguissent. Aemulabatur tamen quaeque gens Christicolarum aduersus alter•• decentiore frui. Erat enim instar ac si Mundus ipse excutiendo semet reiects 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tustate, passim candidam Ecclesiarum vestem indueret. Tunc denique Episcopali•• Sedium Ecclesias pene vniuersas, ac caetera quaeque diuersorum Sanctorum monasteri••, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 minora Villarum Oratoria, in meliora quique permutauere Fideles.

The great Saint Denys Areopagita arriuing at Paris, had his first dwelling 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Port of Saint Iacques (then this place was nothing but Woods, from Pe∣tit Pont, so farre as to the Suburbs of Saint Iacques, at this present) at the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by him named, The Schoole of the Greekes, Schola Graecorum, but now Saint Stephen•• the Greeks; the whole Vniuersitie being then a fielden and wooddie Wildernesse

••it for solitude. During the space of twentie yeares, the time of his abiding at Paris; hee prouided diuers places of deuotion, at Saint Ben••ist le bien tourne, ••n the Chappell of Saint Nicholas, Dedicated by him in honour of the most Sacred Trinitie, tho ineffable misterie whereof hee had learned by hart, of ••he Apostle Saint Peter, and of his Tutour or Scholemaister Saint Paule. In memorie of whom hee builded a small Oratorie, frequented soone after by Saint Geneuiefue, Tutelarie Patronesse of the Parisians, at whose request our ••irst Christian King Clouis caused a Church to be erected, where hee chose a ••uriall place for him and his, neerely ioyning to his Pallace, and on the foun∣dation where he built the Abbey, at this day called of Saint Geneuiefue du Mont ••e Paris. Whereof S. Denys had (before) dedicated to the first Martyre S. Stephen, ••he place of his abiding; wherein he enstructed the youths of Paris, to take know∣••edge of the Faith of Iesus Christ.

The fourth Oratorie was built by Saint Denys,* 1.103 in the same place where stood the Temple of Mercurie, whose Idole he ouerthrew by the signe of the Crosse. It is at his present Nostre Dame des Champs.

Hic errorum cumulus, hic omnis spurcitia, Hic infoelix Populus gaudet idolatriâ, Adorabat idolum fallacis Mercurij, Sed vicit Diabolum fides Dionysij.

For this Temple of Mercurie was the principall of all them which were at Paris:* 1.104 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hauing his actions reported by the fictions of Poets, most proper and commenda∣••le to the Parisians, who (among all other Nations of the World) euen of their ••wne naturall mindes, were capable of the Arts Liberall, Mechanicall, and the ••est Sciences, ouer which (by opinion of our Auncients) Mercurie is said to haue redominance.

The Temple of whom was by the great Saint Denys (being prophane before) ••nuerted and changed to a Church, and, for holy deuotion,* 1.105 dedicated in honor of ••he Virgin Mary, said to be the Queen of Angels, and Princesse of heauen and earth. ••nd such was the happinesse of Saint Denys, to see her mount vp to Heauen on ••he day of her Assumption; and by conference with her before her passage, ••e learned those admirable secrets, which are reuealed in his rare and diuine Writings. Hereof himselfe beareth testimonie, in the Tract which he wrote De ••iuinis nominibus. Concerning the change of that prophane place to Sacred, the ••rose of S. Denys speaketh thus by conuersion.

Hic constructo Christi templo Verbo docet, & exemplo Coruscat miraculis; Turba credit, error cedit Fides crescit, & clarescit Nomen tanti Praesulis.

By the portraiture of the Virgin Mary, holding her Sonne vpon her knee ••s it had formerly bin figured in the Primitiue Church, and not standing vpright,* 1.106 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ignorant Painters and Caruers haue represented her) S. Denys caused another to be ••awne, on a small Stone, about a foote square in Diameter (Peint d'vn esmail de di∣••ses couleurs d Or, & d'Azur) which was to be seene not aboue two yeares ••ee, fastened without the Church of Nostre Dame des Champs, on the North-••e of the lesser Churchyard. But since, by reading the Antiquities of Pa∣••, newly re-imprinted (by the dilligence of the deceased Brother Iac∣••es du Brueil, Monke of Saint Germain des Prez; the light for Lear∣••ng to the Monasteries of France) the Intendant or Ouer-seer of this Church, ••derstood the Antiquitie of this excellent piece, and passed it from one

extremity to another, causing it to be brought from a prophane place, and enclo∣sed in the Conuent of the Carmeline Sisters. And instead of fastning it to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Piller of the Church; either by grosse ignorance, or mallicious enu••e, the know∣ledge of that rare piece is taken from the Publique. This Stone is castellated with another of farre greater compasse, on the Basis whereof are engrauen these Verses in the Latine.

Siste Viator iter, Mariam reuerenter honora, Nam fuit haec saxo primum depicta minori, Quod medium spectas. At sculptum primitus, aedes Et basilica tenet tanto de nomine dicta.

* 1.107Saint Denys hauing purified this Temple of Mercurie, dedicated and consecr••∣ted it (as we haue said) to the Queene of Angels; and there he established his Episcopall Seate, and made his dwelling there all the remainder of his life, which was an hundred and twelue yeares. For Fescennius Sisinnius, perceiuing the fro•• which this great Apostle made by his Preaching; after infinite torments and inflictions,* 1.108 which he caused him to endure, hee commanded his Braine-pa•• to be cleft with a Coopers Addis (as hee did the like to his Deacons Eleutheri¦us and Rusticus) before the Idole of Mars, to whom they would not sacrifice and offer Incense.

This Martyrdome happened at Mont-martre at Paris, in the yeare of Grace One hundred twentie and one, in the Pontificalitie of Pope Alexander the first, and Empire of Adrian the second: Auiola and Pansa, being then Consuls, according 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the calculation of Cassiodorus. Cuspinian in his Annotations vpon the said Cassiod••∣rus, reporteth this out of an auncient Annales, which he affirmeth to haue read. Anno Domini Centesimo Vigesimo primo apud Parisios Dionysius Episcopus Marty•• satur.

Some while after this martyrdome, the Parisians obtained the point of their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Romaines, where they erected a Church, the chiefe or high Altar whereof they raised iustly on the same place, where S. Denys, their Apostle & first Bishop had bin roasted on a Gridiron,* 1.109 and where (at this present) is the little Church of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Denys du Pas: so named by the vulgar ignorant, but it is truely called Sanctus Diony∣sius de Passione.

The first Church was (the second time) rebuilded by King Childebert, first of the name (Son to great Clouis) by the name of The most holy Trinitie of Paradise. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the second building it was enriched with great Pillers of Marble:

Splendida marmoreis attollitur aula columnis, Et quia pura manet, gratia maior inest.

So saith Fortunatus, Bishop of Poictiers, who describeth (in Verse) all the parti∣cularities of this Mother Church, which he preferreth (by good right) with the Tem∣ple built by Salomon.

Si Salomoniaci memoretur machina Templi, Arte licet par sit, pulchrior ista fide.

* 1.110And speaking of the translation of the Bishoppes Seate, from Nostre Dame d•• Champs, into the Isle of Paris, and of the deuotion of the great Prince Childeb•• who is the first of our eight and twentie Kings, to be seene on the front of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 great Church (Clouis his Father is onely alone without the Church, on the North side) he saith

Hac pius egregio Rex Childebertus amore Dona suo populo non moritura dedit.

It is held by tradition, that the Pictures of this King Childebert,* 1.111 and of Clouis his ••ather, which yet are to be seene on the toppe of the Meridionall Portall (vnder which is the Image of S. Marcell) on both sides of the Virgin Mary, before whom ••louis standing vpright, presenteth his Sonne Childebert on his knees, the Virgin ••ting, with her Sonne on her lap, after the auncient manner (as she is depicted at ••ostre Dame des Champs) accosted with two Angels: It vrgeth beliefe, that Great ••louis had (in his life time) begun the building, and that it was ended by his Sonne ••hildebert.

The first Church, hauing bin dedicated in honour of the most blessed Trinitie;* 1.112 ••he ineffable misterie whereof had bin enstructed to the Parisians by the great S. De∣••is. The second was (by Childebert) dedicated to the Sacred Virgin, S. Stephen, and ••. Denys. And from that time, it had the name of Saint Maries Church, vulgarly ••lled of our Lady; vnder whose protection and assured safeguard, the Parisians ••henceforward) committed their Citie, as it is obserued by Abbo, in his first Booke ••f the Siedge of Paris by the Normans.

Vrbs in honore micat celsae sacrata Mariae.

And from thence it proceeded, that Our Lady day in August, is in the Citie of Paris, solemne Festiuall day; when, on the morrow following, the Sheriffes & Prouost des Marchants (instituted by the great King Clouis) are elected in Scrutinie, by plurality ••f voyces among the Bourgesses of Paris.

The Church built by Childebert held firme footing, vntill the declining of Charle∣••aignes Children; but then it was long time without any repairing, by reason of the ••nciuile wars, and troubles in the Realme of France.

Deuout King Robert, keeping his Court and ordenary abiding at Paris, and at S. Martin des Champs; rebuilded most part of the Churches in Paris, and elsewhere:* 1.113 ••t Paris, the Churches of S. Nicholas des Champs, and Nostre Dame des Champs. At ••rleans, the Churches of Nostre Dame de bonnes Nouuelles, and the Abbey of S. Ag∣••an. At Poictiers, S. Hilarie: S. Legier in Yueline, that is to say, in the Forrest of Paris, ••alled Aquilina Silua. S. Mary at Vitry, and the Castell of the said place. At Estampes, ••he Church of Nostre Dame, and the Castell. At Senlis, the Church of S. Rieull. At ••oissy, the Church of Nostre Dame. At Autun, S. Cassin, and other Oratories in di∣••ers places of the Kingdome.

The Church of Nostre Dame des Champs at Paris, was rebuilded by the said King ••obert, in the same estate and manner, as at this present is to be seene, the foundation ••udged to be intire and sound, when the Carmeline Sisters, or Nuns were there esta∣••lished. On the top and pinnacle before the said Church, is yet to be seene the I∣••age of the Arch-Angell S. Michaell, the tutelarie Angell and Guardian of the most Christian Monarchie of France, ensculpted after the antique forme, holding a Bal∣••nce in the one hand, and a Crosse in the other; on his Head, and toppe of his Wings, are fixed and cramponned strong Pikes of Iron, to keepe the Birds from ••earching thereon. The ignorant vulgar conceiued in their opinion, that this was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Crown of Eares of Corne, and thought it to be the Idole of the Goddesse Ceres, a ••atter wherein they are much deceiued: for Isis and Ceres being but one and the ••ame thing, her Temple was at S. Ceour, and S. Germain des Prez. The Pagans coue∣••ed the heads of their Idole Priapus, their Hermes or Mercurie (planted at the ends or ••uarters, as well of Fields, as in Townes & Bourroughes, as Guards of Gardens, and ••eautifying the wayes) with Roundels of Wood, or of white Latten, because Birds should not soyle their Visages. Hereof there are infinite passages in good Poets.

In me veniant mictum atque cacatum, Quidquid Coruorum est.

And elsewhere.

Merdisque coinquiner albis. Coruorum.

Those Rondels were named by the Greekes, as we finde 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Aristophanes in Auibus. Wherefore the Painters and Caruers doe fondly deceiue themselues in placing those Rondels (which in grosse ignorance they tearme Diadems) on the heads of Saints, as well raised, as in flat painting; applying (very absurdly) prophane things to sacred.

As for the Mother Church of Paris, King Robert making his residing at Paris, as his Predecessours had done, Eudes, Robert, Hugh the great Abbot, and Hugh Capet his Father, all inscoffed Counts of Paris: caused it to be wholly new builded, and his will was accomplished, as now you see it at this present.

In elder time, and when it was built by King Childebert; it was more aduanced towards the point of the Isle, so that the Quire and high Altar thereof, was in the same place, where at this present is the Church of Saint Denys du Pas, and the en∣trance of the Church was then, where now is the great Gate of the Cloyster, but yet further inward; and the Bishoppes house was at S. Landry, and the Hostel des Vrsins.

* 1.114Now, concerning the house belonging to the Counts of Paris (who succeeded af∣ter the Romaine Prouosts, for gouernment of Iustice and Armes) it was, where at this instant is the Hospitall; the circuit contained from the old Bishopricke, where at this present are the Bishoprickes Stables, ioyning to the Vestrie or Treasurie, which is now the Bishopricke; cutting through the body of the Church of Nostre Dame, and returning along the North side thereof, from the Churches of S. Chri∣stopher, and S. Geneui••fue des Ardents, so far as to the end of the lesser Bridge, where is the Portall of the Hospitall, rebuilded by the Cardinall Du Prat, in the time of King Frances the first.

* 1.115Archambauld, Count of Paris, and Maire of the Pallace of France, vnder the de∣clining of the descendants of Clouis, slaine by Ebroin the cruell, Maire of the Pal∣lace to Thierry; gaue the said Counts house of Paris, with all the extendure there∣of, and S. Christophers Chappell, which he caused to be builded for the place of his buriall, with his Village De Chresteill on Marne, about three Leagues from Pa∣ris, to the Chapter of the Church of Paris. The words of the said donation by Archambauld, Count and Maire of the Pallace of Paris, vnder Clouis, second of the name, are set downe thus. Ercembaldus dedit Ecelesiae Sanctae Mariae d••∣mum suam, cum Cappella sua de Sancto Christophero, & villam suam de Christolio super Matronam, ita tamen vt in dicta sua Cappella de sancto Christophero nullus inhumaret••r nisi sit de linea, & Familia sua.

By meanes of this donation, the Foundations of this Mother Church, Mauris Ecclesiae, were by the said Robert laid further on this side, to the end, of being neerer to the great Bridge of Paris, where heretofore (according to the testimo∣nie of S. Gregory of Tours, in his Historie of France, and namely, in the time of Saint Lewes (as saith the Lord of Ioinuille in his life) dwelt the Mer∣chants of Silkes, or Mercers, Goldsmiths, Iewellers, and Money-Bankers of Paris.

The said Foundations were continued by the descendants aed successours of Robert: to wit, his eldest Sonne Henry, first of the name: Phillip the first: Lewes le Gras, sixt of the name: Lewes the Pious, tearmed the yonger, seauenth of the name, and Phillip Augustus, called the Conquerour, and Gods gift, second of the name,* 1.116 vnder whose Reigne it was finished: the Histories and figures (both within and without the worke) onely excepted. The Picture of the said Augu∣stus, vnder whom the Church was compleated, is the last of the twentie eight Kings his Predecessours, which are to be seene on the forefront of that admirable and sumptuous building.

The descendants of Clouis, residing at Paris, their partition; dwelt at the Pal∣lace of S. Geneuifue du Mont; afterward at the Louure, built on the banke of Seine by Childebert, first founder of S. Germaine des Prez (where he lyeth with his wife Vltrogotha) and of S. Germaine de l'Auxerrois, Churches founded vnder the name of the Martire Saint Vincent.

Lendegisilus, Sonne and Successour to the honours of his Father Archambauld,* 1.117 ••aire of the Pallace, and Count of Paris; caused the dwelling for the Counts of ••he Pallace to be erected, at the other point of the Isle and Citie of Paris. A buil∣••ing whereof we haue seene the foundation, at the end of the Kings Garden; but ••ow the end of the Daulphines Pallace.

The Counts that descended of Robert le Fort, made there their Hostell, and the ••escendants of King Robert enlarged or encreased it. But Lewes Hutin, tenth of ••he name, vnder the conduct of the Intendant Generall, for the Finances or Reue∣••ues of France, named Enguerran de Marigny, Count of Longue-Ville,* 1.118 caused it to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 builded, as you see it at this present: except the holy Chapell, the Greene Cham∣••er, where the Chauncerie is, and that of the Audience De la Tournelle, built by the ••ood King S. Lewes. And at all times, the Church of S. Bartholmew was the Orato∣••e for the Countes of Paris, and Parish Church of our Kings.

Robert the Deuout,* 1.119 in the same place where this admirable building of the holy Chappell is, caused an Oratorie to be builded (for the benefit of him and his Dome∣••ickes) called (at this present) the lower Chappell, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, ••nder the name of Nostre Dame, or Saint Mary of the Starre: because he called the ••irgine Mary, Stellam Regni sui: hauing ordinarily in his mouth these two Verses, ••f his owne composition.

Alma Redemptoris genitrix, Mundique salutis Stella maris fulgens, cunctis praeclarior astris.

And as he was one of the most excellent Latine Poets in his time; so,* 1.120 in honour ••f the same Virgin, he composed the Antiphonalles or Anthemes, and their An∣••wers, which the Church of Paris, and those in his Diocesse, sung on the day of the Natiuitie of our Lady, the eight of September. A feast day not instituted by Pope ••nnocent the fourth, in the yeare of Grace 1250, as is ignorantly written by Platina, ••n the life of the same Pope: but celebrated from the beginning of the World (and ••amely by our wise Druides) as is learnedly obserued by the Authour of Fascicu∣••us Temporum. For solemnitie of this Feast, he made these following Antipho∣••alles.

I.

Solem Iustitiae, Regem Paritura supremum Stella Maria maris hodie processit ad ortum; Cernere diuinum lumen gaudete fideles.

II.

Stirps Iesse Virgam produxit, Virgaque florem, Et super hunc florem requiescit Spiritus almus: Virgo Dei genitrix virga est, flos Filius eius.

III.

Ad nutum Domini nostrum Ditantis honorem, Sicut Spina Rosam genuit Iudaea Mariam, Vt vitium Virtus operiret, gratia culpam.

Being gone on Pilgrimage to Rome,* 1.121 he presented on the confession of the Prince of the Apostles, the Answers which were sung on the Feast day of Saint Paul, by Cornelius Centurio, in his manner. Fulbert, Bishop of Chartres, and Chauncellour of France, maketh mention of this voyage, in his hundred and ninth Epistle.

Constance his wife, Daughter to William, Count of Arles, a proud and disdainfull Ladie, (who by her vnnaturall Ambition, would preferre to the Crowne of France,* 1.122 her youngest sonne Robert, before the eldest, Monsieur Henry of France, hardly cor∣responding with the milde and gentle humour of her husband;) entreated him, because he was a singuler good Poet, to compose somewhat in her praise. To con∣tent

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her, he made an Hymne in honour of holy Martyrs, and began the same with her name.

O Constantia Martyrum mirabilis.

* 1.123This great Prince held it no vnworthie thing, or vnbeseeming Royall-Maiestie: to sing Psalmes and Anthemes, among the Priests and Chaunters in his Chap∣pell.

We reade of the same King Robert, that marching in person against Landry, Co•••• of Neuers,* 1.124 who had entred into the Dukedome of Bourgongne, to possesse him∣selfe thereof: the King laid his Siege before the Towne of Aualon, reputed to be impregnable. He continued there three Monthes, without any likelyhood of taking it by force: but when the good King began to sing Psalmes in his Tent, ac∣cording as he was wont to doe; the most part of the Wals of the besieged Town fell down to the earth miraculously. In which manner it was taken, & al the Dukdome of Bourgongne; which the King gaue (as a portion) to his second Sonne Henry, who being crowned King in the Citie of Rhemes (by the death of Hugh the Great his el∣der Brother) he estated (as inheritance) the said Dukedome of Bourgogne, to his younger Brother Robert; with reseruation of Hommage, and right of Reuersion to the Crowne of France, through defect of masle children, issued and borne in law∣full marriage.

The Order of Knighthood instituted by King Robert, in Anno 1022.

* 1.125Robert putting all his hope in God, by assistance of the sacred Virgine, St••rre of the Sea, the guide and Lanterne of his Kingdome: in honour of her, he erected and instituted a new Order of Knighthood, which he would haue to be stiled and named, The Order of our Lady of the Starre.

This Institution was in the Month of August, the yeare of Grace, One thousand twentie two; which was two yeares after the Institution and creation of the Peeres of France.

The Order was composed of thirtie Knights, comprehending therein the King of France, as chiefe and Soueraigne Master thereof.

The said Knights wore Cloakes of white Damaske, the Mantelet and lyning of light Carnation Damaske, and the Cassock or Gonnell of the same. Whereon, vpon the left side of the Brest, was embroidered a Starre, wrought in pure Gold, with fine rayes or pointed beames.

The great Coller was made of a round Chaine of Gold, with three linkes or chaines inter-wouen with enammeled Roses, inter-changeably white and red.

* 1.126The said Knights stood obliged by Oath, daily to say (in honour of the Virgine Mary) a Corona or Chaplet, composed of fiue Tennes of Aue Maries, and fiue P••∣ter Nosters: as also the Anthemne before remembred, with the Answers, Sicut Spi••a Rosam, and so following to the end of the Anthemne.

Next, this Prayer composed by himselfe, according to his owne meaning, and for the Kings his Successours, Soueraignes of the said Order of the Starre.

* 1.127Regum Princeps, atque Virtus, cuius nutu Coelum gyrat, Terra perstat, disponunt••r S••∣cula, Regi Roberto nato stirpe nobilissima, sic domare des Superbos, & Subiectis parcere, Vt hic regnans gloriosus, quondam viuat in Aethere. Amen.

The Ceremonies of the said Order, began on the day of the Natiuitie of the Virgine Mary, being the eight day of September, in the said yeare 1022▪ in the Chappell of his Pallace, called Our Lady of the Starre, which is the lower Chap∣pell.

The first men that were honoured with this Order, next vnto himselfe, were his three Sonnes, as Namely;

1. Hugh the Great.

2. Henry, Kings in the life time of their Father.

3. And Robert, Duke of Bourgongne.

4. Richard, second of that name, Duke of Normandie, and of Britaine.

5. William, third of the name, called Stuft-headed, Duke of Aquitaine, Count of Auuerngne, and also of Poictu.

6. William the third, Count of Tolosa.

7. Baldwin with the goodly Beard, fourth of the name, Count of Flanders.

8. Hebert, the old Count of Troyes.

9. Odon, Count of Beauuais.

10. Geoffrey Grise Gonnelle, Count of Angiers.

11. Amauray, Count of Noyon.

12. And Baldwin of the Isle, Count of Henault, Sonne to Baldwin with the goodly Beard, Count of Flaunders. I haue seene an old Romant, made by a King of Armes, called Brabant, written in the time of Phillip de Valois, the Father of Chi∣ualrie, wherein the Knights of the said Order of the Starre, were set downe in order, ••es before hath beene related (together with their Blazons of Armes, and Collers,* 1.128 who according to the auouching of the said Brabant) were all Peeres of France, or∣dained and created by the said Robert. In number of which Peeres, there was nei∣ther Bishop nor Arch-bishop, which giueth vs sufficiently to vnderstand, that at the the time of this Institution at the first, the number of Peeres was not then reduced to twelue, sixe of the Church, and sixe Layicks: as it was vnder Lewes the seuenth, called the Pious, and younger, at the Sacring of his Sonne Phillip Augustus, Gods Gift, as we haue already said.

The said Phillip Augustus,* 1.129 being Sacred King of France in the life time of his Fa∣ther, and in the Church of Rheimes, on the day of All-Saints, 1179. was made Knight of the Starre by the King his Father, at his Coronation at S. Denys in France on Ascension day 1180, he being then aged foureteene yeares, or little more.

The same Phillip Augustus, in Anno 1200, being in the Citie of Gournay in Nor∣mandie, gaue the Order of the Starre, and made Knight Arthur, inuesting him in the Counties of Bretaigne, Aniou, and Poictu; and Regnauld, Count of Bologne, by meanes of his wife: As we are instructed by Rigordus, Monke of S. Denys in France, Phisition and Chronicler to the said Augustus.

King Lewes, eight of the name, termed of Mont-Pensier, was after his Sacring in the Church of Rheimes: made Knight also on our Lady day in August 1224.

His Sonne and Successour, the good King S. Lewes, was made Knight likewise of the same Order of the Starre, on the day of his Sacring in the Church of Rheimes, the first Sunday in Aduent, Anno 1226.

The same King S. Lewes, making Knight his Brother Monsieur Robert of France, on the day of Pentecost in Iune, Anno 1237, at Corbeill: ouer and aboue his Ap∣pennage, he gaue him for euery day of his life time, to grace his Order of Knight∣hood of the Starre, twentie pounds Parisian to dispend; A die Militiae.

In the yeare 1246, at Mid-August,* 1.130 in the Towne of Saumur, the same S. Lewes gaue the Order to Monsieur Alphons, his third Brother, Count of Maine and Poictu: to Peter, Count of Bretaigne: as also the Counts of Dreux, and of March. At which Solemnitie he held his great State pompe, that is to say, his Court and Table open to all commers, with such Royall magnificence, as neuer had beene seene the like, for the great plentie and aboundance of all things, and riches there present; which Feast continued eight daies together.

At the Kings owne Table fedde the Counts of Poictieres, Bretaigne, Dreux, and De la March, newly made Knights; in Cassocks, Mantellets and Collers of the Or∣der of the Starre.

At an other Table, on the side by the Count of Dreux, sate alone Thiebault,* 1.131 first of the name, King of Nauarre, and Count Palatine of Brie and Champaigne (fift of the name) who was very richly attired in Cloth of Gold, Coat, Cloake, Girdle, the Buckles and Studdes all of pure Gold. Before whom waited the Caruer or Squire for the mouth, Iohn, Lord de Ioinuille, Steward (that is to say) Grande Maistre de Hostel de Champaigne.

Before the King S. Lewes, waited his two eldest Bretheren, the Lo••••••, Robert Count of Artois, and Charles, Count of Aniou▪ And the Caruer was the good Co•••••• of Soissons.

As Guardes to the Kings Table, were appointed Messires Imbert de Be••i-••••••, after∣ward Constable of France: Honorat, Sire de Coucy, and Archambauld de Bou••••••••, c••••∣led the Great, Father in Law to the King of Nauarre.

Behinde these three Noble Barons, attended aboue thirtie Knights, in Casso•••• of Cloth of Gold, and to backe them, stood a great number of Vshers of Armes, and of the Hall: who were for the Count of Poictiers; Portant ses Armes bat••••s de Sandail.

The King was most sumptuous in his garments, as it was a thing wonderfull to behold, and would require a tedious time to relate: For neuer had beene seene (so saith the Lord of Ioinuille) so many Surcoates, Cloakes and other garnishments of Cloth of pure Gold, as he wore, during the time of this Feast.

* 1.132King Phillip le Bell, King of France and Nauarre, was made Knight of the Starre, the day of Mid-August 1284. And on the morrow he espoused Madame Io••••••, Queene of Nauarre, and Countesse Palatine of Champaigne and Brie. The Fea•••• endured eight daies, the Streetes of Paris being richly hung with Tapistries, the Shops shut vp, and Tables prepared in euery Streete, readily furnished for all com∣mers, the neighbours feasting their friends with all ioy and gladnesse.

In the yeare 14••8, the Month of August, in the Citie of Vendosme, King Charles, seuenth of the name, instituted Peere of France, Gaston, fift of the name, Infant of Nauarre, otherwise called Prince of Viana, Count of Foix, and Lord of Beame, being put in place for the Count of Tolosa, all the Peeres there assembled, only he of Bourgongne excepted.

* 1.133From Vendos•••• the Court went to lodge at Tours; where the said Gaston de Na∣uarre was affianced to Madame Magdalene of France, the last daughter to King Charles the seuenth, termed the Victorious, and on the morrow following, was made Knight of the Starre, with great magnificence.

To solemnize this Feast of Knighthood, the Count of Foix lodged at S. Iulian of Tours, where he entertained the King, the Princes and chiefest Lords of his Court, to a most magnificent Feast: which we will describe, according as it is set downe in the manuscript Chronicle of Foix.

* 1.134Prince Gaston made the most triumphant Banquet, that euer had bin seene be∣fore. In the great Haule of Saint Iulian at Tours, were prepared twelue Ta∣bles; each of them containing seauen Elles in length, and two and an halfe in breadth.

At the first Table was seated the King, and the chiefe Princes of the Blood; as also the Queene, and daughters of France.

At other Tables were seated other Princes, as well of the Bloud, as of strange Prouinces, and the principall Lords of France, according to their ranke and digni∣tie; as also the Princesses and great Ladies in like manner.

The Maisters d' Hostell, were the Counts Gaston de Foix; De Dunois; De la Marche, and the great Seneschall or Steward of Normandie.

1. The first Seruice was made with white Hypocras and Toasts.

2. The second Seruice consisted of boiled well fatted Capons, and Gammons of Bacon;* 1.135 accompanied with seuen kindes of Brothes or Pottages. All these Ser∣uices were in dishes of Siluer, and each Seruice for the seuerall Tables, had an hun∣dred and fortie Siluer Dishes.

3. The third Seruice was of meates Roasted; yet not any other, but Pheasants, Partridges, Conies, Peacocks, Bittors, Hearons, Bustardes, Greene-Geese, Wood∣cockes, Swannes, Teales, and all kindes of Foules of the Riuer, that could be thought on. Beside▪ in this Seruice was likewise Wilde Goats, Harts or Stagges, with all manner of Venisons, and the Seruice for each Table had an hundred and fortie goodly dishes of Siluer.

* 1.136After which Seruice, twelue men brought in (as an entercourse) a Castle with foure goodly Towers at foure corners, erected vpon a Rocke. In the midst of the

Castell stood a great Tower, in forme of a Donion, which had foure Windowes, in each whereof was placed a beautifull Lady, richly apparelled. At other foure Windowes stood foure gallant yong Boyes, singing most sweetly before the Pre∣sence. And to speake truely, this entercourse seemed a terrestriall Paradise, for on the tops and pinacles of the Towers and Donion, where fixed the Escutchions and Banners of France, richly painted and emblazoned in colours; as also the de∣uises of King Charles the seauenth, and Order of the Starre in White and Car∣nation.

4. The fourth Seruice consisted of Foules, as well great, as small, the whole Ser∣uice being sumptuously guilded: And on euery Table were placed an hundred and fortie Siluer Dishes, according as in all the other Seruices.

After this Seruice was brought in (for an enter-course) the shape of a Beast,* 1.137 cal∣led a Tiger, which (by cunning Art) disgorged Fire from his mouth and no∣strils. About his necke was a rich Coller, whereat hung the Armes and de∣uises of the King, very costly and curiously formed. This enter-course was car∣ried by sixe men, each of them hauing a Mandillion and Bonnet, made after the fashion of Bearne, and they danced before the Lords and Ladies, according to the manner of the Countrey; which moued much mirth and laughter, and this Entercourse was commended aboue all the rest, in regard of the new daun∣cing.

5. The fift Seruice was of Pies, Tarts, dishes of Creame, Orange-adoes and Ci∣trons confected; each Table being likewise serued with an hundred and fortie Sil∣uer dishes.

After the said Seruice, was carried another Entercourse, which was a great Hill,* 1.138 or Mountaine, borne by foure and twentie men. In the Mountaine stood two faire ••rteficiall Fountaines: From the one flowed (abundantly) Rose-water; and from the other Muske-water, yeelding an admirable smell ouer all the Haule. From di∣uers quarters and parts of the Mountaine, issued forth yong liuing Conies and sun∣drie kindes of small Birds. And in hollow places of the said Hill, stood foure yong Laddes, and a Damosell, attired like Sauages, who came forth at a passage in the Rocke, dauncing (by good direction) an excellent Morisco, before the as∣sembly.

This being thus done, Count Gaston caused to be giuen to the Heralds and Trom∣pets, who waited and sounded all the Dinner time, two hundred Crownes of the Sunne: beside tenne elles of Veluet, to the King of Armes of the Order, to make him a Roabe.

6. The sixt Seruice was of red Ipocras, with Wafers of diuers sorts.

And then came carried (as an other Enter-course) a man mounted on Horseback,* 1.139 very artificially formed, and attired in Crimzon Veluet, but the whole consisting of Gold-Smiths worke. In the midst was a small Garden, and therein stood a Poet, gathering all kindes of Roses and other Floures, made of Waxe; which he deliue∣red to the Ladies, who made high esteeme of such presents.

7. The seuenth Seruice was of Spiceries and Confections, made in the forme of Lyons, Swannes, Harts, and such like: and on each of them were the Armes and deuises of the King.

After which was carried a liuing Peacocke in a goodly great Ship. The Pea∣cocke caried about his necke, the Armes belonging to the Queene of France,* 1.140 (daughter to the King of Sicilie, Duke of Aniou, Lewes, second of the name, such as are to be seene in the Order of the Crescents, or Halfe Moones) round about the Shippe hung Banderols, containing the Armes of all the Princesses and Ladies of the Court; who were not meanely proud, that the Count had so highly hono∣red them.

In the midst of the Haule was a Scaffold, whereon were Consorts of singuler voyces, with all kindes of Instruments.

After the Banquet, Count Gaston caused to be openly proclaimed, a Iouste for all commers, on the eighteenth day of Iune, then next following, with Articles and conditions, such as are vsed in Iousts and Tournaments.

This Order of the Starre (being intermitted in the time of Phillip de Valois, by reason of the Warres and losses of Battailes, against the enemies of the Crowne) was againe set on foote by his Sonne King Iohn, heire to the misfortunes of his Fa∣ther. Yet notwithstanding, very valiant and couragious of his person, and one that assuredly maintained his word with all the Princes of Christendome, for so it is auouched by Froisard, after this manner. Albeit Faith were banished from the World; yet neuerthelesse, it ought to be kept inuiolably in the mouth of the Prince; although hee cannot be enforced to hold his Word, or had any iust occasion to breake it.

* 1.141King Iohn hauing obtained of Madame Mary of Spaine, Countesse of Alans••n and D Estampes, and of Charles Count of Alanson her Sonne, the eight day of Iune, Anno 1356. the House called S. Ouyn, were to S. Denys in France, sometimes called the Pallace of Clichy: He established in that House, the principall Seate for the Order of the Starre. And at a Chapter held in the Palace of Chichy, on our Lady day in September 1356. he haue the Order of the Starre to

• * 1.1421. Messieurs Phillip of France, Duke of Orleans, his Brother
• 2. Charles of France, first Daulphine of Viennois, Duke of Normandie, the eldest Sonne to King Iohn.
• 3. Lewes Duke of Aniou.
• 4. Iohn Duke of Berry.
• 5. Phillip Duke of Touraine, his other Sonnes.
• 6. Charles, King of Nauarre, Count of Eureuz.
• 7. Peter, Duke of Bourbon.
• 8. Iames of Bourbon, Count de la March, these three being Brethren.
• 9. Charles of Spaine, Count of Alanson.
• 10. Arnoul d'Endreghan. Marshals of France.
• 11. Iohn of Clermont. Marshals of France.
• 12. George, Count of Chargny, great Chamberlaine of France.
• 13. Charles, Count of Tancaruile.
• 14. Gautier de Brenne, Duke of Athens.
• 15. Iohn d Artois, Count d Eu.
• 16. Charles d' Artois, Count of Longueuile, both Brethren.
• 17. Iohn, Vicount de Melan.

* 1.143Being eighteene Knights, comprehending the King, Chiefe of the Order: the rest of the number were to be made perfect, at other Chapters of the said Order.

It is a popular errour, to say that this Order was instituted by King Iohn or that he changed it to the title of the Virgin Mary, by calling it the bright and cleare Starre, which appeared to the three Kings of the East, for guiding them to the place, where was borne the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. And that he tooke for his deuise Royall, a Starre Crowned, and for Soule thereof;

Monstrant Regibus Astra Viam.

* 1.144That hee transferred the Ceremonie of the said Order, from the eight day of September, to the sixt of Ianuarie, the Feast and solemnitie of the Kings. That Charles the fift abolished the Order; whereas others say, that it was Charles the seauenth, who vtterly abolished this Order. And not hauing any meanes, where∣by to recompence those Captaines that had done him seruice, hauing spent his Re∣uennues: he gaue them the Coller of his Order of the Starre, which formerly had bin the noate of honour and excellencie, for all the Princes and great Lords of France. But now the communication of this Order, to such meane Gentle∣men and Souldiours, became so distastefull; that they hated to weare the Order any longer, and so aduertised King Charles the seauenth. Who hauing assem∣bled the last Chapter thereof at the Pallace of Chichy, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred fiftie fiue, in presence of the Knights of the said Order; hee tooke from his necke a Riband of blacke Silke, at the end whereof hung a Starre of

Gold, and put it about the necke of the Captaine, appointed for the night-watch in the Citie of Paris, called there Cheualier du Guet. Ordaining beside,* 1.145 that in following time, none but he should weare the Order of the Starre, and that the Cassockes or Mandilions of the Archers, attending on the Knight or Captaine of the Watch, as well on Horsebacke as Foot; should haue both on the brests and backes, a Starre of white embroderie, which hath so continued to this day. And according to the Kings example, the Princes and Lords left the said Order to the Captaine of the Watch. This is (I say) a popular errour, which I my selfe sometime beleeued for a truth: but reading hath instructed mee in the con∣trarie.

If Charles the fift had abrogated this Order; Monsieur Lewes of France, Duke of Orleans, his youngest Sonne, had neuer worne it. As is to be seene in his Picture (according to the life) at the Celestines of Paris: as we shall further relate, in the Tract concerning The Order of Orleans, called, Of the Porcupine.

If Charles the seuenth had abolished this Order of the Starre, in the yeare 1455. he had not giuen it to the Prince of Nauarre, Gaston de Foix, his Sonne in Law, in the yeare 1458. And Porte Bordeille, called at this present S. Marceau,* 1.146 newly builded in the yeare Foure hundred sixtie and one (where the said Charles the se∣uenth deceased) should neuer haue carried on the Frontispiece, the Image of the Virgine Mary, on the Pedestall whereof is yet at this present discerned, a Shield Azure, wherein is figured a Starre of Gold.

I haue seene some Letters of King Charles the fift, whereby he made Knights of his Order of the Starre, Viz. the Lords Iohn de Roche-Chouard, and Iohn de Beaumont, very famous houses in Poictou. This Iohn de Beaumont had in the said Prouince great Seigneuries, by meanes of his Wife Lucie de Bressuyre. And for Iohn de Roche-Chouard, otherwise called (by old titles) De Rupe Cauardi, he was Brother ••o the Vicount de Roche-Chouard, which House most nobly beareth for Armes D' Argent trois Viures de Gueules. Heere you may reade the Letters of the said King Charles the fift.

The Letters Patents of Charles the fift, King of France.

CHARLES by the Grace of GOD, King of France, To all such as shall see these Our present Letters, Salutations. Wee make knowne, that in regard of the good relation, which hath beene made vnto Vs, concerning the Lords Iohn de Roche-Chouard, and of Iohn de Beaumont, Gentlemen of our Chamber:* 2.1 Wee haue this day (in a good and gracious houre, Wee hope) giuen and graun∣ted, and by these presents, doe giue and graunt, of Our especiall Grace and fa∣uour, leaue, licence, and authoritie; that hence-forward, they may, and at their pleasure, beare La Royale Estoile in all Battailes, Tourneies, and Combates, and in all Fields, Places, Feasts, and Companies (as they shall thinke fit) to carrie the same. Giuen at Paris the fouretenth day of Ianuarie, in the yeare of Grace, 1376. And of Our Reigne, the eleuenth.

Signed by the King. De Scepeaux.

What Ceremonies were obserued in the times of the first Kings of the third Ligne, ••re liuely described by Ioannes Monachus Maioris Monasterij, in the life of Geoffrey, Duke of Normandie, Count of Aniou, Touraine, and of Maine. This Monke of Maire-Monstier, liued vnder the Reignes of Lewes le Gros, and Lewes the younger, Fa∣••her and Sonne of one name.

Foulques▪ King of Ierusalem, in right of his second wife, had by his first, a Sonne named Geoffrey, who maried with Madame Mahaulde, or Maulde of Eng∣••and, daughter to Henry, first of the name, King of England (youngest Sonne ••o William the Bastard, called the Conquerour, because hee Conquered

the Kingdome of England) and Madame Mahaulde (that is Mathildis in Latine) Daughter to Macolme,* 2.2 King of Scotland. This Maulde of England was twice ioined in marriage. First, in the yeare of Grace, One thousand one hundred and nine, to the Emperour Henry, fift of the name: who being deceased in the yeare One thousand one hundred twentie sixe, Maulde returned into England, and then re-married in the yeare One thousand one hundred twentie seuen, with this Geoffrey (sir-named Planta-Genest,* 2.3 because he tooke delight in planting that Shr••b) but by his enemies hee was called the Red, in regard his haire was of that coullour.

This Duke of Normandie, and King of England, Henry, first of the name, ha∣uing assured the marriage of his daughter Maulde (who during her lifetime, was sir-named the Empresse) would make Knight (according to the Ceremonies the•• obserued in France) his future Sonne in Law Geoffrey of Aniou, who as yet was but a meane Gentleman, and whom the Monke of Maire-Monstier, by a Periphra∣sis of time, nameth ingenuously Nudum Militem. In super ex praecepto Regis Hen∣rici exactum est à Comite Fulcone vt filium suum Nudum Militem ad ipsam im∣minentem Pentecostem Rotomagum honorificè mitteret, vt ibidem cum coaqu•••• suis Arma Suscep••urus Regalibus gaudijs interesset.

* 2.4It was obserued for an auncient custome, that young Gentlemen, as namely, the Sonnes of Princes and great Lords, were neuer admitted to the Table of their Fathers, if they were not made Knights. As we learne by Iohn, the Dea∣con of Aquil••ia, in the Historie of the Lombardes. Apud Longobardos ea c••nsue∣tudo est, vt filius Regis cum Pater non prandeat, nisi prius à Rege gentis exter•• Arma Suscipiat. Such a custome was generall to the Germaines and the French, as we haue noted in the first Booke, according to the testimonie of Caesar and Tacitus. To this purpose is to be obserued, that Princes and great Lords, who were not made Knights; at solemne Feasts, when Kings held full and open Courts: had no honour of sitting with them at the Table, that were Knights. Returne we now againe to our Knights.

* 2.5On the day of Pentecoste, in the said yeare One thousand one hundred twen∣tie seuen, when the King of England should giue the Order of Knighthood to his intended Sonne in Law: the said Geoffrey of Aniou, appeared in person at Ro∣uen, accompanied with fiue Gentlemen and Barons of his owne age, to be made Knights with the Sonne of Foulques their Lord: to wit, Iacquelin de Mailly, Robert de S••mblensay, Ard••uin de Sainct Mard, Robert de Boloy, and Payen de Claire Vaux, attended on by fiue and twentie Esquires of their age (for each Knight in this Ceremonie, ought to haue two Esquires, at the least about his person, and especially to bee presented at the Altar) with many Sericants and Offi∣cers.

* 2.6On the euen of the Feast, the Knights to be made were bathed and washed according to the Auncient custome. And the day being come, the King commanded, that Count Geoffrey and his Assotiates should be brought before him. At comming forth of the Bathes, Geoffrey by his Esquires and Cham∣ber-Groomes, had a fine Shirt put on him, and ouer it a Wastecoat of Crim∣zen Silke, embrodered with Gold; whereon hee had a Surcoat or Cassock of fine Scarlet, all ouer embrodered with Gold. His Breeches were of the same Stuffe, his Stockings of Silke, and his Shooes curiously wrought with small golden Lyons. His Companions were likewise cloathed with fine Lin∣nen and Scarlet, departing so from their Garderobe to come to the Pallace. To these young Gentlemen were brought gallant Coursers, and glittering Armes, especially to the Angeuin, a good Iennet of Spaine, so fleete and swift, that his pace equalled the flight of the ayrie Birdes. He was armed with a H••∣bert, double mailled, and made of such a temper, as it could not be pierced with the steele of a Launce, nor any Darts or Arrowes. The Greaues for his legges were likewise of Maile, curiously gilded, and so were his Spurres▪ about his necke hung a Shield, charged with Lyons of Gold, and an Helmet on his head, enriched with many precious Stones, and of so sound a tem∣per,

that the stroakes of the best Sword could not enter it, and then was brought him a Launce of Ashe, the head whereof was fordged at Poictiers. To make vp the close of his Arming, they deliuered him a goodly Sword, brought forth of King Henries rich Armorie, Damasked and gilded, with diuers Histories engra∣uen thereon, by the industrious cunning of the Master of Master-Engrauers, in that time, named Galan. The new Knight mounted vp brauely on Horse-backe, with∣out putting any foote in the Stirrop, and the Solemnitie lasted seuen whole daies, in Feasts, Tourneis, and Mascaradoes. But on the eight day, were performed the Nuptials of the Royall Daughter, with the new created Knight, in the Citie of Mans. Here follow the words of the Auncient Authour.

Illucescente die altera, Balneorum vsus Vti Tyrocinij Suscipiendi Consuetudo Ex∣postulat, paratus est. Comperto Rex à Cubicularijs quod Andegauensis, & qui cum eo venerant, ascendissent de Lauacro, iussit eos ad se vocari. Post corporis ablutionem ascendens De Balneorum Lauacro Comitis Andegauorum generosa proles Goffre∣dus, bysso retorta ad carnem induitur, cyclade auro texta, super vestitur, Chlamide conchilij, & muricis sanguine tincta tegitur, caligis holosericis calciatur, pedes eius s••tularibus in superficie Leunculos aureos habentibus muniuntur. Eius vero Consoda∣••es qui cum eo militiae suscipiendae munus expectabant, vniuersi bysso & purpurâ in∣••••euantur.

Talibus itaque, vt praetaxatum est, ornamentis decoratus Regius gener quasi flos Li∣••ij candens roseo superfusus rubore, cum illo suo nobili collactaneo comitatu de Secreto Thalami processit in publicum. Adducti sunt Equi, allata sunt Arma, distribuuntur singulis, pro vt opus erat. Andegauensi vero adductus est miri decoris equus Hispa∣••ensis, qui tantae, vt aiunt, velocitatis erat, vt multae aues in volando eo tardiores essent. ••nduitur Loricâ incomparabili, quae maculis duplicibus in textâ, nullius Lanceae, vel ••aculis cuiuslibet ictibus transforabilis haberetur. Calciatus est caligis ferreis, ex ma∣••ulis itidem duplicibus compactis. Calcaribus aureis pedes eius astricti sunt Clypeus Leonculos Aureos imaginarios habens, collo eius suspenditur. Imposita est capiti eius Cassis multo lapide pretioso relucens, quae talis erat temperaturae, vt nullius ensis acu∣mine incidi, vel falsificari valeret. Allata est ei Hasta Fraxinea, Ferrum Pictauen∣se praetendens. Ad vltimum allata est ei Ensis de thesauro Regio, ab antiquo ibidem fignatus, in quo fabricando Fabrorum superlatiuus Galannus multâ operâ, & studio desudauit.

Taliter ergo armatus Tyro noster nouus Militiae postmodum futurus, mirâ agilitate, absque stasi gratiâ, in velocitatis Equum prosilijt, &c.

The Order of the Broome-Floure, in the Cod or Huske: Instituted by the Holy King Saint Lewes, Ninth of that name; In the yeare of Grace, One thousand two hundred thirtie foure.

CHAP. III. The Order of the Broome-Floure in the Huske or Cod.

THe good King Saint Lewes (the Mirror and Example of worthie Princes) Instituted two Orders of Knighthood.* 2.7 That of The Broome-Floure in the Cod or Huske, called by some the Broome Huske: And that of The Ship and Double Cuescents, or Halfe-Moones.

This worthie King, Sonne to Lewes, eight of the name (tearmed of Mont Pensier) and to Blanche of Castille (a most wise and vertuous Lady, whose reigne may well be a patterne,* 2.8 not only to the Queenes of France, being Widdowes, but likewise to all Princesses of Christendome) was borne on S. Markes day, being the fiue and twentieth day of the Month Aprill, in the yeare of Grace, One thousand two hundred and fifteene.

By decease of King Iewes, eight of the name his Father which happened on Sunday, in the Octaues of All-Saints, Anno, One thousand two hundred twentie sixe,* 2.9 he came to the Crowne of France, at the age of eleuen or twelue yeares: and was Sacred and Crowned King the first day of December, in the said yeare, One thousand two hundred twentie sixe. All Regencies are peril∣lous, and subiect to procure troubles and deuisions in the State: but especial∣ly that of Women, whose rule and command the French haue euermore de∣tested.* 2.10 So Queene Blanche, being ordained Regent, by the last Will and Te∣stament of the King her Husband; perceiued in a moment, that the great Lords of France banded themselues against her, vnder the Standard and con∣duct of Monsieur Phillip of France, Count of Bologne, and prime Prince of the Bloud, who pretended right to the Regencie, during the minoritie of the King Saint Lewes his Nephew.* 2.11 But the wisedome and holy life of Queene Blanche, calmed all those commotions, wonne the malcontented Princes, as Thibault, King of Nauarre, Count Palatine of Brie and Champaigne, and the rest by force of Armes.

In the eight yeare of his Reigne, of his Age nineteene, and of Grace, One thousand two hundred thirtie foure, Queene Blanche deliuered vp the Gouernment of the Kingdome to her Sonne,* 2.12 who the same yeare sent Gautier, Arch-Bishop of Sens, and Iohn de Neelle, Knight of the Starre, as his Ambassadours, to the Count of Prouence Raymond Berengarius; to demand in mariage Margaret his eldest daugh∣ter, a beautifull and wise Princesse, who was brought into France to the King Saint Lewes, and he espoused her in the Citie of Sens▪ where the Arch-Bishop of the place Sacred and Crowned her, according to the accustomed manner.

The Institution of this new Order of Knighthood.

AT this Sacring and Coronation, were performed many magnificent Tri∣umphs, and for their further enlarging, the King ordained a new Order of Knighthood. For, ouer and beside that of the Starre (which continued in ho∣nour to the Reigne of King Lewes the eleuenth, who vtterly abrogated it, by the Institution of that of Saint Michael, and caused it to bee alwaies after worne by the Cap••aine of the Watch;) he instituted the Order of the Broome Flower, which endured in France, vntill the death of King Charles, fift of the name.

* 2.13Euery one knoweth, that there are diuers kindes of Broome, called in Latine Genista, which is the name of the true kinde. There are two sorts altogether full of thornie prickles; but in order next to the Hou, a Tree that hath the smoothest leaues in the World: there is a Broome which in France they tearme Genest porte-Raues; the Broome of Italie; the greater and the lesser Broome, called by the Greekes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, according as the Latines. Also, two kinds of Herbes which carrie the same name: and lastly the same Broome, called Genist••lla. This Shrub is very common, and is to be seene in all hilly and mountainous places and Forrests, especially in meager and barren lands. All the Plaines of Bourdeaux,* 2.14 from the Riuer of Andaye (so named of the last Vil∣lage of France, seated on the banke of the said Riuer, called by the Spaniard Gostabar, and in Latin Vedasus, which maketh the seperation of France from Nauarre, whereof Font-arabie is the first Towne, watered with this Riuer, which is all in the Kingdome of France) are full of Broomes, which the Hidalgos, Pilgrimes of S. Iames in Galicia, gather and bind vp in knots as they passe along the way, to obserue

the turnings and windings of

[illustration]

pathes, with heapes or piles of Mercurie, and where each Hidalgo casteth his Stone or Flint, according to the Paga∣nish Idolater, as quite bereft of iudgement and reason.

Broome beareth little greene leaues, of very small extent, and the Floure is yellow,* 2.15 with long Cods or Huskes, which flourish in the Spring time, and in Autumne. This Shrub is much affected by the Gascoins, who haue made a Song thereof, beginning in their gibberish speaking:

A la hou m'en son auade:

And at each couplet, a dou∣ble bearing or reitterating.

La hlour dou Genest m'a∣grade, La hlour dou Genest.

The King Saint Lewes chose this Shrubbe to be his Em∣bleme, and added thereunto these two words, Exaltat Humiles,* 2.16 as holding it for the marke and Symbole of Humilitie. Which was so great in the person of this holy and deuout King, that in going to Saint Denys in France; hee followed the Religious men, and the Abbot of that Arch-Monasterie Royall, in their Chapter, and tooke his place last of the sixe degrees, euen on the lowest that ascended to the Abbatiall Seate. Tam humiliter cum ipsis in Capitulo residebat, quod nec locum Pueri ••oliti sunt sedere, vt de loco Abbatis, & ceterorum Monachorum taceam, sed gradum in∣••riorem, de sex Gradibus, per quos ad Abbatis Sedem ascenditur, sibi elegerit.

Hee would not seate himselfe in ranke among the sillie Nouices, but a great ••eale lower, and beneath them. So saith William de Nangis, a Monke of the said Ab∣••ey, in the Life of the same King Saint Lewes, the sixtie sixe Chapter.

It was likewise said in his time,* 2.17 that God (in his vnsearchable prouidence) had exalted him to the Throne Royall of the French Empire, onely for his Humilitie; instead of his elder, Monsieur Phillip of France.

This great King was remarkeable, aboue all the Princes of his time, in regard of ••is taule and goodly stature, as also his valiancie. The Seneschall of Champaigne, Iohn Lord of Ioin-Ville, writing his life, and speaking of the day at Massourre in Aegypt, ••ith thus.

Le Roy s'arresta sur vn haut Chemin, & fit arrester toute sa Gent aussi, & commenca de ••s enhorter, and prier de bien faire. Son Heaume estoit tout dorè, & en sa main tenoit ••e Espec d' Alemagne toute nuë, & vous promets que ie ne veis oncques si bel Homme ••mme il estoit, car il apparoissoit par dessus tous les autres depuis les espaules.

The King made a stand vpon the High-way, and caused all his people to make a stand ••kewise, and beginning to exhort and encourage them; entreated them to performe their ••est behauiour. His Helmet was richly guilded, and in his hand he held a Sword of Alle∣maigne,

wholly naked. And I protest vnto you, that I neuer beheld so goodly a man, a•• he was; for he appeared (in taulenesse) aboue all the rest, euen from the shoulders.

Le mesme Historien en parlant de ladite Iournee: Soyez certains que celle Iournee le Roy fit de plus grands faicts d' Armes, que iamais i'aye veu faire en toutes les Batailles ou i•• fus onques. Et disoit on apres la Bataille, que si n'eust este sa personne, nous eussions este tous perdus, & morts à celle Iournee: & ie croy qu'a l heure sa Vertu, & Force luy fust dou∣blee par la grace de Dieu: car il ne se feignoit point de se mettre aux dangers, & perils de la Bataille: & la ou il voyoit ses Gens en detresse, il se venoit frapper parmy pour les secourir, & tant donnoit de coups d Espee, & de Masse, que les Turcs nosoient approcher de luy. Et me compterent vn Iour le Sire de Courtenay, & Messire Iean de Salonay, qu'ils auoient veu que Six Turcs s'estoient addressez au Roy celuy Iour, & l'auoient pris a force par le frei•• de son Cheual, & l'emmenoient: mais le vertueux Prince voyant le danger ou il estoit s'e∣uertua de tout son pouuoir, & par grand courage'frappa sur les Turcs qui le tenoient, en ma∣niere que luy seul se deliura de leurs mains.

The same Historian, speaking on further, concerning the same day, saith. Beleeue it for certaine, that the same day, the King performed the very fairest actions of Armes, that euer in my life time I beheld, in all the Battailes that I haue seene. And it was told me after the Battaile, by one of no meane creadit, that if himselfe (I meane the King) had not bin there in person, wee had bin all lost, and slaine that day. I am perswaded, that euen in the instant houre, his hie vertue and strength became redoubled, meerely by the grace of God. For he failed not, to thrust himselfe into the greatest dangers and perils of the Battaile, and where hee saw his men in any distresse, he laid about him lustily, to succour and relieue them, deliuering so many valiant stroakes, both with his Sword and Battle-Axe, that the Turkes durst not aduenture to come neere him. And it was related to me the same day, by the Lord de Courtnay, and Messire Iohn de Salonay, that they saw sixe Turkes, who addressed themselues against the King that very day, and forceably caught hold on the bridle of his Horse, leading him so away with them. But the vertuous Prince, perceiuing in what perill he was; endeauoured to make knowne his Royall resoluti∣on, and meerely by admirable courage, so laid vpon the Turkes which led him; that he de∣liuered himselfe quite out of their hands.

* 2.18The Coller appointed for this Order of the Broome-Floure, was composed of such Huskes or Coddes, as naturally doe grow on the Broome, wrought and enaminelled to the true shape by Art. Entrelassees de Fleurs de Lys d'Or, encloses dedans des Lozanges Chechees (c'est a dire toutes ouuertes a Iour) esmaillees de blanc, enchainees ensemble, & au 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vne Croix Florencee d'Or. According to that which is in the Kings Chappell, and fol∣lowing the auncient custome.

The King Saint Lewes, first of all receiued the said Order, by the hand of Gautier Arch-Bishop of S••ns, on the Eeuen before the Coronation of Queene Margaret of Prouence his w••fe.

Concerning the Knights of this Order, they vsed to weare Coates or Cassocks of white Damaske, with violet Chapperons. The number of them was not fixed∣ly concluded on; but depended onely on the will of our Kings, who were heads and Soueraignes of this Order. William de Nangis, Monke of S. Denys in France, obserueth in the life of Saint Lewes, noated vnder the yeare One thousand two hun∣dred thirtie eight, that he gaue the said Order to Monsieur Robert of France, his bro∣ther (to whom hee gaue for Appanage the Countie of Artois) in the Abbatiall Church of S. Cornille de Compiegne,* 2.19 on the morrow after Marriage of the said Count of ••rtois with Mahauld, daughter to the Duke of Brabant. At this Solemnitie assisted all the Nobil••tie of France, as well women as men, two thousand Knights Bannere••s, with their Seriants and Varlets on foote, in so great number, that the Emperour Fredericke, who had entreated a Parlee with King Lewes, and their mee∣ting appointed at Vau-Couleurs, the Marches and Frontiers of France and Lorraine; sailed of comming to the Parlee, for feare of the French.

The same Kings Saint Lewes, assembled the generall States of the Kingdome at

Paris, in the yeare One thousand two hundred threescore and seauen, the Feast of Pentecoast, and in the Church of Paris;* 2.20 where he gaue the Order of the Broome-Floure, to Monsieur Phillip of France, being his eldest Sonne; to his Nephew Robert, Count of Artois, (Sonne to Monsieur Robert of France, his Brother, who dyed at Massourre in Aegypt) and to many Barons and great Lords of France. The So∣••emnitie was great, and the Court most magnificent, and the Feast continued eight whole dayes. Moreouer, the Streetes of Paris were all hung with Tapistries, the Shoppes shut vp, and Tables readily prepared in the Streetes, to banquet all com∣mers, according to the auncient custome. Which is obserued by the Monke of S. Denys in France, William de Nangis, in the Life of the said King Saint Lewes, in these words.

ANno Domini, M.CC.LXVII. in Pentecoste, Praelatis, & Baronibus fere totius Reg∣ni Franciae, Parisius congregatis, Ludouicus Rex Franciae videns filium suum primo∣genitum Philippum iuuenem fortem, & probissimum, atque Robertum Nepotem suum filium ••oberti fratris sui Attrebatensis Comitis, quondam apud Massorram interfecti, eos, cum pluribus alijs, Milites nouos Genistellae fecit: vbi tanta fuit laetitiae solemnitas, quod Populus Ciuitatis Parisiensis ab omni opere vacans, solummodo laetitiae, & exultationi in∣tentus, per Octo dies & amplius Ciuitate per totum cortinis pannorum varij coloris, & ornamentis pretiosis mirabiliter palliata, cibisque publicis solemnitatem proten∣derent.

And thus doth the ignorance of Painters and Caruers make it selfe manifest, who taking the Image and representation of the said King Saint Lewes, as well high-raised or embossed, as in flat forme of painting, haue figurde him without any Or∣der on the Cloake ouer his Royall Mantle. Whereas (indeede) hee had two Or∣ders, as namely, that of the Starre, and (beneath it) that of the Broome-Floure, which two Orders held in full currencie, vntill the Reigne of King Lewes the eleauenth.

I haue seene and read the Letters, granted by King Charles the fift, Sir-named the Wise, concerning the Order of the Broome-Floure, and by him giuen to one of his Bed-Chamber, Messire Geoffrey de Belle-Ville, of a most auncient House in Poictu: Qui portoit Gironne de Gueulles, & de Vaire. Behold here the tenure of those Letters.

A Copie of the Kings Letters Patents.

CHARLES, by the grace of God, King of France. To all such as shall see and read these our present Letters; Greeting. Wee make knowne, that in regard of the good re∣lation, which hath bin made vnto vs, of Geffrey de Belle-Ville, a faithfull Gentleman of our Bed-Chamber, concerning his good and Noble generation: Wee haue (of our especiall grace and fauour) giuen and granted to him, that he may, and hath free leaue and licence, at all Feasts and Companies, to weare The Coller of the Broome-Floure, without any manner of checke or reprehension. Giuen at Tours vnder our Seale, the sixt day of Iuly, in the yeare One thousand three hundred and eighteene; and of our Reigne the foure∣teenth.

At the entrance of Queene Isabell of Bauaria into Saint Denys in France, the yeare One thousand three hundred fourescore and nine; to the same place also came the Queene of Sicilie, Mary de Blois, Widdow to Monsieur Lewes of France, King of Sicilie, first of the name. There she presented her two Sonnes, Lewes, second of the name, King of Sicilie, and Charles, Prince of Tarentum, to King Charles the sixt; who made them Knights of the Starre, and of the Broome-Floure, with great magnificence and solemnitie, in a most ample Assembly; because they were Cousins to the King, and very goodly Princes, so saith the Chronicle of Monsieur Iohn of France, Duke of Berry.

* 3.1William de Nangis, obserueth in the life of the same Saint Lewes, that one tea∣ming himselfe Le Viel des Montaignes, King of the Arsacides and Beduins, abi∣ding on the Confines and Frontiers of Antioch and Damas, in Castles which were impregnable, seated on the tops of Mountaines; sent certaine of his Assassins or murderers into France, to massacre and kill the said Saint Lewes. This Tyrant, who commanded ouer fortie thousand men, made himselfe greatly feared, both of Chri∣stians and Sarrazens, because he nourished, and gaue education in strong Castles and places,* 3.2 to Children of the Countrey vnder his obedience, who were instr••cted in most horrid and abhominable maximes (renewed in France within fortie or fiftie yeares of these times, for the killing and murdering of our Kings) and that they merited the ioyes and glory of Paradise; if they shewed themselues readily obedi∣ent, to a blind-folded dutie which this Prince commanded them, to murder such Kings and Princes as he would haue them, and in the places where he appointed, be it in any Kingdome whatsoeuer.

Such as died in those enterprises, were adored by the people of the Countrey, and reputed to be Angels: as a new kinde of Doctrine, authorised, maintained, and practised at this day, subborning Subiects, to murder Kings and Princes of the Land, and afterward, to Canonize those murdering Assassins and Rauillacks, among the blessed number of Martyres.

Quosdam Pueros de terra sua faciebat in Palatijs educare, et ibi addiscebant Idiomat••, & docebantur Dominum suum super omnia timere, eique vsque ad Mortem obedire, vt sic possent ad gaudia Paradisi peruenire. Quisquis in obedientia moriebatur, à gentibus terrae pro Angelo colebatur, so saith Nangis.

God the preseruer of Kings and Monarches, altered the heart of this Viell des Montaignes, who repenting, that he had proiected the death of the said King Saint Lewes: sent him new. Arsacides in all diligence, to aduertise him for care of him∣selfe, because there were Gallants come to his Court, that verily purposed to mur∣der him.

* 3.3Saint Lewes amazed at these strange tidings; according to the aduise of his Coun∣cell, tooke for the Guarding of his person, an hundred Gentlemen, well qualified; and of Noble extraction, bearing the title of Escuyers des Corps, and in the language then vsed, called De Serients Ly Roys.

Each of the said Serieants wore a long Cassocke, and white sleeuelesse Iacket, reaching downe so low as beneath his knees, embrodered and thickly spread with Butterflies of siluer embossed, and both before and behinde was likewise embro∣dered the Shrubs of the Broome-Flowre, wi••h a Hand aboue, as descending out of Heauen, holding a Crowne, and for the expression of the deuise, there were three Roules plaited with these words, Deus Exaltat Humiles.

* 3.4They caried Battle-Axes of Copper, so saith Nangis. Rex salubri consilio vsus, cor∣pus suum Per Homines Nobiles Cupreas clauas assidué deportantes, fecit diligentissimè custodiri. From thence, some haue deriued the sourse and first Originall, of the hun∣dred Gentlemen of the Kings house; and others, that of the Scottish Guard.

The hundred Gentlemen of the Kings house, heretofore carried nothing but Battle-Axes, of such shape and fashion, as is seene engrauen on many Tombes, which are in the Church, and at the Cloyster of Saint Katherine, du Val des Escoliers à Paris, and else-where. In following time, ouer and beside the said Battle-Axe; they carried Le Bec de Corbin. And heretofore, at their enterment, (with their other Armes) was carried before the body, the Battaile-Axe, and the Bec de Corbin: And on their Tombes, the same Armes were engrauen En Saultour, beneath the Escut∣chions of their owne Armes.

* 3.5Nor doth this so alter the case, but that our Kings, of the first, second, and third Ligne, Predecessours of S. Lewes, had in like manner their ordinary Guardes. For S. Gregory of Tours, in diuers and sundry places of his Historie of France, doth there auouch vnto vs the contrarie. And namely, speaking of the King of Orleans, Saint Gonthran, in his Historie of France.

King Phillip Augustus, called the Conquerour, had some feares and affrights, as well as Saint Lewes his youngest sonne. For the great Chronicle of S. Denys in

France reporteth, that the said Augustus being on a day at Pont-Oise; newes were brought him from parts beyond the Seas, beside Letters sent from some of his friends, containing, that Le Vieil de la Montaigne had sent two Arsacides into France, at the request, or rather command of King Richard of England. For hee had newly slaine the Marquesse, who was a Noble and puissant Knight in Armes, and gouerned both prouidently and vertuously his Land, before the comming of the two Kings. At these newes the King became much moued and troubled, so that presently he departed from Point-Oise, and thence-forward was very curious and carefull, for safe-guarding of his body, because his heart was greatly dismaied at these tydings. And in regard his feare and doubt encreased daily more and more, he was councelled by his familiar friends, what he should doe in this case.* 3.6 By their aduise, he sent to Le Vieil de la Montaigne, who was King of the Arsacides, to haue more plaine and certaine information. And while the Messengers were gone about the businesse: Hee established Serients, who alwayes carried great Battle-Axes of Copper before him, as Guards to his Body; and in the night time they watched by him, some after other, and so distinguished the seuerall houres of the night.

This is that which Rigordus hath obserued, in the life of the said King Phillip Au∣gustus, vnder the yeare One thousand one hundred fourescore and twelue. Allatae sunt Philippo Regi apud Pontisarum literae de trans-marinis partibus, quod ad suggestio∣nem, & mandatum Regis Richardi Angliae mittebantur Arsacidae ad Philippum Regem Interficiendum. Interfecerunt enim eo tempore Marchisum Regis consanguineum. (This is vnderstood of Conrard, Marquesse of Montferrat, Prince of Tyre, and King of Ierusalem, by meanes of his wife, murdered by two Arsacides, by conspiracie of the Templers, enuious against the valiancie of this Prince, who was the scourge of the Sarrazins) in trans-marinis partibus Virum in armis strenuum, qui viribus suis, & potentia Terram Sanctam, antequam Reges illi illuc venirent, mira, strenuitate regebat. Rex vero Philippus auditis literis, ira inflammatus, statim ab eodem castro recessit, & plu∣rimum sollicitus multis dicbus permansit. Et quia animus ipsius Regis pro huiusmodi rumo∣ribus multum turbabatur, & sollicitudo magis, ac magis crescebat in dies, habito cum fami∣liaribus, consilio misit Nuntios suos ad Vetulum Arsacidarum Regem, vt per ipsum rei ve∣ritatem diligentius, & plenius cognosceret.

Interim tamen instituit Rex ad maiorem cautelum Custodes Corporis sui, Clauas Ae∣reas semper in manibus portantes, & per totam noctem alternatim circa eum vigi∣lantes.

The Order of the Ship, called; Of beyond the Seas: And of the double Crescents or halfe Moones: Instituted by the King Saint LEVVES, in the yeare of Grace One thousand two hundred threescore and nine.

The Order of the Shippe, &c.

HEE that was the first among men, disdaining the furie of the Windes, drying vp wholly the Desert Lybia,* 3.7 euermore coun∣terbanded, opposite and contrary to his Brethren the Windes of the North, North-North-East, and North-East; who with∣out apprehending the Raynie sweltie heates, and tempestuous Windes of the South, aduentured himselfe on the inconstant billowes of the raging Seas, chusing a Barke or Vessell of

Wood, containing the estimate of three or foure fingers in thicknesse, to serue as a Iudge and Arbitratour of his Life; Without all question to the contrary, was in∣dued with an inuincible courage, and his heart so armed, as with a triple Brest-pla••e of Brasse. Be it, that he was thereto incited, to tame the furious Lyon the Ocea••, thorow auarice and desire, to enrich himselfe with strange spoyles; or by ambition, to conquer new Prouinces, and command ouer them; or else by a desire truely ge∣nerous, deseruing to haue a well seated soule, to know and vnderstand the won∣ders of the world.

Illi robur, & as triplex Circa pectus erat, qui fragilem truci Commisit Pelago ratem Primus: nec timuit praecipitem Africum Decertantem Aquilonibus: Nec tristeis Hyadas, nec rabiem Noti.

Very excellently said the Lyrique Poet, in the first of his Verses.

* 3.8Ambition, for conquering new Prouinces, nor desire to enrich himselfe with Gold, and the precious Stones of Mexico and Peru, or the Spiceries in the Isles of Sonda; had any power to instigate the good King Saint Lewes, for making his pas∣sage into the East two seuerall times. But it was the onely desire of Gods glory, ad∣uancement of the Catholique Faith; and the conuersion, or extirpation of people, that were Infidels and miscreants.

* 3.9The Kings of the first and second Ligne, did make diuers voyages into Germa∣nie, Italie and Spaine, as well to winne conquests there, as to fight against their e∣nemies. But there was not one of them, that attempted to passe ouer the Seas, for to plant there the Faith of Iesus Christ. Vnder the third Ligne, the Seas serued as Galleries and ordenary walkes, for the Princes and great Lords of France, euen into Palestine and A••gypt, to vn-nestle the Sarrazins; yea, and into Thrace, to cha∣stise the Grecian Emperours for their perfidie and disloyaltie, on behalfe of the Christians that were Latines.

* 3.10And like as our Kings of the third Ligne, did surpasse the two other in deuotion and Pietie, euen so did their Reignes continue much longer, then the first and se∣cond together. In regard, that long life is promised as a recompence to such, as ho∣nor our Mother the Catholique and Apostolique Church (out of which there is not any to be saued) defending and protecting her from her enemies.

Vnder the Reigne of Phillip, first of the name, was made that famous enter∣prise, for Conquest of the Holy-Land; whereto the Kingdome of France (alone) furnished and contributed more Princes, Noblemen, and worthy Warriours, then all the rest of Europe together. In like manner, it had the honour (farre aboue all Nations else, for giuing Kings to the holy Citie of Ierusalem; yea, Princes to the best Cities in the Lands of Idumea, Armenia and in Cyprus, and Emperours to Con∣stantinople.

* 3.11The Kings, Lewes the seauenth, tearmed the yonger (in regard of the difference betweene him and Lewes le Gros his Father) otherwise called the Pittifull; Phillip Augustus his Sonne, tearmed the Conquerour, and Gods-Gift; and his yongest Son Saint Lewes (the subiect of this discourse) made the voyage in person ouer the Seas, with most part of the Princes of their Blood, and S. Lewes two seuerall times.

* 3.12His first voyage into Aegypt, and into Palestine, was in the yeare of Grace, One thousand two hundred fortie and eight. After he had set downe his firme resolu∣tion to doe it; all the remainder of his life (which was two and twentie yeares) hee cloathed himselfe more meane and simply, then all the rest of his Court. For he would not weare any costly or sumptuous garments; neither would hee weare Furres of Mineuer or Gray, nor Scarlet cloath, or Stirroppes or Spurres guilded. His garments were of Cammels haire of Persia, being of Watchet or Blew-Celestiall-colour, and they were furred with the skinnes of Garintes, and the legges of Hares, so saith the Lord of Ioinuille in his Life. Hee made no

more vse of Greene, Red or fine Murrey or Violet, nor exquisite Furres, as the Er∣mine and Letice. His Spurs, the Bridles of his Horses, and his Stirrops were plaine white, or a water-colour, without any guilding or embrodery. Ab illo tempore quo ••iter transmarinum arripuit, nunquam indutus est, Squaleto, vel panno viridi, seu Bru∣••eta; nec pellibus varijs, sed veste nigri coloris, vel Camelini Persei. Similiter ex tunc nunquam vti voluit calcaribus vel fraenis, nisi omnino albis & ferreis absque aliqua aura∣••ura, nec cellis ad equitandum nisi albis, sine omni pictura: These are the words of Wil∣liam de Nangis, Monke of S. Denys in France, writing his Life.

In those times the Kings of France had not any Port of the Sea belonging to them, where they might take Shipping for long Voyages,* 3.13 and the Hauens to re∣maine in their owne power: For the Kings of England (being Dukes of Guyenne and Normandie, vnder the hommage of France) possessed all the Ports of the Oce∣an Sea, from Boione, so farre as into Piccardie, which the Counts of Vermandois held, and the Counts of Flanders the rest of the Sea. The Counts of Prouence and Tolosa, had in Languedocke and Prouence, the Ports of the Mediterranean Sea (which is the very shortest cut for passage into the Leuant Sea) vnder their subiecti∣on. So that Saint Lewes was constrained at his first voyage, to borrow of the Count of Prouence his Brother, the Port of Marseilles, from whence hee lanched forth his Armie (which consisted of two and thirtie thousand men) the fiue and twenti∣eth day of August, in the yeare One thousand two hundred fortie and eight, sha∣ping his course for Cyprus, where hee arriued in the Moneth of September fol∣••owing.

William of Nangis, in the life of the same Saint Lewes, more at large declareth, that he did set forth from the Port of Aigue-Mortes; Tandem Rex ad Portum Aqua∣rum Mortuarum veniens die Martis in Crastino beati Bartholomaei Apostoli nauem cum suis intrauit. In which passage he hath failed. For I haue learned in the Towne of Aigues-Mortes, that the Port thereof was not finished, till the yeare One thousand two hundred fiftie two, a yeare after the death of the last Raymond, Count of Tolosa, who is said to decease in the yeare One thousand two hundred fortie nine. And Ma∣thew Paris, who wrote his Historie of England at the same time, and dyed when the same S Lewes did, obserueth notably; that the said King disanchored from Mar∣seilles, and not from Aigues-Mortes. Rex igitur Francorum vale dicto Papae (Innocent the fourth, who then held a generall Councill at Lyons, against the Emperour Fre∣dericke) & accepta ab eo remissione peccatorum post factam cum morosa deliberatione con∣fessionem, cum Papali benedictione recedens à Lugduno, versus Marsiliam Lora direxit, & Vexilla. And a little lower.

Progrediensque Christianissimus Rex Francorum multa maiora apud Marsiliam (his Armie had bin greatly iniuried in Auignion, and so was much more at Marseilles, saith this Authour, who noateth all the seuerall particularities, whereof Nangis speaketh nothing t••lerauit detrimenta, ita vt Francorum Primates prouocati, nisi discre∣••a, ac sancta Regis modestia retardarentur, istam Ciuitatem cum magna instantia, & in∣dignatione obsedissent.

When Lewes the seauenth vndertooke the Voyage beyond the Seas,* 3.14 which pro∣••ed fruitlesse and vnprofitable, by the disloyaltie of Emanuell Emperour of Greece, happening in the yeare of Grace One thousand one hundred fortie seauen, the se∣cond weeke after Pentecoast. He made the said Voyage by Land, trauersing with his Armie the Countries of Bauaria, the higher and lower Austria, Hungaria, Bulga∣ria, and both the Thraces, arriuing at Constantinople; from whence they passed the straite of Galipolis, otherwise called the Arme of Saint George, as also Bithinia, which is the first Prouince of Asia, pitching their Campe at Chalcedon, from whence at length they marched to Ierusalem, and thence to the Siedge at Damas, as we shall (by Gods assistance) declare in the ninth Booke.

The returne of the said King Lewes the seauenth, was by Sea;* 3.15 hauing hired Ships for passage of the Genewayes and Pisanes, and taken for his Guide George, Lieutenant ••o Roger, King of Sicilie.

Phillip Augustus, his onely Sonne, made his voyage of the Holy-Land, in the yeare of Grace One thousand one hundred fourescore and ten, at the Feast of Saint

Iohn Baptist: and from Vezelay in Bourgongne, he set on towards Italie, to ta•••• Shipping at Geneway. Naues, & ea quae erant victui necessaria, cum Armament•••• di∣ligentissime parari fecerat, Ianuam venit. All the Fleete was gouerned by the ••••∣newayes, with whom he must of necessitie serue himselfe, because he dis-anchored from their Port. And as for the King of England, Richard, he had made his ••••∣nishments at Marseilles; in regard he had not any Port on the Mediterranean Sea, which was vnder his obedience, So saith Mathew Paris, the Monke of Saint Al∣banes in England. Duo Reges, Francorum videlicet, & Anglorum conuenerunt ap•••• Vizeliacum, vbi corpus beatae Mariae Magdalenae requiescit, in octauis Sancti Ioannis Bap∣tistae. Deinde ••eges venerunt ad Lugdunum ad Rhodanum, postea diuisi sunt ab inuicem, Vnde Rex Francorum versus Genuensem Ciuitatem iter arripuit; & Rex Anglorum ver∣sus Massiliam. In this Voyage, our Augustus, as well as King Richard of England, was constrained to be at the mercie of the Genewayes and Prouencials, inured to sayling continually on the Adriatique Sea.

* 3.16At his returne, Phillip Augustus made vse of the Genewayes seruice, for landing in Apulia. Ventis, & Mari se commisit, cum tribus tantum Galeis, quas Rufus de Volta ••••∣nuensis ei parauerat ad partem Apuliae, Deo volente transuectus est. Vbi recuperatâ qu••••∣tulacunque sanitate, quamuis debilis cum paucis iter arripuit, & transitum faciens per Romanam Ciuitatem, visitatis Apostolorum liminibus, & acceptâ benedictione à Roman Pontifice Celestino, in Franciam redijt, ciraa Natiuitatem Domini, quam apud F••nte•• Eblaudi (Fontaine-••laud) celebrauit.

* 3.17In that memorable enterprise of the Conquest of Constantinople, made in the time of Phillip Augustus, in the yeare of Grace One thousand two hundred and one, by the Barons of France; Bauldwine Count of Flanders; Lewes, Count of Blois; Ste∣phen, Count of Perche; the Marquesse of Montferrat, and other great Lords, na∣med in the Historie of that voyage, described by Geoffrey de Ville Harduin, Mar∣shall of Champaigne. The said Barons were constrained, to goe and Shippe them∣selues at Venice, and to pay the Venetians for their passage to Constantinople; which they conquered from the Greekes. It was not then knowne in France, what bene∣fit redounded by Ports and Marine prouisions; because our Monarches, contenting themselues with their owne demeanes, and hauing no enemies of strangers to med∣dle withall had nothing to doe vpon the Seas.

Yet we learne by Rigordus, in the life of Phillip Augustus, that that great Prince hauing resolued to conquer England, from King Iohn without Land, his mortall ene∣mie, in the yeare of Grace One thousand two hundred and thirteene, prepared a Fleete of a thousand and seauen hundred Shippes. But this Fleete was comman∣ded and gouerned by the wadged Genewayes And that for Monsieur Lewes of France his Sonne, elected King of England; was ruled by an English Pyrate, Sir named the Monke, according as we haue declared in the former Booke.

* 3.18And the first Admirall of France, or that euer had bin there by title of Office•• was Enguerrand de Bailleul, whom Feron in the Catalogue of the Admirals of France, maketh Lord of Coucy, of Oizy, Montmirell, Marle, La Fere, and other Seig∣nuries; which were falne to the Royall House of Bourbon, to the King of Na••re Anthony, first of the name, Grand-Father to King Lewes the thirteenth. Hee was created by Phillip le Hardy, Sonne and Successour in the Kingdome of France to Saint Lewes, in the yeare One thousand two hundred fourescore and foure, to com∣mand the Fleete, prouided by the said King Phillip, for the Conquest of Cathalogue, Roussilli••n and Cerdaignia, from King Peter of Arragon; as we are enstructed by Wil∣liam de Nangis, who wrote the Life of the said Saint Lewes. Ibidem captus fuit d•• Arragonijs Classis Amiralius Ingerrannus de Baillolio Miles Egregius, & alius qui∣dam in armis Arenuissimus Aubertus de Longua-valle interfectus, qui supra Arragones vlterius quam debuit pertransiuit. Istum Aubertum, vt tradunt aliqui, cum p••t••isset eidem in instanti succurrisse, occidere permisit Ioannes de Hardi-Curiâ Franciae Marescal∣lus. Returne we to Saint Lewes.

His first voyage beyond the Seas into Aegypt, was (as we haue said) in the yeare of Grace One thousand two hundred fortie and eight, and not hauing any Port or Hauen on the Adriaticke Sea in his power, that is to say, in the Prouinces of

Languedocke or Prouence; he was compelled to borrow of the Count of Prouence, that of Marseilles. From whence he set forward with his Armie, which consisted of two and thirtie thousand men, the fiue and twentieth day of August, the yeare aforesaid.

At his second Voyage,* 3.19 he would be no more be beholding to anothers courte∣sie, but the Prouince of Languedocke being reunited to the Crowne, by decease of Iane, the last Countesse of Tolosa: Saint Lewes caused to be builded the Towne of Aigues-Mortes, ingirting and entowring it with very strong Wals, with a goodly Port and large Hauen, for the receipt of Shipping, which (to this day) called by his name, La Grau Louis. And it was from this Port of Aigues-Mortes, that S. Lewes set to Sea, for sayling into Affrica, with an Armie of men, being fortie thousand in num∣ber, on Tuesday after the Feast of the Prince of the Apostles, in the yeare of Grace,* 3.20 One thousand two hundred threescore and nine.

S. Lewes, for the greater animating and encouraging the Nobilitie of France, in attempting this voyage ouer the Seas with

[illustration]

him: As a new recompence & prize of ho∣nor (beside the two Orders of France, then in full pride and request, Of the Starre, and Of the Broome-Floure) he instituted a Third, particularly for this last Voyage; the sub∣iect and circumstances whereof, were re∣presented by the Coller of this Order, cal∣led Of the Ship, & hanging at the lower end thereof. The Coller of this Order was in∣terlaced with double Scallops, which figu∣red the sandy Shore and Port of Aigues-Mortes; in like manner as the Ship & dou∣ble Crescents, enterwouen and passed En Saultour, made manifest declaration; that this enterprize was to fight with Infidell Nations, which followed the false Law of Mahomet, who bare the Crescent.

It is not vnknown, that this false Prophet began to appeare, at the time of the Em∣peror Heraclius, in the yeare of Grace, sixe hundred twenty three. But when he pub∣lished his detestable Law, intermixed with Christianity, Iudaisme and Paganisme, was in the yeare six hundred twentie & foure, some say one. And then he would haue his false and detestable doctrin to be receiued and embraced, by blood, murder and slaughter of such as refused to allow it.

He ordained, that the yeares of his Egire, that is to say,* 3.21 Of his comming for••hin Armes, should be gouerned and accounted by the courses of the Moone: That the Moneths of them also should be Lunarie: That his Armies, Squadrons & Battalions should br ordered, raunged and disposed in a Lunarie forme, and of a Crescent. And that his Successours should carrie for their Armes (as he had done) the Crescent and halfe Moone. Which Orders haue bin carefully kept by the Grand Seigneurs of the Turkes, the Othomans; who in their Standards and Banners beare the said Crescent.

Nor was this the cause concerning the Citie of Constantinople (which the Turkes in their language call CZARIGRADE and STAMBOVL, that is to say,* 3.22 The Royall Citie, conquered from the last Constantine by Mahomet, second of the name, King of Turkes, on tuesday the seauen and twentieth day of May, in the yeare of Grace, One thousand foure hundred fiftie and three) that the Great Turke carried the said Crescent in Armes, as some haue written; and that the puissant Citie of Constantinople carried for her Armes the Crescent, or halfe Moone, because it was seated on a Port, made naturally in the forme of a Crescent. Like vnto the Citie of Bordeaux, the chiefest of Guienne: Qui porte d'Or au Lyon passant de Gueulles,

soustenu de la forme de leur Hostell deVille d'Argent massonnee de Sable à la Tour de mesme, chargee d'vne Cloche d' Azur, porte d'uvn Pont basty sur vne Riuiere ondee d'Argent, & d' Azur, au Croissant d' Argent eu poincte, au Chef de France.

This opinion hath not any apparance of truth, for from the time that Con∣stantine the Great established his Imperiall Seate in this new Rome, which hee called by his owne name: Hee gaue for his Armes the Mettall and Co∣lour of rhe Romaine Empire, as well for the East as West. C'estoit de Gueulles à l'Aigle d'Or esploie à deux Testes. Hee gaue (I say) for Armes to the said Citie, L'Escu de Gueulles à la Croix d'Or, cantonnee de quatre B. Grecs, which some call Fuzils, adossez d'Or. This second Letter of the Greeke Alphabet, should repre∣sent the name of Bisantium, in remembrance and memory of her first Founder, Bi∣sas, and Constantine the Great, hauing made it become Royall, by reason of his or∣denary abiding there; was esteemed as the second Founder, according as the Poet Claudian hath obserued.

Hoc Bizas, Constantinusque videbunt.

Some there are, who haue interpreted Ces quatre Fuzils adossez d'Or, to be the proud titles of the Emperours of the East, Successours to the said Constantine the Great, for a Greeke Cipher or Monogramme. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Rex Regum, & Dominus Dominantium; King of Kings, and Lord of Lords,* 3.23 a title of loftinesse, pride and arrogancie, vainely vsurped by the Kings of Assyria, and by Nabuchodnozor, in the Prophet Ezekiel, by Cyrus in Esdras, and by Phraates, King of the Parthians, by the report of Dion. A Title of honor and preheminence, which appertaineth to none but God onely (in the Apo∣calips) vnto whom is giuen the power, to establish and vnthrow Kings and Princes on the earth, according as it seemeth best to him.

We will say of the Crescent, that it hath bin (from all times) the Symbole and noate of Nobilitie, through all the Nations of the world, yea, euen in them furthest off from our knowledge.

* 3.24The high-Priest of the Iewes wore his Tyaras and Mitre, in the forme of a Cres∣cent, as the noate of his Priest-hood, and (by the same meanes) the marke of Roy∣all dignitie. Regale Genus Sacerdotium. It was the figure of the Church, compared to the Moone, which receiued her light from the Sunne of Iustice or Righteousnes; her vertue, her ornament, and all her power.

* 3.25In the Apocalipse, to demonstrate the excellencie and Nobilitie of the Church; Saint Iohn exalteth her aboue the Moone. Mulier amicta Sole, Luna sub pedibus ei••••, & in capite eius Corona Stellarum duodecim. A woman cloathed with the Sunne, and the Moone vnder her feete, and vpon her head a Crowne of twelue Starres. Hee placed the Crescent vnder her feete, because the Iewes Children of the Synagogue, vsed to weare it on the instup of their Shooes, for a signe of Nobilitie, which they be∣leeued to be the chiefest in the world; as being descended from the Patriarches Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Iaacob. In which respect, the Church hauing the Moone vn∣der her feete, and not on the instuppe of her Shooes: gaue it for publique notice and demonstration, what was foretold of her by the Wisedome Diuine. Abinitio, & ante saecula fuisse creatam: That she had bin created before the World itselfe.

The Prophet Esay, prophesing to the Iewes, that they should be vsed like slaues and pezants,* 3.26 despoiled of all their honor, and titles of Nobilitie, be miserably led into bondage and seruitude by Infidell Nations; telleth them. That in those deplorable times, wholly conuerted into sorrow and bitternesse: Their Crescents shall be taken from them,* 3.27 their Chaines, Rings and other noates of Nobilitie. Dominus auferet ornaments calcea mentorum, Lunulas, Torques, &c.

The night before that Guye of Bourgongne (Sonne to William, Count of Bourgongne) was elected or created Pope, vnder the name of Calixtus the second; in his Dreame hee saw an Angell, who set a Crescent on his knees, to aduertise him; that in a short time, hee should be the vniuersall Head of the visible Church of God, liuing on earth, and that all the Princes and Monarches of Christen∣dome, should yeelde him submission, and render him all honour and obedience.

The people of Arcadia, a Prouince of Greece, esteemed themselues the very No∣blest Nation of the world, as Ouid saith.

Orta prior Luna (de se si creditur ipsis) A magno tellus Arcade nomen habet.

And they did weare Crescents and halfe-Moones on their Shooes; like as the Athenians did weare a 3.28 Cig••les on their Shooes, to shew thereby, that they were na∣turally Natiues of the Countrey, and not come from any other place. Because the Cigales doe liue and dye in those parts, where they first receiued life. Whereupon, by way of mockerie, the Athenians were called by the other Grecians their neigh∣bours, Porte Cigales, Cigale-wearers 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The great Doctor Tertullian, in the Treatise which he wrote De Velandis Virginibus, mocking the curiositie of men in his time, to sing their Nobilitie, saith. Debebant & ipsi aliqua insignia sibi de∣fendere, aut Pennas Garamantum, aut Cicadas Atheniensium, aut Cyrros Germanorum. That they did either decke themselues with Cigales or Grashoppers, after the An∣tique manner of the Athenians, who did weare them on their Shooes: Or coue∣red their heads with great Tufts, or Perriwigs of Horses-haire, like the Germaines; Or else shadowed themselues, as with an Helmet of Armes, hauing Plumes and Pennaches spreading abroade at the top, in imitation and example of the b 3.29 Garaman∣••es, a People farre enouge off from any commerce with men.

The Romaines likewise (as well as others) vsed for a noate of Nobilitie, Cres∣cents vpon their Shooes and feete: And vpon this occasion they were tearmed Lu∣••ati calcei, saith Martiall.

Lunata nusquam pellis, & nusquam toga.

Statius in his Boscages, saith.

Primaque Patritia clausit vestigia Luna.

And hereupon it was, that Iuuenall mocked a Minnion of Couchette, Caruer to a Gentleman, who ware Shooes of blacke Leather (Shooes beseeming a Villaine, and men of base condition) yet fastened at the instup with tyes of Silke, and Crescents of Siluer.

Foelix, & sapiens, & Nobilis, & Generosus Appositum nigrae Lunam subduxit Alutha.

It is held for certaine, that our first Christian King Clouis, carried three Cres∣cents for his deuise, and by this meanes, the opinion of Du Tillet should be war∣••antable, speaking of a Fief or Knights Fee, assessed in the Citie of Antwerpe, by Phillip le Bel, King of France and Nauarre, and granted to one named Adam de Ville∣••onde; with dutie at change of the Lord; of two Arsons for a Horses Saddle, the ••ne with the Armes of France, and the other with them of King Clouis.

The figure or representation of King Clothaire, first of the name, and buried at S. Mard de Soissons, by him builded, is yet to be seene; hauing his Dalmatique gar∣••ent couered with Crescents.

The house of Angolesme, issued from that of Orleans,* 3.30 beareth D'Orleans au Lam∣••au d'Argent, charge de trois Croissants, de Gueulles: As is to be seene in the Glasse-windowes of the Chappell of Orleans, at the Celestins in Paris, and in many other ••laces. And King Henry the second, Sonne to King Frances the first, Duke of An∣••••lesme, bare for deuise, Trois Croissants d'Argent entrelassez ensemble, to make ••n intire Round, and for the Legend or speaking part thereof; Donec totum impleat ••rbem.

Nations furthest off from vs, and which we Baptise with the name of Sauages;* 3.31 do acknowledge the Crescent for the Symbole of Nobility. Kings & great Lords of the Canibals, vpon their Iouiall and solemne dayes, doe decke and circle their neckes with Collers, composed and made with Crescents of boanes, well polished and ••hining, as white as Alablaster. In their language they call Crescents Yaci, by the ••ame of the Moone, which they entitle so: As Ville-Caignon writeth in his voyage ••f America, as also of Brazile.

The industrious people of China, representing the principall God which they adore: holdeth in one hand a Crescent, and a Pony and in the other: as appeared by relation of the Hollanders, in the yeare One thousand fiue hundred foure-score and fifteene.

* 3.32Likewise the Turkes, in imitation of their Prophet Mahomet, haue taken the Cres∣cent for their Armes: as saying themselues to be descended of Abraham. For 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Children had the assured promise, to encrease and multiple into innumerable peo∣ple, exceeding the sands of the Sea.

This Mahomet hauing ordained for soueraigne happinesse, to all such as embraced his damnable Doctrine, the voluptuous desires of the flesh, seruing himselfe as their guide and module, marching vnder the Standard of Venus: tooke the Esmaile and Colour of that wanton Goddesse (according to the Theogonia of the Pagans) and her very Liuery, that is to say, Greene, which Martiall describing, by the posture of an amorous Gallant, calleth the Colour of Hearbes.

Herbarum fueras indutus, Basse, colores.

* 3.33The Colour and Liuerie, which Husbands (louing their Wiues) sent them for New-yeares-gifts, on the first day of March, the beginning of the yeare in their Ombelle and Parasoll. In remembrance of that which the Romaine Ladies obserued, betweene the Romans and Sabines, fighting against each other, and falling to agree∣ment. Which Iuuenall hath well noated.

En cui Viridem Vmbellam, cui Succina mittas Grandia, Natalis quoties redit, aut medium Ver Incipit, & stratâ positus longâque cathedrâ Munera Foemineis tractas secreta Kalendis.

Which he tooke from Plautus in Milite:

Da mihi quod Kalendis mittam, Martia cum venerint.

And those Iewels or Gifts, sent by Husbands to their Wiues, were not set down in the Inuentarie, after the Husbands decease, according to the modicitie of the price, or small value of the things then giuen. So saith the Lawyer Pomp••∣nius, in the Law Sed si vir, at the eight Paragraphe. D. de don. int. vir. & vxor.

* 3.34Now, according to the Histories of the Turkes, the false Prophet Mahomet we•••• daily cloathed in Greene, a Colour so highly esteemed among the people, subiect∣ed vnder the Turkish Empire, as no man had the sufferance or permission, be hee whatsoeuer (except the Grand Signeur, and such as were issued and descended of the Ligne of the false Prophet Mahomet) that durst weare an Emeralde, So∣tane, or any other greene thing. Such was the Colonelle and Liuerie of the Tur∣kish Empire,* 3.35 with the Crescent d'Argent. And the very greatest honour that the Turkes could hope to receiue from their Prince, was onely permission to weare Greene. The greatest noate of fauour, which he could afford to his Grand Vi••∣er, and to the Pachats, was to send them a Greene Banner, with a Golden Staffe: which are markes of absolute power, in actions of Iustice, and managing Armes.

* 3.36Saint Lewes, for leauing a memoriall of his passage into Affrica to posterity; gaue permission to his Lords and Gentlemen, which followed him in his last voyage▪ to qualifie themselues with the name of Knights of the Shippe, and of the Double Cres∣cents, and to beare about their Armes the Coller of the said Order, composed (as we haue already said) of double Crescents of Siluer, and double Scallops of Gold, fastened together with double Chaines of Gold. The Coller finished Ouale-wise, wherein was presented an Armed Shippe, Frette d'Argent en Champ de Gueulles, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 le pointe ondoyee d'Argent, & de Synople.

Hee gaue permission likewise to such as would; to take the Shippe for Armes or

••rest, & the enquirie thereof was as a title of honor & prerogatiue, D'Or au Nauir•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Argent aux Banderoles de France. We let passe vnder silence, the name•• & qualities ••f the Princes, Lords and Gentlemen, which accompanied the said King S. Lewes in ••s two Voyages beyond the Seas: because they are perticulerly discoursed in the ••racts of those Voyages.

This good Prince being dead of a Dyssenterie, at the Campe of Carthage in Af∣••ica, the fift day of August, One thousand two hundred threescore and tenne;* 3.37 his ••ody was boyled in Wine and Water, vntill that the flesh was neately diuided ••••om the bones. His flesh and entrailes were giuen to the King of Sicilie, Monsieur ••harles of France, brother to the King, who caused them to be interred in the Mo∣••••sterie of Mont-reall, of the Order of Saint Benedict, neere to the Citie of ••dermo in Sicilie. But the bones, wrapped vp worthily in Seare-cloath and Silkes, ••••cellently embalmed with most precious perfumes; were carried to S. Denys in ••rance. And with them, those of his Sonne Monsieur Iohn of France, Count of ••euers, dying in the Campe, and of the same disease; As we learne by William of ••angis, in the liues of the said S. Lewes, the threescore and fifteenth Chapter, and of ••hillip the Hardie, the first Chapter.

Concerning this Order of the Shippe and Double Crescents,* 3.38 it continued not long 〈◊〉〈◊〉 France, after the death and buriall of the good King S. Lewes, there being none ••ft but the Noblemen, that bare him companie in this his last voyage, who kept the ••emorie thereof on their Armes and Collers.

But it held full power in the Kingdome of Naples and Sicilie; because Monsieur ••harles of France, brother to the said King Saint Lewes, Count of Aniou, Maine,* 3.39 ••c. King of Ierusalem, Naples, and Sicilie, first of the name, and Count of Prouence, ••oke the same Order for himselfe, and his Successours the Kings of Sicilie, it be∣••••g retained by the first Ligne of the said Kings: And vntill such time as the Kings 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Arragon vsurped the same Kingdome, against the second Ligne of Aniou. It was ••euiued againe, vnder name of the Order of the Crescents, by the good King Rene of ••icilie, Duke of Aniou, and Count of Prouence, according as we shall declare else∣••here.

We learne the Ceremonies obserued in the time of S. Lewes (and how the Kings ••onferring and giuing the Order of Kdighthood,* 3.40 were then in their chiefest and ••ost pompous State:) by Mathew Paris a Monke, in his Historie of England, in the ••me of King Henry the third, who liued in the reigne of the said King S. Lewes, the ••eare of Grace One thousand two hundred fortie seauen: when the said Henry ••ewly made Knight the Count of Valence, a Poicteuin, William of Lazignan, his Bro∣••her by the Mothers side.

Dum tanto solemnitas in Ecclesia West-Monasterij magnifice continuaretur, Dominus ••x veste deaurata, facta de preciosisimo Baldekino, & Coronula Aurea, quae vulgariter ••rlanda dicitur, redimitus sedens gloriose in solio Regio iussit aduocari fratrem suum v∣••inum Willelmum de Valentia, cum suis sodalibus quam plurimis, qui cum eo sta••im fue∣••nt arma, prout decuit, fastigiose suscepturi. Ipsumque Dominus Rex, cum alijs Con••mi∣••onibus Baltheo Militari Gaudenter Insigniuit. That which this Author calleth Bal∣••quin, or Baldakin, should be vnderstood of a piece of Curled Cloath of Gold, ••hereof the Kings Roabe or Garment was made, crowned with a Garland, and a ••ukes Wreath, or Circle of Pearles and precious Stones; which then Kings, Princes ••d Princesses ware at solemne Festiuals, and on dayes of delight.

In the Chronicles of Flanders, vnder the yeare One thousand two hun∣••••ed fortie seauen, William, Count of Holland, was elected King of the Romaines,* 3.41 ••ing but a yong Gentleman, made Knight before he was crowned at Aix la Chap∣••e in Germanie. After the Gospell, the King of Bohemia, one of the Electors of ••••e Empire, presented the Knight (which should be made) to Pedro Capuccio, Car∣nall of Saint George Au Voile d'Or, vttering to him these words. Vestra Reueren∣••a, Pater Almiflue, praesentamus hunc electum Armigerum; deuotissime supplicantes, ••atenus vestra Paternitas votiuam eius professionem suscipiat, vt militari nostro Collegio ••scribi valeat.

Vpon this demand, the Cardinall represented what qualities a Knight ought to

be endued withall: That he must be generous and magnanimious, honest and ••¦uile in conuersation, and of singuler integritie and vprightnesse.

Afterward, he gaue him to vnderstand, what the Ordenances and S••at••es o•• Knighthood were, and how practised from all times.

* 3.42First of all, to heare daily the Office of the Passion of our Sauiour.

To expose his person couragiously, for defence of the Catholique Faith.

To deliuer the Holy Church and her Ministers, from all such as would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them.

To defend and protect Widdowes, Orphanes, and miserable or distressed pe••¦sons.

* 3.43At the end whereof, the Cardinall hauing made his demand to the Gentle•••••• there present; If he would be a Knight; Receiuing his answere and consent, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Oathe: then he said after the Cardinall as followeth. Ego Willelmu•• Hollan•• sis militiae Princeps, iureiurando profiteor regulae militaris obseruantium, il•• prase•• Domini mei Petri ad velum aureum Diaconi Cardinalis, & Apostolica Sedis leg•• ti, per hoc sacrosanctum Euangelium, quod manu tango. Whereto the Cardinall ma•••• this answere;

Haec deuota professio sit peccatorum tuorum vera remissio. Amen.

And after he had giuen him a blow on the cheeke, and caused him to guird o•• his Sword; then he proceeded in this manner:

Ad honorem Dei omnipotentis te Militem Ordino, ac in nostro Collegio t•• grat•• accipeo. Et memento quoniam Salicator Mundi coram Annâ Pontifice pro te colaphica∣tus, & illusus est; coram Pilato praeside flagellis caesus, ac spinis coronatuc; coram Her•• chlamyde vestitus, & derisus est, & coram omni Populo nudus, ac vulneratus in Cr•• suspensus est. Cuius approbria memorari te suadeo, cuius Crucem acceptare te consulo, & mortem Christi vlcisci te moneo.

It was the custome in auncient times, to receiue the Order of Knighthood at the Prelates hands.* 3.44 And so it was long time kept and maintained among the French, as holding it no meane principle of Christian Religion, to fight for the Church•• and such as were the holy and reuerend Fathers thereof. Yea, Kings themselues were euer thereto deuoutly affected, as neuer disallowing their graue aduise and counsell, in the most serious affaires concerning their Kingdomes, and for prop••¦tion of their Common-weales.

Examples are numberlesse in this case, and would be ouer-teadious to the Rea•• if they should be set downe, according to the testimonie of many learned and i••¦cious Authors. It shall therefore serue as a sufficient and warrantable proofe, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our most-Christian Monarches, after they were Sacred and Crowned; rece•• the Order of Knighthood at the Prelates hands, which had Sacred and Crowne•• them. As (in our time) King Henry the Great, by Messire Nicolas de Thou, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Chartres; and King Lewes the thirteenth, now reigning, at the hands of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Illustrious Cardinall, Deane of the Cardinals, Frances, Duke of Ioyeuse, Peere 〈◊〉〈◊〉 France, Archbishop of Rouen, and Primate of Normandie.

The Order of Saint Michaell; Instituted in the Citie of Amboise, in the yeare of Grace, One Thousand foure hundred threescore and Nine.

CHAP. V. The Order of Saint Michaell.

LEWES King of France, Eleauenth of the name, following the designes and will of his Father Charles the seauenth, tearmed the Victorious: after the Order of the Starre was abolished, instituted the most famous Order of Knights, cal∣led Of Saint Michaell.

Kingdomes, Prouinces, Cities and Townes, yea, and men perticulerly, haue each one their Tutelarie Angell and Guardian. Varios custodes Vrbibus cunctis Mens Diuina distri∣buit: Vt Animae Nascentibus, ita Populis fatales Genij diuidun∣tur. So saith Simmachus.

It is the Doctrine of Mercurius Trismegistus, and of Iamblicus, de Mysterijs Aegyp∣tiorum; conformable to the sacred Scriptures.

In Daniell the tenth and twelfth Chapters, the Arch-Angell Saint Michaell fought against the Angell-Guardian of the Persians Empire.* 3.45 Princeps Regni Persarum restitit mihi vno, & viginti diebus: & ecce Michael vnus de Principibus primis venit in ad∣iutorium meum. The Princes of the Kingdome of Persia withstood me one and twentie dayes: but loe, Michaell one of the chiefe Princes came to helpe me. That which the Prophet spake there, concerning the Princes of the Persians and Grecians; is vnderstood of the Angels-Guardians and Tutelaries of the two Monarchies.

Wee reade in Iosephus, Aegesippus, and other Ecclesiasticall Writers, that (some indifferent while) before the Emperours Vespasian and Titus, Father and Sonne,* 3.46 be∣siedged and tooke the holy Citie of Ierusalem; there were heard in the Temple thereof, the plaine and articulate voyces of Angels-Guardians thereof, saying; Let vs depart from hence.

The Romaines were of the selfe same beliefe. So that with solemne Sacrifices, they celebrated daily the memory of the Tutelarie God of their Citie of Rome,* 3.47 whom they stiled by the name of Romanessus. Which name they accounted to be so sacred, as it was prohibited to pronounce or discouer it, vnder paine of death. In this respect was it, that a Romaine Knight had death inflicted on him; because (by mischance, or some other light meanes) he had vttered the name of this their Tutelarie God, as it is obserued by Alexander ab Alexandro, in his Geniall Dayes.* 3.48 And the Romaines prohibited this the more rigorously, as fearing least the name of their Genius, being made knowne to such Nations as were their enemies; he might be called away, and drawne to their Citie, which would haue bin the losse and vtter ruine of their State. For, in besiedging a Citie of their enemy, the Romaines (by certaine Sacrifices and Enchantments) called to the Genius or Demon-Guardian thereof, entreating and coniuring him, that if he would come thence to Rome; he should there haue a much more stately and magnificent Temple, and be a thou∣sand times much more honored, then he could be in that poore besiedged Citie. As verily beleeuing, that by such Ceremonies, those Penates and Dij Patrij, would forsake their former abiding Cities, and goe with them to Rome.

Excessere omnes aditis, arisque relictis Dij quibus Imperium hoc steterat.

So effectually speaketh the Latine Poet.

The Tyrians being besiedged, would needes enchaine Hercules (their Tutelarie God) with Chaines of Gold, for feare least he should leaue them, so obserueth Plu∣••arch. And vpon this Subiect Nations of the Gentiles and Pagans, ••ai••ed fast in their Temples, those Idols which were their pretended Guardian-Gods: to whom, (on a certaine day yearely) they performed diuers Sacrifices, with hum∣ble and deuour prayers; to the end, that they would continue firme and immouea∣ble in their Cities and Townes. Others inuoked (in generall) all the Tutelane Gods, and would not haue any in particular: because they would not be at the pe∣rill, either to make them fast, or loose them, by being called thence, and coniured to some other place.

Nations most barbarous, and furthest off from our knowledge, haue done the same. For the Yngas of Peru, in their Royall Citie of Cusco, had a goodly and magnificent Temple, built after the fashion of the Romaines Pantheon. In this Temple did the West Indian Kings, place the Gods of such Nations and Pro∣uinces, as were by them Conquered and subdued: being most constantly perswaded, that they should keepe those Prouinces vnder tearmes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and obedience; because they held (as Hostages) their Tutelarie Gods and Protectors. As is written by Iosephus Acosta, in his naturall Historie of the Indies.

* 3.49Saint Michael, the most excellent of the Order of Angels, hath beene celebrated by the French, as being the Tutelarie Angell and Guardian of all France, the most noble Monarchie of the World, and therefore he is called Princeps Imperij Fran••••∣rum. A title which this Angell tooke, when (vnder the Reigne of Childebert, King of France, called the Iust, and third of the name) he appeared in the yeare Seuen hundred and nine) to Aubert, Bishop of Auranches; commanding him to prepare and build a Church, vpon a Rocke in his Diocesse, called the Tombe, otherwise na∣med Tombe-Helene, and The Perill of the Sea, as Sigibert writeth in his Chronicles Childeberto Monarchium Regni Francorum tenente, Archangelus Michael apparens A••∣berto Abricantensi Episcopo, monuit eum semel, & iterum, vt in loco Maris, qui propter eminentiam sui Tumba vocatur, fundaret Ecclesiam in sui memoriam. And since that time the Mount Saint Michael hath beene frequented with Pilgrimages, which are yearely made thither, from all the parts and quarters of France.

* 3.50Also since that time, the French haue honoured yearely (with a solemne Feast and rest from all labour) this Apparition on the same day as it was done, namely, the nine and twentie of September: a day dedicated to the Arch-Angell Saint Mi∣chael, in remembrance of his Apparition on the Rocke Tombelaine. Commanded to be kept most strictly, with those which are specified by our King and Emperour Charlemaigne, in the second Booke of his Capitularies, at the three and thirtieth Ti∣tle, De Festiuitatibus Anni.

Festos dies in Anno celebrare sancimus, hoc est, Diem Dominicum Pascha, cum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 honore, & sobrietate venerari: simili modo totam hebdomadam illam obseruare decre••∣mus. Diem Ascensionis Domini pleniter celebrare. Pentecosten similiter vt in Pasch••. In natali Apostolorum Petri, & Pauli diem vnum. Natiuitatem Sancti Ioannis Baptista. Assumptionem Sanctae Mariae. Dedicationem Sancti Michaelis. Natalem Sancti ••••∣migij, Sancti Martini, Sancti Andreae. In Natali Domini dies quatuor. Octabas Na∣tàlis Domini. Epiphaniam Domini. Purificationem Sanctae Mariae. Et illa•• festiuita••et Martyrum, vel Confessorum obseruare decreuimus, quorum in vnaquaque Parrochi•• Sancta Corpora requiescunt.* 3.51 We vnderstand by this Capitularie and Ordinance, that the yeares of the Auncient French, began at the Feast of Easter, the Feast whereof con∣tinued the whole weeke; and the like at Pentecoste. For Christmas had foure Feast daies only: which we haue obserued to this day.

Now although the Celestiall Hierarchie, diuided into nine Orders, containe an innumerable number of Angels, as is written by the great S. Denys Areopagi••a, first Bishop of our Citie of Paris: yet notwithstanding, the Church being alwaies illu∣m••nated by the Holy-Ghost, receiueth no more but three names of those most bles∣sed Spirits: Michaell, Gabriell, and Raphaell. All those whereof an addition is made, are the supposed names of Deuils, and not of Angels: which was determined in

••he Romaine Councell, held vnder Pope Zacharie,* 3.52 in the cause of Adebert and Cle∣••ent, accused of Witchcraft. Cumque per ordinem legaretur, peruenit ad locum vbi ••t. Precor vos, & coniuro vos, & supplico me ad vos Angele Vriel, Angele Raguel, An∣••ele Tubuel, Angele Michael, Angele Adimis, Angele Tubuas, Angele Sabaoth, Angele Si∣••ihel. Dum verò hac oratio sacrilega vsque ad finem perlecta fuisset, Quid aliud ••gendum est, nisi vt omnia quae coram nobis lecta sunt igne concrementur? Octo enim ••mina Angelorum que in sita oratione Adebertus inuocauit, non Angelorum, Praeter Michaelis, sed magis Damonum nomina sunt. Nos autem, vt à vestro Sancto Apo∣••olatu edocemur, & Diuina tradit auctoritas, non plus quàm trium Angelorum nomi∣••a agnoscimus, id est, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael.

Wherefore our King and Emperour Charlemaigne, conformably to this, which ••ad (long time before) beene determined in the Councell of Laodicea, prohibi∣••ed by his Ordinance, the introducing into the Churches of France, any other in∣••ocation and names of Angels, but the three aboue named: In the first Booke of ••is Capitularies, at the sixteenth Title, De ignotis Angelorum nominibus.

In eodem Consilio praecipitur, vt ignota Angelorum nomina nec fingantur, nec no∣••inentur, nisi illorum quos habemus in auctoritate; hi sunt Michael, Gabriel, Raphael.

Among those most blessed Spirits, Saint Michael is numbred the first and chiefe,* 3.53 ••onoured from all times (as we haue said) for the Tutelarie Angell and Guardian ••f France: in the protection whereof, he hath alwaeis shewne himselfe succour∣••ble, euen in the very greatest stormes and torments, that could be threatned against 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Wee will only make obseruation of two memorable examples, happening in ••wo the most miserable Ages, when this flourishing Monarchie was (almost) with∣•• two fingers bredth of her vtter ruine.

While the Englishmen marched thorow all the quarters of France,* 3.54 euen as chal∣••ing out which way they pleased to take, by the daungerous and dismall faction of ••he house of Bourgongne: they besiedged (with all their power) the auncient Ci∣••e of Orleans, then thought most dreadfull to the French, in the Month of October, ••ne thousand foure hundred twentie and eight. The Englishmen being perswa∣••ed in their owne conceit, that they (by a generall assault) should surprize it, and ••o become Masters thereof: the Arch-Angell Saint Michael, appeared visibly vp∣••n the Bridge of the Citie, fighting against the Englishmen, and ouerthrowing their ••tandards, Banners, and Penons, looking Red with Leopards and Dragonned Li∣••ns, according as is said by Monstrelet.* 3.55 So that the French (thus holpen by Diuine ••ssistance) beat backe the English, foiled and constrained them to raise their Siedge, ••ith a notable losse of their men. A most worthie victorie, whereof was then ••id (by way of thanksgiuing) as in the twelfth of the Apocalypse. Factum est pra∣••um magnum in Coelo; Michael, & Angeli eius, praeliabantur cum Dracone: & Draco ••ugnabat, & Angeli eius, & non valuerunt, neque locus eoruminuentus est amplius. ••nd there was Warre in Heauen, Michael, and his Angels fought against the Dragon, ••nd the Dragon fought and his Angels, And preuailed not, neither was their place ••nd any more in Heauen. For to speake truly, this ouerthrow was the beginning ••f the ruine of the English in France, and, that King Charles the seuenth wonne ••o himselfe the title of Victorious.

Our other memorie is that happy day, Tuesday, the two and twentieth of March,* 3.56 ••n the yeare One thousand foure hundred foure score and foureteene, when that ••rious and bloudie monster of the League, was beaten downe to the earth by our ••aulish Hercules, in reducing the Citie of Paris, to the acknowledgement and ser∣••ice of her Monarche, the valiant and wise Pilot of his Ship, Henry the Great, fourth ••f that name, of eternall memorie. On the day of his entrance thereinto, this great Prince, rendering thankes to God for this reduction, peaceably vpon his knees, ••n the Quire of our Lady Church: there was visibly seene by all then pre∣••ent (being an vnspeakable number) neere vnto his Maiestie, S. Michael the Arch∣••ngel Guardian of his France (in the shape and forme of a young childe, aged about ••ixe or seuen yeares, most gracious for excellencie in beautie; and cloathed all in ••hite, according as Painters doe ordinarily figure Angels) who during all the time of Ceremonie, stood on the right side of the King, and it being finished, he vani∣shed

immediately, before any could perceiue how, or which way he went. The King who had fixedly noted all the Masse time this strange apparition; had such a cap¦ture of ioy and gladnesse in his soule, with further hope of subduing the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his enemies: that with a loud voice (so audibly as all the assistants might heare him) he said: Our enemies must needes be foiled, when God sends his an∣gels to assist vs.* 3.57

After the Apparition of the Arch-Angell Saint Michael, on the Bridge of O••¦leans; King Charles, seuenth of the name, and in whose Reigne this miracle h••¦pened, tooke for his Ori-flambe, the Image of the Arch-Angell Saint Michaell, with these two deuises, deriued from the Prophecies of Daniel. Ecce Michal vnus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Principibus venit in adiutorium meum.

And the other:

Nemo est adiutor meus in omnibus, nisi Michael Princeps noster.

* 3.58And euen then he made a vow, that being at peace and quiet in his King∣dome, he would create a new Order of Militarie Discipline and Knighthood, a honour of the said Angell-Guardian of the Kingdome of France, whose Image he he would beare alwaies in his Great Standard: ouer and beside the Banner of France, Parsemee de Fleurs de Lys sans nombre; euermore caried before our Kings, when in Person they marched to any Warre.

Berry, King of Armes, describing the entrance of the said King Charles the se∣uenth into his Citie of Paris, reduced vnder his obedience on Fryday after Easter, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred thirtie and sixe (in memorie whereof on the like day yearely, the Court of Parlement, Chamber of Ac∣counts, Court of Aydes, and Towne House, or Guilde-Haule of the Citie of Paris, goe to heare Masse in the Cathedrall Church) informeth vs; that this en∣trance was made on the Monday, being the day of S. Martin, the twelfth of Nouember, One thousand foure hundred thirtie seuen. And that before the King marched eight hundred Archers, well appointed and Armed, conducted by the Count of Engoulesme, a Prince of the Bloud, and descended of the House of Orleans.

* 3.59The King went alone, wholy Armed with gilt Armour, the Helmet excep¦ted; in stead whereof he wore a pointed Cappe or Bonnet of white Beauer, dou∣bled and lined with Carnation Veluet, the Band of rich precious Stones, and on the knot of the Band, a massie tuft of Gold. Vpon his Cuirasse he wo•• a rich Coat of Armes, of Carnation Veluet, crossed with Gold and Siluer, and thickly embrodered with Pearles and precious Stones. His Horse was couered with a Foot-cloth of Veluet, of blew Celestiall coullour, dangling downe to the ground, all curiously ouer-spread with great Floures de Luces of Gold. The Chanfraine or Front-stall of fine Steele, and aloft on the Horses head a rich Plume of Austridge Feathers.

Before him, and next to his Person, went Pothon de Sainct Treille, who vpon a Truncheon, (painted with Azure, and thickly powdered with Golden Flo••res de Luces, aduanced on his right thigh) carried the Kings Helmet, Crowned with a rich Crowne, made close with a double Flourae de Luce. The Horse of the said Pothon (led by Iohn d' Olon Gentleman, going on foot) was couered with fine white Cloth, charged with Goldsmiths worke of flying Hearts. Before him rode the King of Armes Mon-Ioye, attired in his Coat of Violet Veluet, hauing thereon three Floures de Luces of Gold, and embrodered with great goodly Pearles.

After his Maiestie rode Monsieur le Daulphine, Armed with Armes (in all respects) like vnto the King his Father.

After him followed the Pages of the Kings Chamber, as also those belon∣ging to his Sonne the Daulphine: the said Pages and their Horses cloathed in the Liueries of their Masters, richly embrodered with Gold-Smithes worke.

Before Pothon rode the Constable of France, and the Countes of Vendosme and Tancaruile.

After the Daulphine, rode the Lord Charles of Aniou, his Vncle, on the right hand, ••ith the Countes De la Marche, and de Perdiac on the left.

And after followed the Bastard of Orleans, himselfe Armed at all points, and ••s Horse courred with Gold-Smithes worke, and a ribh Chaine of Gold, trailing ••ong the Horses backe, made like great Oaken leaues, each weighing fiftie Marcks. ••his man conducted the Kings Batalion, consisting of a thousand Launces, Armed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all points, and their Horses barbed.

Behinde him rode a Querrie of the Stable,* 3.60 who carried a Vermillion coloured ••aunce in his hand, painted with Stars of fine Gold: and on the top thereof a Stan∣••ard, of Crimosine Silke, thickly powdred with Starres of Gold, and in the midst, ••e Image of my Lord Saint Michael the Arch-Angell.

The same King Charles the seuenth, after he had conquered Normandie,* 3.61 and dri∣••en the English-men thence; he made his entrance into the Citie of Rouen (at large ••escribed by Enguerran de Monstrelet, Continuer of the Historie of M. Iohn Frois∣••d) on Monday, being the Vigile of Saint Martin, the tenth of Nouember, in ••e yeare One thousand foure hundred fortie and nine.

Behinde and after the Victorious King (saith Monstrelet) rode the Lord De Cu∣••nt, Maister of the King his Houshold, and with him Rogerin Blosset, chiefe Quer∣••e of the Kings Stable: Who caried the Standard Royall of Crimosine Sattine, with an ••age of S. Michael in the midst of the Standard, thickly flourished all along with Flowers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fine Gold. And after followed Iohn de Scanauille, called Hauard, Bayliffe of Dreux, ••arlet Caruer to the King: who carried the Penon, which was of Azured Veluet ••hat is Celestiall Blew) with three Floures de Luces of Gold, embrodered with Gold, ••d the same Floures de Luces, likewise embrodered with great Pearles.

King Charles the seuenth had a perticular deuotion to this Arch-Angell Saint Mi∣••ael, so that we reade in the Historie of his Reigne,* 3.62 and in the yeare One thousand ••ree hundred fourescore and foureteene, the twelfth day of Ianuarie; Queene Isa∣••l of Bauaria, his Wife (sirnamed Le Grand Gorre, for her pride and pompe) lying 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Child-bed, and deliuered of a goodly Daughter,* 3.63 he caused her to be named Mi∣••aelle. And the King also commanded, that the Gate of Paris, whereby we passe to the ••harter-House Monkes, to Vannes, and many other Villages, formerly called the Gate 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Hell; should be named, Saint Michaels Gate, causing it to be enlarged, and made great deale wider then it was before. This Street of Hell became so named,* 3.64 in re∣••rd that none durst passe thorow it, by reason of wicked Spirits, which were can∣••onned in the Palace of Vauuerd, a place of pleasure, built in the time of King Ro∣••rt, as well as Nostre Dame des Champs, and giuen to the Charter-House Monkes by ••e King S. Lewes, to chase the Deuill out of Vauuerd. A Prouerbe which (to this ••ay) is attributed by the Parisians, to wicked vnthrifts, not hauing the feare of God ••efore their eyes, nor any discipline whatsoeuer. By order also giuen from the same ••ing Charles the seuenth. the Image of S. Michael was placed on the Pinacle, of the ••hurch of Nostre Dame des Champs: as yet it is there to be seene at this day.

Whatsoeuer King Charles the seuenth could not effect, and bring to passe; King ••ewes the eleuenth, being his Sonne, brought to perfection, conformably to the will ••f his Father, executing his designes, and instituting The Order of Saint Michael the ••rch-Angell, of which Order, we haue thought good to set downe the Statutes, thus ••ollowing.

The Orders appointed by King Lewes the Eleuenth: For the Institution of the Order of Saint Michael. CHAP. VI.

* 3.65LEWES, by the Grace of God, King of France: To al•• present, and to come, Greeting. Wee make knowne, that for the most perfect and sincere loue, which Wee beare to the Noble Order and estate of Knighthood, whereof (in most ••∣dent affection) Wee desire the honour and encrease, that ac∣cording to Our heartie wish, the Holy Catholique Faith, the blessed condition of Our Holy Mother the Church, and Posteritie of the publique Weale, might bee kept and main∣tained as they ought to be: Wee, to the glory and praise of God, Our Almightie Creatour, and reuerence due to the glorious Virgine Marie, as also in the honour and reuerence of Saint Michael, the prime and chiefe Knight, who (in Gods quarell) fought against the auncient enemie of Mankinde, and made hi•• fall from Heauen; who hath likewise alwaies kept his place, preserued and desended his Oratorie, named the Mount Saint Michael, without suffering it at any time to be taken, subdued, or brought into the hands of this Kingdomes auncient enemies: And to the end, that all good, high and Noble courages should be incited, and moued the more to vertuous actions.

The first day of August, in the yeare of Grace, One thousand foure hun∣dred three score and nine, and of our Reigne the ninth, in our Castle of A••∣boise. Wee constitute, create, and ordaine, and by these presents doe consti∣tute, create, and ordaine, an Order of Brother-hood, or louing Companie of certaine number of Knights, which Wee will, shall be named, The Order of my Lord Saint Michael the Arch-Angell, in and vnder the Forme, Conditions, Statutes, Orders, and Articles, as hereafter are set downe.

Heere follow the Satutes and Constitutions of the Order.

* 3.661. FIrst of all We haue ordained, and doe ordaine, that in this present Or∣der there shall be sixe and thirtie Knights, Gentlemen of name, and o•• Armes, without reproach: whereof Our Selfe will be one, the chiefe and Soueraigne, during Our life, and after Vs Our Successours Kings of France. The Brethren and Companions of the Order, shall be bound to leaue and for∣sake all other Orders, at their entrance into this, if they be of any other, ••e he a Prince or otherwise: except such Brethren shall be Emperours, Kings, or Dukes, who (with this Order) may beare that whereof they are chiefe; ha∣uing the accord and consent of Vs and Our Successours, and Our Bretheren of the said Order. In like manner, We and Our Successours, Soueraignes of this Or∣der▪ may (if it shall so please Vs) take the Order of any the said Emperours, Kings or Dukes, with Our owne, for the better demonstration of loue one to another, and hope of future good to ensue thereby.

2. And because We desire

[illustration]

••othing more, then that in this ••resent Order, there should be ••he best, most renowned, ver∣••uous and Noble Knights, ••hereof Wee can receiue ••nowledge, as well in them ••f Our owne Bloud and Li∣••age, as of any other King∣••ome from Ours: Wee, be∣••ng well and duly informed ••f the good Parts, Valour, Wisedome, Vertues, and ••ther commendable qualities, ••n the Knights which are ••eere-under named, and ve∣••ily perswading Our Selfe, ••f their sound loyaltie, hope ••f continuance therein, with ••bsolute perseuerance in all ••onorable and worthie works: ••aue named, and doe name Our Bretheren and Compa∣nions of this Order, whereof We and Our Sucessours, Kings of France will bee Soue∣••aignes, as before is said. To wit:

Our most deare and intirely ••ffected Brother, Charles, Duke of Guienne.

Our most deare and beloued Brother and Cousine, Iohn, Duke of Bourbonnois and Auuergne.

Our beloued Brother and Cousine, Lewes of Luxembourg, Count of Saint Paule, and Constable of France.

Andrew de Laual, Lord of Loheac, and Marshall of France.

Iohn, Count of Sancerre, Lord of Bucil.

Lewes de Beaumont, Lord De la Forest, and Du Plessis.

Messire Lewes d' Estoute-Ville, and Lord de Torcy.

Lewes de Laual, Lord de Chastillon.

Mathewe, Bastard of Bourbon, Count de Roussillon, Admirall of France.

Anthonie de Chabannes, Count de Dammartin, Great Master of the Houshold of France.

Iohn, Bastard D' Armaignac, Count of Comminges, Marshall of France, and Gouer∣nour of Daulphine.

George de la Trimouille, Lord of Craon.

Gilbert de Chabannes, Lord of Curton, and Seneschall of Guienne.

Charles, Lord of Cursol, Seneschall or Steward of Poictou.

Tanneguy du Chastel, Gouernour of Roussillon and Cerdaigne.

And the rest, seruing to perfect and make vp the number of sixe and thirtie; we ••eserue to be placed by election of Vs, and of Our said Bretheren, at the first Chap∣••er and Conuention: according as by Vs, and them aboue named (or the most part of them) shall be aduised in following Conuentions and Chapters.

3. For better knowledge of this Order, and the Knights honoured therewith;* 3.67 We will (for once only) giue to each of the said Knights, A Coller of Gold, made of Scal¦lops,

enterlaced one within another, and doubly banded, fastened on small Ch••∣nets or Mailes of Gold. At the midst of the said Coller, vpon a Rocke shall be an Image of my Lord S. Michael, which must hang downe vpon the breast. Which Coller, we and our Successours Soueraignes, and each Knight of the said Order, shall be bound to weare daily, and openly about his necke: on paine of causing a Masse to be said, and to giue (for Gods sake) to the summe of seauen Sols and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Deniers Tournois: which must (in conscience) be done by the defailant, at all times, and as often as he shall misse of wearing it. Onely in Armies excepted, where it shall suffice to weare the Image of S. Michael, hanging at a small chaine of Gold▪ or at a riband of Silke, which himselfe pleaseth.

* 3.684 And likewise, when the Soueraigne, or any of the said Knights shall iourney thorow the Countrey, or shall be in their houses among their priuate Familie, i•• hunting and other places, where they shall not haue any company, or assembly of men or people of degree: then he or they shall not be so neerely constrained, to weare the great Coller; but onely the said Image, and in such manner as hath bin said.

5 And when it shall so happen, that the Coller hath neede of some repairing; he may not put it into the Goldsmiths hands, except the Knight to whom the Col∣ler belongeth,* 3.69 is not to pay any thing for the amending. Or if he vndertake some long voyage; Or must leaue the Coller for securitie of his person. Which Coller must containe the weight of Two hundred Crownes of Gold, and not vnder, without being enriched with precious Stones, or any thing else. And the Knight may not engage it, nor alienate it vpon any necessitie, for any cause, or in any manner what∣soeuer: but it must alwaies appertaine, and remaine intirely to the said Order.

6 At the entrance whereinto, all Knights thereof shall promise, to abide in loy∣all loue to vs, the Heads and Soueraignes of the said Order, as also one towards another.* 3.70 And we to them will procure and encrease their honour and benefit, for the auoiding of dishonour and damage to any of the Order. If any one heare such matter published, as may redound to the preiudice and detriment of any of the Or∣der: he standeth obliged, to excuse the same in the best manner he can. And if the defamer perseuere still in the publication of those words; then, by the Oath which he hath taken concerning the said Order, he is bound to reueale them to his Breth••en and Fellowes, whatsoeuer was heard spoken against their honour and be∣nefit. And after the said Remonstrance, if the euill speaker persist still in the same, they must signifie those speeches to the Knight, against whom the scandalous words were so openly published.

7 Moreouer, if any practise to offend, hinder or endamage vs, or our Succes∣sours Soueraignes and Heads of the Order,* 3.71 or our Kingdome, vassailes and Sub∣iects; when we, and our Successiue Heads and Soueraignes of the Order, attempt some enterprise in Armes, for defence of the Christian Faith, Reestablishment, or libertie of the Church of God, maintenance of the Crowne of France, the pub∣lique good of our Kingdome, and against our auncient enemies, or any other iust quarrell: In such cases, the said Knights of the Order shall be bound to serue per∣sonally, if they be able to doe it. And such as are impuissant or vnable, shall send reasonable and competent wages; except a lawfull excuse, & euident impeachment, doe pleade on their behalfe to the Soueraigne of the Order.

8 We in like manner, to expresse the great affection we haue, and doe intend to our Brethren and Companions of the Order, and for the better and more firme preseruing them in a perfect vnion: doe promise, as the like shall our Successours, Chiefes and Soueraignes of the Order, to keepe, defend, support and main∣taine all the said Knights, Officers and Supporters of the Order, and eue∣ry one of them; in all their Estates, Dignities, Preheminences, Prerogatiues,

Countries, Lands, Seigneuries, and other rights. To defend them likewise against all such, as would attempt any thing against them, and to preserue them as our own proper right by our power; yea, and so long, as by right we and they may doe it, like good Heads, Brethren, Companions and Officers of the Order.

9 Moreouer, we will not vndertake any wars, or any high and dangerous bu∣sinesse; without making it knowne to the greater part of our fellow Knights:* 3.72 As willing herein to haue, and vse their best aduise and counsell. Prouided and ex∣cepted neuerthelesse, all hastie matters, and such as require celeritie, the reuealing whereof may be preiudiciall to the said enterprises. And the Knights and Brethren of the Order shall promise and sweare, not to disclose the enterprises of their So∣••eraigne, nor any thing which shall be deliuered in counsell before them: in ac∣••nowledgement of the obligation and faithfulnesse, for the grace and fauour done ••hem by the Soueraign, in not vndertaking, or presuming on any occasion of weight ••nd consequence, without their counsell.

10 In like manner, the Knights our faithfull Subiects and seruants,* 3.73 shall not in∣••ude themselues into any wars, or long voyages, without our leaue and licence, or ••f our Successours Soueraignes of the Order. Not that we will, or intend to hin∣••er or restraine our Knights; but that in Lands which they hold of others, they may ••ter into warre and seruice, in like manner as they had done, before the erection ••f this Order. And likewise, such as are not our Subiects, nor to our Successors, So∣••eraignes of the Order; may serue in Armes, and make voyages at their owne plea∣••re, without making it knowne to vs before; if possibly they may doe so, without ••e preiudice of our seruice and affaires.

11 If any debate or contention shall happen betweene any the Knights, and Of∣••ers of the Orders, in regard of their persons onely, whereby some doubt may arise,* 3.74 ••hat way is best to be taken therein: The case comming to the knowledge of the ••oueraigne, he shall prohibite (by his Letters to the parties) all meanes and matter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fact. And at the next Chapter, those debates shall be discided by the Soueraign, ••d his Brethren Knights; the parties being heard what they can say, as well on the ••e side, as other. Which parties shall stand bound to make their apparance (or ••duocates for them) to obey such an appointment as thereon is made, giuen by the ••oueraigne and the Knights: Reseruing all right of our high Iustice, and Authority ••oyall, of vs and our Successours. And if any shall presume to outrage, or iniurie ••e bodies of our Knights, or Officers of the Order: all the rest (then present, or ••hich may come to the wrong) shall succour, relieue, and remedie him or them, so ••re as their power will extend.

12 Moreouer,* 3.75 if any one (being no Vassaile nor Subiect to the Soueraigne of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Order) shall offer grieuance, iniurie or violence to euery, or any Knight or Offi∣•• of the Order, and subiect to the Soueraigne, whereof he cannot haue any repa∣••ion by Iustice, and yet the Knight or Officer so wronged, will submit himselfe the ordenance of the Soueraigne, and the other partie maketh refusall: In this ••e, the Soueraigne and Companions of the Order, doe stand bound, to vse all ••our and assistance to their Brother & Companion. And on the behalfe of strange ••ights, as shall submit themselues, and the other partie make refusall; the Soue∣••gne and Companions must giue them such assistance, as in reason and equitie ••y ought to doe.

13 If either at this present, or in time to come, there happen to be Brethren of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Order, not Subiects to vs, or to our Successours, Soueraignes,* 3.76 and it may so ••ne to passe, that we, or our Successours shall be moued to raise or make warre, ••inst a naturall Lord and Brother of the Order, or against their or his Coun∣••y: In this case wee openly declare, that such a Knight or such Knights,

being no Subiects to the Soueraigne; may lawfully defend their naturall Lord and Countrey, without incurring blame, taxation of their honour, or any mispri••i•••• against their chiefe Soueraigne. But if their naturall Soueraigne, shall raise wa•••• against the Soueraigne of the Order, his Kingdome and Subiects, during the time of Constitution and Brotherhood of the Order; they may excuse themselues from ser∣uice. But if their Lord will constraine them; they may doe it, without any forfeit of their Honour: prouided, that the Lord himselfe goe to the warre in person, but not otherwise, and they make the same (before) knowen to the Soueraigne of the Or∣der, vnder their Hand and Seale.

* 3.7714. If it shall so happen, that any of the said Knights doe goe vpon some voi∣age, or seruice in Armes of any Stranger Prince: he is first to aduertise the Soue∣raigne thereof. And if any of the Brethren or Companions of the Order, chaunce to be taken in Warre or Battaile: he stands bound to performe good and loyall be∣hauiour, for sauing the life of his Brother and Companion. If he take him with his owne hand, he must franckly quit him on his faith, and so deliuer him: except the Knight be a chiefe Leader in the warre, by him taken Prisoner. And if his Lord will not consent thereto: the Knight cannot (with his honour) take Armes for him, but may forsake his seruice.

* 3.7815. For the rest, the Bretheren and Knights entertained as hath bee••e said, and on the before remembred conditions: they are to continue so during their liues; except they forfeit, or commit some reproachfull crimes, for which they shall deserue to be depriued and cast off, whereof We purpose to speake more, as here∣after followeth.

* 3.79If it happen that any Knight (which Wee wish may neuer come to passe) shall be conuinced or attainted of Heresie, or errour against the Catholique Faith, for which he hath recei••ed some punishment, or publique penaltie: If he shall be attainted or conuicted of Treason: If he shall depart, or flie on any day of Battaile, be it with his Lord, or with any other, when the Ensignes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 displayed, and readie to fall to handie-stroakes: In any of the three before named cases (to the end, that the Order may remaine pure and vndefamed, accor∣ding as it ought to doe:) We ordaine, that the Knight found to be so cha••∣ged, attainted or conuinced, of all, of two, or any one of them, shall (〈◊〉〈◊〉 iudgement of the Soueraigne,* 3.80 and Companions of the Order) be depriued degraded and throwne out of the Order; after he hath first beene heard, what defences he can alleadge in the cases, if he will stand on his owne clearing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 purgation, and hath beene thereto required, appealed, and sufficiently summo••ned. If likewise he doe commit any foule, enormous or disgracefull act; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is to be proceeded against by the Soueraigne and Bretheren of the Order, wh•••• shall iudge as before is said; but in any other case, he is not to be depriued 〈◊〉〈◊〉 degraded.* 3.81 But if the Soueraigne doe offer wrong or preiudice, to any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Knights of the Order, for which the partie offended doth admonish t•••• Soueraigne and Bretheren of the Order, to award him reason and iustice 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his due attendance, and yet his right is denied him: In this case, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before (the other Knights, hauing made declaration of the wrong) the o••••e••¦ded Knight may surrender his Coller, and depart from the Order, with•••••• any blemish or scandall to his honour; and yet notwithstanding, with tak•••• his leaue in as honourable manner, as he can best deuise to doe. Moreouer, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 other causes, and lawfull reasons; he must be ordered by the aduise deter••••¦nation and iudgement of the Soueraigne, and Companions of the Order, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 greate•• part of the company.

* 3.8216. And for taking away of all doubts, errours, scruples and difficul•••••• which may happen concerning prioritie and posterioritie, of Honours, Est•••••• Dignities and Degrees of the said Knights, Bretheren and Companions of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Order, because true and brotherly loue should haue no respect to such thing

We will and ordaine, that a•• well in going, as comming, sitting in the Church or Chapter, at the Table, naming, speaking and writing, and in all other actions, and things whatsoeuer, depending, regarding, and touching the estate of the present Order; the Bretheren and Companions are to hold both manner, place, and or∣der, according as before, or after they had receiued the Coller of Knighthood. And if many will haue it so, that the most Auncient shall hold the prime place on ••he instant day; then the rest are to follow in due order. And as for such, who hereafter are to be rancked in the Order, by election of the Soueraigne, and Bre∣theren of the Order: Wee doe ordaine, that they shall hold place,* 3.83 accor∣ding to the time as they were accepted into the Order. And if there be ma∣••y entred vpon one and the same day: they shall hold place according to ••heir yeares and age, as hath beene said, Except he be an Emperour, King, and Duke, who for the greatnesse of their dignitie, are to haue place in this Order, ••ccording to the time when they receiued the Order; without other respect ••f Nobilitie, Lignage, greatnesse of Commaund, Estates, Offices, Riches, and ••ower.

17.* 3.84 Each Knight (at his entertainment into the Fellowship) shall pay to the Treasurer of the Order, fortie Crownes of Gold, or the value of them: to con∣••ert them into Iewels, Vestements and Ornaments, for Diuine Seruice of the Col∣••edge.

18. Moreouer, euery one of the Order shall stand obliged, to giue vnto the Treasurer,* 3.85 when any Knight deceaseth (and he shall haue tydings of his death) ••oney, for the singing of twentie Masses, and sixe Crownes of Gold, to giue in ••lmes for the deceased Knights of the Order. Which money the Treasurer shall ••mploy, as is said in the place of the Foundation what is to be done, and in other ••laces beside. And he is to hold the Chapters and Conuentions, according (as by ••he Soueraigne and Bretheren of the Order) he shall be aduised.

19 And for the singuler Confidence and Deuotion,* 3.86 which Wee beare to ••e Lord Saint Michael, the first and chiefe Knight, who fought in Gods qua∣••ell, and who defendeth alwaies his Place and Oratorie, from being subdued ••y auncient enemies to the Crowne of France, making it inuincible, and vnder ••hose name and title, this present Order hath beene founded and instituted: We ••aue ordained, that all Diuine Seruices, and other Ecclesiasticall Ceremonies, ••or the well performance of foundations, intended to be done by Vs, and also by ••ur Successours, Soueraignes of the Order, or the Bretheren Knights and Com∣••••nions thereof; shall be celebrated and performed at the place, and in the ••hurch of Mount Saint Michael, which We elect and make choice of, as well for ••••fecting the fore-named things, and all other beside, as shall hereafter be de∣••ared

20. Be it enacted and ordained,* 3.87 that in the Quier of the Church there shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Seates, whereon to seat the Soueraigne, and Knights of the Order there assem∣••ed. Ouer the Seates, fixed to the Wall, shall (first of all, aboue the Soueraignes ••at) be placed the Escutcheon of his Armes, with his Helmet and Creast. And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 consequently, of each of the other Knights, keeping the order of preference, ••hereof before We haue made mention.

21. For the benefit, honour and exaltation of the Order,* 3.88 We ordaine to haue a ••hancellour. And because the Office is great, and requireth the attendance of some ••otable person: We will and ordaine, that no one shall execute the place, except 〈◊〉〈◊〉 haue beene first constituted in the Ecclesiasticall Prelacie. As Arch-Bishop, Bi∣••op, or some notable dignitie in a Cathedrall or Colledgiate Church: At the least a ••octour in Diuinitie, or decreed to be one, or (not failing) to be a Licentiate in ••e of the said Faculties.

* 3.8922. The Chancellour is to haue the keeping of the Seale, which shall be made and appointed for the Order: wherewith the Chancellour shall not Seale any Le••∣ters, conerning the honor of any Knight, without the expresse ordenation of the Soueraigne, and sixe Companions of the Order, who must be present, and sub∣scribe to the signing of the Letters. And the Chancellour shall haue charge to pro∣pound, and deliuer the speeches, at well as Chapters, as in other places, of matters touching the Order, the benefit and augmentation thereof, at all times as neede shall require, and the Soueraigne shall please to appoint.

* 3.9023. It shall also be the Chancellours charge, to enquire at the Chapters, of such Knights as are there, the order, estate and gouernement of each of them, being absent from the said Chapter. The opinions and depositions of the Knights shall be recited, being reuealed as matter of fact, and to take conclusion at the same Chapter. Which is so ordered, as tending to the end of praise and commendati∣on, or correction, paine and punishment, which the Chancellour shall speake and pronounce, on the Knight whom the case shall touch and concerne.

24. Of the Order there must be a Register or Pregnotarie, who is to keepe two Bookes of Parchment,* 3.91 in each whereof must be set downe and engrossed, the foun∣dation of this present Order, with the Statutes, Causes and Ordenances therei•• contained. In the beginning of which Bookes, shall be inserted an Historie, con∣cerning the representation of the Soueraigne, and of the fifteene Knights, first e∣lected, named and called to be of the Order. Those Bookes are to be chained; vnto, and in the Quiere of the said Church, wherein shall be the Foundation; and the other in the Chapter-House, before the Seate of the Soueraigne. But the Books must be fast lockt vp in two Coffers for the purpose, whereof the Treasurer of the Order shall keepe the Keyes. Nor are they to be opened or seene, but at the Chap∣ters and Assemblies, or by appointment of the Soueraigne, as neede shall require. And the Register shall be bound to set downe in writing, the honorable actions, and commendable performances in prowesse, as well of the Soueraigne, as of the Knights; whereof he is to be informed by the Herauld of the Order. Moreouer, the Register must be bound, to shew and report the draughts of those writings, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the following Chapters: to be seene, corrected, and after engrossed, as also read with the prime Copie of the subsequent worke.

* 3.9225. Moreouer, the Register shall write in another Booke, the Iniunctions, Conclusions and Acts of the ordenary Chapters; the faults committed by the Knights of the Order, for which they are to be blamed and reproued in the Chap∣ter. Also what corrections, punishments and paines hath bin ordained and enioy∣ned them: Their contumacies and defaults, when they haue not appeared, obeyed, or duely made knowne their essoines and excuses.

26. We will moreouer, and constantly ordaine, that there shall be a Treasurer in the said Order,* 3.93 who shall haue the keeping of the Charters, Priuiledges, Let∣ters, Commands, Writings and Enstructions concerning the foundation, appun••∣nances and dependances of the said Order. He shall likewise haue the custodie of all the Iewels, Reliques, Ornaments and Vestements of the Church, the Tapistri•••• and Librarie belonging to the Order. Also, hee is to keepe the Mantles and Cloakes of the Knights, seruing for the State and Ceremonie: which (at the Chap∣ters and Assemblies) he shall deliuer to the Knights, and afterward receiue and keep them, vntill another Chapter. But the habits of the Officers, shall continue and re∣maine with them, to vse at their owne will.

* 3.9427. After the death or priuation of any of the said Knights, the Treasurer shal•• cause to be taken thence, the Shield of Armes, Helmet and Crest of the Knigh•• deceased, or displaced from the roome which he held, to put them in some other place of the Church. Whereinto likewise hee shall conuaye all the Escutch••o••••

Armes and Helmets of the said Knights dead or depriued, in this manner: the de∣ceased on the one side, and the depriued on another, and lay therewith the causes of their depriuation: to make knowne in liuing memory perpetually, both their names and their deedes. And when another Knight shall be appointed for the place of the deceased or depriued: his Shield, Helmet and Crest shall be hung and ••eated in the said Church beneath, and directly before the Seate which was appoin∣ted for the new chosen Knight, there to be seene, and so ordained.

28. It shall be for the Treasurer,* 3.95 to make a Receipt of the Foundation and En∣dowments of the said Order, as also the emoluments and beneficiall gifts thereto belonging: He shall pay the Buildings, Pensions, and ordenarie charges, accor∣ding as was ordained from the foundation. He is likewise to dispose all the missi∣ons, all conuenable and necessary payments, for businesse of the Order; by com∣mand of the Soueraigne, or his Committees: And of all he is to render a good and faithfull account yearely, at the ordenarie Chapter, before the Soueraigne, his Committies, or such as he shall please to depute, or whosoeuer shall sit as Chancel∣lour of the Order. And of all Gifts, Legacies, Augmentations and Benefits, which haue bin giuen and bestowed on the Order: The Treasurer shall cause a Booke to be made, wherein he shall write (with the Inuentorie of Iewels, Orna∣ments and Reliques) a further manifestation (for publique ostension) by Inuento∣••ie at euery Chapter, and shall set downe by name or Sir-name, such as haue bin the Doners of any thing. Whereof he must make declaration at the Chapters, in memorie of the Benefactors, to the end, that prayer may be made to God for them, and for giuing daily example of the like well doing, on behalfe of the Or∣der. Moreouer, the Treasurer shall cause to be made two Bookes of the Charters,* 3.96 Priuiledges, Foundations, Acquests, Augmentations, Letters and Enstructions of the said Order; which are to be colationed and examined by the Originals; that ••ecourse may be made to them, if the other should be lost, or any way else mis∣carie.

29. In the Order there shall be another Officer, named the Herauld, King of Armes, called Mont S. Michaell, who must be a man wise, and of good fame,* 3.97 skil∣full and expert for the Office; to whom must be giuen a rich embroidered Coate, ••o serue for the said Order, which he is to wea••e during his life time. And he be∣ing dead, his heires shall stand obliged, to render the same to the Treasurer of the Order: except it shall happen to be lost in any Voyage, or honorable action, in which cases, his heires shall stand clearely acquitted. But if the Herauld doe re∣turne home aliue; the Soueraigne of the Order shall then cause another to be made for him, euery way answerable to the other. And the said Herauld, King of Armes, shall haue One thousand and two hundred pounds Pension, which is to be paid him yearely, and euery one of the Knights shall giue him halfe a Marke of Sil∣uer, at euery Chapter ordenarily. And the said Herauld, King of Armes,* 3.98 shall be charged to carrie, or cause to be carried, the Letters of the Soueraigne to the Bre∣thren of the Order, at their Elections, when choise shall be made of them, as also to returne their answeres; and generally to performe all necessary messages and meete seruices, which by the Soueraigne and Officers of the Order shall be ordai∣ned. He stands bound also, to enquire of the prowesse, high-deedes and honora∣ble actions, as well of the Soueraigne, as the other Knights of the Order; whereof he shall make true report to the Register, to haue them duely set downe, according as formerly hath bin said.

30. These foure Officers of the Order, as namely the Chancellour, Pregno∣tary or Register, Treasurer, and Herauld, their persons, goods and liuelihoods,* 3.99 their Seruants and Families, must and shall remaine (in regard of their said Offices) so long as they liue, and their Successours in the said Offices perpetually, in the protection and safeguard of the Soueraigne of the Order. And if any iniury, force, violence and shame be offered to them, either that it hath apparantly bin done by

the Soueraigne, or any Knight of the Order, or other Subiect: And they will sub∣mit themselues to the Soueraigne; he and the Companions of the Order may re∣ceiue and doe reason to them. But if the Partie will not consent: In this case, the Soueraigne and Companions doe stand engaged, to beare out, and fauour the said Officers; so long as they can doe it, for the better keeping of right and equitie.

* 3.10031. Moreouer we doe ordaine, that the day of Saint Michael, which is the last day in the Moneth of September; shall be held as a solemne Festiuall, with the Chapter and generall Assembly of our Soueraigne, as also the Brethren and Com∣panions, Knights of the Order. And that from thence forward, the Assembly shall be made yearely: except there shall happen any other great or important affaires in the Kingdome, for which (according to the aduise and opinion of the Soueraigne, with the greater part of the Knights) it shall be thought fit, to prolong and delay the Chapter, for one or two yeares after, or otherwise, according as the time and place shall be aduised for the best. At which Feasts, Assemblies and Chap∣ters,* 3.101 the Soueraigne is to make knowne vnto them, the time, and place conuenient in limitation, and they all shall stand obliged to appeare there. But we further or∣daine, that if by reason of sicknesse, imprisonment, perill in warre, dangers on the wayes, or other reasonable causes, the said Soueraigne, or any of the Brethren Knights, cannot come thither in person, and appeare at the Chapter, Feast or As∣sembly: He or they (then) are to send (by an honest Attourney) his excuse, ac∣cording to the condition of his person, to know, whether the Soueraigne, or a De∣putie doe sit there for him, and the Brethren in his assistance. There shall hee tell the causes of their excuse and absence, and performe such other Offi∣ces, as the Soueraigne and Brethren should doe, if they were there in person present.

* 3.10232. Vpon the Vigile of the Feast of S. Michael, all the Knights of the Order being come to the place appointed for Assembly, shall goe and present themselues to the Soueraigne in his Pallace or House of being, before the houres of Euen∣song; where he is to welcome them kindely and honorably, as to such a meeting ap∣pertaineth. On which day of the Vigile, the Soueraigne and Brethren of the Or∣der, shall depart together from the Pallace, or lodging of the Soueraigne, appa∣relled in their Cloakes of white Damaske, hanging downe so low as to the ground, their Capes or Collers, and round about embroidered with pure Gold: bordered also with Scallops of Gold, bestowed richly in Lacets vpon the same embroiderie, their Cloakes likewise being furred with Ermines. On their heads, or about their neckes (which is best liking to them) they shall weare Chaperons of Crimosine Vel∣uet all along the Cornet,* 3.103 and of the same fashion and length. Which Cloakes and Chapperons, the Soueraigne & Knights are to make at their owne cost and charge••▪ And in this manner they shall goe to the Church in order, two and two together, the Soueraigne going alone by himselfe, and last of all. Each man shall betake him∣selfe to his Seate, and hauing heard Diuine Seruice, must returne againe to the Soue∣raignes Pallace, in the same order as before is said: the Officers of the Order going formost before the Knights, according to their estate and degrees. Which Officers are to be attired in long Robes of Chamlet, or white Silke Furred with Mineuer, and Hoods of Scarlet; and on the morrow, with Roabes and Hoods of the same.

33. On the morrow (being the Feast day of S. Michael) in the morning, the Soueraigne and Companions of the Order,* 3.104 in such habiliments and cloathing as before hath bin said, shall goe to the Church, and at the Offertorie of high Masse (solemnely celebrated) shall by the Soueraigne, and each of the said Bre∣thren, or Deputies for them in their absence, be offered a piece of Gold; in forme and value answerable to the deuotion of the Knight the Offerer. The Seruice being accomplished, they are to returne to the Pallace of the

••oueraigne in the same Order; where he is to welcome them to his Table, and feast ••hem honorably, or else cause them to be so entertained, by his Commissioners ••hereto deputed.

34. This day, at the houre of Euening Prayer, the Soueraigne and Compani∣••ns of the Order, shall depart from the Pallace of the Soueraigne,* 3.105 attired in their Cloakes of blacke Cloth, and Hoods of the same (except that belonging to the So∣••eraigne, which is to be of Scarlet or Violet) and goe to heare Euen song for the ••ead. And on the morrow after the Feast, Masse for the dead, attired in the same ••anner: At the Offering whereof, the Soueraigne and Knights there present (as ••lso the deputies for the absent) shall offer a great Waxe-Candle, containing a ••ound of Waxe in weight, adorned with the Armes belonging to the Offerer.* 3.106 And during the time of this Offertorie, shall be read by the Register, a Roule of ••he names and Sir-names, as also the titles of the Soueraignes and Knights de∣••eased of the said Order: for the soules of whom, and for others likewise departed, ••e which celebrateth the Masse, shall say at the ending of the Offering, De Profundis, ••nd Prayers for the dead.

35. On the next day after the Feast, the Soueraigne and Knights of the Order,* 3.107 ••ttired in such garments as best pleaseth themselues, shall goe to the Church, to heare the Masse celebrated of our Lady; and the same day, the Soueraigne and Brethren of the Order, may begin their Chapter, in such place as shall be by their Soueraigne appointed. But the Elections and Collections, are to be done at the Chapter-house in the Church, where the Seruice hath bin performed, if there shall be such a conuenient Assembly or Chapter. If not, in such place as shall be liking to the Soueraigne, and where the Knights must haue their white Cloakes or Man∣tles; and where it shall be enioyned (by the Chancellour of the Ordenance) to all the Knights present, and Atturnies or Deputies for the absent, as also the Officers of the Order; to keepe the Councels of the Chapter secret, especially, the corre∣ctions imposed on the Brethren of the Order, without disclosing or reuealing any thing; but what the Deputies of the absent, may report and deliuer to their Mai∣sters, which onely may touch or appertaine vnto them.

36. In the said Chapter, the Chancellour may relate in generall,* 3.108 what he think∣eth fitting should be made knowne; and he is also to perswade, either for correcti∣on, or extirpation of vices, and perseuerance for the encreasing of vertues, in all them that are of the Order: to the end, that they may labour, and giue example of good and commendable life, to all other Knights and Noble-men, which shall at∣taine to the knowledge of them. By the same Chancellour is to be enioyned (in name of the Order) to the last man seated, that he is to depart from the Chapter, and giue attendance without the roome, vntill such time as he shall be called for entrance. In the meane while, the Soueraigne, or his Deputie, or else the Chan∣cellour (in name of the Soueraigne) shall demand (by way of Faith and Oath so∣lemnely) of all the Brethren, and namely of the Soueraigne himselfe, and then of euery one perticularly, beginning at the last to the first: whether they doe know, or haue heard reported by any person worthy of beliefe that their said Brother and Companion, dismissed from the Chapter, hath done, spoken, or committed any thing, which may be censured contrary to the Statutes, Points, Perticulers and Or∣denances of the Order, by meanes whereof, the said Order might be defamed, or any way misprised and reproued.

37. And if it doe appeare, by report of the Bretheren of the Order, that the said partie hath committed any vicious act or offence, contrary to the honour,* 3.109 de∣uoire and estate of Nobilitie and Knighthood, or some other case, that may im∣port and challenge depriuation; the same shall be related to him by the Soueraigne or his Deputie, or by the Chancellour, from point to point effectually, admonish∣ing a due correction of such imperfections, and such manner of life; that those

blames, imputations and defamatorie language, ill agreeing and suting with a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of so great and Noble condition, may for euer cease, and that thenceforward, the Companions of the Order may heare better report of him. As concerning the punishments and inflictions; the Soueraigne and Brethren are to iudge of them, according as they shall deeme necessary and conuenient: whereunto the said p••r∣tie must be obedient, and endure those paines and punishments appointed for him▪ As (in like manner) is to be exercised and inflicted on any of the Knights prese••••, or Deputies for the absent, being offenders, euen so farre forth, as to the Chiefe and Soueraigne of the said Order.

* 3.11038. Ouer and beside, for diuers reasons before specified, and to the end, that the said louing Companie and Fraternitie, may be the better kept and maintained in equalitie, because reason requireth, that from them which are greatest, should pro∣ceede the best example: It is our will, that the issue and examen may as well be made of the Soueraigne, as any of the other, and that paine and punishment may likewise follow, by aduise of the Brethren of the Order, if it doe so come to passe.

39. And if the Knight which stood dismissed from the rest, be found (by testi∣monie of the Brethren) to be of good and commendable life, bending his care and endeauour, to high actions of Chiualrie and Nobilitie; recitall must be made there∣of (according to the Soueraignes aduise, assisted with the Companions) by the Chancellour,* 3.111 for the more honour of his vertue, with further exhortation, and en∣couragement, for his continuall perseuerance therein, the more worthily to attaine the due recompence of his praise-full paines. Because it may serue as a good exam∣ple to other, for their well doing in like manner: the same hauing bin formerly done by the other Knights, of whom remaineth the like good and commendable report.

40. If in the Chapter time, the Soueraigne shall be enformed, that any of the Brethren hath committed some such crime, as may deserue priuation, according to the Statutes of the Order:* 3.112 If the Knight be there present, the Soueraigne shall cause the case to be propounded, with relation of the crime in question; to heare the parties defences, and what he can say for himselfe, for his excuse and discharge, whereupon, right is to be done him by the Soueraigne and Brethren, or else by the greater part of them. And if there be no Chapter kept for sitting, then the Soueraigne is to be aduertised, that he may make it knowne by Letters fast clo∣sed, or Patents sealed with the Seale of the Order, which he is to send by the Herald Mont S. Michael (or some other) to the Knight meriting blame, and charged with the case. Enioyning him, to appeare in person at the next Chapter, to be proceeded withall in the matter according to reason. And if the time, for the said Chapter be short in regard of the distance of place, and the dwelling of the Knight thus charged; the assignation must be deferred till the Chapter following; and then (whether the Knight come or no) he is to be proceeded against, notwithstanding his absence.

41 And if it be found, that the Knight hath committed an ignominious offence, and worthy depriuation of the Order: By the Soueraigne & Brethren of the Order, or by the greater part of them; he shall be taken, depriued and expelled, as before hath bin said.* 3.113 And to auoide all scandale, blame and obloquie to the Order, by reason of his transgression: He shall be prohibited, neuer more to weare the Coller of the said Order, nor any other like thereto. Moreouer, he shall be enioyned, vpon the Oathes by him taken; to deliuer the said Coller into the hands of the Soueraign, or else to the Treasurer of the Order. And if (vpon the sentence) the Knight were not present; Letters Patents shall be sent vnto him, sealed with the Seale of the Or∣der: Containing the priuation, sentence, condemnation, interdiction, inhibitions, commandments, and matters aboue named. And if the Knight being so sufficiently summoned, shall refuse to render, or send back the Coller; the Soueraign (if the party be his Subiect) may compell him thereto by the course of Iustice. And being not his Subiect; yet he may proceede according to reason, & as he shall think it most conue∣nient, by the aduise & counsel of his Brethren, who are Cōpanions of the said Order.

* 3.11442 When any one of the Brethren of the Order, shall decease & depart out of this life; his Heires shall stand obliged (within three moneths at the furthest) to send the

Coller of the deceased Knight to the Treasurer of the Order. Which Heires recei∣••ing the Scedule and acquittance of the said Treasurer; shall thereby be acquitted ••nd discharged, but not otherwise.

43 And if any of the Companions, either in war, or such a like honorable acti∣••n, or in pursuite of some noble occasion, shall be taken prisoner,* 3.115 & (by that meanes) ••he Coller be taken from him: The Soueraigne of the Order (in such a case) stands ••bliged to bestow another on him. But if otherwise the Knight shall chance to loose 〈◊〉〈◊〉; he must be bound, to cause another to be made at his owne cost and charge, and ••o weare it within three Months after, or sooner, if possibly it can be done.

44. When a place is vacant, by decease of any Brother of the Order, or otherwise;* 3.116 ••lection is to be made of another Knight (endued with those conditions before re∣membred) by the greater number of voices, both of the Soueraigne and Brethren of ••he Order. Who must giue in their Scedules fast closed, and which are to be re∣••eiued by the Chancellour at the Chapter, in a Basin of Siluer. In which Election ••nd all other things, conclusions, and deliberations concerning the said Order) the ••oyce of the Soueraigne must haue place, and shall stand accounted for two, but ••o more. Except there are two to be elected, who must haue so many voyces the ••ne as the other. In which case, the Chancellour, hauing collected the voyces ••y Billets or Tickets, from the Electours in equall number; shall declare to the So∣••eraigne that equalitie of Suffrages. And then the Soueraigne (out of his owne ab∣••olute authoritie) may pronounce and giue his third voice, to which of the two him ••keth best. Or if this way like him not, he may renounce the Election, and then must be giuen in new Scedules as before, to the end, that the Election may be the ••ore iust, and least scrupulous, the Scedules of the absent being (neuerthelesse) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fu••l force. Whereupon, and in this respect, the Soueraigne and Brethren of ••he Order, for their more iust proceeding in the businesse, shall sweare, entring ••to the Chapter; to make this Election, without any regard to loue, hatred, fa∣••our, friendship, kinred, or any other occasion, that m••y remoue the iudgement ••f men, from loyall and true aduise or counsell, and to be free from suspition in the ••llection. Which Oath shall be made on the Soueraignes hand, by all the Knights one ••ter another, beginning at the lowest to the highest.

45 And for proceeding in the act of Election,* 3.117 after that the Herauld of Mont S. Michael shall haue signified to the Soueraigne, the decease of any of the Knights of ••he Order, according as by his Office he standeth bounden to doe: the Soueraigne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to signifie the same to all his Companions. Aduising them, that they must all ap∣••ea••e at the next Chapter, with full disposition and preparation, for election of ano∣••her Knight, in place of him that is deceased. And if the time shall seeme too short, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the iudgement and opinion of the Soueraigne; the said Election may be defer∣••ed and respited to another following. And if by accident, or reasonable excuse, ••ome of the Knights sent for, cannot be there present; they may (for that time) haue ••ntertainment and acceptation by their deputies, bringing their electiue Scedules, ••osed and sealed with their Seales.

46 Be it knowne likewise, that before proceeding to the Election (which is to ••e done in due time, and place of the ordenary Chapter,* 3.118 and not otherwise) by the ••learke or Register of the Order, must be publiquely read, such matter as he former∣•• reported by the Herauld, concerning the high deedes & deseruings of the Knight ••eaceased, according to his true commendation and praise.

47 All the Scedules and voices receiued, and comparison made of them by the ••hancellor; he is then to pronounce the number of them.* 3.119 Then the Soueraign or his ••eputie or Committee, shall take the most voices, and name him of whom they ••ue made choice, saying. Thus, by greater part of voices of the Electours, being ••ow present in this Chapter, and by the Scedules of such as are absent: Our Bro∣••er and Companion N. is elected into this Order. Which Election so made, shall ••e Registred and set downe by the Register, in a Booke seruing expresly for that ••urpose.

48. If the Knight made choice of by this Election be not then and there pre∣••nt: the Soueraigne writes his Letters to him, sealed with the Seale of the Order; ••nding them by the Herauld King of Armes, or else some other, signifying to him

this his Election.* 3.120 Requiring him louingly, to accept and receiue graciously, his calling and entrance into the Order: the Statutes and Ordinances whereof, toge∣ther with the said Letters, shall be sent him double, that thereon he may take aduise, for making it better knowne to him, whether the said Election and association in the Order, may be acceptable to him, or no. Which prouing so, he is to come to the Soueraigne, at the day contained and assigned in the said Letters, to take his Oathes, and receiue the Order and Coller, with other things thereto appertaining. More∣ouer, the said Knight thus elected, must hereupon make knowne his meaning and intent to the bringer, and make certificate also accordingly, to the Soueraigne by his Letters.

* 3.12149. If it shall so happen, that the Knight thus made choice of, be a Potent Lord, or such a person in degree, as may haue, or hath great businesses, affaires, or farre of voyages, which may be his hinderance and impeachment, for appearing in person before the Soueraigne, at such limited time as he is required and appointed to doe. In such a case, if it seeme expedient to the Soueraigne, he may giue to the Herauld, or him that carrieth the Letters of the Orders-Ordinances; a Coller of the same Order, that, after such time as the Knight elected, shall haue accepted the Election (and not before) he may deliuer it as from the Soueraigne, that the Knight may re∣turne his Letters of acceptation of the Coller, to the bringer thereof, who is ••o deliuer them to the Soueraigne. In, and by which Letters, the Knight must make promise, to come (if possibly he may) to the next Chapter, or some other subse∣quent, to the Soueraigne, to sweare the points and constitutions of the Order, and performe all such duties as he standeth bound to doe, according as his other Bre∣thren and Companions of the said Order haue done.

50 This Knight elected, being come before the Soueraigne; at his comming and presentation, he shall deliuer these, or the like speeches.

The words to be vsed by the Knight at his apparance before the Soueraigne.

SIr, or, My most gracious Lord (if he be of the Blood) I haue obserued by these Letters, that of Royall Grace in you, and Loue in the most honorable Brethren and Companions, of the worthy and Noble Order of my Lord Saint Michael; I haue bin, and am elected 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that Order and Companie, whereby I hold my selfe to be very highly honored. I haue re∣uerently receiued, and made acceptation thereof, and doe most hartily thanke you, ye••, s•• much as in me possibly remaineth▪ for so great Grace and fauour: tendering mine obedience, and seruice-able duetie in the said Order, so much as in me lyeth to doe.

* 4.1Whereto shall be answered by the Soueraigne; that the renowne of his ver∣tues, incited both him, and the Brethren of the Order, to receiue and embrace hi•• as their Companion: not doubting, but that he will perseuere in his vertues, an•• augment the honor of God, to the praise and commendation of the Order; taking the Oath as followeth.

The forme of the Oath giuen to the Knight.

YOu shall sweare, that to your loyall power, you shall assist, guard, maintaine and def•••••• the eminencie, rights and greatnesse of the Crowne of France; of the Maiestie Royal, and authoritie of the Soueraigne, and of his successiue Soueraignes, so long as you liue, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shall be of the said Order, you shall imploy your selfe to your vttermost power, to main∣taine the said Order, and Honour thereof; taking what paines you can, to augment 〈◊〉〈◊〉 without suffering it to decay or diminish, so long as your strength may remedie and sup∣port it.

* 5.151. And if it shall so come to passe (which God forefend) that in you there shall be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 some such fault, whereby (according to the Statues of the Order) you are to be depriued, s••••¦moned and required, to redeliuer backe the Coller: In such case, you must send it to the S••∣raigne, or the Treasurer of the Order, without euer-more (after the said Summoning) ••••¦ring the said Coller. And all penalties, paines and corrections, which (in meaner 〈◊〉〈◊〉

may be censured and appointed to you: you are to vndergoe and beare patiently, without rancour, spleene or hatred (for, or in that respect) in you, either against the Soueraigne, Bre∣thren, or any Officers of the said Order.

52 You must, ouer and beside all this, duely appeare at the Chapters and Assemblies of the Order: Or else you must send thither (according to the Statutes and Orde∣nances thereof) your sufficient Deputie or Atturney. As testifying thereby, your obe∣dience to the Soueraigne, and to his Deputies or Committees, in all things reasona∣ble, concerning the dutie and affaires of the Order; and your owne loyall power, for ac∣complishing all the Statutes, Points, Articles and Ordenances, which you haue seene and read in writing, and shall hereafter heare read vnto you. To them you shall promise and sweare, as well generally, as perticulerly, and to each Point you are to take an especiall Oath. All these things, as you are a Knight of the Order, you must sweare and promise on the So∣ueraignes hand: by your Faith, Oath and Honor, and on the Crosse and holy Gospels of our Lord.

53 This being done, the elected Knight shall kneele reuerently before the Soue∣raigne, who shall take the Coller of the Order, and put it about his necke, vttering these or the like words, or causing them to be spoken by some other.

The Order receiueth you as a louing Companion, and in signe thereof,* 5.2 giueth you this Coller. God grant that you may long weare it, to his praise and seruice, and ex∣altation of his holy Church, encrease and honour of the Order, and your owne well de∣seruings and good fame: In the name of the Father, and of the Sonne, and of the Holy Ghost. Whereto the Knight shall answere: So be it, Amen; And God giue me his Grace to doe it.

Afterward, the Knight of the first Seate, he being then present; shall leade or conduct the new made Knight to the Soueraigne, sitting in his Seate.* 5.3 Who shall kisse him in token of perpetuall loue; and so doe all the Knights there present, euery one following another in place and order:

54 But if the Knight shall excuse himselfe from accepting the Election:* 5.4 the So∣ueraigne is to make it knowne to the Brethren of the Order: sending them com∣mand and order, to make themselues ready in due preparation, for the election of an∣other, at such time, and in such manner as thereto belongeth.

55 The Knights heretofore named, and all other entring into the Order; shall take their Oathes in the forme and manner formerly set downe.

56 And when the Office of the Chancellor of the Order shal happen to be vacant;* 5.5 Election is to be made by the Soueraigne and Brethren of the Order, in manner before related, concerning a noate-worthie man, and of such condition and quali∣tie as hath bin obserued. And if the new-chosen Chancellour (after Election) shall excuse himselfe from it; it is to be committed to another, vntill such time, as the Soueraigne and Brethren shall be otherwise prouided, according to reason, and by the wayes before remembred.

57 The Chancellour elected, who hath made acceptation of the Office; shall on the Soueraignes hand, or his Deputie or Committee, take his Oath, part where∣of followeth.

That he shall appeare in person, at all Chapters and Assemblies or meetings of the Order.* 5.6 If hee chance to be sicke, or some allowable cause be his hinderance; hee is (in such a case) by his Letters bounden to aduertise the Soueraigne thereof, who in his absence (for that time) may commit the discharge of the Office, to some Noble and worthie man, such as him∣selfe shall please to make choice of.

58 That he shall not seale (with the Seale of the Order) any Letters,* 5.7 touching the Ho∣nour of the Knights, but by the command of the Soueraigne, and then being present, sixe Knights of the Order, at the least. And aboue all, not to Seale any Letters, for summoning any Knight to deliuer vp his Coller; without the Soueraignes expresse command, & know∣ledge of the Companions of the Order. Nor so neither, except the conclusion be agreed on in a full Chapter, and generall assembly of the Order.

59 That neither for loue, feare, hatred, fauour or affection, hee shall forbeare to speake any thing, and deliuer faithfully (yea euen to his vttermost power) what hee is to

propound in the said Chapters and Assemblies. But all those things to bee vttered loyally, whereof hee hath receiued charge from the Soueraigne. And those conclusions agreed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Chapter, concerning penalties and corrections of the Knights,, or otherwise, he shall deliuer as thereto appertaineth, and as it is ordained for him, in the Chapter of the Order euery yeare. Hee is also (if possibly hee may) as formerly hath beene said, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 present at hearing the accounts of the Treasurer: And to keepe secret the Counsels of the Order; and (in briefe) to exercise his Office well and truely.

* 5.860. And when the Office of the Register or Pregnotarie of the Order shall bee va∣cant: then by the Soueraigne in person, and eight Knights of the Order, at the lea••••, shall another Register bee elected, of such condition as formerly is expressed. The Election of him is to bee made at the Chapter, or any other day at the Soueraign•• pleasure: vpon whose hand, or of his Deputie, the Register shall take his Oath, i•• forme following.

* 5.9That truely and diligently (to his vttermost power) hee shall set downe in writing, and Register the high and commendable actions of the Knights of the Order, according as hee shall be instructed by the Herauld: And shall faithfully obserue in writing, the paines, pe∣nalties and corrections, appointed to Knights delinquents in the Chapters; the Acts where∣of are to remaine registred. Performing his duty loyally in his writings, and keeping the Counsels of the Order as he ought to doe.

61. Election is to be made of a Treasurer, when the Office shall fall vacant, accor∣ding as of t•••• R••gister: and the Treasurer is to bee sworne in manner following.

* 5.10That he shall faithfulle keepe▪ conserue and gouerne (to his vttermost power) the Iewels, Moueables, Re••ts, Reuennues, and all the goods of the Order, as they shall come to his hands, without distribution of any thing, except to such vses as they are to be applyed, and by ap∣pointment of the Soueraigne. That he shall faithfully distribute to men of the Church, such things as are allowed to them for diuine Seruice. Also to Officers for exercise of th•••• charges, and to other persons, according as the Soueraigne shall ordaine. And in these nego∣tiations, he must vse all diligence, without omitting any thing, trifling or delaying; re••∣dring a good and faithfull account, as well of the rents and reuennues belonging to the Or∣der, as of the Gifts, Legacies, and Largesses that haue beene bestowed, without retaining or concealing any thing; exercising (in all these perticularities) his Office duely, truely, and so much as in him lieth.

62 Concerning the proceeding, commanded to be vsed in the Election of the He∣rauld, named Mont-Saint-Michael; it shall be done in the same manner, as is formerly related of the Register and Treasurer; And his Oath is after this manner.

* 5.11That he shall diligenily enquire, of the high deedes and valiancies, of the Knights of the Order; and, without fauour, hatred, loue, iniurie, profit, or any other affection, make true report to the Register, of them, that they may be set downe in a Chronicle and Register, as he ought to doe. Any Knight deceasing, he shall make it knowne speedily to the Soueraigne, duely deliuering such messages as he shall be charged withall. He shall be obedient to the Soueraigne, Brethren and Officers of the Order, in all reasonable ma••ers and occasions: And shall keepe secret whatsoeuer ought to be concealed in the Order. And in briefe; in all things whatsoeuer, he shall faithfully and diligently doe his duetie, to hi•• vttermost power.

63 When it shall so happen, that by the death of the Soueraigne, his Successour shall be in minoritie and vnder age, and thereby vncapable of managing, disposing and ordering the affaires of the Order: We doe ordaine, that in such cases, the Brethren and Companions of the Order shall make a meeting. At which time, by opinion of the greater part and number of voyces; they shall elect one among them, to preside, order and manage the affaires of the Order, in stead and place of the others minoritie, and at his charges; vntill he shall be of yeares to receiue Knighthood. And to that e∣lected person, we will and ordaine, that (during the said time) obedience shall be giuen, in those things concerning the Orders affaires, in like manner as to the Soueraigne.

64 And in regard that this present Order is a Fraternitie, Brotherhood and louing Companie, whereunto the Brethren submit themselues freely, promising and swea••ing to hold and keepe inuiolably, all the Lawes and Constitutions there∣of: Wee doe ordaine, establish and determine, that the said Order shall t••ke

••owledge, and be as a Court Soueraigne, in cases which concerne, and may ••uch the Brethren, Companions and Officers thereto belonging. And that all ••mmons, Seines, Corrections, Punishments, Priuations, Appointments, Sen∣••ces, Iudgements, Arrests, matters past, done and decreed by the said Order, in ••ses which may or shall concerne any of the Brethren, Knights, and Officers there∣•• belonging, shall be executorie, auaileable, and as absolutely allowed, as in a ••ourt Soueraigne; without any hinderance or impeachment, or hauing recourse ••sewhere) by Complaint, Supplication or Appeale, or otherwise in any kinde ••hatsoeuer.

65 All the said Points, Conditions, Articles, Ordenances, Constitutions and ••ases before remembred, and euery one of them: Wee, for Vs,* 5.12 our Heires and ••uccessours, Kings of France, Heads and Soueraignes of this our present Order, ••••d louing Companie of my Lord Saint Michael, doe promise to hold, keepe and ••tirely accomplish inuiolably, euen to the vttermost of our power, from this in∣••ant houre, and for euer. But alwayes reseruing to our selfe, and to our Succes∣••ours, Heads and Soueraignes of the Order; that if in the said Articles, there shall ••ppeare any difficultie, obscuritie or doubt: To vs, and our Successours shall ap∣••ertaine the Declaration, Solution, Determination, Interpretation and clearing ••ereof. And it shall remaine in Vs, to adde thereto, resolue clearely, diminish or ••hange any of them, with the aduise and counsell of our Brethren,* 5.13 according as we ••hall thinke good.

66 Excepting this, concerning the Articles of the number, and conditions of ••he Knights, allowed to be of the Order.

67 That such as are accepted into this Order; shall not be capable of receiuing ••ny other.

68 That of the amitie, which the Soueraigne and his Companions ought to haue ••o each other.

69 That concerning the seruice, which the Knights are obliged to yeelde to the Soueraigne.

70 And that, wherein the Soueraigne promiseth, to defend and keepe the Com∣••anions and Officers of the Order, in their Estates, Dignities and Seigneuries.

71 The Article of the Order, for going, comming, seating, and other things con∣••erning the Precedencie of the Knights.

72 That of new Election, when any place shall happen to be voide; where the Soueraigne shall haue his two voyces.

73 The Article of receiuing the Knight elected, and other, making mention of the Oathes, which the Knights and Officers are to take, in the cases before ••elated.

74 Which Articles formerly excepted; we will haue to remaine firme and in∣••ire: Without, either by vs, or our Successours Soueraignes of the Order,* 5.14 making ••ny variation, restriction, or any alteration.

And wee will, that the examination of these presents, giuen vnder our Royall Seale, and Seale of the Order: credence shall be giuen thereto, as to the Originall.

And to the end, that it remaine a matter firme and stable for euer: We haue cau∣sed our Seale to be put to these presents.

Giuen in our Castell of Amboise, the first day of August, One thousand foure hundred threescore and nine: And of our Reigne the ninth.

The great Seale of this Order, hath engrauen on it, the figure of S. Michael;* 5.15 as in the Ouale forme, which hangeth at the great Coller: And the lesse Seale hath three Floures de Luces entoured with the Order.

The great Coller of the Order,* 5.16 is composed of double Scallop-shels of Gold (as ••n that of the Order of the Shippe) fastened with round Points of blacke Silke, hauing ••ong Tagges of Gold, enterwouen in the forme of Loue-knots. At the end of this Coller, hangeth vpon the brest, an Ouale of Gold, hauing a small rising hillocke cu∣••iously enamelled in it; whereon standeth the Image of S. Michael, treading the Dragon vnder his feete.

* 5.17King Frances first of the name, at the first Chapter of the said Order, which he held after his Sacring, in September, One thousand fiue hundred and sixteene▪ did change those Points into double Cordeliers of Gold: As well in regard of himselfe, being named Frances; as to conserue the memorie of Queene Anne of Bretaigne, Mother to his wife Queene Claudia, who had thereto earnestly moued and entreated him.

* 5.18King Henry the second, their Sonne, being come to the Crowne; at the first Chapter of the said Order of Saint Michael, which he held in the Citie of Ly••••, wherein he made his entrance, in the yeare One thousand fiue hundred fortie and eight, ordained: That the Knights of this Order should alwayes after, weare Cloaks of Cloth of Siluer, embrodered about with his deuise; to wit, three Crescents of Siluer, enter-wouen with Trophees, Quiuers and Turkish Bowes, semed▪ and can∣tonned with Tongues and flames of Fire. The Mantelet or Chapperon was of Crimosine Veluet, couered with the same embroderie, and the Order of S. Mi∣chael aboue.

* 5.19He appointed also, that the Chancellour of the Order, should weare his Cloacke of White Veluet, and the Chapperon of Crimosine Veluet. The Prouost and Maister of the Ceremonies; the Treasurer, Register and Vsher, or King of Armes belonging to the said Order: are to haue their Cloakes of White Sattin, and their Chapperons of Crimosine Sattin, and thereon a chaine of Gold, at the end whereof, vpon the breast, hangeth a Scallop of Gold onely. And in this man∣ner, was the solemnitie performed of the Order, in the Cathedrall Church of Saint Iohn in Lyons, on the Eeuen and day of Saint Michael at Eeuensong, and a high Masse. The King of Armes, Herauld or Vsher of this Order, is called by the name of Mont-Saint-Michael.

I haue seene many of those great Clarkes of Cloth of Siluer, appertaining to that Order. And namely two, in the Chappell of the Dukes of Bourgongne, at Di••, which those Gentlemen of the Noble House of Vienna in Bourgongne, gaue there free∣ly, to serue for Coapes in the Church, & whereon are the Armes of the said House, De Gueulles al Aigle d••Or, ou d'Argent.

To make relation here, of the Chapters, Names, Sirnames, Armes and quali∣ties of the Knights of the said Order; would require the containdure of an whole Volume; from the yeare of the Institution vnto this present, it being yet still on foote. Wherefore, as in the first Chapter, is fully and largely contained the maine maximes, by the Statutes of the Order: So will wee finish this our dis∣course with the last Chapter, solemnely held and celebrated by King Charles, ninth of the name, in the Church of Paris, on the Eeuen and day of Saint Michael, in September. Anno One thousand fiue hundred threescore and twelue.

The solemne holding of the Order, in the Church of Paris, by King Charles, ninth of the name. Anno 1572.

ALL the preparations being fully effected, the King being come into the Queene of the Church; tooke his place on the right hand, vnder a goodly State of Cloath of Gold Frized. Two paces beneath, and on the same side, were sea∣ted Monsieur Henry Alexander of France, Duke of Aniou, Brother to the King and his Successour for the Crowne.* 5.20 The Duke of Montpensier, The Duke of Ne••••rs, The Duke of Guize, The Marshall de Tauanes, The Prince Daulphine, La Chappelle aux Vrsins, Rubempre, And Villequier the yonger.

* 5.21At the other side of the Quire, and on the left hand, was another Canopie o•• State of Cloath of Gold, vnder which sate not any person, but onely were pla∣ced Tables of Armes.

Of Kings of Spaine, Of Denmarke, And Of Sweden.

And beneath the Chaires reserued for them, as Knights and fellow Brethren o•• the Order, were seated, The King of Nauarre, afterward King of France, Henry

fourth of the name. Monsieur Frances Hercules de France, brother to the King, Duke of Brabant and of Alencon, The Duke of d Vsez. The Prince of Conde. De Sansac. De Losses. De Chauigny. De Rets. And De Villequier the elder.

The King, Princes and Lords of the said Order, were cloathed in white Sattin,* 5.22 the great Cloakes of Siluer, with long traines drailing on the ground; their Chap∣perons of Crimosine Veluet, vpon which hung the great Collers.

Before the Kings Seate was a long Forme or Bench, couered with Cloth of Gold, whereon were seated in one ranke, The Chancellour, Treasurer, Register, Maister of the Ceremonies.

And before them, on two Stooles, couered with Cloath of Gold, sate Mont Saint Michael, King of Armes; And Vsher of the Order▪

All cloathed with long Mantles of white Sattin, and Chapperons of Crimosine Sattin; as had bin ordained by King Henry the second.

At Celebration of the Vigile, and Masse for the Knights deceased;* 5.23 the King did ••hen weare a great Cloake and Chapperon of Violet colour cloath: And the other wore great Cloakes and Chapperons of blacke Serge, yet had the great Order vpon their seuerall Chapperons.

To the Offering, the King went foremost, preceded by the Officers of the Order,* 5.24 ••ccording to their ranke. His Maiestie held in his hand a Candle of white Waxe, ••ontaining a pound in weight: being followed by Monsieur the Duke of Aniou, his ••rother, who presented his Offering.

The King being conducted backe to his Seate, Monsieur d'Aniou, preceded like∣wise by the Officers of the Order, was guided to the Offering.

Next to him, the King of Nauarre.

Followed by the other Princes and Lords, according to their Order, from the ••ight side to the left.

There is yet (to this present) to be seene, the most of the Tables, with the Es∣••utcheons of the Knights of the said Order, called or present at this solemne Chap∣••er, in the Quire of the Church at Paris: in which regard I omit their Blazons, and ••ecause the more part of them may be obserued, in the Great Order of the Holy-••host.

This of S. Michael hath bin continued, and the memorie thereof remaineth to ••his day: because it is worne by the Princes and Lords, retained and named from Chapter to Chapter, for receiuing that of the Holy-Ghost. And this is the reason, why we behold it rounded with the Armes of the Princes of the house of Lorraine, of Ne∣••rs and of Nemoux.

And our Kings do yet honor therewith Princes Strangers. I saw it giuen by King Henry the great (of endlesse memorie) to the Duke of Moldauia, and to the Prince ••is Sonne, depriued of their dignities by the Turkes forces, & withdrawne thence 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Paris, where the King gaue them entertainement. The Prince deceasing there 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the life time of his Father, his seruice was performed at Saint Nicholas des Champs; ••e Funerall Girdle of the Church being charged with his Armes, which were thus ••nblazoned.

De Gueulles a vne Teste de Taureau d'Or, somme d'vne Estoile de mesme, Coronne d'vn ••mnet Ducal d'Or releue pour Cimier d'vne Aigrette, & facon de Houppe d'Argent, en∣••ure de l'Ordre Sainct Michel.

The most excellent and famous Order of the HOLY-GHOST, instituted at Paris in the yeare of Grace, One thousand fiue hundred threescore and nineteene: By the Most-Christian King of France, and of Poland, HENRY, Third of that name.

CHAP. VII. The most excellent and famous Order of the Holy-Ghost.

* 5.25OF all the Orders of France, yea, euen of all Christendome, there is not any more Illustrious or of greater Excel∣lencie (as well in regard of the subiects dignitie, as magnifi∣cence and Ceremonies) then that of the Holy-Ghost. Institu∣ted, ordained and established in the Church and Monaste∣ry of the Augustine Friers Heremites at Paris: In the yeare of Grace, One thousand fiue hundred threescore and nine∣teene, by the most Christian King of France and Polonia, Henry, Third of that name, of eternall and sacred memorie.

* 5.26This good King, the honour and mirrour to all Princes of his time, in meere de∣uotion towards God, loue and liberalitie to men, and in remembrance of the day of his Birth, happening on the Festiuall day of Pentecoast, or Whit-Sunday, in the yeare one thousand fiue hundred and fiftie; and his election to the Kingdome of Poland, as on the same day of Solemnitie of Pentecoast, One thousand fiue hun∣dred threescore and thirteene. Also on the very same day (the yeare following) he came to the Crowne of France. In dutifull acknowledgement, of so many fa∣uours and perticuler great graces, receiued from God, by assistance of the Holy-Ghost, he instituted and ordained this new Order of Knighthood, by the name, and in honour of the Holy-Ghost. Whereof he declared himselfe to be the chiefe and So∣ueraigne great Maister, he and his successours the Kings of France. This is especi∣ally remarked and carractred, in the first Glasse-window of the Quire, at the Gray Frier•• Church, and behinde the high Altar, vnder the descent of the Holy-Ghost, vpon the blessed Virgin and the Disciples, contained in these sixe Verses.

Hocce die, quo almus Coelo descendit ab alto Spiritus, inflammans pectora Apostolica, Erricus Franco ter maximus ortus in orbe est; Electus Populi Rex quoque Sarmatici: Et Rex Francorum Carlo successit amori, Ipse amor, & Franci Deliciae Populi.

* 5.27The first sitting and Ceremonie whereof, was held at Paris, on the Eeuen and first day of the yeare, One thousand fiue hundred threescore and nineteene, in the Church of the Augustines. In memorie whereof, behinde the high Altar, betweene the two great Glasse-windowes, in the Quire of the said Church, was placed a•• large Table, whereon his Maiestie was figured to the life; deliuering his Or∣der to Princes and Lords of his Court, all kneeling before him. In like manner was (naturally) there represented at the Pedestale of this Table, these words written i•• Letters of Gold.

Fortissimis & prudentissimis vtriusque militiae Equitibus, priscae nobilitatis, belli & pace de Republicâ optimè meritis, Henricus Tertius Galliae & Poloniae Rex Augustus, D••∣nini Spiritus apud Christianos Symbolum pro Equestri stemmate esse voluit, inssit, decre••,

••laudante, acclamante, venerante populo, & vota pro Salute Principis nuncupante, ob slu∣gularem ipsius pietatem. Lutetiae Parisiorum Kal. Ianua. Anno Domini M.IC.LXXIX. This Table was taken thence in the Feast time of Christmas, fourescore & eight,* 5.28 by ••harking Souldiours of the bloudie League, madde and enraged with furie of their ••eale, and termed the Zealous men of Paris. Of whose naturall disposition, and Tra∣gicall actions, a true description is made (in their liuely coullers) by the Hebrew Historian Iosephus, in his Fourth Booke of the Iewish Warres, the nineteene, twen∣tie, and two and twentie Chapters, and so onward, speaking of the Zealous, meern∣••y imitated in their pilferies and robberies, by these Zealateurs of Paris. Those men, to take away the memorie of this good Prince, and the noates or markes of his Royall power, to the end that an Anarchie might be brought in, instead thereof; did euery where deface his Figures, and carried away that royall Table; in place whereof they left a memoriall of our Lords Supper, as is there to be seene at this present.

The great Coller of this Order, is composed of Floures de Luces of Gold, Can∣••onned or cornered with flames of Fire, tearmed Flammes de'Or Esmaillees de Rouge,* 5.29 ••nter-wouen with three Ciphers, and diuers Monogrammes of Gold likewise, Es∣••aillez de Blanck. The first Cipher or Figure is the Letter H. and a Lamba Λ. and ••oth double, which might be read aboue and beneath. They are the first Letters, ••elonging to the names, of the said King, Founder and Institutour of the Order; and of the Queene his wife, Madam Louisa de Lorraine. The other two were reserued ••n the Kings owne minde, of some persons his fauourites. Now followeth the Kings Letters Patents, for confirmation of the Order.

The Kings Letters Patents.

HEnry, by the Grace of God, King of France and of Poland: To all present, and to come, Greeting. As in all things created, the omnipotent power of God doth ••cknowledge and manifest it selfe: euen so is it in the disposition, course and con∣duct of them, which at full auoucheth his holy and eternall prouidence, whereon ••ntirely dependeth all our felicitie. And there is not any thing in this lower world, that doth not thence receiue all happinesse, and true meanes of well ordering and gouerning it selfe. So that if the meanest Creatures, cannot withdraw themselues from his Prouidence: the very greateh, and such as are constituted to highest au∣thoritie, cannot so well prosper and order themselues, without his especiall grace and prouidence.

In this regard, from our yongest yeares, hauing alwayes thus knowne and be∣••eeued: We haue addressed our vowes, and affixed our principall and intire confi∣dence, onely in his diuine goodnesse. And acknowledging, that thence We haue and hold the best felicitie of our life; it is no more then reason requireth, that (hau∣ing these things euer in our memorie) We should striue to our vttermost, in ren∣dring him most hartie and eternall thankes, and testifie to our posteritie, his great benefits bestowed on vs. Especially in this, because it hath pleased him (among so many diuers and contrary opinions, which haue exercised their very greatest pow∣ers in our times) to preserue vs in the confession of his holy Name, and in vnion of the onely Catholique and Apostolique Church, wherein we purpose (by his graci∣ous assistance) both to liue and dye.

Moreouer, because it hath pleased him, by the inspiration of his blessed Spirit,* 6.1 on the day and feast of Pentecoast; to vnite all the hearts and wils of the Noble Polanders, ranking likewise therewith all the Estates of this potent and renowned Kingdome, and great Dukedome of Lituania; to elect vs as their King and Soue∣raigne. Afterward, vpon the same Festiuall day; to call vs to the rule and gouern∣ment of this Most-Christian Crowne, onely by his will, and right of our Suc∣cession.

In regard whereof, as well for a Commemoration of these things before rehear∣sed,* 6.2 as for continuall fortefying and maintaining (to the full) our Faith and Catho∣lique Religion: Also, to decorate and honor (more and more) the Order and de∣gree

of Nobilitie in this our Kingdome, and reduce it into her auncient dignitie and splendour, as that whereto we haue (by naturall inclination and reason of kinde euermore borne most intimate loue and affection, as well, because therein consist∣eth our chiefest strength and Royall authoritie, as hauing heretofore, and since our comming to the Crowne, made proofe in many great, hazardous and memorable victories, of our auncient and singuler loyaltie, generositie and valour, which hath made it selfe famous and commendable among strange Nations:) We hauing ad∣uised with our most honorable Lady and Mother, to whom wee acknowledge to owe (next vnder God) our principall and intire band of dutie; the Princes of our Blood, and other Princes and Officers of our Crowne, and Lords of our Councell neere vnto vs, to performe as followeth.

To erect a Military Order in this our Kingdome (ouer and beside that of my Lord Saint Michael,* 6.3 which our will and meaning is, shall remaine in full force and vi∣gour, and be obserued, euen as alwayes it hath bin from first Institution thereof, to this present.) Which Order we create and institute, in honor, and vnder the name and title of the Holy-Ghost, by inspiration whereof, as it hath pleased God (here∣tofore) to direct our best and happiest actions: So we most humbly beseech him to grant vs grace, that we may see our Subiects reunited in Faith and Catholique Religion, and alwayes hereafter to liue in loue and agreement together; vnder due obseruation of our Lawes, and obedience to vs and our Successours Kings, to his honour and glory, commendation of the good, and confusion of the bad: which is the maine end, whereto all our thoughts and actions bend their aime, as to the height of our greatest happinesse and felicitie.

This being generally published and made knowne, his Maiestie (afterward) disp••sed himselfe, to haue the Statutes and Ordenances of the Order set downe, and to be as amply expressed and signified.

Here followeth the Statutes and Ordenances concerned in the Order of the Holy-Ghost.

FIrst, that in this Order, there shall be a Soueraigne, chiefe and great Maister of the Order:* 6.4 who shall haue full and absolute authoritie, ouer all the Brethren, Commanders and Officers thereto belonging. To him onely (and to no other) shall appertaine the reception of them that are to be embraced into the Order: all dire∣ction and power of making Statutes, and to dispence with them, which shall (for certaine dispenceable cases) take exception against some Articles hereafter specifi∣ed. Otherwise, for what cause or occasion soeuer, that may offer it selfe; he shall neuer grant any dispensation. Which to doe, he is to take his Oath, and make so∣lemne vowe at his entrance, when he shall be receiued as great Maister of the Order; with all such faculties and powers, as shall be found appertaining thereto by right or priuiledge; euen as if they were set downe in more ample manner, and at large specified.

* 6.52 That we shall (for euer) be the Chiefe and Soeeraigne great Maister of the said Order, held and named to be the first Founder thereof. Which great and So∣ueraigne Maistership, we haue, and doe (from this present) vnite and incorporate to the Crowne of France: without any power or meanes of seperating it from it, ei∣ther by vs, or any of our Successors, for what causes or considerations soeuer which may be offered, or any way pretended.

* 6.63 That the said Kings our Successours, are not to dispose of the Order (in a∣ny manner whatsoeuer) or the Monies thereunto appertaining, neither to conferre any Commander, although a place be voide: vntill he haue first bin Sacred, and re∣ceiued his Coronation.

4 Vpon which day, they are to be required by the Archbishop of Rheimes (or he that shall represent his place and Office at the said Sacring) in the assembly and presence of the twelue Peeres, and Officers of the Crowne therein to be imploy∣ed: to sweare the obseruation and keeping of the Statutes of the Order, according

to the forme hereafter follow∣ing.

[illustration]

Which they shall stand obliged to doe, without any power of dispensing withall, for any cause whatsoeuer. And on the morrow after the said Sacring, the King shall receiue the Habit and Coller of the Order, from the hands of him that gaue him Consecration: he be∣ing assisted therein by the Car∣dinals, Prelates, Commanders and Officers of the said Order, who are for that purpose to be summoned thither, and bound to be there present.

5 To this end We haue and doe ordaine, that the forme of the said Oath, shall be transcri∣bed and inserted in a Booke of the Sacring: with the other Oathes, which the Kings must be bound to take, before they are to be Crowned; without at any time afterward, the Act and Oath to be omitted.

6 And forasmuch as (alrea∣die) We haue, by the grace of God, receiued the said Sacring and Crowning: yet We intend and purpose to take the same Oath againe, by the hands of the Arch-Bishop of Rheimes, or some such other Bishop, as We shall please to appoint in his sted, at the first meeting or Assembly, which We shall hold of the Order: in the presence of the Princes and Officers of Our Crowne, with such Lords also as shall be called thereto, in the Church where the Celebration thereof is to be performed, laying Our hands on the true holy Crosse, ••nd the sacred Euangelists. Which solemne Oath being by vs so taken: an Act ••hall be made and passed thereof, which shall be registred in the said Booke, to serue as a Testimonie in times hereafter, that We did truly take such an Oath.

The Oath and Vowe made by the King.

7. Wee Henry, by the Grace of God, King of France and of Poland,* 7.1 doe solemnely ••weare and vowe on this Booke in our hands, to God the Creator, to liue and dye in the Holy, Catholique and Apostolique Faith and Religion, as to euery good and Most-Christian King ••t belongeth, and rather to die then faile at any time therein. Wee sweare also, to maintaine for euer, The Order of the Holy Ghost, founded and instituted by Vs: without suffe∣••ing it to shrinke, fall or diminish, so long as it rem••ineth in Our power to helpe it. To ob∣serue the Statutes and Ordenances of the said Order, truly and intirely, according to their ••••••ure and forme; And to cause them be kept exactly, by all such as are, and shall be re∣••eiued into the said Order hereafter. Moreouer, neuer to contradict, nor dispence, or at∣••empt to alter and chaunge the irreuo••able Statutes thereof: perticulerly those which are ••ere mentioned.

8 Namely, in the first place, the Statute, speaking, of vniting the Great Maister∣••hip to the Crowne of France.

Secondly, that containing the number of Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders and Officers.

Thirdly, that for not transferring the prouision of Commands, either in whole, or any part, to any other vnder coullour of inheritance, Appennage or concession whatsoeuer.

Fourthly, that whereby We Our Selfe stand bound (so much as in Vs lieth) that We shall not (at any time) dispense with the Commanders and Officers receiued in∣to the Order: From Communicating and receiuing the precious Body of Our Lord Iesus Christ, at such daies as are appointed; which are the first day of the yeare, and that of Pentecoste.

Fiftly, that wherein is expressed, that We and all Our Commanders and Officers, must be Catholiques, and Gentlemen of three paternall races, as euery one mu•••• and ought to be.

Sixtly, that whereby all power is taken from Vs, of imploying about any other occasions whatsoeuer, may be vrged or pretended; the monies due and belonging to the reuenewes and maintaining the said Commanders and Officers: Nor to ad∣mit any Strangers into the Order, except they be naturalized, and inhabitants of Our owne Kingdome.

Seuenthly and lastly, that wherein is contained the forme of the Vowes, and the bounden dutie, for daily wearing the Crosse (with ordenarie garments) and that of God hanging about the necke, fastened to a Ribband of Blew Silke: And the other habit, on the daies thereto appointed.

All these doe we sweare, vow, and promise to performe, vpon the Holy Crosse, and l••y∣ing our hand vpon the Sacred Euangelists.

* 7.29 Hauing principally made and created this Order, in the honour of God: We doe ordaine and appoint, that there shall be (as Bretheren thereof) foure Cardi∣nals, and foure Arch-Bishops, Bishops or Prelates, who are to be chosen among the very greatest, and most vertuous men of the Cleargie, throughout all our Kingdome. Who are to be Commanders in the said Order, to make proofe of the case of Nobi∣litie, in such forme as hereafter is ordained. They shall haue entrance, seates, and deliberatiue voices in the generall Chapters, Assemblies, and meetings, which are to be held for affaires of the Order; in the ••ame manner as the other Commande••s haue. Moreouer, they shall haue charge, to informe of the Religion, life, manne••s and ages of Princes, Lords, Gentlemen, and Officers, that shall enter into the Or∣der. And to giue Vs knowledge (with ample remonstrance) in the said Chapters, of such faults and abuses, as shall be committed by any of the Order, or in the case concerning Religion.

* 7.310 Moreouer, beside those foure Cardinals, and foure Prelates: We haue, and doe at this present incorporate, and vnite (for all times hereafter) in the Order, vn∣der title of a Commander: Our Great Almoner, and his Successours in the same degree, who notwithstanding, shall not stand obliged, to make proofe of his No∣bilitie.

* 7.411 The said Cardinals, Arch-Bishops, Bishops or Prelates, shall be by Vs elected and chosen, at the Chapters and Assemblies of the Order: and shall receiue (from our owne hand) the Crosse of the Order, in the Church appointed for those daies and to that effect; but not otherwise: As our Great Almoner is to doe the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Which Crosse the said Cardinals must be bound to weare daily hanging about th•• neckes, with a faire Silke Riband of Blew couller. And the fiue Prelates, bes•• that which they weare about their neckes, as the Cardinals doe; must be bound 〈◊〉〈◊〉 weare another, sowed or made fast vpon their Roabes or Cloakes: wholly in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 same forme and manner, as the other Commaunders doe.

* 7.5They shall stand obliged, to assist at the Feasts and Ceremonies, which are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 celebrated for the Order. For their better vnderstanding, the Cardinals are to we•• their great rich Coapes; and the Bishops or Prelates their long loose Cassoc••s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Violet couller, and a Mantelet of the same couller, whereon the Crosse of the O••¦der is to be sowne, or embrodered, with their Rochets and Hoodes. And on th•• daies, when Seruice is to be celebrated for the dead; the Cardinals are to 〈◊〉〈◊〉

their Violet Coapes, and the Prelates cloathed in Blacke, after the same forme and ••shion. Which Prelates (each after other) shall say Masse, and celebrate Diuine ••eruice on the daies of Ceremonie. Obseruing and keeping among them (as well ••r celebration of the Diuine Seruice, as in all things else, which shall depend vp∣••n their sitting in the Church and Assembly of the Order only) the rancke which ••••th beene accustomed to be obserued, among the Ecclesiasticall persons of our ••ingdome. But if the said Ceremonie shall be celebrated in the Diocesse belon∣••••ng to any one among them: then he in whose Diocesse it shall happen to be, is to ••ecede and goe before the other.

Now, concerning our Great Almoner;* 7.6 he is to remaine in the Church neere ••out Our Person, according as his estate and dignitie requireth: except when he to performe and celebrate Diuine Seruice, which then he is to celebrate in his ••cke, as the other. The Cardinals and Prela••es, at their receiuing into the Order; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the hand of the Soueraigne, are to take this Oath following.

The Oath to be taken by the Cardinals and Prelates; at their reception and admittance into the Order.

11 I sweare in the presence of God, and promise to you Sir, that I will be loyall and ••thfull to you all my life time: I will acknowledge, honour, and serue you as my Soue∣••gne of the Order of the Commanders of the Holy-Ghost, wherewith it is your high ••asure at this present to honour me. I will keepe and obserue the Lawes, Statutes and ••denances of the said Order, without contradicting them in any thing. I will weare the ••tes or markes thereof: And I will daily say the Seruice thereto belonging, as an Ec∣••siasticall person, and one of my qualitie ought to doe. I will make my personall appea∣••ce on the daies of Solemnities, if there be not any lawfull occasion that may be my hin∣••ance, whereof I will giue aduertisement to your Maiestie. And I will neuer reueale disclose any thing, which shall be treated or concluded in the Chapters thereof. I will 〈◊〉〈◊〉, councell and procure, whatsoeuer shall seeme in my conscience, appertaining to the ••ntenance, greatnesse, and augmentation of the Order. I will daily pray to God for the ••lth, as well of your Maiestie, as also the Commanders and Supporters thereof, liuing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dying. So God be my helpe, and by his holy Euangelists.

12 And as we institute this present Order in the honour of God,* 8.1 and more and ••re to excite and vnite our Subiects, to perseuer in the Holy Catholique and ••ostolique Religion: Also perticularly to illustrate the estate of Nobilitie in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Kingdome; We haue said, enacted and ordained, doe say, enact and or∣••ne.

13 First, that no man shall be made a Commander,* 8.2 and receiue the habit of the ••der: if he haue not publiquely made profession, of the said Catholique and A∣••tolique Religion, and haue not protested to liue and die therein.

14 Secondly, that he must be a Gentleman of name, and of Armes,* 8.3 by three ••ces at the least: without being taxed with any reproachf••ll accusation, or pro∣••ed before a Bench of Iustice. And being Princes, to haue compleated fiue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 twentie yeares of age: And fiue and thirtie, if he be otherwise.

15 We only, and after Vs, the Kings our Successours,* 8.4 Great Maisters of the Or∣••, shall propose and make choice of such as We thinke meete to enter into the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Order. And it shall not be lawfull for any person whatsoeuer, to make pursuit ••equest thereof, either for himselfe, or any other. Declaring such at the same ••ant, vnworthie for euer to attaine it, by desiring it, or causing it to be requested him. Only to this end, that this degree of Honour, which We intend to be be∣••ne and distributed by Grace and merit; may neuer be made subiect to mono∣••zing and briberie.

17 And in regard We hope, that God will so assist Vs with his Grace, and Our ••cessours after Vs, by the inspiration of his blessed Spirit, whose helpe We in∣••e (to that end) in Our present intention, that We may not propose, or make ••ice of any one to be our associate in the Order who shall not be adorned with forenamed qualities: Yet notwithstanding, because We would auoide all sur∣prises,

and render our choice free from all reproach, so much as possibly we ma•• It is our will,* 8.5 that yearely there shall be held a Chapter, on the last day of De••¦ber in the morning, and after dinner, if neede shall so require, wherein shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Cardinals, Prelates and Commanders, with the Officers of the Order. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them we will propound and name the men, whom we are aduised to make choice for the Order. And we entreate our said Assistants, to make enquiry what langua•• or report passeth of them: to the end that they may giue vs faithfull informa•• at the Chapter (which for that purpose) shall bee held on the first day of the year•• before Euensong.

18. At which Chapter the Cardinalls, Prelates and Commanders, that gaue the•• assistance at our proposition;* 8.6 shall be bound to bee there personally present. Where they shall declare to vs (vpon their consciences) their full and intire aduice, for ••¦ceiuing them, by vs propounded. In which case at their entring into the said Chap¦ter, they shall sweare by the liuing God and vpon their honour (the Oath being g••¦uen by the Chancellor of the Order) to tell vs the truth, and nothing but the truth.

19. If it so come to passe, that the proposition formerly made by vs shall be app••∣ued, and that the men by vs propounded, shall bee found and adiudged worthy after receiue the Order;* 8.7 they are to giue vs true aduertisement thereof. And then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shal be deliuered, or sent to each of them particularly, Commissions, which are need¦full for them; for firme verification, as well of their Religion, Age, life and manners as of their nobility and extraction. By which Commissions, they are at full to be•• aduertised in the forme which they ought to obserue, for verifying their inioyned proues. Together with the names of the Commissaries, that were Committees 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Deputies in the Chapter: into whose hands they are to deliuer all the contracts an•• Titles, which they would produce, as also in what time they ought to performe the•• To the end, that the parties elected and chosen, may obserue in, and by all mean•• whatsoeuer they are enioyned or appoynted by the Statutes of the Order, for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as desire to enter and be there associates, for ample verifying their prooues.

* 8.820. And those proues shall alwayes be made (in regard of Religion, life and ••¦ners, and likewise for yeares of Age) by the Arch-bishop, or Bishop of the Dioce•• where the parties proposed and named, shall make their abiding. To whom (for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 purpose) shall be directed Commission, sealed with the Seale of the Order: by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whereof, hee shall send to be diligently informed, concerning the Religion, life 〈◊〉〈◊〉 manners of the said named partie. Which information is to bee sent close sealed, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deliuered into the hands of the Chancellour of the Order, a moneth before the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 day of the yeare. Ouer and beside which information, wee doe further ordaine, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the partie named for entring into the Order, shall stand bound (before power bee gr••••¦ted for his reception) to make profession of his faith, according to the fo••me prese•• bed by the Church, on the Booke, h••ld by our great Almoner, or one of the Prel•• incorporated into the Order, being our Subiect: and this to be certified in the Boo•• containing the said Profession, amongst the rest.

* 8.921. The proofes of Nobility, is to bee made by Contracts of Marriages, Pa•• Testaments, Donations, Transactions, Auouchings, Inuentories of goods or L•• homages, or Extractions of Foundations by Fathers, Grand-fathers, and great Gr•• fathers, the names of whom must bee exhibited into the hands of the Commiss•• who were named for the verifying of their proofes, sixe monthes after they haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 aduertised of their Election, from the Originalls. And if the named parties 〈◊〉〈◊〉 compasse attaining of the said Originalls; then the Commissaries must goe thither commodiously they may doe it) where any parts or parcels of the Originalls are ••¦maining, that in their presence, and of our Officers and Aduocates of those places, ••¦tracts of them may bee made. And if it so happen, that they cannot goe thither, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are obliged to informe his maiestie, concerning the names of some Lords in those ••¦uinces, in whose presence the named persons may cause the said extracts to bee 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and read, and an Act of them to bee made for the Pretendant, which shall a••¦ward bee deliuered into the hands of the Chancellor of the Order; who there•• shall cause a Commission to bee dispatched by the Register of the Order, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sent to the Gentlemen deleagud by the said Commissaries, to call (with them) 〈◊〉〈◊〉

••fficers & Aduocates of the places before thē, to be present at the examind Copies.

The Commissions for verifying the said proues of Nobility,* 8.10 shall alwayes bee di∣••cted to two Commanders of the Order, who shall be chose (by vs) in the Chapter? call our Officers and Aduocates of the places (if need require) before them, to be ••ligently informed, and by good witnesses (who must be chosen men of Office, and ••t produced by the named persons, but authenticall Acts;) whether the said named ••rsons, for entring into the Order, be Gentlemen of three races by the Fathers side, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no: And whether the sir-names and Armes which they carry, were carried by ••eir Fathers, Grand-fathers, and great Grand-fathers, or no. And of what Lands & ••eigneuries they were then possessed & took the title. Whether the matters containd 〈◊〉〈◊〉 those proues, which were deliuered to their hands, be true or no. And whether the ••med persons haue not beene attainted and conuicted of crimes and cases, directly ••pposite against Nobility and honor.

Of all these they are to prepare a verball answer, with an extract thereof in writing; ••hich they must send a month before the said first day of the yeare, vnto the Chan∣••llour, close and fast sealed with their seales of Armes, affirmed vpon their faith & ••onour, & signed by their hands with titles, contracts, & particulars produced by the ••med persons. His Maiestie expressly forbidding the Chancellor to receiue thē; ex∣••ept they were or be presented to him, a month before the said first day of the yeare.

23. The Chancellour hauing receiued the said verball Answer,* 8.11 is to aduertise the ••ing thereof: who shall (yearely) meete himselfe in person, ten dayes before the ••ding of the moneth December, or sooner; with the Cardinalls, Prelates, Com∣••anders and Officers, in his Court. By whose aduice, he is to elect and depute to ••e number of eight of the Commanders: in whose presence, the Chancellour must ••pen the verball answer. And then the titles of the said named parties are to be sur∣••yed, that report of them may be giuen at the next Chapter, which shall be held the ••st day of December. In the number of which said eight Commanders; there must ••e alwayes one of the Cardinalls, two Prelates, two of the Commissaries, which ••uerred & examined the proues, & three other Commanders, chosen as before hath ••eene said. And if the Commissaries shall happen to be absent; two other Comman∣••ers are to be subrogated in their stead. And (continually) the said verball Answer is ••o be sent by the said Cōmissaries, & carefully kept by the Register of the Order, for ••resent seruice when need shall require. And in case that all, or part of them be iudged ••orthy by vs, & two thirds of the Assembly: We and our Successors, as great Mai∣••ers and Soueraignes of the Order, shall make choyce and election of him, or them, ••s we thinke best; who at the same time shall be called to the Chapter, by the He∣••uld King of Armes belonging to the Order, to bee aduertised by vs of their associ∣••tion in the Order, and then to receiue the appointment what they are to doe.

24. The Chancellour in relating the verball answer,* 8.12 shall also represent and make ••nowne to vs in the said Assembly; the charges and degrees wherewith the Preten∣••ants haue beene honoured, and the places where they haue serued vs in our Camps ••nd Armies, according to the memories which haue beene deliuered of them: to the ••nd that their receiuing into the Order may appeare the more honourab••e.

25. And although Strangers, Inhabitants and naturalizd in our Kingdome,* 8.13 to ••hom we permit (by present institution) entrance into the said Order, in like manner 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our Subiects, by submitting themselues to the Rules and Statutes therof, cannot wel ••ccomplish (in all & euery part) those things which we haue ordained to be obserued 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the said proues: It shall suffice, that they exhibite and deliuer into the hands of the Chancellour, the Originalls of Contracts of Marriage, Testaments or Inuestitures of ••heir Fathers, Grand-fathers, and great Grand-fathers, or of Acts extracted out of the ••owles and publike places in the Townes or Cities, concerning the extraction and ••riginall of their houses: or Copies of Contracts, and Instruments forenamed, duly ••ade out of the said extracts, by vertue of a Commission which shall be sent by ap∣••ointment of the Soueraigne, & sealed with the Seale of the Order, directed to some ••ersons, who (to that end) shall be named in the Chapter, without binding them to ••ake any more ample proues.

26 We ordaine also, that the Sonnes, Brethren, Nephewes, and Cousins Ger∣maine

of a Commander in the same Order,* 8.14 bearing the same names and Armes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being of the same extraction, hauing beene named by vs for entring into the Ord•••• shall not stand bound to produce (concerning their Nobility) any other proues▪ the•• those which their said Fathers, Brothers, Vncles, or Cousins haue formerly made. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they are to be further constrained, in those Articles concerning their Religion, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Manners and Ages, as the other.

* 8.1527 And to the end that such as shall be honoured with the Order, may appe•• at Feasts and Ceremonies thereto belonging, in the formall habits of the Order, a•• we haue ordained that they shall doe, and without any constraint of borrowing▪ We giue them further to know and vnderstand, that they are to pay fiue hundred Crownes to the Treasurer of the Order, to be imployed in making of the said habits, before they can be thereinto admitted.

28. Which habits, and Coller of the Order, may neuer be vsed for wearing, & gi¦uen by vs or our Successors: but on the last day of December after Euensong, & in the Church where the same is solemnly performed, in such forme as hereafter followeth.

* 8.1629. Such as are accepted and to be receiued into the Order; must repaire on the said day after dinner, to the place where the Cardinalls, Prelates, Commanders and Officers meete together with vs, to goe to Church to heare the Euening Seruice. Thither they are conducted, walking asunder each after other, or going two and two together, if there be many, according as they were, and are called by their Election, betweene the Chancellour of the Order, and the Commander: their Doublets and Hose being of Cloth of Siluer, and the most honourablest that can be had.

* 8.1730. Being come to the Church, there they humble themselues on their knees, by the seates, which (for that purpose) are appointed in the Quire, on the contrary ••i••e to them for the Officers: Euening Seruice being sung, we depart from our seate, and goe towards the Altar, the Officers walking before vs; and being seated in the State, there prepared for vs, the Prouost and Maister of the Ceremonies of the Order, the Herauld and Vsher going before him: goe to aduertise the two Dukes last receiued into the Order, if the said new elected person, and to be receiued, bee a Duke: but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hee be not a Duke, then the aduertisement passeth by the two Commanders, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 receiued and entertained) to go take the first of the elected persons, whom they shall guide and leade betweene them (the Prouost going before) vntill they come where wee are seated. No sooner is he there, but being prostrate on his knees, to him is then giuen (by vs) the Cloake and Coller of the Order, wherein the Officers giue their as∣sistance each one in his Office, as followeth.

* 8.1831. First of all the Chancellour, to present and hold the Booke of the holy Euan∣gelists: whereon the Gentleman laying both his hands, he maketh his vow and Oath in due forme.

* 8.1932. Next after him the Register, who shall giue the Gentleman the forme of the vowes and Oath which he is to make, fairely written in Parchment, which hee him∣selfe is to read with a loud voyce: and next to signe the Scedule with his hand, and then to present it to vs. The Scedule must (afterward) be enrowled by the Register of the Order; to serue as a testimonie of the day of his entertaining. And the Ori∣ginall thereof, is to be deliuered by the Chancellour, into the Treasury of the Char∣ters belonging to the Order, there to be kept very respectiuely.

* 8.2033. The Prouost and Maister of the Ceremonies, is to present vs with the Cloake and Mantle of the Order; which we must put on him in vsing these words.

The Order doth reuest and couer you with the Cloake of this amiable company, & Brother∣ly vnion, for the exaltation of our faith and Catholicke Religion: In the name of the Father, of the Sonne, and of the Holy-Ghost, making the signe of the Crosse.

34. Afterward commeth the high Treasurer of the Order, who presenteth vs with the Coller thereof: Which we put about the Commanders necke saying.

* 8.21Receiue from our hand the Coller of our Order of the Holy Ghost: whereinto We (a So∣ueraigne Great Maister thereof doe receiue you. Keepe in perpetuall remembrance, the death and passion of our Lord and Redeemer Iesus Christ: In signe whereof, wee ap∣point you to weare the Crosse (for euer) vpon your outward garments. And God giue you grace, that you may neuer goe against the Vowes and Oath, which you this day haue

••me hither to take, but that they may remaine perpetually in your heart. For be you well ••sured, that if you doe contradict them in any sort: you shall be depriued and excluded out 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this Companie, and incurre those paines and penalties, which are appointed by the Sta∣••tes of the Order. In the name of the Father, of the Sonne; and of the Holy-Ghost, Amen.

53 Whereunto the said Commander is to returne this Answere.

The Commanders Answer to the King.

SIr, God endue me with his Grace, and grant, that I may rather dye, then faile in any Article of duetie belonging to me. And most humbly I thanke your Maiestie, for the Ho∣••r and happinesse which it hath pleased you to bestow vpon me. In signe whereof, I kisse ••ur Royall hand loyally.

36 I sweare and vowe to God, in the face of his Church, and promise to you Sir,* 9.1 vpon ••y Faith and Honor: that I will liue and dye in the Faith and Religion Catholique, with∣••t euer departing from it, or the vnion of our holy Mother the Church Apostolique. 1. That will beare to your Maiestie, intire and perfect Obedience; without failing in any part of ••utie, as a good and loyall Subiect ought to doe. 2. That I will keepe, defend and main∣••ine (to my vttermost power) the honor, the quarrels, and rights of your Royall Maiestie; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all, and against all whatsoeuer. 3. That in times of Warre, I will yeelde my selfe to ••llow you, in the furnishment or equipage of Horses and Armes: as I am bound to doe by ••e Statutes of this Order. 4. In the times of Peace, when any occasion of importance shall ••esent it selfe, at all times, and as often as you shall please to command me: I will doe you ser∣••ice, against any person that can liue and dye, without exception of any, and euen to death ••selfe. 5. That in such occasions, I will neuer leaue or abandon your person, or the place ••here you haue appointed me to doe you seruice; without your expresse leaue and licence, or ••mmand, signed with your owne hand, or of him whom you shall ordaine me to obey; stan∣••ing free from all other exceptions, but vpon iust and lawfull occasion. 6. That I will euer goe forth of your Kingdome, especially, to goe in the seruice of any strange Prince; ••ithout your command. And I will neuer take pension, wages or benefit of any other King, ••rince, Potentate, or Lord whatsoeuer: nor binde my selfe to the seruice of any other per∣••••n liuing, but to your Maiestie onely; except it be by your expresse permission. 7. That 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will faithfully reueale to you, whatsoeuer I shall know hereafter: to import your seruice, ••e estate and conseruation of this present Order of the Holy-Ghost, wherewith it hath plea∣••••d your Maiestie to honor me. 8 That I will neuer consent, nor euer permit (so much as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 me lyeth) that any thing shall be innouated or attempted against the seruice of God; nor ••gainst your Royall authoritie; or to the preiudice of this Order, which I will labour to my ••ttermost power, to augment and maintaine. 9. I will keepe and obserue most Religiously, ••ll the Statutes and Ordenances thereof. 10. I will continually weare the Crosse vpon ••y vppermost garments, and that of Gold about my necke; as I am enioyned by the said ••tatutes. 11. And I will be personally present, at all the Assemblies and generall Chap∣••ers of the Order, so often as you shall please to command me; or else acquaint you with my ••st excuses: which I shall neuer hold for good or lawfull, except they be approued and au∣••orized by your Maiestie, with the aduise of most part of the Commanders, which shall be ••eerest to take knowledge of them: Signed with your Royall hand, and sealed with the Seale ••f the Order, whereof I am to haue an Act. All these things I Vowe and Sweare, so helpe ••e God, and on this Booke of his blessed Euangelists.

37 And in regard, that by this Oath, it is expressely ordered,* 9.2 that the Comman∣••ers cannot binde themselues to the seruice of any stranger Prince; which cannot ••ell be obserued, by such as are subiect to others then our selfe: We publish & de∣••lare, that no Strangers, if they be not reall Inhabitants, and naturallized in this our ••ingdome, can enter into this Order, by any meanes whatsoeuer; neither our owne ••atiue Subiects, which are already of any other Order. Excepting neuerthelesse,* 9.3 that ••f my Lord S. Michael, which we desire to hold and maintaine in the prime splen∣••our: We will and ordaine, that it may lawfully be worne with this, by such as shall ••e honored both with the one and other.

38 Excepting also from the said exclusion, Cardinals of the Sacred Seate, Arch∣••ishops & Bishops: And likewise our Subiects, who either by permission of vs, or ••f the Kings our Predecessours, haue beene, or shall be hereafter, receiued into the

Orders of the Golden Fleece, and that of the Garter; in regard of propinquity, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 peace and amity, which is betweene vs, and the Chiefes and Soueraignes of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Orders. All which wee meane may enter into the Order, as well as the other, obse••¦uing the formes and rules, prescribed to them by this present Institution.

* 9.439. For the maintenance of this Order, and for giuing meanes to Cardina•• Prelates and Commanders, to maintaine themselues in honourable condition, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very conuenient, and to doe vs seruice, in such occasions as shall present themsel•••••• There must be a good round stocke of money leuied, which is to be diuided for p••¦ment in a full Chapter, and in our presence, according to such an estate, as shall be b•• vs thought fit and set downe. And concerning the said moneyes, in any na•• whatsoeuer, neither by vs or our Successors hereafter; they are to be taken, imploy¦ed, distrained or challenged to any other vse; but for maintaining & paying the pen¦sions of the said Commanders, & according to such partition as shal be made of the••▪

* 9.540. We will and ordaine that this present Order shall be composed, and con•• of the number of an hundred persons, besides him that is the Soueraigne, and Great Maister. In which number are to be comprehended foure Cardinalls, fiue Prela••••••, the Chancellour, Prouost, Maister of the Ceremonies, the high Treasurer, and the Register, who are Commanders. Vpon any cause or motion whatsoeuer ensueth, may not the said number be augmented. And when any vacation shall happen, in any one of the places of the Cardinalls, Prelates, or Officers: those places are not to be filled or supplyed, but only with such persons as are to serue in the same quality.

* 9.641. Nor shall it be permitted to the great Maister and Soueraigne of the Order, to encrease the pension of any of the Commanders, by diminishing any of the other.

* 9.742. To vs only, and to the Kings our Successors, as Soueraignes and great Mai∣sters of the Order, shall appertaine the Collation and prouision of all Commands: without permission in vs at any time, to giue way, or transport our right to any per∣son whatsoeuer, either in all, or in part, vnder any pretence of gift, gracious conces∣sion, dowrie, inheritance, younger Brothers portion, or aduancement of Heiredome, in any manner whatsoeuer it be.

* 9.843. Moreouer we will haue to be very strictly obserued, that when any Com∣mandery happeneth to be vacant, it shall not bee prouided by vs; but at Generall Chapters, and in the forme before appointed; without power in vs (for any occasion whatsoeuer) either to prolong or anticipate the time.

* 9.944. There shall be a Chancellour of the Order, who shall make the vowes and proues of Nobility, in the same manner as the Commanders, neither more nor lesse. He shall haue a thousand Crownes of the Sunne for ordenarie wages and his main∣tenance, and shall weare the Crosse as a Commander. Hee is alwayes to bee taken and chosen from amongst the most learned, notable, worthy, and honestest persona∣ges in our Kingdome: to the end, that the said charge and Office may bee admini∣stred, so much the more worthily and honourably.

* 9.1045. The said Chancellour is to keepe the seale, which is to be made and appoin∣ted for the Order. Therewith hee shall seale all Expeditions, Prouisions and Man∣dates concerning the said Order, which shall be commanded by vs and our Succes∣sors in generall Assemblies of the Cardinalls, Prelates, Commanders and Officers, and not otherwise. And in the Signature of the said Letters, shall bee alwayes vn∣der-written these wordes.

By the King, Chiefe and Soueraigne Great Maister, sitting in the Generall Assembly of the Commanders of the Sacred Order of the Holy-Ghost.

* 9.1146. Also the said Chancellour must stand bound, to bee present at all generall Chapters which are to be held; wherein he shall haue charge, to propound all such matters, as are Commanded him by his Soueraigne. Hee is also to make faithfull report of Informations, and verball Answeres, which haue beene made and sent by the Cardinalls, Prelates, Commanders, or other Committees in the businesse, for the receiuing of Gentlemen, that shall be named for entrance into the Order. Where∣in hee must haue especiall care, that hee vse not any abuse, fraud and conniuencie. Hee must be iust in his carriage, to the end, that the Statutes and Ordinances of the Order; may bee exactly obserued, and kept by the Commanders and

••ficers. He is also to aduertise the Soueraigne and Assembly, of such as breake or ••ntradict them; for further proceeding to correction and punishment of them. He ••ll likewise receiue the complaints and grieuances of the said Commanders and ••fficers. Hee shall haue the Superintendencie ouer managing the moneyes of the ••rder: and alwayes be an Assistant, for the reddition or rendring accounts to the ••easurer. And the said Chancellor shall sweare and promise at his entertaining, to ••serue and fulfill all these things, without fayling in any one of them.

47. And to the end that the Statutes, Ordenances and Ceremonies of the Order,* 9.12 ••y be kept, maintained and obserued, as they ought to be: wee haue created, ere∣••d, and instituted an Office, of Prouost and Maister of the Ceremonies: who shall ••w and approue Nobility, in the same manner as the Commanders. He shall haue ••uen hundred and fifty Crownes of the Sunne, as his yearely stipend or wages. He ••ll bee carefull that the Statutes, ordinances, and Constitutions of the order, be not ••y way infringed by the Commanders and Officers of the Order; but shall diligent∣•• and secretly informe himselfe, concerning such as doe not obserue them. If the ••ences be light, or of little moment; himselfe is mildly to aduertise the delinquents, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the end they may correct such errors in themselues. If otherwise; to cause them be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 downe by the Register of the Order; that report of them may be made at the next ••hapter held.

48 He must haue a care also, that on the Festiuall dayes of Celebrating the Order;* 9.13 〈◊〉〈◊〉 things may be readily prouided in the Church, and as they ought to be: as well ••r the adorning thereof, as for the seates and rancke of Chaires and Benches for the ••oueraigne, Cardinalls, Prelates, Commanders, and Officers of the Order. Also for ••mbassadors from Kings and Princes, and others, that are and ought to assist in the ••d Ceremonie. That the Coates of Armes belonging to the Soueraigne and the ••ommanders, may be orderly rancked and placed aboue the seates, whereon they ••e to sit. And for the better performance hereof, the said Prouost must be bound 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be personally present where wee are, or shall bee, eight dayes (at the least) before ••e Feast day, without any fayling.

49. When any of the Cardinalls, Prelates, Commanders and Officers of the Order,* 9.14 ••all happen to depart out of this life: the Prouost standeth obliged, to haue true cer∣••ication of their sicknesse and death, the day, month and yeare: whether by any in∣••••nuenience naturall, or other accident, and the condition of their finall departing. To ••e end, that Funerall seruice for the dead may bee performed in such due manner as ••ereto appertaineth; and afterwards to cause it be set downe by the Register.

50. The said Prouost must take paines also, to enquire and haue knowledge,* 9.15 when ••ere shall happen any debate, contention or quarrell betweene any of the Comman∣••rs and Officers; for informing vs thereof immediately: To the end, that wee may ••dresse the same, and hinder it from proceeding any further. At his receiuing into the ••rder, he shall sollemnly sweare to obserue and effect all these things diligently.

51. All Cardinalls, Prelates and Commanders, that shall bee receiued into the Or∣••••r: at the time of their entertainment, are to giue to the said Prouost, as fees and rights ••••longing to his Office, these things hereafter following

1. Euery Cardinall is to giue him tenne Elles of Crimson Veluet.* 9.16

2. Euery Prelate ten elles of violet veluet.

3. And euery Commander twelue Elles of blacke veluet.

4 It is our expresse will, that if any of shem shall deferre or delay to make satisfaction of ••ese dues: As much money shall be detained (as may amount thereto) on the account of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Command, to be paid and giuen by the Treasurer to the said Prouost.

52. There shall be likewise a Treasurer of the said Order:* 9.17 who shall be called high ••reasurer of the Order; who is to make proofe and vow of his Religion; and shall re∣••iue seauen hundred Crownes of the Sunne, as his ordinary Wages.

53. He shall haue in keeping, all Chartres, Priuiledges, Letters, Mandates,* 9.18 Com∣••ands, Writings, Registers and Enstructions, concerning the foundation of the Or∣••er, with all their appurtenancs and dependances. Hee shall receiue, manage, pay ••d distribute the pensions, wages charges, and all kindes and natures of moneyes ••rought in & imployed for charges, and maintaining the Order. And as occasion requi∣reth,

he shall haue the keeping of the Church-Ornaments appertaining to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 As also the Cloakes and Mantles of the Commanders, seruing for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & ••••¦remony of the Order. Which he shall stand bound to yeeld & deliuer to the C••¦manders, at the Chapters & Conuentions which are to be held. And afterward, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 receiue them again, and keep them very respectiuely, vntil some other such Chap••

* 9.1954 It is his charge likewise, to cause the Collers to be made, which we shall g•• to the Commanders; of what weight and fashion they are appointed, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 time of their entertainment, hee is to present them to vs in the Church. And wh•• the death or depriuation of any one shall happen; it is his bounden duty, to re••¦taine them into his possession from the Heyres. And if any of them shall make ••¦fusall, or be ouer-tardy in sending or re-deliuering them into his hands at a time ••¦ted; a Commission shall be decreed at the Treasurers suite, and directed to such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our Iudges and Officers, as the case requireth, to proceed in making seizure and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the best goods and moueables left by the deceased, so farre as to concurrence 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Collers true valuation. And this payment shall bee preferred before all o•• debts, morgages or priuiledges whatsoeuer they be.

* 9.2055. The said high Treasurer must bee bound to render a good and faithfull a••¦count euery yeare at the Generall Chapters (and not elsewhere) of all receipts a•• expences made and laid out of the Orders moneyes: which account shall be see•• and examined by the Chancellour, and fiue Commanders of the Order, thereto de∣puted at the Chapter. Wherein it is our further pleasure, that there shall bee assis•• one of the Presidents of our Chamber of Accounts, or Exchequer at Paris, or the ••••¦tendant of our Finances, or some such other of our Officers, as it shall please vs 〈◊〉〈◊〉 appoint. And all the accounts and fines agreed on, and signed by them; shall b•• brought into the Treasury of the Orders Chartres: whereof a Copie is to bee d••¦uered into the hands of the High Treasurer, well and diligently examined, in ••¦sence of the Chancellour, Commanders, and him that (as hath beene said) shall b•• by vs chosen and appointed. Which shall serue to him as a full discharge of ma••¦ging the said monies. And those fiue Commanders, Committees, as Auditours 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the same accounts, shall bee changed yearely, because they may not assist two yeare together, in the reddition and locking them vp. And concerning the President o•• Intendant, or other person▪ by vs chosen; hee shall haue foure hundred Crowne as yearely wages by vs, which shall bee paid to him by the high Treasurer, out 〈◊〉〈◊〉 those moneyes appointed to him for that purpose; with inioying the same Pri••••¦ledges, Franchises, Immunities, and Exemptions, as the Cardinalls, Prelates, C••••¦manders, and Officers of the Order doe, whereof wee will send to him speedy Le••∣ters, signed by the Register of the Order.

* 9.2156 We will also, that the Treasurer shall stand bounden, to cause a Booke•• be made, containing all the Gifts, Legacies, Augmentations, and Liberali•• which shall be granted, made and giuen to the Order; as well by vs and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Successours; as by the Cardinals, Prelates, and Commanders. Wherein 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be written the Name, Sirname, and the Gift which euery one hath giuen: to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 end, that a perpetuall remembrance may remaine of the Benefactours, and pr••y¦er made to God for them. The Treasurer, at his acceptation into the Order, sh•• solemnely sweare, to obserue and keepe faithfully, all the matters before recoun•••••• without failing in any one of them.

* 9.2257 In like manner, there shall be an Officer of the Order, called The ••egis•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Order: who must make vowe of his Religion, and shall receiue fiue hund•• Crownes of the Sunne for his ordenarie Wages. He must stand bounden, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 two Bookes made of Parchment, in each whereof shall be set downe, the fo••••••••¦tion of this Order, the Statutes, Causes, and Ordenances thereof. At the beg••••¦ning of which Bookes, shall be liuely figured or painted a Historie, with rep••••¦sentation of the Soueraigne, his sitting in State with the Cardinals, Prela•• Commanders and Officers, on the solemne day of the Ceremonie. Those Boo•• shall be fastened with Chaines, in the Quire of the Church, where began the Fou••¦dation: but lokct vp fast in a Chest, whereof the high Treasurer shall keepe the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Key, and the other shall alwayes be brought and presented to the Soueraigne, 〈◊〉〈◊〉

the Register of the Order, at the Chapters and Conuentions, as they are seuerally and yearely made; to haue his recourse to them for his own helpe and seruice, when∣soeuer neede shall require.

58 The said Register shall receiue, set downe in writing,* 9.23 and keepe a perfect Re∣gister well and faithfully, of all the Prouisions, Appointments, Conclusions and Ordenances, which shall be made at the Chapters. Hee shall make and signe all Commissions, Letters, Commands and Expeditions, which shall be needefull touching and concerning the said Order: declaring a Nullitie, and to be of no effect or value, all those which shall hereafter be signed by any other then him∣selfe. He is also to inhibite and forbid, the signing or expediting of any other, for what cause, or vpon what occasion soeuer they may be pretended: as being ne∣uer purposed, concluded and appointed by the Soueraigne, fitting in the generall Chapter of the Order; whereof he is bound to keepe a certaine Register, which he must bring and present at euery Chapter.

59 He shall keepe another Register also, apart by it selfe, for Informations, ver∣ball Answeres and Scedules, which are to be reported at the Chapters,* 9.24 of them that haue bin receiued into the Order: for rendering true testimonie of the prooues they haue made, of their Religion and Nobilitie, as also of the day of their enter∣tainment. Hee is to Register likewise, such memories as shall be deliuered to him by the Prouost of the Order, as well of errors and delicts committed by the Com∣manders and Officers, to be read and reported to vs at the Chapters: As also of the decease of them, when any one shall happen. And hee shall promise and sweare at his entrance, to execute, keepe and performe all these seuerall things, without failing in any one of them.

60 All these foure Officers, shall be Commanders; weare the Crosse vpon their vppermost Garments, and another of Gold about their neckes,* 9.25 as the other Com∣manders doe.

61 Moreouer, there shall be in the Order another Officer, called an Herauld,* 9.26 King of Armes, Of the Order of the Holy-Ghost; who shall be chosen (hauing made proofe of his Catholique Religion) to be a man of good fame, and expert in such a charge as he is to vndergoe. He shall haue foure hundred Crownes of the Sunne for his ordenary stipend. Portera vne croix d'Or de l'Ordre pendue au Col â deux pe∣tites Chainettes d'Or auec son Esmail. He shall stand bound to keepe a Booke, where∣in must be depicted to the life, the Armes, Crests and Supporters of all the Cardi∣nals, Prelates, Commanders and Officers, which shall be receiued into the Order. And vnder euery one of those Armes, shall be set downe in writing, their Names, Sirnames, Seigneuries and Qualities. And for the doing hereof, each of the said Car∣dinals, Prelates and Commanders, shall be obliged to giue him a Marke of money, at his reception.

62 When neede shall require, to make any Signification, Command or Deno∣mination, to any one of the Commanders and Officers: the said Herauld must haue the charge thereof, and shall report to the Soueraigne (in full Chapter) the Answere which hath bin made vnto him; or whatsoeuer hee hath learned or vnderstood in his iourney, concerning the good, honor and seruice, of the Order of the Holy-Ghost.

63 Wee ordaine and appoint also, that there shall be an Vsher of the Order,* 9.27 who is to assist in the Ceremonie of the Order, and to beare a Mace vpon his shoulder, which is to be expressely made for seruice of the Order. Hee shall haue three hun∣dred and twelue Crownes of the Sunne for his ordenarie wages; which shall be paid vnto him (in manner as to all the other Officers) by the high Treasurer. The said Vsher shall be chosen, making proofe of his Catholique Religion: and shall stand bound, to be present at all the Chapters to be held, for keeping the doore, and performance of whatsoeuer else shall depend vpon his Charge.

64 When the death of any of the said Officers shall happen,* 9.28 the Election of him that is to succeede, must be made by the Soueraigne. In whose presence he shall make his Vowes, and at his hand receiue the Habits and Crosse, according as the other Commanders. Except the Herauld and Vsher, who are to take their Oaths,

and receiue their Chaines and Crosses, at the hand of the Chancello••, but in pre∣sence of the Soueraigne.

65 The pensions of the Cardinals, Prelates and Commanders, and Wages of the forenamed Officers,* 9.29 may not be pawned or morgaged, or seisure made on them for any occasion whatsoeuer: except it be to buy Armes and Horses. Moreouer, i•• must be done by permission, signed vnder the hand of the great Maister, and Sealed with the Seale of the Order.

66 It is our will and meaning, that the said Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders and Officers of the Order, shall hereafter stand exempted, from contributing to the Ban, and Arriereban of our Kingdome; and from paying to vs any Redempti∣ons, Lots, Alienations, Quints and Requints, as well of Lands which they shall sell, as those which they shall buye and purchase, relying vpon vs. Except by oc∣casion of Customes of our Kingdome, importing, that the Buyer is bound to pay the fift Pennie in the price of selling the Fiefe, where something may be quarrelled or demanded, of the said Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders and Officers of the Order, and likewise of them that haue made the same acquisitions.

* 9.3067 Moreouer we will, that the said Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders and Offi∣cers of the Order, hauing their causes committed to the Court of Requests, of our Pallace at Paris; may there haue and enioy all and semblable Priueledges, as doe our domesticke Officers and Seruants in ordenarie. Of which Priuiledges, we will cause our Letters and Declarations to be dispatched, for being made publique and Registred, as well in our Courts of Parliament, Chamber of Accounts, and Court of our Aydes; as euery where else, where it may appertaine, in regard of their ser∣uice and esteeme.

68 Each one of the said Cardinals, Prelates & Commanders, as also the Officers; shall stand bound, to take Letters of prouision, sealed with the great Seale of the Or∣der, and Signed by the Register thereof: to serue him as a testimonie, concerning the day of when he was associated into the Order.

* 9.3169 All Deliberations, Commands and Ordenances, which shall be made in the generall Chapters of the Order; can no way be auaileable▪ except they be made and approued, by aduise of two third parts of the Commanders, which shall be there assembled, accounting the Soueraignes voyce for two. And the said Chap∣ters are not to be held; except there be eighteene Commanders present, beside the Officers.

* 9.3270 And because in times to come, euery one may take knowledge truely, con∣cerning the Nobilitie, Vertues and Merits, of all such as we shall call and associate into the said Order. We will, that euery one of the Commanders, after his admis∣sion into the Order; shall cause to be made in Parchment, a Tree of his Genealo∣gie or descent, which he shall cause to be signed and verified, by them that shall be appointed as Committees, to testifie and report his prooues. Which certificate must containe the day, when they make their report in the Chapter, and how they haue seene and iustified the same, very exactly by their prooues. Commanding further, that the said Genealogie or Pedegree, shall be written and enrouled by the Register of the Order. And the Register likewise must certifie, how the Comman∣ders and Commissaries haue made their report in our presence: that recourse may be made thereto (when occasion requireth) that it is a true Act, and whereto faith may be vndoubtedly giuen, for euer.

* 9.3371 Euery yeare, the Feast of the Order shall be celebrated the first day of Ianu∣arie, in the Church of the Augustines, in our good Citie of Paris; which is the place chosen and destenied by vs for the same effect. And if some publique affaires of our Kingdome, will not permit vs to be in our Citie of Paris on the same day: the•• the Feast is to be celebrated wheresoeuer we are, and in the most spacious Church neere adioyning. Where our will and pleasure is, that all the Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders and Officers shall be present with their assistance; if they haue not other Command from vs ••o the contrary. Hereupon, and for this purpose, they are to come themselues in person (wheresoeuer we shall chance to be) two dayes be∣fore the Eeuen of the first day of the yeare, to giue their assistance in the Ceremonie.

Which is to begin the Eeue of the said day, at Eeuensong; where the Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders and Officers are to accompanie the Soueraigne of the Order, from his Pallace to the Church, in such manner as is here set downe.

In what manner the Soueraigne or great Maister, and his Knights of the Order of the Holy-Ghost, goe on the Day of Solemnitie to the Church.

••2 FIrst, the Gentleman-Vsher goeth foremost.

The Herauld followeth next.

The Prouost, High Treasurer and Register goe together: but the Prouost in the mid∣••est betweene them.

After followeth the Chancellour alone.

The come the Commanders, walking two and two together, according to their ••anke, as shall be hereafter related.

After them followeth the Soueraigne or Great Maister.

Next to him follow the Cardinals and Prelates that are of the Order.

The Great Maister and Commanders are cloathed in long Cloakes, made of the ••me fashion that are worne on the day of Saint Michael; being of blacke Veluet, ••mbrodered round about with Gold and Siluer. The embroderie consisteth of Floures de Luces, and Knots of Gold, betweene three sundry Ciphers of Siluer. And aboue the Floures de Luces, Knots and Floures of Gold; are thickly semed or ••oudered Flames of Fire, but made of Gold.

The great Cloake is garnished with a Mantelet of Cloath of Siluer, couered with ••mbroderie, made after the same fashion as is the Great Cloake; reserued onely, that ••n stead of the Ciphers, are wrought faire Doues of Siluer.

The Cloakes and Mantles are double-lined with Sattin of Orange-tawnie coler.

And they weare the Cloakes turnd vp on the left shoulder, the opening being ••n the right side; according to the patterne which we haue caused to be made.

They weare Doublets and Hose of White or Orange-colour; the fashion ac∣••ording to the discretion of the Commander: A blacke Hat, a white Plume.

Vpon the said Cloakes, are openly worne the great Collers of the Order, which were giuen to them at their first admission.

The Chancellour is habited in all respects like to the Commanders:* 10.1 yet he hath not ••he great Coller, but a Crosse onely embrodered before on his Cloake; and that of Gold hanging about his necke.

The Prouost, High Treasurer and Register, haue likewise Cloakes of blacke Veluet, ••nd the Mantelet of Greene cloath of Siluer; but they are embrodered about with ••ome Golden flames onely, wearing also the Crosse of Gold of the Order, and that ••f Gold about their neckes.

The Herauld and Prouost weare cloakes of blacke Sattin, and their Mantelets of Greene Veluet; embrodered with flames, like to the other Officers. Onely the He∣••auld weareth his Esmail hanging about his necke, and the Vsher a Crosse of the Order; but much lesse then the other Officers.

After returne from Eeuen-song, the Commanders and Officers may not faile to goe to Confession.

73 On the morrow in the morning, the Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders and Officers, shall accompanie the Soueraigne againe, in the same Order and Garments ••s before, to the Church to heare Masse. At the Offering, We our selfe will offer ••s many Crownes of the Sunne, as We are yeares old. And each of the Com∣manders is to offer a Crowne of the Sunne; which at the instant we haue ordered, ••o be giuen for the nourishing and maintaining the Religious Nouices of the said Augustines. The Commanders shall goe together to the Offering, yet notwithstan∣••ing, one after another, according to their ranke and place. Masse being ended, ••he Commanders and Officers shall (in our presence) receiue the blessed Sacrament of our Lords body: exhorting the Cardinals, Bishops and Prelates, to communi∣cate

also the same day, either before comming to the Ceremonie, or after, accor∣ding as themselues doe thinke fittest.

* 10.274 After Masse, they are to reconduct the Great Maister home to his Pallace; where the Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders and Chancellour of the Order, are to sit downe, and dine at the Table, at the cost and charge of the great Maister; is token of loue and amitie. At which Pallace, and in a place a part, shall be prepared a Table; where must dine the Prouost, High Treasurer, Register, Herauld and Vsher.

* 10.375 At the houre of Eeuening Prayer, the Soueraigne, Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders and Officers, in order as hath bin said, wearing Cloakes and Man∣telets of Blacke cloath (except the habite of the Soueraigne, which may be darke Scarlet, or sad Murrie) vpon which Cloakes shall be alwayes the Crosse of the Or∣der wrought, as on the other. In this Church they are then to heare Euening Ser∣uice for the deceased, and the next day in the morning, to heare Masse and Seruice: At the Offering in which Masse, the Soueraigne and Commanders shall offer (each of them) a Waxe Candle, weighing a pound of Waxe. And being at the Offering, the Register shall report the names of such Soueraignes, Cardinals, Prelates and Commanders, as are deceased of the Order, and since performance of the last Ceremonie: For whose soules, he that celebrateth the Masse, is to say (ouer and beside the rest) at the Offerings conclusion, a De Profundis, and a Prayer for the dead. At departing home from the Masse, they are all to dine at the Soueraignes charge againe, as the day before.

* 10.476 Vpon these dayes, and in the said Church, must be prepared Garlands or Chaplets of Floures, thickly set about with Waxe-lights; and in the middest of them, the Escutchons of Armes belonging to the deceased parties. Beneath, or rather somewhat behinde those Garlands, shall be placed a Bench or Seate, coue∣red with blacke cloath, whereon must be laid the Collers of the deceased Com∣manders. And behinde that Bench must be placed another, whereon are to sit the Heires of the deceased, or those that make representation of them, cloathed in mourning, during the time of Seruice for the Deceased. Which being ended, the Collers are to be brought and presented to vs; and (in our presence) deliuered and re∣ceiued by the high Treasurer.

* 10.577 After Dinner, a generall Councell and Chapter is to be held of the Order, wherein we are to be assisted by all the Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders and Of∣ficers; but not any other, of what qualitie or degree soeuer they be. And before any thing shall be spoken, or called in question; solemne Oath is to be giuen by Vs, and the Assistance, for not discouering or reuealing to any person liuing, what∣soeuer shall be said, treated and concluded in the said Assembly; vpon paine to be depriued of the Order, and proclaimed for Traitours and infamous persons. The Oath being made, which is presently to be set downe by the Register: then is to be propounded from the mouth of the Chancellour, all that he knoweth and thinketh meete to be deliuered, necessary for the honor, benefit, encrease and conseruation of the said Order.

* 10.678 And if it be knowne, that any of the Commanders haue failed or forfeited in their Honor, or committed any Act vnworthy of their profession, and contrary to their dutie: As, if he be attainted and conuinced of the crime of Heresie, Trea∣son, flight from Battaile in the Field, Sacriledge, Robberie, detention of goods Ecclesiasticall, and other actions, vnfitting for Gentlemen, that make profession of Honour and Vertue; and these to be auouched by good and sufficient prooues. In this case we will, that he, or they shall be depriued and degraded of the Order; and aduise giuen in the Chapter, for correction and punishment of such offences, accor∣ding as the case shall require.

79 And to the end, that memorie may alwayes remaine, concerning the Electi∣on we haue made of the Church belonging to the Couent of the Augustines, in our good Citie of Paris, for celebrating there the Feasts of the Ceremonie of the Or∣der: We haue ordained and doe ordaine to the said Religious Conuent, the so•••• of three hundred thirtie three Crownes, a third part of yearely rent, whereof shall

••e dispatched and passed the contracts, for such necessaries as are to be vsed. With ••harge also, that they shall be bound to say euery day in the yeare, two Masses; the ••ne aloude, for the prosperitie and health of the Soueraigne, Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders and Officers of the Order; and the other still and soft, for the dead. Whereof we will our great Almoner to haue especiall care: to the end, that our in∣••ent may be fulfilled, and the Seruice performed as it ought to be.

80 Now, in regard that this Order of ours, is instituted to the honor of God,* 10.7 and ••f his blessed Spirit the Holy-Ghost, who euermore liketh and alloweth the humblest ••earts: We ordaine, that in the Orders walking or going to Church, or other∣••ise, as also in their Seates; there shall not be any dispute, or contention for ranke ••r place; but euery one to goe according to the Antiquitie of his receiuing into ••e Order, thus.

First our Sonnes and Brethren, and the Princes of our Blood.

Then, the Princes issued of our Soueraigne House, which be Dukes.

Next, the Princes which are not Dukes.

And after them the Dukes, who are but Gentlemen, in keeping the Order and ••ancke: yet this attribution is granted to them, by creation of their Duchies or ••ukedomes.

After them, the Commanders, according to their Antiquitie of receiuing into ••he Order.

Onely exception is made on behalfe of them, that haue bin chosen and ele∣••ed by vs, for entring into this present Order, and from the first Institution there∣••f: who shall keepe the Ranke of their receiuing into the Order of S. Michael, al∣••ough they receiued the habite of this Order after the other.

81 It is our will and meaning, that the Commanders haue and hold (afterward) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all places, such Ranke, Seate, Authorities and Prerogatiues;* 10.8 as the Knights of ••e Order of Saint Michael should haue. Declaring furthermore, that such as are ••d shall be Knights of the Order of Saint Michael, and Commanders in that of the ••ly-Ghost; shall precede them that haue but tho Order of Saint Michael onely, be∣••use they be honored with both together. Neuerthelesse, this Article hath no ••rther meaning, but for Lords and Gentlemen onely; who haue no other Ranke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sedence, then that which they haue won by the Order.

82 All the Prelates, Commanders and Officers,* 10.9 shall alwayes weare their ••rosses of Yellow, or Orange coloured Veluet, wrought on the left side of their ••loakes, Robes and other Garments vp on high. We onely and our Successors, ••ill weare it beneath on our garments, on the middest of the brest, when it see∣••eth good to vs, and that aloft on the left side, of the same bignesse as the Com∣••anders are. Those Crosses which are wrought on the Garments and Cloakes, ••cause they are Prelates, Commanders and Officers, shall alwayes be of Yellow, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Orenge-coloured Veluet: except in actions of Armes, where our permission 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that such Commanders and Officers as shall be present there; may weare them ••f Cloath of Siluer, or white Veluet, made in the forme of a Crosse of Malta. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the midst whereof shall be a Doue figured, in embroderie of Siluer, and at the ••orners, Beames and Flours de Luces of Siluer, of such bignesse, and according to the ••traict, which we haue caused to be made.

83 The Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders and Officers,* 10.10 shall likewise weare a ••rosse the Order, fastened about their neckes with a faire blew silke Riband: ••e Crosse being made according to the forme of that of Malta, wholly of Gold, ••ammelled with White about the sides; but the midst without any enammelling. Within the angles or corners shall be a Floure de Luce, and in the midst, such as ••e Knights of the Order of Saint Michael; shall beare the noate of that Order 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the one side, and on the other the figure of a Doue; which shall be worne ••n both sides, by Cardinals, Prelates and them that be of the Order of Saint Mi∣••••ael.

84 For a marke or cognisance of the Order, and the Commanders thereto be∣••onging: We will giue to each Commander, a Coller of Gold, made with Floures ••e Luces, and three sundry Ciphers, interlaced like knots, in the fashion of the

Cloakes embroderie. Which Coller shall alwayes containe the weight of th••••e hundred Crownes of Gold, without enriching with Stones, or any other thing. And the Commanders may not sell, engage or alienate them, for any cause or ne∣cessitie, or in any manner whatsoeuer: but they must continue and appertaine to the said Order. And the Heires of such Commanders as shall decease, must stand bound, to bring in, and deliuer them to the hands of the high Treasurer of the Order, three moneths after the parties death, or later; in which case, the Treasurer is to giue them a Receipt, for their discharge.

* 10.1185 The Roabes and Garments of the Order, are to remaine in the custodie of the high Treasurer, for best and safest conseruation of them. And if any of the Com∣manders shall happen to dye; the heires of him or them, may not pretend any right to the Garments: which are to remaine to the Order, for seruice of him that shall next succeede in the place. Who must stand bound, to pay to the Heires of the defunct, the monies appertaining to the first yeare of his Command, with the value of the great Cloake and Mantelet, if he be so pleased, the estimation being made by the Chancellour, calling to him the assistance and aduise of the Officers of the Order.

* 10.1286 All the Cardinals, Prelates, and Commanders of the Order, must be en∣gaged, at their entertainment into the Association; to pay and deliuer to the hands of the high Treasurer, the summe of ten Crownes of Gold of the Sunne. Which ten Crownes we haue granted (instantly) as an Almes, belonging to the Conuent of the Augustines.

* 10.1386 And because it is no more then reasonable, that such as principally doe dedicate themselues to God, and couet to make it knowne by exte∣riour signes; are more tyed to deuout prayers and spirituall exercises, then o∣thers: We exhort and entreate (so much as in vs lieth) that all them of the Or∣der, should giue their daily attendance in deuotion, at the holy Sacrifice of the Masse, if they haue the meanes and leisure, and on the Feast dayes, at the Cele∣bration of diuine Seruice. Albeit we know, that they are bound to say daily, their Rosarie Garland or Beades of Tennes, which ordenarily they carrie about the•• and the Houres of the Holy-Ghost; with the Hymnes and Prayers contained in a Book, which we will giue them at their entertainement: Or else the seauen Penitenti•••• Psalmes, with Praye••s made vpon each of the Psalmes, and the Letanie following the ordenarie Prayers, being all contained together in the same Booke. And whe•• any one shall be found to faile in any of the forenamed duties; he shall be bound to giue a liberall Almes to the ••••ore.

Moreouer, we enioyne them, not to faile (twise euery yeare) to be confessed, by such Fathers of the Church as are thereto authorised, and to receiue the blessed Bo∣dy of our Lord Iesus Christ; namely, on the first day of Ianuarie, and the Feast day of Pentecoast. Ordaining also, that on those dayes, and all other, when (in de¦uotion) they shall communicate, at any place where themselues thinke best: th•••• during the time of Masse, and that of the Communion, they shall weare the Coll•• of the Order; vpon paine and penaltie, that such as doe faile to Communicate o•• those appointed dayes in the said yeare, and so adorned, shall forfeit and loose th•• reuennue of their Command, for that whole yeare.

87 And if it shall so happen, that any of the said Commanders & Officers, do per¦seuere, and continue three yeares each after other, and not Communicate on tho•••• appointed dayes: In this case, the Crosse and Habits of the Order shall be tak•• from them, and for such wilfull obstinacie, they shall likewise be depriued of th•• Order.* 10.14 But if any one doe faile but one of those two appointed dayes in the yeare•• distresse and restraint shall be made in the fruits of his Command, euen the fift p•• of his Annuall reuennue, which we giue and grant, as an immediate Almes to th•• said Augustines. And therefore the Cardinals and Prelates are to be sworne yea••¦ly at the Chapter, vpon their holy Orders, and the Commanders and Of••••¦cers vpon the holy Euangelists; to receiue the Communion on those two Festi∣uall dayes.

88 We, and the Cardinals shall vse to weare the great Coller of the Orde••

••n the foure Festiuall dayes, in the yeare, when we goe to heare Masse, in generall Processions, and at other publique Acts, which are to be done in the Churches,* 10.15 and ••ur entring into Cities of our Kingdome, wherein we hold a Court of Parliament: And likewise at all other times, when it shall be commanded by the Soueraigne of ••he Order.

89 This Order being Instituted, for the defence of our Faith and Religion, as al∣••o of our person and Estate: All the Commanders shall stand obliged,* 10.16 to come and ••isue vs, at all times when they shall there to be commanded: accompanied and at∣••ended, according to their degrees and qualities; paying for all things in their pas∣••••ge willingly, and liberally, without iniuring or abusing our people, on paine of be∣••••g degraded and depriued of the Order.

90 And this being a Companie or Societie, instituted for the honor of God; we ••ommand and enioyne you all, to vse and exercise all Brotherly dilection and kind∣••esse one towards another. We doe ordaine and enioyne our Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders and Officers of the Order, to treade vnderfoote (from hence forward) ••ll enuie, hatred and rancour, which may be pretended one against another, either ••ow, or at any time hereafter: liuing together alwayes in true, perfect amitie, con∣••ord and vnitie. Euen as we shall and will declare Our selfe, and on Our owne be∣••alfe, louing to you all, in sustaining, defending, honoring and gratifying your kinde∣••esses towards Vs: according as your qualities and vertues shall iustly merit, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 answerable to the bond of Brotherhood, wherewith Wee haue honored ••ou all.

91 And if any debate or contention, shall happen hereafter among our Com∣••anders or Officers of the Order, whereof true appearance may arise,* 10.17 to doubt what ••ereof will ensue: We protest and promise, that the matter comming to our know∣••••dge, we will immediately (by our Letters) prohibite all meanes and matter of fact, ••d the said cause or quarrell shall be (by vs) heard and determined, with aduise of ••e fellow Brethren and Commanders neerest about vs, so soone as possibly it may ••e done; where the parties shal be indifferently heard, what they can say each against ••e other. And they shall be bound (for the same purpose) to appeare, or Atturneyes ••r them, to obey such end and order, as by vs & the said Commanders shall be con∣••uded. Euermore excepted, the right, and high Iustice of Ours, and the Authoritie ••nd Prerogatiue Royall, of Vs, and of Our Successors.

92 We ordaine and appoint also to the Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders & Of∣••••cers: that if there happen to their knowledge, any quarrell, debate or contention,* 10.18 ••etweene two, or more Brethren of the Order; to aduertise Vs thereof with all di∣••••gence, to the end, that We may prouide for the euasion.

93 Now, hauing thus estated and established this Order, in those things which we ••••pposed most important & necessary: We hold it a matter hard and vneasie for Vs, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 facilitate all executions and expediences thereto appertaining, and which day by ••y (God enabling vs) experience will further tutour and enstruct vs, what interpre∣••tion and addition shall be else required. In regard whereof, we reserue to our Selfe, ••d to our Successors, full power, of making and establishing all Lawes, Statutes and ••rdenances, which shall be thought sacred and reasonable, for their incorporating to the Booke of our Order. Prouided neuerthelesse, that the said Ordenances doe ••t alter, change or diminish in any thing, those Articles by Vs already established ••d ordained, and that they shall be read, published and Registred in the generall As∣••••mblies of the Order, as they are yearely made, and approued by two third parts of ••••e Commanders, which shall be there present.

We promise for Vs, & our Successors Kings of France, Heads, Soueraignes, Great ••aisters of the Order of the Holy-Ghost▪* 10.19 To keepe and accompl••sh (to our power) the ••d Points, Articles, Ordenances and Constitutions, wholly, inuiolably, and al∣••ayes; According to the Vowe and Oath, which wee haue solemnely made and ••en.

In Witnesse whereof, and to the end, that it may be a matter firme and stable for e∣uer: We haue Signed these presents with our owne Hand, and haue affixed thereto our Seale.

Giuen at Paris in the Moneth of December, the yeare of Grace, One thousand 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hundred, seauentie and eight: And of our Reigne the Fift.

Thus Signed: Henry.

And on the foulde in the bottome: By the King; De Neufuille. And beneath Visa. Sealed with the Great Seale of Green Waxe, hanging at strings of Silke Greene and Red.

The Commission for Information, concerning the Nobilitie of the Knight nominated.

HEnry, by the Grace of God, King of France and of Poland, Chiefe and Soue∣raigne Great Maister of the Order of the Holy-Ghost: To our louing and faith∣full _____ _____ and Commanders of our said Order of the Holy-Ghost. As at our Chapter and assembly Generall, of Cardi∣nals, Prelates, Commanders and Officers of the Order: Wee haue (for many good and great considerations) Elected, named, added, called and associated into our said Order, our louing and loyall _____ _____ in being satisfied by him, concerning the prooues requisite and necessarie to come from him or them, whom wee call to be so honored, as well in that which toucheth Religion, Age, Life and Manners; as for the Nobilitie and Extraction of the house, from whence he is descended. We, for these causes, with the aduise of our Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders and Officers, being present at the said Chap∣ter; haue to you committed, ordained and deputed, doe commit, ordaine and de∣pute these persons by these presents, to visite, see & examine very exactly and faith∣fully, the Contracts of Marriage or Partages, Testaments, Donations, Transactions, Auouchings, Catalogue of names, Hommages, or Extracts of Foundations, from the Father, Grand-father, and Great-Grandfather of you the said _____ _____ The which Contracts We doe appoint you to haue set downe writ∣ten, within sixe Moneths, beginning at the day and date of these presents. Cal∣ling to you our Atturney or Aduocate, and Officers of the place, if neede doe so require: to be informed diligently by witnesses and testemonies, chosen by your selfe, and by Authenticall Acts; whether the said Lord _____ _____ be a Gentleman of Name and Armes, and of three Paternall Races at the least, or no. Also, whether the Sir-name, and the Armes which he beareth, haue bin borne by his Father, Grand-father and Great-Grandfather, and wi•• what Lands and Seigneuries they were possessed, and tooke their titles of; an•• whether they be contained in the proues by you exhibited for truth, or no. An•• moreouer, if hee haue not bin attainted and conuinced of cases and crimes, contra¦dictorie to Nobilitie.

All which, following and being according to the Statutes and Ordenances of our said Order; We will that concerning the truth thereof, you make good and ample verball Answere of: which you shall send close and fast Sealed, with abso¦lute affirmation, vnder your Faith and Honor, as also all the Titles and Contract•• which haue bin deliuered to your hands by the said Lord _____ _____ before the last day of Nouember next ensuing, sending them to the hands of o•• most deare and faithfull Chancellour of our Order, to be presented to vs open, an•• read in the next Assembly and Chapter which we shall hold, with our Cardinals▪ Prelates, Commanders and Officers, there to be aduised in the said Assembly, whe¦ther we shall proceede to the receiuing of the said Lord _____ _____ or no.

And if he cannot recouer, or come by those Originals of Titles, and Contracts be∣fore mentioned, and are expedient for them, which we call for entrance, & to mak•• our Associate in our said Order: He must then resort to you, & craue your aduise, con∣cerning the necessity, of reexamining the said Titles, Extracts and Enstructions▪

••ur will and pleasure then is, that you request the aduise of some Lords and Gentle∣••en in those Prouinces, where the Copie and Originals were first made: and in their ••resence, as also our Aduocates and Officers in those parts, and examination may be ••therwise made, concerning those Titles & Contracts, by testimony of the said Lords ••••d Gentlemen. Which to effect, we will direct our Letters of Commission to them; ••aled with our Seale of the Order, as in such cases is necessarily required.

We further will and command you, that you make knowne to the said Lord _____ _____ that he is to bring and exhibite before you, good and ••arrantable testemonies, of the Charges and Degrees, wherewith hee hath (before ••at instant time) bin honored, and attestations of the places; where hee hath ser∣••ed in our Campes and Armies. Those affirmations are to be signed by our ••ieutenants Generals in those Armies, vnder whom hee serued vs, if they be ••ing: if not, by the chiefest Lords and Knights that were then present. Not ••e wee allow those attestations to be by you receiued: except they be signed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 foure, three or two of those chiefe Lords and Knights at the least; to be like∣••ise sent with your Verball Answere, to the hands of our said Chauncel∣••ur.

For the performance of all which, we haue giuen, and doe giue to you full Power, ••ight, Authoritie, Commission and especia••l Command by these pre••ents: Charg∣••g, willing and commanding all our Iustices, Officers and Subiects, to be obedient ••d assisting to you in the doing hereof. And likewise to all our Vshers and Sergeants, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 make all Exploits and Commands, which herein shall be needefull; without making ••y difficultie, or demanding Placet, Visa, or Iniunction. Because, such is our ••easure.

Giuen at _____ _____ Vnder the Seale of our Order.

Signed By the King, Chiefe and Soueraigne Great Maister, sitting in the generall Assembly, with the Commanders of the Order of the Holy-Ghost.

And Sealed with the Great Seale, and white Waxe vpon the Labell.

The Commission to bee informed, concerning the Life, Manners and Religion of the Knight nominated.

HEnry, by the Grace of God, King of France and of Poland, Chiefe and Soue∣raigne Great Maister of the Order of the Holy Ghost. To our louing and loy∣all _____ _____ and one of the Prelates and Commanders of ••r said Order. Whereas by the Statutes and Ordenances of Our Order, it is ex∣••esly appointed, that there shall be diligent Information, concerning the Religion, ••ife, Manners and Age, of such as are by vs to be named, elected and chosen, for ••ssociation in the said Order, and by the Archbishop or Bishop of the Diocesse, ••here he abideth, that is so chosen, and to be receiued into the said Order; or else 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his great Vicare. Wee, vpon these causes, by the aduise of the Cardinals, Pre∣••tes, Commanders and Officers of the Order: haue committed, ordained and de∣••ted you, doe depute, ordaine and commit you, to be diligently informed, and by wit∣••esses that shall be named to you; concerning the good Life, Manners, Age & Catho∣••••que Religion, of our louing and loyall Subiect.

And the said Information being well and duely made, and certified vnder your ••nd; to send, betweene this and the ending of the Moneth of Nouember next, close ••aled, and affirmed vpon your Faith and Honor; to the hands of our deare and loyall Chancellour of the Order. To be presented to vs, and read at the next Chapter & As∣••••mbly, which shall be held for our Order, to the end, that it may serue, and be allowa∣••e in the receipt.

Which to accomplish and performe, We giue & grant you full power, might, autho∣••ty, cōmission & especiall command by these presents: willing & commanding also all

our Iustices, Officers and Subiects, to be helpefull and obedient to you in the ••¦cution hereof: For such is our pleasure.

Giuen at Vnder the Side of our Order.

Signed, By the King. Chiefe and Soueraigne Great Mais••er; sitting in the generall Assembly with the Commanders of the Order of the Ho∣ly-Ghost. De l'Aubespine.

And sealed by the Great Seale of the said Order, with white Waxe vpon the plai•• Labell.

Enstructions for the Knight nominated, to be receiued into the Order and Militarie Discipline of the Holy-Ghost.

IT behoueth the Knight nominated, for receipt into the Order and Militarie discipline of the Holy-Ghost, to procure from Monsieur de Verderonne, Regi∣ster of the said Order,* 13.1 two Commissions: both of them Signed by him, and afterward to be Sealed with the Seale of the Order.

One of those Commissions, must be directed to the Lord Bishop of the place, where the Knight was borne, or to the Bishop of the Prouince, where he maketh his abiding principally. The contents whereof must extend; that he is to haue Infor∣mation,* 13.2 concerning the life, Manners and Catholique Religion of the said Lord Knight; or else from the Lord Great Almoner, who is Bishop of the Court: causing ten witnesses to be produced at the least, most of them Gentlemen, and the other, persons of qualitie, for making proofe of his receiuing the Communion.

* 13.3The other Commission, is to be directed to two Knights of the Order of the Holy-Ghost, whereby they are commanded; to see the titles of the Lord Knight nominated, whereby he is to make proofe of his Name, and of his Armes, & of what Father he is the Son: who were his Grandfather, and Great-grandfather; what Armes they did beare, & whether they be answerable to those which the said Knight beareth or no; of what Lands they were possessed, and what titles they caried.

Concerning those Titles; they are Contracts of Mariages, Partages, Testaments, Donations,* 13.4 Transactions with his Brethren, or other Heires; Auouchments, Ca∣talogue of Names, Hommages, Reliefe of Fiefes, Foundations, and other titles of his Ancestors.

* 13.5And by those Titles, the Knight is to make proofe of his Nobilitie, and who were his Father, Grandfather and Great-grandfather, to hold by three Generations & Pa∣ternall Races; all these being most expedient and necessarie proues.

Whatsoeuer he can shew more, so much the more it is for his honor; but the fore∣said proues of three Generations, are most requisite for him, and make all the rest the more honorable.

* 13.6Likewise he is to procure Copies of Epitaphes, from the Graue-stones, Tombes and Monuments of his Ancestors, concerning their Coates of Armes; which are be had in Churches, Glassewindowes, Belts, Bauldricks, and other things: As also Ca∣stles, Mansions and Houses, which haue appertained to the parties Predecessours in times past, or at the present.

* 13.7He is also to make an Information, and Enquest of Office, concerning all the fore∣named matters; before the Iudges, Bayliffes and Officers in the places of his Birth, and Houses whence he is descended.

* 13.8He must deliuer all those Informations, Titles and Enquests, into the hands of them or him; who hath the Office and charge of making Genealogies and Pedegrees, and who is also to make the said Knights.

* 13.9Moreouer, the Knight is to produce a Memoriall, concerning the places where he hath bin imployed in the Kings seruices, what charge he hath there borne, no man can better performe then himself. Which memorial is to be deliuered to them, or him

••at draweth the said Pedegree or Genealogie; for further addition thereto, as shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thought necessary.

The Certificate from the Commissaries, deputed and Authorized, for verifying the Nobilitie of the Knight nominated.

WEE, _____ _____ And Commissa∣ries Deputed by Letters Patents from his Maiestie, Sealed with the Great Seale of the Order, for auouching and verifying the Titles of Nobilitie of ••e Lord _____ _____ doe certifie to all them to whom 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may appertaine: That by vertue of the said Commission, we haue seene, read, ex∣••mined, and verified the Titles of Nobilitie of the said _____ _____ ••eing exhibited to vs, some in their Originals, and others in their true Copies, due∣•• and authentically questioned and cleared, and coated on the Tree of Genealo∣••e, which by them was ordered and prepared, and likewise to vs formally presen∣••d. And we haue found the Titles very auncient and warrantable, of the said Lord _____ _____ that he is a Gentleman of Name, and of ••rmes, by many Generations, and beareth the same Armes of his Auncestors. In ••ithful witnesse whereof, we haue directed this present Certificate, in forme of a ••erball Answere: Which we haue signed with our hands, and thereunto affixed the ••eales of our Armes, the day and yeare aboue written.

Enstructions for those Knights, that are to receiue the Order of the Holy-Ghost.

THE Knight nominated, to receiue the Order of the Holy-Ghost, must make proofe: That he is a Gentleman of Name, and of Armes, by three Pater∣nall Races at the least. And that the Sirname, and Armes which he beareth; ••as borne by his Father, Grand-father and Great-Grand-father. Also, of the Lands ••nd Seigneuries which he and they enioyed, & how they bore the titles of them.

The proofes of his Nobilitie, must be made by Contracts of Marriage, Partages 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deuisions, Donations, Testaments, Transactions, Catalogue of names, Hommages, ••nd other Titles, which may proue the Affiliation or Adoption, & Prouidence of the ••ather, Grand-father and Great-grandfather, and by extracts of their Foundations, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also the titles and qualities which they enioyed.

He must stand obliged, to exhibite the Originals of those Titles, to the hands of ••e Commissaries, which shal be deputed for the verifying of those prooues, six Mo∣••eths after he hath receiued aduertisement of his Election: or whether he can ex∣••bite the Originals, or examined Copies of them, according to the XXXV. ••rticle in the Statutes of the said Order, and answerable to the tenure of the Com∣••ission directed to the Commissaries. Also hee is to procure Extracts from the ••raue-stones, Tombes and Monnuments of his Ancestours: And cause to be made 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Information of the Blazon of Armes belonging to his Father, Grand-father and ••reat-Grandfather, as they bare them, to shew, whether he beareth the same, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Those Extractions he may haue from their Tombs, Glass-windows in Churches, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Paintings within them and without them, and their Houses, together with other ••rmes of theirs, in Wood, Stone, or Painted places.

Which Information must be made by Iudges of those places, by request from ••e Chancellour, or his Attorney; and thereto must be called many witnesses, who ••e to certifie, how those Armes were carried by the Auncestors of the said Knight? ••nd he must likewise extract the Copie of the Inscriptions, on the Monuments of ••f his Auncestouts.

And because his entertainment may be the more honorable; he must cause a sum∣••rie discourse to be made, concerning the charges and degrees wherewith 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath bin honored, and those places where hee hath serued the Kings in their

Camps and Armies. Then to deliuer them to the hands of the Lord Chancellour of the Order, to make report thereof at the Chapter for the Order, which shall be held by the King, the day before the Ceremonie for receiuing the said Knight.

Concerning the Seale belonging to the Order of the Holy-Ghost.

OVt of Edicts, Statutes and Commissions, appertaining to the Order of the Holy-Ghost, it is to be seene, that the Seale of the Order was, and is of wh•••••• Waxe; and not Yellow, Redde or Greene. In the Chanceries of France, Yellow Waxe is vsed for all kindes of Letters: except, Charters, Priuiledges and Pardons, which are expedited and Sealed with Greene Waxe, on Strings of Sill•• Red and Greene. But on Good-Friday, after Noone, there is no Sealing in the Great or high Chancerie, except with Greene Waxe, for cases held to be vnpar∣donable, and are tearmed Pardons of Mercy, which our Monarches on the said day, haue vsed, and doe vse, to prefer to rigour. Deriuing their Example from the King of Kings, & Lord of Lords, who (as on that day) was exalted vpon the Tree of the Crosse, to redeeme vs from that death eternall, which we had most iustly deserued.

* 16.1We haue heretofore declared, that our Kings of the first and second Ligne, Sea∣led with White Waxe, hauing their Image engrauen on the Stampe in true propor∣tion, sitting on the Bench or Throane of Iustice. A Custome put in practise by the Kings of the third Ligne, and perticulerly for Letters of importance, and such as principally concerned their Honor and Sacred Maiestie; and vsually Expeditions, Mandates and Commissions, for Orders of Knighthood, instituted by themselues, as we haue already said.

* 16.2So that it was not permitted to a Prince, although he was of the Sacred King∣dome of France; to seale with white waxe, except he had Letters of Grant and Per∣mission from the King, and by an especiall Priuiledge of honour. The Lords of Al∣bret (into whose house the Crowne of France fell by lawfull succession) by the Pri∣uiledge which King Charles, sixth of the name, granted them, of quartering Armes with France: had (by the same meanes) that of sealing with white waxe. Priuiled∣ges likewise granted to the Duke of Millaine, and Count de Vertus, by the same King Charles, dated he third day of Ianuary, Anno, one thousand three hundred fourescore and fourteene; and to Nicholas de Ferrara, by King Charles, seauenth of the name, by his Letters bearing date the tenth of May, one thousand, foure hundred, thirty two▪ and to Pedro de Medicis of Florence, by King Lewis the eleuenth, by his Letters dated in the Moneth of May, one thousand, foure hundred, threescore and fiue.

All these Princes, I say, hauing had the honour, to diaper their Armes with the sa∣cred Lillies of France; had Commission also thereby, to seale with white waxe, which otherwise was not permitted but to the King, and to his eldest Son, apparant Successor vnto the Crowne of France.* 16.3 For the other Princes of the Bloud, they had not any power to seale with white waxe, although they carried naturally the Flower-deluces, ••n their Armes. For example, we are instructed by the Registers of the Court, that King Lewis the eleuenth, (a Prince as troublesome & hard to be indured, as euer was any as an vnspeakable fauour, permitted Rene King of Sicilie, and Duke of A••∣iou, and his Heyres in the direct Line, to seale with white waxe, for the Kingdoms of Ierusalem and Sicilie, and for the Dukedomes of Aniou, and other Siegneuries, as well in France, as elsewhere: by his Letters Patents, bearing date the eight and twenti∣eth day of the Moneth of Ianuary, one thousand, foure hundred, threescore and eight, and other Letters of expresse command at the Parliament of Paris, (which had refused to auouch and admit the former) dated in the Moneth of May, one thou∣sand, foure hundred, threescore and nine.

* 16.4The Great Seale belonging to the Order of the Holy-Ghost, is of the same great∣nesse as that appertaining to the High Chancerie of Franee; but of a different impres∣sion and figure. For that of the Order, instituted by the late King Henry (of bessed

••emorie) his Maiestie is thereon presented in person, sitting in his Chaire of ••ate, hauing on his right hand the Chancellour of the Order, Messire Philippe ••urault, Counte de Cheuerny, holding the Booke of the Holy Euangelists. On his ••ft hand the Register of the said Order, Messire Claude de l'Aubespine, standing bright likewise, and reading the Oath which the Commanders ought to take. ••n his knees, and before his Maiestie, kneeleth Frances de Bourbon, Prince of Contey, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Prince of the Blood, receiued as first Commander of the Order, holding his hand ••n the holy Euangelists. All these Portraitures are there figured to the life, and ••e Personages cloathed with their Cloakes, Mantelets and Collers of the Order, ••escribed by the Statutes thereto belonging. Aloft, and on the toppe of the ••eale, out of a luminous and bright shining Heauen, appeareth the representati∣•• of the Holy-Ghost, in the forme of a Doue or white Pidgeon, descending ••on the King. All the vpper part else of the Seale, is cirkled with radiant ••ames of the Sunne, thickely powdred with Tongues of flames of Fire. And ••und about the Circkle of the Seale, these words are engrauen as the Le∣••end.

Henry, third of that name, by the grace of God, King of France, and of Poland: Au∣thour, Chiefe and Soueraigne of the Order of the Knights of the Holy-Ghost.

Now, as concerning the Counter-Seale, it is an Escutcheon or Shield,* 16.5 charged ••ith three Floures de Luces, Cantonned with foure Flames, as is on the Great Col∣••r of the Order. The Escutcheon is held and supported by two Angels, after the ••onted manner. Aboue on the Shield, instead of a Crowne, is a Doue descen∣••ing, circkled (as all the rest of the Shield is) with golden Sun-beames, intermingled ••ith Flames of Fire. And because the great Table, which hung in the Augustines 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Paris (taken thence by the Authors of the mad and furious League, to deface the ••emorie of good King Henry the third) had the same representation, as is contained 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the great Seale of the Order: Here you may behold the true figure thereof.

The Order of Christian Charitie, Institu∣ted by the same Most-Christian King of France and of Poland Henry, the Third.

CHAP. VIII. The Order of Christian Charitie.

[illustration]

HENRY III DE CE NOM. PARLA GRACE DE DIEV ROY DE FRANCE, ET DE POLOGNE, AVTHEVR, ET SOVVERAIN DE L'ORDRE DES CHEVALIERS DV S'ESPRIT

* 16.6THE same King Henry, of happie memorie, was the Institu∣tour of another Order, tearmed of Christian Charitie; for the maintenance of poore Captaines and Souldiours, mai∣med of their Limbes in Warre. To whom hee assigned Rents and Reuennues, for their Diet and Garments, from the Spittle-Houses and Hospitales of France. And for their lodging, a House very sufficient, scituated in La Ruë des Cor∣deliers Sainct Marcel lez Paris, called The House of Christian Charitie.

* 16.7He ordained, that such as were to be receiued into this Charitable Order, should wear•• vpon the left side of their Cloaks, an Anchored Crosse, embrodered on white Sattin or ••a••sata, with an Orle and Bordure of blew Silke. Au mitan de ladite Cru•• vne L••za••••e de Satin Bleu Celeste chargee d'vne Fleur de Lys d'Or en broderie. This Crosse wa•• ci••kled, to expresse the kinde of the Order, with a Legend containing these words,* 16.8 embrodered with Letters of Gold; For hauing serued faithfully. But

King Henry the third, could not perfect his intent according to his desire,; being ••indered by the bloudy factions of the disordered League: Wherefore King Henry ••he Great (of eternall memory) fourth of the name, and his Successor in the King∣••ome, in singular loue to the deceased, and pietie to the world, endeuoured to bring 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the point of perfection. And performed it in such sort, that, in times to come, ••en of martiall Profession, shall haue meanes for their contentment, and to finish ••he remainder of their liues in quietnes. Hauing by an Edict set downe to the Kings ••is Successors, for establishment of a Chamber of Iustice, at the Monastery of Saint ••roix de la Bretonnerie a Paris. This Chamber is composed of the Constable,* 16.9 Mar∣••als and Colonels of France, with the number of ancient Knights of the Order, ••aisters of Requests, and Substitutes to the Attourney Generall, to iudge without ••y further appeale.

Returne wee now againe to the Order of the Holy-Ghost.

In the Statutes of the Order of the Holy-Ghost, the seauentie and ninth Article,* 16.10 it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 set downe, that to preserue alwaies the memory, for electing the Conuent of the ••ugustines, in the good Citie of Paris, there to celebrate the Festiuals of the Ceremo∣••ie of the Order; the King appointed to the said religious Bretheren, the summe of ••ree hundred thirty three Crownes, a third part of Rent euery yeare. Whereupon, ••ontracts should bee dispatched for the necessaries, with charge, that they must be ••ound to say euery day in the yeare two Masses; one aloud, for the prosperity and ••ealth of the Soueraigne, Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders and Officers of the Or∣••er; and the other softly and stilly, for the deceased. Hereof the great Almoner to take charge, to the end, that the intention of the Founder may be followed, and ••e said Seruice performed and celebrated as it ought to be.

In the execution of this Article, the Reuered Father in God,* 16.11 Messire Iacques Ami∣••, Bishop of Auxerre, Great Almoner of France, (to whose learned labours we are ••e to giue due honour, for conuerting the workes of Plutarch (so sprightly) into our ••tiue French Language, and as exactly to be read as in Plutarch himselfe. And before ••ade another Maister-piece of Art, which neuer will perish, mounting so high a ••ght, as the traduction of that admirable Romant, composed in Greeke by a Bishop ••med Heliodorus, reporting the chaste and modest Loues of Theagines and Cariclea) ••ade a Contract with the Religious men, the Prior and Conuent of the Augustines 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Paris. And the Lord Amiot, by vertue of the Procuration or Letter of Attourney ••ssed to him (before two Notaries Du Chastelet de Paris) by the late deceased King ••enry, third of that name, as also the Augustines assembled in their Chapter and Dis∣••etorie, for the two Masses appointed to be said each day in the yeare; to bee payd ••e summe of three hundred thirty three Crownes, and one third part of a Crowne ••f the Sunne euery yeare; without comprehending the Rights, for entrance of the ••nights of the said Order, Offerings and waxe-Lights, as well for the Knights de∣••••ased, as the sollemne Feast-dayes of the Order. This Contract was in the Moneth ••f December, Anno, one thousand, fiue hundred, threescore and eighteene.

According to which Contract, the Augustines haue since the third day of Ianuary, ••e thousand, fiue hundred, threescore and nineteene; continued to this day, saying ••d celebrating dayly, an high Masse of the Holy-Ghost, called, The Kings Masse, at ••e high Altar; and at the ninth houre in the morning: And the lower Masse, for ••e Kings, Prelates, Commanders and Officers of the Order, at the tenth houre ••ecisely.

In elder dayes, the low Masse was said at the Altar of Saint Augustine, in the body 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Church, as wee behold written in a small Table fastened to the place where ••e Gospell was read in the said Chappell, containing these words.

In this Chappell is said and celebrated euery day in the yeare a low Masse,* 16.12 at ten of the ••cke in the morning: founded to perpetuity, in honour of the Order and Military discipline ••he Holy-Ghost; created and instituted by the most Christian King of France, and of Po∣••d, Henry third of that name, Chiefe Soueraigne, Great Maister, and first Founder of the ••d Order: To pray for the Soules of the deceased Kings, Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders ••d Officers of the Order.

But within some few yeares afterward, the said low Masse was said and celebra∣ted

in the Chappell Royall, belonging to the Order of the Holy-Ghost, placed in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 right wing of the Quire,* 16.13 behind that of our French Salust, Messire Philip de Co••, Lord of Argenton, (of whom and of his Wife is to bee seene the Figures on their knees, vpon the Monument, and that of his Daughter, wife to the Count de P••∣tyeure, in the said Royall Chappell, against the inclosure of the Quire. The said Phi∣lip de Comines Portoit de Gueules au Cheuron d'Or et trois Coquilles d' Argent.) which Chappell is richly fretted and gilded with Doues,* 16.14 and the Crosse of the Order. On the Gospel-side are three great Tables, in the first whereof is the representation ac∣cording to life, of good King Henry the Third, of blessed memory, Author and Founder of the Order. In the second, the figure of King Henry the Great. And in the last, that of our present King, Lewes Augustus, Thirteenth of that name.

* 16.15Vpon the Altar is a faire Table, containing the Baptisme of our Sauiour and Re∣deemer Iesus Christ, by Saint Iohn Baptist, and the Holy-Ghost descending on him i•• the forme of a Doue. Aboue that Table on the frontispice, is exalted another Ta∣ble, of the height and widenesse of the Chappell, and very curiously painted, con∣taining the descent of the Holy-Ghost, vpon the Apostles and Disciples, on the day of Pentecoste, and in fiery Tongues. On the two sides of this Table, are the represen∣tations (on their knees) of the two Chancellours of the Order, very liuely figured. On the Gospell-side is that of Messire Philippe Hurault, Count de Cheuerney, first Chancellour of the Order, attired in the Cloake belonging thereto, and on the Mantlet,* 16.16 the Great Order of Commander (For the late King Henry, Third of the name, reformed the Article concerning the Chancellour of the Order, permitting him and the Chancellours his Successors, to weare the Great Coller of the Order.) Before him are his Armes, D'or a la Croix d'Azur, Cantonee de quatre Soleils de Gueules. On the Epistle side, is that of Messire Guillaume de l'Aubespine, Baron de Chasteau neuf, Second Chancellour of the Order. Who bare D'Azur au' Saultoir pery d or Cant••∣nee de quatre Billettes, de mesme, Escartele de Gueules a Trois Roses d'Argent.

On the Doore of the said Chappell Royall, in a Table of Marble, is this In∣scription.

* 16.17En ceste Chappelle, se celebre la Messe pour le Roy, et les Cheualiers, et Commandeurs de l'Ordre du Saint Esprit, fonde par Henry Troisiesme du Nom, Roy de France, et de Prologue l' an Mil Cinq Cents Soixante et Dix neuf.

In this Chappell is celebrated Masse for the King, and the Knights and Commanders of the Order of the Holy-Ghost; founded by Henry, Third of that name, King of France and of Poland; in the yeare, one thousand, fiue hundred, threescore and nineteene.

High Masse is daily celebrated at nine of the clocke in the morning, at the high-Altar, wholly new made and enriched with foure Colombs of blacke marble, and sixe goodly Angels of Brasse: the Table hanging thereon, containeth the adoration of the three Kings. This high Altar is adorned on the day of Pentecoste, and sol∣lemne Festiuals of the Order, with a Cloth of State, Coapes, Chasubles & Tuniques of Cloth of Siluer, the ground greene, powdered with flames of Gold in embroyde∣rie, hardly any place wanting or voyd, with diuers Figures, expressing the misteries of our Redemption, and the Armes of the King that was the Founder, in most ex∣cellent imbroderie, not to be equalled. The said Ornaments, Coapes, Chasubles and Tuniques are lined with Orange colour Taffata; And the Chappell beautified with vessels of Gold and Siluer, of most inestimable value, and truely worth the Greatnesse of a King of France, especially King Henry, Third of the name, Great in all his actions, and the most bountifull Prince of his time.

* 16.18This Great Prince was once minded, to institute a new Order of Knight-hood, farre beyond all them that had carried renowne, through all the Kingdomes on the Earth. His Fauorites counselled him, that as he was the Phoenix of all Kings in the world: euen so he should take that Bird, (the onely creature of his kinde, and with∣out any Paragon) for the subiect of his new Order. But this Prince, reiecting such counsel,* 16.19 sauouring of nothing but flattery, returned them this Answer. That he had no other Phoenix but the Holy-Ghost, for whose assistance hee humbly prayed daily, to bee his directer and guide in all his actions.

And yet there was some apparance, that hee did not altogether distast their

••ion; because the Phoenix is the King of Birds, and the only wonder of the ••rld.

All our Ancients tooke knowledge thereof, Poets,* 16.20 Historians and Naturalists of ••st note; Ouid, in the fifteenth Booke of his Metamorphosis, saith.

Vna est, quae reparet seque-ipsa reseminet Ales: Assyrii Phoenica vocant: nec fruge, nec herbis, Sed Thuris lachrymis, & succo viuit Amomi. Haec vbi quinque suae compleuit saecuia vitae Illicis in ramis, tremulaeque cacumine Palmae, Vnguibus, & duro nidum sibi coustruit ore. Quo simul ac Casias, & Nardi lenis aristas Quassaque cum fuluâ substrauit Cinnama Mirhâ, Se super imponit, finitque in odoribus aeuum. Inde ferunt totidem, qui viuere debeat annos Corpore de patrio paruum Phoenica renasci. Cum dedit huic aetas vires, onerique ferendo est, Ponderibus nidi ramos leuat arboris altae Fertque Pius, cunasque suas, Patrium Sepulchrum, Perque leues auras Hyperionis Vrbe potitus, Ante fores sacras Hyperionis aede reponit.

There is one Bird that euermore, doth new it selfe beget, By the Assyrians to this Foule, the Phoenix name is set. Like other Birds, not Corne or Herbes, this Phoenix liueth by; But the sweet iuy••e of Frankinsence, and Gum of Amony. When of his life fiue hundred yeares, are well neere spent and gone, The Holme-tree or the Palme-tree then he gladly mounteth on. Where with his Tallants and his Beake he builds himselfe a Nest, Bestrewing it with Cassia sweet, and Nardus of the best, Myrrhe, Gummes and Cinamon, with other Odours else, As if it were a Bridall Bed, compos'd of purest smelles. Then sits he downe vpon his Nest, and in those spices dies, And of his Fathers Corps (men say) doth very soone arise A faire young Phoenix, which must liue as many yeares againe As did his Sire. But when he doth both age and strength obtaine; Fit for the loade; the heauy Nest he beareth from the Tree, (His Fathers Graue, his Cradle-Nurse, Labours of Pietie) And so he flieth through the Ayre to bright H••perions Towne; And fore Hyperions Temple Gate, he sets his burthen downe.

Poets doe vnderstand the Sunne, by the Greeke name Hyperion,* 16.21 to whom they ••crificed the swiftest-running Horses, as wee haue heretofore declared. And that which they termed the Towne or City of the Sunne,* 16.22 is the very same which anci∣••nt Geographers vsually called Pelusium, where Nilus emptieth it selfe into the Me∣••iterranean Sea. It hath beene since then (as now at this day it is) called Damieta in ••gypt, on the bankes of Nile, anciently called Heliopolis, Ciuitas Solis. And it is the ••ore remarkable, by the surprizall which our King S. Lewes made of it, at his first ••oyage ouer the Seas: most exactly described by Iohn, Lord of Ioinuille, Steward ••f Champaigne, in his learned History.

This Bird was seene in the same City of Egypt at the time of the Emperour Tibe∣••ius (vnder whose Raigne, the Phoenix of the world,* 16.23 our Sauiour and Redeemer ••uffered death and Passion, to bring vs to the hauen of eternall Life) In the yeare of ••he Foundation of Rome, seauen hundred fourescore and seauen, as it is obserued by ••he noble Histor••an of Rome, Cornelius Tacitus, in the sixt Booke of his Annals, and ••his Text, well worthy to be regarded.

Paulo Fabio, L. Vitellio Coss. post tongum Saeculorum ambitum Auis Phoenix,* 16.24 in

Egyptum venit praebuit que materiam doctissimis indigenarum, & Grecorum, multa 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eo miraculo disserendi; de quibus congruunt; & plura ambigua, sed cognitu non 〈◊〉〈◊〉 proniere libet. Sacrum Soli Animal, & ore, ac distinctu pennarum à ceteris 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••∣uersum, consentiunt, qui formam eius definiêre. De numero Annorum varia tra••¦tur, tur, maximè vulgatum, Quingentorum spatium Sunt qui adseuerent Mille Quad∣gentos Sexaginta vnum intersticij, prioresque Alites Sesostride primum, pòst 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fide dominantibus, de in Ptolomaeo, qui ex Macedonibus tertius regnauit, in Ciuit•• cui Heliopolis nomen, aduolauisse, multo ceterarum volucrum comitatu, nouam faciem ••¦rantium. Sed Antiquitas quidem obscura. Inter Ptolomaeum, ac Tiberium ruinus Duce••¦ti quinquaginta Anni Fluxerunt: Vnde nonnulli falsum hunc Phoenicem, neque ••¦bum ê terris credidêre, nihilque vsurpauisse ex his, quae vetus memoria firmauit. Conf•• quippe annorum numero, vbi mors propinquet, suis in terris struere nidum, eique vi•• ••∣nitalem adfundere: ex quâ foetum oriri, & primam adulto curam sepeliendi Patris. Ne•• id temerè, sed sublato Murhae pondere, tentatoque per longum iter, vbi par oneri, par 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tui sit, subire patrium corpus, interque Solis Aram perferre, atque adolêre. Hac incu∣ta, & fabulosis aucta. Ceterum. Adspici. Aliquando. In. Aegypto. Eam. Volucrem. Non. Ambigitur.

At such time as Paulus Fabius, and Lucius Vitellius were Consuls, after the passage of diuers Ages, the Bird named the Phoenix came into Egypt, and gaue occasion of much matter to the most learned men of that Countrey, as also to the Grecians, for discussing many things concerning this miracle. Whereof I finde it not much a∣misse, that I should set downe some particularities of their agreement, with others questionably doubtfull, yet (neuerthelesse) deseruing to bee all knowne. That the Bird is consecrated to the Sunne, and varieth in the forme of his Beake, being dif∣ferent also in his Feathers from other Fowles; all they doe consent, that haue made description of his forme and proportion: but concerning the multipli∣city and number of his yeares, they are variable in their reports. The vul∣gar coniecture affirmeth, that hee liueth fiue hundred yeares, whereas some other doe hold, that hee liueth one thousand, foure hundred, threescore and one yeare. The first of these Birdes flew to the Citie, called Heliopolis, and a great number of o∣ther Fowles with him, as admiring or wondring at his new kinde of shape, in the time of Sesostris. After that in the Raigne of Amasis and Ptolomie, who was the third King of the Macedonians, gouerning Egypt. But Antiquity is obscure and darke, for betweene the Raignes of Ptolomie and Tiberius, were scarcely two hundred and fif∣ty yeares. In which regard, some haue imagined, that this was no true Phoenix, nei∣ther euer came from the Countrey of Arabia, or had any part of that which Anti∣quity hath attr••buted, yea, and confirmed to remaine in that kinde. For hauing well neere perfitted the number of his yeares, and his end neere approching, he buildeth a Nest in his Countrey, & throweth therein the seed of generation, out of which a young one doth spring or arise. Whose first care and prouidence is (being growne to ripenes) to bury the old. Yet not rash or vnaduisedly, but taking vp a quantity in weight of the stone Murha,* 16.25 & making tryall of carrying it in a long iourney when he findeth himselfe able to holde out, & beare so heauie a burthen, fit for accomplishing the iourney; he taketh vp his Fathers Body, and beareth it to the Altar of the Sunne, where hee doth burne and sacrifice it. These things may be vncertaine, and fabulou∣sly enlarged. But concerning that which is sometimes seene in Egypt, it is not to be doubted.

* 16.26The Naturalist Plinie, in the tenth Booke and second Chapter of his naturall Hi∣story, saith; Ethiopes atque Indi discolores maximè, & inenarrabiles ferunt Aues, & ante omnes Nobilem Arabia Phoenicem. Haud scio an fabulosé, vnum in toto Orbe, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 visum magnoperè. Aquile narratur magnitudinem, Auri fulgore circa colla, cetera P••∣purcus, Coerulam Roseis caudam pennis distinguentibus, faciem, caputque plumeo apice c•••• honestante. De eo prodidit Manilius extitisse neminem quae vescentem viderit. S••crum in Arabia Soli esse. Viuere annis DCLX. Senescentem Cassia, Thurisque sarculis construere nidum, ipsum replere odoribus, & super emori. Ex ossibus deinde, & medallis eius nasci primô Vermiculum, inde fieri Pullum: Principieque insta funeri, priori re••¦dere, & totum deferre nidum prope Ranchaiam in Solis Vrbem, & in Ara ibi deponere.

〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

Ethiopia and the Indiaes doe yeelde and produce vnspeakeable Foules and Birds, of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 strange colours, and aboue all the rest, The Noble Arabian Phoenix. Nor know ••ether it be fabulous, or no, That the whole World containeth but onely one of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, nor is he vsually, or oftentimes seene. It resembleth the Eagle in greatnesse: A ••en radiance cirkleth round his necke, all his body else of Purple colour: yet his traine ••istinguished by Rosie-hewde Feathers, his face and head thickened with a plumie ••e. Maninilus auouch not, that the oldest men liuing haue seene of them. In Ara∣•• He is Sacred to the Sunne, and there to be liuing sixe hundred and threescore ••res. Being old; with Cassia, Frankinsencc and other Perfumes, he buildeth him a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which when he hath filled with those sweete Odours, Hee dieth vpon them. First ••is bones and marrow a Worme is bred, which soone after groweth to be a young ••d. Iust Hee is in furnishing his Procreators Funerals, conueighing his whole 〈◊〉〈◊〉 neere to the Citie of the Sunne in Panchaya: And there he leaueth it vpon the ••ar.

Petrus Belonius of Mans, in the end of his tenth Booke of the Nature of Birds, ••keth wonders of the Phoenix.

Our French Lucretius Du Bartas, hath exactly well translated into our Language, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which the fore-alleadged Authors haue written in theirs. In the fift Day of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Weeke.

Le Coeleste Phoenix commenca son ouurage Parle Phoenix Terrestre, ornant d'vn tel plumage Ses membres reuiuants, que l' annuel flambeau De Cairan, iusques en Fez ne void rien de plus beau. Il fit briller ses yeux, il luy planta pour creste Vn astre flamboyant au sommet de sa teste: Il couurit son col d'Or, d'Escarlate son dos, Et sa queue d' Azur, puis voulut qu'Atropos Luy seruist de Venus, & qu'vne Mort feconde Rendist son aage égal au long aage du Monde. Car ayant veu glisser dessous vn Ciel diuers Et cent fois dix Estez, & cent fois dix Hyuers Des Siecles abatu, il luy prend vne enuie De laisser en depost á la flamme sa Vie, De mourir pour renaistre, & d'entrer au Tombeau, Pour apres en sortir cent mille fois plus beau. Lors perché sur les bras d'vne Palme il entasse Le Baume sur le Nard dessus la Casse: Et sur le poinct du ••our de leurs branches, bastit Son Vrne, son Berceau, son Sepulcre, son Nid, Cependant qu'il attend qu'vne flammeche esprise A l'odorant buscher ses os sacrez reduise En genitale poudre, & que ces bois ardans Finissent non sa Vie, ains ses caduques Ans. L'Eschanson Phrygien d'vne prodigue aiguiere Ne verse sur les Champs Riuiere apres Riuiere Les froidureux Trions ne couurent de verglas Les Bois Phoeniciens, l'Autan ne daigne pas Passer le bord Lybique, & l'Antre Hyperboree Retient dans ses prisons captif le froid Boree Car adonc la Nature encontre tout effort, Soigneuse tient la main à sa viuante Mort, Ses funebres apprests, sa Naissance, ses Couches. Mesmes le clair Soleil sur son lict doux-flairant Iette vn de ses Cheueux, qui tout soudain s'esprend Aux rameaux de Sabee, & peu à pen consume De l'Immortel Phoenix & la Chair, & la Plume.

Presqu'en mesme moment de ce cendreux, monceau Naist vn Ver puis vn Oeuf, & puis vn autrè Oyseau: Aincois le mesme Oyseau, qui nay de sa semence Deux cents Lustres nouue aux trespassant recommence, Au milieu du brasier sa belle Ame reprend, Infiny par sa fin dans la tombo se rend, De soy-mesme se fait par vne Mort prospere, Nourrice, Nourrisson, Hoir, Fils, & Pere, & Mere: Nous monstrant qu' il nous faut, & de Corps, & d'Esprit Mourir tous en Adam, puis pour renaistre en Christ.

The Heauen-borne Phoenix did begin to frame Our Earthly-Phoenix, and so plumde the same With such reuiuing members, that the Sunnes eye (From Cayre to Fez) no fairer thing can spye. For Forme, for Feathers, Fate and all beside: Nature n'ere shapt a worke of Statelier pride. Eyes sparkling Fire, and planted on his Crest A flaming Starre, to grace his Head the best. His necke is couered with bright glittering Gold; Scarlet his backe, his traine doth Azure fold. Instead of Venus ioyes, Death is his doome; And for his Bride-Bed fits him with a Tombe. Yet fruitfull is his death, and makes his Age Equall in length to the Worlds Pilgrimage. For, hauing wandred thorow diuers Climes▪ A thousand Winters, and as many Primes; O'respent with yeares, and earnest in desire, To end his life in sparkling flames of fire, (Yet to reuiue againe) enters his Graue, A fairer State an hundred times to haue. Pearcht on the Palme, his Pile is there prepar'd Of Balme, Myrrhe, Cassia, precious Nard. By Day-breake buildes he on the branches high; His Vrne, Nest, Cradle and his Tombe to dye. There he awaites some little sparkling Sprise To fire this perfumde Pile, and Sacrifice. His holy bones into such seeding Cenders; As (for old Age) yong Life to him surrenders. The Phrygian Fill-Cup, with his Ewer of Showres, Forbeares the Fields, and none vpon them powres. The friezing Trions couer not with Frost a 16.27Phoeniciaes Forrests. The South-Winde lies as lost, Not daring to passeb 16.28 Lybia. The Northerne Denne Keepes in cold Boreas Prisoner. For then Nature with care and strength became a friend; And by her hand (in Death) new Life doth lend. The Funeral's prepar'd: His Birth, his Bed, Bright Phoebus with his Beames doth ouer-spred; Darting one flaring Locke, which instantly Fier'd the Sabaean Branches. By and by, Of the Immortall Phoenix, Flesh and Plume, To Ashes (in a moment) doth consume. Those Ashes breedes a Worme, and then an Egge, And afterward a Bird, with wings full fleg: Euen the same Bird, as borne out of his Seede Which his new Life more glorious now did breede

In miest of the hot embers: A faire soule wun, Made endles••e, by thus ending, in his Tombe. This happie death, of our Life make another▪ Nurse, Nursling Heire, Father and Mother. Enstructing vs, that all are borne to Dye In Adams fall, to liue with Christ on High.

This is the Conclusion of that Author, very properly deriued from the naturall ••position of this Celestiall Bird. Whereof, that bright splendour of the Church ••nt Hierome maketh vse, to infer from him a Paralell of Virginitie, for the Queene 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Heauen, deliuering these remarkeable words, vpon the Exposition of the Creede.

Quid mirum videtur si Virgo conceperit, cum Orientis Auem quem Phoenicem vocat, ••tantum fine coniuge nasci, vel renasci constet? vt semper vna sit, & semper sibi ipsa ••cendo, vel renascendo sucedat? What wonder is it to see, if a Virgin shall conceiue; ••en the Bird of the East, which is called the Phoenix, is such, as to be borne without a ••ke-fellow or mate, and afterward to be borne againe? That alwayes it is one, and euer∣••e is borne to and of it selfe, or succeedeth it selfe by reuiuing?

The same Doctor of Doctors, writing Ad Praesidiam, delighteth himselfe, in ••scribing this admirable birth. Phoenix Auis est in India, & per Quingentos Annos, de ••ano implet se Aromatibus, & sic nidificat, & indicat Sacerdoti Heliopolitano in Mense ••menoth, siue Farmuth. Implet Aram Sacerdos sarmentis, & ibi confert Phoenix A∣••nata, & Electrum Arae imponit. Et primo Solis ortu Phoenix quidem mouet pennas. ••is vero calore accenditur Electrum, & sit exuruntur Aromata, & ipsa Phoenix incen∣••ur. Crastino die De Cinere Gignitur Vermis. Secundo pennas adfert. Tertio ad anti∣••am redit naturam, & sic ad sua loco reuertitur. The Phoenix is a Bird in India, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fiue hundred yeares of age, he loadeth himselfe from Lybanus with Aromaticall Spices, ••d so buildeth his Nest, and sheweth it to the Heliopolitane Priest in the Moneth Farme∣th, or Fa muth. The Priest filleth the Altar with branches, and thither doth the Phoe∣••x bring diuers Drugges, Amber and sweete Spices, laying them vpon the Altar. And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 first day. at the rising of the Sunne, the Phoenix fluttereth his Feathers ouer them. ••e heate and warmth of the Sunne, kindleth and fiereth the Amber and Drugs, so the ••ices burne, and therein the Phoenix burneth himselfe. On the next morrow. Of the ••shes is a Worme engendered. The second day he hath Feathers. And on the third day, recouereth his auncient nature, and so returneth to his wonted place.

Saint Ambrose in his Hexameron, saith. Phoenix in locis Arabiae perhibetur degere ••tam, atque eam vsque ad Annos Quingentos longaeuâ aetate procedere. Quae cum sibi fi∣••m Vitae adesse aduerterit, facit sibi thecam de Thure, & Myrrha, & ceteris odoribus, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quam, impleto vitae suae tempores intrat alarum remigia, atque in superioris auis speci∣•• formamque reparatur. The Phoenix is a Bird reported to lead his life in the parts 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Arabia, and attaineth thereto such length of yeares, as amount to fiue hundred. When ••ing aduertised in himselfe, that his life draweth neere ending; hee buildeth himselfe a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Myrrhe, Frankinsence, and other sweete Odours: whereinto (hauing fulfilled the ••ted time of his life) he entreth, and there dieth. Of the moisture of his flesh A Worme ••bred and ariseth, in short while after it attaineth to growth, and in processe of time put∣••h on wings for flight; becomming wholly, in forme and kinde, like to the other Bird.

Hereupon was it, that the Pope Saint Clement, first of that name,* 16.29 in his Apostoli∣••ll Constitutions: Saint Cyprian in his Creede: and the learned Antiquarie Tertul∣••n, in the Treatise which he wrote De Resurrectione Mortuorum, deriued example ••om the Phoenix, to proue the Resurrection of the Dead.

Chapters, Names, Sir-names, Qualities and Armes: Of the Cardinals, Prelates, Commanders, and Officers of the Order of the Holy-Ghost. From the first in∣stitution thereof, vntill this present yeare; One Thousand, Sixe hundred and Nineteene. CHAP. 9.

THE First Chapter for the Order of the Holy-Ghost, so much famed & renowned through all parts of the World: was held at the Augu∣stines in Paris, the last day of the yeare, One thousand, fiue hun∣dred, threescore and eighteene; and the first and second dayes of the yeare following, in regard that the Ceremonies of the said Or∣der, continued three whole dayes together.

The most Christian King of France, and of Poland, Henry, Third of the name, of blessed memorie: receiued the Cloake and Great Coller, likewise the lesser Cloake and paire of Beads; at the hands of the Lord Cardinall of Bourbon.

Here is to be obserued once for all) that the Crosse of the said Order, it hath on the one side, and in the midst thereof, Vne Colombe Es∣maillee de Blanc, comme l Orle de ladict Croix; and on the other side is the Image of Saint Mi∣chael. So that the Commanders beare their Armes, circled or entoured with both the Orders: Of Saint Michael, and of the Holy-Ghost.

King Henry carried for his Armes two Es∣cutcheons Collared or Banded, yet sundred & diuided each from other at the point. The first was of France, and the other of Poland, which was De Gueles à vne Aigle d' Argent, Coronneé, & Membre d'Or. Parti de Lituania, qui est de Gueulles, au Caualier arme d' Argent, au Bouolier d'Azur, à vne Croix Patriarchale d'Or. About the two Escutcheons, were both the Great Collars belonging to the two Orders former∣ly named, & the Imperiall Crowne of France: within the Bases whereof was the Deuice of the deuout and holy King, Author of the Or∣der, which was three Crownes. The Soule and Legend speaking: Manet Vltima Coelo.

The Tenants & Supporters for the Armes of France, were two Angels.

The representation and true figure (acco••∣ding to the life) of this Great Prince, is to bee seene at the Augustines of Paris, in the Chap∣pell appointed for the Order: At the Gray Friers, in the second Glasse-window of the Quire: And in the Cloyster of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as you see it figured on the great Seale.

Heere now you may behold the ranke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Cardinals, Prelates & Commanders, wh•• were first honored with the Order by the sa•••• Royall King Henry, and at the first Chapter.

Of Cardinals and Prelates.

CHarles de Bourbon, Prince of the Blo••••▪ Cardinal, Legate of Auignion, Arch-Bishop of Rouen, Primate of Normandy, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Prime of the associated Prelates: Porti•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 France, au Baston de Gueulles Pery en Bande.

Lewes de Lorraine, Cardinal de Guise, Arch-Bishop and Duke of Rheimes, First Peere o•• France, Primate of Normandy, and Leg•• Borne of the Seate Apostolicke Port•• Hongrie, Party de Sicilie; Tierre de Hierusa•• & le Quart d'Arragon. S••ustenuz d'Am••▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gueldres,;de Flandres, & de Bar. Sur le 〈…〉〈…〉 Lorraine, au Lambean de Gueulles en Chef.

Rene de Biragne, Cardinall, Chancell•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 France. Portoit d'Argent; à Trais•• 〈…〉〈…〉 & Contre Bretessees de Q••••••re 〈…〉〈…〉 chacune chargee de Quatre Tr••s••ier•• d'Or.

Philippe de Lenoncour, Bishop and Co•• Chaalons, Peere of France, afterward Ca••¦nall. Portoit d'Argent, à la Croix Engres••e•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gueules, Escartele del'Eglise de Chaalons, qui 〈◊〉〈◊〉 te d'Azur, à vne Croix de Gueules, Canton•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 France.

Peter de Gondy, Bishop of Paris, (afterwa•••• Cardinall) Councellour of Estate, and Ch••••¦cellour to Elisabeth, Queene of Austria, D••¦ager of France. Portoit d'Or, a deux 〈◊〉〈◊〉

d Armes de Sable passees en Saultoir, liées de Gueules, par embas.

Charles d Escars, Bishop and Duke of Lan∣gres, Peere of France, and Counsellour of E∣state. Portoit de Gueules, au pal Vairé, Escârtele del Eglise de Langres, qui porte d' Azur, au Saul∣••oir de Gueules, Cantonné de Quatre Fleurs de Lys d'Or.

Rene de Daillon, Abbot des Chasteliers (after∣ward Bishop of Bayeux) and Councellor of Estate. Portoit Escartelèe, au Premièr, & Qua∣riesme d' Azur, à vne Croix Engreslèe d' Argent. Au Deuxiesme Escatelé d' Or, & d' Azur. Au Troisiesme de Laual, au Canton droict d' Azur, semé ••leurs de Lys d' Or, au Lyon de mesme. Sur le Tout, d'Or, à six Annelets de Gueules, 3.2.1. Qui est ••e la Maison d' Illiers, au Pais Chartrain.

Iames Amyot, Bishop of Auzerre, Great Almoner of France, and Councellour of E∣••••ate. Portoit d' Azur, au Cheuron d'Or. Deux ••reffles en Chef, & vne Estoile en Pointe de ••esme.

The Pictures and Portraits of all these Pre∣••••tes formerly named, are to bee seene in ••he Glasse-windowes of the Quire, in the Gray-Fryers Church at Paris.

Of those Commanders that were associates, at the first Chapter.

MOnsieur le Prince de Conty, Frances de Bour∣bon, Prince of the Bloud, was entertained ••nd named to be the first Commander of the Order. But his Sicknesse did so much hinder ••im, that he could not be made Knight vntill ••he second Chapter: And the chiefe or prime ••ommonder, was

Ludouic de Gonzagua, Duke of Neuers, Peere ••f France, Prince of Mantua, Councellour of ••state, Captain of an hundred Men of Armes ••f the Ordenances, and Gouernour of Cham∣••igne. This is the same Man, that on the Great Seale of the Order, is presented on his ••nees before King Henry, holding his hand on ••e holy Euangelists, and taking the Oath be∣••nging to the Order.

Il portoit. Au Premier Quartier de Manto∣••, qui est d' Argent, à vne Croix Pattee de ••eulles, Cantonnee de Quatre Aigles de Sa∣••e, Membrez de Gueulles. Sur le Tout, de ••eulles, au Lyon d' Or. Escartele d'Or, à vne Face de trois pieces de Sable; Party de sa Marck. Tierce d Artois; & le Quart de Flan∣dres. Cleues porte de Gueulles au Raiz Pom∣mette, & Fleuronne d'Or, de Huict pieces parcé d'Argent: La Marck porte d'Or, à la Face Es∣chiquettée d' Argent, & de Gueulles de Trois traicts. Artois, est seme de France au Lambeau de Gueulles, de quatre pieces, charge de douze Cha∣steaux d'Or. Flandres porte d'Or, au Lyon de Sa∣ble Ces Quatre Chefs sont soustenus de Trois en Poincte, à scauoir de Neuers, qui est Bourgongne moderne, à scauoir de France, à la Bordure Cam∣ponnee d'Argent & de Gueulles; Party de Retheil, qui est de Gueulles à Trois Rasteaux, sans manches, d' Argent. 2.1. Tierce d'Orual, qui est de France, Escarte d' Albret, à la Bordure Engreslee d' Ar∣gent. Le Quatriesme Quartier est compose de Trois en Chef, Soustenus de pareil nombre en Poincte. Le Premier est de l'Empire d'Ale∣maigne, d Or, à l' Aigle esploye de Sable; Par∣ty de Hierusalem; & Tierce d' Aragon; Soustenus de Saxe Moderne, Face de Sable & d'Or, à la Coronne de Rue de Synople brochant en Bande sur le Tout; Party de Bar, qui est d' Azur seme de Croix Recroisettees au Pied fiche d'Or, à deux Bars, ou Barbeaux adossez de mesme, & Tierce de la Ville de Constantinople, qui est de Gueulles à la Croix plaine d'Or, Cantonnee de Quatre Fuzils adossez de mesme. Sur le Tout de ce Quatriesme Quartier, de Saluces, qui est d' Argent, au Chef de Gueulles. Sur le Tout de Tout, d' Alencon qui est de France, à la Bordure de Gueulles chargee de Huict Bezans d'Argent.

For his Crest, on a Crowne and Dukes Chapeau, the Mount Olympus, on the toppe whereof is raised or exalted an Altar, with this word Fides. And at the foote of the said Mountain, this other word in Greek Carracters 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

The Supporters or vpholders, Vn Aigle de Sable, And Vn Cigne d'Argent.

Philippe Emanuel de Lorraine, Duke de Mer∣coeur, and De Pont-Yeure, Peere of France; Marquesse de Nomeny, Prince of the Sa∣cred Empire, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of an hundred Men of Armes of the Ordenances (Afterward Gouernour of Bretaigne) Portoit de Lorraine (in the same manner as the Cardinall de Guise, be∣fore remembred) Au Lambel, En Face d'-Azur.

The Crest, A Blacke Eagle, Aigle de Sable.

The Supporters, Deux Aigles de mesme. This is the Crest and Supporters for all them that are of the House of Lorraine.

Iames de Crusall, Duke Vsez, Peere of France Baron de Leuy Lord d' Assier, Councellour of Estate, ann Captaine of an hundred Men of the Ordenances. Portoit Escartele. Au Premi∣er, & Quatriesme Face de six pieces d'Or, & de Synople; Party d'Or, à Trois Cheurons de Sable. Au Deuxiesme & Troisiesme, Escartele d' A∣zur, à Trois Estoiles d Or, peries eu Pal, & d'Or, à vne Bande, de Trois pieces de Gueulles. Sur le Tout des grands Quartiers, de Gueulles, à vne Bande de Trois pieces d'Or.

The Crest, A Vnicorne of Siluer.

The Supporters, Two golden Lyons.

Charles de Lorraine, Duke d'Aumale, Peere, and Great Huntesman of France, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of an hundred men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit de Lorraine, au Lambeau de Gueulles, Es∣cartele de Bourbon.

The Crest, a••d

The Supporters of Lorraine.

Honorat de Sauoye, Marquesse de Villars, Count de Tende & de Sommerine, Admirall of France, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of an hund••ed men of Armes of the Ordenan∣ces. Portoit de Sauoye, qui est de Gueulles, à la Croix plaine d Argent: Escartelle de Tende, qui est de l Empire de Constantinople, de Gueulles, à l Aigle esployed d Or, Contre-Escartelle de Gueulles au Chef d'Or.

The Crest, a Golden Eagle spread.

The Supporters, two Lyons Siluer. This is the Crest and Supporters for them of the house of Sauoye.

Arthur de Cosse, Lord of Gonnor, Count de Secondigne, Marshall, and Great Pantler of France, Counceller of Estate, and Captaine of an hundred men of the Ordenances. Por∣toit Escartele. Au Premier, & Quatriesme, de Cosse, qui est de Sable à Trois Fueilles de Scie, au∣trement dicte Trois Faces d'Or, denchées par em∣bas. Le Seconde de Sable, au Lyon d' Argent, Co∣ronne, Lampasse, & Arme de Gueulles, d'autres, disent d'Or. Le Troisiesme Gouffier, qui est d'Or, à trois Iumelles de Sable. Sur le Tout, de Mont∣morency.

The Crest, A Lyon rising of Siluer.

The Supporters, Two Siluer Lyons.

Frances Gouffier, Lord of Creue-Coeur, Coun∣celler of Estate, Captain of fiftie Men of Arms of the Ordenances, and Gouernour of Picar∣die. Portoit d'Or, à trois Iumelles de Sable, Escar∣telle de Montmerency.

The Crest, A Lyon rising, of Siluer.

The Supporter, Two Sauages of fleshie co∣lour naturally.

Frances D'Escars, Lord of the said place, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of fiftie Men of Arms of the Ordenances. Portoit de Gueules au Pal de Vair.

The Crest.

The Supporters, Two Harts of Gold.

Charles de Halwin, Lord of Piennes, Mar∣quesse of Meguelay, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of an hundred Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Gouernour of Metz. Portoit d' Argent à trois Lyons, de Sable Lam∣passez de Gueulles, Armez & Coronnez d Or. 2. i.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Charles de la Roche-Foucauld, Lord of Barbe∣zieux, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances, Go∣uernour of Champaigne and Brie. Portoit Es∣cartelle. Au Premier, & Quatriesme, Burele d' Argent, & d' Azur de Dix pieces, à trois Cheu∣rons Brochants sur le Tout de Gueulles. Le Second & Troisiesme d'Or, a vn Escusson d'Azur, Sur le Tout d Or, à deux Vaches de Gueulles, Acornées, & Clarinées d'Azur.

The Crest, A naked Maide, holding with both her Hands, exalted aboue her Head, a Counts Crowne.

The Supporters, Two naked Sauages.

Iohn D'Escars, Lord de la Vau-Guyon, Prince de Carency, Councellour of Estate, and Cap∣taine of an hundred Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit d Escars, à la Bordure Eu∣greslee d' Argent. Escartelle de Bourbon. I haue seene them to be so: yet others doe say, that this Quarter should be De Vendosme, qui est de France, au Baston brochant sur le Tout de Gueulles, charge de Trois Leonceaux d'Argent.

The Crest.

The Supporters, Those D' Escars, before noated.

Christopher des Vrsins, Lord de la Chapelle, Baron de Treinell, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of an hundred Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit Bande d' Argent, & d•• Gueulles de sixe pieces. Au Chef d' Argent, charg•• d'vne Roze de Gueulles, Soustenue d'Or.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Frances le Roy, Count de Clinchamp, Lord 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chauigny, Councel••our of Estate, Captaine of an Hundred Gentlemen of the Kings house▪ Portoit Escartele. Au Premier, & Quatries•• d' Argent, à la Bande de Gueulles. Au Deuxies•• & Troisiesme Eschiequete d'Or, & d'Azur, à l•• Bordure de Gueulles.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Scipio de Fiesque, Count de Lauagne, & de ••ressuyre, Councellour of Estate, and Knight ••f the honor of the Queene Mother, Catha∣••ine de Florence. Portoit Bande d'Azur, & d' Ar∣••ent de six Pieces.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Anthony Lord of ••ons, Count de Marepnes, Councellour of Estate, and Captain of an hun∣dred Gentlemen of the Kings House. Portoit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Argent, à la Face Bandée d Or, & de Gueulles, de six pieces.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Iames Lord de Humieres, Marquesse d' An∣••re, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Go∣••ernour of Montdidier, Peronne and Roye. Portoit d'Argent, Frette de Sable de sixe ••ieces.

The Crest, A Lyon rising de Gueulles, Ac∣••oasted with a Lure d'Argent, Frette de Sa∣ble.

The Supporters, Lyons de Gueullles.

Iohn Lord d'Aumont, Count de Chasteau Ra∣••ul (De Castro Radulphi) Marshall of France, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of an hundred Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit d'Argent, au Cheuron de Gueulles, à Sept Merlettes de mesme, Deux à chaque coste de Cheu∣••on, & trois en Triangle dessous.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Iohn de Chourses, Lord of Malicorne (after∣ward Gouernour of Poictu) Captaine of fiftie Men of the Ordenances, and Councellour of Estate. Portoit d' Argent, à vne Face de Cinq pie∣••es de Gueulles.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Albert de Gondy, Count de Rets, Marquesse de Belle-Isle, Counceller of Estate, chiefe Gen∣tleman of the Kings Chamber, and Captaine of an hundred Men of Armes of the Ordenan∣ces: Afterward made Duke of Rets, Peere, Marshall, & Generall of the Gallies of France. Beareth the same as Peter de Gondy, Bishop of Paris, and his Brother doth.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Rene de Villequier, the yonger, called le Gros, Baron d' Aubigny, and d Iury, Councellour of Estate, Prime Gentleman of the Kings Cham∣ber, Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances, Gouernour of Paris, and Isle de France. Portoit de Gueulles à la Croix fleurencee, ou Fleurdelysee d'Or, Cantonnee de Douze Billettes de mesine. Escartele de la Roche Chouard, qui est de Gueulles à trois Faces Viurees, ou Entees d' Argent: la Premiere Brizee d'vne Belete de Sable. Sur le Tout Pale d Or, & de Gueulles de six pieces.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Iohn de Blosset, Lord and Baron of Torcy, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances, Gouer∣nour of Paris and Isle de France. Portoit Es∣cartele. Le Premier, & quatriesme Pale d'Or, & de Synople, de six pieces; au Chef d' Argent, charge de trois Cheurons de Gueulles. Les Deux∣iesme & Troisiesme d' Argent, à vne Face de qua∣tre pieces de Gueulles, à vn Lyon de Sable Bro∣chant sur le Tout.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Claude de Villequier, the elder, Lord and Ba∣ron of the said place; Vicount de la Gierche, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes. Portoit de Gueulles, à la Croix Eleurdelysee d'Or, Cantonnee de Douze Billettes de mesme.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Anthony D'Estrees, Prime Baron, and Senes∣chall of Boulonnois, Lord de Coeuures, Councel∣lour of Estate, Captain of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances: And afterward Great Maister of the Artillerie of France, Gouer∣nour of Paris, and Isle de France. Portoit Escar∣tele. Au Premier, & Quatriesme, d' Argent, Prette de Sable, au Chef d Or, charge de trois Merlettes de Sable. Au Deuxiesme de France, à deux Bastons, l'vn de Gueulles, & l autre d' Argent, passez en Saultoir. An Troisiesme d'Or, au Lyon d' Azur, Co∣ronne, Lampasse, & Arme de Gueulles.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Charles de la Mark, Count de Mauleurier, Lord of Rignac, Colonges and Villomer, Vicount de Huyssay; Baron de Pont-Arcy, Captaine of the hundred Switzers of the Kings Guard, and Councellour of Estate. Portoit de la Mark, qui est d'Or, à la Face Eschecquee d' Argent, & de Gueulles de trois Traicts, au Lyon naissant de Gueulles. Escartelle de Breze, qui est d'Azur, à l'Escusson d'Argent, à vne Orle d'Or, accompagnee de Huict Croisettes d'Or, trois en Chef, Deux en Flanc, & Trois en Pointe.

The Crest, A Blacke Eagle.

The Supporters. Two Griffons Gold.

Philebert de la Guiche, Lord of the said place Councellour of Estate, Gouernour of Bourbon∣nois; and afterward Great Maister of the Ar∣tillery of France, Gouernor of Lyons, &c. Por∣toit de Synople, au Saultoir d'Or.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Philippe Strozzy, Councellour of Estate, and Colonell Generall of the French Infanterie. Portoit d'Or à la Face de Gueulles, chargee de trois Croissants tournez d' Argent.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

The Names of Officers accepted into the Order.

PHilippe Hurault, Councellour of Estate, Count de Chiuerny, and de ••imoux, Gouer∣nour of Orleans, Pays Chartrain, Blaisois and Loudunois, Chancellour to the Duke of Aniou (King of France and of Poland, Henry, Third of that name) Afterward Keeper of the Seales, and Chancellour of France, and of both the Kings Orders, figured standing vpright in the Great Seale of the Order, on the Kings right hand, holding the Booke of the Holy Euan∣gelists. Portoit d'Or, à la Croix plaine d'Azur, Cantonnec de quatre Ombres de Soleils de Gueulles.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

William Pet, Lord of Rhodes, and of Chemaux, Knight, Prouost of the Order, and Great Mai∣ster of the Ceremonies, chiefe Esquire Caruer, and Bugle-Bearer to the King. Portoit d'Or, à la Face d'Azur▪ au Lambeau de Gueulles.

The Crest.

The supporters.

Nicholas de Neuf. Ville, Lord of Ville-Roy, Councellour and Secretarie of Estate, and Great Treasurer of the Order. Portoit d'Azur, au Cheurō d••Or, à trois Croix Anchrees de mesme.

Claude de Laubespine, Lord of Verderonne, Councellour to the King, and Register of the Order, presented in the great Seale of the Order, standing on the Kings left hand, rea∣ding the Oathe, which the Knights of the Or∣der are to pronounce. Portoit de Gueulles, à trois Quinte-fueilles d' Argent. 2.1. Escártele d'Azur, au Heaume abaisse, sans Lambrequins, d'Argent. Sur le Tout, d'Azur, au Saultoir d'Or, accompagne de quatre Billettes de mesme, à la Bor∣dure d'Or.

Mathurin Morin, Lord of the Planchette i•• Brie, Herauld, and King of Armes of the Or∣der. Portoit d'Azur, à vn Aigle d'Or, à tr•• Croix Anchrees de mesme en Chef.

Philippe de Nambu, Vsher of the Kings Chamber, and of the Order. Portoit Eschu∣quette d'Or, & d'Azur, au Canton droict 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••∣mines.

At the Second Chapter, held in the Augustines at Paris, the last day of the yeare, One thousand, fiue hundred threescore and nine∣teene, were Created these Knights following.

FRanecs de Bourbon, Marquesse de C••••∣tey, Prince of the Blood. Portoit de Bourbon, Escartele de l'Alencon.

The Crest, A double Floure de Luce, Gold.

The Supporters, One or two Angelles, which are the Crest and Supporters for the most-Christian Kings, and Princes of the Blood, of the Sacred Lillies of France.

Prances de Bourbon, Prince Daulphin d'A••∣uergne, Duke de Sainct Fergeau, Prince of the Blood, Peere of France, and Lord du Pays de Puisaye, and Captaine of an hundred Men of the Ordenances. Portoit de Bourbon; Escar∣tele du Daulphine d'Auuergne, d'Or, au Daul∣phine d'Azur.

The Crest, Of France.

The Supporters, Two Greyhounds Siluer, Collared Gueulles, the Border and Nailes, Gold.

Henry de Lorraine, Duke of Guise, Peere and Great Maister d'Hostel de France, Prince de Ioinuille, Gouernour of Brie and Champaigne. Portoit, de Lorraine, au Lambeau de Gueulles e•• Chef.

The Crest, and the

Supporters, as before is shewne.

Lewes de Luzignan, called of Sainct Gelais, Baron de la Mothe Saincte Eraye, Lord of Lansac, and de Pressy, Councellour of Estate, and Knight of the honor of the Queene Mo∣ther, Katharine of Florence, Portoit Cinq Poincts d'Axur, Equipolez a Quatre d' Argent Escartele de Luzignan, qui est Burele d'Argent, & d••Azu••, au Lyon de Gueulles, Coronne d'Or brochant sur le Tout.

The Crest, An open Tub or Vatt of Gold, wherein is Mellusina, halfe a woman, and halfe a Serpent, bathing, viewing and trimming her

••lfe. Which is the ordinary Crest for the ••ouse of Luzigna••.

The Supporters, Two Griffons Gold.

Iohn D'Ebrard, Lord and Baron of Sainct ••ulpice, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine ••f fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. ••ortoit d'Argent, au Lyon de Sable, seme d'Om∣••res de Croix, de mesme. Escartele d'Or, à la ••ande de Gueulles. Sur le Tout, d'Argent, Party de Gueulles.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Iames de Matignon, Lord of the said place, Count of Torigny, Councellor of Estate, Cap∣taine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenan∣ces (afterward Lieutenant Generall at Bour∣deaux, and in the Gouernement of Guyenne, ••nd Marshall of France) Portoit d'Argent, au Lyon de Gueulles, Coronne, & Arme d'Or.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Bertrand de Salignac, Lord de la Mothe-Fe∣••elon, Vicount de Sainct Iulian, Baron of Lou∣bert, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoìt d'Or, à la Bande de Trois p••eces d•• Sy∣nople.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

At the third Chapter, held in the Augustines at Paris; the last day of the yeare, One thousand fiue hundred and fourescore, were made Knights these following.

FRances de Luxembourg, Duke of Pig∣ney, Peere of France. Prince of Tin∣gry, Count de Roussy, & de Ligny, &c. Captaine of an hundred men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit d'Argent, au Lyon de Gueulles, la Queue nouee, & passee en Saultoir, Coronne, & Arme, ou Ongle d' Or, au Lambeau de Gueulles en Chef.

The Crest. Mellusina, as before.

The Supporters, Golden Griffons.

Charles de Birague, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes. Beareth as the Cardinall and Chancellour of France, of the same Name, at the first Chapter.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Iohn de Leaumont, Lord of Puy-••a••lland, Councellour of Estate, high Marshall of the Field for his Maiesties Armies, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit d'Azur, à vn Faulcon à Volestend••, ••er∣che, & Lie d'Argent, Grillete de mesme.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Rene de Roche-Chouard, Baron de Mortemar, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit de Gueulles à Trois Paces Viurees, ou Entees d'Argent, la Premiere ••rizee d'vne Belete de Sable.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Henry de Lenon Court, Lord of the said place and of Coupeuray, Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Marshall of the Campe. Portoit d'Argent, à la Croix En∣greslee de Gueulles; as the Cardinall, and Bishop of Chaalons doth.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Nicholas D'Angennes, Lord of Rambouillet, Vidame du Mans, Councellour of Estate, Cap∣taine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenan∣ces, and Gouernour of Mets, Portoit de Sable, au Saultoire d'Argent.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

At the fourth Chapter, held in the Augustines at Paris; the last day of the yeare, One thousand fiue hundred fourescore and one, were these following Knights made.

CHarles de Lorraine, Duke d'Elboeuf, Peere of France, Councellour of E∣state, and Captaine of an hundred Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit de Lorraine, au Lambel, & Bordure de Gueulles.

The Crest and of Lorraine

Supporters, are of Lorraine

Armand de Gontault, Baron of Biron, Coun∣cellour of Estate, Captaine of an hundred Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Marshall of France. Portoit Escartele d'Or, & de Gueulles en Banniere.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Guy de Daillon, Count de Lurde, and de Pont-Gibauld, Baron d'Illiers, du Chesne Done, and de Magne. Councellour of Estate, Captaine of an hundred Men of the Ordenances, and Gouer∣nour of Poictou▪ Portoit, &c. He beareth as

the Abbot des Chasteliers his Brother doth, in the first Chapter.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Frances de la Baulme, Count de Suze, Coun∣cellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit d'Or, à Trois Cheurons de Sable; le Chef d'Azur, au Ly∣on naissant d'Or.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Anthony de Leuis, Count de Quelus, Coun∣cellour of Estate, Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances, Gouernour and Seneschall de Rouergne. Portoit de Leuy, qui est d'Or à Trois Cheurons de Sable.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Iohn de Teualle, Lord of the said place, of Auire, Bouille, and of Creans, Councellor of E∣state, Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Gouernor of Mets. Portoit de Or, à Trois Annelets de Sable. 2. i.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Lewes D'Angennes, Baron de Mesle, Lord of Maintenon, Councellour of Estate, and Cap∣taine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenan∣ces. Portoit de Angennes (as already hath bin said, at the ending of the third Chapter) Au Lambeau de Gueulles en Chef.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

At the fift Chapter, held in the Augustines at Paris, in the yeare One thousand fiue hundred, fourescore and two, were made these Knights.

CHarles de Lorraine, Duke de Maienne, Peere and Great Chamberlaine of France, Councellour of Estate, Cap∣taine of an hundred Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Gouernour of Bour∣gongne. Portoit de Lorraine, au Lambeau de Gueulles: Escartelle de Ferrara; qui est de France, à la Bordure Denchee d'Or, & de Gueulles: Party de Ferrara, qui est d'Azur, à vn Aigle d'Argent, Coronne, & Ongle d'Or. Cest Escart soustenu de France, sans Brisure,

The Crest, of Lorraine.

and Supporters of Lorraine.

Anne, Duke de Ioyeuse, Peere and Admirall of France, Councellour of Estate, Captaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an hundred Men of Armes of the Orde••••••¦ces, and Chiefe Gentleman of the Kings Chamber. Portoit de Ioyeuse, qui est Pale d'Or, & d'Azur de six pieces, au Chef de Gueulles, ch•• de trois Hydres accostez d'Or, Escartela d'Azur, au Lyon d'Argent, à la Bordure de Gueulles, charge de Huit Fleurs de Lys d'Or. Qui est de Sainct Didier.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Iohn Louis de Nogaret, Duke d'Esper••, Peere of France, Prime Gentleman of the Kings Chamber. Afterward Admirall of France, and Colonell Generall of the French Infanterie, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of an hundred Men of Armes of the Orde∣nances, and Gouernour of Metz, Pais Messi••, Boulonnois, Angoulmois and Xaintonge. Portoit d'Argent au Noyer de Synople: Party de Gueulles, à vne demye-Croix Pommetee d'Or, au Chef de Gueulles, charge d'vne Croix Potencee d••Argent. Sur le Tout d'Argent, à la Cloche d'Argent, B••∣taillee de Sable.

The Crest, A Leopard Muzzle Tawnie.

The Supporters, Two Lyons Tawny Lang∣ued Gueulles, and Ongled Siluer.

Tanneguy le Veneur, Count de Tilliers, Lord of Carronges, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of an hundred Men of Armes of the Orde∣nances, and Lieutenant for the King in Nor∣mandie. Portoit d'Argent, a la Bande d'Azur, chargee de Trois Saultoirs d'Or.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Iohn de Moi, Lord of the Mailleraye, Coun∣cellour of Estate, Captaine of an hundr•• Men of Armes of the Ordenances, Vice ••¦mirall of France, and one of the Gouer•• for the King in Normandie. Portoit de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Frette d'Or de six pieces; Escartele d E•• Ville, qui est Burele d'Argent, & de Gueulles▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lyon de Sable, Coronne d'Or. Sur le T•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dreux, qui est Eschicquier d'Or, & d'Azur, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bordure de Gueulles.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Philippe de Volluire, Marquesse of Iusa, Lord of Saint Brice, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of an hundred Men of Armes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ordenances, and Gouernour of Engo•• Portoit Face d'Or, & de Gueulles de Huict p••¦ces. Escartele, de Gueulles, a Neuf 〈◊〉〈◊〉 d'Or, au Lambeau de Quatre pieces de Arg•• Sur le Tout Pale d'Or, & de Gueulles, de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pieces.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Frances de Maudelot, Lord of Passy-Lerne, ••icount de Chalon, Councellor of Estate, and ••ouernour of Lyonnais Beauielois, and Forests. ••ortoit d' Argent, à vne Face d'Azur.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Tristram de Rostain, Baron of Bron, Lord of ••aisy le Sec, Councellour of Estate, and Cap∣••in of an hundred Men of Armes of the Or∣••enances. Portoit d'Azur, à vne Face en Deuise ••Or, à Vne Roue de Auict Raix en Poinct, de ••esme.

The Crest, A Lyon rising Tawnie.

The Supporters, Two Sauages Tawnie, with ••eir Clubbes exalted.

Iohn Iacques de Susanes, Count de Serny, ••o••ncellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie ••en of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit de ••ble, à Trois Annelets d'Argent. 2.1.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

The sixt Chapter, was held in ••he Augustines at Paris; the last day of the yeare, One thousand fiue hundred fourescore and three. And therein were made these Knights, Prelates and Com∣manders.

Prelates of the Order.

CHarles de Lorraine, Cardinal de Vaude∣mont, Bishop and Count of Toull (Bro∣ther to the Queene Louisa de Lorraine: Princesse (without her Peere) for vertue ••d Sanctitie of life, and the worthie Wife to ••ng Henry, third of the name, the Mirrour good Princes, was associated into the Or∣••r, by the decease of the Cardinall de Bi∣••ue, Portoit de Lorraine, au Lambeau mis en ••ce d'Azur.

Commanders created of the Order.

HOnorat de Bueil, Baron de Fontaines, Coun∣cellor of Estate, Captaine of fifty Men of ••mes of the Ordenances, Vice-Admirall, ••d Gouernour of Bretaigne. Portoit au Pre∣••er & Quatreisme, de Bueil, qui est d' Azur, Croissant moutant d' Argent, accompagne de six Croisettes, Recroisettees au Pied fiche d'Or. Escartele de Gueulles, à vne Croix Anchree d'Or. Sur le Tout Escartele de Daulphine, & de Cham∣paigne Aux Deuxiesme & Troisiesme Grands Quartiers, de Gueulles, à vn Aigle d'Or. Sur le Tout desdicts Grands Quartiers, Escartele d'Azur à vn Lyon d'Or; & d'Or, à vn Lyon d'Azur.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Rene de Rochefort, Lord of the said place, Baron des Iroles, la Croisete, Vassy, &c. Coun∣cellour of Estate, Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Gouernour of Dunois, Blaisbis, and Chasteau d'Amboise. Portoit d'Azur, Seme de Billetes d'Or; au Chef d'Argent, charge d'vn Lyon Passant de Gueulles; à la Bordure Engreslee d'Argent, & de Gueulles.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Iohn de Viuonne, Marquesse de Pisany, Lord of Saint Gonard, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Or∣denances. Portoit d'Ermines, au Chef de Gueulles.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Lewes de Chastaignier, Lord d'Abin, and de la Roche-Pozay, Baron of Maleual, Councel∣lour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit d'Or, au Ly∣on passant de Synople, au Lambeau de Gueulles.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Bernard de Nogaret, Lord de la Valette, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of an hundred Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Afterward Admirall of France, and Gouer∣nour of Prouence, hauing formerly bin Go∣uernour beyond the Mountaines. Portoit de Gueulles, à la Croix Potencee d'Argent, Sonstenu de Nogaret; Party de Gueulles, à Vne-Demy-Croix Pommettee d'Or.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Henry de Ioyeuse, Count de Bouchage, Coun∣cellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of Ordenances, and Maister of the Kings Warderobe. Afterward Duke de Ioyeuse, and Gouernour in Languedocke. Beareth as the Admirall de Ioyeuse his Brother doth. Escartele de Sainct Didier: Sur le Tout, Escartele d'Or, & d'Azur, qui est de Batarnay.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Nicholas de Grimouille, Lord de Larchant, d' Autueil, & de la Boulaye, &c. Councellour of Estate, Captain of an hundred Men of Armes of the Kings Guard. Portoit de Gueulles, à Trois Estoiles d' Argent. 2.1. Escartele d'Azur, au Lyon d'Or, tenant entre ses Pattes vne Masse perie en Pal de mesme.

The Crest, A Lyon rising Gold.

The Supporters, Two Lyons of the same.

Lewes D'Amboise, Count de Aubigeoux, Ba∣ron de Chasteau Neuf. &c. Councellour of E∣state, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit d' Amboise, qui est Pale d'Or, & de Gueulles, de six pieces.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Frances de la Valette, Lord of Cornusson, and of Paschor, &c. Councellor of Estate, Gouer∣nour and Seneschall of Tolosa. Portoit de Gueulles, au Perroquet d' Argent, à la Patte-Droict leuec; Party de Gueulles, au Lyon d Or.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Frances de Cazillac, Lord and Baron of the said place, de Cessac, and de Noailles Councel∣lour of Estate, &c. Portoit d'Or, á Deux Lyons passants de Gueulles, à la Bordure de Synople, char∣gee de Huict Bezans d'Argent.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Ioachim de Tinte-Ville, Lord of the said place, and de Fougeroles, Baron de Mery, &c. Councellour of Estate, Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Gouer∣nour in Champaigne and Brie. Portoit de Sable, à Deux Leopards d'Or.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Ioachim de Chasteau-Vieux, Lord of Verson, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of the hundred Archers of the Scottish Guard: Af∣terward Knight of the honor of Queene Ma∣ry of Florence, and Gouernour of the Castell and Bastille at Paris. Portoit d' Azur, à Trois Faces Ondees d'Or. Escartele d' Azur, à vne Fleur de Lys d'Or.

The Crest.

The Supporters

Charles de Balsac, Lord of Clermont d' En∣tragues, Councellour of Estate, and Cap∣taine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Orde∣nances. Portoit de Balsac, Escartele de Hu∣mieres (obserued before in the first Chapter) Sur le Tout de Milan, qui est d' Argent, à la Giure, ou Bysse d' Azur, Lyssante de Gueulles.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Charles du Plesseis, Lord of Liencour••, Coun¦cellour of Estate, Gentleman in Ordenary of the Kings Chamber, and Prime Querrie o•• the lesser Stable or Escuyrie. But afterward, Marquesse of Guerche-Ville, Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Go∣uernour of the Citie of Paris. Portoit d'Ar∣gent, à la Croix Engreslee de Gueulles, charg•• de Cinq Cocquilles d' Argent, au Lambean d'A∣zur. Hee hath thereunto added since, vn Est cart d' Argent, à vn Lyon de Gueulles, Coronne, & Ongle d'Or.

The Crest, A Lyon rising, Gueulles.

The Supporters, Two Lyons of the same.

Frances de Chabannes, Marquesse of Cart••••, Count of Rochefort, and Vicount de la Roche▪ Masselin; Councellour of Estate and Cap∣taine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Orde∣nances. Portoit de Gueulles, au Lyon d'Ermine••, Coronne, Lampasse, & Arme d'Or. Escartele de la Tour, qui est d'Azur, seme de France, à vn Tour d'Argent, Massonnee de Sable; & de Bo∣logne, qui est d'Or, au Gonfannon de Gueulles, Frange de Synople. Sur le Tout d'Escart, d'Or, à Trois Tourteaux de Gueulles. 2.1. Which is of the Prime Lords and Counts of Bologne on the Sea.

The Crest.

The Supporters, Two Greyhounds Sil∣uer.

Robert de Combault, Lord d'Arciere sur A••be, Councellour of Estate, and chiefe Maister D' Hostel du Roy. Portoit d'Argent à la Leurett•• passante de Sable.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Frances de Sennetere; Lord of the said place, and De la Ferte-Nabert, Councellour of E∣state, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit d'Azur, a Cinq Fuzee•• d'Argent, en Face.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

At the seauenth Chapter, held in the Augustins at Paris; the last day of the yeare, One thousand fiue hundred fourescore and foure, were these Knights then made.

IOhn de Sainct Lary, and de Belle G•• Baron of Termes, Councellour of E∣state, and Captaine of fiftie Men of

Armes of the Ordenances, Marshall of the field, and Gouernour of Mets. Portoit au ••remier Quartier. d'Azur, au Lyon d'Or. Au ••e••xiesme Pale d'Or, & de Gueulles, de six pieces. ••u Troisiesme de Gueulles, à vn Vaze d'Or. Le Quatriesme d'Azur, à Trois demy-Fuzees d'Ar∣gent. Sur le Tout, d Azur, à la Cloche d'Argent, ••ataillee de Sable.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Lewes Adhemar de Monteil, Count of Grig∣••ar, and Baron d••Entre-Chasteaux, Councel∣••our of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit au Pre∣••ier Quartier, d'Or, à Trois Bande, d' Azur. Au ••euxiesme, de Gueulles, au Chasteau somme de ••rois Tours d'Argent. Au Troisiesme de Gueulles, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lyon d Argent, au Canton de Bretaigne. Et le ••uatriesme de Gueulles, à la Croix Coupee ••'Or, Cantonnee de Quatre Quintefueilles de ••esme.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

The Eight Chapter, was held at the AVGVSTINES in PARIS, the last day of the yeare, One thousand fiue hundred foure∣score and fiue, at which time were made these Knights.

CHarles de Bourbon, Count de Soissons, Prince of the Blood, Peere, and Great Maister of France. Portoit de ••ourbon, an Baston, & Bordure de Gueulles.

The Crest, of France.

and Supporters of France.

Iohn Grongnet de Vasse, Lord and Baron of the said place, and likewise De la Roche-Ma∣••ile, &c. Councellour of Estate, and Captaine ••f fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. ••ortoit d'Or, à Trois Faces d'Azur.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Adrian de Tiercelin, Lord of Brosse, and of ••arcus, &c. Councellour of Estate, Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Gouernour of Mouzon. Portoit d'Argent, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Deax Tierces d'Azur, mises en Saultoir, Can∣••••••ces, & Accompagnces de Quatre Marl•• de Sable.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Frances Chabot, Lord of Brion, Marquesse de Mire-beau, Lord of Fontaine-Francoise. &c. Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit d'Or, à Trois Chabots de Gueulles mis eu Paulx. 2.1. au Premier Quartier. Au Deuxiesme de Luxembourg, qui est d'Argent, au Lyon de Gueulles Coronne, & Arme d Or à la Queue passee, & fourchee en Saultoir, Le Troisiesme des Baulx, c'est de Gueulles, à vne Estoile de Seize Raiz d'Argent. Et le Quatriesme de Long-Vy, qui est d'Azur, á vne Bande d'Or.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Gilles de Souuray, Lord of the said place, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Go∣uernour of Touraine. And afterward, Gouer∣nour of King Lewes, thirteenth of the name, Marquesse de Courtennaulx, and Marshall of France. Portoit d'Azur, à vne Cottice d'Or, de Cinq pieces.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Frances d'O, Lord of Fresne, and of Ma∣ille-Bois, Councellour of Estate, and Cap∣taine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Orde∣nances. Afterward Gouernour of Paris, and the Isle of France, as also intendant Gene∣rall of the Finances of France. Portoit d'Er∣mines, au Chef, Eudenchee vers la Poincte, de Gueulles.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Claude de la Chastre, Baron de la M••i∣son Fort. &c. Councellour of Estate, Cap∣taine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Order¦nances, and Gouernour of Berry; and after∣ward Marshall of France. Portoit de Gueulles à vne Croix Anchree de Vair, Escartele de Gueulles à Trois Testes de Loup, arrachees d'Ar∣gent.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Girauld de Mauleon, Lord of Gourdan, Coun∣cellor of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Couernour of

Calais. Portoit de Gueulles, au Lyon d'Or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not Siluer, for so I haue I seene it in the Cathe∣drall Church of Sainct Bertrand de Commenges; in the Abbey of Bonnefons: At Gourdan, at Francon, Estancarbon, and diuers other places in Gascoignie.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Iames de Boubens, Lord of the said place, and of Verdales, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Orde∣nances. Portoit de Gueulles à vn Loup rampant d Or.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Lewes de Breton, Lord of Grillon, and Ba∣ron of Sainct Iohn de Varies, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Maister of the Campe for Regiment of the Kings Guards. Portoit d Or, à vn Cottice d'Azur de Cinque pieces▪

Crest.

Supporters.

Iohn Dangennes, Lord of Poigny, Councellor of Estate, and Captain of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit d'Angennes (two seuerall times formerly obserued) à la Bordure d'Azur.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Frances de la Iugie, de Puy, Count of Sault, Lord of Lauall, and of Montaubon. Councel∣lour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit au Premi∣er Quartier d Or, a vn Louy. Arme, & Lampasse d'Azur. Au Deauxiesme d'Azur à Trois Tours d'Or. 2.1. Au Troisiesme, de Gueulles, à vn Pal d'Argent de Trois pieces, au Chef d'Azur. Et le Quatriesme, d'Or, à Deux Lyons d'A∣zur.

Crest.

Supporters.

Mery de Barbesiers, Lord de la Roche-Cheme∣rault, & Du Beis le Vicountie, &c. Councellour of Estate, and Great Marshall des Logis. Por∣toit d'Argent, à vne Face Fuzelee de Gueulles de Cinq pieces au Premier Quartier. Au Deuxiesme, d'Azur, à vne Croix Couppee, & Denchee d'Ar∣gent. Au Troisiesme, d Ermines, au Chef de Gueulles Et le Quatriesme d'Or, à vn Aigle Esploye de Gueulles, Coronne, & Arme de Synople.

Crest.

Supporters.

Frances du Plessis, Lord de Riche-Lieu, Coun∣cellour of Estate, and great Pro•••••• of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Portoit d'Argent, au Ch••uron ne Trois pieces 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gueulles.

Crest.

Supporters.

Gabriel Non-Par de Caulmont, Count of Lanzun, Lord of Toutabeuf. Count of Montbas, Baron de Puy-Guillem, de Fert••l, and De la Brouillye. Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of the Orde∣nances. Portoit, Tierec en Bande, d'Or, de Gueulles & d'Azur.

Crest.

Supporters.

The House of the Sir-name of Caulm••nt, ve∣ry famous, and much renowned in Guienne and Gascoigne; tooke for the first Sir-name, that of Non-Par, by reason of an vnequall Duell or Combate, performed there a long time sinne•• by one of their Great-Great-Grandfathers, named Richard de Caulmont, against two Giants that were Sarrazins, called Murgales, and Golias, whom he slew with his own hand. Neuerthelesse, this House hath different Armes, as you may noate by them formerly emblazoned. For this Richard de Caulmont, which fought with Golias and Murgales: Por∣toit de Gueulles, à Deu•• Leopards d'Or, l'vnsur l'autre, à la Bordure d'Argent. At this day, the Heire of Caulmont, Madame de Frans•••• Passage sur la Dordogne (the Castell where∣of was built by our King Churlemaigne, in the yeare of Grace, seauen hundred three∣score and nine, awaiting the Commissaries that hee had sent to Lupus, Duke of G••s••∣nie, who had retired to him Huon, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Bourdeaux, who stiled himselfe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Aquitaine. Rex, donec Legati, quos mise•• reuerterenter, Castellum, Iuxta Dord•• Fluuium, nomine Francicum Aedificat, th•••• speaketh our Annalist the Monke of L••∣sheim, vnder the said yeare) a Seigneuire e∣rected by the late King Henry the Great▪ of famous memorie, into a Dukedome and Peeredome of France, in fauour of the said Heire, the Lady of Fronsac, Anne de Co••∣mont, wife to Frances of Orleans, Count of Sainct Paul, Prince of the House of Lu∣gue-Ville: the said Heire (I say) Porte d'A∣zur, à Trois Leopards, d'Or, l'vn sur l'antre. Now returne we to our Knights.

Hector de Pardaillan, Lord and Baron of ••∣drin, and of Montespan, and Captaine of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit d'Or,

〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chasteau de Gueulles, à Trois Testes de Mores Sable en Chef. Escartele d' Argent, à Trois Ea∣•• Ondees d'Azur. Sur le Tout, d'Argent, à 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lyon de Gueulles, à l'Orle, de Sept Escussons de ••nople.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Lewes de Champaigne, Count de la Suze, Lord de la Chappelle Rinsouin, Councellour of ••state, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes ••f the Ordenances. Portoit de Sable, Frette d' ••rgent, au Chef d'Argent charge d'vn Lyon Na∣••ant de Gueulles, Arme, & Lampasse d'Azur. Es∣••rtele de Lauall. Sur le Tout, de Champaigne; Par∣•• d'Azur, à vn Lyon d'Or.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Rene de Bouile, Lord of the said place, Count ••e Creance, and des Chastelenies de Chanteloup, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Go∣uernour of Perigueux. Portoit d'Argent à la ••ace de Gueulles, Frette de Sable, Accompaignee ••e Deux Faces eu Deuise, l'vne dessus, l'autre ••essons de Gueulles.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Lewes du Bois, Lord des Arpentis Councel∣••our of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Gouernour of Touraine. Portoit d'Or, à l'Escusson de Gueulles eu Abisme, à l'Orle de six Coquilles de ••able.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Iohn d'O, Lord of Manou, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of the Guard for his Ma∣••esties Body. Beareth, as before hath bin said, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lambeau d'Argent.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Henry de Silly, Count de la Roche-Guyon, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of an hundred Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit d'Ermines, à la Face Ondee ou Viuree de Gueulles, à Trois Tourteaux de Gueulles en Chef, ••are les Ermines. Escartele de la Roche-Guyon, ••i est d'Or, à Trois Bandes d'Azur, à la Bordure ••le Gueulles,

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Anthony de Vienne, called De Bauffremont, Lord of Lystenais, Marquesse d'Arc en Bar∣rois. Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit de Bauffremont, qui est Vaire, & de Gueulles. Escartele de Vienne, qui est de Gueulles à vn Aigle d'Or. Sur le Tout de Sable, à Trois Testes de Leopards d'Argent. 2.1.

The Crest, A Dogge rising.

The Supporters, Two Greyhounds Siluer, Collared Gueulles, and the Border Gold.

Iohn du Chastelay, Baron of the said place, Soueraigne de Chastillon, Lord of Thou. Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit d'Or, à la Bande de Gueulles, chargee de Trois Flours de Lys d'Argent.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Frances Descoublean, Lord of Sourdis, and De Iouy en ••ozas, and afterward Marquesse d'Al∣luye. Councellour of Estate, Gouernour of Chartres, chiefe Squire to the King, and Cap∣taine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Orde∣nances. Portoit Party d'Azur, & de Gueulles, à vne Bande d'Or, Brochante sur le Tout.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Charles D'Ogries, Count de Chaulne, Lord de la Hargerie, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Or∣denances. Portoit de Synople, à vn Face d'Er∣mines; Escartele d'Or, à Trois Cheurons de Sable, qui est de Rasse, ou Race: In regard of Anthoinetta de Rasse, daughter to the Lord of the Hargerie.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Dauid Bouchard, Vicount D'Aubeterre, Lord and Baron of Pauleon, Gouernour of Perigord, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit de Gueulles à Trois Leopards d'Or, mis l'vn sur l'au∣tre. Escartele de Lozenges d'Or & d'Azur; au Chef de Gueulles.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Officers of the Order.

IOhn du Gue, Lord of the said place, Herauld and King of Armes of both the Kings Orders. Portoit d'Azur, au Cheual deslia d'Or, au Chef de mesme, charge vne Trefle de Gueulles.

At the ninth Chapter, held in the Augustines at Paris; in the yeare One thousand fiue hundred foure∣score and sixe, were these Knights made.

REne de Villequier, Vicount de la Guier∣che, Councellour of Estate, and Cap∣taine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit de Villequier, Tout plein, & sans Escart.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Iames de Moi, Lord of Pierre Court, Coun∣cellour of Estate, & Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit au Premier & Quatriesme Quartier de Gueulles, Frette d'Or de six pieces. Escartele de Burele d' Argent, & de Gueulles de Dix pieces, au Lyon de Sable, Coronne d'Or. Le Troisiesme Eschicquete d'Or, & d' Azur, à la Bordure de Gueulles.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Charles de Viuonne, Lord de la Chastaigne∣ra••e, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Bea∣reth as formerly hath bin said.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Iames le Veneur, Count de Tilliers, Coun∣cellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of Ordenances. Beareth as former∣ly hath bin said.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

These are the Chapters, of the Order of the Holy-Ghost, which were held by King Henry, Third of the Name, of Sacred memory. By whose ouer-vntimely death, happening on Tuesday, being the First Day of August, One thousand fiue hundred fourescore and nine, without any Heire Maste begotten by his Body

The Crowne of the Holy and Sacred Lillies of France, by the Salique Law, fundamentall of the Kingdome; fell to his neerest Heire in the Colla∣terall ••igne, Prime Prince of the Blood

Henry of Bourbon (King of Nauarre, Duke of Vendosme, of Armaignac, and of Albret, Count de Foix, and de Begorre, Soueraigne of Bea••n, &c. and ••••••his iust right) became King of France, ••ourt•• of that Name. Vnder whom was held 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪

The Tenth Chapter, at Derne∣tail, the King then being at the Sie••g•• of Rouen, the last Day of the yeare, O•••• thousand fiue hundred fourescore and ten. Whereat was accep∣ted into the Order,

One Prelate.

FRances de Foix, de Candale, Bishop of Aire in Guienne, Councellour to the King in his Councels of Estate, and priuate; he being Associated into the Order. Portoit de Foix, qui est d' Or à Trois Paulu d•• Gueulles Escartele de Bearn, qui est d Or à De•••• Vaches de Gueulles, Acornees, Acollees & Clari∣nees d' Azur. This House of Candale did an••∣ciently beare D'Or, à Trois Paulx de Symple•• And by Alliance they quartered in the se∣cond and third Quarters, with Foix and Bearn.

The Eleauenth Chapter was held in the Citie of Mantes, the last Day of the yeare, One thousand fiue hundred fourescore and twelue: Whereat were Associated, and made Knights these following.

Prelates of the Order.

REginald de Beaulne, Archbishop and Patriarch of Bourges, Primate of A∣quitaine, Great Almone•• of France, Councellour of Estate, and afterw•••••• Archbishop of Sens. Portoit de Gueulles, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cheuron d' Argent, accompagnee de Trois Be•• d'Or. 2.1.

Commanders of the Order.

CHarles de Gontault, Baron de Biron▪ After∣ward Duke de Biron, Peere of France Ad¦mirall and Marshall of France, Councello•••• of Estate, Captaine of an hundred Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Marshall in the Field for the Armies of the King. Beareth as his Father did, formerly related.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Officers of the Order.

MArtin Ruze, Lord of Beau Lieu, & of ••••••¦meau, Knight, Councellour to the King

〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Councels of Estate, and priuate, Secre∣••••rie for his Commandements, Superinten∣••ant Generall of the Mines and Minerals of ••rance, and high Treasurer of the Order. ••ortoit de Gueulles, au Cheuron Onde d' Ar∣••ent, & d' Azur, accompagne de Trois Lyons ••'Or.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

The Twelfth Chapter, was held ••n the Citie of Chartres, Monday be∣ing the eight and twentieth Day of Fe∣bruary, in the yeare One thousand fiue hundred fourescore and foureteene.

THe first Sunday in Lent, being the seauen and twentieth day of Februa∣ry, in the said yeare; King Henry the Great (of glorious memory) was Sacred and Crowned in the Cathedrall Church of our Lady at Chartres, by the Bishop of the said ••lace, Messire Nicholas de Thou.

And on the Morrow, his Maiestie being willing to receiue the Order of the Holy-Ghost, ••eparted from the Bishops Pallace, about ••hree houres after Mid-day, and came to the Church of our Lady. There he heard the E∣••en-song of the Holy-Ghost (Sung by them of ••he Kings Chappell, and Musicall Voices ioy∣••ed with Instruments) and assisted by the As∣••ociates, Prelates, Commanders and Officers ••f the Order, attired in their great Cloaks and Collers of the Order.

At Magnificat, the Bishop of Chartres, Of∣••ciant in Pontificalibus (after he had Encen∣••ed the high-Altar) presented the Encense to ••is Maiestie, sitting vnder his Cloath of State 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the first Chaire of the Quire, entring on the ••ight hand.

After the Prayer of Sanctus Spiritus, said at ••e end of the Magnificat, and the Episcopall ••enediction; his Maiestie went to the Altar, ••here presenting himselfe on his knees, hee ••oke and signed the Oath, as Head and So∣••eraigne of the Order, vpon the true Crosse (as they say) lying on a square Cushion of Cloath of Gold, fairely fringed with Red, ••eld by two Priests, and on the Booke of the ••oly Euangelists, then held by Phillip Hu∣••ult Count de Chiuerny, and de Limoux, Chancellour of France, and of the two Orders of the King. Behold here the tenure of ••he Oath.

Le Serment du Roy.

NOus Henry, par la Grace de Dieu, Roy de France, & de Nauar, Iurons & Vouons solen∣nellement envos mains à Dieu le Createur, de Viure & Mourir en la Sainct Foy, & Religiō Catholique, Apostolique, & Romaine, Comme a vn bon Roy Treschrestien appertient, & plustost mourir que d'y faillir. De maintenir a lamais L'Or∣dre du S. Esprit, sans Iamais le laisser deehoir, amoindrir & diminuer, tant qu'il sera à nostre Pouuoir. Obseruer le•• Statuts, & Ordonnances dudit Ordre entierement selon leur forme, & teneur, & les faire exactement obseruer par Tout Ceux qui sont & seront cy apres receux audict Ordre: Et par Expres ne contrenenir Iamais, ny dispenser, ny essayer de changer, ou innouer les Statuts irreuocables d'Iceluy. Ainsy le ••urons, vo∣uons, & promettons sur la Saincte vraye Croix, & le Sainct Euangile

Signe Henry

The Oath of the King.

WE Henry, by the Grace of God, King of France and of Nauarre, doe Sweare and Vowe solemnely in your hands, to God the Creator, to Liue and Dye in the Holy Faith and Religion Catholique, Apostolique and Romaine; As to a good and Most-Christian King it ap∣pertaineth, and rather to dye, then faile therein. To maintaine (for euer) The Order of the Ho∣ly Ghost, without euer suffering it to decay, les∣sen, and diminish, so long as it shall consist with∣in our power. To obserue the Statutes and Orde∣nances of the said Order intirely, according to their forme and tenure; and to cause them to be exactly obserued, by All Such as are, and shall be hereafter receiued into the said Order. And more expresly, not to contrary at any time, nor dispense, nor essaye to change, or innouate the ir∣reuocable Statutes thereof. This doe we Sweare, Vowe and promise on the Holy true Crosse, and the Holy Euangiles.

Signed Henry

The King hauing made and signed the Oathe, the Lord of Rhodes, Great Mai∣ster of the Ceremonies of France, and Great Prouost of the Order; cloathed his Ma∣iestie with the great Cloake of the

Order. Vpon the Mantelet whereof, the Lord Bishop of Chartres (being the Officiant) pla∣ced the great Coller thereof, making the signe of the Crosse, and saying: In the Name of the Father, and of the Sonne, and of the Holy-Ghost.

The Lord de Beau-Lieu-Ruze, high Treasu∣rer of the Order, deliuered into the Bishops hand, the Crosse of the Order, fastened at a faire Riband of Celestiall Blew Colour, to put about his necke, and a paire of Beades of Tennes, to present them to his Maiestie: who hauing receiued them from the Bi∣shop, gaue them to the Lord de Rocque-Laure to keepe.

These Ceremonies being ended, his Maie∣sty was conducted backe to the Chaire, where the Prelates-Associates, Commanders, and Officers of the Order, went to him, and kis∣sed his hand with all humble reuerence. And Compline being finished, his Maiestie retur∣ned to the Bishops Pallace; with the same Pompe, Traine and Magnificence, as he had when he went to the Church.

The Thirteenth Chapter, was held in the Augustines at Paris, on Sa∣turday, being the seauenth day of Ianuary, in the yeare One thou∣sand fiue hundred foure∣score and fifteene.

ABout three houres after Noone, his Maiestie departed from the Hostell, Sir-named of Hercules, in regard that his imaginarie Labours (reported by Poets) are very ingeniously there figured both with∣in and without it. But yet belonging to the house of Nantouillet at which Hostell, euermore hath bin made the meeting of the Knights of the Holy-Ghost, from the first Institution there∣of, and as often as the Ceremonie hath bin ce∣lebrated at Paris. And thence he went to heare the Euening Seruice at the Augustines, accor∣ding to the accustomed obserued Order.

After the singing of Magnificat, and the Prayer to the Blessed-Spirit: His Maiestie, as∣sisted with the Great Almoner, and Officers of the Order, went and sate somewhat neere to the high Altar. And at this Session, were made Knights and Associates of the Order, as fol∣loweth.

Prelates of the Order.

PHillip du Bec, Archbishop, and Duke of Rheimes, Peere of France, Bishop of Nantes, and Councellour of Estate. Portoit ••••x Pre∣mier & Quatriesme Quartiers F••ze•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Arge•• & de Gueulles. Aux Deuxiesme & Trois•••••• d' Argent, à Deux Faces de Synople, à l'Orl•••• Merlettes de Gueulles. Sur le To••t, Escartele de Gueulles, à la Bande d'Or. Le Deuxiesme 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gueulles à la Croix d' Argent. Le Troisies•••• Bande d••Or & d' Azur, à la Bordure de Gue••lles au Quatriesme d' Argent, à Deux Faces de Gueulles. Sur le Tout du Tout, à six Annele•• d' Argent. 3, 2.1.

Henry Descoubleau, Bishop de Malesay••, Councellour of Estate. Beareth as before hath bin declared.

Commanders of the Order.

HEnry de Bourbon, Prince of the Blo••d, Duke de Montpensier, Peere of France, &c. and Gouernour of Normandie. Portut de France, au Baston de Gueulles, Brizè au Hault 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Daulphine d'Argent, & d'Autres y o••t m•• Croissant montant d'Argent.

The Crest, A Floure de Luce double.

The Supporters, Two Greyhounds white.

Henry d'Orleans, Duke of Longue-Ville, Pee•••• of France, Soueraigne de Neuf-Chastell, Court of Dunois, and of Tancaruille, Councellour of Estate, and Gouernour of Picardie. Portoit ••e France, au Baston, & Lambeau d' Argent, que l'••••∣dict de Longue-Ville.

The Crest, A double Floure de Luce.

Supporters, One Angell or two.

Frances d'Orleans, Count of Saint Paul, Councellour of Esta••e, and Captaine of a•• hundred Men of Armes of the Ordenances (Afterward Duke de Fronsac, Peere of France, in regard of his wife, Madame Anne, Inheri∣trixe of the House of Caulmont in Guienne.) Portoit de Longue-Ville, Escartele de Bourbon.

Crest, A double Floure de Luce.

Supporters, One Angell or two.

Anthony de Brichanteau, Lord of Bea••-Nangis, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of fiftie Men of Armes of the Ordenances▪ Portoit d'Azur, à six Bezans d'Argent.. 3.2.1.

The Crest.

The supporters.

Iohn de Beau-Manoir, Lord and Baron of La¦uardin, and of Tusse, Asse, &c. Count of Negr••∣pelice; Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of fifty Men of Armes of the Ordenances. Af¦terward Marshall of France, and Gouernor o•• Maine, Lauall and Le Perche. Portoit d' Az••r, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Vnze Billetes d' Argent. 4.3.4.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Frances Despinay, Lord of Saint Luke, Baron of Creue-Coeur, and Daruert, Peere and Castil∣lian of Cambresis, Councellor of Estate, Cap∣••aine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordenan∣••es, Gouernor of Brou••ge, and of the Isles of ••ainctonge, and Lieutenant Generall for his Maiesty in Bietaigne. Afterward Great Mai∣••••er of the Artillerie of France. Portoit Escar∣••elle, Au Premier d' Argent, au Cheuron d' Azur, ••harge d'Vnze Bezants d'Or. Au Deuxiesme Es∣••artele. Au Premier de Gueules, à la Face d'Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chef Eschicquete de Trois Traicts d' Argent, & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Azur. Au Deuxiesme d' Ermines, à la Croix ••e Gueules, chargee de Cinq Quintefuilles d'Or. ••••u Troisiesme de Gueules, a Deux Bars Adossez d'Or, seme de Treffles de mesme. Au Troisiesme Grand Quartier de Gueules, a Trois Faces d' Or. ••u Quariesme et Dernier Grand Quartier, d' A∣••ur, Frette d'Or.

Crest, A Moores head Black, Banded with Siluer.

Supporters, Two Vnicornes Siluer.

Roger de Belle-Garde, Marquesse de Versoy, Lord and Baron of Termes, Councellour of E∣••tate, Great Esquire of France, Prime Gentle∣man of the Kings Chamber; and afterwardes Gouernour of Bourgongne: beareth as before ••ath beene said.

Crest.

Supporters.

Henry d' Albret, Count of Marempnee, Ba∣••on of Miossens, of Coaraze in Bearn, and of the ••sle of Oleron; Councellor of Estate, and Cap∣••aine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordenan∣••es. Portoit Eseartele, au Premier de France, Es∣••artele d' Albret, qui est de Gueules sans Brizure. Au Deuxiesme d' Azur, a Deux Leopards d'Or. Au Troisiesme de Bourbon. Et le Dernier Escar∣••ele de Foix, et de Bearn.

Crest.

Supporters.

Anthony de Rocquelaure, Lord of the sayde place, of Biran, &c. Councellor of Estate, Cap∣••aine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordenan∣••es, Maister of the Kings Wardrobe. After∣ward Marshall of France, and Lieutenant in the Gouernment of Guienne. Portoit d' Azur, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Deux Vaches de Gueules, Acornees Acollees, & Clarinees d' Azur; au Chef d' Azur, chargee de Trois Estoiles d'Or. Sur le Tout, d'Azur▪ à vn ••yon d'Or.

Crest.

Supporters.

Charles, Sire de Humieres, Marquesse d'En∣••re, Councellor of Estate, Captaine of Fiftie men of Armes of the Ordenances, and Lieute∣nant Generall in Picardie. Portoit d'Argon•• Frette de Sable.

Crest.

Supporters.

William de Hault-Mer, Lord of Feruaques, Count de Grancey, Baron of Maulney, Councel∣lor of Estate, Captain of Fiftie men of Armes of the Ordenances, Lieutenant Generall in Normandie, Marshall of the Campe, and af∣terward Marshall of France. Portoit Escartele, ••u premier, d'Or, a Trois Faces Ondees d' Azur••an Second d' Or, a la Bande Viur••e d'Azur: au Troi∣siesme de Gueules, a trois Bandes d' Argent. Et le Quatriesme & Dernier d' Azur au Lion d'Or, se∣me de Billettes de mesme.

Crest.

Supporters.

Frances de Cugnac, Lorde of Dampierre, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of fifty men of Armes of the Ordenances. Portoit Gyronne d' Argent, & de Gueules de Huict pieees.

Crest, The necke of an Ostridge.

Supporters, Two Sauages.

Anthony de Sylly, Count de la Roche-Pot, Ba∣ron of Montmirall, Soueraigne Danuille, Da∣moiseau de Commerhis, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of an Hundred men of Armes, of the Ordinances. Portoit Escartele, Aux Premier & Quatriesme Quartiers de Silly, & de la Roche Guyon. Aux Deuxiesme & Troisiesme Escartele de Laual & d'Eureux. Sur le Tout de Sarebruche, qui est d' Azur au Lyon d' Argent se∣me de Croix, Recroisetees au Pied fiche de mesme: As you may behold formerly emblazoned.

Crest.

Supporters.

Odet de Matignon, Count of Torigny, Coun∣cellour of Estate, Captaine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances, Marshall of the Field, and Lieutenant for the King in Nor∣mandie. Beareth as before is said.

Crest.

Supporters.

Frances de la Grange, Lord of Montigny, and of Sery, Baron des Ais-d' Angillon, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances, Gouernour of Paris. After∣ward Marshall of France, and Lieutenant Ge∣nerall in the Countries, Blessois, Dunois, Ven∣dosmois, and County of Gien. Portoit d' Azur, à Trois, Ranchers d'Or, Escartele de la Roche-Chouard.

Crest.

Supporters.

Charles de Balsac, Lord and Baron of Dunes,

Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances. Beareth as before hath beene said. Et sur le Tout de Gra∣uille, qui est de Gueulles, à Trois Fermaulx d'Or; Party de Milan.

Crest.

Supporters.

Charles de Cosse, Count of Brisac, Councel∣lour of Estate and Captaine of Fifty men of Armes, of the Ordinances, Marshall and Great Pantler of France, and Lieutenant Generall in Bretaigne. Portoit de Sable, à Trois Faces Den∣chees d'Or.

Crest.

Supporters.

Peter de Mornay, Lord of Buhy, Councel∣lour of Estate, Captaine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances: One of the foure Marshals of the Field, & Gouernour of Paris. Portoit Face d' Argent, & de Gueulles de Huict Pieces, au Lyon brochant sur le Tout, de Sable Co∣ronne d'Or.

Crest.

Supporters.

Frances de la Magdelaine, Marquesse de Rag∣ny, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances, and Gouer∣nour for his Maiestie in the Countrey of Ni∣uernois. Portoit Escartele. Au Premier d'Ermines, à Trois Bandes de Gueulles, chargee d'Vnze Co∣quilles d'Or. Au Seconde d'Or, à Vne Croix An∣chree de Gueules. Au Troisiesme de Gueules à Trois Bandes d' Argent. Le Quatriesme de Bourgongne ancien.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Claude de L'isle, Lord of Marinault, Coun∣cellour of Estate, Captaine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordenances, Gouernour of Laon and Lieutenant Generall in the Isle of France. Portoit de Gueulles à la Face d'Argent, & Sept Merletes de mesme, Quattre en Chef, & Trois en poincte.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Charles de Choiseull, Lord of Praslin, Coun∣cellour of Estate, Captaine of an Hundred Archers, Guards attending on the Kings Bo∣dy, and Gouernour and Bayliffe of Troyes in Champaigne. Portoit d' Azur à la Croix d'Or, ac∣compagnee de Dixhuict Billettes de mesme, Dix aux d••ux Quartiers d'enhault & Huict aux Deux de dessoubs. Escartele de Gueules, au Lyon d'Or, Coronne de mesme. Sur le Tout de Sable, à Deux Faces d'Argent, Escartele d' Argent, au Lyon de Sable.

Crest.

Supporters.

Humbert de Marcilly, Lord of Cipierre, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances, and Marshall of the Field. Portoit de Sable, à Trois Fàces d'Or, à la Bordure de Gueulles. Escartele d'Argent, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Trois Lyons de Sable, Armez & Coron••ce d'Or, 2.1.

The Crest.

Supporters.

Gilbert de Chazeron, Lord of the said place, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances, Gouernour and Lieutenant General in Bourbonnois. Portoit d'Or, au Chef Emmanche de Trois pieces d'Azur.

The Crest.

Supporters.

Rene Viau, Lord of Chanliuaut, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances, & Gouernour de l'Auxerr••is. Portoit de Gueulles, à la Bande d'Or, accompagnee de Six Merlettes de mesme, Trois en Chef, & pa∣reil nombre en Poincte.

The Crest.

Supporters.

Claude Gruell, Lord de la Frette, de la Ve••∣trouse, and of ••ouillet, Captaine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances, and Councel∣lour of Estate. Portoit d'Argent, à Trois Faces de Sable.

Crest.

Supporters.

George Babou, Lord de la Bourdaisiere, Coun∣cellour of Estate, and Captaine of an hundred Gentlemen of the Kings House. Portoit d'Ar∣gent au ••ras de Gueuelles, Sortant d Vn N••••g•• d' Azur Tenant Vne Poignee, de Vesse en Ram•• de Trois pieces de Synople. Escartele de Synople, au Pal d'Argent: Party de Gueulles, au l•• d'Argent.

Crest.

Supporters.

Henry, Duke of Montmorencie, Peere and Constable of France▪ and Gouernour of L••••∣guedock. Portoit de Montmorency, qui est d Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 la Croix de Gueulles, Cantonnce de Seixe All••ri∣ons d'Azur.

The Crest, A Dogge, the Simbole of Fide∣lity. And for the Soule of this Deuice, thi•••• ancient French Motto 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 without fraud, and without error.

The Supporters, Two Angels, for En∣quirie.

Here wee are to note and know, that Hil∣••,

Abbot of S. Denis in France, writeth, to ••ue read the acts of the Life & Martyrdome 〈◊〉〈◊〉 S. Denis the Areopagite, first Bishop of Pa∣••, and of his fellowes, composed in Latine by ••sbius, sonne to a Parisian Gentleman, called ••sbius, Lord of Montmorency. This Lisbius, ••th Hilduin, was the first that receiued Saint ••nis into the Precincts of Paris, and the first ••at Saint Denis baptised. This was also the ••ne Lisbius, that gaue the place and meanes ••nuenient for building an Oratorie, on the ••ombe of Saint Denis and his fellowes, and ••o caused Saint Rieul (Disciple to the Great ••eopagite, to bee sacred the first Bishop of ••lis, by him) with the vertuous Lady Catul∣•• whom some haue written to bee Sister to ••s Lisbius, Lord of Montmorency.

Now although there are Sixe Barronies, all ••iect to the Bishop of Paris, the Lords ••ereof ought to cary the Canopie ouer him ••on the day of his ioyfull entrance, as name∣•• Montmorency, Chereuse, Luzarches, Massy, ••nt-lay, with the Queux in Brie, and each of ••se Barons may take the Title of Baron of ••nce, as anciently they haue done: yet it is ••otwithstanding, that the Sonnes and de∣••dants of this Lisbius, Lord of Montmorency, ••n especiall note of excellencie and prece∣••cie before the other, haue so conserued ••mselues (euen to this very day) in that ho∣••••rable Title of Prime Baron of France, and ••y for their warre-Crye: Dieu Ayde au Pre∣••r Chrestien. Witnessed by the Dogge for ••rest and Embleme, as the marke or note of ••elity, and by the Soule of the Deuice, this ••ient French word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Exempt ••rreur. Giuing all men to vnderstand; that ••hey haue beene the first that receiued and ••raced the faith of Iesus Christ. So in like ••ner they haue neuer been tainted or soyled ••h any heresy whatsoeuer, but haue cōntinu∣•• faithful & cōstant in the true beleefe of the ••urch: & that is the reason, why the Armes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 house are vpheld & supported by Angels. ••ercules de Rohan, Duke of Montbazon, ••re of France, Count of Roche-fort, Coun∣••our of Estate, Captain of an hundred men Armes of the Ordinances, Great Huntsman France, and Gouernour of the Bishoprick, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 County of Nantes. Portoit Escartele. Aux ••ier & Quatrièsme de Rohan, qui est de Gu∣••s à Neuf Macles d'Or, 3.3.3. Au Deuxies∣••e Nauarre, & au Trotsiesme d'Eureux, qui ••e France, au Baston Componne de Gueulles & ••rgent. Sur le Tout de Milan.

Crest. As before.

••upporters. As before.

Charles de Mont-Morency, Lord of Damuille, Count of Secondigny, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of an hundred men of Armes, of the Ordinances, and Admirall of France. Portoit de Mont-morency, à vne Croix d Argent en Abis∣me, ou en Coeur, sur celle-la de Gueules.

Crest. As before.

Supporters. As before.

Alphonso d'Ornauo, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of an Hundred men of Armes, of the Ordinances, Gouernour of Daulphine, af∣terwards of Guienne, and Marshall of France,

Portoit de Gueulles à la Tour Doniconnee & Crenele d'Or, Massonee de Sable. Escartele d' Ar∣gent, au Lyon de Gueulles, au Chef d'Azur, charge d'vne Fleur de Lys d'Or.

Crest.

Supporters.

Vrbane de Lauall, Lord of Bois-Daulphine, Marquesse de Sable, Vicount de Breteau, Coun∣cellour of Estate, Captaine of an hundred men of Armes of the Ordinances, and Marshall of France. Port••it de Mont-morency, la Croix chargee de cinq Cocquilles d Argent. The anci-House of Laual, before it was worne into that of Mont-morency, with reseruation of the Sir∣name of Laual. Portoit de Gueulles, à Cinq Coc∣quilles d Argent. 3.2.

Crest.

Supporters.

Charles de Luxembourg, Count of Brienne, and of Ligny, Councellour of Estate and Cap∣taine of an hundred men of Armes of the Or∣dinances. Portoit d' Argent au Lyon de Gueules Coronne d'Or.

Crest, Mellusina.

Supporters, Two Griffons Gold.

Gilbert de la Tremouille, Marquesse of Royan, Count of Benon, and Baron Delbonne & D' A∣premont, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of an hundred Gentlemen of the Kings House, and Seneshall of Poictou. Portoit Couppe de Huict pieces, Quatre en Chef, Soustenus de pareil nombre en Poincte. Le Premier de Orlean••; Se∣conde de Milan; Tierce de Bourbon; & le Quart de Bretaigne: à la Bordure de Gueulles. Le Cinqui∣esme (qui est le Premier de Soustenu) est d' Apre∣mont, and not of Sauoy, be not deceiued there∣in. Le Sixiesme de Luzignan. Le Septiesme de Coitiuy, & le Huictiesme Mont-Morency-Laual. Sur le Tout, de la Tremouille, qui est d'Or, au Cheuron de Gueulles, accompagne de Trois Ai∣gles, d' Azur, Deux en Chef, & Vne en Poincte.

Lauall is formerly obserued.

Lusignan. Burele d'Argent, & d'Azur, au Lyon de Gueulles, Arme Lampasse & Coronne d'Or, iusques à Huict & Bure, le doibt estre de Dix pieces: herein then is the difference.

And as for the Armes of Apremont, or of Aspremont, an Ea••les or Counts House origi∣nally of Lorraine, wherein the County of A∣premont is seated. Elle porte de Gueules à la Croix plaine d' Argent.

For the Timber or Crest, An Imperiall Mantle or Cloake of Purple, with Tassels or Cordons of Crimson Silke, and the Tassels couered with fine Caules of Gold.

This Mantle serueth for Supporters, and enuelopeth the Escutchion. From forth the necke of the Mantle, issueth a Blacke Eagles head, crowned with Gold.

The Eldest Sonnes of this House, are Lords of Sorre, Vendy, and of Nantueill in Retelois, on the Riuer of Ayne. In the Yeare, One Thou∣sand, Fiue Hundred and Foure-Score. Iohn de Sorcy as chiefe of the Name and Armes of the House of Aspremont, obtained in the Im∣periall Chamber at Spire: Iudgement and Sentence of Restoration to the County of As∣premont, against his Highnes of Lorraine. And since that time, hee hath stiled himselfe Iohn Count of Apremont, Baron of Dun, of Saint Remy, of Sorcy, &c. Being deceased without Issue by his Wife Claudia de Coucy; the Name, Armes and Rights of the Earledome of Apre∣mont, went to the Sons of his Brother Charles, Baron of Apremont, Lord of Nantueill: who in his first Marriage Espoused Lucie, de Villes, by whom he had three Sonnes yet liuing, but not married. His second Wife was Susan de Ha∣range, of the House of Lorraine, Widdow to the Lord de Harancourt, and Mother to the Lord de Harancourt, at this present Gouernour of the City of Nancy. Of this second Mar∣riage are issued two Sonnes, the eldest where∣of is Absolon, Baron of Aspremont, Lord of Nantueill, and Captaine du Vol du Milan pour le Roy▪ Husband to Claudia d'Ey, Daughter and sole Inheretrix to the late Lord of Nouion the County, neere to Fere in Picardy, and of a Daughter of the House of Gramont.

This House of Gramont, originally of the Counts of Bourgongne: Porte d' Azur à trois Testes de Roynes Coronnes d'Or. 2.1. In honoura∣ble memory, that one of this house, combated & ouercame in single sight a Giant who made war against three Sisters, Daughters to a King of Scotland. There are of this House dwel∣ing in Therarche. Of this Marriage between Abscion of Apremont, and Claudia d'Ey is issued a Sonne, aged (at this present) about Seauen yeares old, and named Charles, in whole p••••¦son ought to be the chiefe Name, Armes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Rights, of the County of Aspro••••n••, which the Duke of Lorraine keepeth frō this Family.

The Branche of the Eldest thereof, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the person of the late Iohn d' Aspre•••••• Prince d'Amblise Lord of Lumes, and of ••¦zancie, who dyed in the yeare One Thousand Fiue Hundred and Forty, if I am not decei∣ued. Who left no Issue, but only a Daugh•••••• named Iaquelina d' Aspremont, Wife to Affri∣cano d'Angbure Lord of Burlaimont, to whom shee brought (in Marriage) the Principality of Amblise, the Seigneury of Bezancy, and other Lands belonging to that eldest branch of ••¦spremont, giuen by the Dukes of Lorraine, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 exchange of certaine Rights, which the A••¦premonts of Amblise held in the City of Sa••∣nay, (vulgarly called Stenay) and other neigh∣bouring places, possessed by the Dukes of Lorraine.

By this Marriage of Affricano d'Anglore, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iacquelina d' Apremont, was begotten a younger Sonne, named Affricano d' Angure, Lord of Burlaimont, Prince of Amblise, Generall of the Army of the Duke of Lorraine, deceased: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the said Generall Amblise was slaine in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ouerthrow of the same Armie, at the Siege 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Towne of Beamont in Argonne, in the yea•• One Thousand, Fiue Hundred Four-Score 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Twelue. Returne wee now againe to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Knights of he most noble Order of the H••-Ghost.

Iames Chabot, Mraquesse of Mirebean, Co••¦cellour of Estate, Campe-Maister of the Regi∣ment of Champaigne, and Lieutenant in Bur∣gongne. Portoit d'Or à Trois Chabots de G••••••¦mis en Paulx.

Crest.

Supporters.

Iohn Sire de Bueill, Count of Sancerre, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Maran; Councellour of Estate, Captaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Great Cup taster of France. Portoit d' Ar•••••••• au Croissant montant d'Argent, à six Crux 〈◊〉〈◊〉 croisettees, au Pied fiche de mesme. Escarte•••• Gueulles, à la Croix Anchree d'Or. Sur le 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Daulphine, Escartele de Champaigne; As 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fore hath been auouched.

Crest.

Supporters.

William de Gadagne, Lord of B••••tu••, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Verduu, Councellour of Estate, Cap•••••••••• of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordi•••••••••• and Gouernour in Lyonois. Portoit de G•• la Croix Engreslee d'Or.

Crest.

Supporters.

Lewes de L'Hospital, Baron of ••itry, Coun∣••lour of Estate, Captaine of the Guards, at∣••ding on his Maiesties body, Lieutenant ••nerall in Brie, and Gouernour of Meaux. ••toit Escartele. Au Premier de Naples & de ••ilie. Le Second d' Arragon. Le Troisiesme de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 la, à De ••n L••opards d'Or. Au Qua••••iesme ••ape. Au Premier Face d'Or, & de Gueulles H••ict pieces. Au D••••••iesme de Robin. Su•• le ••d le Gueules au C•••• d'Argent, Creste, Bar••e, ••que & me••••re d'Or, tenant de son••p••ed vne ••asson d'Azur, charge d vne Fleur de Lys d'Or. ••aue seene in the said Armes one Quarter ••ules, a vne Croix Anchree d'Argent Vairee de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pots d'Azur. And so you may see them ••blazoned at the Minimes de la Place Royale Paris, where he lyeth buried.

Crest.

Supporters.

••ons de Lauzieres, Baron of Themines, and Cardailla, Councellour of Estate, Captaine Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances, Se∣••hall & Gouernour of Quercy, & afterwards ••rshall of France. Portoit Escartele. Au Pre∣••r d'Argent, à vn Ozier de Synople. Au Deux∣••ne de Gueulles à Deux Cheures passantes d'Ar∣••t. Au Troisiesme de Gueules, au Lyon d'Argent, Orle de Bezans de mesme. Le Quatriesme, Fa∣•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Or & de Sable, de Six pieces au Chef d'Er∣••es.

Crest.

Supporters.

Lewes d'Ognies, Count of Chaulne, Baron of ••intz, Councellour of Estate Captaine of ••ty men of Armes of the Ordinances, and ••uernour of Mont-Didier, Peronne and Roy. ••areth as before is said.

Crest.

Supporters.

Edme de Malin, Baron of Luz, Councel∣••r of Estate, Captaine of fifty men of Armes ••he Ordinances, and Gouernour in Bour∣••gue. Portoit d'Azur, à vn Sauuage tenant Masse leuee d'Or, Party d'Argent, au Lyon de ••ulles.

The Crest, A Lyon rising Red.

The Supporters, Two Sauages, Gold.

Anthony D'Aumont, Count of Chasteau∣••ll, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of ••ry men of Armes of the Ordinances. Bea∣•• as already hath beene showne.

Crest.

Supporters.

Lewes de la Chastre, Baron of Maison••••••••, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances Beateth as his Father spoken of before.

Crest.

Supporters.

Iohn de Durfort, Lord of Born, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances, and Lieutenant Generall of the Artillery of France. Portoit de Gueules à la Bande & Bordure d'Or.

The Crest.

Supporters.

Lewes de Bueill, Lord of Racan, Councellour of Estate, & Captaine of Fifty men of Armes, of the Ordinances. Portoit Escartele Au-R••∣mier Escartele de Bueill, which is (as wee haue formerly said) d Azur, au Croissant 〈◊〉〈◊〉 d'Argent, accompagnee de Six Croix Rearoiset••es au Pied fiche de mesme, Escartele de Gueulles à 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Croix Anchree d'Or. Au Deuxiesme d'Azur, a vn Aigle d'Or. Au Troisiesme d'Agent, à Trois Cheurons de Gueules, à la Face d'Azur, seme d•• France, au Lyon d'Argent Coronne d'Or.

The Crest.

Supporters.

Claude de Haruille, Lord of Pailaiseau, Coun∣cellour of Estate, Captaine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances, and Gouernour of Compeigne. Portoit de Gueulles, à la Cro•••• d'Ar∣gent, chargee de Cinq Coquilles, de Sable.

Crest.

Supporters.

Eustace de Constans, Vicount d'Auchy, Lord de Brecy le Buisson, Councellour of Estate, Cap∣taine of Fifty men of Armes, of the Ordinan∣ces, Great Marshall of his Maiesties Lodgings▪ and Gouernour of the Towne of Saint Quen∣tins. Portoit d'Azur, seme de Billetas d'Or, au Ly∣on de mesme.

The Crest.

Supporters.

Lewes de Grimouille, Lord of Earchant, Coun∣cellour of Estate, Captaine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances, and Gouernour of Eureux. Beareth as before.

The Crest, A Braches Head, Siluer.

The Supporters, Two Greyhounds, Siluer.

Charles de Neufuille, Baron of Alingcourt, Counceller of Estate, Captaine of Fifty men of the Ordinances. Great Marshall of the Lodgings. Afterward Marquesse of Ville-Roy, and Gouernour of Lyonnois, Beauieulois, and the Forrests. Beareth as his Father Nicholas de

Neusuille, Great Treasurer of the Order, at the first Chapter.

The Crest, An Vnicorne springing, Sil∣uer.

The Supporters, Two Vnicornes, the same.

The Fourteenth Chapter was held in the Church of the Augustines, at Rouen, where were assembled the very Noblest Estates of the Kingdome; the last Day of the Yeare, One Thousand, Fiue Hundred, Foure Score and Sixteene.

IN this Chapter, King Henry the Great (of glorious memory) tooke from the Great Collers of the Order, the Cyphers or Characters of the deceased King Henry the Third, of famous Remem∣brance, his Predecessot in the Place. And in¦stead of them, he caused to be there fixed Tro∣phees of Armes, enterlaced with the Letters H. Crowned: And in the said Chapter were made these Knights following.

Anne de Leuy, Duke of Ventadour, Peere of France, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of an hundred men Armes of the Ordinances, and Lieutenant Generall in the Gouernment of Languedock. Portoit Escartele. Au Premier de Gueules, à Trois Bandes d'Or; ou de Gueules à la Bande d'Or de Trois pieces. Au Deuxiesme de Le∣uy, qui est d'Or, à Trois Cheurons, ou vn Cheuron de Sable, de Trois pieces, according as you please to haue it blazoned. Au Troisiesme de Gueules, à Trois Estoiles d'Or. 2.1. Et le Quatriesme d'Argent, au Lyon de Gueules. Sur le Tout Eschie∣quier d'Or & de Gueules.

Crest.

Supporters.

Iames Mitte, Count of Miollons, Lord of Cheuriers, and of Saint Chaumont in Lyonnois, Councellour of Estate, and Capaine of an hundred men of Armes of the Ordinances. Portoit aux Premier & Quatriesme au Saultoir de Gueules, à l'Orle de Sable, chargee de Huict Fleurs de Lys d'Or. Au Deuxiesme, Bande d'Or & de Gueules de Six pieces. Au Troisiesme d'Or, à la Bande de Gueules. Escartele d'Or au Cheuron de Sable. Sur le Tout d' Argent, à la Face de Gueu∣ler; Party d' Azur.

Crest.

Supporters.

Frances Dauerton, Lord of Bellin, and of Se∣rillac, Baron of Mille, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of Fifty men of Armes, vse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ordinances, and Gouernour de la 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Han. Portoit Escartele. Au Premier & Qu•• me de Guelles à Trois Iumelles d'Argent. A•• Deux & Troisiesme d'Azur, à la Croix d'Or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ty d'Argent, au Lyon de Gueules.

Crest.

Supporters.

Bertrand de Bailleux, Lord and Baron 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Poyane, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of ••¦ty men of the Ordinances, Gouernour of th•• Towne and Castle of Acqs, and Seneshall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Lands of Bourdeaux. Portoit d'Or, au L••¦er Rampnat de Gueules Accolle d' Argent. Es•• tele d' Azur, à Trois Cauuetes d'Argent. If th•• be not Beaked and Ongled, they were M••¦tlets.

Crest.

Supporters.

Rene de Rieux, Lord of Sourdeac, Marque•• d'Oyzant, Councellour of Estate, Captaine o•• Fifty men of Armes of the Ordinances, a•• Gouernour of Brest in Bretaigne, Portoit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Rieux, qui est d' Azur, à Dix Bezans d'Or 3.3 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1. Escartele de Bretaigne. Sur le Tout de Herc•• Qui est de Gueules à Deux Faces, ou vne Fa•• d'Or, de Deux pieces.

Crest.

Supporters.

Brandelis de Champaigne, Marquesse de ••¦lenes, Councellour of Estate, and Captaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fifty men of Armes of the Ordenances. P••¦toit Frette d' Argent & de Sable, au Chef d'A••¦gent, charge d'vn Lyon Naissant, de Gueules. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cartele de Laual. Sur le Tout de Champaigne, P••¦ty d' Azur, seme de France d'Or, au Lyon de ••¦me. See before in Lewes de Champaigne.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Iames de L'Hospitall, Count of Choisy, Ba•• of Montigny, Councellour of Estate, and C••¦taine of Fifty men of Armes of the Ordi••••••¦ces. Porte Escartele. Au Premier de Naples, Deuxiesme d'Escosse. Au Troisiesme de H•• Party d' Arragon,. Au Quatriesme Escartele d•• Tour, & de Bologne. Sur le Tout de l'Hospitall•• est de Gueules, au Cocq d'Argent, Creste, B•• Becque & de Membre dOr.

The Crest.

The Supporters.

Robert de la Vievville, Lord and Baron 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Rugles, and of Arseilliers, Councellour of ••¦state, Captaine of Fifty men of Armes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ordinances, Great Faulconer de France, a•• Gouernour of Mesieres, of Rheimes, the Co••¦••ey

and Duchie of Retelois. Portoit d'Argent, à 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fueilles de Chesne, ou de Hon. 3.2.1.

Crest.

Supporters.

Charles de Matignon, Count of Torigny, ••ouncellour of Estate, Captaine of fiftie Men ••f Armes of the Ordenances, and Lieutenant 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the lower Normandie. Beareth as before is ••d.

Crest.

Supporters.

Anthony des Vrsins, Lord de la Chapelle, and ••f Don, Marquesse of Treinell, and Baron of ••lly, Councellour of Estate, Captaine of fif∣•• Men of Armes of the Ordenances, and ••arshall of the Campe for his Maiesties Ar∣••es. Beareth of the Vrsins, emblazoned in ••e first Chapter, for Christopher de Vr∣••s.

Crest.

Supporters.

After the said Chapter, the King pleased to As∣••ate into the Order:

Prelates.

••mes Dauy, Cardinall of Perronne, Councel∣••our to the King in his Councels of Estate, ••d Priuate, Archbishop of Sens, and Great ••moner of France, by the decease of Regi∣••d de Beaulne. Portoit d'Azur, au Cheuron 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Argent, à Trois Harpes d'Or, Deux en Chef, & ••e en Poincte.

And his Maiestie sent the Collar of his Or∣••r into Italie, to two Lords, that were made ••ights thereof.

Commanders of the Order.

••Om Iohn Anthony Vrsin, Duke of Sancto Gemini, Prince of Scandriglia, Count of ••••lo, &c. Portoit des Vrsins, as before hath bin ••ated.

The Crest.

Supporters.

Dom Alexander, Counte Sforzza, Duke of ••gna, Prince of Valmontana, Count of San∣•• Fiera, Marquesse of Proceno, &c. Portoit Argent, au Lyon de Gueulles, tenant entre 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pattes vne Fleur de Soucy, fueillee de Sy∣••ple.

Crest.

Supporters.

Officers of the Order.

IOhn du Gue, King of Armes of the Order. Portoit d' Azur, au Cheual effraye d'Or, au Chef de mesme, charge d'vne Trefle de Gueulles. After him succeeded in the same Office.

Mathurin Martineau, Lord of Pont. Portoit d Azur, au Demy-Vol d'Azur; Au Chef d Or, charge d'vn Croissant montant de Sable, Costoye de Deux Estoiles de mesme.

Mathurin Lambert, Vsher of the Order. Por∣toit d' Argent au Cheuron d' Azur, charge de Cinq Estoiles d'Or, Accompagnee de Trois Rozes de Gueulles, soustenues de Synople. In the same Of∣fice succeeded him, his Sonne in Law.

Peter de Hanicque, called of Beniamin, Baron of Cheny and of Pre. Porte Escartele. Au Pre∣mier & Quatriesme Eschicquete d'Argent & d'-Azur; Couppe de Gueulles, au Rameau Couche d'Or. Au Deuxiesme & Troisiesme d'Argent, Face en Deuize de Sable, soustenant vn Lyon passant de mesme.

The Fifteeneth Chapter was held in the Great Church of our Lady at Reimes, in the yeare One thousand sixe hundred and ten, on Monday, being the eighteenth Day of October. By

LEwes, thirteenth of that Name, King of France and of Nauarre, on the Morrow after his Sacring, hauing suc∣ceeded in the said Kingdomes, by the vntime∣ly death of his Royall Father, Henry the Great (of glorious memorie) who dyed at Paris on Friday, being the foureteenth day of May, in the said yeare, One thousand sixe hundred and tenne.

His Maiestie hauing bin Sacred on Sunday, being the Seauenteenth of October, by the Il∣lustrious Frances, Duke and Cardinall de Ioy∣euse, Archbishoppe of Rouen, Primate of Nor∣mandie, and Deane of the Cardinals: would likewise receiue (by his hand) The Order of the Holy-Ghost. Which was accomplished at the ending of Euensong, the King hauing taken the accustomed Oath, at the hands of the said Cardinall de Ioyeuse. Then he gaue the Order to his Cousine onely, and to no other.

Commanders of the Order.

HEnry de Bourbon, prime Prince of the Blood and first Peere of France, Prince of Conde, Duke of Anguien, & of Chasteau-Raoul, Count

of Clermont in Beauuasis, and of Soissons, &c. Councellour of Estate, Captaing of an hun∣dre men of Armes of the Ordinances, & Go∣uernour of Guienne, the first Gouerment of France. Porte de France au Baston de Gueules pe∣ry en Bande.

Prelates of the Order,

BY the death of the Cardinall du Perron, happening at the end of the Yeare, One Thousand, Sixe Hundred and Eighteene.

Frances, Cardinal de la Roche Foucauld, Bishop of Senlis, Councellour in the Councels of E∣state, and priuate; was made Great Almoner of France, & associated into the Order of the Holy-Ghost. Portoit Bu••ele d'Azur, & d'Argent, de Dix pieces, (which were the Armes of the first Counts of Lusignan, and de la Marche) à vne Cheuron de Gueules de Trois pieces, brochant & portant sur le Tout.

In this present Yeare, One Thousand, Sixe Hundred and Nineteene, when wee finished this long labour, which had well neere worne vs out of breath: His most Christian Maiesty, in the deuotion which he beareth to the holy Sepulchre of our Sauiour in Ierusalem, and to preserue the memory of his Order of the Ho∣ly-Ghost, in those Marches beyond the Seas, caused to be made (for sending to the said ho∣ly Sepulcher) the Ornaments and deckings necessary for the performance of diuine Ser∣uice there. As namely.

The Adornement for the lower part of the Altar, of Cloth of Siluer, thickly semed with Flowers de Luces of Gold, very highly em∣bossed, and a Great Crosse of the Order of the Holy-Ghost of Gold, couched and beautified with the Armes of France and Nauarre, with the Orders of S. Michaell, and of the Holy-Ghost embroydered round about it.

The Chasuble, two Tuniques, three Coapes, The Miter for the Guardian; the Vaile & Cor∣porall, two Stoles, three Fannes or Ma••••••••▪

The Arras fot the Gospell of fine Clo•• Siluer, and all couered with Golden Flower de Luces, very highly embossed. The whole releuated with embroydery of Gold, and Sil∣uer, Flowers and Characters of the King, a•• namely, the Letter L. crossed in Sault••ire, the Hand of Iustice, and a Scepter, interchangea∣bly wrought with the Queenes Characters 〈◊〉〈◊〉 double A. and all the deckings adorned wi•••• Doues, curiously formed in most rich a•• sumptuous embroydery, couched and q••••••¦red with the Armes of France and of Na••, according as an Altars furnishment should be. I my selfe did see these admirable Ad••••∣ments, the last Lent, in the house of Alexa∣der Paynet, Embroyderer to the King, Queene, and Monsieur, neere to Saint Honorius.

Officers entertained into the Order,

THe same Yeare, by the Resignation, pe••∣formed by the Lord of Rhodes, which wa•• done the Three and Twentieth day of March and deliuered into his Maiesties hands: it ple••∣sed him to make Election of that Noble Gen∣tleman

Henry Augustus de Lomenia, Lord de la V••••¦auclers, Counsellour to the King in hi•• Councels of Estate and priuate, and Secreta•••• of his Commands: hee was honoured wi•••• the Charge and Office of Prouost, & Maiste•• of the Ceremonies of the Orders of France.

Il Porte Escartele. Aux Premier & Der•• Quartiers d' Or, à la Arbre de Synople, aux ••¦nes de mesme, dans lesquelles est vn Tourten 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de Sable. Le Chef d' Azur, Charge de Truis ••¦zanges d'Argent, Aux Deux, Troisiesme d'Azu•• à vne Face de Trois pieces d'Or.

The Crest, A Lyon rising or springing Gold.

The Supporters, Two Lyons, Gold.

HEere thinke we good to breath a while, with concluding this most famous Order of th•• Holy-Ghost, so much renowned through the Christian world, and (in it selfe) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Royall, although it hath proued fatall and vnfortunate. First in the Founder, Henry Third of the Name, King of France and of Poland, murdered by a Iacobine Frier. A•••• then in his Successor, Henry the Fourth, worthily deseruing the Title of Great, as in¦deed all his actions and designes were: yet murdered basely by another Villaine, of who•• wee shall haue more meete place to speake he ereafter, and according as occasion serueth.

FINIS,

The Orders of Mount-Carmell, and of Saint Lazarus: The one reuiued or renewed againe at Paris, by the holy King Saint Lewes, in the Yeare One Thousand, Two Hundred Fifty Foure: And the other there also, by King Henry the Fourth, Sir-named the Great, in the Yeare, One Thousand, Sixe Hundred and Eight.

CHAP. XI.

THE Knights of the Order of Saint Lazarus (euen as the rest were) being expelled and driuen out of the holy City of Ieru∣salem, and likewise from the strong City of Acres:* 18.1 * 18.2 were en∣forced to seeke for their safety in Europe. Whereupon, the good King S. Lewes, returning from his Voyage into those parts, beyond the Seas, which was in the Yeare, One Thou∣sand••, Fiue Hundred Fifty and Foure, in the Moneth of March: he brought with him along from thence a troope of ••ose Knights. To whom he gaue great benefits througout all the Prouinces of his ••ingdome, especially in Townes, Borroughes, & Villages. And so much the rather, ••ecause they addicted themselues, to the curing of diseased persons, namely such as ••e infected with Leaprosie, Meazelrie, and the like, whereby they were segregated ••om the society & companying with any body.

Hee gaue vnto them Borigny, neere to Orleans,* 18.3

[illustration]

〈◊〉〈◊〉 which place those Knights of Saint Lazarus, ••tablished the Seate and abiding for their Great ••aister on whom depended all the Comman∣••ers of the said Order, which remained then in ••ly, Germany and England. For, by the sur∣••izall of Acres, which happened in the Yeare ••ne Thousand, Two Hundred, Foure Score and ••eauen; they were enforced to leaue the East ••rts, to seeke their fortune elsewhere. They held ••eir Generall Chapter euery seauenth yeare, ••hich was obserued sollemnly among them, en∣••ying very great Reuennues: in regard they pos∣••ed all the houses of diseased persons, as Spi••les, ••cke-Hospitals, and the like, throughout all the ••rouinces that were in Europe.

In processe of time, these Knights of Saint Lazarus became married men,* 18.4 & addict∣••g their whole care for the maintenance of their Wiues & Children: began to mis∣••ze & neglect their wonted charitable prouidence, for the curing and recouery of ••ch impotent people. Wherupon, those Princes and Great Lords vnder whom they ••ed, perceiuing their courses to be more popular and licentious, then either their ••ofession allowed, or humane reason permitted: they tooke into their own power, ••d seized on their Commands, Hospitals, and Spittles, reseruing the most part to ••emselues, and giuing the remainder to the Knights of S. Iohn of Ierusalem, now ••med of Malta, but in those dayes of Rhodes.

In the Pontificality of Pope Gregory, the Thirteenth of that Name,* 18.5 (called be∣••re Hugo Bon-Compagnio, Qui Portoit de Gueules au Dragon naissant d'Or) Emanuel Phil∣••ert, Duke of Sauoy, was chosen chiefe and Great Maister of the said Order of S. ••zarus, by Buls directed from the same Pope. Who cutting large thongs out of o∣••r mens Leather; gaue them all the Commanderies, and Spittles for Leaperous ••ople in France, Germanie, Italy and Spaine.

Now concerning France, opposition was made against this Grant,* 18.6 by the King of ••ance & Poland, Henry Third of the Name, of blessed memory: because the chiefe of ••e said Order remaining in his Kingdome, the great Maisters Office therof in meere ••ght & equity appertained to him, rather then to any other Prince of Chrstendome.

the Great Maisters Office thereof, in meere right and equity appertained to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rather then to any other Prince in Christendome.

* 18.7The Knights of Malta, an inuincible band of Souldiers for Iesus Christe and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bulwarke of Christendome, enioyed and possessed the greater part of the Hospi•• and Lazar-houses, belonging to them of Saint Lazarus. Beside an infinite number 〈◊〉〈◊〉 notable Priuiledges, with full and free exemption, from all Tenths and Contri••∣tions; yea, and vniting to their Mansion the Great Maistership of the said Order 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Saint Lazarus. Vntill in our time, when Fryer Aymar of Chates, Knight of Malta and Gouernour of Diepe in Normandy (renowned for his House, and for his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 singular Seruices, which he performed to our latest Kings) forsooke the Title 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Great Maister of the Order of Saint Lazarus.

Concerning the Order of the Virgin Mary of Mount-Carmel.

KIng Henry the Great, Fourth of the Name, of eternall Memory, by the exa•• of the Dukes of Bourbon, and of Vendosme, his most famous Grand-fathers, ••••∣uing in his life time alwayes particular trust and confidence, in the succour 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prayers of the Sacred Virgin:* 18.8 instituted a new Order, in honour of the Virgin Ma∣ry of Mount-Carmell. And composed it of an hundred Gentlemen, all Frenchme•• of remarkable Houses, to wait and attend about his Person in following times, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 occasion should call him to any warre: as a small Battalion of choyce men, and wel•• deseruing to be trusted. To this Order hee destenied and appointed all Comm••••∣deries, & Hospitals: to the end that these Knights of our Lady and of Saint Lazarus, might haue the better meanes to giue their attendance in all necessities.

Pope Paul the Fifth, sitting at that time in the Sacred Seate, confi••med this Institu∣tion, by his Bulle giuen at Rome in the Lateran Pallace, the Fourteenth of the Ca∣lends of March, One Thousand, Sixe Hundred and Seauen. And therein, after 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath extolled the deuotion and Pietie of the most Christian King: by good righ•• he calleth him the Eldest Sonne of the Church, and prescribeth (conformably to the intention of his most Christian Maiesty) the Statutes and the Forme which th•• Knights of the Order should hold afterward.

The Statutes and Ordinances appointed by the King, to be obserued by the Order.

1. THat they shall establish the Chiefe Residencie of their Order, in any City 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Towne, either by Land or Sea, where it shall please the Maiestie of the mo•• Christian King.

2. That no one shall be receiued into the Order, if he be not a French Gentlem•••• Noble by foure R••ces, as well by the Fathers as Mothers side.

3. That the Knights of the said Order shall haue for their Patron, the Sacre•• Virgin, called of Mount Carmell, whose Feast they are to celebrate yearely, the Si••¦teenth day of the Moneth Iuly.

4. That they shall abstaine from eating Flesh on Wednesday in euery weeke: a•• dayly say the Office of the Virgin Mary, or (at least) their Chaplet of Beades.

5. They shall weare on their Cloakes, and on the left side, a Crosse of Taw•• Veluet or Sattin, Anchree à l'Orle a'Argent. In the middest whereof, and in a ro••¦dell, shall bee the Image of the Virgin Mary, entoured with Beames of Gold, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wrought by embroyderie. About their neckes they shall weare an Ancred Crosse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gold, and in the middest thereof (both on the one side and other) the Image of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Virgin Mary, enamelled, hanging at a Riband of Tawny Silke.

* 18.96. They may be married twice in their life time, but no more, and one of the•• must be to a woman that is a widdow onely, and not to be a Trigamus: They sh•• keepe coniugall chastitie, and make a vow to doe it.

7. They are not to be admitted into the said Order, except they be borne in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and loyall Wedlock, and whereof they are to make good proofe. And they may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be admitted into the Profession, vntill they haue fully compleated Eighteene yea•• of Age. And before their entrance, they are to receiue deuoutly the Sacrament 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Body and Bloud of our Lord Iesus Christ.

8 Neuerthelesse, the Great Maister of the Order, may giue and conferre it vpon ••y young Gentlemen, being aboue seauen yeares old, to bee as Pages to the said ••reat Maister.

9. The said Knights are to fight for maintenance of the Catholique and Apo∣••olique Faith▪ at all times, and as often as they shall bee commanded by the Pope, ••e Sacred Apostolicall Seate, the most Christian King, and their Great Maister; ••der whose charge they are to march in Armes, but not otherwise.

10. The said Great Maister shall stand obliged, three Monethes after his no∣••ination by the most Christian King, to procure his confirmation from the holy ••eate, before hee meddle in the Gouernment of the said Great Maistership.

11. The nomination of the Great Maisters, as well for the present, as in times to ••ome: shall appertaine to the most Christian Kings, Soueraignes, and Founders of ••e said Order.

In fauour of whom, the said Pope Paulus Quintus, at the instance and suite of the ••ost Christian King, hath permitted to the Great Maisters of the Order, to haue ••ne Thousand Fiue Hundred Duckats from the Chamber, (that is to say,* 18.10 Sixe ••housand Pounds) and to the Knights and Commanders, Fiue Hundred Duckats, which are Two Thousand Pounds) in Pensions one or more, which are to be deri∣••ed and leuyed on all the Benefices in France, as well Reguler as Seculer, Arch∣••ishopricks, Bishopricks, Abbeyes, as Deaneries, Priories, and Cures.

Moreouer, hee granted plenary Remission of their sinnes, both a poena & culpa, on ••e day of their entring into the Profession; & in the Article of death, being confes∣••d, and repentant for their sins, expressing the same as well with the heart as mouth.

This Order thus instituted and approued by the Pope,* 18.11 his Maiesty named for the ••rst Great Maister of the Order of Our Lady, of Mount-Carmel, and of Saint Laza∣••s in Ierusalem, Messire Phillibert de Nerestamg, a worthy Lord, and famous by his ••eruices performed to the Crowne.

And this nomination happened in the Moneth of Aprill, One Thousand, Sixe ••undred and Eight. And the Thirtieth day of October, in the said yeare, the same ••ord of Nerestamg, at Fountaine-Bleaud, before his Maiesty in the presence of my ••ord the Prince de Conty, the Duke of Aquillon, and other great Lords present in the Court; tooke the Oath as Great Maister of the said Order, swore Fidelity, Obedi∣••nce and Seruice to the King, and his Successors Kings of France, towards all, and a∣••ainst all, without any exception, to keepe and obserue inuiolably the Statutes of ••e Order, and to seeke the aduancing and conseruation thereof.

Which being done,* 18.12 the King did put about his Necke the Crosse of Gold fasten∣••d to a Riband of Tawney Silke, and then cloathed him with the Cloake & Crosse ••f the Order: granting him full power & authority to raise the number of an hun∣••red Knights, without any further augmenting or increasing the number, at any ••me after. According to which Concession, the said Great Maister gaue the Order 〈◊〉〈◊〉 diuers Gentlemen and Pages, in the Church and Monastery of Saint Lazarus, sea∣••ed in the Skirts and Suburbs of Paris.

Now concerning the Great Seale of the said Order,* 18.13 for sealing all Letters and oc∣••sions for the Knights and Officers (it being made of Tinne and Lead) on the re∣••erse side is to be seene a Knight Armed at all points, and his Horse Barded, a shield ••efore him, and a naked drawne Sword in his hand. Round about it as the Legend, ••e these words engrauen. Sigillum Ordinis, & Militiae Beatae Mariae Virginis de Mon∣•• Carmeli, & S. Lazari in Hierusalem.

And on the other side, the Armes of the Lord of Nerestamg, Qui sont Quatre ou ••inq Bandes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Trois Estoiles sur l'vne d'icelles. The Armes are engirt with the Order ••f Saint Michaell, and for the deuise or Legend, twice about is: Philibertus de Ne∣••stamg, Magnus-Magister Ordinis, & Militiae Beatae Maria Virginis de Monte Carmeli, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sancti Lazard in Hierusalem, with the Date, One Thousand, Sixe Hundred ••d Eight.

The Order of Orleans, called, Of the Po••¦cupine: Instituted by Monsieur Lewes of France, Duke of Orleans: In the Yeare, One Thousand, Three Hundred, Foure Score and Thirteene. CHAP. II.

* 18.14THE Originall of the House of Orleans, tooke beg••∣ning in the person of Mounsieur Philip of France, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fourth Sonne of Philip de Valois, Sixt of that Na•• the Line of whom had direct continuance, vntill King Charles Eight of the name, King of France, Ierusalem, Naples, and Sicily; who deceasing without Hey••, the Crowne of France (by that meanes) fell to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 House of Orleans,* 18.15 in the person of Lewes the Twe•• The foresaid Philip of France, married Madam Bl•• the Posthumus-Daughter to King Charles le Bell, and Queene Iane or Ioane of France, the Daughter to Lewes of France; Count D'Eureux. The said Duke of Orleans, had no Issue, and Port••it de France sans nombre au Lambeau de Gueulles.

The Second (and Subiect of this Discourse) had Originall in the person of M••∣sieur Lewes of France, the Second Sonne to King Charles the Fifth, named the Wi••e, borne the Thirteenth Day of March, in the Yeare, One Thousand, Three Hundred, Threescore and Eleuen: His Godfather was Lewes, Count d' Estampes.

* 18.16He had for his Appennage or Portion, the Dukedome of Touraine, which became changed afterward for that of Orleans: Il Porte seme de France au Lambeau d'Argent, but not of Gueulles, as his Predecessor did. Hee had likewise the County of Val••, but hee tooke not the Sir-name thereof, neither the Armes, which were Seme 〈◊〉〈◊〉 France, a la Bordure de Gueules, and here you may behold the Titles which he too•• Lewes, Sonne to the King of France, Duke of Orleans, Count of Valois, of Blois, and of Beaumont, Lord of Coucy, Chasteau-Thierry, &c. Hee had for his Crest the dou•• Fleur de Lys, as a Prince of the Bloud, and (in that respect) his Supporter was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Angell. He had for his Descendants also such as were Dukes of Valois, vnto King Lewes, Twelfth of the Name, who being come to the Crowne, gaue away libera∣ly, and as a Royall Gift, the Countie of Valois to his Cousin Francos of Ango•• and afterward his Sonne in Law.

* 18.17And this hath lien as a stumbling-blocke, in the way of many Annalists of France who haue giuen the Sir-name of Valois to King Frances the First, and to the King his Successors, euen to Henry, Third of the Name, King of France and of Polan•• of sacred memory; For it is a popular errour, and cannot passe for currant, in rega•• that the said King Frances the First, was descended of Mounsieur Lewes of France Duke of Orleans, and so (by consequent) his Sonnes and Descendants bare the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sir-name and Armes, vntill King Frances the First: who carried the Sir-name 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Engoulesme, his Partage, and the Armes of Orleans; yet with Brisure, the pointe•• ••¦pendents of the Labell were charged with Trois Croissants de Gueules.

* 18.18Moreouer it is another popular errour, to giue the Sir-name of Valois, to the ••¦scendants of King Philip de Valois: because when Kings come to the Crowne, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doe lose the Sir-name and Armes of their Portion, Appennage and Patrimony, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their Descendants (not being Kings) take that of the Patrimony which their Fathe•• giueth them: for Kings haue no Sir-names, & therfore it is no good language, to say▪ Lewes of Bourbon, Thirteenth of the name King of France, & of Nauarre; Don Philip••

••ustri••, third of the name, King of Spaine, or Iames Steuart, first of the name, King ••f Great Bretaigne, and the like of other Kings and Princes on the Earth. The same ••lso is to be vnderstood of their daughters, who ought to beare name of the place ••f their Extraction; as Mary of Florence, Anne of Spaine, &c. and not Mary de Medicis, Anne of Austria, Queenes of France. This is spoken (in this passe) but by way of aduise.

Monsieur Lewes of France,* 18.19 Duke

[illustration]

of Orleans, espoused Valentina of Millaine, daughter to Iohn Galeas, Duke of Millaine, and to Madam ••abell of France, daughter to King ••hn. By her he had three Sonnes, ••nd two daughters, as namely ••ine of Orleans, wife to Iohn, se∣••ond of the name, Duke of Alan∣••n, a branch issued from that of ••alois, and whereof hee bare the ••rmes, distinguished De Huict Be∣••ans d'Argent, sur la Bordure de ••ueulles. And the other was Mar∣••aret of Orleans, wife to Charles of ••retaigne, Count d'Estampes, & de ••ertus.

1. His Sonnes were Charles of ••rleans (Sonnes issuing of Sonnes ••f France, doe not carrie the Title ••f Monsieur, nor the Sir-name of ••rance, but onely that of their Fa∣••ers allowance) Father of King ••ewes, called the Twelfth.

2. Phillip of Orleans, Count ••f Vertus, who tooke to wife Ka∣••erine of Bourgongne, daughter to ••hn, Duke of Bourgongne, tearmed ••he Badde, and this Man had not any issue.

3. Iohn of Orleans, Count of Engoulesme, and of Perigueux.

Charles, Duke of Orleans, eldest Sonne to Monsieur Lewes of France,* 18.20 had three ••iues, but the two first had not any issue. At his returne out of England (where he ••d remained euer since the Battaile of Azincourt) he had in his third Marriage (as ••e shall shew hereafter) Marie of Cleues, Niece to Duke Phillip of Bourgongne, se∣••ond of the name, daughter to Adolph, second of the name, first Duke of Cleues, ••nd to his honorable Lady and wife Mary, daughter to Iohn of Bourgongne ••ount d'Estamp••s, but afterward of Neuers, and of Rhetheil, Brother to the said ••hillip of Bourgongne. In which marriage was borne the good King Lewes, twelfth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the name, called The Father of his People, and two daughters: Mary of Orleans, ••ife to Iohn de Eoix, Vicount of Narbonna, and of this marriage issued the valiant ••d generous Prince, Gaston de Foix, Duke of Nemoux, slaine at the Battaile of Ra∣••an••▪ and Germaniae de Foix, second wife to King Ferdinand of Arragon, Vsurper ••f the Kingdome of Nauarre. The other Daughter was Anne of Orleans, Lady Ab∣••esse of Font-Euraud.

Iohn of Orleans Count of Engoulesme, third Sonne of the said Monsieur Lewes of ••rance; was famous for his Sanctitie of life, and whom we will speake of,* 18.21 albeit ••riefely. His Father being vnfortunately murdred by Iohn, Duke of Bourgongne. ••ir named the Bad or Wicked (as we shall hereafter relate more at large) Valentina 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Millaine, to be reuenged on this Assassinate: made her recourse to the King of ••ngland, who sent her an Armie, conducted by the Count of Clarence. He made shew, as if he would worke wonders, and got assurance for the charges of his voy∣age,

which amounted to the summe of two hundred thousand Crownes, for the ••••••¦paiment whereof, Madame Valentina gaue in hostage the said Iohn of E••go••lesme her, Sonne, then aged no more then nine yeares. Conueyed hee was into England, Anno foure hundred and thirteene, and there he remained two and thirtie yeares, euen vntill One thousand foure hundred fortie fiue, when hee returned home into France, after hee had paied the summe for which he stood engaged: as well by the sale of his moueables, as by the Countie of Perigort, bought by the Vicount of Li∣moges, Iohn of Bretaigne.

* 18.22During the time of his Adolescencie in England, he wrote (with his owne hand) the Distickes of Morall life, acknowledged vnder the name of Cato. Although some other doe auouch, that they were reduced into some better forme, by that great Light of the Church Saint Hierome, yea, and thought to be made by him in his ••ea∣der youth, writing Commentaries vpon them, drawne out of diuers Authors of his owne reading. At his returne into France, he put them into the Sacristi•• or Vestrie of Saint Peter at Angoulesme, at the surprizall whereof by the enemies, they were consumed to ashes.

The ordenarie residing of this Prince, was at the said place of Angoulesme, vpon the top of an high Mountaine, the foote whereof is laued by the Riuer of Charente•• which doth as much at Coignacke (in the Diocesse of Xainctes) the place of the birth of King Frances the first; and from thence trauersing thorow Xaintonge, goeth, and looseth it selfe in the Ocean Sea.

A few memorable Obseruations, concerning the Holy and Deuout Life and Death of this worthy Prince Iohn of Orleance.

* 18.23THe first Rule enioyned by him to the Officers of his Court, was to abstaine from Swearing, and blaspheming the Sacred name of God; nor once to name the Diuell in their mouthes. If any happened to saile herein; their wages being paid, they were banished from his Court, and caused afterward to be punished by Iustice, according to the qualitie of their blasphemie: yea, oftentimes, himselfe would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on the Iudgement Bench; that the distribution might be with all equitie, according to the Lawes, and the Customes vsed in that Countrey.

Daily he repaired to the Church, wearing a long gowne, and, for examples sake to his Subiects; on the solemne Feast dayes of the yeare, he receiued by his Curate his Creator,* 18.24 in presence of the people, hearing two or three Masses euery day: And at the ending of them, himselfe distributed to the Poore, such moneyes as ••e kept expresly (for the purpose) in his Almes Purses, and neuer went abroad with¦out them.

On Wednesday he abstained from eating of flesh, and on Fridayes would feed••, on nothing but Fruites, Hearbes or Pulses: Fasting alwayes on the Eeue of the Purification of our Lady,* 18.25 called Candlemasse, with Bread and Water; as also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lent, and the foure especiall times of the yeare. He would exhort and Preach 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Houshold people; to Fast three dayes in the Weeke, during the holy ti•••• of Lent.

He much delighted in the discoursings of the Bishop of Angoulesme, Messire ••••¦bert de Montbrun,* 18.26 and of an Augustine Fryer, named George, Learned and ski•• men in Diuinitie, hauing alwayes their company about his person. After his daily repasts, he caused one to play vpon the Harpe before him, hauing taken a feli•• therein while he liued in England, where that Instrument is much more common and familiar, then it is in France.

He went very meanely garmented, of plaine common Cloath, and of Ashes co••lour: except on good and solemne Feast dayes, when (for honour and decence•• he wore them of Cassocke fashion,* 18.27 composed of Sattin, and other long Roabes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Silke. Nor would he suffer his Subiects and followers, to be excessiue in costlin•••• on their habits, with Laces of Siluer or Gold: except such as were renowned 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Valiancie, or honoured with the Order of Knighthood. At his Table, he was not superfluous in Viandes: hee did eate but little, and tempered his Wine ve∣ry much.

In the Moneth of May, One thousand foure hundred threescore and seauen,* 18.28 ••udging in his owne Soule, that his ending approached neere: He made his Te∣stament, giuing good Legacies to Churches, and to his Houshold Seruants, leauing to his Sonnes the care of discharging them, and to his Wife, his Lands and pur∣••hases. He dyed in the yeare following, Threescore and eight, the last day of A∣prill (the Feast day of Saint Eutropius, the Apostle of Xainclonge) at the Castell of Coignack. He dyed in his Garments, and vpon the Couerlet of his Bed, for hee would not depart the World betweene Sheetes. Fryer George alwayes thus sung ••n his eare: Iohn, you must dye, and therefore remember, that Iesus Christ dyed for you. His Soule tooke her flight to the Celestiall Kingdome, saying his ordenary Prayer of the houres of the Crosse. Domine Iesu Christe Fili Dei viui, pone Passionem, & mor∣••em tuam, inter iudicium, &c.

His Buriall was in the Cathedrall Church of Saint Peter of Angoulesme, where his Widdow and Sonnes erected a Marble Tombe for him;* 18.29 which was hewne ••owne in pieces, when the enemies tooke the Citie, in Anno One thousand fiue hundred threescore and two, and threescore and eight. But thirtie yeares after, the Canons causing Stones to be taken forth of the Vaults in the Quire, which were ••eaten downe by the enemies: found in the same Caue part of the Princes Body, without any iniurie done thereto, or any putrifaction whatsoeuer. An hu••dred yeares after it had bin buried, it was put into a Chest of Lead, and is there kept to this day) among the monuments of the Church; whereto (in elder times) were many Pilgrimages performed from all parts of France, and an infinite number of people receiued there helpe, as well for Feauers as other diseases, at the Tombe or Sepulcher of this deuout Prince, as is reported.

In the yeare One thousand fiue hundred and eighteene, at the request of King Frances, his yongest Sonne, during the time of Pope Eugenius, fourth of that name, ••••essire Anthony d Estain, Bishop of Angoulesme,* 18.30 made information of the Life and ••eath of this holy Prince, as also of his famous Miracles, by the depositions of ••n hundred and twentie eight Witnesses, aged threescore and eight yeares at the ••east. And by whom it appeared, that from the time of his being in England, the ••e••owne of his deuotion and singuler pietie was so great; that at the Counsell of Ba∣••le, it was propounded to haue him chosen Pope.

But God reseruing him, to be the Original and sourse of so many Kings of France; ••o wit, Frances the first, Henry the second, and his Children: At his returne from England, he tooke to wife Margaret de Rohan, in the yeare foure hundred fortie ••nd nine, by whom he had two Sonnes and a Daughter; Iane of Orleans,* 18.31 wife to Charles de Coitiuy, Lord of Tallebourg, who had but one onely Daughter, wife to the Prince of Taillemont, eldest Sonne to the Lord of Trimouille.

His Sonnes were Lewes (held at the Font of Baptisme, by King Charles the sea∣••enth) who dyed yong, and was enterred at Bote-Ville in Angoulmois. And Charles, who was his Successour in the Countie of Angoulesme,* 18.32 and had to wife Louisa de ••auoye, daughter to Phillebert, Duke of Sauoye: by whom he had a Sonne and a daughter, Margaret of Angoulesme, wife (in first Marriage) to Charles, the last Duke of Alanson, and last Prince of the branch of Valois, because he had no linage. And in second Marriage, she espoused Henry▪ second of the name, King of Nauarre, ••onne to King Iohn d'Albert, and Queene Katherine of Nauarre, from whom the ••ing of Arragon, Ferdinand, vniustly vsurped the Kingdome of Nauarre, in the Moneth of Iuly, One thousand fiue hundred and thirteene. Of this marriage was ••orne their onely daughter, Madame Iane or Ioane of Nauarre, ioyned at the age of ••ine yeares (by King Francis the first, his Vncle) with the Duke of Cleues and Gulich, ••illiam, onely masle childe to Iohn, first of the name, and married to Monsieur the Prince, Anthony of Bourbon, Duke of Vendosme, fift Prince of the Blood. Of which marriage issued a Sonne and a daughter, Madame Katherine of Bourbon, Princesse of Nauarre, Wife to Monsieur Henry of Lorraine, Marquesse du Pont, afterward Duke

of Lorraine, and of Bar, who dyed without any issue: And

Henry of Bourbon, fourth of the name, King of France, and of Nauarre the thi••••, called the Great, of eternall memorie: Let vs now take againe the Branch of Or∣leans.

Monsieur Lewes of France, Duke of Orleans, beside his legitimate Children for∣merly named, had by the Lady of Canny, wife to Messire Aubert de Can••y, a Knight of Picardie,* 18.33 a Sonne named Iohn, tearmed the Bastard of Orleans, who was Co•••• of Dunois, and of Lougue-Ville. Porta d'Orleans au Filet de Gueulles, brochant s•••• le tout, tirant de la droitte à la gauche, which signifieth Bastardise. His descent hath co••∣tinned the said Armes of Orleans, Au Filet d' Argent, de la gauche à la droitte, for a signale of legittimate birth. This Count of Dunois was so hardie and couragious in Warre, that his Militarie exploits hath made his memorie honorable for euer. For, next to Ioane d' Arc de Dompremy, Sir named The Pucelle of Orleans: He was the prin∣cipall instrument, for expelling the English forth of France, and deserued the name of Cheualier Sans Reproche,* 18.34 & de L'Escu des Francois. So that, to make acknowledge∣ment of the worthy Seruices by him peeformed, King Charles the seauenth, made him Great Chamberlaine, a dignitie continuing to his Posteritie, the Dukes of Longue Ville, with the Sir-name and Armes of Orleans, vntill the Reigne of yong King Francis, who was the second of that name.

At the Sacring of the said King,* 18.35 the Duke of Longue-Ville that then was, being vn∣willing to stand taxed with nouell matters of Religion (so speaketh the President of the Place in his memories) the Office of Great Chamberlaine of France, came to the House of Guise, with the Sir-name and Armes of Lorraine: in the person of Francis de Lorraine, Duke of Guise, vnto whose descendants, this Office of the Crowne is yet remaining to this day.

The ranke or place of this Great Chamberlaine, is to lye couched at the Kings s••ene, when he sitteth on his Throane of Iustice, and at his Sacring: but at his entring into Townes and Cities, he followeth the very neerest person behinde his Maiestie.

Lewes of Bourbon, second of the name (called the Good) Duke of Bourbonnois and of Auuergne, held it a great honour, to be the Great Chamberlaine of France, so is it said to vs in his Chronicle. King Charles, fift of the name, departing out of this life, to another much better, the yeare of Grace One thousand three hundred fourescore and eight, the Princes of the Blood Royall, the Dukes of Berry, of Bourgongne, and of Bourbon, conducted the yong King, Charles the sixt, to be Sacred and Crowned at Rheimes. To honor the King there, there wanted no Chiualrie, nor Royall Feasting fit for the time.

After the Sacred Vnction, the King was seated at an high Table of Honour, and the Duke of Bourbon, who was Peere and Chamberlaine of France, gaue him Three of his Knights;* 18.36 one whereof stood at his right side, and the other on his left, and the third behinde at his backe, beside an Esquire at his feete (Obserue I pray you the auncient Ceremonie)) The three Knights were Messire Guichard Daupbin; Messire Guy le V••∣ueux, and Messire Iohn de Laye. And the Squire that was vnder the Table, where the King did set his feete, was Iohn de Castelmorant; in this manner was the King seated, Her by wee may remember, what hath bin noated by our illuminated Romaines, that our Kings being at the Table, or seated on their Throane: an Esquire lyeth couched at the Kings feete, vpon whose hands or breast, are the Kings fe••••e placed.

At the entrance of King Charles the seauenth into his Citie of Paris, the morrow af∣ter Saint Martins day in Winter, One thousand foure hundred thirty seauen, the Equi∣page of this Count of Dunois, is thus described by Alanus Chartierus.

* 18.37Behinde followed the Bastard of Orleans, Armed at all points, he and his Horse co∣uered with Goldsmiths worke, and a rich Chaine of Gold, trailing behinde on the backe of his Horse, made like great Oaken Leaues, each Leafe weighing filtie Mar•• This was the man, that conducted the Kings Battalion, consisting of a thousand La••∣ces, Armed at all points, and their Horses barded.

King Charles gaue him this dignitie, not so much for acknowledgement of Seruice done by him to the Crowne; as to take away iealosie in the Princes of the Blood,

who then were a great number (which was the strength of the Kingdome) of mak∣••ng him march as a Peere with them. Hereafter we will set downe the Genealogie ••f this Count of Duuois, which continueth yet to this day. Hereupon this place was giuen him, by meanes whereof, and without enuie, he might appeare with the chiefest and neerest about the King: being compelled by his place, to lye at his feete when he sate on his Throane, and to come behinde his Horse, when he road abroad ••n Royall manner.

The said Monsieur Lewes Duke of Orleans, was (thorow enuie of gouernement) ••ruelly murdered at Paris, in the Streete Barbette, with Axes, by eighteene murde∣••ers, the conducters whereof was a Norman, named Rollet d' Auctouille,* 18.38 William ••nd S••az de Courte-heuze, Brethren (Scaz being a Groome of the Chamber to the ••aid Duke of Orleans, Natiues of the Countie of Guienne) and Iohn de la Mothe, hous∣••old seruant to Iohn, Duke of Bourgongne, Author and procurer of this execrable murder, committed on the person of the onely Brother to the King, and of his Cousine Germaine, on Wednesday, being Saint Clements day, the two and twen∣••ieth of Nouember, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred and seauen, about ••he houre of eight in the night time. This poore Prince with the first stroake of an Axe, had his right hand cut off, and his head quartered in such manner, as his ••raines were scattered on the pauement, he dying presently in the place. With him was slaine a Germaine Squire, who had bin his Page, and seeing his Maister ••mitten downe, fell vpon him to saue his life, and receiued the blowes meant to ••is Maister.

About halfe an houre after the murder committed, the people belonging to the Duke of Orleans, tooke vp his Body, and carried it to the House of Messire Peter ••e Rieux, of Bretaigne, Marshall of France, neere to the place of the murder, and hauing wrapped it in a faire white Sheete, they bare it thence to the * 18.39 Blancs-Man∣••auz, then called Guillemins, neighbouring to the Hostel de Rieux. The Body was ••fterward laid in a Coffin of Lead, and on Thursday in the morning after the mur∣••er: his right hand was found by his followers, and with such part of the braines ••s were left, put likewise into the Leaden Coffin. Soone after, all the Princes be∣••ng then in Paris (except the King and Messieurs his Sonnes) went to the Blancs-Manteaux, as namely; King Lewes of Sicilie, the Dukes of Berry, Bourgongne, and ••ourbon; the Marquesse du Pont, the Counts of Neuers of Clermont, of Vendosme, ••f Saint Paul, and of Dampmartin; Charles d' Albert, Count of Dreux, Lord of ••raen, and of Silly. Constable of France, with all the Lords and Gentlemen of ••he Court.

Thither likewise came all the Cleargie, of the Parishes and Monasteries in Paris,* 18.40 ••nd in manner of Procession, filled with griefe and lamentations; brought the Bo∣••y from the Church of the Guillemins, and carried it to the Church of the Cele∣••ines, the Esquires of the deceased Duke carrying lighted Torches all the way be∣••ore the Body. The foure corners of the Pa••l being borne vp by the King of Sicilie, ••nd the Dukes of Berry, of Bourgongne, and of Bourbon, Princes of the Blood, Vnckles ••nd Cousines Germaine to the dead Duke. After that Seruice was solemnely per∣••ormed at the Celestines, the Body was enterred in the Chappell of Orleans, which ••ee had caused to be builded, and appointed for the place of his buriall, and his kin∣••ed. At his feete was the murdred Esquire laid, that lost his life vpon his Maister, de∣••ring to saue his.

Beneath on the Windowes in this Chappell,* 18.41 are represented (according to the ••fe) the Pictures of the Princes of the House of Orleans: beginning at King Charles ••t of the name, Father to Charles the sixt, and to the said Duke of Orleans; vntill ••e Duke of Alanson, Monsieur Frances of France, the last Sonne to King Henry the ••cond.

The Portraiture of the said Duke Lewes, beside that in the Windowes,* 18.42 and on his ••ombe of Alablaster, is seene depicted in Oyle (after the life) on a doore of Wood, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the right side of the Altar in the same Chappell. He is figured of the same Age, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 when he was murdered (sixe and thirrie yeares old or thereabout) Antiquely ha∣••ted, according as the times then were. A long Red Cassocke or Gowne, furred

with Ermines, as worne ouer his Hose and Doublet, the sleeues of the Go•• being wide and large, as our Roabes are at the Pallace, not hauing any opening 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at the necke, to passe the head out at, which opening about the necke aloft, is gar∣nished with adornings of Ermines. and thereupon a Coller of Stones. Before, vpon the right shoulder, is painted a Starre in Gold, to shew, that hee was Knight of the Starre, it being then the Order in France, and his Cassocke guirded with a Gird••, fastened with a Buckle and Tongue. Before him is the figure of Death, very stea•••••• and dreadfully made, holding in his hand a Dart or Iauelin, wherewith hee endea∣uoureth to strike the Duke, who to guard and defend himselfe, offereth his hand i•• resistance. Betweene them standeth a faire Fruite Tree, well laden with Appl••, some whereof appeare to be ripe, but others not, the true Symbole of humaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and about it is his Deuise: Iuuenes, & Senes Rapio. On the Dukes head is written; Lewes Duc D'Orleans Ayeul du Roy Louis Douxiesme du Nom.* 18.43 Lewes Duke of Orlea••, Grand-Father to King Lewes, Twelfth of the name.

This disastrous death of the Duke of Orleans, affrighted all the Princes and Lords of France. Queene Isabell of Bauaria (who was then tearmed La Grand Gorre, for her brauery in habits after the Germaine fashion, instead of attyring her selfe accor∣ding as the French Ladies did) lying then in Childe-bed, was speedily transported to the Hostel Sanct Pol, and lodged close to the Chamber of King Charles the sixt, her Husband, who was so terrified with this vntimely death, that hee fell into his wonted distraction of minde. All the Bourgesses and Cittizens of Paris Armed themselues,* 18.44 guarding the Streetes night and day, for the space of fifteene dayes and nights. Likewise suddenly entred into Armes the Counts of Sainct Paul, of D•••••• martin, and others beside, watching and warding the Hostel of Saint Paul, as fearing least worser accidents shall happen.

Iohn, Duke of Berry, already stept farre into yeares (for he was aboue threescore and twelue) was so affrighted with the death of his Nephew Lewes, thus happening in the floure of his time;* 18.45 that he had death daily before his eyes, as he said himselfe, beholding him on his one side, and his Nephew on the other. And yet he li••ed ten yeares after, dying in the yeare foure hundred and seauenteene, aged then foure∣score and fiue yeares.

In memorie of this his Nephewes vntimely death, he caused to be figured on the Meridionall Gate of Saint Innocents Church (where is the great Churchyard be∣longing to the Citie of Paris) the Historie of three Deathes, that appeared to three liuing Gallants hunting in a Forrest. The three Deaths were pictured in their hide∣ous deformitie of bare Skellitons, and the three Iouiall youths standing gastly ama∣zed,* 18.46 with the sight and apprehension of three such gastly shapes: that they forsooke their pleasures and braueries of the Court, yea, and the delights of this miserable world, onely to prepare themselues for death. Which is nothing else but a sweet slumber, to such as liue after the will of God: but to the wicked, the gate and en∣trance into endlesse torments.

The Latine Verses made vpon this Meditation, are these following: Those of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gallants, are to be obserued by themselues.

Aspice florentes humano in corpore vultus, Aspice Fortunae prospera fata Deae: Delicias (dum fata sinunt) ludosque, iocosque Suminus, & toto gaudia mille sinu.

But vpon this conference, the three Deaths presenting themselues vnexpected, answered them.

Viximus, sed multo quondam resplenduit aetas Ornatu, sed nunc nil nisi puluis adest: Aspice quam fragilis viuas tu putre cadauer, Tempore sic fies vermibus esca breui.

The remonstrances or admonitions, both of the one and other, are couched 〈◊〉〈◊〉

French Verses, answerable to those times, carued in faire large Stones, vnder the ••ngrauing of those figures; are on the vpper part of the Frieze, these other French Verses.

Eu l'An Mil-Quatre Cents Huict, Iean Duc de Berry Trespuissant, En toutes vertus bien instruit, Et Prince en France florissant, Par humain cours lors cognissant, Qu'il conuient toute creature, Ainsi que Nature consent Mourir, & tendre à pourriture; Fist tailler icy la Sculpture, Des trois Vifs aussi des trois Morts, Et de ses dorniers la facture, En paya par iustes accords, Pour monstrer que tout humaine corps, Tant ayt biens, ou grande Cite, Ne peut euiter les discords, De la mortelle aduersitie. Donc pour auoir foelicite, Ayons de la Mort souuenir: Afin qu apres perplexite, Puissions aux saincts Cieux paruenir.

The French Verses conuerted into English, line by line.

IN th'yeare One thousand foure hundred eight, Iohn, Duke of Berry, potently liuing, Enstructed in all vertues, firme and strait, A Prince in France right fairely flourishing, By humaine course well vnderstanding That euery creature (by iniunction, As Nature hath giuen her consenting) Must dye, and yeelde vnto corruption: Here caused to be made this Monument, Of three aliue, and of as many dead; And as the three last doe their shape present, So must Lifes paiment be accomplished. To shew vs what all humaine bodies are Though storde with goods, Townes, greatest potency; Yet cannot shun those discords that make square, And waite vpon mortall aduersitie. Then, that we may enioy Felicitie, Let vs remember still; That we must dye, So, after this fraile Lifes perplexitie; Our Soules will to the holy Heauens flye.

In the voide places about these Verses, are the Armes of the said Duke of Berry, ••hich are Seme de France sans nombre, à la bordure simple de Gueulles,* 18.47 like vnto those of ••lois and Aniou. Wherein there is a fault, because the Bordure ought to be Engrai∣•••• Gueulles pour Brizure; as those be at the holy Chappell of Bourges, builded & foun∣••d by this Duke and his wife, who are buried within the Quire thereof.

The Funerals being performed, diligent search was made for the Authors of this ••rder, and on the very same day the Prouost of Paris, William de Tignouille, made ••ure on the person of Messire Aubert de Canny, suspected of this murder, in regard ••his wife, gouerned by the deceased Duke: but he was found innocent, and set at

liberty. So that to make an ex••ct inquisition for the Authors thereof, the G•• of Paris were kept lockt vp fast; two onely excepted, S. Iames and S. Denys, with very strong Guards, to see what they were that issued forth.

Tignouille had discouered, that at the same instant as the Duke was massacred, a Wa∣ter-Bearer to the Duke of Bourgougne, had beene knowne among the eighteene, who had let fire on a House (neere to the place where the murderers were hid) & where then hung for a Signe,* 18.48 the Image of our Lady, neere to the Gate Barbette. For the As∣sassinates (to saue themselues after the murder (from being discouered) had set the said House on fire, crying out aloud themselues, Fire, Fire; onely to amaze the people of Paris. But they were withdrawne directly to the Hostel d'Artois, next adioyning 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that of Bourgongne; and in their flight, had throwne Calthrops (made of Iron) in the Streets, to hinder the people from following after them.

On Friday, the Princes and Lords went to the Hostel de S. Paul, where then the King was lodged, to consult with his Counsell about this murder. Tignouille deman∣ded power of the King, to enter the houses of his Seruants, and the Hostels belong∣ing to the Princes of his Bloud: which was granted to him, and with francke good will, King Lewes of Sicilie, and the Dukes of Berry and Bourbon, gaue him authority to goe and make search in theirs.

The Bourgongnon, bitten by the worme of conscience, fearing such a sound and se∣uere search:* 18.49 tooke Lewes King of Sicilie (chiefe of the Counsell, during the sicknes of the King) aside into a corner of the Counsell Chamber, and Iohn, Duke of Berry, his Vnckle. To them he freely confessed, that by the instigation of the Diuell, hee had caused the murder to be effected, wherof he repented himselfe. At which wor•• the hearts of the two Princes, being ouercome with sorrow and passion: the Coun∣sell was adiourned till the morrow, being Saturday in the morning, and at the Hos•••• de Neesle, called at this present De Neuers, appertaining to the said Mensieur Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 France, Duke of Ferry.

Nor did the Duke of Bourgongne faile to come thither, accompanied with Valer•• of Luxemburg, Count of S. Paul, his Cousine: but the Duke of Berry sent him word, that he should attend vntill such time as he was sent for. The Duke of Berry disco∣uered to the Counsell, the confession of the Duke of Bourgongne, his Nephew; where∣upon, the Duke of Bourbon caused it to passe by plurality of voices, that the person 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Bourgongnon should be kept safe. And to seize on his Body, the Count of S. Pau•• was called into the Counsell Chamber. When the Bourgongnon perceiued, that he wa•• debarred from entrance thereinto; reuoluing in his minde, the abhomination of hi•• execrable crime,* 18.50 the apprehensions of imprisonment, with pursuite of a violent death, he departed thence suddenly, without speaking any thing, & passing the Seine, wen•• to his Hostel of Artois.

Mounting on Horsebacke with sixe of his followers, he rode forth at the Gate 〈◊〉〈◊〉 S. Denis, and neuer left gallopping, till he came to Pont Saint Maixance, ouer the Ri¦uer of Oise. causing Plancks of Wood to be cast after him in the middest of the R••¦uer, because he would preuent all pursuite. So, without looking behinde him, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stayed no where on the way, till he came to Bapaumes, where he slept the quarter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an houres space, going to take his repast in the Citie of Arras, & without soiourni•• there, went to lodge in the Isle of Flanders. His flight being discouered, he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 speedily followed, by sixe and twentie Men of Armes belonging to the Duke of O••¦leans; who were enforced to turne backe againe at Pont Saint Maixance.

This vnfortunate murder, vnderstood by the Duchesse of Orleans, Madam Vale••¦na of Millaine;* 18.51 she appeared in person at Paris the tenth day of December followin•• accompanied with her yongest Son Iohn, Count of Augoulesme, & with Madam ••¦bell of France, daughter to King Charles the sixt, Widdow to the King of Eng•• Richard second of the name, and first wife to Charles, Duke of Orleans, eldest So•• to the deceased.

Before her went King Lewes of Sicilie, the Dukes of Berry and of Bourbon, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Counts of Clermont, Iohn Sonne to the Duke of Bourbon, and of Vendos••e, both 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them of the House of Bourbon; D'Albret, Constable of France, and all the Lor•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Court, who conducted her to the Hostel of Saint Paul, where she, her S••

••nd his Lady fell on their knees before the King, requiring Iustice for the death of ••is Brother. Which he promised to performe, and taking her vp from the ground, ••issed her, being both drowned in teares with the iustice of their griefe.* 18.52 Vpon this ••ssurance, the Duchesse went to lodge at the abiding of Orleans, neerest to that of ••eesle: that is, where (at this present) are the Houses of Guesle, du Tillet and du Lac, ••oyning to the Port of Bussy; containing backward the Court de Rouen, Le Rues de l'Es∣••eron, and of Saint Andewe de Laas, where were the Stable and Offices appertaining ••o the dwelling of Orleans.

The Duchesse being in her mourning habits, returned againe to the Hostel of Saint Paul, still there requiring Iustice, and still the same being there promised her. And ••auing fully restored to her, the Countie of Vertus, with other Lands and Seigneu∣••ies for her and her Children, which were held by her Husband; and deliuering to ••he King the Oath of Fidelitie: shee returned to her Castell of Blois, the ordenary ••welling for the Dukes of Orleans, vntill the time of King Lewes the twelfth.

The Bourgongnon summoned to yeelde himselfe in the Citie of Amiens,* 18.53 to make ••nswer to the King of Sicilie, Lewes, and the Duke of Berry, deputed by the King and Counsell, concerning the death of the late Duke of Orleans, at the same place to ac∣••nowledge his offence. Thither he came, but suited with such company; as (with∣out performing any thing) they returned backe to the Citie of Paris; whether the Bourgongnon as speedily followed them in Armes, although the King had expresly ••ommanded him to the contrary.

And being come to Paris, to his Hostel d'Artois; hee caused himselfe to be ••ngirt with strong Pallisadoes; and Barriers of Wood, raising there a new square Tower, making therein an high Chamber, well furnished with murderers, where he meant to lodge, and keepe himselfe in securitie. This is the Tower which wee see ••ehinde the Hostel of Bourgongne, at Logis de l'Abistrade. Hauing obtained Audi∣ence, hee made his defence, not by any Aduocate, that would prophane him∣selfe, by pleading a case so sinfull and deplorable: but a certaine man,* 18.54 called Iohn Pe∣••it, a Doctor in Diuinitie, and a Norman by Nation, whose vendible tongue, being ••ltogether mercenary, was infected and worme-eaten with the poyson of Auarice, as we haue beheld too many in these times of ours, that easily are infected with the Oyle of Gold, the yellow colour thereof so highly pleasing them.

This Doctor, corrupted with infernall and diabolicall Doctrine, excused the Bour∣••ongnon, instead of accusing him, writhing the nose of the Sacred Scriptures, accor∣••ing to the manner of Heretiques, and expounding them answerable to his owne ••oolish and depraued iudgement. Declaring, that he ought to be commended for ••he murder, by him committed on the person of the late Duke of Orleans: not for∣••etting to alleadge many Histories out of the Holy Scriptures, drawne in constrai∣••edly by the eares, and as badly vnderstood, yet stoutly vouched by this ignorant Doctor. Inducing from thence, that vpon good and iust cause,* 18.55 the Duke of Orle∣••ns was thus slaine, because he had bin the Motiue and Author for charging the peo∣••le with Taxations, Imposts and Subsidies; & that (in this respect onely) the Duke of Bourgongne deserued praise, sallarie and recompence. So that it was necessarily need∣••ull, to implore (on his behalfe) the mercy and clemency of the King.

In briefe, he concluded his friuolous Oration, with this hellish Maxime: That it ••as lawfull for any Subiect, according to the Lawes Morall, Naturall and Diuine, to kill,* 18.56 or ••ause to kill a Tyrant, without waiting for the command of Iustice. And not onely lawfull, but ••onorable and meritorious; especially, where the parties are so strong and powerfull, that Iu∣••tice cannot well be performed by the Soueraigne.

Against which allegation, the Abbot of Saint Fiacres, of the Order of S. Benedict, ••n the name, and on the behalfe of Charles Duke of Orleans, his Mother and his Bre∣••hren, boldly defended the innocency of the late Duke Lewes: manifesting the im∣••ertinent insinuations of the Norman Doctor, and the wickednesse of the Bour∣••ongnon, quite ouerthrowing the diuellish Maxime, for the murdring of Kings and ••rinces. Approuing withall, that the Bourgongnon, Author and procurer of this Massacre, was a true Caine, against whom, the blood of his Brother cryed to heauen ••or vengeance, as it is said in the fourth Chapter of Genesis. Vox sanguinis Fratris

tui clamat ad me de terrâ:* 18.57 The voyce of thy Brothers bloud cryeth vnto from the ground. And that it was not permitted to the Bourgongnon, more then to any other perti∣cular man whatsoeuer: to attempt vpon the life of his equall; by farre greater rea∣son then, not vpon one much greater, without the authoritie of Iustice to warrant him.

And therefore all the Doctors of the Church haue, and doe hold, that Mo••ses sin∣ned against God, by killing the Aegyptian, in the second of Exodus; because he had no power or authoritie to doe it: notwithstanding the pretext and apparant excuse which he had, for sauing the life of his neighbour, against the iniurie of a stranger. In like manner, the Sauiour of the World iustly reproued S. Peter, in laying hand on his weapon, to defend him from death. It is the opinion of S. Augustine, seconded by all the rest of the Doctors, who interpreting the murder of the Prince of the Tribe of Simeon, named Zimbrie (in the Book of Numbers, the 25. Chapter) slain by Phinees, Son to Eleazar, who was the Son of Aaron the High-Priest; they do say, that Phinees had power to doe it,* 18.58 as being Son to the High-Priest, so affirmeth S. Thomas Aquinas. But addeth withall, that in the old & ancient Law, many things were then permitted: which in the Law of Grace (wherein now wee liue) haue bin for∣bidden.

It is a case much to be lamented, that Princes are rather murdred & massacred by their owne Subiects, then by Strangers. The Readings of Suetonius, and of Cornelius Tacitus doe affirme the proofe thereof, in most part of the Roman Emperors. Quin∣tus Curtius, in his sixt Booke of the life of Alexander the Great, saith. Latus à Demesti∣cis hostibus muni, hos si submoueas; nihil ab externo metuas. The same Authour in his ninth Book auoucheth▪ Regum exitus si perpenderimus, & reputauerimus, plures à s••i••, quam ab hostibus interemptos reperiemus. Alexander the Great would not pardon Philotas,* 18.59 because very impudently he told him: That it was daily in the power of Phi∣lotas to commit and act treason, but not in his power to punish for it. And it is the ord••nary misfortune of Princes, that attentates and coniurations against their liues, cannot be credi∣ted, till after their death, so (very effectually) speaketh Suetonius, in the life of Domi∣tian.

* 18.60We haue seene these mis-haps, performed on the persons of our two latest Kings; Henry the third, the best King that hath reigned in France for an hundred yeares space, kild in the midst of his Armie by a diuellish Monke: And Henry the Great, fourth of the name, miserably murdred in his chiefest Citie, euen in the armes of his familiars, by an incarnate diuell. There is not any pardon for him, that attempteth on the life of his Prince. Quis extendit manum suum in Christum Domini, & innocens erit? So saith the Royall Prophet in the first Booke of the Kings the 26. Chapter. Who ca•• stretch forth his hand against the Lords anniinted, and be guiltlesse? He spake of Saul, King of Israel, whom God had reproued for his wickednesse.

In the yeare foure hundred and thirteene, the Bishop of Paris, at the request of the Vniuersitie, sent to the Duke of Bourgongne, being then in the Citie of Arras, to vn∣derstand from himselfe;* 18.61 whether he did allow and auouch those Articles of M. Iohn Petit, which he had formerly proposed at his request, maintaining the murder by him committed on the person of his Cousine Germaine, Lewes Duke of Orleans. The Bourgongnon hauing returned his answer, that he did not auouch them, but in that which was no more then right and reason: the Bishop of Paris, and the Inquisitor of the Faith, sent the Proposition of the said M. Iohn Petit, to the Sorbon of Paris, ac∣cording to the Decree in the Court of Parliament, to know whether it was good & warrātable, or no. Behold here the very words, sent by the Bishop to the Sorbonnists.

The Bishop of Paris his Letter to the Doctors of Sorbonne,

* 19.1MAistres Reuerends, on vous fait à scauoir, & vous enuoye-ou la Scedule conten•• aucunes Assertions, auec leurs Reprobations: parquoy nous vous requer••••s s••r peine de Droict, que vous donniez publiquement vostre deliberation par escrit. Si ces•• Assertion de laquelle est venu notairement scandale, est erronnee & à condamner, a

〈◊〉〈◊〉 que nous puisions consequemment proceder, si comme ordre de Droict le requiert, à ce que ••us ayez à vous assembler dans le Mercredy Vingtiesme Iour de ce Mois de December.

The same in English.

REuerend Maisters, we giue you to know, and send you the Scedule, containing certaine Assertions, with their Reproofes. Wherefore we require you, vpon the penaltie of Law, ••hat you giue publiquely your deliberation in writing, whether this Assertion, whereof 〈◊〉〈◊〉 risen notorious scandale, be erroneous, and to be condemned, or no, to the end that we ••ay consequently proceede, according as the order of Law requireth. Wherfore you are to as∣••••mble your selues, betweene this and Wednesday, the Twentieth of this Month of December.

The Proposition (as we haue formerly obserued) was this.

Quilibet Tyrannus potest, & debet licite, & meritorie occidi à quocumque suo Vassallo,* 20.1 ••t Subdito, & per quemcumque modum, maxime per insidias, & per adulationes, non ••stante quocumque iuramento, aut confoederatione factâ apud eum, non expectando Sen∣••entiam, aut Mandatum Iudicis cuiuscumque.

Any Tyrant may be, and ought to be, lawfully and meritoriously murdred, by his owne ••ssaile and Subiect, in any sort or manner, whereby he can be intrapped: and especially by ••••cret ambushes, and flatteries. Notwithstanding any Oath of Allegeance made to him, or of ••onfederacie contracted with him. And this is to be done, without attending for any Sen∣••ence, or command from a Iudge whatsoeuer he be.

The Sorbonnists met together, to the number of fourescore Doctors,* 20.2 and of ••achelers in Diuinitie threescore and one. After the Masse of the Holy-Ghost, be∣••••g sung according to the manner in such cases requisite and accustomed; the thir∣••enth day of September, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred and thirteene, ••hey condemned this execrable Proposition by their Censure, whereof here follow∣••th the Tenure.

The Censure of the Sorbonnists vpon the Proposition.

HAec Assertio generaliter posita, & secundum acceptionem huius vocabuli, Tyrannus, est error in nostra fide, & doctrina bonorum morum, & est contra Praeceptum Dei; ••on Occides (Glossa) propriâ auctoritate. Et contra hoc quod dicit Dominus noster Mat∣••i Vicesimo Sexto: Omnes qui Gladium acceperint (Glossa intelligit propriâ auctori∣••te) Gladio peribunt.

Item haec Assertio vergit in subuersionem totius Reipublicae, & Vniuscuiusque Regis, aut ••incipis.

Item dat Viam, & Licentiam apperit ad pura alia mala, & ad fraudes, & ad violatio▪

Item dat Viam, & Licentiam apperit ad plura alia mala, & ad frudes, & ad violatio∣••em Fidei, & Iuramenti: & ad proditiones, & generaliter ad omnem inobedientiam ••ubiecti ad Dominum suum, & ad omnem infidelitatem, & diffidentiam vnius ad alterum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 consequenter ad aeternam damnationem.

Item, ille qui affirmat talem errorem obstinate, & alios qui inde sequuntur, est Haereti∣••s, & tanquam Haereticus debet puniri, etiam post suam mortem, vt notatur in Decretis ••icesimo Tertia, questione Quinta Decretorum.

Actum Parisius Anno Millesimo, Quadringentesimo Decimo Tertio, die Mercurij Deci∣••o Tertio Decembris.

All these thus Englished.

THis Affirmatiue, thus put a generall Maxime, and according to the true signification of the word, Tyrant, is erronious in our Faith, and in the Doctrine of good manners.* 21.1 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is against the expresse Commandement of God: Thou shalt not kill: The Glosse saith, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thine owne priuate authoritie. And it is against that which our Lord saith in Saint Mat∣••ew the sixe and twentieth Chapter: All they that take the Sword (the Glosse vnder∣••••andeth, of their owne priuate authoritie, and without the command of Iustice) shall perish ••y the Sword.

This Maxime tendeth to the subuersion and ruine of all Kingdomes and Common-weales, ••nd of euery King and Prince.

It openeth the doore, and sheweth the way to all other euils; as to deceipts, breach of P••, and the Oath of Fidelity sworne to his Prince: To Treasons, and (generally) to all disobe∣dience of the Vassaile and Subiect towards his Prince and Lord: To all infidelitie, per∣fidie and all distrust in one man to another. And by consequent, it leadeth men to eternal damnation.

Item, he that (out of obstinate mallice) maintaineth this diabolicall proposition, and o∣thers that depend thereon; is an Heretique, and (as an Heretique) ought to be punished, yea, euen after death: As it is auouched in the Bookes of the Decretales Twentie three, and fift Question.

Resolued at Paris, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred and thirteene, on Wednesday, being the thirteenth day of December.

According to the Resolution of the Facultie of Sorbonne, this diuellish propositi∣on was condemned, as hereticall against the Faith. And further ordained, that the Pleading made by the said Iohn Petit, should be brought and burned before the Church of Paris. Also, that the bones of Iohn Petit, buried at Hesdin, should be ta∣ken vp out of the ground, and burnt publiquely as an Heretique.

* 21.2This was thus executed, both the Pleading and the Infernall Proposition, pub∣liquely burned by Order of Parliament, the nine and twentieth day of February, i•• the said yeare foure hundred and thirteene; all the Cleargie being assembled at this execution, before the Church of Paris.

Nor was it without cause, that this Proposition, tossed and agitated In vtr••mque partem, euen as problematicall, to be put in effect as a maxime most assured, for the death of so great a Prince, such as the Duke of Orleans was: should be publish∣ed for Hereticall, and they that preposed and defended it, both punishable with materiall fire in this world, and in the other to come, with eternall and vnquench∣able.

Petrus Waldonius, a rich Marchant of Lyons, was infected with the Heresie of Vi∣gilantius,* 21.3 condemned of the Church, as Saint Augustine writeth in his Booke of Heresies, and Sain•• Hierome in his Epistle Ad Ripuarium, where they doe say, S••l•• Gallia monstra non habuit, sed viris semper fortissimis, & eloquentissimis abund••it. And pursuing the Heresie of Vigilantius, addeth. Exortus est subito Vigilantius, sed potius Dormitantius, Caupo Calaguritanus (for he was a Natiue of Calahorra in Spaine) Qui immundo Spiritu contra Christi Spiritum, & Martyrum neget Sepulchra venerand••, damnandas dicat esse Vigilius, Continentiam, Haeresim, Pudicitiam, libidinis Seminari∣um, &c. So this Peter Waldon began to appeare in the yeare of Grace, One thousand one hundred threescore and ten, and by the meanes of his wealth, drew vnto him a troupe or rabble of wretched, penurious and miserable needy people, whom he gaue reliefe vnto, and expounded the Scriptures before them, according to his owne fancie; so saith Guido Carmelita, in his Tract of Heresies.

These Sectaries caused themselues (at the beginning) to be called the Poore people of Lyons;* 21.4 afterward the Albigeois, or Albigenses, because they had made themselue•• strong with their opinionated Doctrine, in the Towne of Alby, ten Leagues from Tolosa, but more commonly were tearmed Waldenses, by the name of their electe•• Prophet. At the first they went wandring from Towne to Towne, without hauing any lodging, or setled dwelling, carrying along with them a great traine of women with whom they had indifferent association, without distinguishing degrees of con∣sanguinitie. They were charged to giue themselues to the Diuell, followers of Sa∣baoths, and addicted to Sorceries, flights of Birds, Dreames and Sneezing. Among other opinions they held these.

* 21.5First, that the Pope was Antechrist, and no more to be esteemed then the mea∣nest Priest.

That Prayers for the Dead are altogether vnprofitable.

That Purgatory was a Fable, inuented by the Priests; and so was Auricular Co••¦fession.

That it was Idolatry to worship Images, and the Reliques of Saints; and so wa•• Prayer to the Virgin Mary.

That Vigiles and Fasts were mens inuentions.

That to liue within the compasse of Continency and Single life, as Priests and Religious persons did, was Heresie.

That to make the vowe of Virginitie and Chastitie, was a Cloake for Religious men and women, whereby to couer their immodestie: and that, notwithstanding their vowes, they might marrie.

They are further charged to hold.

That Kings and Magistrates, hauing committed any Sinne;* 21.6 were no longer Kings nor Magistrates, but euen as the meanest of the People, and priuate persons: And that it was ••ermitted, to massacre and kill them, without any figure or forme of Iustice.

But all Heresies of such dangerous and vnchristian qualitie, were condemned in the Laterane Councill, and in the Prouinciall, held at Paris, vnder King Lewes, eight of his name, Father of Saint Lewes. Likewise in the generall Counsell of Constans, ••eld in the yeare One thousand foure hundred and fifteene.* 21.7 At which Counsell ••resided Pope Iohn, and present there the Emperour Sigismund; foure Patriarches; ••ine and twentie Cardinals; seauen and fortie Archbishops; two hundred three∣••core and ten Bishop, fiue hundred threescore and foure Abbots and Doctors; ••mong whom was the learned Maister Iohn Gerson, Chancellour of the Vniuersi∣••ie of Paris, Canon of the said Church, and Curate of Saint Iohn en Greue, Ambas∣••adour from King Charles the fift, as we haue said in our former Booke; all Assistants 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the said Counsell of Constans, which is the sixteenth Generall. There the Fa∣••hers condemned the Heresies renewed in Bohemia, approuing and confirming ••he Decree and Censure of Sorbonne, against the Maxime of that idle-headed ••octor Iohn Petit; as it is recorded in the fifteenth Session, whereof these are the ••ery words.

The Decree of the Counsell.

SAcro-Sancta Synodus praecipuâ sollicitudine volens ad extirpationem errorum, & Haereseon in diuersis Mundi partibus inualescentium prouidêre, sicut tenetur, & ad 〈◊〉〈◊〉 collecta est, nuper accepit quod nonnulle Assertiones erroneae in Fide & bonis moribus, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 multipliciter scandalosae, totiusque Reipublicae statum, & ordinem subuertere molientes ••gmatisatae sunt, inter quas haec Assertio delata est.

Quilibet Tyranus potest, & debet licitè, & meritoriè occidi per quemcumque Vassa∣••m suum, vel Subditum, etiam per clanculares insidias, & subtiles blanditias, vel adu∣••tiones, nonobstante quocumque praestito iuramente, seu confaederatione facta cum eo, non ••pectatà Sententia, vel Mandato Iudicis cuiuscumque.

Aduersus hunc errorem satagens haec Sancta Synodus insurgere, & ipsum funditus tol∣••re, praehabità deliberatione maturà declarat, decernit, & diffinit huiusmodi doctrinam ••roneam esse in Fide, & in moribus, ipsam que tanquam Haereticam, scandalosam, & ad ••audes, deceptiones, mendacia. proditiones, & periuria vias dantem, reprobat, & con∣••mnat. Declarat insuper, decernit, & d••ffinit quod pertinaciter doctrinam perntoisissi∣••am hanc assertentes sunt Haeretici, tanquam tales iuxta Canonicas Sanctiones puni∣••di.

Acta Constantiae Anno Millessimo Quadringentesimo Decimo-Quinto, Pridie Nonas ••lij.

The same in English.

THe Holy and Sacred Counsell, being willing to imploy all their care and diligence, to extirpate those Errours and Heresies, which bud and shoote vp in diuers parts of the ••orld: are thus assembled and called together for the same effect.* 22.1 Being newly in∣••med, of certaine propositions, contrary to Faith and good Manners, extreamely scan∣••••lous, and which tend to the subuersion of all order, and the Estate of euery Com∣••on-Wealth: haue bin very strangely taught and published. Among which Propositions, ••his.

That euery Tyrant may lawfully and meritoriously be kilde, murdred and massacred by

by his Vassaile or Subiect,* 22.2 in any manner whatsoeuer it bee: especially, by secret ambushes, insinuations and flatteries. Notwithstanding any Oath of Fidelity and Allegeance made and giuen to him; any Faith and promise sworne vnto him; without awaiting the Sentence or Command of any Iudge.

* 22.3The Holy Councell willingly opposing themselues against this error, and wholly to plucke it vp by the roote. After their mature Consultation thereof, and what might best bee done in this busines; haue declared, decreed and defined: That such Doctrine being erroneous in faith, and contrary to all good manners, is reproued and condemned as hereticall, scandalous, and shewing the way to mischiefes, falshoods, Treasons and fractions of Faith. Moreouer they haue decreed, resolued, and declared, that such as with wilfull obstinacie, and purposed deliberation doe hold and maintaine this Proposition; are Heretiques, and so ought to bee punished, according as it is concluded by the Holy Canons.

Done at Constans, in the yeare, One Thousand, Foure Hundred, and Fifteene, the Sixteenth day of Iuly.

* 22.4Iohn, the bad Duke of Bourgongne, more then halfe madded, because in this Coun∣cell, his Ambassadour was put from his place and Seate, by him of Spaine (as here∣tofore wee haue related) and that by resolution of the said Councell, the murther of Mounsieur Lewes of France, Duke of Orleans, and the Proposition by him maintai∣ned, had beene declared as hereticall. Moreouer, that vpon consequence of the Censure iudicially and religiously deliuered by the Vniuersity and Sacred faculty of Diuines at Paris, hee had beene arested by the Court of Parliament at Paris, in the Yeare, One Thousand, Foure Hundred and Fourteene, the Seauen and Twen∣tieth day of December. It was sent from the said Councell of Constans, and publi∣shed throughout all the Kingdomes of Christendome; that hee was guilty of high Treason, hauing iustly forfeited both body and goods. And the Proposition of Iohn Paruis, or Iohn Petite, was as iustly condemned by the Bishop of Paris.

Hereupon, Iohn, Duke of Bourgongne, sent Iohn de Mount-Leon his Almoner to Paris, to raise and awaken his old acquaintances, partakers in the bloudy League, with Letters of credence from his Maister, to put all in trouble & cōfusion, by distri∣buting Muotons a la grand Laine,* 22.5 and Saluts, to Robbers and Boot-halers for them▪ as euermore it happeneth, when inciuill warres are raised and prosecuted by strange enemies, that buy and purchase men at any price whatsoeuer. Saint Gregory of To••••s hath well obserued it, to bee put in practice by all Estates in the world, by Princes that would make themselues Great with the goods of their neighbours. His pas∣sage is most remarkable to vs, that haue made too much proofe thereof within these hundred yeares last past, by diuers accidents. It is in the Eight Booke and Twenty Eight Chapter of his History of France, where hee setteth downe and figureth to the life those mischiefes, which haue happened to vs.

* 22.6Saint Gontran, King of France, perceiuing the Leagues and practises carried by the Kings of the Vuisigothes of Spaine his neighbours, who corrupted his Subiects euen so farre as to them of his owne Cabinet; resolued to make warre vpon them. His de causis commotus Gunthramnus Rex, exercitum in Hispanias destinat. Dum aute•• hic exercitus moueretur, Indiculum à nescio quibusdam hominibus Rusticis est repert•• quod & Gunthramno Regi legendum miserunt, hoc modo quasi Leuuichildus (then King of Spaine) ad Fredegundem (Queene Mother to Clothaire the Great, King of France Sonne to King Chilpericke, trayterously murdered) scriberet vt quocunque ingenio e•• ercitum Illuc (against the Spaniards) ire prohiberet, dicens. Inimicos nostros velocit•• interimite, & cum Rege Gunthramno pacem inite, quam proemijs multis coemite. Et. S•• Vobis. Minus. Est. Fortassis. Pecuniae. Nos. Clam. Mittimus. Tantum. Vt. Quo•• Petimus. Impleatis. Cum. Autem. De. Inimicis. Nostris. Vlti. Fuerimus. Tunc. A∣melio. Episcopo. Et. Leubae. Matronae. Bona. Tribuite, per quos Missis Nostris, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vos accedendi aditus, Leuba enim Socrus est Bladasti Ducis.

* 22.7The same King Gonthran, hauing discouered these practises, and the execrab•• Assassinates of the Kings his Predecessors: sware to be reuenged on the Autho•• and Complices of them, euen vnto the ninth Generation. So proceedeth on Sai•••••• Gregory of Tours, in his Seauenth Booke, and One and Twentieth Chapter. R•• Iurauit. Omnibus. Optimatibus. Quod. Non. Modo. Ipsum. Verumetiam. Progeniem. 〈◊〉〈◊〉

〈◊〉〈◊〉. In. Nouam. Generationem. Deleret. Vt. Per. Eorum. Necem. Consuetudo. Auferre∣••••. Iniqua. Ne. Reges. Amplius. Interficerentur.

And yet notwithstanding, the Diuell is so vnchained,* 22.8 that hee finds and meets ••th Soules in such sort corrupted with false Doctrine: as the massacring and mur∣••ring of Princes, are their onely delights. Oh the goodnes of God! in what an Age li••e ••e: when the death of a Prince, is but equall with that of a Monke?

On behalfe of the said Duke of Bourgongne, Iohn the wicked, there wanted no ••ercenary Pennes to imitate Heretiques, that is to say: To withstand and wrest the ••e sense of Sacred Scriptures, to cloud and darken the Maximes of their factious ••d confused dealing.

The holy and Sacred Councell of Constans, excommunicated all the Dogma∣••s, Assassines, Complices, and Fauourers of his. And here you may behold their ••l Resolution, sent to the Vniuersity of Paris, by Maister Iohn de Iarson.

••edula Missa a Constantia, per Magistrum Iohannem de Iarsone Parisius, contra Ducem Burgundiae, & eius fautores, Mense Augusto. Anno M.CCCC.XV.

Raestans scienter impedimentum, commissiue, vel omissiue; concilio, & auxilio, ne Dux Burgundiae recognoscat publicè, & absolutè, quod peccauit in fide, & bonis moribus, iusti∣••ndo, & iustificari faciendo notorie, & scandalose interfectionem Ludouici quondam ••cis Aurelianensis, & circumstantiam necis illius, Omnis Talis Est Inimicus dicti Du∣•• Burgundiae, & salutis suae, & Peccat Adeo Taliter: quòd si in hoc sit pertinax, condem∣••dus est Vt Fautor Haereticae Prauitatis. Redditurus est insuper rationem de omnibus ••nis, tam Spiritualibus, quam Temporalibus inde prouenientibus, quam futuris. Re∣••gitet Id••i••co Quilibet Siue Doctor, Siue Praelatus, Aut Alius, quemadmodum dissi∣••lauit in hac materiâ, vel dissimulabit, Fauore, vel Timore, Vel Negligentia, prout ••ibet scit, aut scire debet, qualiter obligatur ad Correctionem Fraternam, vel Doctrina∣••, vel Iudicialem, Praecipue Summus Pontifex, Cum Sacro Cardinalium Collegio, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Etiam Generali Concilio. Attento, quod euidentia patrati sceleris, clamore 〈◊〉〈◊〉 indiget Accusantis. Denique talis, qualis praedictus, Est Cencendus Impeditor ••••is.

••n that which hath beene set downe,* 23.1 is most remarkable against the Doctrine of ••h men, as (through a blindfold obedience) doe appoint the Life and State of ••••nces and Common-wealths, to the Iudgement and Arbitrement of the Pope, a∣••nst the determination of Generall Counsels, yea, and the wisedome diuine, who ••his owne mouth hath appointed Temporall Kingdomes, the States and Persons ••ecular Princes, with the power of his Church.

••n this Councell of Constans, confirmed by Pope Martin the Fifth, the three An∣•• Popes, Gregory the Twelfth, Benedict, the Thirteenth, and Iohn,* 23.2 the Three and ••entieth deposed: by the Fathers of the said Councell was elected Pope Martin, ••h of the name, who restored peace to the Church, which being troubled by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ante-Popes; France was in the same condition, through the Treacheries and ••ctions of the Bourgongnon, who hauing brought the English into France, hee was ••onely motiue and cause of the ruine thereof, and the death of many great Lords ••he Kingdome.

For the Bourgongnon making himselfe Maister of Paris, and getting into his pow∣•• ••he King and the Queene; by one named Cappeluche, the Hangman of Paris,* 23.3 hee ••formed the very strangest cruelties, that euer could be imagined. For in one day 〈◊〉〈◊〉 caused to bee brought before him, Sixteene Hundred Lords of note, among ••om was Bernard, Count of Armaeignac, Constable of France, Henry de Marle, ••ancellour, the Bishops of Constans, Bayeux, Eureux, Senlis and Xainctes; the Ab∣•• of Saint Cornille de Compeigne, the Count de Grand-prè, and other Lords of the ••y Councell and Requests, all inhumanely massacred before his owne eyes. Ha∣••g sworne peace with the Daulphine Charles, at Pouilly le Fort, neere to Melun, he ••mised to withdraw the English out of France. Which promise being not kept,

but persisting still in his rebellions and treacheries: for a full expiation of so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mischiefes, on Le Pont de Montereau, or Fault-Yonne, on Sunday, it being the Tenth of September,* 23.4 in the Yeare One Thousand, Foure Hundred and Nineteene, hee 〈◊〉〈◊〉 kild and massacred before the Daulphine Charles, who reproached him with his ••¦fidious dealings, with blowes of Axes,: euen as Twelue yeares before, hee 〈◊〉〈◊〉 caused Lewes Duke of Orleans, to bee bloodily butchered, To verefie the Ora•••••• pronounced by the mouth of him that is Truth it selfe: Qui gl••di•••• percutit, g•• peribit: For as Ouid saith.

—Nec enim Lex aequior vlla. Quam necis artificis arte perire sua.

This Iohn of Bourgongne, had espoused Margaret, Daughter to Albert of Ba•• Sister to William of Bauaria, Count of Henault, and of Holland, and of her he beg•••• one onely Sonne, Philip, Second of the Name, Third Duke of Bourgongne, who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reuenge the death of his Father,* 23.5 raised the English againe to ruinate France. An•• hauing seized the Persons of the King & Queene, then remaining at Troyes in Cham¦paigne, he there managed the marriage of Madame Katherine of France, last Dau••••¦ter to King Charles the Sixth, with the King of England, Henry, Fifth of the name the very Capitall Enemy of France. A Marriage of Sinister presage, celebrated 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Troyes, according to the Treaty of Marriage contracted and accorded the One a•••• Twentieth day of May, One Thousand, Foure Hundred and Twenty. By wh•••••• Treaty,* 23.6 King Charles the Sixt being then sicke in his senses (by the Counsaile of th•• said Duke of Bourgongne) instituted his future Sonne in Law, Henry the Fifth, Kin•• of France: disinheriting vniustly Charles the Daulphine of France, lawfull Heyre 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Crowne, forcing and violating the fundamentall Law of the Kingdome. Th•••• which made this Treaty of Marriage, were as void of iudgement and reason, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King, being corrupted with gifts and premises; by the Bourgongnon, as in our tim•• wee haue almost seene the like, by the mediation and working of some vnnatura•• Frenchmen, corrupted with forraigne-Countrey Gold. But in those times then, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ours likewise: God (the continuall Conseruer of this Monarchie) hath kept th•• Right to the lawfull Heyres thereof, and hath reestablished them in their Pater•• Inheritance, to the shame and confusion of their enemies.

This Monsieur Lewes of France, Duke of Orleans, was the Instituter of the Ord•• of the Porcupine, (and not Charles Duke of Orleans, his Eldest Sonne, as it is writ•• by Paradine, and others that haue taken vpon them to warrant it) for ioy of the Bi•• and Baptizing of his First Sonne Charles of Orleans, borne (according to Du Till•• in the Yeare One Thousand, Three Hundred, Twenty and Three.

The Institution of the Order of the Porcupine, by Monsieur Lewes France, Duke of Orleans, in the yeare One Thousand, Three Hun∣dred Foure Score and Thirteene.

* 23.7THe Imprinted Chronicle of Messire Iuuenall des Vrsins, vnder the Yeare, O•• Thousand Three Hundred, Foure Score, and Fourteene, noteth this Birth the First Sonne of Orleans, in these words. In the said yeare, the Dutchesse of Orle•• had a Sonne, named Charles. And at his Baptizing there was great Solemnity. T•• you see what hee saith in summe.

But I haue seene a small Manuscript French Chronicle, composed by an Hera•• of Orleans, named, Hennotin de Cleriaux, a Natiue of Blois, who liued in the ti•• of this Christening, and whereat hee was present in his Coate of Office, and hee i••¦structeth me in this manner.

* 23.8For the Solemnity of the said Baptisme, Monsieut Lewes of France made a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Order of Knighthood, very excellent, and of great renowne, termed, The Order of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Porcupine: which hee had chosen for his Deuice, in fauour, and for the high hope wh•••••• he had of his first Borne Sonne. For at that time, there were some hard measures b••¦tweene the Nephewe and Vncle of Bourgongne, Monsieur Philip gouerning the K•• and Queene at his owne pleasure. A little after, hee setteth downe (particularly) 〈◊〉〈◊〉

••ir rancke and degree, the names of the Princes, Lords and Gentlemen, his faith∣••l Confederates; to whom the said Duke of Orleans gaue his Order of the Porcu∣••••, of whom I haue lost the remembrance, and my Chronicle the sight.

The same King of Armes of Orleans, reporteth, that in the Yeare of Grace,* 23.9 One ••housand, Foure Hundred, and Seauen, on Sunday, it being the Twentieth day of ••••ember, the Lord of Berry caused the Dukes of Orleans and of Bourgongne, to meet ••gether in his Hostel de Ne••sle at Paris, to make a louing and kinde agreement be∣••eene the said Princes: which hee did, and in such sort, as the three Princes went ••d heard Masse together at the Augustines, where the said Dukes of Orleans and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bourgongne, receiued the Sacrament together, after then had sollemnly sworne ••od loue and Brotherhood. For assurance whereof, at the ending of Dinner in ••e Hostel de Neesle; the Duke of Bourgongne receiued the Order of the Porcupine, at ••e hands of the Duke of Orleans, who did put it about his necke, each kindly kissing ••e other, the Lord of Berry melting into teares of ioy, by beholding it.

The very same is recorded in the Chronicle of Messire Iuuenall des Vrsius,* 23.10 vnder ••e said Yeare, One Thousand, Foure Hundred and Seauen, and vnder that of One ••housand, Foure Hundred, and Nineteene, in these words. To the Duke of Orleans, ••ad a little before hee had caused him to bee slaine, in manner before related: the said ••hn of Bourgongne, made sollemne Oath vpon the Sacred Body of our Lord, to bee his true ••d loyall Kinsman. And promised to bee his Brother in Armes, wore his Order, and gaue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gracious behauiour, and they dined together.

This Order was composed of Fiue and Twenty Knights,* 23.11 comprehending him∣••fe as chiefe Gouernour thereof. They wore long loose Cassocks of fine Scar∣••ted Murrey, (which is violet) and ouer them Cloakes of watchet coloured veluet, ••••ed (as the Mantelet and Chapperon) with Carnation Sattin. And therevpon the ••ollar of the Order, formed as a wreath of Chaines of Gold, at the end whereof ••••ing vpon the Breast a Porcupine, of pure Gold, vpon a rising Hill of greene Grasse ••••d Flowers.

The Porcupine is called by the Latines Hystrix, and are two familiar kinds of them,* 23.12 ••••at is to say, which are oftner seene (more then else-where) in Affrica, and in the ••••dies. Both of them are called Hogges or Swine, in regard of comming so neere 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the resemblance of that domesticke Creature amongst vs, inured to wallowing in ••e mire, particular by it selfe, and the other wild or Sauage, which is tearmed a wild ••oare, the hunting whereof is pleasant. And wee haue an ancient French Prouerb 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this purpose: Au Cerf la biere, au Sanglier le Barbier. The Porcupine is a kind of ••edge-hogge as well as the Vrchin; for hee is wholly armed with strong Scales,* 23.13 like 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them of the Tortoise, and perceiuing hard pursuit made after him, shuts himselfe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fast lockt vp, within his Scales, And the Porcupine is likewise resembled to the ••edge-hogge, both being armed with sharpe pricking points: but those of the Porcu∣••ne are much longer then the other. This Animall, seeing himselfe narrowly pres∣••d with Dogges, stretcheth himselfe forth, and bindeth his Skinne with such might, ••a•• he darteth and letteth flye his prickles like Arrowes at their muzzles, which for∣••th them to giue ouer their hold, and follow him no further. As we learne of Pliny, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Eight Booke and Thirty Fiue Chapter of his Naturall History, and next to ••m, our French Lucretius, Du Bartas.

—De son Dos il fait Bruire* 23.14 Vne forest de Dards, fier qui sans corde tire Mille traicts en vn coup, de qui les rudes flancs Sont couuerts d'Aiguillons, armez d'aspres Serancs, Herissez de Poincons qui tousiours reiettonent.

—His back doth beare A Forrest of Darts, no Bow-string needeth there, To shoote a thousand at once, his brawny sides, Are couered with sharpe bodkins, their force glides With thorny points, which dayly he lets flye.

* 23.15Marcus Paulus of Venice, in the First Booke, and Three and Thirtieth Chap•• his Tartaria, writeth that in the Countrey of Scassem, there is found great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Porcupines; but the hunting of them is extreamly dangerous, in regard that (or••¦rily) they wound with their sharpe piercing quilles, all men and hounds that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 come neere them.* 23.16 Sunt in Regione illa multi Sues Spinosi, qui quum capiunt••r Sp•• suis saepe Homines, & Canes Laedunt. Nam Canos à Venatoribus in P••rcos prouocati, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 irritant, & commouent feras illas, vt simul concurrentes terga sua, quibus Spinae imi••¦tur, vehementer commoueant, atque stimulos ipsos vehementia quadam excutiant, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in viciniores Homines, & Canes euibrent.

* 23.17Moreouer, the Vrchin or Hedge-hogge is subiect to the same mischance, as is ••¦ported to bee common to the Viper, to bring forth her young ones so late as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 can. In the same manner the Vrchin, feeling in her wombe the sharpe quilles her younglings, forbeareth so long to produce them: that their keene points ••¦creasing by those long delayes, doe pierce through her entrailes and belly, that t•••• cause her death in recompence of her long delaying. And this was the reason, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Egyptians vsed this Creature,* 23.18 as a Symbole or Hieroglyphicke of Indiscre•••••• Procrastinationis damni••••e, deriued from the doctrine of the Hebrewes. To wh•• the Prophet Hieremy threatned, that the wicked, hardened in their sinnes, should 〈◊〉〈◊〉 punished in a strange fashion▪ that is to say, that they should not leaue any Line•• behind them, which migh conserue the memory of them: And that their wo•• trauelling with Child, should haue the same labour as the Vrchin or Porcupine. ••¦illis labores Ericij. Vidi impium exaltatum super Cedros Libani transiui, & ecce non e•• So saith the Royall Psalmist.

* 23.19Monsi••ur Lewes of Orleans, tooke this Animall for the Deuice and Subiect of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Order, to make knowne thereby to Iohn of Bourgongne, his mortall enemie; that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 would reuenge himselfe, for his brauadoes against him, and breake the wicked a•• bloody purposes, which Iohn of Bourgongne had conceiued and engendred, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hollow pits of malediction and cruelty: whereinto himselfe would fall, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 House of Bourgongne perish to the third Generation; as it happened to Charles, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 last Duke of Bourgongne, youngest Sonne to this Iohn the Cruell. And yet neuer••¦lesse, as all hatreds ought to bee mortall, and liue but for a time in euery Noble 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Generous Soule: so after the death of the said Iohn of Bourgongne, who had for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Successor Philip the Second Duke of Bourgongne, they became Countrey friends ••¦gether.

* 23.20For in the Yeare, One Thousand, Foure Hundred, and Forty, Charles Duke Orleans, (Eldest Sonne to Monsieur Lewes of France) deliuered out of Eng•• (where hee had remained euer since the Battell of Azingcourt, lost by the French Anno, One Thousand, Foure Hundred and Fifteene) by the mediation of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Philip of Bourgongne: these two Princes made a peace betweene themselue, vnited 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Marriage of Mary of Cleues, Daughter to the Sister of the said Duke of Bourg••••g•• with the same Duke of Orleans, sollemnized in the Abbey of Saint Bertin, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Towne of Saint Omer, on Saturday before Saint Andrewes day, in the Yeare, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Thousand, Foure Hundred, and Forty.

* 23.21Among which particular Iouiall delights to honour this Marriage, on the Sun•• following, there was performed, a Masquerado, or Mummery of a Virgin richly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 parelled, like to a Nymphe; leading in her right hand a Porcupine, darting vp 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Ayre his Quilles, or Arrowes, very arteficially. In her left hand shee conduc•• a goodly white Swanne, hauing about her necke a rich Collar of the Order of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Golden-Fleece. These were particular deuises and Emblazons, concerning the H••¦ses of Orleans, of Cleues, and of Bourgongne, the markes or notes of Alliances, of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 two Houses of Orleans, and of Cleues: whereof are yet to bee seene (at this pres•• in the Louure) rich Tapestries of high and vnualluable price, made of Gold and Si•• in the parted Armes of Orleans and of Cleues.

* 23.22On the Tuesday after the Nuptialls, the Duke of Bourgongne began to celeb•• the Feast of his Order, of the Golden-Fleece (whereof wee shall speake more at la•• in the Fourth Booke) with his Brethren Knights, who (with their Soueraigne) w•• to heare Euensong, wearing their Cloakes semed with Flames of Gold, the w••

••roydered with Fusils and Stones, which appeared to sparkle like fires,* 23.23 all em∣••sed most sumptuously, and their Chapperons with their round rich wreathes, as ••y were wont to be worne in elder times. According to their ranke and degree, ••y had their Chaires placed in the Quire; and directly ouer their heads, the Tables ••heir Armes and Emblazons.

After the establishment of this Order, fiue Knights were deceased, whose places ••re likewise vacant, and without Escutchions. On Wednesday, which was the ••st day of Saint Andrew, the Knights went to heare Masse in as magnificent man∣•• as the day before. At returne from Church, the Duke sate at the Table in the ••ddest of the Knights, all wearing the Order of the Golden-Fleece, made of Fusils Gold, and betweene euery two of them wete the shapes of Flint stones, which ••we haue elsewhere said) were the Armes of the first Dukes of Bourgongnes,* 23.24 Sons ••d Descendants from great King Clouis, richly enammeled with fiery sparkles, and ••derneath a Fliece of Gold, hanging directly on the breast. These Knights were ••ted at the Table, all on the one side, according as Monks vse to sit in their di∣••••g Hall: and after Dinner was ended, they departed thence two and two toge∣••er, as Monkes vse to doe, but they who were the ancientest Knights, went last, and ••e younger went formost.

On Thursday, they were summoned for entrance, and to hold their Chapter,* 23.25 to ••e end that they might proceed to the Election of new Knights in their places that ••re deceased. In this Chapter, they made choyce of Charles, Duke of Orleans, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of their Order and Brotherhood, and to vnderstand from himselfe, whether hee ••d like of this election or no, they sent vnto him the Bishop of Tournay, and the ••ancellour of Bourgongne, Maister Nicholas Raulin (he which caused to be builded ••e Hospitall of Beaune, the most magnificent in all Christendome, to whom the ••ke of Orleans made answere, that most willingly he did embrace the Order, to ••nour his Brother in Law and Cousin the Duke of Bourgongne.

Hereupon, they entred the great Hall immediately, to which place came the Duke ••th all his Brethren Knights, returning from their Chapter.* 23.26 The King of Armes ••med Toison d'Or, the Heraulds and Purseuants marching before in Order: the ••ng of Armes carrying on his left Arme, a Cloake & Chaperon of the said Order. ••essire Hugh de Launoy, who was appointed to beare the word; approaching neere Monsieur the Duke of Orleans, spake to him in these, or the like words.

Most Excellent Most puissant, and Most redoubted Lord, my Lord the Duke of Orleans;* 23.27 〈◊〉〈◊〉 behold here in your presence my Lord the Duke of Bourgongne, & my Lords his Brethren ••he Order of the Golden Fliece, who haue aduised & concluded altogether in the Chap∣••, in regard of the most high renowne, valiancie & wisedome remaining in your most noble ••son; to present you a Collar of the Order. Entreating you most humbly that you would be ••sed to receiue and weare it; to the end, that the Brotherly loue which is betweene you and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 most honoured Lord, may be the better maintained and preserued.

Then my Lord the Duke of Orleans made Answere, that hee would doe it very ••dly. Wherevppon the Duke of Bourgongne (who had a Collar there ready of his ••der) stept forward, and put it about the Necke of my Lord the Duke of Orleans, ••aking these words. In the Name of the Father, and of the Sonne, and of the Holy∣••ost; after kissing him in signe of Brotherly affection.

In like manner, and at the same instant,* 23.28 did the Duke of Orleans as kindly re∣••ire the Duke of Bourgongne, requesting, that hee would likewise bee pleased to ••ceiue and weare his Order; whereto hee kindly condiscended: when instant∣•• the Duke of Orleans, drew forth of his sleeue a Collar of his Order, and put about the Duke of Bourgongne his necke: conducting him afterward to the ••apter (when hee had first put on the Cloake and Chapperon, of the Or∣•• of the Golden-Fleece) to take the Oathes in such cases required, and to giue as∣••ance, in the Election of foure other Knights, to fulfill the places of them that ••re dead.

This was kept secret amongst them, but yet notwithstanding within few dayes ••er it was so published; that they would needs send to the Dukes of Bretaigne Alanson, each of them a Collar of the Order of the Golden-Fliece. And thither like∣wise

was sent the King of Armes, Toison d'Or, to beare them to the said two Pri•••• and to deliuer them Letters for that effect,* 23.29 sent from the Dukes of Orleans, and B••¦gongne, and the Knights of the said Order. The Dukes of Alanson and Bretaigne, ••••¦cepted the Collars very-thankfully, bestowing rich guifts on the King of Arm•• This is that which Paradine speaketh concerning this Marriage, and the whole C••¦tents of this Chapter, in his History of Bourgongne.

King Lewes the Twelfth being come to the Crown of the Noble Flower de l•• retained the Porcupine for his Deuice;* 23.30 as is to be seene in the Gilded Chamber, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Glasse-windowes and Barres, and on the Bench and Throane of Iustice, w•••• is so beautified when our Kings come thither in Magnificence,* 23.31 at their Maio•• Regency, and other sollemne performances: yea, the Cloth of State, & com•• quarters of the same Seate, Semez de France, are enterlaced on the Gold-wo•• with Crimson Veluet, and the Letter L. after the ancient fashion Crowned, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with Porcupines Crowned. The like is to be discerned on the great Table in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chamber of Accounts, and fore-front thereof, built in the life time of the Father 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his People, where his Picture standeth very Royally in the middest of the Cardi•• Vertues, Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance, and Iustice; and euery where Se•• France, ou Porc-Espic Coronne. And the same is to be seene on all the Buildings ••¦sed in his Raigne.

* 23.32Wee haue obserued that this Royall Race of Orleans, Portoit de France au L•• de Trois pieces d'Argent; let vs now see in the same traine, why the said Armes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quartered with Millaine, D'Argent à la Bysse ou Giure d'Azur lissante de Gueules. T•• Marriage made of Monsieur Lewes of France, Duke of Orleans, with Valentin•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Millaine, Daughter to Iohn Galeas, Duke of Millaine, Sirnamed of the Vicounts, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Madame Isabell of France,* 23.33 Daughter to King Iohn; it was stipulated or Coue••¦ted by expresse termes, that the said Iohn deceasing without Heyres Male; the Duke¦dome of Millaine, with the County of Ast, should appertaine to Monsieur Lewes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 France, and to his Heyres. To cleare this right of the Dukedome of Millaine, a••¦quired to the Crowne of France, by Lewes the Twelfth: I hold it nothing di••¦ring from our purpose, to obserue the Originall and Progresse of the Vicounts, a•• of the Dukedome of Millaine.

The History of the Dukedome of Millaine, acquired to the Crowne of France.

THe noble Romane Historian Cornelius Tacitus, and all they haue especi•••• remarked the Antiquity of the Romane Empire,* 23.34 doe agree with one cons•• That the Lombards were (in elder dayes) placed on the bounds and Confines 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Allemaigne or Germany, neere to Pannonia, and that vpon the declining of the E••¦pire, (as we learne by Iohn the Deacon, and Sigebert) they passed into that part 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Italy (heretofore obserued by Caesar, in the First Booke of his Memories of the G•• wars) which held a portion of the Gaules, acknowledged by the Appellation of ••¦lia Togata, & that the Germane People held Possession there in Title of a Kingdo•• which our King Charlemaigne abolished, by bringing Italy vnder his obey-sanc••

* 23.35The chiefe or Capitall City of Lombardy is Millaine, honoured by that b•• Beacon of the Church, Saint Ambrose, Bishop thereof, by whom it is called Me••¦num: in regard that the Gaules of Bourges, and of Autun, first founders thereof, in ••¦ing the foundation, did find there a wild Sow or Boare, halfe couered with S•• and the other halfe with Wooll. So saith the same S. Ambrose, agreeing with T•• Liuius, in the Fift Booke of his Romane History: whervpon said the Poet Cl••▪

—Ad moenia Gallus, Condita lanigerae Suis ostendentia pellem.

* 23.36Her Foundation is recorded (after the opinion of Titus Liuius) vnder the Re•• of Tarquinius Priscus, at such time as one part of the Gaules, to the number of Th•• Hundred Thousand, went to people Italy, vnder Conduct of their Leader ••¦zus, one of the Nephewes to Ambigat, King of the Gaules, as we haue formerly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 serued. Ausonius placeth this City, in the number of them best worthy of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the fertility of her grounds and Soyle.

Et Mediolani mira omnia copia rerum, Innumera cultaeque domas, facunda virorum Ingenia, antiqui mores.

Procopius, in his second Booke of the Gothes warres, nameth it, next to Rome, the ••iefest of Cities vnder the Westerne Empire: And wherein the Emperors pleased 〈◊〉〈◊〉 make their soiourning, which made it to grow rich, and wonderfully potent.

After the Conquest of Italie, and the Kingdome of Lombardie ruined,* 23.37 by the sur∣••izall of Didier their last King, confined at Lyons, but some say at Mont-Didier in ••cardie, in the yeare of Grace seauen hundred threescore and sixeteene: Charle∣••aigne established for Gouernour at Millaine, and the Iurisdiction of Lombardie, a ••dge and Seneschall or Steward. These Iudges and Seneschals were in (elder times) ••med Vice-Comites, Viscounts, and to the number of twelue vnder the Counts; who presented Gouernors, vnder the Lieutenants Generals of the great Prouinces, that ••ere called Dukes. And those Vicounts had Lieutenants vnder them, whom they en∣••led Vicarios, Vicars, & by another name, common in Gascoigne, Languedock, and Pro∣••••ce, Viguiers: as we haue said in the Tracts of the Officers of the Crown of France.

Italie in generall, and the Prouinces in perticuler, bounding on Pharos, and the ••raites of Messina in Sicilie, were by Charlemaigne annexed to the Crowne of ••rance, and rendred as Fiefes thereof, vntill the vnhappy partition made by the ••ebonnaire. After him, the Berengars cantonned themselues in Italie, and there sti∣••d themselues to be Kings.

These Berengars were descended of Boson, made and created King of Prouence,* 23.38 by ••r King of France Charles the Bauld. So Berengarius, first of the name, comman∣••d as Maister ouer Italie foure yeares: And Berengarius the second, seauen yeares. ••ugh Duke of Bourgongne, Prince of the Bloud of France, sent him roundly thence, ••d Regented Italie ten yeares: Lotharius his Sonne, two yeares onely. This man ••uing giuen his daughter Alix in marriage to Berengarius the third, possessed him∣••fe of Italie, against his Father in Law, & committed his wife Alix of Bourgongne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 liue as a prisoner.

Against him went into Italie Otho of Saxonie,* 23.39 whom the Germaines sirnamed the ••reat; & who vanquished Berengarius in a ranged Battaile neere to Pa••ia, deliuered ••••ix out of prison, made her his wife, and brought her with him into Germanie. ••uring the time of his absence, Berengarius bestirred himselfe to recouer his losse, ••d compelled Otho to passe againe into Italie the second time, in the yeare of Grace ••iue hundred fiftie and seauen; when he stiled himselfe not onely King of Germa∣••e, but likewise Emperor of the Romans. A Title which should appertaine to none, but ••ely to the Kings of France.

Otho was fauoured in this his enterprise by Pope Stephen,* 23.40 eight of the name a Ger∣••ine by Nation, and his neere Kinseman, against the vnanimate consent of the ••ople of Italie: as is written by Palmerius Florentinus in his Chronicle, vnder the ••re nine hundred fiftie fiue, by these words. Post Arnulphum (this Arnoule was ••e Bastard of Carloman, the Bastard Sonne of Lewes the Stammerer, Emperour and ••ng of France, second of the name) Imperium confunditur, dolentibus Romanis, atque ••iuersis Italiae Populis, quod A Francia in Germaniam translatum esset. Quamobrem 〈◊〉〈◊〉 à Romanis, Pontificeque insigniti sunt Trans-Alpini Imperatores, vsque ad primum ••bonem; & in Italia quidem Berengarij Imperium per id temporis vsurparunt.

After the death of Lewes the Fourth,* 23.41 who was the last Emperour of the Bloud of ••ance, Sonne to the Bastard Arnoule: Conrard Duke of Franconia, made vsurpa∣••n of Germanie then being deceased without children Henry, sirnamed the Bird∣••cher, Duke of Saxonie) continuing his wandrings, which were brought to ••d by his Sonne Otho, who (at a sudden) vsurped ouer Germanie, which had bin a ••se to the Crowne of France euer since Great Clouis, who subdued it in the yeare 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hūdred after the Battle of Tolbiac, as we haue before declared in the second Book. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is that deliuered by Beatus Rhenanus, writing vpon Cornelius Tacitus, his Germa∣•• in these words. Post ingentem illam cladem ad Tolbiacum Vicum Vbiorum (neere C••logne one the Rhine) acceptam, ita pressêre nos Franci, vt respirare non ••••••uerit, do¦nec

exoletâ stirpe Veterum Francorum, auspicii•• primum Othonis Saxonia Ducis, C••••∣rardi Osto-Franci, atque Henrici Saxonis, mox magni illius Othonis, qui inter Imperature Germanicos primum obtinet locum, in pristinam libertatem, nos ipsi vindicauimus.

* 23.42Pope Stephen hauing (long before) caused Otho to come to Rome, he crowned him himselfe Emperor, so saith Palmerius. Otho à Romanis Ecclesiae Patribus, Vrbisque Prin∣cipibus euocatus, Romam proficiscitur, in quâ Vrbe amplissimis honoribus vsus, Cor•••••• suscepit. Et fuit primus qui post translatum in Germaniam Imperium, Imperiales tit••••••¦ritè susciperet; quod postea obseruatum est, vsqe in praesens tempus.

This was consented vnto by the Romanes, because they had so sollemnly swor••▪ vnder paine fo eternall curse (Sub Anathemate Maranatha) to our Charlemaigne, when hee was crowned Emperour by Pope Leo, Thirteenth of the Name, in the Yeare of Grace, Eight Hundred and One, incurring by their violated faiths, the ••∣minatory Censures, sent out by this Pope against the Romanes, and People of the West, who would not acknowledge any other for Emperours, but onely the King•• of France, to whom alone the Title of Emperour appertained by successiue right▪ without either consent of the Romane people, or the Crowning of Popes, though necessary or requisite thereto, these being not of the essence of the Imperiall digni∣ty, nor depending thereon. For concerning the matter of Coronation, the Empe∣rour Maximilian the first, spake very well to the Popes Legate, and to the States of the Empire, assembled at the Dyet, held at Constance in the Yeare, One Thou∣sand.* 23.43 Fiue Hundred and Seauen. That it was but a Ceremony, to take and receiue the Imperiall Crowne at the Popes hand: In regard (quoth he) that the dignity and power of the Emperour, dependeth vpon none, but on the Estates of the Empire.

And as for that which respecteth or concerneth consent of the Romane People▪ which Palmerius would haue to bee an essentiall cause: they neuer had any such right or authority,* 23.44 either of voyces or suffrages, although he would arrogate it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their power. And therefore the Emperour Fredericke, First of the name, Sirnamed Barba Rossa, making his entrance into the City of Rome, brauely answered to the principall persons among them that came forth to meete him, and thought highly to content him,* 23.45 by saying in their Oration. That the Empire was come to the A••••¦maignes or Germaines, by the concession of Popes; and consent of the Romane people: And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 consequently, that he was greatly beholding to them. But the Emperour presently reply∣ed. Ego Romanum Imperium Maiorum meorum Francorum sanguine emptum, eisdem q••••¦bus accepi manibus, tueri conabor. Sic vanam Itallorum contudit arrogantiam. That 〈◊〉〈◊〉 right of the Empire was come to him by the Kings of France, his most noble Grand-fathers and not by the Italians, whose arrogancie he made a mockery of. So saith Otho, Bishop 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Frisinghen, and the Poet Ligurine, in the Life of this noble and famous Emperour.

Italy, then vnder Charlemaigne (which he wan with his blood) was gouerned by Counts and Vicounts.* 23.46 But the negligence of his Sonnes & Descendants gaue wa•• and leysure to these Gouernours to impatronize themselues of their Gouernments and Benches of Iustice, and to become Lords domineering ouer their Counties 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Vicounties: the right of Baise le maine, only reserud to the Emperours, with some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 small Rights for their Inuestiture.

* 23.47Among these then were the Vicounts of Millaine, bearing the Sirname of A••g∣ria (which is a small little Towne in the Estate of Millaine, from whence those V••¦counts were issued and descended) who maintained themselues in the Possession 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their Gouernment of Lombardy, very neere the continuance of Fiue Hundred yeare and vntill the time of Philip Maria, Brother to Valentina of Millaine, Dutchesse of Or¦leans, ouer whom the Sforzaes vsurped by power.

A Catalogue or briefe Chronicle of the Vicounts of Millaine.

* 23.481. THe First of these Vicounts of Millaine, obserued by the Historians of Italy was Heriprand, sonne to Facius of Angleria) who by his valiancy, made hi••¦selfe Lord of Lombardy and of Millaine in the Yeare of Grace, One Thousand, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Twenty Three. Conrard, Second of the name, Emperour of Germany, pa•• into Italy, besieged him, to bring him to the tearmes of Duty and obedience. Th•• contention, consisting on nothing else but homage, was to be determined by a••

••de Duello or Combate, of a Duke of Bauaria, for the Emperour, against Heriprand: ••o whom the Victory inclined by the death of his Contrary. And according to the ••ompact and couenants of this Combate, Conrard was compelled to leaue Heri∣••rand in quiet; who enioyed his vsurpation the space of Two and Twenty Yeares, ••nd left it to his Sonne and Successor.

2. Otho, called the Vicount, First of that name,* 23.49 who (in deuotion) made one in ••he Voyage beyond the Seas, for Conquest of the Holy Land, with Godfrey of Bo∣••gne, the First King of Ierusalem. At the Seige whereof, this Otho fought in single ••uello with a Sarazen Admirall, named Voulx, who defied & challenged the Chri∣••••ians to fight against him man to man. Otho slew him in the Field, & as a note of his ••ictory, had for despoyles his Armes, and his Salade or Helmet of pure Gold, on ••he Crest whereof was exalted (as a Trophee) a Serpent and Viper: Viuree en pal ••••ucrant vn Enfant. To conserue the memory of this Combate to posterity: Otho ••oke for him, and those of his Descent and Linage, Vicounts of Millaine, D'Argent ••la Bysse on Giure d'Azur Lissante de Gueules, or speaking more grossely, L'Escu d'Ar∣••••nt à vn Serpent entortille de Bleu Celeste qui engloutit, vn Enfant de Coleur Rogue, ou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sang. According the testimony of Georgius Merula; of Paulus Iouius, in the liues 〈◊〉〈◊〉 these Vicounts of the Ciuill-Lawyer Alciate, a natiue of Millaine,* 23.50 in his Em∣••ems, and in the Tract which he wrote of Duels, the Three and Fortieth Chapter. ••or, concerning that which is written by Petrarche, and Gabriel Sym••ony, in his vul∣••r description of the Princes of Millaine; they are meere Chimeraes. Before this ••ploit was performed in the Holy Land; they of the House of Angleria; Portoit Argent à Sept Coronnes de Gueules.

3. Next after this Otho the First, succeeded his Sonne Andrew, the Vicount,* 23.51 Fa∣••••er of Gawin, otherwise called Galuagne or Gualuin, against whom the Emperour ••rederick the First, Sir-named Barbarossa, waged strong warre, & vpon this occasion.

4. The Wife of this Emperor, being called Beatrix,* 23.52 the Countesse Palatine of Be∣••son, was desirous to see the City of Millaine, & being entred thereinto, the Inhabi∣••nts tooke this Princesse, and to reuenge the quarell of the Vicounts against the ••mperours: did set her vpon a Mule backward, with her face turned towards the ••le, which they gaue her to hold in her hand instead of a Bridle, and in this man∣••••r, threw her forth of the City, with many iniurious scoffes and taunts. Barba-rossa ••tly offended at this Act of folly, soon after besieged the City of Millain, & so nar∣••wly pressed it with Famine; that the Inhabitants were constrained to yeeld, vpon ••rms of discretion. Yet notwithstanding in such sort,* 23.53 that they who would haue ••••eir liues saued, should with their teeth, & without the help of any hand, draw a Fig ••••e of the secret parts of a Mule: And the same was performed, by such as were ••••lling to saue their liues. And hence grew the mocking by-word, when men were ••posed to scorne the Millanoises:* 23.54 they would shew them two Fingers ioyned to∣••••ther Ouall-wise, saying: Ecco la Fico, Voyla la Figue.

Millaine was razed downe to the ground, in the Yeare, One Thousand,* 23.55 One Hun∣••••ed, Threescore and Two, the Plough passing ouer it, and Salt sowed thereon, in ••ne of a malediction. Gauluin was led Prisoner into Germany, by Barba-Rossa, ••ere he was many dayes whipt and beaten with Roddes, miserably hurried from ••e place to another, fed with scraps and morsels cast vnder the Table by Frederick ••d his wife, being tyed in a Chaine like a Dogge, hee continued in this miserable ••iction the space of Eight Yeares, and vntill the Yeare, One Thousand, One Hun∣••ed, Three Score and ••enne; when he found the meanes to depart thence, and returne againe to Millaine, which he began to rebuild; and dyed there without 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Heyres begotten of his body, in the yeare, One Thousand, One Hundred, Foure ••ore and Two.

After his death, the Millanoises expelled the Noble men out of their City,* 23.56 crying ••berty, Liberty, and gouerned themselues in forme of a Common-wealth, making ••oyce of Senatours, among the principall Families of the People. And as chiefe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 amongst them, they elected successiuely Iohn, Martin, Philip and Napoleon, all named De la Tour: who (from Father to the Sonne) commanded in Millaine, euer ••e the Yeare Foure-score and Two, vntill the Yeare, One Thousand, Two Hun∣dred,

Threescore and Seauen; when this Napoleon was vanquished in a ranged ••••∣taile, by Otho the Vicount, Second of the name, Arch-bishop of Millaine, Sonne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Vbertine the Vicount, Sirnamed of Angleria.

* 23.575. Vnder this Iohn de la Tour, First Captaine Generall and Standard-Bearer of Millaines Common-wealth, began the Factions (which ruinated Italy) of the Guelphes,* 23.58 and the Gibellines, by deuision betweene two Brethren, Germaine Cap∣taines of the Army of Fredericke Barbarossa, at the Siege of the City of Parma, vsur∣ped by the Pope, whose partakers were called Guelphes, that is to say in the Germaine Language, Rauenous Wolues: And those on the Emperours side, were termed Gibel∣lines, that is to say, Faithfull and good Friends.

* 23.59This Vbertine of Angleria, was Brother to Gauluin the afflicted. He left two Son, namely Otho, Second of the name, made Archbishop of Millaine, by Pope Vrban, his Cousin; and Andreoccio, Father to Thibault, the Vicount, who contending to re∣enter Millaine, was ouercome neere to Angleria, by Napoleon, who caused his hea•• to bee smitten of at Galarato. Thibault left two Sonnes, Iohn and Mathew, called the Great, in regard of his huge corpulence and stature; whom the Archbishop Ot••, his Vncle left peaceably as Gouernour of Millaine, himselfe being retired to Cler∣uaux in Bourgongne, where hee ended his dayes in a Monasticall Habit, in the Yeare, One Thousand, Two Hundred, Foure Score and Fifteene, in the Moneth of Au∣gust, he being aged Foure Score and Seauen Yeares at his death.

* 23.606. Against this Mathew, rose vp Guy de la Tour, the Sonne of Napoleon, and pos∣sessed himselfe of the Gouernment of Millaine. Mathew made his recourse to the Emperour Henry the Seauenth; whose part hee vndertooke to maintaine, Guy de la Tour being a Guelphe. Henry came into Italy, and caused himselfe to bee crowned at Millaine, with the Crowne circled with Iron, in imitation of our Emperour Charle∣maigne. Guy conspired and practised against the life of the Emperour Henry: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his designes were discouered by Mathew,* 23.61 who as his deserued recompence, was in∣uested with the State of Millaine, being entituled, Vicar of the Empire, with the red Scarlet Cloake, Furred with Ermines, and the Vicars Bonnet of Scarlet, exalted Mortier-fashion, Furred likewise on both sides with Ermines, but bordered aboue and below with Cloth of Gold. This Inuestiture was made by the same Empe∣rour Henry of Luxembourg, hee creating Millaine a Vicariate, and ordenary Cham∣ber of the Empire, in the Yeare, One Thousand, Three Hundred and Twelue.

* 23.62This Mathew left Fiue Sonnes, to wit; Galeas, First of the name, Marke, Sirname•• Balacion, Luchin, Iohn Arch-bishop of Millaine; and the Fift Sonne was Stephen Next to Mathew succeeded his Eldest.

* 23.637. Galeas, First of the name, nourished in France, in the Court of King Charles 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bell, Fourth of the name, who made him Knight of the Order of the Starre. The Em∣perour Lewes of Bauaria, Fift of the name, hauing taken the Crowne of Iron at Mil∣laine; Mark•• Balacion accused before the Emperour his Eldest Brother Galea••, be∣cause hee had surcharged the Millanoises with Taxations & Subsidies, without lea•••• & permission of the Emperour his Soueraigne Lord. Being conuicted of this crime Lewes sent him Prisoner to the Castle of Modece, with his Children and his two Bre∣thren Iohn and Luchin from whence within a while after they were deliuered. Gal••∣as dyed of a burning Feauer, after the surprizall of Pistoyia, By Beatrix of Sardai•• his Wife. Hee left two Sonnes, Azzo, otherwise called Actius, and Marke; wh•• hauing attempted against the life of his Brother, was strangled with a Table-napkin by his command.

* 23.648. Azzo suceeded in the Vicariate of Millaine, wherein he was inuested by the Emperour Lewes of Bauaria; who (with the Inuestiture) gaue him the Title of Princ•• of the Empire, in the Yeare, One Thousand, Three Hundred, Twenty and One paying the Summe of an Hundred Thousand Pounds, for the said Right of Inuesti∣ture: hee had to Wife Katherine of Sauoy, and by her hee had no Children; so th•• chancing to dye at the Age of Eight and Thirty Yeares, in the Moneth of Aug•• One Thousand, Three Hundred, and Twenty Eight.

9. Luchin and Iohn the Arch-bishop gouerned the Estate of Millaine, the one t•• Spirituall, and the other the Temporall. Luchin had married Isabell of Fies••

in the Citie of Geneway, and being poysoned by her, died in the yeare One thou∣sand three hundred fortie and sixe, in the Month of Iune.

10 By his death was aduanced Iohn the Archbishop, who gouerned Myllaine alone, and without any Companion. He caused to returne from Flanders,* 23.65 his Ne∣phewes Galeas and Barnabie, who withdrew themselues thither for warrant of safe∣ty, being accused about the death of their Vnckle Luchin, whose wife was entertai∣ned by Galeas, according as her selfe had made knowne. Iohn the Archbishop dyed of a lingring Feauer, in September One thousand three hundred fiftie and two, and by his last Will and Testament, he instituted (as his Heires) his three Nephewes,* 23.66 Mathew, Galeas, second of the name, and Barnabie, Sonnes to his yongest Brother Stephen the Vicount; but with this charge, that the Seigneuries of Millayne and Geneway should be Gouerned in common, and vnder one sole Potestate, established by them all three. And as for the other Cities and Townes, they should be parted and deuided in three Lots, by the Senators of Geneway and Millayne, among whom the parties did conclude, that the Lots should be drawne out of the Scrutinie, by Mathew, wherewith the Bretheren contented themselues, and should enioy their Lots in proper Heritage, which accordingly was executed. Mathew being dull, and of cowardly courage, dyed two yeares after the Archbishop his Vnckle, being poysonned (according to common opinion) in a Supper, whereto his two Brothers had inuited him

11 Galeas, second of the name, and Barnabie,* 23.67 they deuided in twaine the Estate and Gouernement of Millaine, yea, and the Citie it selfe was parted betweene them, each of them building a Castell there for his dwelling. To Galeas fell the Lot of enioying Pauia and Genewaye; and to Barnabie fell by Lot the coasts of Bo∣l••gna, Placentia, Lauda, and Baude in the Vallie of the Appenines, which had bin the Lot of Mathew their elder Brother. This Galeas the second, and Barna∣••ie his Brother, were Inuested into the Estate of Millayne, by the Emperour Charles of Luxembourg fourth of the name, King of Bohemia; who gaue them the title of perpetuall Vicares of the holy Empire, paying the summe of threescore thousand ••lorins. Galeas the second, at his being in Flanders, fought in single Combat with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gentleman, who bare for his deuise a Taper lighted at both the ends, & in the mid∣••est hung two Buckets of Water. It was held by the said Galeas, and his Successors, Dukes of Millayne, vntill the times of the Emperour Charles the fift. This Galeas ••ied in the yeare One thousand three hundred threescore and eight, in the Moneth of Iu••y, leauing for his Successour his Sonne.

12 Iohn Galeas, third of the name, who espoused Madam Isabell of France,* 23.68 daugh∣••er to King Iohn, and Sister to King Charles the fift, called the Wis••: by whom he ••ad three Children, to wit, Iohn Maria, Phillip Maria, and Valentina of Millayne. By marriage of the said Madam Isabell of France, this Iohn Galeas was made (by King ••ohn his Father in Law) Count of Ve••tus in Champaigne; and created by the Empe∣••our Fredericke, third of the name, the first Duke of Millaine, and Vicar of the ho∣ly Empire, in the yeare of Grace, One thousand three hundred fourescore and sea∣••en; paying to the said Fredericke the summe of an hu••dred thousand Florins. Being ••duertised, that his Vnckle Barnabie conspired against him: he made himselfe Maister ••f Millaine, and of his enemie; whom he caused to dye in prison, and poisoned his ••onnes, remaining sole Lord of Millaigne, of Genewaye, and of their Iurisdictions.

He ioyned in marriage his daughter Valentina of Millayne,* 23.69 with Monsieur Lewes ••f France, the onely Brother to King Charles the sixt: she being sent into France, in ••he yeare One thousand three hundred fourescore and eight. In fauour of this mar∣••age, he gaue to the said Valentina, the Counties of Ast in Piedmont, and that of ••ertus in Champaine, foure thousand Florines of Gold, and foure thousand sixe hun∣dred sixtie and seauen Markes of Siluer in Plate, Iemmes and Iewels. Moreouer, it ••as promised a d••stipulated by the same contract of marriage, that vpon the de∣••ease of the Sonnes of the said Iohn Galeas, namely Iohn and Phillip Maria, without ••eires masles, begotten of their bodies in lawfull matrimonie: that in this case, the ••id Valentina of Millayne, she and her Children should be Dukes of Millaine, with ••cluding the daughters of the said Iohn and Phillip Maria. To this Iohn Galeas,

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Count of Vertus, and Duke of Millaine; and to his heires, King Charles, sixt of the name, gaue permission De porter de France (in the first quarter, which we call the right side) sans nombre, escartele de Milan. The Charters are dated the nine and twen∣eth day of Ianuarie, in the yeare One thousand three hundred fourescore and foure∣teene, as I finde recorded.

* 23.70The Lord of Argentre, writeth in his Historie of Bretaigne, that Barnabie the Vi∣count, imprisoned by his Nephew Galeas the third; left fiue masle children, Charles or Marke, Rodolphe, Lodowicke, M••slin and Carlo, and that the most part of his Chil∣dren were poysoned, except Charles the eldest Son of Barnabie: who was made Lord of Parma, Cremona and Santa D••uina; he married Beatrix, Sister to Iames and Ber∣nard, Counts of Armaignac. That this Beatrix, being gone into France, to be suc∣cou••ed by her Brother Bernard against Iohn Galeas: she lay in there, and was deliue∣red of B••nna of Millayne, who was married to William, Lord of Montauban, and of ••aubale in Bretaigne.

* 23.71That of this marriage issued two Sonnes and a Daughter, to wit, Messire Iohn de Montauban, Admirall of France, called by Ferron, Iohn de Rohan; And Arthur, Arch∣bishop of L••ns and of F••urdeaux, dying in October, Anno One thousand fiue hun∣dred: these two Archbishopricks comming to Frances de Rohan, Sonne to the Lord de Gie, Ma••shall of France.

* 23.72The Daughter was named Mary of Montauban, married to Messire Iohn de Gra∣uille, Father to Messire Lewes de Grauille, Lord of Marcoussis, Admirall of France vn∣der Charles the eight and L••wes the twelfth: whereby it ensueth, that they of the House of Bals••a, Lords of Marc••uss••s, Portent sur le tour de leurs Armes, celles de Gra∣uille, qui s••nt de ••ull••s à trois ••rma ll••ts d'Or, party de Milan.

Iohn of Montauban (Sonne to William and this Bonna of Millaine) tooke to wife Anne de Kaeraur••s, and of this marriage issued their onely daughter, married to Lewes de ••cha•• Lord of Guemene, yongest of the house of Rohan, who quartereth his Armes, which are De Gueulles à neuf Macl••s d'Or, and those of Millaine, according as the Princes of France, that are of the House of Orleans, in regard of his Wifes Grandmother. Of whom Argentre reporteth a Request, presented to the Virgin Ioane of Orleans,* 23.73 to reseate her in the Dukedome of Millaine. A Request brought forth of the Titles of Charters, belonging to the House of Guemene, which will serue for the clearing of this Genealogie, forgotten in the Histories of I∣••

Supplication a la Pucelle Ieanne d'Orleans.

A Tr••s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & Tres deu••te Pucelle Ieanne, ennoy••e du Roy des Cieux pour la re∣paration, & ••ext••pati••n des Angl••is tyrannisans la France; Bonne V••scounte expose que s••n Aveu•• M••ssire Barnabe de Viscomtes eut vn Frere (il y a faute mettant Frere pou•• Nepue•• appelle Messire Galeas, lequel prit par trahison ledit Messire Barnabe, Lo∣uis, & Raoul s••s Fils, les fit mourir en prison▪ & pilla ses tresers, ou il y auoit Six C••nts Mille Ducats (les Histoires d Italie disent sept Chariots d'Argent massif en oeuure, & grand nombre de deniers monnoyez) Que dudit Barnabe demcurerent deux Enfants legitim••s, scauoir est M••ssire l Aisne, & Messire Mas••in le puisne, decede sans Hoirs. Que dudit Charles issirent trois ••nfants, scauoir Messire Ieanne, la Suppliante, & vne ••ille ou•• mourut tenne, c••mme aussi ledit Messire Iean. Et partant dudit Messire Bar∣nabe lad••te Bonne estant scule Heritiere pour le tout, supplie la Pucelle de luy rendre son He∣rita••e iniust••ment vsurpe par ledit Galeas.

A Petition to the Virgin Ioane of Orleans.

MOst-Honored and most-Deuout Virgin Ioane, sent from the King of Heauen, for the repairing, and extirpating of the English, tyrannizing in France: Bonna, Vicoun∣t••sse expresseth, that her Grandfather Barnabie of the Vicountes, had a Brother (here is a fault, setting downe Brother for Nephew) called Messire Galeas, who surprized (by

treason) the said Messire Barnabie, Lewes and Raoul his Sonnes, causing them to dye in prison, and robbed his Treasures, where he had sixe hundred thousand Ducats (the Hi∣stories of Italie doe say, seauen Chariots of Siluer wrought in Plate, &c. and a great number of coyned monies.) That the said Barnabie left two legitimate Children, the one was Messire Charles the eldest, and Messire Mastin the yongest, deceasing without Heires. That of the said Charles issued three children, to wit; Messire Iohn; the Sup∣pl••antesse, and a Daughter that dyed yong, as also the said Messire Iohn. And therefore of the said Messire Barnabie, Bonna being the sole Inheretrixe left off all: beseecheth the Virgin, to restore her heritage, vniustly vsurped by the said Galeas.

He addeth moreouer,* 25.1 that this Bonna was nourished in the Court of Isabell of Ba∣uaria, wife to Charles the sixt, to whom she appertained, in regard of her Aunt by the Fathers side, Madam Thadea the Vicountesse, Mother to the said Isabel. Who in this contemplation, marrying this Bonna to the Lord of Montauban, gaue him thirtie thousand Francs, to be leueyed on the Garners of Salt, and the Aydes of Cha∣steau Thierry.

Now this Iohn, called Galeas, third of the name, and first Duke of Millaine, dying in September, One thousand foure hundred and two; his eldest Sonne

13 Iohn Maria, called the Cruell, succeeded him, and Reigned nine yeares.* 25.2 Hee tooke great delight in the nourishing of huge Mastiue Dogges, whom hee would cause to deuoure aliue as well such as hee hated, as them that were innocent. Wherefore, hee was slaine and massacred by the people, going to heare Masse in the Church of Saint Godard, the fifteenth day of May, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred and Eleauen. Iohn thus dying without Children, his Brother

14 Phillip Maria succeeded him, and had two Wiues.* 25.3 The first was Beatrix de Tenda; whom he commanded to be beheaded, being detected of Adulterie, com∣mitted with one of his Musitions. His second wife was daughter to Amades, Count of sauoye, retreated to Ripaille, not hauing any issue by either of these Wiues: but dyed of a Fluxe in his Bellie, the twelfth day of August, One thousand foure hun∣dred fortie and eight. Sixe yeares before, he had married his Bastard Blanch Maria to Frances Sforza; and in fauour of this Marriage, gaue Cremona,* 25.4 and the Ter••itorie thereof, with the Castell of Petrenelle. He had this Bastard daughter by a Courtezane that he affected, Agnes de Mania; from which House came the Ciuile Lawyer Iason de Mania. By the death of this Phillip Maria, deceasing without Heires masle begotten in lawfull marriage: the Duchie of Millaine came to the House of Orleans, in regard of Valentina of Millaine, as was couenanted by the Marriage contract; yet notwithstanding there ensued some preiudice.

15 Frances Sforza, a simple Souldiour by fortune, Sonne to Sforza Attendula, a Shoomaker in a small Village called Cotignoles; possessed himselfe by vsurpation of the Estate of Millayne, the Forces whereof remained in his owne power.* 25.5 He main∣tained his vsurped authoritie against the House of Orleans, by the meanes of Lewes the eleauenth, to whom (being Daulphine, and absent from France) he gaue yearely a great pension. In acknowledgement whereof, Lewes being come to the Crowne; caused Galeas Maria, eldest Sonne of Frances Sforza, to marrie Bonna of Sa∣••e, yongest Sister to Charlote, the second Wife to Lewes the eleauenth. Frances dyed in the Moneth of March, One thousand foure hundred threescore and sixe.

By his Wife Blanch Maria, Bastard daughter to Phillip, he left sixe Sonnes and two daughters. The Sonnes were named Galeas, Iohn, Phillip, Ascanio, Cardinall,* 25.6 Lodowicke Sforza, and Octauius, all Sirnamed Maria. The two daughters were Hip∣polita Maria, wife of Alphonso, eldest Sonne to Ferdinando, Count de Medina del Campo, Bastard Sonne to Alphonso, King of Arragon, of Naples and of Sicilie, vsur∣ped vpon the House of Aniou. The other was Elizabeth Maria, married to the Mar∣quesse of Montferrat.

16 Galeas Maria, eldest Sonne to Frances Sforza, receiued tydings of his Fa∣thers death in the Court of France, where he was educated by Lewes the eleauenth, his Father in Law; who gaue him a sufficient Companie, to enstaule him in the

Dukedome of Millaine. For which (euen as his Father before had done) hee refu∣sed the Inuestiture of the Emperour Fredericke the third, who hoped (thereby) to draw a good Summe of money from him. The reason in this case yeelded by these two last Dukes, was, that they had conquered the Estate by force of their owne Armies; and not by any fauour or succour, by them receiued from the Emperor Fre∣dericke, to whom (by consequent) they acknowledged not any duetie.

* 25.7This Galeas Maria addicted himselfe to all lubricitie and whoredomes, taking (by force and violence) the daughters and wiues of his Subiects, to appease his in∣ordinate lust and incontinencie; whereby he won such contempt and hatred, that vpon S. Stephens day in Christmasse, Anno One thousand foure hundred threescore and seauenteene; they murdred him in the Church of S. Stephen, by the meanes of Iohn Andrea Lampugnano, and three other Complices, euen in the middest of his kin∣red, friends, and before the peoples face.

* 25.8He left by Bonna of Sauoye his Wife, two Sonnes and one daughter, named Blanch Maria, married to the Emperour Maximilian, and to whom she was affianced, euen when her Father was slaine. On this marriage grew the ground and subiect of the Warres of France and of Castile, for the Dukedome of Millaine, vniustly vsurped, and worse detained from the Crowne of France. The Sonnes were Iohn & Hermes, or Mercurie Maria.

* 25.917 Iohn Maria, the sixt Duke of Millaine, succeeded in the said Dukedome, being onely aged nine yeares; remaining in the Tutelage of his Mother, and of his Vn∣ckles Lodowicke, Ascanio and Octauian. The State affaires were ordered and manag∣ed, by one named Cico de Calabria, a man trained vp in the House of Frances Sforza. But such was his nature, as being vnable to endure so many Companions, and win∣ning the fauour of Bonna of Sauoye: Lodowicke and Ascanio (by this meanes) were banished from the State of Millaine, the two other yonger Bretheren put to death, and the plots and deuises of all such preuented, as could make any head against him.

With this Calabrian was admitted in gouerning the Estate, and disposing of the Finances,* 25.10 a man of Ferrara, named Antonio Thesino: who had some priuate go∣uernement of his Mistresse, carued before her, lodged neere to her Chamber, and carried her mounted behinde him thorow the Citie. This Lady gouerned her selfe with him most impudently, enriching her Minnion or Carpet-Squire with im∣mense gifts; which this ill-aduised Duchesse bestowed on him, both in the sight and knowledge of her people.

* 25.11The Calshrian likewise stood suspected, to share some part, in the fauours and great g••aces of his Mistresse, and he being couetous, desiring to enioy he•• alone to himselfe: found the meanes, to capitulate with Lodowicke Sforza, and Robert de S. Seuerino, who being promised mountaines and meruailes, he seekes to repeale them from banishment. No sooner were they returned to Millaine, but within three daies after; they tooke the Calabrian, put him into a Tunne, and hauing dragde him most infamously through all the Cities Streets;* 25.12 they lockt him vp prisoner in the Castell of Pauia, where (within short while after) they smote off his head. Thesino escaped secretly, being made wise by his fellowes example.

Now concerning the Duchesse, about fiue or sixe Moneths after their returne, Lodowicke and S. Seuerino tooke her two Sonnes from her, whom they sent to Pa∣uia, vnder good protection and sufficient guard: causing her to renounce the Tu∣telage of her Children, and giue her voyce to Lodowicke, who was elected Guardi∣an of his Nephewes, the yongest whereof dyed very soone after. Moreouer, they caused her to yeelde an account of the Dukedomes Treasure,* 25.13 which was then estee∣med the very greatest in Christendome: commanding three Keyes to be made, for Lodowicke, S. Seuerino and the Duchesse; to wom (for honors sake) they gaue one, but themselues had the locking of it safe vp.

And as it is a matter impossible, that two great Lords (aduanced to one and the same dignitie) should any long time agree and endure together: euen so Lodowicke, aspiring to the Dukedome, supplanted S. Seuerino, who was constrained to take part with the Venetians. Thus Lodowicke, seeing himselfe Gouernour alone, and fur∣nished

with Treasure: got possession of the Rocke or Cittadell of Millaine, which he fortefied with greater strength then euer it had bin before: and stamped Money, bearing his owne Image on the one side, and that of Duke Iohn his Nephew on the other.

He had married this Duke Iohn with Isabel of Naples, daughter to Alphonso, the vsurper of Naples and Sicilie, by whom he had a Sonne named Frances Sforza, and two daughters. Blanch Maria his Sister, was married to the Emperour Maximilian,* 25.14 to whom she brought in marriage, the summe of foure hundred thousand Du∣cats in ready Coyne, and threescore thousand for Iemmes and Iewels: the marri∣age being celebrated at Ispourg, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred, foure∣score and foureteene, not any childe issuing of this marriage. Alphonso King of Naples threatned Lodowick to make warre vpon him, if he would not leaue the Duke∣dome of Millaine to his Sonne in Law.

18 Lodowicke, to make his part preuaileable against the Neapolitane, compassed the meanes, to reconcile himselfe againe with Robert of S. Seuerino: whose Sons he had sent into France with the Count of Gatasse, to King Charles the eight,* 25.15 making appa∣rant remonstrance to him; what right they had to the Kingdomes of Naples and Sici∣lie, the Conquest of them being very easie, binding himselfe to prepare the way for him, and to assist in the voyage with men and money.

Hauing thus mannaged, and made sure the support of France; he poysoned Duke Iohn his Nephew, with a gentle lingering poison, appointed to a certaine time.* 25.16 King Charles the eight, being gone into Italie, to feede vpon the viands of vanitie: by the way, visited the poore sickly Duke, lying on his death-bed. From Pauia he went to Placentia, where he receiued the newes in Letters, concerning the death of the Duke his kinsman deceasing at the Age of sixe and twentie yeares, leauing his Son fiue yeares old. Lodowicke taking leaue of King Charles, ranne in all possible haste to Millaine, and there possessed himselfe of the Dukedome.

This Lodowicke Sirnamed the Moore, in regard of his blackish swarthie complexi∣on, and who tooke the blacke Mulberrie Tree for his deuise,* 25.17 being in possession of the Soueraigntie; obtained full confirmation therein by the Emperour Maximillian, first of the name, not onely for himselfe, but his heires likewise, paying the summe of foure hundred thousand Duckats, which he deriued from this Inuestiture. He had taken to wife the daughter to the Duke of Ferrara, and by her had two Sons, Maxi∣millian and Frances; who was the last Duke of Millaine, as we shall perceiue by the thred and course of this Historie.

19 Lewes the twelfth, seeing himselfe peaceably seated in his Kingdome; resol∣ued to get againe his Dukedome of Millaine, which appertained to him, in regard of his Grandmother Valentina, purposing to expell Lodowicke thence. Hereupon, and to effect what he intended, he caused a potent Armie to passe the Mountaines, conducted by the Lord D' Aubigny, Robert Stuart, an honorable Scot, Marshall of France, called the good Father of Chiualrie, and Iohn Iacques de Triuulce, a Mil∣laynois (afterward Marshall of France) who at their first approach, tooke Noma and Rocque, laid Alexandria in the dust, the spoyle whereof serued for recompence to the Souldiours. Pauia fearing to runne the same riot; yeelded it selfe freely to the French: so that within the compasse of fifteene dayes, they conquered the Dukedome of Millaine. All this while was Lodowicke within the Citie,* 25.18 who grow∣ing distrustfull of the people; got secretly thence with his two Sonnes, escaping by the Lake of Coma, and fled toward Maximillian, King of the Romaines, to deriue some succour from him. By his departure, Millaine was taken by the French, the fourth day of September, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred fourescore and nineteene; the Castell still holding out for Lodowicke the Moore.

Lewes the twelfth receiued tydings at Lyons, concerning the surprizal of Millaine; whether he went with all diligence, and made his entrance into it.* 25.19 The Captaine of the Rocquet or Cittadell, who could well haue held it two yeares space at the least, so strongly it was furnished with all things necessary; did yet neuertheles yeeld it into the Kings hands, to haue the moitie of the goods & riches that were in it.

Lodowicke, assisted by the forces of Maximillian, preuailed on so farre, that he got entrance into Millaine, by intelligence and reuolt of the Inhabitants; this was done the third day of Ianuarie, in the said yeare foure hundred fourescore and nineteene; the French yet keeping still the Castell, which Lodowicke could not get by friend∣ship nor force.

* 25.20The Iubilie for the Seculer yeare One thousand fiue hundred, being open at Rome (the Eeuen of Christmasse, in the said yeare foure hundred and nineteene, on which day the Romaines begin their yeare) by Pope Alexander the sixt: great concourse of the people (of all Nations) flocked into Italie, namely of the French, whose deuotion was much troubled by the bad dealing of Lodowicke, who did set their liues at open sale,* 25.21 giuing a Ducate for euery head brought him: so that in all the Innes and Hosteries throughout Italie, vpon the high roade wayes conducting to Rome, French Pilgrimes throates were cut most cruelly. Which was no sooner discouered, but the French Armie, remaining in the parts about Millaine, made warre (with∣out any pittie) on them of Millaine, and so fast as any of them could be taken; blood for blood serued to expiate and appease the ghosts of the French. And for example to the Hosteries and Innes, all crimson-tincturde with their blood: diuers were burned with their Maisters, Wiues, Maide-seruants and Men-seruants, without sparing so much as their Cats, which serued as no meane terror & affright to others.

* 25.22Now, that which gaue subiect to the Millaynoises (by their owne confession) to reuolt from Lewes the twelfth, was this extreame bad behauiour in the French. At the first voyage which King Charles the eight made beyond the Mountaines; the I∣talians (so speaketh our French Salust Phillip de Commines) adored the French, re∣puting them to be Saints, and saying, that they had not their like for goodnesse, Faith, mildenesse and discretion. But this good opinion of them lasted not long, for our French misgouerned Libertines, by their riots and robberies, declared the quite contrary: and gaue apparant subiect of being accused, for taking mens wiues perforce from them, and goods from the people, wheresoeuer they could finde them by night or day.

* 25.23Concerning the women, it may be that they lied not, and for the rest, doubtlesse somwhat was done; for the French could not finde any thing too hot, or too heauie; a disease (neuerlesse) as common to the Italians, Germaines, Spaniards, and other Nations, as to the French. But this was it that confounded the Kings affaires, which otherwise had carried themselues formally: but being conducted without any or∣der, and the French Souldiours transported with pilferies; this was the reason, of alienating the Italians from their former affection to the French, to the great griefe and discontentment of honest mindes, for the extraordinarie honour and renowne, which the French nation might haue won to themselues in this voyage.

* 25.24And such bad behauiours, are meanes vtterly contrary for attaining to any great Conquest, in what part soeuer it is (but especially in Italie) and to keepe it long: be∣cause the Italians are the most iealous and couetous Nation, beyond all other in the world. Wherefore, whosoeuer would make himselfe a Potentate in Italie; he must hold it for an infallible Maxime, to be very modest and retent in all his actions; but especially towards women, and to lay no oppression vpon the people.

The Italians are inconstant, and desire nothing more then change; they contemne the facilitie of the French, and hate the rigour of the Dutch, a Nation diuers wayes proud and tyrannicall,* 25.25 yet can better conserue their Conquests, then we: who of all our voyages to Piedmont, Millaine, Naples, and Sicilie, haue not reserued one inch of ground. Diffidence is the Mother of Assurance, and to make our owne best begin∣ning, it behoueth vs first to conquer our selues.

Maxima cunctarum Victoria, victa voluptas.

* 25.26A graue Verse, well seruing for an Epitaph on the Tombe of Great Scipio the Af∣frican: who abstained from all force and violence towards men and their goods. Moreouer, to containe the people subiected to dutie, by a moderated gouernment betweene mildenesse and power: is to stand vpon good guard night and day, and not to trust ought else, but in good behauiour towards the Italians, with whom to communicate, and be the least familiar, is the best and safest.

Now the men of Millaine, being thus reduced vnder the obedience of Lord Lo∣dowicke; the King was constrained once more, to bring an Armie into the Field,* 25.27 which he committed to the conduct of Messire Lewes de la Trimouille, Viscount of Thouers: who hauing made an agreement betweene the Lords of Aubign & of Tri∣••lce, all three ioyned together, and gaue such order and direction to the Armie, that Lodowicke standing in feare thereof, was enforced againe to forsake Millaine, with an hundred Horse onely, and so with-drew himselfe to Nouara, where was his Armie and Artillerie. As speedily was he followed by the French Armie, whereto a Bour∣gongnon Captain, named Des Yottieres, yeelded himselfe, being come forth of the said Towne of Nouara, wherein (at that time) for Lodowicke were foure thousand Swiz∣zers, eight thousand Lands-kenets, about sixe or seauen thousand Lombardes, and eight hundred Bourgongnons, who with the said Captaine Des Yottieres, ioyned themselues to the French Armie on the one side, and the foure thousand Swizzers, won by the Bailiffe of Dijon, on the other side.

Lodowicke came forth into the Field, and presented Battaile to the French, which they accepted very willingly, & Lodowicks Armie comming to handy-blowes;* 25.28 they submitted to the French, without striking one stroake: because the Swizzers and Lands-kenets being not paid their Wages, they would not by any meanes fight. Such misfortunes as this, doe often happen to Princes, that make vse of strangers seruice, who when neede requireth; will be sure to hold their hands, making three or foure demands for money, before the Battaile, when they well knew it is not to be had. Let a Prince therefore prouide his Armie of his owne Subiects,* 25.29 of whom he shall be better and more profitably serued: for strangers soules are meerely mer∣cenary, and they affect not Princes, but in regard of the benefit they can deriue from them▪ They are for their seruice that will giue them most, and their lo••e is poized in the Ballance with their wages, but no otherwise. Lodowicke being thus betraied, dis∣guised himselfe in the habit of a Gray-Frier, as hoping so to saue himselfe. But the Lord of Trimouille, causing a passage to be made betweene two Pikes crossed, for all them of the enemies Armie, departing with their liues and goods saued,* 25.30 one after an∣other: Lodowicke being knowne, was taken, and sent prisoner to Chasteau de Pierre-Encise at Lyons, from whence he was (not long after) transported to the great Tower of Bourges, and there he finished his dayes.

The Towne of Nouara by this meanes yeelded it selfe to the King, who had for his part of the victory (won on the thursday before Palme-Sunday, in the same yeare fourescore and nineteene) Lodowicke, and all his Artillery, with the Town of Nouara, very rich and mighty in goods.

The Cardinall Ascanio Sforza, left Gouernour at Millaine by his Brother,* 25.31 hauing heard the tydings of his surprizall: departed thence, accompanied with sixe hun∣dred Horse, belonging to the richest Inhabitants, and some pieces of Artillerie, tak∣ing his way towards Bologna. On the way he was met by a Venetian Captaine, that came with his troupe to ioyne with the Armie Royall. This Captaine was named S••ncino Biansono, who crying out a loud France and Saint Marke; set vpon the Car∣dinals company, conducted by Count Iohn, Brother to the Marquesse of Mantua, to whom he gaue charge, to pursue him fighting to Chasteau de Riuolles, where the Cardinall was as soone inuested by the Venetian, who had prisoner in his power Count Iohn of Mantua, of whom he had a great ransome. With him was taken the Abbot of Sanzeles, foure of the Viscounts, Captaine Bardo, and an hundred thou∣sand Ducates in ready money, with all the Iewels of the Cardinall Ascanio, who like∣wise was contented to yeelde, onely his life saued. He was deliuered into the hands of Stephen de Vers, Seneschall of Beaucaire, the Lord of Montoison, and the Iudge Mage of Prouence: who brought him safely to Chasteau de Pierre-Encise at Lyons, euen where before his Brother was imprisoned.

The Inhabitants of Millaine much daunted at the surprizall of their Duke,* 25.32 his Brother also, & the discomfiture of their Armie, by that of the Kings which had inue∣sted them; sent their Deputies to the Cardinall George d' Amboise, who by the King was established Lieutenant generall ouer the Millainers; entreating him to take compassi∣on of them, to saue their Citie from pillage, and to make his entrance into it, crauing

most humbly pardon of him, for their offence committed, by admitting Lord Lodo∣wicke into their Citie. The Cardinall made it manifest to them, by Maister Michael de Ris, Doctor of the Lawes, and Councellour in the Parliament of Bourgongne, that the enormitie of their rebellion was punishable with death: because (without any subiect) they had withdrawne themselues from obedience to their King and Soue∣raigne Lord, who had so mildely and mercifully dealt with them. And that the sum of a Million of Pounds, which they payed yearely to Lodowicke in taxes and tal∣lages,* 25.33 he had moderated it to the sum of six hundred and two and twentie thousand pounds (here is to be noated, that the Dukedome of Millaine valued yearely fifteene hundred thousand Dukates) which gentle and milde vsage in the French▪ they had neuerthelesse vtterly forgot.

All which notwithstanding, hee declared to them in the Kings name, that hee would spare the liues of the Inhabitants, and exempt their Citie from pillage, and all the people from death, which they had iustly deserued, vpon condition: that they would yeelde and deliuer to him, the principall Authours of the rebellion, to be iustly punished, and themselues (for euer after) continue faithfull to the King, and to his Successours the Kings of France, their Dukes and Soueraigne Lords. Moreouer, to defraye the charges of this last warre, the Citie of Millaine should (for an honorable amends) pay three hundred thousand Ducates; to wit, fiftie thousand in the present Moneth of Aprill, One thousand fiue hundred and fiftie thousand the first day of May next following; and the other two hundred thousand at the end of the same yeare, except the King would be pleased in clemencie, to pro∣long them a further time for the last paiment.

Which being agreed vnto, the Cardinall d'Amboise entred into Millaine vpon Good-Friday,* 25.34 it being the seauenteenth day of Aprill: accompanied with Iohn Iacques: de Triuulce (Marshall of France in the time of King Frances) the Bishop of Lucon, Chancellour of Millaine, the Lord of Neuf-Chastel, with other Lords and Captaines of the Armie. Hee went to lodge at the Hostell called La Cour-Vieille, the Pallace belonging to the first Viscounts of Millaine, whether the three Estates thereof went in solemne procession, bearing the Crucifixe and Banner of the Vir∣gin Mary; after which followed all the Children of the Citie, Sonnes and Daugh∣ters, cloathed all in white, and in this manner the Cardinall welcommed them in the Court of his Pallace, sitting aloft vpon a Theater, and round about him his French Lords and Captaines. For the Inhabitants, the man most famous among their Aduo∣cates,* 25.35 named Maister Michael Touse, made the Oration, desiring grace and mercie on their behalfe. The Councellour de Ris returned a kinde and mercifull answere, more then the inconstant people deserued: which being concluded, all the yong Children (innocent in the guilt of their Fathers) passed two and two together be∣fore the French Lords, crying with loud voices, France, France, Mercie, Mercie.

The Swizzers, being raised and prouoked thereto by Pope Iulius, had brought in∣to Millaine Maximilian Sforza, Sonne to Lodowicke Sforza, who died in France, and which Maximillian (as we haue formerly said) had bin saued in Germanie, by his Vnckle the Cardinall Ascanio.

Lewes the twelfth retained as yet in his power, the Rocke or Cittadell of Millaine,* 25.36 the Castell of Cremona, and some other places. The Swizzers, who had enstaulled in the Estate of Millaine the young Maximillian, and hee being taken into their protection; after they had vanquished Lewes de la Tri∣mouille, Lieutenant Generall for the King at Nouara, and constrained him to forsake Italie; they pursued the said Lord de la Trimouille to Dijon in Bour¦gongne, to the number of fifteene thousand, supported by the forces of Pope Iulius, and of the elected Emperour Maximillian (Sonne in Lawe to Charles, the last Duke of Bourgongne) and them of La Franche Comte, as also some Ger∣maines, conducted by Huldrich, the Duke of Wittemberg. There they besiedged him in this weake and ill-fortefied Citie, before which (neuerlesse) they remained sixe weekes, at the end whereof, being required to shew the occasions, why they thus bandied themselues against the French; the Lord of Trimouille receiued this for

answere. That since the time of King Lewes the eleauenth (with whom they had contracted and sworne alliance) there remained due debt vnto them,* 25.37 foure hundred thousand Crownes of their Pension▪ whereof being satisfied, they would be louing friends to the Crown of France, and maintaine their cause to and against all Princes liuing or dying. To content them, they had assurance for their debt, and pay of some present money downe, but what sum I know not.

These men thus pacified, Lewes the twelfth disposed himselfe, to muster his troups, and to haue them passe ouer the Alpes. He published for his Lieutenant generall in Italie, his Cousine Charles de Montpensier, Duke of Bourbon,* 25.38 leuying in Germany be∣tweene fifteene and sixteene thousand Lands-kenets, determining to haue on foote (at Spring time following) the most potent Armie, that, in the memory of men, had e∣uer bin seene in Italie. But sudden death brake off his designes, and cut in twaine the thred of his life, the first day of Ianuary, about the mid-time of night, in the yeare of our Saluation, One thousand fiue hundred and foureteene.

A Prince, whose intire loue towards his Subiects, honored him with the memory of this Title, Father of the People, & who all his life time, had eased them of taxes and Subsidies. Being endued with magnanimous courage, he purposed to pursue the Con∣quests of Charles the eight in Italie; and (aboue all) to make firme the Dukedome of Millaine to the Crowne of France, which appertained thereto by successiue and law∣full right.

After this Prince succeeded Frances of Engoulesme, his Son in law, husband to Ma∣dam Claudia of France; but not in regard of his wife;* 25.39 because daughters are excluded from the Crown of France, according to the fundamentall Law of the Kingdome.

Successor Imperij Francorum, Masculus esto.

But by his chiefe right and prerogatiue, & no otherwise, as being the prime Prince of the blood, most neerest, & best able to succeede the deceased King, departing this life without any heire masle.

At the beginning of his Reigne, Prince Charles of Austria, sent as Ambassador to his Maiestie, the Count of Nassau; who (in the name of his Maister) performed faith and homage, for the Counties of Flanders, Artois, Charolois, and other Lands held and depending on the Crowne of France.

Which being thus done, the King iournied to Lyons,* 25.40 from whence he passed into Italie, to recouer his Dukedome of Millaine. The Swizzers being introduced, & won by the perswasions and boundlesse promises of the Cardinall of Syon, would needs breake their faith engaged to the King; and were ouerthrowne at Marignano, on thurs∣day, being the foureteenth day of September, in the yeare One thousand fiue hundred and fifteene, there lying in the field of Battaile, fifteene thousand and fiue hundred of them slaine. The vanquishing of these bold warriors,* 25.41 procured the reddition of Mil∣laine, of Pauia, and of Cremona. In the end, the Castell of Millaine was constrained to yeeld it selfe to the French, by the arteficiall cunning of Pedro de Nauarre, a great In∣gener. He had this Sir-name, not as being a natiue of Nauarre, but by being in seruice of King Ferdinand of Arragon, he was taken in the Battaile at Rauenna, and led thence into France, where he was detained as a prisoner, vntill the time of King Frances the first, who hauing set him at full libertie; made good proofe of his valiancie in Italie and elsewhere, and serued very faithfully to the Crowne of France.

By this surprizing the Castell of Millaine, and the Duke Maximillian Sforza,* 25.42 led prisoner into France, where he finished his life; King Francis the first remained some space of time, a peaceable possessour of the Estate of Millaine. Where he left Gouer∣nor and Lieutenant generall, Charles, Duke of Bourbon, Constable of France, who but badly entreated the Mother to King Frances the first, Madam Louisa of Sauoye; loo∣sing both honor and life in a strange Countrey, to the cost of France.

We haue already obserued the Genealogie of Monsieur Louis of France, Duke of Orleans, on the legitimate side: Let vs now take a view of that which descended (and endureth yet to this day) of his naturall Sonne Iohn, Count of Dunois.

The Chronicle of Iuuenal des Vrsins doth enstruct vs, that after the murder of

Monsieur Lewes of France, Duke of Orleans: his Children were taken from the hands and gouernement of their Mother, the Duchesse Valentina of Millaine▪ Le Quatriesme Iour de December audict An. 1408. mourut de courroux, & d•• Dueil, la Duchesse d Orleans, Fille du Duc de Milan, & de la Fille du R••y Iean. Et astoit grande pitie, d••ouir auant sa Mort, ses regrets, & complaincts. Et piteusement regrettoit ses En∣sants, & vn Bastard nomme Iean, lequel elle veoit volontiers, en disant qu'il luy a••oit Este Enible, & Qu'il N'y Auoit a peine des Enfants, qui fust si bien Taille de Venger la mort de son Pere, Qu'il estoit. The fourth day of December, in the said yeare 1408. deed with anger and griefe, the Duchesse of Orleans, daughter to the Duke of Millaine, and to the daughter of King Iohn. And it was great pittie, to heare before her Death, her mour∣nings and complaints. And pittifully she mourned for her Children, and a Bastard, named Iohn, whom she willingly beheld, in saying, that he was enabled, and that he had hardly any of his Sonnes, that was so well shaped and formed, for the reuenge of his Fathers death, as he was.

* 25.43This Propheticall kinde of speech (as it were) was verified vnder King Charles, seauenth of the name, called the Victorious, and well serued: when this Iohn the Ba∣stard of Dunois, performed wonders against the Bourgongnons and Englishmen, to whom (all his life time) he was a capitall enemie, and a Butcher of them; reuenging the expence of his Fathers Blood, with slucing forth that of twelue thousand English and Bourgongnons, in diuers encounters, and vnder his conduct, making a miserable massacre of them.

And for the great seruices which hee had done to France, and which may re∣maine as a module, example and patterne, for all them concerned in his qualitie of Birth, to apply themselues in well doing, and not to teare the bowels of their Mo∣ther France,* 25.44 by factions, reuolts and partialities: Hee was by full consent of the generall Estates, held vnder Charles the seauenth, made The Legitimate Sonne of Orleans. And in his Armes, the Filet de Gueulles à Gauchè (which is said in deuise to designe Bastardie) altered and changed into that d'Argent, en Bande de la main Gau∣che à la Droitte. And that his Heires and Descendants of them should hold (for euer after) the rancke and title of French Princes, and goe immediately after the Princes of the Blood Royall, and before all the Princes issued and descended of the Soueraigne House habituate in France.

* 25.45This Iohn Count of Dunois and of Longue-Ville, espoused Iane Louuet, the onely daughter to Messire Iohn Louuet, President of Prouence, wonderfully wealthie: in regard he had gouerned the Reuennues of France, vnder the miserable Reigne of Charles the sixt, and had receiued his part of the Treasures and Cheuances, gathe∣red in many Monasteries of the Kingdome, for Queene Isabel of Bauaria, who made her Mittines of the Kings Treasure, to fill the Boudgets of her owne Countrey, al∣though France paied dearely for it. The faction of Phillip, Duke of Bourgongne, se∣cond of the name, alwayes dammageable to France, dismounted the said President of Prouence. And when the President perceiued, that the Queene of Sicilie, Mother to the Queene of France, was not contented, that the President should gouerne the King and his Hostell: he departed from France, and tooke with him the Bastard of Orleans▪ who had married his Daughter, and went so farre as to Auignion: So speaketh the Chronicle of Iuuenall des Vrsins, vnder the yeare One thousand foure hundred twentie foure. By contract of this marriage, the President Louuet instituted his Heire, the said Iohn the Bastard of Orleans, whether he had children by the said Iane his daughter, or whether she died without issue, as it hapned she did.

* 25.46So that Iohn the Bastard of Orleans espoused in second marriage, Mary de Harcour, daughter to William de Harcour, Count of Tancar-Ville, and to Ioane, the Vicountesse of Melun.

For the great seruices that this Iohn had performed to his Bretheren, Charles, Duke of Orleans, remaining fiue and twentie yeares prisoner in England (and to Iohn, Count of Engoulesme, who continued there also prisoner eight and twen∣tie yeares) the said Charles, being returned into France, gaue the Countie of Du∣nois to the Bastard his Brother, so that he was the first Count thereof. The Letters of this Donation are dated in the yeare One thousand foure hundred thirtie nine,

confirmed by other Letters from the same Duke of Orleans, in Anno One thousand foure hundred fortie and one. King Charles the seauenth acknowledging the great and faithfull seruices, which this Iohn the Bastard of Orleans had done for him: ouer and beside his legitimation, hee gaue him faire Seigneuries, as those of Parthenay, Vou••ans, Meruans, the Principalitie of Chastelaillon, and many other, throughout all the Prouinces of France: And this donation is dated in the yeare One thousand foure hundred fiftie and eight.

Of this Iohn, Count of Dunois, and Mary de Harcour, Countesse of Tancar-Ville:* 25.47 was borne a Sonne and a Daughter; Frances and Katharine, maried to the Count of Reussy.

Frances of Orleans, Count of Dunois and of Longue-Ville, first of the name, had to wife Agnes de Sauoye, sister to Queene Charlote of Sauoye, second wife to King Lewes the eleauenth, daughters to Lewes, Duke of Sauoye, and Anne of Cyprus. And of this marriage was borne three Sonnes, as namely Frances, Lewes, and

Iohn, who was a Cardinall, Bishop of Orleans, and Archbishop of Tolosa.

Frances of Orleans, second of the name,* 25.48 followed the part of King Lewes the twelfth, not being (as yet) Duke of Orleans, and ranne his fortune at the Battaile of Saint Aubin in Britaigne. In fauour of him, King Lewes the twelfth, being come to the Crowne; aduanced the Countie of Longue-Ville to be a Dukedome and Peeredome of France. The said Duke Frances espoused Frances of Alanson, daughter to Rene, Duke of Alanson, and to Margaret of Lorraine. And of this marriage issued

Renea, their onely daughter, who died an Infant, immediately after Duke Frances her Father: by the death of whom, the Dukedome of Longue-Ville, and the Earle∣dome of Dunois, came to

Lewes of Orleans, first of the name, who married Iane of Hochberg,* 25.49 Daughter to Phillip, Marquesse of Hochberg, and of Rothelin, Count of Neuf-Chastell (and of other great Seigneuries in Brisgauu, and in Bourgongne, where this Marquesse made his ordenarie abiding, and was high Marshall) and of Mary of Sauoye. These Mar∣quesses of Hochberg, and those of Baden, are issued of the same stocke, and the ve∣ry same name and Armes. Rodolphe, Marquesse of Hochberg and of Rothelin, Count of Neuf-Chastell by the Lake, and Lord of Susenbourg, had to wife Mary of Vien∣••••: and of this marriage was borne Phillip, the last Marquesse of Hochberg and of Rothelin, who by Mary of Sauoye his wife, had but one onely daughter; Ioane of Hochberg, wife to the said Lewes of Orleans. By death of this Phillip, the last heire Masle of the Family of Hochberg, and of Rothelin: the Marquesse of Baden, named Christopher, his Cousine farre enough off, in the yeare One thousand fiue hundred and three, possessed himselfe in the Marquisates of Hochberg and Rothelin, as also the Seigneuries of Susenbourg, and Badenuilliers. So that to the onely daughter of Phillip, there remained but the Countie of Neuf-Chastel, and the Seigneuries being in France.

By this marriage of Lewes of Orleans, and Iane of Hochberg, were borne three Sonnes and one daughter, to wit; Claudius, Lewes, Frances, And

Charlote, wife to Phillip of Sauoye, Count of Geneua, and of the Genewayes:* 25.50 And of this Marriage is descended the House of Nemoux, because therein were borne

Iames of Sauoye, Duke of Nemoux, and

I••ane of Sauoye, second wife to Nicholas de Lorraine Count of Vaudemont, Father to Queene Louisa, wife to the King of France and Poland, Henry, third of the name, of famous memory.

Claudius was Duke of Longue-Ville, who deceased without any Heires.

Lewes, second of the name, tooke to wife Mary of Lorraine,* 25.51 daughter to Claudius of Lorraine, Duke of Guise, and in this marriage was borne their onely Sonne

Frances, third of the name, Duke of Longue-Ville, who dyed without linage.

Frances, Marquesse of Rothelin, third of the name, Sonne to Lewes, first of the name, and Iane Lady Marquesse of Hochberg; had to wife Iaquelina de Rohan, daughter to the Lord of Guye, and of this Marriage was descended.

Leonardo; And

Frances of Orleans, married to Lewes of Bourbon, Prince of Conde; and in this mar∣riage was borne Charles, Count of Soissons: Lewes, and Beniamin.

* 25.52Leonardo of Orleans, Duke of Longue-Ville, and Count of Dunois, by the Successi∣on of Frances, third of the name, his Cousine Germaine, dying without any issue: tooke to wife Mary of Bourbon, daughter vnto Frances of Bourbon, Duke d'Estoute-Ville, and Count of Saint Paul, and of Adriana d'Estoute-Ville. Of this marriage were issued two Sonnes, foure daughters, Henry, Frances, Margaret, Katharine, Antoinetta, and Leonora.

* 25.53Henry, first of the name, espoused Katharine de Gonzagua of Cleues, daughter to Lodowicke de Gonzagua, Duke of Neuers, and of Retheil, and of this marriage is issued.

Henry, second of the name, of Orleans, Duke of Longue-Ville, d'Estoute-Ville, Count of Neuf-Chastell: who tooke to wife Louisa de Bourbon, daughter to Charles de Bour∣bon, Count of Soissons, and to Anne Countesse of Montafier.

* 25.54Frances of Orleans, Count of Saint Paul, Husband to the Inheritrixe of Caumont, and of Fronsac: newly erected into a Dukedome and Peeredome of France, for the said Frances of Orleans, and his Sonne.

In fauour of this Illustrious House of Longue-Ville, of the Armes and Sir-name of Orleans: our Monarches (from time to time) haue made their Declarations for their Rancke and Sedence, immediately after the Princes of the Bloud; the last whereof is by King Charles the ninth, the tenure whereof thus followeth.

The Declaration of King Charles the Ninth, for the Precedencie and Rancke, which ought to be held by the Princes of the House of Longue-Ville.

CHarles, by the Grace of God, King of France: To all present, and to come, Gree∣ting. Our intention hath alwayes bin, in imitation and example of the decea∣sed Kings our Predecessours, to maintaine, cause to be kept and conserued to the Princes of our Bloud, and other Lords being in this our Kingdome; the Place, Rancke and Degree which to them belongeth. And although it is a matter to euery one sufficiently apparant, and knowne, that our most deare and best beloued Cousine the Duke of Longue-Ville, is extracted and issued from the Illustrious Bloud of the House of Orleans, for such a one knowne and auouched, bearing the House and Sir-name of Orleans, and that by occasion of this rancke and degree, which hath bin by the Kings our Predecessours giuen and attributed to him and his, and which they haue to this day held, and there∣fore ought not any way to be called in doubt, or committed to controuersie; yet notwith∣standing, to cease all disputes that may hereon ensue: We are willing to declare and make knowne our purpose and meaning.

For these causes. after we had taken the aduise of the Queene our most-Honorable Mo∣ther; of our most deare and louing Brethren, the Dukes of Aniou, our Lieutenant Ge∣nerall, representing our person throughout all our Kingdome, Countries, Lands and Seigneuries vnder our obedience; and of Alanson; and of our most-deare and be∣loued Cousine the Cardinall of Bourbon: Wee haue said and declared, doe say and declare, that wee doe hold and repute our said Cousine Leonardo of Orleans, Duke of Longue-Ville, to be a Prince of our Bloud, and our intent and will is (as euer∣more it hath bin) that hee, his Sonnes and Successours, in the direct line, shall be held and acknowledged to be such, as we doe hold and acknowledge them to be, and so will haue them to be knowne, alwayes to be issued and descended of the said House of Or∣leans.

And in this Degree, as well about vs, as in all other places, where hee, his Sons and Successours shall be: to haue the prime place, next to the Princes of our Bloud, and shall enioye all other Honors, Authorities, Preheminences, Rights, Ranckes, and Prero∣gatiues,

like and in the same manner as his Predecessors haue done, according as reason re∣quireth to haue it so. And that he our said Cousin, for his great and most commendable Seruices, hath very worthily deserued of this Crowne and State, although that this place and Ranke which by vs is confirmed to him by these Presents, should bee questioned by a∣ny dispute or altercation: willing, if any such should happen, to haue them ceased, and like∣wise all other contrary hinderances. For such is our pleasure, hauing for the much greater approbation and testimony of this our will; Signed these Presents with our owne hand, which wee will to bee sufficient to serue any where, or where need shall require. And to the end, that this may bee an Act firme and stable alwayes: Wee haue heereunto set our Seale.

Giuen at Durestall, in the Moneth of December, the Yeare of Grace, One Thou∣sand, Fiue Hundred, Three Score and Eleauen.

Signed. Charles.

And on the Fold in the bottome. De Neufuille. And Sealed with Greene Waxe on Strings of Silke, Red and Greene.

The Order of Bourbon, called of the Thistle, and of our Lady: Instituted at Moulins, in Bourbonnois: In the Yeare, One Thousand, Three Hundred, Three Score and Ten. CHAP. XII.

THE Royall House of Bourbon,* 26.1 at this instant Reigning happily in France; took his beginning in the Person of Monsieur Robert of France, Count of Clermont in Beau∣uoisis, Sonne to the Great King Saint Lewes, Ninth of the Name.

Robert married the rich Heyre and Inheritrix of Bourbon, named Beatrix of Bourgongne, Daughter to Iohn of Bourgongne, second Sonne of Hugh, Fourth of the name, Duke of Bourgongne, and to Agnes de Bour∣bon, Daughter to Messire Archambauld de Bourbon, called the Young, Seauenth of the name.

Of this Marriage issued Lewes de Clermont, tearmed the Great,* 26.2 created the First Duke of Bourgongne, by King Philip de Valois, Sixt and Last of the name, in the Yeare One Thousand, Three Hundred, Twenty and Nine. By the mea••es of this erecti∣on, he quitted the Sirname of Clermont, and tooke that of Bourbon; which they of that Royall House (as well the youngest as eldest) haue to this day still retained. M••nsieur Robert of France, Porta Seme de France sans nombre au Baston de Gueules bro∣chant sur le tout. Armes which Lewes the First Duke of Bourbon held,* 26.3 with the Sir∣name of the Seigneurie belonging to his mother, of which Seigneurie (neuerthe∣lesse) hee forsooke the Armes of the Archambaulx, which were D'Or au Lyon Ram∣pant de Gueules, à l'Orle seme de Coquilles d'Azur. Because, since the Voyages which the King Saint Lewes made beyond the Seas, the Crowne of France was so much

famed & renowned throughout the whole world, that the Princes which afterward descended thereof, whom wee call Princes of the Blood, carried the plaine Armes of France, distinguished by Brizures. Contenting not themselues, to beare the co∣lour and mettall,* 26.4 as formerly had done the Princes of the Bloud, of the Houses of Bourbon, Dreux and de Courtnay; who ioyning in Marriage with the rich Inheritrixes of them, tooke likewise their Armes and Sirnames.

Lewes, First Duke of Bourbon, and of that name, tooke to wife Mary, Sister to the Count of Henault, and had by her three Male Children (wee will passe the Daugh∣ters in silence, & the Sonnes also, because they minister no matter to our Discourse) Peter, First of the name, Second Duke of Bourbon, whose Line is long since quite extinct and perished in the Distaffe.

* 26.5Iames the Second Sonne, of the Sirname and Armes of Bourbon, was Count of Charolois, and Constable of France. Of this man the Royall Descent continueth e∣uen to this day, and (God assisting) shall doe to infinite Ages, to hold the Scepter and Crowne of the noble Flower de Luce, which being founded on the Salique Law, called him to command, as the very nearest Prince issued of the Bloud Royall, from Lance to Lance, although hee stood in the Thousand degree off; yet by the right of Bloud, and perpetuall custome of the Kingdome, which the Ciuill Lawyer Baldus on the first Law De Senatoribus, at the Clode and elsewhere, aptly termeth Ius Gentium Gall••rum. By which right, the Illustrious House of Bourbon descended of the youngest from Saint Lewes, by infinite representation, came to the Crowne of France, in the Yeare, One Thousand, Fiue Hundred, Foure Score and Nine. After that that Stocke of the eldest Race from the said Saint Lewes (which had reig∣ned Three Hundred and Nineteene yeares) was quite ended, and suncke in the Fe∣male Sexe.

Accordingly is it prophesied of the Princes of the House of France, that they shall endure for euer. Lilium Francorum erit tanquam lignum quod plantatum est secus de∣cursus aquarum,* 26.6 quod fructum suum dabit in tempore suo, in the first Psalme. The Lilly of the French shall be like a Tree planted by the riuers of waters, that will bring forth her fruite in due season. As meaning, that this Flower de Luce, exalted vp to Heauen, shall neuer fayle in producing Leaues and Fruits, that is to say: Princes succeeding one after another, to sustaine the Scepter of the French. This is the goodly Gol∣den branch foretold by Sibylla.

—Vno auulso non deficit alter Aureus, & simili frondescit Virga metallo.

The Leaues of the Sacred Lillies of France, shall neuer want: Folium eius non de∣fluet: So speaketh the Psalmist and Royall Prophet. Returne wee now to the el∣dest of Lewes the First Duke of Bourbon.

* 26.7Peter, First of the Name, Second Duke of Bourbon, and Count of Clermont, tooke to Wife Isabell de Valeis, and had by her two Sonnes and Seauen Daughters. The The youngest Sonne was Iames of Bourbon, Count de la March, who was slaine with Peter of Bourbon his Sonne at the encounter at Brignais, three miles from Lyons, in Anno, One Thousand, Three Hundred, Threescore and One, the Third Day of Aprill. The Eldest Sonne

* 26.8Lewes, Second of the name, Third Duke of Bourbon, and Count of Clermont, in Beaunoisis, of Forests and Beauioulois, had to Wife Anne, Daughter to Berauld, Daul∣phin of Auuergne, called the Count Camus, and to Iane Countesse de Forrests. And in this Marriage was borne Iohn, First of the name, Fourth Duke of Bourbon: who tooke to Wife the Daughter of Monsieur Iohn of France, Duke of Berry and of Au∣u••rgn••.

* 26.9Lewes the Second was (for his rare vertues) called The good Duke. Hauing beene seauen yeares in England with King Iohn, hee returned to his Dukedome of Bour∣bonnois, in the Yeare of Grace, One Thousand, Three Hundred, Three Score and Three, being then Aged Eight and Twenty Yeares. In the same Yeare, the first Day of Ianuary, the memorable time of giuing Newyeares-Gifts: hee called to∣gether the very chiefest Lords of his Lands, in the City of Moulins in Bourbonnois, and Instituted the Order of the Golden-Shield. These are the very tearmes of the

Chronicle, concerning this great Prince, made by a Picard, named Iohn d'Orronuille,* 26.10 called Cabaret, at the request of Charles Count of Clermont, eldest Sonne to Iohn, Duke of Bourbon, and d' Auuergne, Count de Forrests, and Lord of Beau-ieu, the one∣ly Sonne to Lewes the Second, of whom the Chronicle was made by the said Caba∣ret, on Tuesday, the Nine and Twentieth day of March, One Thousand, Foure Hundred▪ Twenty and Nine, after Easter.

In the Second Chapter are set downe these words.* 26.11 For the good hope that I haue in you, next vnder God (said the good Duke to his Barons) from this time forward, I will beare for my Deuice a Girdle; whereon shall bee written in ioyfull words, Esperance, or Hope.

In the Third Chapter, the First Day of the Yeare, early in the Morning, arose the gentle Duke, to gather his Knights and Noblemen together, to go to the Church of our Lady at Moulins. But before the Duke departed from his Chamber, hee hanselled them with Newyeares Gifts of a worthy Order by him deuised, which he called, The Golden-Shield. And in the Shield of Gold was a Bende of Pearles, whereon hee had written: Allen.

The First Lords honoured with this Order of The Golden-Shield, were these following.

• 1. Messires Henry de Montagu, Lord de la Tour, Sonne to Messire Gillesselin.
• 2. Guichard Daulphine.
• 3. Griffon de Montagu.
• 4. Hugues de Chastellus.
• 5. The Eldest of Chastelmorant.
• 6. The Lord de Chastel de Montaign.
• 7. The Eldest de la Palisse.
• 8. Guillaume de Vichi, Lord de Bais∣sects.
• 9. Philippes des Serpens, or Desserpeine.* 26.12
• 10. Lourdin de Saligny.
• 11. The Lord de Chontemerles.
• 12. Regnauld de Basserne.
• 13. The Lord of Champroux.
• 14. The Lord of Veausse.
• 15. The Lord of Blot.
• 16. Guillaume de la Motte.
• 17. Pierre de Fontenay, in the Countrey of Berry.

And many other, who receiued the said Order of the Golden-Shield,* 26.13 or rather De∣uice. In the giuing whereof, the Duke said to the Knights, that hee desired, that all they which should receiue the Order hereafter, and they that now had receiued it: should bee all as Brethren, to liue and dye one with another, if need should so vrge it. To performe and accomplish all those good Actions, which all Knights of Honour, and Noble Gentlemen in duty ought to doe. To abstaine from Swearing, & blaspheming the name of God. Aboue all things else, hee enioyned and com∣manded them, to honour Ladies and Gentlewomen, not permitting or suffering, to heare them slandered or euill spoken of: because, next vnto God, from them com∣meth part of the honour which men doe receiue. So that to blame or abuse Ladies, who haue not any meanes for reuenging themselues, by reason of their Sexes frail∣ty; is to loose all Honour; yea, and for a man to villanize and shame himselfe.* 26.14 That they should be no backbiters or ill speakers one of another: because it is the foolest vice, wherewith a Nobleman can bee taxed. For a finall Conclusion, hee exhorted them all to keep Faith and Loyalty; to beare respect and honour each to other, as it becommeth Knights of Praise and Vertue.

Hee told them within a while after, that ouerthwart his Golden Shield, hee had caused a Bende to bee painted, containing in it this Bourbonnois word or Motto, Allen; as if hee intended to say, Allons tous ensemble au seruice de Dieu,* 26.15 & soyons tous vnis en la defence de nos Pais, & la eu nous pourrons trouuir à conquerit Honneur par faict de Cheualerie. Let vs goe all together to the Seruice of God, and let vs all bee vnited in the defence of our Countrey, and there where we can finde meanes to conquer Honour by Acts of Cheualrie. And it was his will, that all his Knights should sweare (himselfe be∣ginning first of all) to promise and keepe the Articles formerly set downe.

Which hauing performed on his part, on the Faith of a Prince, and Knight of Honour: All the other Knights fell on their knees before the Duke,* 26.16 and tooke the Oath betweene his hands. This being done, Messire Phillip des Serpents, a Knight Bourbonnois, and one of the most valiant in the Realme, deliuering the word for

all the rest; most humbly thanked the Duke that it had pleased him to ho••or them with his Order, offering him their Seruice, Goods and Liues, for which the Duke thanked them with a cheerefull heart.

* 26.17This Golden-Shield with the Bende d' Allen, was properly but a Deuice, and no Or∣der: as wee see Princes and Great Lords to haue in Blazons and Deuices, ouer and beside their owne Armes and Orders of Knighthood. For the Duke of Bourbon had his Standards with the Golden-Shield, and with his Order of the Blew Belt, or Girdle, distinct and separate one from the other.

* 26.18At the Siege of Belle-Perche in Bourbonnois, surprized by the English, where the Dutchesse his Mother kept her whole Familie, it being her dwelling or abiding: the Duke of Bourbon, Author of this Discourse; Brought forth of his Armory, then Stan∣dard with the Golden-Shield, attended by Fifty compleat men of Armes, beside Fifty other with Crosse-bowes, and made a Sally vpon the English, killing (at the first affront) Two and Thirty Persons.

Now, concerning that of his Order of the Belt or Girdle of Hope, his Chronicle, in the Three Score and Eighteenth Chapter, speaking of the Siege at a City of Affri∣ca in Barbary, which some tearmed Thunis, and others Algier, attempted by the said good Duke of Bourbon.* 26.19 At that time the Duke of Bourbon first of all, and then▪ his Lords and Captaines, each man according to his place and rancke, ordered their Bands of Soldiers, & Crosse-bowes of Genewayes, wounding amongst the Sarazens, and running through the rankes, cut the cords of the Tents, and set fire on the Lod∣gings of straw. But the Duke of Bourbon continued with his Standard of the Golden Girdle, an houre and more in the middlest of the Sarazens Tents. The rest of this Siege is very remarkable. Thus you see what was this Order of Hope.

* 26.20Alexander the Great, at the age of Twenty yeares, vndertooke the Conquest of the Indiaes, and departing from Macedon, gaue all his goods, and whatsoeuer else hee enioyed to the Souldiers, which enrowled themselues to doe him Seruice. Re∣seruing nothing for himselfe but Hope onely, to make himselfe a Monarch of the Persians: which succeeded to him, according as formerly in his hope hee had proposed; howbeit, oftentimes wee see that expectations doe fall out quite con∣trary. Whereupon, it was not without great and good iudgement, that our graue wise Ancestors represented Hope in the Figure of a Woman, cloathed in Greene, Crowned with a Garland and Wreathe of Flowers, holding a Whippe in the one Hand, and in the other a fragrant Red Rose, as also a Crowe placed at her Feete. Thus meaning, that while wee liue in hope of to Morrow, and then the next Mor∣row, as times to come, vnderstood and implyed by the Crowes Language, not ha∣uing capacity of any other word but Cras, Cras: Pascimus ventos (so saith holy Iob) Wee feede our selues with the windes. The better part of our Age flyeth away like a shadow or Dreame, passeth, withereth, and consumeth it selfe, like to the Rose and other Flowers: Death entrappeth and betrayeth vs, and dyeth his Whippe bloud∣red in the vanity of our Hopes.

* 26.21The good Duke had not planted his Hope in or on the world, but in God chiefly, as a vertuous Prince ought to do, and on those heauenly expectations, which such a Hope yeeldeth. The Diuine Wisedome instructeth vs, That the nature of a good Tree is to bring forth good Fruite. All this Royall House of Bourbon, issued of Saint Lewes, made it selfe famous for Deuotion, and namely, to the Lilly of the Valleyes, the Sacred Virgin, Mother to the Sonne of God, tearmed by a Title of Excellencie & Honour: Lilium Conuallium. In her this good Prince placed part of his Hope, and next to her, in the Apostle of the French, Saint Denis, the Areopagite; so speaketh his Chronicle, Chapter 96. and others following.

* 26.22In honour of her, hee founded a Colledge (to perpetuity) of twelue Chanons, at Nostre Dame de Moulins. In that of Chartres, the most ancient of Christendome, (dedicated by the wise Druides, Priests and Soueraigne Iudges of the ancient Gaules, Virgini Pariturae, To the Virgin that should bring ferth the Fruite of Life, Fiue Hundred Yeares before her Natiuity) a perpetuall Masse. In that at Paris another, and two Obits for the dead. At Nostre Dame d'Orcinall in Auuergne, where hee offered his Pennon, after his taking La Roche Sennadoir another. At Clugny, Tolosa, Poictiers,

Tours; at Mans, Chasteau-Chinon, and at Moulins others. Hee was the Founder of Vichy, and Souuigny, where repose the Cinders of the good Duke, dying in his Towne of Mont-Lucon, after our Lady day in August, One Thousand,* 26.23 Foure Hun∣dred, and Nineteene, hee being Aged Three Score and Thirteene Yeares.

In remembrance then of the succour and hope hee reposed in the prayers of the Queene of Angels: hee tooke for his Warre-Crye, Nostre Dame, Nostre Dame, Bourbon, Bourbon, so saith his Chronicle. And vpon the same subiect, hee established in the honour of God, and of the blessed Virgin, his immaculate Mother: The Or∣der of Knights of our Lady, otherwise called Of the Thistle.

This Institution was made in the Moneth of Ianuary, the Yeare of Grace,* 26.24 One Thousand, Three Hundred, Three Score and Ten; when he espoused Anne, Daugh∣ter to the Count Daulphine of Auuergne and of Forests Berauld, called the Camus, in the Towne of Arde, belonging to the Daulphine of Auuergne. But the first Solem∣nity was performed at Nostre Dame de Moulins, or (according to others) at Clermont, vpon Candlemasse day in the same Yeare, One Thousand, Three Hundred, Three Score and Ten.

The time when the Duke Instituted his Order of Knighthood.

HEe composed this Order to consist of Sixe and Twenty Knights,* 26.25 (hee and his Successors, Dukes of Bourbonnois, comprehended as Chiefes and Soue∣raignes of the said Order) without any detection of blame or reproch, re∣nowned for Nobility and Va∣liancy.

[illustration]

* 26.26

[illustration]

Dayly they vsed to weare the Belt or Girdle, being made of Watchet-coloured Veluet, lined with Crimson Sattin, bordered with embroy∣dery of Gold, and curiously wrought in the middest of the embroyderie, the word, Espe∣rance. It was lockt and made fast with a Buckle and Thong of pure Gold, bearded & chec∣quered with Greene enammel∣ing, like to the head of a Thistle. The Knights of Bourbōnois were knowne by the Girdle, and di∣stinguished from the French Knights of the Starre: Because, in those times then, and a long while after, the Orders of Bour∣gongne, of Orleans, and of Aniou were not thought on, nor Insti∣tuted.

On sollemne Festiuall dayes,* 26.27 and namely that of the Order, it being the Day of the Con∣ception of our Lady in Decem∣ber: whereon the Duke held this great Hospitality, with o∣pen Tables, free for all com∣mers: Then were the Knights cloathed with Cassocks of Carnation Damaske, hauing wide large Sleeues, and girded with the Blew-Girdle, before described. The great Mantle or Cloake of

Blew Celestiall-coloured Dammaske, with broad welts of Gold embroydered on the deepe Collar, lined with Red Sattin, and the Chapperon or Mantlet of Greene Veluet, whereon they did weare the Great Collar of the Order of pure Gold, the weight of Tenne Markes, fastened with a Buckle and a Tongue of Gold (behind) in the same manner as the Girdle.* 26.28 It was composed of whole Lozanges, and halfe a double Orle, enammeled with Greene, opened like Netting, and there filled with Flower de Luces of Gold, and the Motto or word, ESPERANCE, in Antique Capitall Letters, and in each of them a Lozange enammeled with Red. At the bot∣tome of the Collar hung directly on the breast, an Ouall, the Circle enamme∣led with Greene and Red, wherein was the Image of the Virgin Mary, en∣toured with a Golden Sunne, Crowned with Twelue Siluer Starres, a Crescent of the same vnder her feete, enammeled with Purple and Skye-colour. And at the end of the Ouall, was the head of a Thistle, enammeled with Greene, but bearded with White.

* 26.29The Hat or Bonnet for the Head, was made of Greene Veluet, at the point of the Band hung a faire Tassell of Crimson Silke and Threeds of Gold, the lining or tur∣ning vp was (after the Antique manner) of Crimson Silke, whereon was embroy∣dered the Golden-Shield, with the deuised word Allen.

Such as are Maisters and Doctors, in the noble Science of Armes and Blazons, doe represent or figure the vertue Esperance, or Hope (which the Scripture calleth, Vltimam post Naufragium tabulam) with Synople, which is the colour Greene, and by the Stone called an Emerauld,* 26.30 dedicated (if wee will giue credit to Poets) to beau∣tifull Venus, the Marke or Symbole of Loue, and of Generation: designed in Ar∣mory, by the Element of Water, and by Flowers, Hearbs, and Fruits, Emblazoned ordinarily with Synople, to the Mettals of the Sunne, or of the Moone. For Armes emblazoned otherwise, then naturally they beare, are false, and vncapable of ex∣ception for enquiry. The Collar Greene, destinated to the Amorous, was ancient∣ly called the Hearb-colour, as Martiall witnesseth.

* 26.31Herbarum fueras indutus Basse, colores.

It was the Liuery of the said Duke of Bourbon, wherein hee tooke delight aboue all other, as wearing those Emeraulds in Rings. So that oftentimes dayly and or∣denarily at good Feasts, He would weare a goodly greene Garland on his Head, his Chro∣nicle telleth vs so.* 26.32 In like manner this Colour is the note of an open heart, of a free Courage, of Gladnesse, Courtesie, and of Gentility. Among all the Stones which Nature affordeth from her fruitfull wombe in the Riuers of the Westerne Indiaes; there is no one more fitting, or correspondent with the Eye-sight, then the Eme∣rauld, which to make knowne his excellencie and vertue; tarnisheth, yea meerely breaketh of it selfe, being worne by an immodest woman. This is witnessed by Pliny, Theophrastus, Albertus Magnus, and all the other Naturalists. It awaketh and recollecteth the visuall Spirits, which the Diamond and White Colour dispersed and resolued: so are wee taught by the learned Captaine Xenophon, in the expedi∣tion of Cyrus. It was no wonder then if this Duke of Bourbon, obserued for the most gentle and courteous Prince, amongst all the rest of his time; made choyce of this Greene Colour for his Liuery, and whereof also were his Banner, Guidon, Pennon, yea and his Cornet.

* 26.33This Duke caused to bee builded and perfected the Chappell and Hostell of Bourbon, neere to the Louure, in the Citie of Paris. At the top of the principall Paui∣lion thereof, which looketh ouer the Riuer of Seine; is yet at this present to be seene, a little Corridor, or small Gallery, aduanced whollie without the worke. The Ba∣lesters and Supporters whereof are of carued Stone, shaped like Lozanges; enter∣laced with Antique Capitall Letters, which collected by sense, doe forme the word Esperance;* 26.34 and this is the true fashion of the Great Collar of the Order of the Thi∣stle. This Corridor is couered with lead, on the top whereof, are exalted the Armes of Bourbon, De France sans nombre au Baston de Gueules Brochant sur le tout. As is more plainly to bee seene in the Glasse-windowes of the Chappell of Bour∣bon, borne vp and supported by Angels. These Armes on the said Corridor, are

couched on the right side, Et Tymbrees au Mezail Tarre de front, according as ap∣pertaineth to and high an puissant Prince.

Ioyning to the principall body of this Hostel & Pauilion, is a very long Galery, in former times gilded, and enriched with exquisite Paintings: wherfore it was called The Golden Gallerie, wherein the Dukes of Bourbon vsed ordinarily to walke.* 26.35 At one of the ends vnderneath it, is the great Gate of the Court, belonging to this Ho∣stell of Bourbon, which yet to this day is fastened with Battants, nailed with great Nayles of guilded Brasse.

In the middest of those Battants, is to be seene the forme of that ordinary Girdle, which was worne by those Knights of the Order of the Thistle: to wit,* 26.36 a large embroydered Girdle, locking or made fast like vnto a Belt or Girthe, with a Buckle and Tongue, bearded and checquered with Thistle-heads, and vpon both those Girdles in old fashioned Letters or Characters, was embossed the word Espe∣rance.

The Steeple likewise of the Chappell of Bourbon, is circled and entoured with gilded Lead, formed in the fashion of a Dukes Crowne with Fowers de Luces, chec∣kered with head of Thistles.

And the same ordinary Girdle of the Order of Bourbon,* 26.37 is yet apparantly to bee seene, in a Tapestrie belonging to the Louure, which long time since I haue seene hang vp on euery Corpus Christi day, and in winter, before the dore of the Kings great Chamber.

It is made in Quarters, as wee vse to say in Armes Escartelees.* 26.38 Le Premier & Quatriesme Quartier sont partis de Bourbon, & de France. Le Deux & le ••roi∣fiesme de Rouge, chargez chacun de deux Lettres Capitales Cleschees à l' Antique P. & A. & de Tiges & Branches, Entrelassees de Chardons Verds, à la Teste Blanche. With Blew Girdles lined with red at the Hasps or Buckles, and the ends Checquie, in the manner of Thistles, with the word Esperance.

These Letters P. and A. and the Armes of Bourbon diuided with France,* 26.39 Sans Bri∣zare, do make knowne that this Tapestry was made in the time of Peter, Second of the name, Duke of Bourbon, and Lord of Beaujeu, and of his Wife Madame Anne of France, Eldest Daughter to King Lewes the Eleuenth. Of which Marriage issued the Lady Susanna de Bourbon, their only Daughter married to Charles, Second of the name, afterwards Duke of Bourbon and Constable of France, of which Marriage en∣sued no Children: and the Males of the Elest Dukes, and of the Counts of Montpen∣••ier being failed; Les plaines Armes de Bourbon, The plaine Armes of Bourbon, came to the youngest Counts of Vendosme; and the Dutchies and Seigneuries of Bourbonnois, Farests, Beau-ioulois and others, revnited to the Crowne of France, by the Ciuill death of the said Charles, the last Duke of Bourbon.

The Order of Bourbon, was sought for,* 26.40 and requested (in regard of honour) by Lords Strangers, who desired to receiue it at the hands of this good Duke Lewes, the most valiant and magnanimous Prince of his time. I will heere relate two or three examples, drawne from an infinite number of other.

Bertrand de Guesclin, called Claiquin a Bretone,* 26.41 Constable of France vnder the Raigne of King Charles the Fift, tearmed the Wise, (at whose feete this Constable, in regard of the great Seruices hee performed for France, lyeth enterred with the Marshall of Sancerre) going to the Siege of Chastel-naud Randon in Geuaudan (where hee dyed) came to salute the good Duke of Bourbon, who gaue him a goodly drink∣ing Cuppe of Gold, enammeled with his Armes: wherein the Duke entreated him that hee would drinke dayly for his sake. Hee gaue him also a Faire Golden Girdle, very Rich, of his Order D'Esperance, which he did put about his necke. For which the Constable most humbly thanked him, and receiued it very ioyfully, this his Chro∣nicle telleth vs.

At the Siege of Vertueill (a place held to bee impregnable, considering the seating thereof, being built vpon a most high Rocke, which made it free from all scaling, & brauely defended by a troope of Englishmen, of whom here was the last retreate in the Prouince of Poictois,) the Duke of Bourbon to become Maister thereof, and to

vnneastle the English thence, was driuen to vndermine it: within which Mine, the Duke himselfe was the formost in Armes against the Squire of the Castle, whom hee heard to bee called aloud, Regnauld de Montferrand. Both of them meeting at handy-blowes with their Swords, fiue stroakes one after another, and some among them hearing the blowes, could not containe themselues, but cryed out, Bourbon, Bourbon, Nostre Dame, whereat the Squire, Regnauld de Montferrand became much a∣mazed,* 26.42 and withdrawing himselfe backward, said. How is this Gentlemen? Is my Lord the Duke of Bourbon heere? Yes truely, answered the Borgne de Veausse, hee is here himselfe in person.

Hereupon replyed Regnauld de Montferrand, saying. I am bound to praise God, who hath this day afforded mee so great grace and honour, to meete heere in Armes with a Prince so valiant. And you Borgne de Veausse, tell him, that I desire hee would be so well pleased, as, in this honourable place where he is: That hee would make mee Knight with his owne hand, for I can neuer haue it giuen mee more Honorably. And for the Valour and honour I haue found in him, I am ready to yeeld him this place.

Heereon the Borgne conferred with the Duke of Bourbon, who well perceiuing that all these matters tended to his very great honour; made answer, that hee was well contented to doe it, prouided that Montferrand should bring him the keyes to the dore of the Mine. Whereto Montferrand condiscended, who gaue them to him,* 26.43 and the keyes being deliuered; Euen there the Duke himselfe made him Knight. And Montferrand requested of him, that at his departure, he would be pleased to giue him the Prisoners, that had been in the Skirmish, or dyed at Marueill. Where∣with the Duke of Bourbon was well pleased, and it was appointed that Monferrand should surrender vp the Castle the next morning. Moreour it was appointed, that the Knights and Squires which were there with the Duke of Bourbon, should (on the Morrow) performe actions of Armes in the Mine, with them of the Castle (one against another) which Messire Iohn de Laye, Marshall, kept, to the end, that each man might be pleased with fighting in the Mine.

* 26.44The Knights and Squires which were in Armes with them of the Castle, were the Lord of Partenay, the Lord Cousan, Messire Regnauld de Roye, Messire Iohn de Cha∣stelmorant, the Borgne de Veausse, the Lord of Torsaye, Messire Guillaume de la Forrest, Messire Blain Loup, Marshall of Bourbonnois, Messire l' Hermite de la Faye, Messire Iohn de S. Priet,* 26.45 called the little Marshall, Messire Boucicault. And the Squires were, Mi∣chaille Lagalle, Perrin Dussell, Blirberis Loup, Tachon de Glenier, Guicchard le Brun, and others.

Nor could they performe any other Armes but with their Swords, because the dore and passage was but a foot and an halfe in squarenesse; yet each man did well execute his duty, one after another, according to the straightnesse of the place, and darke obscurity of the night, when all the Companions returned to their Tents againe.

On the morrow morning the Duke of Bourbon sent one of his Marshals, Messire Iohn de Laye, to the Castle to Montferrand, Lieutenant to Bartholomew de Montpriuat, who (as yet) was not minded to returne for England, to summon him to surrender the Castle,* 26.46 which hee did yeeld vp according as hee had promised, sallying forth with all his men armed, and very brauely mounted. And comming before the Duke of Bourbons Pauilion, where hee was well accompanied with Knights; Reg∣nauld de Monferrand alighted, and kneeling before the Duke, said. My most redou∣ted Lord, I doe giue you thankes most humbly, for the goodnesse and honour you haue done vnto me, in being made Knight by the hand of so high and valiant a Prince, as you are. It is an honour done to me, and to all my Linage for euer hereafter.

* 26.47Immediately the Duke thus answered. Messire Regnauld, Knighthood is wor∣thily bestowed vpon you, for you are a valiant man, and of good descent. Forth∣with the Duke sent for a goodly Courser, which as readily was brought to him, and he bestowed him on Montferrand.

Afterward, He caused to be brought him, by Messire Guillaume de la Pierre, his Cham∣berlaine, a Great Golden Girdle, weighing tenne Markes of Siluer, which hee also gaue to him. For which, Messire Regnault de Montferrand returned most hearty thankes, accounting himselfe to be very highly honoured, and said before them all; That hee would neuer arme himselfe, or serue in any place against the Duke of Bourbon.

At returne from the Siege of Affrica in Barbary, neere to Thunis, the Duke and his Caualery went on shoare in Sardaignia, where there was a strong Castle,* 26.48 called Cailhe or Caillery, held by the Sarazens, which victualled all the Kingdome of Thu∣••••. At their arriuall, all the Shippes being in the Hauen, were taken, and (by de∣grees afterward) the low Towne belonging to the Port or Hauen: and on the mor∣row the Castle yeelded it selfe, which the Duke gaue in guard to the Genewayes. From thence the Duke went to doe as much at Languillastre, another well fortifi∣ed place, where the Sarazens victualled themselues; and yet it was likewise giuen in charge to the Sarazens. Afterward, by a sodaine guske of winde, tempest, and rough storme, the Duke was transported thence with his Army, and carried into the Ile of Sicilie, to Messina, a City appertaining to a great Baron of the Coun∣trey, named Messire Mainfroy, Lord of Clermont. There the Duke remained Eight dayes, to refresh his people, and prepare his Shippes in due and fitting order.

This Lord of Clermont (ouer & beside Messina) had power also ouer Trapes (Der∣panum) distant three Leagues from Messina (Messana) and ouer Palermo, (Panormus,* 26.49 and more beside) then halfe the Ile of Sicily. Hee was much troubled with the Gout, and hardly could permit himselfe to be conueyed, for receiuing and wel∣comming the Duke, whom hee caused to be serued by his houshold attendants, and defrayed all the charges during eight dayes space, so long as hee continued there, with extraordinary great cheare for the Lord Duke himselfe, together with the ••ord of Coucy, the Count d'Eu, and the Count Daulphine d'Auuergne. And when the Duke of Bourbon was to depart from Sicilie, the Lord of Clermont requested of him: That hee would be pleased to make him a Knight; For a more valiant Prince there could not be; whereupon, the Duke finding himselfe very highly beholding to him, made him Knight, for which kindnesse, the Lord of Clermont returned him infinite thankes.

At their parting, hee gaue the Duke two goodly Coursers, of the breeding of Clermont, neere to Palermo. To the Lord of Coucy one; to the Counte Daulphine one,* 26.50 and to the Count d'Eu an other. Also, to the Gallies & Shippes of the Genewayes, Wines, Biskets, Salted Flesh & other prouisions, commanding that nothing should bee deare, for furnishing their other vessells, & it was instantly done vpon his com∣mande. When the Duke of Bourbon perceiued such acceptable Seruices, perfor∣med to him in so remote a Countrey:* 26.51 he tooke them very thankfully at the Lord of Clermonts hands. And at his departing, hee gaue him a Golden Girdle, with the Deuice of his Knighthood, of Esperance.

I could not compasse the meanes, to get the Names and Qualities of the Knights of the Order of Bourbon, and the seuerall Chapters held of them: so much hath goodly and venerable Antiquity (in her wrincles of Age) bin contemned and despised, euen as it is at this present day (like to a woman out of date and ser∣••ice.

Laudamus veteres, sed nostris vtimur annis.

And yet notwithstanding it is a rare Treasure, which ought to be carefully sought for, by such as are true louers of that Science. Wherefore, wee will finish this Dis∣course, with the Genealogie of the Royall House of Bourbon, which hath serued vs for the Frontispice and Subiect of the same.

The Genealogie or Pedigree of the Royall House of Bourbon.

* 26.52WEe haue already said, that of Monsieur Robert of France, Count of Clermont in Beauuoisis, and of Beatrix of Bourgongne, there came three Sonnes and as many Daughters. The eldest Son was Lewes of Clermont, called the Great, First Duke of Bourbon, Iohn of Clermont, Baron of Charolois in Bourgongne, and Lord of Saint Iust in Champaigne, who espoused Ioane, Heyre to the Count of Soiss••ns, & of this Mar∣riage issued but one Daughter, Iane of Clermont, Wife to Iohn of Bologne, and likewise of Auuergne: And

Peter of Clermont, Great Arch-deacon of the Church of Paris. The Daughters were:

Blanche, Wife to Robert, the Great Count of Bologne, and of Auuergne.

Margaret, Wife to Iohn of Flanders, Count of Namur,* 26.53 Sonne to Guy, Count of Flanders: And

Mary, who became a Nun, at Poissy.

Monsieur Robert of France, dyed the Seauenth day of February, One Thou∣sand, Three Hundred, and Seauenteene, & l••eth buried at the Iac••bines of Paris.

* 26.54Lewes of Clermont, tearmed the Great, First Duke of Bourbon, tooke to Wife Mary of Henault, Sister to the Count of Henault, by whom he had three Sonnes, and as many Daughters.

The Eldest Sonne was

1. Peter, First of the Name, Second Duke of Bourbon in Succession.

2. Iam••s of Bourbon, First Count of Charolois, and Count de la March, and of Ponthieu, Constable of France, slaine at the Battell of Poictiers.

3. Philip of Bourbon, Lord of Beaujeu, deceasing without any Children.

The Daughters were

1. Iane or Ieane of Bourbon, Wife to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the Eldest Sonne of Iohn, Count de 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

2. Mary, giuen in her first Marriage, to Monsieur Guy of Cyprus, the eldest Sonne to Hugh, King of Cyprus, and of Hierusa∣••••••. In this Marriage was borne Hugh of Lus••••nan, Prince of Galilee. In Second Marriage, shee was espoused to Robert, Prince of Tarentum, in the Kingdome of Naples, who entituled himselfe Em∣perour of Constantinople. In regard that Katherine of Valois, Empresse of Constan∣tinople, Second Wife to Monsieur Philip of Sicily, Prince of Tarentum, and Fa∣ther of the said Robert, had giuen to the same Philip her Husband, the Right which belonged to her in the Empire of Greece, and whereof shee had not any enioying.

The last Daughter was

3. Beatrix, Wife to Philip, Eldest Sonne to the said Monsieur Philip of Si∣cily, Prince of Tarentum, the youngest Sonne to the Second Charles King of Sicilie.

Lewes, First Duke of Bourbon, dyed the Two and Twentieth day of Ianuary, in the Yeare, One Thousand, Three Hun∣dred, Forty and One; hee also lyeth bu∣ried at the Iacobines of Paris.

II. Peter, First of the Name, Second Duke of Bourbon, tooke to Wife Isabell of Valois, Daughter to Monsieur Charles of France, Count of Valois, Sonne, Bro∣ther, Vncle and Father to Kings of France, and yet himselfe not being a King. In this Marriage hee had one only Sonne, the maine Subiect of this Discourse; & Seauen Daughters, where∣of the first was.

1. Ioane or Iane of Bourbon, endued with admirable beauty, Wife to King Charles, Fift of the Name; of him and of his Wife, the Portraicts (according to the life) are to bee seene on the Portall in the Conuent of the Celestines at Paris.

2. Blanch, Wife to the King of Castile, Dom Pedro the Cruell, who made this Wife a Prisoner, and kept Concubines in the liberty of his Conscience. But death reuenged her wrongs, by meanes of the French, who expelled him out of his Kingdome, and enstauled in his place Dom Henry, Second of the Name.

The Third Daughter was

3. Bonna, Wife to Amades, Count of Sauoye, Sirnamed the Green, in the Chro∣nicle of our Duke Lewes the Second.

4. Katherine, Wife to Iohn, Count of Harcour.

5. Mary, Wife to Godfrey, Sonne to the Duke of Brabant.

6 Margaret, two seuerall times mar∣ried. First to Iohn, the Sonne of Henry, Lord of Suilly: Last to Arnauld Amani∣on, Lord of Albret.

7 Another Mary, a professed Nunne at Poissy.

This Peter the first, second Duke of Bourbon, died in the yeare of Grace, One thousand three hundred fiftie and sixe, the nineteenth day of September, in the Battaile of Poictiers, lost by King Iohn, a∣gainst Edward of England, third of the name, and he likewise lieth buried at the Iacobines of Paris.

III. Lewes, second of the name, third Duke of Bourbon tearmed the Good, Au∣thor of this discourse, by Anne Daul∣phine his wife, had two Sons, and two Daughters. The Sonnes were Iohn; who was Duke after his Father: and Lewes, who died yong in the Hostell of Bour∣bon at Paris. Iohn Duke of Berry loued this man dearely, for hee was a goodly sweet Youth, towardly, and of a cheare∣full disposition. In regard of this inti∣mate affection towards him, the Duke of Berry departed from his Castell of Nesle, and passing the Riuer of Seine, en∣tred into Bourbon, the Hostell of Duke Lewes, to comfort him, and when the Duke of Bourbon knew that the Duke of Berry was there: he well vnderstood the cause of his comming, for then the sick∣nesse of his Sonne began to grow worse and worse. And yet although it did so, he could not forbeare seeing him, as he thought it an article of duetie in him, for the Duke of Berry was his great Vnckle, and this visitation of his, was in hope to free him from his sicknesse.

But when the Duke of Berry saw the Duke of Bourbon, his heart began to tremble, passion preuailing, and his eyes streaming forth teares, that he was not able to vtter one word. Whereupon Duke Lewes of Bourbon, causing him to goe foremost, went vp with him into an vpper Chamber, where were many people,* 26.55 & then thus he spake to the Duke of Berry. My Lord, I thanke you for this louing visitation, and your com∣passion on my Sonne Lewes, who is now gon to God. Well I know, that you are come hither to me, to shew me the certainty of your affection; a much meaner Lord had suffised in this case: But good Bloud neuer is vnmindefull of the naturall loue, which ought to be in one towards another. Wherfore I tell you my Lord, that this passible life, is lodged but as in a Inne or Hosterie: but the life to come, firme, stable, & the dwel∣ling house of the Immortall Soule, is the ready way of flying vp to God. For truely my Lord, in mine opinion, the end of liuing is very good, because a man hath sound thoughts, intire reason, and his naturall vnderstanding setled and certaine, for those Offices appertaining to the life of man. And you know my Lord, that Nature, the Mother of all things, hath giuen to vs men habitations, wherein we may dwell toge∣ther: but she hath giuen vs no house for a perpetuall abiding. Wherefore my Lord, seeing God hath taken hence my Sonne; it was his pleasure so to doe, for he did but lend him me, he hath made him fit for him, & blessed be his name therfore. No doubt he is in better case then all his kinred; but Fortune, who bringeth the loftie low, and exalteth the humble, tooke him away somewhat too soone.

The Duke of Berry, and all the rest, hearing these words deliuered by the Duke of Bourbon, could not abstaine from teares. But the Duke of Berry going down the stairs, went with many noble Gentlemen in his company, to the Chamber where the dead Body lay (ready for carrying to the earth) whereto he did a seemely honour. And when Duke Lewes of Bourbon (who was in the Gallerie) beheld the Processions par∣ting from his House, furnished with a world of lighted Torches, and the body of his Son lying on the Biere; his tender heart was ready to rift in twaine, and fatherly af∣fection streamed forth at his eyes. Immediately he entred into his Chappel, where he called for his Confessor M. Peter de Chantelle, a good Diuine, & other Chaplains, who performed the Office for the youth so lately departed; all the Knights & Officers of the Hostel, admiring at the constancie & patience of the Duke their Lord & Master.

The Daughters were

Beatrix of Bourbon, twise maried: First to Iohn, the Duke of Luxembourg, King of Bohemia, & of Hungaria, or Polonia. And in second Nuptials, to Eudes, Lord of Grancey.

The said Lewes, the good Duke,* 26.56 dyed (as we haue already said) at Mont-Lu∣son, and his Body enterred at Souuigny. Hee was once determined, to finish his dayes at the Celestines of Vichy, by him

founded: if hee had returned in health from the Voyage of France, which hee vndertooke, comming to helpe his Ne∣phewes the Sonnes of Orleans, against Iohn of Bourgongne, the murtherer of their Father. But he died on the way be∣ginning his iourney.

IIII. Iohn of Bourbon, First of the name, Fourth Duke of Bourbon, tooke to Wife Mary de Berry, Daughter to Mon∣sieur Iohn of France, Duke of Berry, and of Auuergne, Count of Poictou, and to Iane, Daughter to the Count of Armaig∣nac. Of this Marriage there issued three Sonnes.

The First Sonne was.

1. Charles, First of the name, Duke of Bourbon.

2. Lewes, Count of Montpensier: And

3. Iohn of Bourbon, Bishop of Puy, (in Latine Auicium in Auuergne) and Abbot of Clugny.

The said Iohn, First of the name, was taken in the Battell at Azingcourt, fought betweene Hesdin and Therouane, and lost by the French, the Fiue and Twen∣tieth day of October, One Thousand, Foure Hundred and Fifteene. Hee was nineteene yeares prisoner at London in England, where he dyed in the yeare one thousand, foure hūdred, thirty foure.

Next succeeded his Sonne

V. Charles. First of the Name, Fift Duke of Bourbon, who won the Battell of Bauge in Aniou, against the Duke of Clarence, slaine in the Field the Ninth Day of Aprill, One Thousand, Foure Hundred, & Twenty: And in the yeare, One Thousand, Foure Hundred, Twen∣ty Sixe; the said Charles espoused Agnes de Bourgongne, daughter to Iohn the Bad, and Sister to the Duke of Bourgongne, Philip the Second. In this Marriage were borne Sixe Sonnes, & Fiue Daughters.

The Sonnes were

1. Iohn, Second of the name.

2. Lewes, dying young vnmarried, al∣beit betrothed to the Daughter of the King of Cyprus.

3. Peter, Lord of Beaujeu.

4. Charles, Cardinall of Bourbon, and Archbishop of Lyons.

5. Lewes, Bishop of Liege: And

6. Iames of Bourbon, dying young at Bruges.

The Daughters were

1. Iane of Bourbon, Wife to the Prince of Orenge.

2. Katherine, Wife to Adolph, Duke of Gueldres.

3. Margaret, Wife to Philip of Sauoye, Count de Bresse, and de Baugie, afterward Duke of Sauoye, Father and Mother to Louisa of Sauoye, who was the Mother of King Frances the First.

4. Isabel, who was Wife to the last Charles, Duke of Bourgongne: And

5. Mary of Bourbon, who was twice married. First, to Iohn Duke of Calabria, Sonne to Rene, King of Sicilie, Duke of Aniou; The Second time to Gaston, who was Sonne to the Count of Foix.

Which Charles, First of the Name, was High Chamberlaine of France, and dy∣ed in the Yeare, One Thousand, Foure-Hundred, Fifty and Sixe.

After whom succeeded his Eldest Sonne.

VI. Iohn, Second of the Name, Sixt Duke of Bourbon. In his young yeares hee won the day at Fourmigny, against the English. He was three seuerall times married: First to Madam Ioane of France, daughter to King Charles the Seauenth, Sirnamed the Victorious. His Second Wife was Katherine of Armaignac, Daughter to Iames of Armaignac, Duke of Nemoux. And his Third Wife was Iane of Bourbon, daughter to Iohn of Bour∣bon, Count of Vendosme.

The said Iohn the Second, Great Chamberlaine of France, dyed, with∣out leauing any Heyres of his Body; so that his Successor was his Third Bro∣ther, the Lord of Beaujeu.

VII. Peter, Second of the Name, Seauenth Duke of Bourbon, who tooke to Wife Madame Anne of France, El∣dest Daughter to King Lewes the Ele∣uenth of the Name, Regent of France, vnder King Charles the Eight his Bro∣ther. In this Mariage was borne their only Daughter Susanna of Bourbon, in whom ended the Ligne of the Males, being the eldest Dukes of Bourbon, and Counts of Montpensier, of whom the Ap∣pennage was Clermont in Beauuoisis, re∣maining in the house of the said Dukes of Bourbon, vnto Peter the Second, of whom we speake at this present.

The Second Branch of Bourbon, called of Montpensier. §. 2.

WE haue formerly seene and obserued, that Iohn, first of the name, fourth Duke of Bourbon, and Count of Clermont, had by Mary of Berry his wife, three Sons, Charles, Lewes & Iohn, Bishop of Puy. The Duke of Berry being deceased without heires masles, the Dukedome of Berry and of Poictou, returned to the Crown by the Law of Reuersion. Mary of Berry his daughter, inherited the Countie of Montpensier, which Duke Iohn of Bourbon gaue for an inheritance to his second Son.

1. Lewes of Bourbon, tearmed of Montpensier, a title taken by his descent & linage. This Donation of the said Countie of Montpensier, was confirmed to this Lewes, by King Charles, seauenth of the name, One thousand foure hundred twentie six. Il porta de Bourbon, comme son Pere, mais à la Bordure, de Gueulles pour Brizure: which are the pro∣per Armes of the ancient house of Montpensier. He had two wiues, the first of them was Ioane or Iane Daulphine, daughter to Berauld the yonger Daulphine of Auuergne; and of a Sister to Bertrand de la Tour, Count of Bologne and of Auuergne, but by her had not any issue.

In second marriage hee espoused Ga∣briella de la Tour, by whom he had one onely Son, Gilbert of Bourbon; but diuers daughters, among whom were

Gabriella de Bou••bon, wife to Messire Lewes, Lord de la Trimouille: And

Charlotta de Bourbon wife to the Count de Bouchain, Wolsangus de Bourselles.

II. Gilbert of Bourbon, second Count of Montpensier that conducted the A∣••ant-guard, of the puissant Armie of Charles the eight, for conquering his Kingdome of Naples, whereof hee was the first Vice-Roye.

He tooke to wise Clare de Gonzagua, daughter to Fredericke, Marquesse of M••ntferrat, by whom he had three Sons and two daughters.

The Sonnes were

1. Lewes.

2. Charles. And

3. Frances of Bourbon, Duke of Chaste∣leraud, slain at the Battaile of Marignano, on the day of Holy-Roode in September, One thousand fiue hundred and fifteene, fighting valiantly against the Swizzers, who thought to surprize King Frances the first, and his money.

The Daughters were

1. Louisa of Bourbon, who was twise married. First to Andrew de Chauuigny, by whom she had no issue. Her second Husband was Lewes of Bourbon, Prince de la Roche-sur-Yon, whose descent here∣after will be very remarkeable.

The other Daughter was

2 Renea of Bourbon, wife to Anthony of Lorraine, called the good Duke.

The Father of the foresaid Children, Gilbert of Montpensier, being not suc∣coured in due time by Charles the eight, with men and monie: was enforced (by the League of Pope Alexander the sixt, the Venetians and Potentates of Italie) to forsake & leaue the Citie of Naples and Atella, to Ferdinand the second. Vpon condition, that he shold furnish the Gal∣lies, for conueighing him and his men in∣to France. But falsifying his word, hee compelled him to stay in a moist season at Baies (a pestilent place) where he died, & was enterred at Pouzzoli. Where like∣wise (within some few years after) vpon the Sepulcher of his Father, died Lewes his eldest Sonne, in extremity of passion, sighes & teares, and lieth buried by his Father: thus we are told by Guichardine.

So that by the death of Lewes the eldest

Charles of Bourbon, the second Sonne, was Count of Montpensier, Constable of France, and Duke of Bourbon.

He espoused Susanna of Bourbon, the onely Daughter and sole heire of Peter, second of the name, last Duke of Bourbon; And in right of the said Susanna his wife he was Duke of Bourbon, but shee dyed without any Children.

Afterward, the said Charles was mou∣ed againe to marriage, with Madam Lo∣uisa of Sauoye, Mother to King Frances the first: who being refused (according to the naturall disposition of her sexe) split all in pieces to compasse her will. Flectere si nequeo Superos, Acherōt a mouebo

All his goods being brought to com∣promise, & afterward sentenced by de∣cree; this poore Prince became debosh∣ed, & feeding on the promises of a Soue∣raigne power: tooke part with the con∣iured enemie of France, who to be rid of him: in meere charitie, sent him be∣fore Rome, to finish both his honor and life by the shot of an Harquebuze, dis∣charged by a follower of his owne, the

sixt day of May, One thousand fiue hun∣dred twentie seauen. His body was car∣ried to Chasteau de Gayete, where he had this Spanish Epitaph for al his recōpence.

Franzia me dio la Luce, Spagna fuerca, y Ventura, Roma me dio la Muerte, Gaete la Sepoltura.

By this aduenture, the goods of the said Charles of Bourbon became confisca∣ted, to serue (euen to this day) for assu∣rance of Dowries to the Queenes of France. Before that time, the Princes of this royall House, speaking to the King, or in writing, said Monsieur, and coue∣red themselues in his presence: But since then, they haue vsed the name of Sir, as well as others, and stand bare headed.

In this Charles, the last Duke of Bour∣bon, the Ligne failed of the eldest of Bour∣bon, in the Sir-name of Clermont in Beau∣uoisis, the Appennage of Monsieur Ro∣bert of France, Sonne to the King Saint Lewes. So that we must now needes re∣ascend, and take the Ligne of Iames of Bourbon, Count de la March, second Son to Lewes of Clermont, called the Great, first Duke of Burbon, Sonne to the said Monsieur Robert of France.

The Third Branch of Bourbon, called Of Vendosme. §. 3.

IAmes of Bourbon, second Son to Lewes the Great, first Duke of Bourbon; was Count de la March, of Ponthieu, and of Charolois, as also Constable of France. He had to wife Iane, or Ioane of Saint Paule, of the House name and Armes of Luxembourg: by whom hee had three Sons, and two Daughters.

The Sonnes were

1. Peter.

2. Iohn. And

3. Iames of Bourbon, Lord of Preaux, and of Vebaine, who died at Rochell, kilde with the fall of a Plancher of the Cham∣ber, where King Charles the seauenth held his Counsell, in the yeare One thou∣sand foure hundred twentie two. This Iames left foure Sons; Lewes, slaine at the Battaile of Azincourt, one thousand foure hundred and fifteene: Peter, Iames and Charles of Bourbō, who had not any issue.

The Daughters were

1. Katharine, wife to Bouchard, second of the name, Count of Vendosme. And

2. Isabel, Wife to Lewes, Viscount of Beaumont.

Iames of Bourbon before named, and Peter his eldest Sonne, were slaine on the skirmish day of Brignaies, three Leagues from Lyons, by the gathered troupes of French and English, Male-contents of the Countrey, who vnder the name of Tard-Venus, to the number of fifteene or sixeteene thousand, inten∣ded to forrage all ouer France, the third day of Aprill, in the yeare One thou∣sand three hundred threescore and one.

So that the Succession fell to the Se∣cond Sonne.

II. Iohn of Bourbon, Count de la Marche, who espoused Katharine, Heire of the House of Vendosme. In which marriage was borne three Sonnes, and two Daughters, the first whereof was

1. Anne, that twise ioyned in marri∣age. First with Iohn de Berry, Count of Montpensier, Sonne to Monsieur Iohn of France, Duke of Berry: And in second marriage, with Lewes, Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke in Bauaria.

The other Daughter was

2. Mary, wife to Messire Iohn de Beyn•• Lord of Croix.

The Sonnes were

1. Iames.

2. Lewes. And

3. Iohn of Bourbon, Lord de l'Escluse neere Dowaye, Carency, Busquoy and Duy∣sant in Artois. Hee married Katharine of Artois, Daughter to Robert of Artois, third of the name, Count of Beaumont. By whom hee had foure Sonnes, and one Daughter.

The Sonnes were

1. Lewes of Bourbon, Lord of Escluse, who deceased, not being married.

2. Peter, who espoused Madam Phil∣lip de Plaine, and by her had not any issue.

3. Iames. And

4. Phillip of Bourbon. The Daughter Mary of Bourbon, wife to Messire Iohn de Croy.

5. Phillip, last Sonne of Iohn, was Lord of Duysant, and married twise. First to Ioane de l'Alain, Daughter to Saulx de l'Alain, Lord of Robersat,

and by her he had a Son and a Daugh∣ter.

The Sonne was named

Anthony of Bourbon, husband to Iane de Habarch, of which marriage came An∣thony of Bourbon, dying before hee was married.

The Daughter was

Ioane or Iane of Bourbon, wife to Mes∣sire Frances Roulin, Lord Beauchamp.

The other wife to the said Phillip of Bourbon, was Iane de Chauuigny, Lady of Saint Germain des Fossez sur Allier, hau∣ing no issue

3. Iames the third Sonne, was Lord of Aubigny and of Rochefort, he tooke to wife Anthoinetta de la Tour, Widdow to the Lo••d of Monteil. Of this marri∣age issued Charles of Bourbon, Lord of Carency, & Iohn Lord of Aubigny, dying without children.

Charles of Bourbon tooke to wife Ka∣tharine d'Allegre, Daughter to Bertrand à Allegre, Baron of Puy-agur.

Of this marriage came Bertrand, and

Iohn of Bourbon, Father to Isabel of Bourbon, wife to Messire Frances d' Es∣cars, Lord de la V••u-Guyon, of whom came no linage.

Bertrand left not any issue. So that the descent of the said Iohn of Bourbon, last and third Son of Iohn of Bourbon, Count de la Marche, and of Katharine, Coun∣tesse of Vendosme, is ended in Daugh∣ters.

Let vs now returne to his eldest Son.

III. Iames of Bourbon, Count de la Marche (second Son of the name of this Branch) and of Castres; was the very goodliest Prince among them all of his time. Whereupon, he was earnestly de∣sired in mariage by Ianella or Ianetta, se∣cond of the name, Queene of Naples: from whom hee seperated himselfe, by reason of her incontinent and dishonest life, not hauing any issue by her. In se∣cond marriage he espoused Madam Bea∣trix of Nauarre, Daughter to King Charles the Noble, third of the name, and by her hee had Daughters, one of them named

Eleanor of Burbon, was married to Bernard of Armaignac, Count of Per∣driac.

This King Iames, for so was hee na∣med, deceasing without heires masle; the right of Primogeniture went to his yon∣gest Brother

IIII. Lewes of Bourbon, Count of Vendosme, by the right of his Mother. Il porta de Bourbon au Baston de Gueulles, charge de Vendosme, qui estoit de Gueulles à trois Lyons rampants d' Argent. He had two wiues, the first whereof was Ioane de Roussy, Daughter to Rodolphe, Count of Montfort, and Anne de Montm orency, but by her he had no childe. The second was Iane, Daughter to ••uye, Count of Guare (there is a Guare in Normandie, and a Guare in Gascoignie, betweene Auch and Tolosa, the Capitall Citie whereof is Gi∣mont, seated on the Riuer of Gimoua) and to Mary, daughter of Enguerran, Lord of Coucy. And by this second wife he had

Lewes, second of the name, Count of Vendosme after his Father.

In the Church of Chartres, built (as it is) by the learned Bishop Fulbert, Chaun∣cellour of France to King Robert the Deuout, Sonne of Hugh Capet, very fairely with∣out: in the South-side of the body thereof, is to be seene the Chappell of Vendosme, called the Annuntiation of our Lady, because vpon the Altar, is the Image of the An∣nuntiation. Before which, against the wall, is the Statue raised in embossed worke of Stone, of the said Lewes of Bourbon, Count of Vendosme, first of the name, and Founder thereof, standing in a long Red Roabe and Chapperon, Furred about the necke, as are the Presidents du Mortier in the Parliament of Paris: for so (in elder 〈◊〉〈◊〉) were habited the Princes and great Lords of France. By him is the figure of ••is Wife, cloathed after the Antique manner. In the Glasse window of the said Chappell, are the Portraitures of this Lewes, Count of Vendosme, and of his Wife, with their Sons and yonger Sons, with their Wiues and descendants; distinguished by their Armes each from other.

The Charter for the foundation of this Chappell, being in the Treasurie of the Church, beareth date the second day of Iune, One thousand foure hundred and thir∣teene. And therein is declared, that the Vigile of the Ascention, being the last day of the Moneth of May in the same yeare, when the discreete and venerable men of the Chapter and Colledge, belonging to the Church of Chartres, made their or∣denary and accustomed Procession: the most Noble and potent Princes, the Lord

Lewes, Count of Vendosme, Lord of Espernon and Mondoubleau, meeting the said Procession without La Porte des Espars, alighted from his Horse, he and his follow∣ers, and holpe to conuey the Procession by the Churches of Saint Sernin, and Saint Faith, euen into the Cathedrall, where the same day he heard the whole diuine Seruice.

And on the morrow, early in the morning, being the Feast of the Ascention, a•• the ending of Mattines,* 26.57 the deuout Prince, to accomplish the vowe of his Pilgri∣mage, by him made to Nostre-Dame de Chartres; went starke naked to the said Church. And so soone as he came to Porte Royale, he fell on his knees before the Sacred Virgin, holding in his hand a great Waxe Candle, weighing fiftie pounds or there about. And hauing ended his Prayers, hee addressed his speeches to the Chapter of the Church, being come before him: desiring them, that they would giue praise and thankes to the most Sacred Virgin, the Soueraign Lady of Chartres, by whose especiall fauour and contemplation, hee had receiued many great graces and benefits, in deliuering him from his aduersaries and enemies, who had detained him prisoner nine or tenne moneths space, compelling him to forgoe his goods and riches. But on the day and Festiuall of the Annuntiation of the said Virgin, with∣out any spot or blemish; Adoring and seruing her, in her Church of Chartres, where he deuoutly vo••ted himselfe to her, and implored her ayde and succour; contrarie to all hope or helpe in men, hee was deliuered, and his goods restored againe vn∣to him.

Whereupon he did both acknowledge and auouch freely, that he held his deli∣uerance onely by her, and was reestablished into his goods and meanes, by grace and fauour of that most Sacred Virgin. Wherefore, in eternall memory thereof, he declared before God, and our Lady of Chartres, that he both then did, and for euer would dedicate himselfe in person, A man Subiect and Vassaile to the glorious Virgin Mary, and also to her Church of Chartres.

Hereupon the Chapter made answere, that they commended him, and humbly thanked the glorious Virgin, for the exceeding great Graces shee had extended to him. And conducting the Prince before the Image of the Virgin, they then sung this Hymne, which the Prince told them (in a perticuler deuotion) he had alwayes ready in his minde. O quam glorifica luce coruscas, and namely to this Verse; Quem cunclus venerans Orbis adorat. Which Prayer being sung by the Chapter, and the deuout Prince hauing finished his Meditations: hee offred the great Waxe Taper, which hee held in his hands, and an hundred other Tapers, held by the Knights, Esquires and Seruants of his House. And so departed the Chapter and the Prince.

The very same day, somewhat before high-Masse, the said Prince of Vendosme, hauing caused the Chapter to be assembled; he made vnto them a most ample rela∣tion, of the fauours and benefits he had receiued from the Virgin Mary; for which he would be thankfull according to his possibility, and leaue testimony thereof to future posteritie: which to effect answerably to his desire, most affectionately he entreated the same Chapter, that both in his life time, and afterward to perpetuitie: the mor∣row after the fiue Festiuals of the Virgin Mary, to wit, The Assumption, Natiuitie, Conception, Purification and Annuntiation, they would performe most solemne Ser∣uices, namely, Masse, Procession, with Coapes Organes, Loude Instruments & Singing, euen as it was done on the same dayes of the Feasts.

That there might be likewise good store of Lights about the Altar and the Hearse, and at High-Masse, to say a perticuler Prayer for him: Deus qui iustificas impium du∣ring his life time, and after his death, the Prayer said at the end of the Procession. And when the said Chapter should come by the Chappell of the Annuntiation; there to say and sing De profundis, with the Prayer Inclina Domine, and cast holy water vp∣on his Tombe, especially where his heart did lye.

For performing and celebrating these Seruices, hee promised, and thereto bound himselfe, to assesse and assigne to the said Church of Chartres, as a yearely paiment to perpetuitie; the sum of threescore & fiue pounds Tournois of Rent, in monies com∣ming freely as a quit Rent, thirteen pounds Tournois at each of the said annual feasts.

Moreouer, he founded one solemne Masse yearely in the said Church, to be cele∣brated in honor of the Sacred Virgin, the last Saturday before Aduent, so long as he liued. And after his death, the said Masse should be changed into an Obit, and Ser∣uice for the dead, the same day as the same Prince of Vendosme should decease. For the Foundation of this Masse and Obit; hee bound himselfe to pay yearely on the same day eight pounds. Which the Chapter accepted, seconding the deuotion of this great Prince; to be a true imitator of S. Lewes, and of the good Duke of Bourbon Lewes, Second of the name, his most famous Grandfathers.

Beside the said Foundations of Lewes, Duke of Bourbon, Count of Vendosme; his Suc∣cessours haue continued fatherly deuotion towards the holy Virgin, honored perti∣cularly in her Church of Chartres. Wherein the Counts and Lords of Vendosme▪ principall Parishioners and Diocessanes there: haue (for the spirituall direction of their Vendosmois Countrie) an Archdeacon, stiled of Vendosme.

V. Lewes of Bourbon, Count of Ven∣dosme, Great Maister of France, espou∣sed Ioane of Lauall; and had by her one onely Sonne, named

Iohn of Bourbon, the Father of whom died (in the time of Lewes the twelfth) aged fouresco••e yeares and aboue, the fifteenth day of March, One thousand fiue hundred and three.

VI. Iohn of Bourbon, Count of Ven∣dosme, espoused Iane de Beauuau, daughter to the Lord of Precigny: by whom he had two Sons, and sixe daughters.

The Sonnes were

1. Frances of Bourbon: And

2. Lewes of Bourbon, Prince de la Roche sur-Yon, who deuided in twaine this Branch of Vendosme.

The Daughters were

1. Ioane of Bourbon, who was three se∣uerall times maried. First, to Iohn, Duke of Bourbon, second of the name The se∣cond husband was Iohn, Count of Bo∣logne and of Auuergne, Baron de la Tour. And in her third Nuptials, to Messire Frances de la Fausse, Baron de la Garde, de Fort, Lord of Chasselles.

2. Katharine, wife to Messire Gilbert de Chabannes, Lord of Roche-fort. An∣other

3. Ioane, wife to Messire Lewes de Ioy∣euse.

4. Charlotta, wife to Engilbert de Cleues Count de Neuers.

5. Renea, first Abbesse of Xainctes, and afterward of Font-Euraud: And

6. Isabell of Bourbon, Abbesse of Caen.

Iohn of Bourbon died immediately af∣ter his Father, a Prince that liued a very long Age.

VII. Frances of Bourbon, Count of Vendosme, married Mary of Luxembourg, of whom he begot foure sons, and two Daughters.

The Sonnes were

1. Charles.

2. Iames of Bourbon, who died an In∣fant.

3. Lewes Cardinall of Bourbon: And

4. Frances of Bourbon, Duke d'Estoute-Ville, Count of Saint Paule: who tooke to wife Adriana, the heire of Estoute-Ville by whom he had one Sonne

Frances of Bourbon, dying before hee was maried, and a Daughter

Mary of Bourbon, who was thrise mar∣ried. First to Iohn of Bourbon, Lord d' An∣guien. Secondly, to Frances, Duke of Ne∣uers, and of these came not any issue. In third mariage she espoused Oleonor, Duke of Longue-Ville, by whom she had a Son and a Daughter.

The Daughters of Frances of Bourbon, and of Mary of Luxembourg, were

1. Anthoinetta de Bourbon, wife to Clau∣dius of Lorraine, first Duke of Guise. And

2. Louisa de Bourbon, Abbesse of Font-Euraud. The said Frances died at Ver∣ceilles (returning from the voyage of Na∣ples, with Charles the eight) the second day of Iuly, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred nintie nine.

We haue already told you, that the children of Iohn of Bourbon, deuided in twaine the branch of Vendosme. Let vs first passe with the yongest, and after∣ward speake more at large of the el∣dest.

Lewes of Bourbon, Prince de la Roche sur-Yon, had to wife Louisa de Bourbon, eldest Daughter to Gilbert of Bourbon, Count de Mont-pensier: And by the meanes of this marriage, Mont-pensier came to the third Branch of Bourbon. Of this marriage issued two Sonnes, and a Daughter.

The Sonnes were

1. Lewes of Bourbon, first Duke of

Mont-pensier: And

2. Charles, Prince de la Roche sur-Yon.

The Daughter, was

Susanna of Bourbon, wife to the Lord of Rieux.

Lewes of Bourbon, first Duke of Mont-pensier, tooke to wife Iaquelina de Long-Vy, and by her had a Sonne.

Frances of Bourbon: and fiue daugh∣ters, the most part of them Nunnes, to wit:

1. Frances, wife to Henry Robert de la Marke, Duke of Bouillon, and Lord of Sedan.

2. Anne, wife to Henry de Cleues, Duke of Neuers.

3. Charlotta, Lady Abbesse of Io∣uerre.

4. Iane; And

5. Louisa, Nuns, and afterward Lady Abbesses at Font-Euraud.

Frances of Bourbon, second Duke of Mont-pensier, Prince Daulphine d'Au∣uergne (the Armes of this Daulphine d'∣Auuergne, are like to those of the Daul∣phine of Viennois, D'Or au Daulphine Pasme pers) espoused the Heire de Mesi∣ere, named Mary, by whom hee had a Sonne.

Henry of Bourbon, Duke of Mont-pen∣sier, de S. Fargeau, and de Chasteleraud, Soueraigne of Dombes, Daulphine d Au∣uergne, Prince de la Roche sur-yon, &c. who tooke to wife Katharina Henrietta de Ioy∣euse, onely Heire to the rich house of Ioyeuse, Daughter to Henry, Duke de Ioyeuse, Count de Bouchage, &c. And of this marriage ensued no issue, but a Daughter, the very richest Heire of France.

Mary of Bourbon, assured in the life time of her Father, to Monsieur d'Orleans second Sonne to King Henry the Great, fourth of the name, of famous me∣morie.

By the death of the said Henry of Bourbon, the third & last Duke of Mont-pensier, happening the eight and twenti∣eth day of February, in the yeare One thousand sixe hundred and eight, this house of Mont-pensier fell the second time to the Female Ligne. Let vs now suruay that De la Roche sur-Yon.

Charles of Bourbon, Prince de la Roche sur-Yon, yongest Brother to Lewes first Duke of Mont-pensier; had to wife Phil∣lip de Montespedon, by whom hee had a Sonne and a Daughter.

Henry: And

Ioane of Bourbon, both of them dying yong. Come we now to the eldest.

VIII. Charles of Bourbon (eldest Sonne to Frances of Bourbon, and Mary of Luxembourg) first Duke of Vendosme.

Hee espoused Frances d'Alanson, Daughter to Rene, Duke of Alanson, Si∣ster to Charles the last Duke of Alanson, descended from Father to Sonne, of Charles de Valois, Count d'Alanson, se∣cond Sonne to Monsieur Charles of France.

This Charles de Valois, and his descen∣dants of Alanson, Porterent de France, à la Bordure de Gueulles, chargee de Huict Bezans d'Argent. And this Charles, last Duke of Alanson, was the first Husband to Madame Margaret de Valois, Sister to King Frances, first of the name: who in second Nuptials married Henry d' Albret King of Nauarre, second of the name.

In this marriage of Charles, first Duke of Vendosme, with Frances d'Alanson, were borne seauen Sonnes and sixe Daughters.

The Sonnes were

1. Lewes, who died yong.

2. Anthony, Duke of Vendosme, and King of Nauarre.

3. Frances, Lord of Anguien, dying yong.

4. Lewes, dying yong.

5. Charles, Cardinall of Bourbon, and Archbishop of Rouen.

6. Iohn, Lord of Anguien; who mar∣ried with Mary of Bourbon, Duchesse de Estoute-Ville, dying without issue at the Battaile of Saint Quentins. And

7. Lewes of Bourbon, Prince of Conde.

The Daughters were

1. Mary, deceased vnmaried, albeit twise assured.

2. Margaret, wife to Frances of Cleues, Duke of Neuers.

3. Katherine, Lady Abbesse of Sois∣sons.

4. Magdalen, Abbesse of Saint Croix at Poictiers.

5. Renea, Abbesse of Chelles: And

6. Eleanor, Abbesse of Font-Euraud.

Lewes of Bourbon, Prince of Conde, the last Sonne, was twise married. First, to the Countesse de Roucy, Eleanor de Roye: &

by her he had foure Sonnes, and three Daughters.

The Sonnes were

1. Henry, Marquesse of Conty, after∣ward Prince of Conde.

2. Frances, Marquesse, after Prince of Conde.

3. Charles, Cardinall of Vendosme, afterward of Bourbon, called the yon∣ger (for difference from Charles the Car∣dinall, his Vncle) Archbishop of Ro∣uen: And

4. Lewes, a twin-Brother with Charles that died yong.

The Daughters were

1. Katharine.

2. Margaret. And

3. Magdalen.

In second marriage hee had Fran∣ces of Orleans, the Daughter of Lon∣gue-Ville; by whom hee had three Sonnes.

1. Charles of Bourbon, Count of Soissons.

2. Lewes. And

3. Beniamin, all of them dying yong.

Henry, Prince of Conde, eldest Sonne to Lewes, had likewise two Wiues. The first, Mary of Cleues, Lady Mar∣quesse of the Isles, Daughter to Fran∣ces of Neuers, by whom he had but one Daughter

Katharine of Bourbon.

Deceasing before she was married, in the yeare One thousand fiue hundred fourescore and sixteene.

In second Wedlocke he married Ka∣tharine Charlotta de la Trimouille, by whom hee had a Sonne and a Daugh∣ter.

The Daughter was named

Eleanor of Bourbon, who in the month of February, One thousand six hundred and foure, married with Philibert of Nas∣sau, Prince d'Orenge.

The Sonne was

Henry of Bourbon, first Prince of the Bloud, and first Peere of France, Prince of Conde, Duke d Anguien and de Cha∣steau-Raoull, Count of Clermont in Beau∣uoisis, &c. Borne at S. Iohn d' Angely af∣ter the death of his Father, the first day of September, One thousand fiue hun∣dred and nine, he espoused Margaret Charlotta de Montmorency, Daughter to Messire Henry de Montmorency, Consta∣ble of France.

Frances, of Bourbon, Prince of Conty, had two Wiues. The first was Wid∣dow to the Count of Montaffier, by whom hee had no childe. In second marriage hee espoused Katharine of Lor∣raine, Daughter to Henry, Duke of Guise: by whom hee had a Daugh∣ter, which liued but eight dayes. He dyed in the Abbatiall Hostell of Sant Germaine des Prex lez Paris, on Sun∣day, being the third of August, One thousand sixe hundred and foure∣teene.

Charles of Bourbon, Count de Sois∣sons, and Great Maister of France, Sonne of the last bed to Lewes, Prince of Conde, and of Frances d'Orleans; mari∣ed the heire Countesse of Montafier, by whom he had one onely Sonne

Lewes of Bourbon, Count of Soissons, a Prince of great hope by his good bree∣ding.

And three Daughters.

The said Charles died on the day of All-Saints, One thousand sixe hun∣dred and twelue, in his Castell of Blandy, neere to Fontaine-Bleud. Now goe wee to the eldest Branch of Ven∣dosme.

Anthony of Bourbon, first Prince of the Bloud, and Prime Peere of France, Duke of Vendosme; espoused Iane or Ioane of Nauarre, the onely Daughter to Henry, King of Nauarre, second of the name, Soueraigne of Bearne, Duke d' Albret, Count of Foix and of Be∣gorre: and of Margaret de Valois, Sister to King Frances the first. Which Queene of Nauarre, Margaret dyed of a Pleure∣sie, at the small Castell of Audas, neere to Tarbes in Begor, in December, One thou∣sād fiue hūdred forty nine. By her death, the Duchie of Alanson and Berry, which she held by the liberalitie of King Fran∣ces her Brother, returned to the Crowne of France, the Countie of Armaignac remaining impropriate to the Heire of Nauarre.

In this marriage was borne fiue Chil∣dren, to wit

1. Henry, Duke de Beaumont, who liued but three and twentie Moneths.

2. Henry, Count of Armaignac, af∣terward King of France, and of Na∣uarre,

Fourth of the name, Henry the Great.

3. Katharine wife to Henry of Lorraine Duke de Bar, who died without any li∣nage at Nancy, in the moneth of March, sixe hundred and foure.

4. Lewes Charles, who died in his swad∣ling cloathes. And

5. A Daughter, that died before Bap∣tisme.

King Henry his Grandfather being deceased at his place of Agetmau in Bearne, the fiue and twentieth day of May, One thousand fiue hundred fiftie and fiue: Iane his onely Daughter, and Anthony of Bourbon her Husband, suc∣ceeded in the Kingdome of Nauarre, taking both the Armes and Title thereof.

King Anthony was slain at the Siedge of Rouen with an Harquebuze, the One and twentieth day of October, One thousand fiue hundred threescore and two: And Queene Iane died at Pa∣ris, the tenth day of Iune, in the yeare One thousand fiue hundred threescore and twelue.

Henry of Bourbon, King of France, fourth of the name, and of Nauarre, third of the name; was twise maried. First to Madam Margaret of France, Duchesse of Valois, Countesse of Auuergne, of Lau∣regais, &c. Daughter to the King of France, Henry, second of the name: from whom hee was seperated by the Buls of Pope Clement, eight of the name, in the yeare One thousand sixe hundred, the fift day of October. He espoused in second marriage Madam Mary of Florence, Daughter to Frances de Medicis, the Great Duke of Tuscanie. And in this marriage was borne three Sonnes, and as many Daughters.

1. Lewes, Daulphine of Viennois.

2. N. Duke of Orleans, dying yong.

3. Gaston Iohn Baptista of France, Duke of Aniou, of Valois, Count of Auuergne, Lauregais, &c.

The Daughters were these Ladies.

1. Madam Elizabeth of France, wife to Phillip the fourth, Prince of Spaine, eldest Son to the King of Spaine, Dom Phillip, third of the name.

2. Christina.

3. N. A third Daughter.

King Henry the fourth, called the Great, dyed at Paris on Friday, being the foureteenth day of May, in the yeare One thousand sixe hundred and tenne; After whom succeeded his eldest Sonne

Lewes, King of France the thirteenth, and of Nauarre second of the name, who married in the Moneth of October, One thousand sixe hundred and fif∣teene, in the Citie of Bourdeaux Ma∣dam Anne of Spaine, eldest Daughter to the King of Spaine Dom Phillip, third of the name. To which Lewes our King, God giue long and happy life, Vita & Victoria.

The Order of Aniou, called of the Crescent or Halfe-Moone, Instituted in the Citie of Angiers, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred threescore and foure. CHAP. XII.

COncerning the first Branch of Aniou,* 26.58 the vsuall or ordenary stile and title, which is giuen to the third Sonne of the most-Christian Kings; was begun by Monsieur Charles of France, the fift Sonne of King Lewes, Eight of the name, Sir-named of Mont-Pensier, Father to the good King Saint Lewes, and to Blanch of Castile, daughter to Alphonso, eight of the name, King of Castile, and Queene Eleanor, daughter to Henry the se∣cond, King of England.

Monsieur Charles of France, had for his portion or Appen∣nage, the Counties of Aniou, and of Maine, and in the right of Beatrix his wife by his first marriage, fourth daughter to Raimond, Count of Prouence, and to Beatrix, daugh∣ter to the Count of Sauoye, he was Count of Prouence. And by Pope Vrbane, Fourth of that name, he was inuested with the Kingdomes of Naples, and of Sicilie. Nor is this first Branch any otherwise the subiect of this discourse: but onely to serue as a pream∣ble and direction, for speaking the better and more aptly, in the true vnderstanding of the auncient rights and prerogatiues of the Kingdomes of Naples and Sicilie, appertai∣ning or belonging to the house of Aniou.

The second Branch whereof, deriued their stemme or originall and roote from Monsieur Lewes of France, second and onely Sonne to King Iohn,* 26.59 and Madam Bonna of Bohemia (whom our auncient Chroniclers doe call Behaigne) daughter to the King of Bohemia, and was made the first Duke of Aniou, and Count of Maine, Seigneuries which he had for his portion and inheritance. He bare the same Coate of Armes, as Charles of France did, Author of the first Branch of Aniou, which was de France L'Orle & Bordure de Gueulles, and the same are the Armes of the Branch of Valois, which did hold the Crowne of France, euer since Phillip de Valois, vnto King Henry, third of the name, of famous memorie.

Monsieur Lewes of France, was adopted Sonne of Iane or Ioane, Queene of Naples and of Sicilie, and was inuested with the said Kingdomes in Auignion,* 26.60 in the Coun∣tie of Venisse, by Pope Clement, sixt of the name. Hee tooke to wife Mary, daughter to Charles de Blois, and to Iane of Bretaigne, called La Clope, that is to say, The Lame, or The Cripple (for in the old French Language, Clopin is tearmed Halting, Limping, or going Lamely, Inde Club-footed, as when one legge is shorter then the other.) By her he had a daughter, Yoland, first wife to Francis, first of the name, Duke of Bretaigne, and afterward two Sonnes. The yongest was Monsieur Charles of France, Prince of Tarentum. The said Lewes of France, King of Naples and of Sicilie, lieth at Bisegle, in the Kingdome of Naples, deceasing the twentieth day of September, in the yeare One thousand three hundred fourescore and foure, and after him succeeded his eldest Sonne.

Lewes, second of the name, King of Naples and of Sicilie, who had to wife Yoland,* 26.61 daughter to Dom Iohn, King of Arragon, first of the name, and to Yoland de Bar, daugh∣ter to King Charles, called the Wise. Of this marriage issued three Sonnes, and one daughter, which was Mary of Sicilie, wife to our King Charles the seauenth, tearmed the Victorious. The said King Lewes the second, died in his Citie of Angiers, where he lieth enterred in the Cathedrall Church, in the yeare of Grace One thousand foure hundred and sixeteene: After whom succeeded his eldest Sonne

* 26.62Lewes, third of the name, King of Sicilie, who tooke to wife Mary, daughter to the Count of Sauoye, of whom hee left no issue: deceasing at Cosence in the Kingdome of Naples, One thousand foure hundred thirtie foure, and then succeeded him his se∣cond Brother

Rene, King of Sicilie and Duke of Aniou, who had to wife in his first marriage Isa∣bel,* 26.63 Duchesse of Lorraine and of Bar, and in this marriage was borne Iohn, Duke of Ca∣labria, deceasing in the life time of his Father: leauing (neuerthelesse) by Mary of Bourbon his wife, one Sonne and two Daughters, the yongest whereof was Margaret of Sicilie, married to Henry, King of England, Sixt of the name. And Yoland his el∣dest daughter, was wife to Rene of Lorraine, Count of Vaudemont, and Duke of Lorrain soon after. The Son was Nicholas, Marquesse du Pont, deceasing before he was maried.

In second marriage King Rene espoused Iane, daughter to the Count of Lauall, and Isabell of Bretaigne; but by her he had no linage.

Charles of Aniou, last Sonne to King Lewes the second, was Count of Maine and of Mortaigne:* 26.64 he tooke to wife Isabel of Luxembourg, by whom he had a Sonne and a daughter. The Sonne was Charles, Count of Prouence, who died without any childe in his Fathers life time. The Daughter was Louisa of Aniou, wife vnto Iames of Armaig∣nac, Duke of Nemoux. So ended in daughters (falling to the Distaffe) this Second Branch of Aniou.

Charles, after the death of good King Rene his Brother (who had adopted him for his Sonne, and instituted him his sole heire) tooke the Title of King of Sicilie. And seeing himselfe destitute of Masse issue;* 26.65 instituted as his heire vniuersall, in the said Kingdomes of Naples and Sicilie, as also the Countie of Prouence; King Lewes elea∣uenth of the name: who in regard of his Mother Mary of Aniou (Sir-named of Sici∣lie) had right to the Kingdome of Arragon, and Counties of Cathalogna and Cerdai∣gnia, of an hundred thousand Florins of Gold, the Coyne of Arragon, assigned in Dowrie by Iohn, King of Arragon, to his Daughter Yoland of Arragon, wife to Lewes of Aniou, second of the name, King of Sicilie. Of which marriage was issued the said Mary of Aniou, Mother to King Lewes the eleauenth, as also appertained to the said Lewes the eleauenth, on the behalfe of his Mother, the Seigneuries of Consentania, Maghalon, Borgia, and many other, being in the Kingdomes of Arragon & Valentia, and Principalities of Cathalogna & Cerdaignia, assigned in Dowrie to Yoland de Bar, wife to the said Iohn, King of Arragon. By the death of whom (without issue masle) Martin his Brother had succeeded in the said Kingdomes and Principalities: and so consequently stood bound in the obligations, contracted by the late King his Brother, and his deedes and promises.

* 26.66The donation of Yoland de Bar, Widdow to King Iohn of Arragon, made to the Queene of Sicilie, Mary of Aniou, her Daughter, was dated in the Towne of Beauca∣rie the third day of May, One thousand foure hundred thirtie two. Signed Yoland, Queene of Arragon, Donnaresse, and Yoland, Queene of Hierusalem & of Sicilie, Dona∣tarie, and by the Notaries: in the presence of Frances de Verly, Vice-Castillian, and Po∣testate Royall of Beaucarie.

The Donation of the aboue named things, by the said Yoland of Arragon, Queene of Ierusalem and of Sicilie, made to her Daughter Mary of Aniou, wife to King Charles the seauenth,* 26.67 and to their Sonne the Daulphine Lewes, eleauenth of the name: is re∣ceiued by Henry de Fresnoy, Notarie Apostolicall at Tours, passed in the Towne of Saulmur, in the Hostell of Stephen Bernard, otherwise called Moreau; Peter de Breze, Lord of Sairant, Knights: of Maister Gilles, Iudge of the Royaltie of Aniou; Robert des Roches, Maister of the Kings Accounts; Iohn de la Poissonniere, Lieutenant to the Captaine of Angiers; And Alain Crieux, President of the Accounts for the King of Sicilie, and dated the sixteenth day of February, in the yeare One thousand foure hun∣dred thirtie and nine.

* 26.68Monsieur Lewes of France, was inuested in the Kingdomes of Hierusalem, Naples and Sicilie, by Pope Clement the sixt, and Buls giuen in Auignion, in the yeare One thousand fourescore and two: vnder signed by the said Pope, and by seauen Car∣dinalles. But it is necessarie to obsrue, as summarily as wee can deuise to

doe (because the whole discourse would rise to a large volume) the subiect of the Armes, as also the Titles of the Kings of Hierusalem, Naples and Sicilie, happening to the two Houses of Aniou.

A briefe Relation of the Armes and Titles belonging to the two Houses of Aniou.

RAoul being come from Denmarke, vnder the declining of the second Ligne of our Kings, and being made a Christian of an Idolater,* 26.69 as formerly hee was; inuested with Neustria, at this present called Normandie: was the Fa∣ther to William, Father of Richard, Father of William and of Richard; who by a Con∣cubine had three Sonnes, Richard, Raoull (that is Robert) and William.

Richard of Normandie, was Father to Tancred, who finding himselfe charged with sixe Masle Children; encouraged them to runne the course of their fortune, with fraight and furnishment of a Nauie. They sailed into Italie, vnder conduct of their eldest Brother Guiscardo of Normandie; who had for his Armes De Gueulles à la Bande Eschicquete d Argent & d'Azur de Deux Traicts, the first Armes of Sicilie. This en∣terprise is counted vnder the yeare One thousand fourescoure and eight; and yet ne∣uerthelesse, there is vncertainty of the yeares.

Guiscardo, or Robert, with his Bretheren Roger and William, called Fierabras,* 26.70 or Bras de Fer, for his valiancie, expelled the Sarrazins out of both the Sicilies: in the time of Pope Nicholas the second, who created the said Guiscardo the first Duke of Apuglia, and Roger Duke of Sicilie, in the yeare One thousand one hundred and one.

Rogero, Sonne to Roger, succeeded in the Dukedome of Apuglia, after the death of his Vncle Guiscardo, and created him King of Sicilie, in the yeare One thousand one hundred twentie nine, a most remarkeable date of this Inuestiture.

But others are of opinion, that Robert before his death,* 26.71 performed great Seruices to the holy Seate, and that hee deliuered Pope Gregory, seauenth of the name, be∣siedged in the Citie of Lyons (by Henry the Emperour of Germanie) and conducted the said Pope in safetie to Salerno in Sicilie. That hee burned and sacked the Citie of Rome, being reuolted against the Pope, and that in acknowledgement of so ma∣ny famous Seruices receiued from this Robert: he infeoffed him in the Lands which he had conquered in Italie, as namely all Sicilie, Calabria and Campagnia of Rome; bestowing on him the Title of a King, vnder certaine dues and debts, yearely paya∣ble to the Sacred Seate. And that after this Inuestiture, the same Robert went to war vpon the Sarrazins in Greece, from whom he conquered Achaia, Duraz,* 26.72 & part of Dalmatia. And that hauing receiued command from Pope Victor, the third (tormented by the Emperor or Henry) to come succour him: he found that the said Pope had bin poisonned, and seeking to haue satisfaction in the case; he died of a burning Feauer, leauing behinde him two Sonnes.

Boemond and Rogero. This Boemond being gone into Greece; his yonger Brother possessed himselfe of the Succession to his Father, which remained to him;* 26.73 in re∣gard that Boemond affected rather to warre vpon the Sarrazins, and to follow Godfrey of Boulogne to the Conquest of Hierusalem; then to returne backe againe into Si∣cilie.

This Rogero had two Sonnes, William and Rogero, the eldest being dead in the Ho∣ly-Land: Rogero, without the consent of Pope Innocent the second, hauing stiled himselfe King of Sicilie, was besiedged by the Armie of the Church within Galuce, the Siedge being raised by William Duke of Calabria his Sonne. The Pope being ta∣ken prisoner, and constrained (for his deliuerance) to Crowne Rogero: he grew to agreement with him, onely to draw him to his seruice. It was this Rogero, that pas∣sed into Greece, to be a safe conduct to the King of France, Lewes,* 26.74 seauenth of the name, called the Pittifull, returning from the Holy-Land, ill entreated by the Empe∣ror of Greece, Emanuel, who, in fauor of the Sarrazins, had wrought the death of a great number of the French, by mingling a poisoned plaster among the Meale which was

sent to the Christian Armie. In reuenge of which detestable iniurie, Rogero proclai∣med warre against him.

* 26.75After Rogero, succeeded his Sonne William, who made warre vpon Pope Alexan∣der the third,* 26.76 and from whom he tooke many places, belonging to the demeanes of the Church: in regard that he would nor Crown him King, which he was compel∣led to doe within a while after.

Next to him succeeded his Sonne, named William likewise, a valiant and couragi∣ous Prince, who warred very powerfully in fauour of the Church, vpon the Empe∣rour of Germanie, Fredericke the first, and on him of Constantinople, conquering from him the Citie of Sidonia. He was called The good King William, and deceased without issue;* 26.77 being the last King of Sicilie, descending from the Stocke of the Dukes of Normandie. And by his death, the Kingdome of Sicilie returned to the Seate Apostolicall.

And yet notwithstanding, Tancred, a Bastard Sonne to William, Father of the last King, contemning the holy Seate, possessed himselfe of Sicilie. But to resist a∣gainst him, Pope Celestine called the Emperour of Germanie, Henry the sixt, Sonne to the Emperour Fredericke Barba-Rossa, sworne enemie to the Popes of his time, and tooke out of the Monasterie of Saint Clare at Palermo in Sicilie, Constance, Sister to the last King William (albeit she was a professed Nunne, and aged fiftie yeares) yet he vn-uailed her, and gaue her as wife to the said Emperour Henry, sixt of the name, with the Inuestiture in the Kingdome of Sicilie. This Emperour being of the house of the Dukes of Suaba, Portoit d'Argent à Trois Leopards de Sable, l'vne sur l'autre: and carried not them of Sicilie, borne by the Normans; howbeit, in right of Constance his wife, he was the fift King of the said Kingdome.

Of this marriage issued their onely Sonne, bearing the name of his Father Frede∣ricke of Suaba, sixt King of Sicilie, who afterward was Emperour of Germanie, se∣cond of the name; a great enemie to the Popes, for the dispensation granted by them to his Mother Constance, in putting off her holy habite, forsaking Religion, and retur∣ning to the vanities of the world.

* 26.78This Fredericke the second had three Wiues; Yoland of Ierusalem, in which marri∣age, some make to be borne Henry, King of Ierusalem, in regard of his Mother, and (soone after) elected Emperour of Germanie, seauenth of the name, whom the Ger∣maine Chronicles auouch to be elected against his Father, causing him to be betrai∣ed, and to die in prison, hauing reigned eight yeares. But others doe hold, that in this marriage was borne Conrarde (which is the more certaine opinion) who was after the death of Fredericke his Father, King of Sicilie, and of Ierusalem.

* 26.79Now, marriage thus made with the said Yoland, it was conuenanted by Iohn de Brenne, King of Ierusalem, on the behalfe, or with consent of Mary of Ierusalem his wife, Mother to this Yoland; that the said Fredericke the second, should haue with his wife the Kingdome of Ierusalem, with this condition, that so soone as possibly he could, he should Arme himselfe for the Conquest thereof, which should remaine to him and his Children, descendant Kings of Naples and Sicilie. And hence it came,* 26.80 that the Kings holding and pretending right to the Realmes of Naples and Ie∣rusalem, stiled themselues likewise Kings of Ierusalem, and bare their Armes for Enquirie: D'Argent à la Croix Potence, Cantonnee de quatre Croisettes d'Or. And for our better vnderstanding the Genealogie of the Kings of Ierusalem; it is very neces∣s••ry for vs, to begin in this manner.

The Pedegree or Genealogie of the Kings of Ierusalem.

1. GOdefrey of Boulogne (Sonne to Eustace of Boulogne) a French Prince, chosen chiefe in that most famous enterprise, for the recouery of Ierusalem: was the first Latine King of Ierusalem, hauing conquered it from the Sarra∣••ins the fifteenth day of Iuly, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred and nine∣teene. He Reigned but one yeare, and had for Successour.

2. Bauldwine of Boulogne his Brother, Second King of Ierusalem; who raigned Eighteeene yeares and then Succeeded after him

3. Bauldwine, Second of the name, Count of Rethell, or of Monts, who raigned Thirteene yeares leauing behind him but one Daughter

4. Margaret, married to Foulques Count of Aniou, in right of his Wife, he being the Fourth King of Ierusalem. And hauing raigned Eleuen yeares left the King∣dome to his Sonne

5. Bauldwine, Third of the name, who raigned Twenty yeares, and left the King∣dome to his Sonne

6. Amaury, whose Raigne continued eleuen yeares. Hee had for Sonne and Successor

7. Bauldwine, Fourth of the name, Sirnamed the Meazeled or Leaprous,* 26.81 because hee was a Lazar, and raigned but Three yeares, leauing the Kingdome of Ierusalem to his Nephew, the Sonne of his eldest Sister Sybilla.

8. Bauldwine, Fifth of the name, who raigned but Eight Monethes, and dy∣ed at the Age of Two Yeares. And by his death, the Crowne of Ierusalem came to

9. Isabell, Sister to Bauldwine the Leaper, who had fiue Husbands.

The Third whereof was Conrard, Marquesse of Montferrat, and in this Marriage was borne a Daughter named Mary. The Fourth Husband was Henry de Cham∣paigne, and the Fifth Amaury de Lusignan, in which Marriage were borne Hugh and Iohn. Of whom and of their Descendants,* 26.82 wee will speake (by Gods assistance) in the Tract of the Order of the Sword: Instituted by that ancient and Royall House of Lusignan.

Iohn de Brenne, espoused Mary of Montferrat, in the right of whom, hee entituled himselfe King of Ierusalem, and by her hee had two Daughters, to wit; Yoland, mar∣ried to Henry the Second, the Subiect of this digression: And the other Daugh∣ter named Martha, was married to Bauldwine de Courtenay, tearmed of Auxerre, Fift and last Emperour of Constantinople of the Latine name: who tooke the Title and Armes of King of Ierusalem, according as did the Kings of Cyprus, Sirnamed of Lusignan.

After Fredericke Succeeded his Sonne Conrard, First of the name,* 26.83 King of Ieru∣salem, Naples, and Sicilie; who was poysoned by Mainfroy, Bastard Sonne to the said Frederick: He was likewise stifled or smothered by the same Mainfroy, in hatred and despight, that he had instituted the said Conrard his Sonne to be his sole Heyre. Against this Conrard arose Mainfroy,* 26.84 and possessed himselfe of the Kingdomes of Naples and of Sicilie: but in opposition of him, the Popes (according to their won∣ted manner) made their recourse to the house of France. Mainfroy was excommu∣nicated for his vsurpation ouer the Fiefe of the Church: As it is written at the Chap∣ter, Ad Apostolicae de Re Iudic. and dying so, was cast forth vpon prophane ground, without any other Buriall.

Pope Vrbane inuested with the said Kingdomes of Naples and Sicilie, Monsieur Charles of France, Count of Aniou and of Maine by Appennage, and in Right of his Wife Beatrix, Fourth Daughter to Raymond of Prouence, and Beatrix of Sauoye Count of Prouence.

After the decease of this Pope Vrbane, Fourth of the Name, Pope Clement the Fourth his Successor, continued the appointment of his Predecessor: infeoffing the said Kingdomes of Ierusalem, Naples, and Sicilie, to the same Charles of Aniou,* 26.85 Bro∣ther to the good King Saint Lewes, perpetually for him and his Successors, Heyres Females as well as Males, which should descend in the direct Ligne of Marriage. And through want or defect of them, hee willed and ordained, that the Children of France should Succeed in them, as appeareth by the Bull of the said Inuestiture giuen at Perugia, the Fourth of the Calends of March, and in the First Yeare of the Pontificality of the same Pope Clement. Of which Bull, mention is made by Iohan∣nes Andreas in the nouell addition to the former alleadged Chapter, Ad Apostolica. Notwithstanding this Inuestiture made to Monsieur Charles of France, Count of Aniou, there were some Prelates, who fauouring the part of Mainfroy, were degra∣ded

and depriued of their Prelatures and Dignities, by the same Pope Clement: as it is obserued by the Speculatour at the Chapter de Accusationib. Deponitur autem quis.

* 26.86Saint Lewes, by the aduise of his Counsell, gaue a puissant Armie to Monsieur Charles of Aniou, his Brother, who accompanied with Beatrix of Prouence his wife, went into Italie: where he was welcommed, and Crowned (with his wife) King of Ierusalem, and of both the Sicilies, the one beyond the Pharos of Messina, which is properly Sicilie, and the other on this side, being otherwise more vsually tearmed the Kingdome of Naples.

* 26.87It appeareth to me, that there hath bin some fatalitie, or matter so appointed by destenie (if we may be allowed to speake so) depending on the Sonnes of France, and of the Sir-name of Aniou: to be called to rule and beare swaie in strange and re∣mote Kingdomes. For this Monsieur Charles of France, Count of Aniou, Brother to the said King Saint Lewes, was called to this Kingdome of Sicilie. And his Ligne being fallen to the Distaffe, another Monsieur Charles of France, first Duke of Aniou, Brother to our King Charles the fift, was called to the same Kingdomes. And, in our time, Monsieur Henry of France, Duke of Aniou, Brother to King Charles the ninth, was called to the Kingdome of Poland. Here then we are truely giuen to vnderstand, that all their Conquests haue bin to little or none effect, and whereof France neuer receiued any aduantage or benefit, though it hath made profuse expence of her monies, and buried them in the appointments of warre farre enough off. Yet not th••ough any lacke of valiancie, but rather of wise Councell, and prouident fore∣sight for keeping our Conquests; wherein I hold it for an assured maxime, that the whole glorie and honour of a Prince doth consist. For, if in meane things

Non minor est Virtus, quàm quaerere parta tueri:

By farre greater reason then, ought State affaires to be held in admiration. Di∣stance of places, are no warrantable essoines or excuses, but by cowardise. Our neighbours since those times) haue possessed the inheritances of the Lillies, and brought vnknown people vnder their obedience; while in deuisions, and nice points of honor (the imaginary subiect of our fights and Duelles:) we make our selues con∣temptible to Strange Nations. Serua Lilium.

* 26.88Charles then, after the Inuestiture of his new Kingdome, marched against his ene∣mie Mainfroy; whom he ouercame, and slew in a ranged Battaile neere to Beneuen∣tum, in the Moneth of February, the yeare of Grace One thousand two hun∣dred threescore and sixe. As wee learne by these riming Verses, formed accor∣ding to the times then, reported in the Manuscript Chronicle of Simon de Mont∣fort.

Car••lus Athleta Christi, prout ante Cometa Haec praesignauit, Manfredum suppeditauit. Plus Decies Centum quater iuxta Beneuentum Victor prostrauit. Hic Ecclesiam releuauit. Sunt anni Christi Victoria cum datur isti, Mille Ducentenus Sexagenus quoque Senus, Belli sit finis, Februi lux tertia finit.

The same Pope Clement made the said Charles of Aniou, Lord of Tuscanie; And gaue him the titles of Vicare of the Empire, Gouernour of Rome, and chiefe Stan∣dard bearer of the Church.

This Victorie thus wonne against Mainfroy, was seconded with another: For, af∣ter the death of Mainfroy in the said Battaile, his wife and children clapt vp in pri∣son, whereto Charles had confined them: Conradine, within some few yeares after (sollicited thereto by certaine of the Gibelines) went to Italie with an Armie of Ger∣maines,* 26.89 supplied with the Italian Gibelines, where neere vnto Arezzo hee vanquished the French Armie. But in another Battaile, whereat Charles was himselfe in person, Conradine was foiled, neere to the Citie of Alba, and Lancia Fuscina, in the Field called (to this day) The Field of Lillies. In a disguised habite, seeking to shift

for himselfe, hee was taken, and conducted thence to Naples: Which Victorie happened in the yeare One thousand two hundred threescore and seauen.

About two yeares after, by the meanes of bad Councellours, Charles was procured, to soyle his hands in the Bloud of Conradine and his friends. Vpon this perswasion: Mors Conradini Vita Caroli. Whereupon,* 26.90 Charles caused Conradines head to be smitten off, as also Fredericke of Austria his Cousine, and many other great Lords, that tooke part with Conradine, this being done with detestable cruel∣ty: but Henry Bother to Alphonso King of Castile, he was still detained prisoner.

By this Victory,* 26.91 King Charles of Aniou saw himselfe (for some time) in peacea∣ble possession of his Estates of Naples and Sicilie: but this repose became the cause of following warre. For the French gaue themselues to all kindes of insolencies and youthfull vanities, especially in the Ile of Sicilie, where they made it a matter of triumph, to corrupt the Chastity of Wiues and Maides, and namely such as were of the very best Houses, perswading themselues, that all this lubricity and dissolution, was lawfull in them, and without impunity.

The Wife to the Physitian of King Mainfroy,* 26.92 hauing beene one of this abused number: her Husband being a man of courage well aduised, and a great Lord in Si∣cilie, could not digest such a foule offence; which a man of honour can hardly en∣dure, without reuenging his wrong at what rate soeuer it bee This Physition cal∣led himselfe Iohn de Prochida, a Natiue of the City of Salerno, in Sicilie, (sometimes renowned for a Schoole of Physicke, according as Montpellier in France) but origi∣nally of the Ile of Prochida, neere to Naples. Hee resolued with himselfe to root out the French from Sicilie, which he brought to effect.

Hee compassed the meanes to set saile for Arragon, his Voyage being intended to the King Dom Pedro, Third of the Name, who had marryed Constance of Suaba,* 26.93 Daughter to King Mainfroy, ouercome and slaine in Battell. Hee solicited him to make preparation for the Conquest of Sicilie, where hee should bee fauoured and respected by all the Inhabitants, who could no longer support the Insolencies of the French. The King of Arragon had not the reines strong enough in his owne hand, to vndertake such an enterprise out of his owne Countrey: For hee should need a powerfull Nauall Armie, and bottomlesse bagges of money, to sit and fur∣nish such an expedition.

Prochida disguised in the Habit of a begging Fryer, made his passe to Constan∣tinople, where hee compassed to haue speech with the Emperour, Michael Paleologus,* 26.94 a Cap••tall Enemy to the French; hee perceiued (albeit very enuiously) the prospe∣rous successe of King Charles of Aniou, whose neere neighbourhood was nothing welcome to him. Of him he obtained fauourable respect, and money to discharge a potent Nauall Army, on the behalfe of Dom Pedro of Arragon. In briefe, Prochi∣da went to Rome, and conferred with Pope Nicholas, Third of the Name, borne in the City of Rome, a deadly enemy to the French; who gaue him assurance to in∣uest the said King of Arragon in the Realme of Sicilie; whither the same Prochida still iourneyed like a Gray Fryer, and prepared all the affaires fitting to King Pedroes minde, and according to his owne purposed reuenge. These goings and com∣mings were performed within the compasse of two yeares.

But during these entercourses, Pope Nicholas dyed, after whom succeeded in the Pontificall dignity, Pope Martin, Fourth of the name, a great friend and fauourer of the French.

To found the bottome of his Soule,* 26.95 King Pedro sent to his Holinesse Hugo de Ma∣t••ylana, (borne in Cathalogna) as his Ambassadour, and in outward appearance (to couer his intended Voyage) to request the Canonization of Fryer Raymond of Peg∣••••fort Inquisitor of Arragon and Cathalogna, against the Albigeois, Heretiques of his Prouinces. For hee dyed with great renowne of sanctity of life, and was Author of the Monasticall Order de la Merced, for the Redemption of Captiues, detained by the Moores of Affrica. The men of this Order went cloathed all in white, wearing on their brest a Crowne of Red Cloth, or of Siluer gilded ouer, with the Armes of Arragon: Au Chef de Gueules à la Croix pa••••ee d'Argent. They are to be s••ene at Paris, in the Chappell de Bracque, before the Hostell de Guise.

This Fleete departed from Tortosa in Spaine, to saile all along the Coast of Affri∣ca,* 26.96 and to take in fresh water at Bonna, heretofore called Hippo, or Hippona, famous by S. Augustine, that worthy Light in Gods Church, and Bishop thereof; and then to take Port in the Ile of Corsegua, in expectation of tydings from Sicilie, from whence King Charles was absent in Tuscany.

Prochida got possession of the Shippes and Vessels belonging to King Charles, which were in the Ports of Messina and Palermo. And on the sollemne day of Easter, One Thousand, Two Hundred, Foure Score and Two, at fiue of the Clocke in the Euening (A good Day,* 26.97 A good Deeede) through all the Cities, Townes, Bourgades, and Villages of Sicilie: all the French had their throats cut, were mas∣sacred, and murdered, without distinction either of Age or Sexe. All the Wo∣men which were thought to bee conceiued with Childe by the French, had their wombes ript vp, and their fruite dashed against the walles; all the Streets ran with bloud through all Sicilie.

* 26.98At sound of the Bell to this Sicillian Euen-song, Dom Pedro King of Arragon lan∣ded in the Port of Palermo, where he was welcommed by the Sicillians, (with extra∣ordinary reioycing) as their Prince, and they caused him to bee crowned King of Sicilie, in the said Citie of Palermo, the Tenth of May, in the same yeare, One Thou∣sand, Two Hundred, Foure Score and Two.

Vpon receipt of these sad newes, King Charles (in all haste) made his recourse to the Holy Father Martin the Fourth; who detesting the perfidious dealing of Pedro of Arragon,* 26.99 and the Sicillians: excommunicated them, according to the forme pra∣ctised by the Church Pedro of Arragon contemned these Censures; but the Sicilli∣ans within some few yeares after, sent their Ambassadors to the Pope, to plead their excuse by the extraordinary insolencies of the French, and to require their absolu∣tion, albeit in a remarkable manner.

For they being arriued at Rome, and presented to the Pope, fell on their knees as his feete,* 26.100 vsing this Prayer to him, which appertaineth to none but God only. Ag∣nus Dei, qui tollis peccata Mundi, miserere nobis. Lambe of God, which takest away the sinnes of the World, haue mercy vpon vs: repeating the same three seuerall times, and at the fourth, said; Da nobis pacem: Grant vs peace. Which the Pope did, remitting their offence; although the cruelty of the crime, deserued an exemplary punish∣ment and correction.

Charles, to recouer Sicilie againe, went and besieged Messina; but to no purpose or effect. And Dom Pedro of Arragon, taking good order for this his new Con∣quest, left to gouerne in Sicilie, Queene Constance his Wife and his three Children. Hee established also a Councell of State in the Iland, wherein gouerned (by title of highest Iustice) Alanus Leontinus,* 26.101 Iohn Pr••ehida, Author of the Sicillian Euen-song▪ Willelmus Galseranus, a Cathelane, and Rogerus de Loria, his Admirall, to whose charge•• hee left a Fleete of Fiue and Twenty Gallies, in each whereof, was appointed two Captaines, one a Cathelane. and the other an Italian. The Soldiers all Cathelanes, the Marriners Italians and Cathelanes, the Gally Slaues all Italians; which being th•• done, Dom Pedro of Arragon passed into Spaine.

* 26.102Pope Martin, hauing excommunicated the Realmes of Arragon and Valencia, and the Counties of Catalogna and Cerdaignia, to Monsieur Charles of France, Count of Valois, youngest Sonne to the King of France, Philip the Hardie, Third of the name•• For and against the thunder of this Excommunication, there were riming Verc•• of those times made, which flew through all the corners of Christendome. Con∣cerning them of the Pope which touched his power, and passed vnder his name, these were they.

Vassalli praui Petri, qui fraude sua vi, Non sine caede graui, Petri patrimonia, Claui Noxius & Naui rapuit, delicta notaui. Hunc in Conclaui Fratrum Bis primo citaui, Ac expectaui satis: hinc Anathemate straui: Post condemnaui, Regnisque suis spoliaui:

His aeque fidele Audegaui genu•• infoeda••i: Adsis ergo bonis Fidei Rex Christe Colonis, Pro veniae donis, quibus arra paratur agonis, Huius & Arragonis priuati ritè coro•• Iuribus, & terris per Iudicium rationis, Res cum Personis, spernentis te Regionis Iussibus alti-tonis Francis tibi subijce pronis, Qui res disponis placitae tibi conditionis.

In Defence of the King of Arragon, against the Censures of the Pope; these went abroad vnder the Kings fauour and name.

Non me iustifico, sed forte reum te dico, Sed pro Catholico me iudico Legis amico, Cur ita pro modico me damnas illico, dico, Praesul Apostolico contempto ritu pudico, Ac Euangelico mage indulgens Frederico, Quondam Scismatico Fidei quamuis inimico, Nequiter obliquo me iure grauas, & iniquo, Adscribo sceleri magno, debebatque videri Omnibus hoc fieri, qui censeor exul haberi Passu tam celeri, meaque volo iura tueri. Iudicis austeri sententia nescia veri Est tua, qui mihi debes potius misereri, Nec Fidei, Cleri, Populi vis damna vereri, Vt me deleri videas, vel morte teneri.

This Pedro of Arragon, to auoid the iust Armes of King Charles, which through∣out all his Prouinces of Aniou, of Maine, Prouence, and in Italy hee had leuyed,* 26.103 to make vp a potent Armie, bethought himselfe of a Warre-subtilty, disloyall and perfidious.

Dolus an virtus, quis in hoste requirat?

Hee caused it to bee made knowne to King Charles, that, to make spare of mens bloud, is the best beseeming part in Christian Princes, and expedient ••o descide the matter betweene them, either man to man, or an hundred to an hundred of their house and Court: the quarrell for the Kingdome of Sicilie, should rem••ine at the charge of him that proued the Victor, as the Prize and Trophe of the Victory; with∣out (at any time after) the vanquished should retaine Armes, nor name of King of Sicilie, or pretend right so much as to an handfull of Land in all the Ile.* 26.104 Charles accepted this Combate, which was appointed before the City of Bourdeaux, then held vnder the homage of France, by the King of England, the Seauen and Twentieth Day of May, One Thousand, Two Hundred, Foure Score and Three.

Pope Martin did all that possibly lay in him, to hinder and breake off this Com∣bate, which was vtterly forbidden by the Church. And so much the rather, be∣cause the Kingdome of Sicilie depended vpon the Sacred Seate, by the Donation which was made thereof by King Charlemaigne. In which respect, neither could Pedro King of Arragon lawfully offer this combate at extremity of life,* 26.105 nor Charles accept it. Because the maine point of this difference, depended on the onely know∣ledge and allowance of the Pope, and the Kingdome ought to remaine in his pow∣er and prerogatiue, to giue it with open hand, to him whom the Pope should iudge best worthy of it.

Heerevpon there was found out a Decretall of this Pope Martin the Fourth, sent to King Charles, and beginning with these words. Carolo Regi Siciliae Illustri.* 26.106 His quas sincerae charitatis zelus afficit, &c. Finishing with these that follow. Nulli tamen suffragaturo in eiusdem Sedis priuilegio, vel indulto cuiuscunque tenoris, vel expressionis existant, quo ad id omnino viribus vacuantes. By this hee manifested to him, That all

Duells and Combates are prohibited That Sicilie depended vpon the holy Seate,* 26.107 and being so, the Duell for strife about this Iland, could neither bee challenged, nor ac∣cepted. That Combates were Diabolicall, and the Kings of Arragon had not any right in Sicilie, nor could the Kingdome bee put to compromise. Moreouer, that it was an infallible note of fayling in courage, to fight in single Combate; for hee denied all grace and pardon to such as sought after Duells, opposing himselfe plain∣ly against the parties, proclaiming; that such people were Anathematized, Excom∣municated, and meerly accursed to all eternity.

The reading of this Decretall is very remarkable, and therefore wee will speake more at large thereof; in the Chapter concerning Duels; as well to stop the mouths of some ill-instructed in Faith, who are not ashamed to write, that this Combate was authorized by the Pope, a thing vnbefitting a Christian High Priest, these are the very words: as also to make a true representation, concerning the vniust vsurpa∣tion of the Kingdome of Sicilie,* 26.108 done by this Pedro of Arragon, and his Successors against the Princes of France, to whom it was giuen by the Apostolicke Seate, with that of Naples, paying an Annuall Quit-rent of Eight Thousand Ounces of Gold, which make fourescore thousand Crowns of French money, with a white Hackney beside. This Quit-rent was paid before the Sacke or Surprisall of Rome, done by the Emperour Charles the Fifth, who drew from Pope Clement and his Cardinals, Prisoners with him in the Castle of Saint Angelo, the abolishing of this yearely pay∣ment, and all the arrearages which were due, amounting so high, as Charles the Fif••h was not able to pay. Moreouer, hee procured from the same Pope, that (alwayes afterward) both he & his Successors Kings of Naples, should not pay to the Popes for all debts and duties, yea, and yearely Quit-rents, any thing but the white Hack∣ney only. Beside, he exacted from the said Pope Clement and Cardinalls (to set them at liberty) the summe of foure hundred thousand Duckats in Siluer, and all the fair∣est priuiledges, belonging to the Patrimony of Saint Peter.

Heereby wee may perceiue (as a matter most notorious) that the Kingdomes of Naples and of Sicilie,* 26.109 had beene vniustly vsurped from the House of France, lawful∣ly inuested in them: because the Princes of France had conquered them from Infi∣dels and other Nations, enemies to the holy Seate, as wee said in the beginning of this Tract. And yet notwithstanding, the learned Cardinall Caesar Baronius, hauing (some few yeares past) made a Discourse, concerning the vsurpation of Sicilie by the Kings of Arragon, against the Seate Apostolicall: Dom Philip, Third of the name, at this present King of Spaine, caused the said Booke to bee burned, through∣out all the Townes of Sicily, with prohibition, vnder paine of life, to all them of his Realmes, Countryes and Seigneuries vnder his obedience, to read or keepe them.

* 26.110In like manner, after the death of Pope Leo de Medicis, Eleauenth of the name, the same Cardinall Baronius, hauing had the voyces of many Cardinalls to preferre it to the Sacred Seate: the Cardinall d'Auila, principall Agent for Spaine at Rome, stirred vp all ancient acknowledgements, and hindred it to his vtmost power, as not allowing any vsurpation of the Kingdome of Sicilie.

Now notwithstanding this Decretall of Pope Martin, King Charles, who from Italy, was passed into France; fayled not to appeare at the Day before the City of Bourdeaux, with an hundred Knights, all of them very well prepared. Long time he attended there for his enemy, who appeared not, vntill fiue daies after, when he well vnderstood the retreat of Charles.* 26.111 For then it was when Pedro of Arragon, being come from Spayne in a disguised habite, came and presented himselfe in the Field for Battell, brauing his enemy, that he durst not looke him in the face. Hauing thus made his presentment like a Foxe, protesting in the absence of King Charles to Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••raille, Captan de Buch, Gouernour of Bourdeaux, and Seneshall of Guienne, for the King of England: that he would leaue his Armes for the Combate with him, as his wages and due, to wit his Helmet, Shield, Lance and Sword. And so returned in haste to Arragon, with two of his people, who accompanied him, in sted of an hun∣dred men at Armes, according to the former agreement.

* 26.112During the Voyage of King Charles into France, the Admirall Rogero de Loria, a Calabrian, on the behalfe of Arragon, put a Fleete to the Sea, consisting of Fiue and

of fiue and forty Gallies, which hee vnmoored from Sicily,* 26.113 and rifled all the Coasts of Naples; continuing some space before it, to draw forth to fight the Prince of Sa∣lerne Charles, called the Cripple, only Sonne to the King. This young Prince ill con∣ducted, and forgetting the command of his Father, who had charged him not to leaue the City; would needs with sixe and thirty Gallies, aduenture to pursue his Enemy, who was very expert and skilfull in Nauall affaires. Hee inuested the Prince, tooke him Prisoner with a great number of Princes and Lords, as also nine Gallies, which hee tooke with him to Messina: where the Prisoners, some had their heads smitten off,* 26.114 others kept in Prison, and slaine within a few dayes after. The Prince of Salerne was sent Prisoner into Cathalogna, where euery day he stood on the point of beheading.

King Charles leuyed an Army in Prouence, where hee heard the sad tydings of his Sonnes surprizall, in so fondly aduenturing at Naples, hee being ready to dye with conceit of greefe, as soone after hee did the Seauenth day of Ianuary, in the yeare of Grace One Thousand, Two Hundred, Foure Score and Foure,* 26.115 and lyeth buried in the Cathedrall Church of Naples. By reason of his death, the Gouernment of the Kingdome, and Children to the Prince of Salerne, detained prisoner; was giuen to Robert, Count of Artois, who very faithfully performed his charge.

King Philip the Hardie prepared an Armie both by Sea and Land, intending to conquer the Kingdome of Arragon, and other Seigneuries beside, giuen by the Pope to Monsieur Charles of France, Count of Valois his Second Sonne. The Nauall Ar∣my was conducted by Enguerran de Bailleul, Lord of Coucy,* 26.116 First Admirall of France by title of Office.

The Land Armie was led by the King in person, accompanied with Philip le Bell, his Eldest Sonne, as also by Iohn Cholet, Cardinall of Saint Cecilie (Legate to the Pope) Founder of the Colledge Des Cholets at Paris: by Raoule de Neesle Con∣stable, and Iohn de Harcour, Marshall of France, and likewise the greatest that were in the Kingdome.

From Narbonna the Land Armie marched directly to Perpignan,* 26.117 which apper∣tained to Dom Iames of Arragon King of Maiorica, Brother to Dom Pedro, King of Arragon.

And the Sea Forces Anchored at the Port des Roses d'Ampuries, & de Collioure: from whence they sailed with a full winde before the City of Geneway la Superba, which was surprized in the assault, the Inhabitants being put to the edge of the Sword, as ex∣communicated persons, for fauouring the part of Pedro of Arragon. At the taking whereof they had some prisoners, the principall of them being the Bastard of Boussi∣lion.

From Perpignan the French Army passed Le Pertuch,* 26.118 descending thence to Ioncqui∣••re; Higuieres was taken in the assault by Philip le Bell, Sonne to the King, and Giron∣n•• besiedged: the Towne and City very strongly Seated, so that they sustained the fury of the French with most valiant courage, during the space of two Moneths, and vntil the death of Dom Pedro of Arragon, when they yeelded themselues to the French: who much sooner had beene Maisters of them, but by the treason of the Bastard of Roussillion, prisoner with the French.

The Vigill or Euening of mid-August, during the Siedge of Gironna, a Towne and Cathedrall City of Cathalogna; Dom Pedro of Arragon, being aduertised of a Conuoy of victuals and money to pay the wages of the French Army:* 26.119 put himselfe into an Ambuscado, with Fiue Hundred Horse, and Two Thousand Fantassins, to make sure thereof, so soone as they should descend from the Gallies of France, which made the Conuoy from Narbonna, to the Port des Roses, and from thence by Land to Gi∣ronna.

Raoule de Neesle, Constable of France, Iohn de Harcour, Marshall, and the Count de la March, tooke Fiue Hundred French Horse, and by the breake of day, threw themselues on Pedro of Arragon, cut in pieces the most part of his Troopes; yea, and wounded him in such sort,* 26.120 that hee dyed within three dayes after at Ville-Franque, in the Moneth of August, One Thousand, Two Hundred, Foure Score and Fiue.

Charles the Cripple, Second of the name, Foure yeares after his surprizall, paid

for his Ransome the Summe of Twenty Thousand Markes,* 26.121 to Alphonso King of Arragon; the Brother of whom (named Iames) published himselfe King of Sicily, by the death of Pedro of Arragon their Father. After his deliuerance, Charles went in∣to France, where hauing gathered an Army, conducted by Amarie of Narbonna (of whom is said to descend the Vicounts of S. Girons, neere to S. Lize, a City of Coz••∣rans in Comenges) hee returned into Italy, was Crowned King at Rome of both the Sicilies, by Pope Nicholas Fourth of the name, in the yeare, One Thousand, Two Hundred, Foure Score and Nine. Hee tooke for Armes the said Kingdomes of Naples and Sicilie, as also of Ierusalem; Party de France sans nombre au Lambeau de Gueules,* 26.122 and Iames terming himselfe King of Sicilie, retained as his Armes those of Arragon, which were, D Or à Quatre Paulx de Gueules Flanquees de celles de Mainfr••y▪ le Bastard, who bare D'Argent à deux Aigles de Sable, the Armes of Sicily, which they of Arragon haue euer since retained.

* 26.123Charles the Second had Nine Sonnes, and Fiue Daughters, by Mary Daughter to Stephen King of Hungaria.

The Eldest Sonne was Charles, Sirnamed Martell, Crowned King of Hungary af∣ter the death of King Stephen his Grand-father, he dyed in the life time of his father and Mother.

The Second Sonne was Lewes of Sicilie, a Gray Fryer, Bishop of Tolosa, deceasing the Nineteenth day of August, in the yeare, One Thousand, Two Hundred, Foure Score and Seauenteene. His Body lyeth buried at the Gray Fryers of Marseilles, Canonized by the Pope Iohn the Two and Twentieth.

The Third Sonne was Robert Duke of Calabria, and King of Naples and Sicilie af∣ter his father.

Philip, Prince of Tarentum was the Fourth, Father to Charles Prince of Morea, slaine on the day at Mont••atin: and to Philip of Tarentum, Husband to Beatrix of Bourbon, Daughter to Lewes the first Duke of Bourbon, and of this Marriage issued three Sonnes, Robert, Lewes and Philip, all three dying without Children.

The Fift Sonne was Iohn, Duke of Duras, Prince of Morea, dying young likewise.

The Sixt was Tristram, borne in Cathalogna, during the imprisonment of his Father.

The Seauenth▪ was Raymond Berengarius, Regent of the Vicariat.

The Eight, was Lewes, who was Duke of Duras: And the last was Peter of Sici∣lie, Sirnamed the Tempestuous, Duke of Grauina.

* 26.124The Daughters were, Margaret, First Wife to Monsieur Charles of France, Count of Valois, who had in Marriage with her (as we haue already said) the Counties of Aniou, and of Maine. The Second was Blanche, Wife to Iames, King of Arragon. The Third Eleanor, Wife to Frederick, tearming himselfe King of Sicily. The Fourth Mary, Wife to Iames, King of Maiorica. And the last was Beatrix of Sicily, Wife to Azzo, Marquesse d Este, and Lord of Ferrara.

* 26.125Charles Martell, the Eldest Sonne, Crowned King of Hungary, had to Wife Cle∣mentia, Daughter to the Emperour Rodolphe, or Raoul, called the Red; and of her hee begot a Sonne and a Daughter; Clementia of Hungary, Wife to Lewes Hutin, Second of the name, King of France and of Nauarre.

* 26.126The Sonne was Charles Robert, called by abbreuiation Charobert; who had three Sonnes, to wit, Lewes, King of Hungary, Andrew, King of Sicily by his Wife, the first Ioane, Queene of Sicilie; and the last was Stephen of Hungary. These two latter named dyed, without hauing any Issue. The Eldest

Lewes, King of Hungary, left but a Daughter, Mary Queene of Hungary; Wife to Sigismond,* 26.127 Marquesse of Brandenbourg, Sonne to the Emperour Charles, Fourth of the name, King of Bohemia, who was Emperour after his Father, and King of Bohe∣mia, and of Hungary, by his Wife.

And thus this Branch came to the House of France, holding the Crowne of Hun∣gary; entred by the Wife) into the House of Luxembourg, issued of Lusignan, and comming in like manner of France.

••bert, Third Sonne to Charles rhe Second, and the Cripple, held the Realme of Sicilie by Sentence of Pope Clement the Fift: who preferred to that Kingdome

this Robert Vncle to Charobert of Hungary, his Nephew, according to the contain∣dure of the Decretall, inserted at the Clementines. He had to Wife Donna Constance of Arragon, Daughter to Dom Pedro, Fourth of the name, King of Arragon, and of Mary the Infanta of Nauarre, by whom he had one Sonne named Charles of Sicilie, who was Duke of Calabria, and who espoused Mary of Valois, Daughter to Monsi∣eur Charles of France, Count of Valois, by whom hee had no linage. By his Second Wife hee had three Daughters, and the said Charles dyed Duke of Calabria, in the life time of King Robert his father.

The Eldest of the Daughters (the other are no way pertinent to this Discourse) was Ioane Queene of Sicilie, First of the name, who had foure Husbands.* 26.128 The first was Andrew of Hungaria, as we haue formerly said, but him she caused to be stran∣gled. The second was Lewes of Tarentum, Sonne to Philip of Sicilie, Prince of Ta∣rentum, Brother to the King of Sicilie, Robert.

This Lewes was (by his Wife) stiled King of Naples and of Sicilie, and among o∣ther benefits, him he had by her the Siegneurie and Vicounty of Reilhane in Prouence, which she gaue in the yeare▪ One Thousand, Three Hundred, Forty and Nine; sold by him to the Lord of Darcigny, from whom also this Seigneurie passed to them of the house of Boliers. In her third Marriage she espoused Iames of Tarrascon, Sonne to the King of Maiorca, whom she called nothing but Duke of Calabria: And her fourth Husband was Otho, Duke of Brunswicke.* 26.129 Yet by so many Husbands she had not any Issue, she being a Princesse, that, in regard of her vnchaste and incontinent life; was depriued of the Kingdome, by Sentence of Pope Vrbane, Sixt of the Name, who in∣uested therein Charles of Duras, Sonne to Lewes of Duras, Brother to King Robert. The said King Charles of Duras, caused Ioane the first to be strangled; according as she had dealt with his Cousin, and her Husband Andrew of Hungary.

King Charles of Sicily, Third of the name, tooke to wife Margaret, Daughter to the Sister of the before-named Ioane, Queene of Sicily, and by her hee had a Sonne named Ladislaus (whom we call Lancelot in French) of Sicily; and a Daughter, Ioane of Sicily. After the death of Charles the Third, his Sonne

Ladislaus was by the same Pope Vrbane,* 26.130 inuested with the Kingdomes of Naples and Sicilie. Hee had two Wiues, the first was Daughter to Mainfroy of Clermont in Sicilie, a House descended from that of Neeslle in France. His second Wife was a Widdow, formerly Dutchesse of Tarentum, and by her he had no Children: So that dying without any Heyre by him begotten, Madame

Ioane of Sicily his Sister, was Queene of Naples and of Sicily, Second of the name.* 26.131 She had two Husbands, but no Issue by them. The first was Duke of Esterlic, and the second was Iames of Bourbon, Counte de la March, who all his life time was cal∣led King Iames. Queene Ioane seeing her selfe frustrated of Linage, did first adopt for her Sonne Alphonso of Arragon, of whom being neither beloued, nor succoured in her necessities: she adopted afterward Rene, Duke of Aniou.

But for our better obseruing the particularities of these Adoptions,* 26.132 and sundry Marriages of these two Queenes, both bearing the name of Ioane: wee are to vnder∣stand, that the first was married by her Father, to Prince Andrew of Hungary, and vpon this Subiect. Charles, Second of the name, called the Cripple, being vpon the finishing of his daies, by his Will and Testament instituted (as his vniuersall Heyre) in the Kingdomes of Naples, Sicily, and the Counties of Prouence, Forcalquier, and Lands adiacent, his third Sonne named Robert, excluding Charobert, Sonne to his eldest Sonne Charles Martell of Hungary, dead in the life time of his Father, as you haue heard before, and this Testamentarie disposition was confirmed by Pope Cle∣ment the Fift. In the same Testament was contained a notable clause for Successi∣on in the Counties of Prouence, Forcalquier and the adiacent Lands, that after the death of Robert his third Sonne, his Male Children should succed in the said King∣domes & Counties, The Order of Primogenoture alwayes to be kept.* 26.133 But if there should be want of Heyres Males, and that the Kingdome must fall from the Lance to the distaffe, then he willed & ordained that his Daughters should be called thereto, but neuer to the County of Prouence, frō which he would haue his Daughters excluded, not only in the direct Ligne, but likewise in the Transuersary Ligne; so that the Sons

of Brothers should excluded the Daughters, The Order of Pr••mogeniture still reserued & kept, with expresse prohibition of all Detraction, or of Fourth Trebellian•••••• addi∣tion. These are the very words of the Testament made by the said King Charles, Second of the name, reported (word for word) by Messire Accurse Maynier, Third President in the Parliament of Tolosa, who, from his youngest yeares, followed the Seruice of the last Dukes of Aniou, Kings of Naples and Sicilie, and Counts of Pro∣uence, and had beene Chiefe Iusticer of Prouence: in a Treatise made by him, and sent to King Frances the First, Of the Rights which the Kings of France haue to the Realmes of Naples, Sicilie, and Count de Prouence.

Charles the Second departed out of this life, in the yeare, One Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty, and then succeeded his Sonne Robert: against whom arose Charobert of Hungary his Nephew, being disinherited by the Testament of his Grandfather, who married Ioane of Calabria, eldest Daughter to his Sonne Charles of Sicilie, Prince of Hungary. Andrew, youngest Sonne of Charobert, to pacifie the warre made on him by Lewes of Hungary, and the said Andrew, who in right of Pri∣mogeniture, and representation of their Father, maintained that the Kingdome of Naples appertained to them, and not to King Robert their Vncle, who dyed in the yeare,* 26.134 One Thousand, Three Hundred Thirty Eight. Ioane by force of Armes kept and defended Prouence, against the expresse clause, contained in the Testament of King Charles her Grandfather. Only through iealousie, shee caused her Husband to bee strangled, a most abhominable murder and Assassinate, which yet (in the end) cost her her owne life.

* 26.135For Lewes, King of Hungary, being aduertised of his Brothers death, made warre vpon I••ane of Sicilie, his Cousin; but in such powerfull and cruell manner, as she was enforced to forsake the Kingdome of Naples, and seeke for her owne safety in Pro∣uence. During the absence of Lewes in Italy, the Hungars made diuers reuolts and commotions against him: whereby he was compelled to giue ouer his enterprise, and returne backe againe into Hungary. In this time of his absence, Queene Ioane made her repaire to Naples▪ and to bee deliuered from the Excommunication which the Pope thundred against her▪ for the murdering of her Husband, and to be cleered of some arrearages in regard of the Kingdome of Naples, due to the Sacred Seate, vnder a f••igned engagement,* 26.136 & a dissembled Summe of Forty Thousand Crownes shee acquitted to the holy Chaire the City of Auignion, wherein, the moity belong∣ing to the Crowne of France, had beene giuen by the King Saint Lewes, to Monsieur Charles of France, Count of Aniou and of Prouence, his Brother.

From hence it is, that the holy Seate holdeth the Patrimony and City of Auig∣nion, so s••rie as to the Riuer of Rhosne, which the Prouincialls call the Roze. For the Riuer appertaineth intirely to the Crowne of France, and so it was adiudged to King Lewes the Eleauenth,* 26.137 by decree of Parliament at Tolosa, contradictorily giuen against the Pope then sitting, and the said Lewes the Eleauenth, in the Moneth of One Thousand Foure Hundred.

And concerning the County of Venisse, which containeth the Diocesses of Car∣pentras, Cauaillon, and Vaizon; it came to the holy Seate by Confiscation, made on the old Count of Tolosa, Raymond of Turaine, said to bee an Albigeou Here∣tique.

* 26.138Ioane liued a very long time in peace, and vntill it chanced, that her repose was troubled by Charles of Duras, Sonne to Charles the Second, and Brother to Robert, Grandfather to the said Queene Ioane, who had nourished him from his young yeares, as her Nephew and Heyre to come.

But beholding himselfe now aged, and that his Aunt liued too long a time for his liking: hee trauelled towards Lewes King of Hungary, his Vncle, with whom he complotted reuenge for the murder, committed on the person of King Andrew. And to conceale his Armes, hee tooke grant and transport of those Rights, which he pretended to the Kingdomes of Naples and Sicilie, as also in the Counties of Pro∣uence. So, being assisted with forces from Hungary, hee went and besiedged his Aunt, whom he tooke prisoner: while she expected succour from the Prouencialls, too slow and tardy in their comming.

Ioane, seeing her selfe a prisoner, and considering the harsh entertainment,* 26.139 and great ingratitude in Charles of Duras her Nephew, whom shee had nourished vp so tenderly; remembred her selfe, that (from Father to Sonne, & in the direct Ligne) she was descended of the House of France, and of the Stocke of Aniou.

Wherevpon, by her Testament and Ordinance of her latest Will; shee instituted for her Heyre in the Realme of Naples, Sicilie, Counties of Prouence, and other Seigneuries, Lewes, First Duke of Aniou, Second Sonne to King Iohn,* 26.140 and Brother to King Charles the Fift, Sirnamed the Wise. She adopted (as her Sonne) the said Monsieur Lewes of France, Chiefe and head of the second Branch of Aniou. And he substituted his Sonne Lewes the Second, and after him his Male Children; The Order of Primogeniture still kept, with charge and condition: That the said Kingdomes and Counties should neuer part from the Crowne of France, but hold from Lance to Lance, with∣out falling to the Distaffe. Which Testaments, Adoptions, and Substitutions, for that which concerned the Realmes of Naples and Sicilie, were approued and ratified by the Apostolicall Seat, effectuated in the person of the said Monsieur Lewes of France, Duke of Aniou, and Count du Maine,* 26.141 Crowned King of the said Realmes in the Ci∣ty of Auignion, by Pope Clement the Seauenth, according as it is written in the Chapter, Licet, de for. compet. Which Inuestiture was in the yeare, One Thousand, Three Hundred, and Foure Score: And Queene Ioane dyed, strangled in Prison, by the commande of her kinsman Charles of Duras.

Against whom the Duke of Aniou marched into Italy with a powerfull Armie, fitted both for Sea and Land, which shrewdly shooke Italy at the beginning. But through bad counsell, it yeelded and made more noyse, then benefite, so saith the President Maynier: by the sorry intelligence of King Lewes with the Lords of Italy, whom he made his enemies, by contemning and ill respecting them.

Charles of Duras, a wary and well aduised Prince, educated from his Infancie▪* 26.142 an∣swerably to the ayre of Italy, perceiuing the fault and lacke of good and wise Coun∣cellours (whereof Lewes stood in greatest need) and the humour of the French, who were without wit and Conduct: concluded, to arme himselfe rather with good councell, then with strength and power. Hee planted Garrisons of Horse and Foote, in all Cities and Townes through the Kingdome of Naples, and burned all the Champaigne Countrey, Granges and Villages, which could serue his enemy but for Trophees of Straw and Bonfires.

By this meanes, King Lewes was compelled during the heates of Summer (which are so great in Italy as they can no way be endured) to keepe his Army in the Field. And the French, disordred in their eating & drinking, ouercharged their stomacks with the strong wines of Italy, which so warmed them, and with the violent season of the Summer; that they became filled with diuers diseases,* 26.143 and especially King Lewes, who dyed at Bisegle in the Kingdome of Naples, the Twentieth day of Sep∣tember, One Thousand, Three Hundred, Foure Score and Foure. And by his death the French Army grew scattered.

By this prouident and wise Conduct in Warre, Charles of Duras subsisted for a time, and reconquered suddenly, that which Monsieur Lewes of France had won from him in the Kingdome of Naples. And hee seeing himselfe setled in a peacefull Conquest, hearing newes of the death of his Vncle Lewes King of Hungary: re∣solued to iourney thither, as hee did, and to possesse himselfe of that Kingdome, a∣gainst the Daughter to the said Lewes, Inheritrixe thereto by the death of her Father.

Charles, at the beginning was so well entertained by the Lords of Hungary; that they Crowned him, scorning the Empire and Command of a Woman, ac∣cording to the custome of Warlike Nations, who at all times haue contem∣ned Gin••cratie. Mary,* 26.144 the onely Daughter to deceased Lewes King of Hunga∣ry, fearing least Charles of Duras her Cousin would put her to death, as formerly he had done Queene Ioane her Aunt; preuented him, and procured him to be poyso∣ned (a kind of death ordinary to Princes there) in the yeare, One thousand, Foure Hundred, and Tenne: leauing a Sonne, named Ladislaus, that is Lancelot,* 26.145 and a Daughter, named Ioane, afterward called Ioanella, to distinguish the History, from

that of her Aunt Queene Ioane of Sicilie, First of the name, strangled in Prison, by this Charles of Duras.

* 26.146Lewes of Aniou, Sonne and Successor to Monsieur Lewes of France, being come to the yeares of reason, and fauoured by Pope Alexander the Fift: vndertooke to Conquer the Kingdome of Naples, which Ladislaus, Sirnamed of Sicilie, Sonne to Charl••s of Duras vsurped. He forced him to forsake the City of Naples, and all the other Townes & Fortresses; so that there remained nothing to him but Gayetta, whe∣ther he was retreated. This is the same Ladislaus, which engaged Nice (a dependant on the County of Prouence) to the Count of Sauoye Amades, Seauenth of the name, for a suppply of Sixe Thousand men, which he receiued from Amades, against Lewes of Aniou.

* 26.147Lewes, Second King of Naples and of Sicilie, espoused Yoland, the onely Daugh∣ter to King Iohn of Arragon, by right of whom, it was indubitably, that the King∣dome of Arragon appertained to him: because the Kingdomes of Spayne are held by Women, in the defect of Heyres Males, and they are called to the Crownes of them. And yet notwithstanding, Martin of Arragon, Brother to the said deceased King Iohn, possessed himselfe of the Realmes and Siegneuries of his Brother, with∣out giuing to his Neece the Dowry couenanted for her Marriage, as we haue alrea∣dy said before.

* 26.148Lewes the Second, deceased in the City of Angiers, in the yeare, One Thousand; Foure Hundred, and Sixteen, and lyeth buried in the Cathedrall Church there. By Yoland of Arragon his Wife, Daughter to the said King Iohn of Arragon, and Queene Yoland de Bar, Daughter to the Duke de Bar, and Madame Mary of France, Sister to Charles the Fift, King of France; he had the Children before remembred. This Lewes the Second before he dyed) made his Testament, whereby he instituted his vniuer∣sall Heyre,* 26.149 Monsieur Lewes of Sicilie his eldest Sonne, and his Heyres Males. And through defect of them, he substituted Rene his Second Sonne, & his Heyres Males, After whom hee substituted his last Sonne Charles, and his Heyres Males; and and their Male descendants of the name and Armes; Primogeniturae ordine seruat••, with the clause, Ex legitimo Matrimonio procreati; and their Daughters excluded in these Successions. By the Contract of Marriage of the said Lewes the Second, and Yoland of Arragon, which passed in the yeare, One Thousand, Three Hundred, Foure-Score and Ten, in the presence of Pope Clement the Seauenth: Afterwards ratified by the King of Arragon, Martin, Brother to the said King Iohn, the Twentieth day of the Moneth September, One Thousand, Foure Hundred, vnder-signed Iohn, Charles de S. Amand, and Bernard Caplana, and by the said King Lewes the Second, on Monday the Ninth of August before, in the same Yeare One Thousand, Foure-Hundred;* 26.150 Lewes the Second had these Titles. Lewes, by the Grace of God, King of Ieru∣salem and of Sicilie; Duke of Apuglia; Prince of Capua, Duke of Aniou; Count of Prouence, of Fol••••lquier, Maine, Piedmont and of Roussy.

* 26.151Now in regard that the Children of the said King of Sicilie, Lewes the Second, were in their minority of yeares, and in France: Lancelot, Sonne to Charles of Duras, very easily possessed himselfe of the Kingdome of Sicilie, that is to say, of Naples, comprehended vnder the same name.) And yet not satisfied therewith, vndertooke the Voyage for Hungary, as well to reuenge the death of his Father Charles of Du∣ras, as to conquer the Kingdome at the Swords point. As hee was proceeding in these affaires, he heard tydings, that Lewes of Aniou, Third of the Name, prepared for the Kingdome of Naples, to make himselfe Maister thereof. Lancelot, to com∣passe his owne intention, and to counter-check his aduersary: sold the Dukedomes of Duras, of Achaya, and of Dalmatia, whereby he raised a great summe of money, paying a very potent Armie therewith, and so made war vpon the Pope (who fauo∣red,* 26.152 and tooke part with the House of Aniou) compelling him to flye Rome, which he pilled, and went to besiedge the City of Florence. But in pursuing the course of his prosperities, he dyed a very exemplary death, which may well serue as a cleare looking Glasse to Kings and Princes, for a President of diuine Iustice, on Princes lust∣fully addicted to whoredomes, to be punished (soone or late) with a miserable and tragicall end.

Lancelot had a Physition, that had bin a follower of his Father,* 26.153 who hauing a Daughter of pleasing beautie; Lancelot grew earnestly amarous of her, and to en∣ioy the floure of her fairest honor; hee made his meanes to the Physitian himselfe, to vse him as a Broker in so base a businesse. His Fatherly and honest excuses, had no power to quench the fierie heate of immodest loue in his lustfull Prince: but, in∣stead of milde and commendable answers, hee receiued nothing but rude threat∣nings and frowning countenances. The Physition, although hee vtterly abhorred this detestable desire in his Prince; yet (vpon a further intent) his labour slacked not to his Daughter, to haue her satisfie his deuillish appetite, yea, and commanded her not to delay it.

Hereupon, he gaue her an Vnguent, whereof he made copious declaration to her,* 26.154 of many imaginarie vertues to consist therein; and at such time as the King would endure no longer deniall, but she must needes yeelde to loose her Virgin modestie: she should annoint her brest and bellie therewith, which would so settle his enfla∣med affection, to her onely; that he would not delight in other changes (as daily he was wont to doe) but solely keepe himselfe to her. The faire maide was obedi∣ent to her Father, and now you shall see the effect of the Vnguent. So soone as Lancelot was in the heate of his amorous embraces, triumphing in the rape and spoyle of her honour: the Vnguent (being a strong and violent poison) did instant∣ly so fierily knit and combine their bodies together; that immediately they both dyed, being vtterly vncapable of any helpe or remedie.* 26.155 The Physition hauing be∣held with his owne eyes, iust vengeance inflicted on the lustfull King, for thus wronging both his and his Daughters honor: being fully satisfied and well con∣tented, desired to liue no longer, but dyed likewise by poysoning himselfe. Princes and great Lords, that (bearing your selues on the wings of your power and great∣nesse) presume all ill courses to be lawfully allowed in you: noate well this exam∣ple, not any way for you to imitate; but rather to moderate such frantique passi∣ons, and by quenching such irregular affections, with immortall glory to triumph o∣uer your selues.* 26.156

Maxima cunctarum Victoria, victa Voluptas.

This was the excellent Epitaph, engrauen on the Tombe of Scipio Affricanus, the mirrour of Continencie. If you would follow Dauid in the sinne of adultrie; imi∣tate him in the long repentance, which he performed all his life time after. If you would liue with fame and renowne, pursue this generous act of Charles, eight of the name, King of France and of Sicilie. This great Prince, at the age of twentie yeares, attempted the Conquest of his Kingdome of Naples; and it returned to his honour, notwithstanding all the hinderances laboured by the Potentates of Italie, whom he trampled on at Fornoua. Ferron, about the ending of this Princes life, in∣formeth vs, that returning to Naples, which felt the rigours of warre, and of a vi∣ctorious Souldiour, insolent and cruell both to men and women, in being put to the edge of the Sword, or their (best fauour) to passe vpon ransome, and yet expo∣sed to the violence of their chastitie, The greatest griefe that can happen to the vanquished.

Among the rest in this sacked Citie, was taken an affianced Gentlewoman,* 26.157 of ad∣mirable beautie, who being falne into the hands of certaine Souldiours that would dishonor her: had no other meanes of helpe or refuge in this perplexitie, but onely teares, entreates and earnest imprecations, whereto the rude Souldiours lent but a deafe eare. At length (by good hap) she got free from them, and sought for safety in the Kings Tent, where falling prostrate before his feete, for a while, shee was se∣cured by his Royall presence. But at length, the King aduisedly contemplating the rare beautie of the yong Gentlewoman, began to grow amorously passionate, and vrged on by loue whom the Poets paint blinde, and starke naked, describing there∣by, that he is robd of all modestie, feare or shame) resolued to enioy the issue of his lustfull desire. And as he went about the sinfull act, once more she threw her selfe at his feete, and casting her eyes (almost blinded with teares) round about his Tent; espied the picture of the Virgin Mary, with her sweete Sonne in her armes, hang∣ing on the wall by his Beds side. She made feete of her knees, and thereon followed

him about his Chamber, humbly entreating him, to looke vpon it, and for her sake, a Mother, yet a chaste Virgin, to shield and saue her honour from violation. The King, suddenly looking vpon the Picture; lost all apprehension of his former fren∣xie, and found his royall iudgement so sollidly setled, that, not onely he became a∣shamed of his folly, in being hurried away with such wanton distemperature: but also deliuered the Virgin safely to her betrothed husband, hee being a prisoner in the Campe. He set them both at libertie, and gaue with the vertuous Gentlewo∣man (by way of Dowrie to her future Husband) the summe of fiue hundred Crownes of Gold; beside life and freedome, to all that concerned the Gentlewo∣man in parentage or affinitie. Intactam Virginem Sponso captiuo liberato reddidit, dote constituta de suo Quingentorum nummum Aureorum, liberatis vná Sponsae omnibus proxi∣mis, & affinibus.

Ioanella, Sister to Ladislaus, that dyed without issue, was Queene of Naples and Si∣cilie, and seeing her selfe not likely to haue Children; carried with the same consi∣derations,* 26.158 as Queene Ioane her Aunt was; adopted for her Sonne Monsieur Lewes of Sicilie, Duke of Aniou, Count of Maine, and of Prouence. But he returned her an∣swere, that without any adoption; he was Legitimate Successour to his Grandfa∣ther and Father, King of Sicilie, and of her, she being but an vsurpresse of his Pater∣nall inheritance. And coupling effects with words, made warre in such sort vpon her: that she was enforced to implore the ayde of the King of Arragon, Alphonso, fift of the name, who then made warre vpon the Genewayes in the Isle of Corse, with a mighty Nauall Armie.

* 26.159This Ioanella or Ioane the second, being the Widdow of the Duke d'Esterlic, fell in loue (contrary to her honor and her qualitie of being a Queene) with a Neapolitane Knight, named Pandolfello Alope, reputed to be one of the goodliest Gentlemen in his time. Yet to conceale and palliate this dishonest kinde of life, she espoused in se∣cond marriage Iames of Bourbon, Count de la March, Prince of the Bloud, and the onely come••y Gentleman in France. Iames getting intelligence of the secret loue, betweene his wife and the Neapolitane Pandolfello; caused him closely to be slaine; and tooke away the Gouernement from his wife, sharply reprouing her for her in∣continencie, not offering any other violence to her. Within a while after, she re∣couered the Gouernement againe, and, to reuenge the death of her Adulterer, com∣manded the Count her Husband to prison: but he being thence deliuered, by the command of Pope Martin the Sixt, who sat then at Rome, returned backe into France, and there requited the kindnesse of his wife; whom Pope Martin pro∣claimed vncapable of reigning, inuesting in the Realmes of Naples and Sicilie Lewes of Aniou, third of the name, who in his enterprize for Naples, was assisted by the Ge∣newayes with thirteene Gallies which were conducted by Baptista Fregosa.

Ioanella seeing her selfe so pursued by Lewes of Aniou; sent her Ambassadour An∣tonio Carassa to Alphonso, King of Arragon, who at his first arriuall, refused to accept the offers of Ioanella: because he knew well enough, that this Lewes of Aniou could pretend claime to the Realmes of Arragon, Valentia, and Principalitie of Cathalogna, in regard of Queene Yoland his Mother. Wherefore, he desired rather to make him his friend, then his enemie, fearing still the French, who had so many times enfran∣chised the Pyreneans, and laid their hands on the Prouinces of Spaine. Hereupon, he aduertised him,* 26.160 concerning the intentions of Ioanella, making a plaine demonstra∣tion to him, that if he would grant and set ouer to him, the rights which he preten∣ded to Arragon and elsewhere, by meanes of his Mother: he would lend him such assistance, as should make him Maister of the whole Estate of Naples. Which Lewes hauing refused, by the instigation of his Mother: Alphonso tooke Ioanella at her word, sent her a succour of eighteene Gallies, and foureteene Galliots, conducted by his Ambassadours Raymond de Perillos, Bernard de Centillas, and Dom Iuan de M••n∣cide▪ who in the name of the King their Maister, receiued the Chasteaux Neuf, and de l'O••uf at Naples, and tooke possession of the Dukdome of Calabria, the Title & Seig∣neu••ie of eldest Sons, and likeliest heires to the Kingdome of Naples.

But this constrained, and not naturall amitie, betweene this Adopted Sonne and putatiue Mother, was not of any long continuance, for the maske or vizzard being

put off: Alphonso of Arragon sought to despoile Ioanella of her gouernment,* 26.161 and tor∣mented her in such sort, that she was besiedged in the Citie of Naples, and in dan∣ger to finish her dayes in prison, as her Aunt did. But for the succour sent her by Lewes of Aniou, third of the name, which came very conueniently for her deliue∣rance, conducted by the braue Captaine Sforza, who was then at Beneuentum, compelling him of Arragon to leaue his prize behinde him, being enforced to make for Spaine.

Ioanella, in acknowledgement of this worthy Seruice of Lewes,* 26.162 caused him to come to the Citie of Auerzo, where as then she was, and reuoaked the Adoption of Alphonso, for the intollerable wrongs he had done her: Adopting as her Sonne and sole heire in the Kingdome of Naples and other Seigneuries, the said Lewes the third. Who deceased in the Realme of Naples at Cosenza, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred thirtie foure, and the said Ioanella immediately after.

Rene of Sicilie, Brother and Successour to the said Lewes the third,* 26.163 deceasing with∣out issue, was then (at the death of his Brother) prisoner at Dijon, being in the power of Phillip the second, Duke of Bourgongne, as we shall declare more at large in the Tract of the Golden Fleece. This Rene had in first marriage espoused Isabell of Lor∣raine, Duchesse of Lorraine and of Bar, and by her he had Iohn, Duke of Calabria, deceasing in the life time of his Father, and leauing by his wife Mary of Bourbon, Nicholas, Marquesse du Pont (who dyed without Children while his Father liued) and two Daughters, the eldest whereof was named Yoland, married to the Count of Vaudemont, Rene of Lorraine, to whom shee brought the Duchies of Lor∣raine and Bar: And the other was wife to the King England Henry, Sixt of the name.

Now, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred thirtie and eight,* 26.164 Pope Eugenius then sitting in the holy Seate: sent an Armie to Naples, conducted by a Patriarch, to expell the Arragonians out of the Kingdome. But the Patriarch ill acquitting him selfe in his charge, by bad intelligence which he had with the partakers of Al∣phonso of Arragon: the Pope commanded to seize his body, which as the Cap∣taines of the Armie would haue done, the Patriarch being a Cardinall, was slaine.

Rene compounding with the Duke of Bourgongne for his deliuerance,* 26.165 went to Florence, where he was Crowned King of Naples by Pope Eugenius. Hauing peacea∣bly reigned in his Kingdome for some time. He lost the Citie of Naples by the trea∣cherie of a Mason, who gaue aduise about a Gutter of the Citie, through which him∣selfe had diuers times passed, and whereby the Arragonians surprized the Citie of Naples, and afterward the Castels belonging thereto; So that Rene was enforced to forsake Italie, and returne backe againe into Prouence.

Alphonso of Arragon gaue the Kingdome of Naples to his Bastard Sonne Ferdinand,* 26.166 against whom Iohn, Duke of Calabria passed into Italie, prouing at the beginning ve∣ry reasonably successefull. But refusing to marry, and take to wife Hippolita, daugh∣ter to Frances Duke of Millaine: the Duke tooke part with Ferdinand the Bastard, to whose Sonne named Alphonso, he married the said Hippolita his Daughter, and preuailed so well by money with Pope Pius the second, a mortall enemie to the French: that Ferdinand (albeit a Bastard and his Sonne) was inuested in the said Kingdome of Naples, to the preiudice of the House of Aniou. The Ambassadors of France made opposition against this Inuestiture: yet notwithstanding all that they could doe, the Pope gaue not ouer pursuing the point.

The Arragonians and Cathalanians, reuolting against Iohn of Arragon their King;* 26.167 Iohn of Sicilie was sent to be inuested in Arragon and Cathalogna, and in this pursuite dyed at Barcellona, in the life time of King Rene his Father, as also did Nicholas his Sonne, his Grandfather still suruiuing, who perceiuing that his heires masles, pro∣created and issued of his body were dead and gone: Adopted for his Sonne, heire and Successour his Nephew Charles, Sonne to Charles his Brother. In his life time, he caused his Nephew to be receiued as Count of Pr••uence, & Lord of all his other goods, whereof he made him to take homage during his life. To his two Daugh∣ters, the Duchesse Yoland, and Queene Margaret he gaue what he pleased; prohibi∣ting

them expresly, to trouble the Duke of Calabria his Nephew, in the possession of those goods which he had giuen him.

Of all the Monarches and Soueraigne Princes of Christendome, there is not any one,* 26.168 but the Kings of France onely, that doe Seale with white Waxe for excellen∣cie and honor: the other Potentates Seale with Waxe Greene, Red, Yellow or Blacke. King Lewes the eleauenth gaue Priuiledge to the good King Rene of Aniou, and to his heires in the direct Ligne, to Seale with White Waxe, in the Kingdomes of Ierusalem, Sicilie and other Seigneuries, as well within the Realme of France, as out of it. The two Priuiledges are dated the eight and twentieth day of Ianuarie, One thousand foure hundred threescore and eight, and the Moneth of May, One thousand foure hundred threescore and nine.

* 26.169After the death of King Rene, the said Charles his adopted Sonne, tooke the titles of Naples and Sicilie, and the Count of Prouence, with other territories, and sent for his Ambassadours to Rome, his Cousine Frances of Luxembourg, the Bishop of Digne, and his Chancellour Monsieur Iohn Gerento, to kisse the foote of Pope Six∣tus Quartus, of whom he demanded Inuestiture in the forenamed Kingdomes of Si∣cilie and Naples.

Now, without regarding the Testament of the last Rene, King of Sicilie; Yoland his Daughter, and his Sonne Rene of Lorraine, would needes contend for the Coun∣tie of Prouence, against Charles their Cousine. Rene of Lorraine had bin nourished from his infancie in Prouence,* 26.170 in the Court of King Rene his Grandfather, which made him perticularly affected of the Prouenceals. Whereupon raising vp his auncient ac∣quaintance, he made commotion in Prouence against Charles, and numbring vp his men of Warre; passed to the said ••ountie, in name of the Duchesse Yoland, who (after the decease of her Father) stiled her selfe Queene of Ierusalem and of Sicilie, Countesse of Prouence, Duchesse of Aniou, Lorraine, Bar and other Seigneuries, and tooke the Armes of her Father (whom the Prouenceals called the Good King Rene) as they are emblazoned in his Chappell at Dijon, and which are yet to be seene (at this present) in the Celestines, and at Saint Clare of Auignion, founded by him, at Aixe in Prouence, at the great Roze of the Pallace which answereth vp∣on the great place, and in all the Churches and Monasteries throughout Pro∣uence.

* 26.171These mutinies of the Prouenceals, in fauour of the House of Lorraine, were qua∣lified by the succour of King Lewes, eleauenth of the name: so that King Charles of Sicilie enioyed peaceably (all the rest of his life time) the Countie of Prouence. And by his Testament made at Marscilles, in the Moneth of December, One thousand foure hundred fourescore and one, he Legacied (for sundry worthy seruices recei∣ued) to his Cousine Frances of Luxembourg, the Viscountie of Martigues (in Latine Vicecomitatus Martici) with the appurtenances and dependances, high, meane and lower Iustice; yea, and named for his Heire vniuersall the most Christian King Lewes the eleauenth: to whom he substituted Charles Daulphine his Sonne, and after him willed,* 26.172 that the Countie of Prouence, and Lands adiacent, should be annexed, and inseperably reunited to the Crowne of France. In memorie of which reuni∣ting, the Citie of Aix (the chiefest of Prouence) tooke for her Armes and Banner, which yet at this present is carried in all Processions (as I haue seene in my time) the auncient Armes of Prouence: Qui sont d'Arragon, au Chef de France sans nombre.

* 26.173King Charles of Sicilie being deceased, King Lewes the eleauenth (his vniuersall Heire) tooke reall possession of the Counties of Prouence, Forcalquier, and the Lands adiacent: he receiued of the people of the said Countie, as well in generall as per∣ticuler, Faith and Homage in the accustomed manner, by Messire Palamedes Forbin, Knight, Lord of Soliers, whom he delegated wholly and expresly, to be his Gouer∣nour and Lieutenant Generall in Prouence. Beside the said Countie, the Duchie of Bar, an auncient Fiefe to the Crowne of France, returned (by the death of the Duchesse Yoland, Daughter to King Rene of Sicilie) to King Lewes the eleauenth, and he reunited to the Crowne the said Duchie of Bar, by decree of the Court of Parli∣ament at Paris. Grounded vpon this, that Rene, Duke of Lorraine, Sonne to Yoland,

was not a naturalized Frenchman, and therefore could not hold any Seigneuries: but such as were permitted to him in his Lands of the French, to be there held as heritages if they were not naturalized in Lorraine.

By the death of Lewes the eleauenth, King Charles the eight his Sonne and Succes∣sour, hauing assembled his estates Generall in the Citie of Tours, at his new com∣ming: receiued Faith and Homage of the Prouenceals, by their Deputies sent to the said Estates, confirming their Priuiledges, and prouiding for vacant Offices. So that it appeareth plainely, that from the time of our King and Emperour of the French,* 26.174 Charlemaine; Sicilie, Naples and Italie, had bin acquired to the Crowne of France, possessed by diuers Branches, and Houses of Princes issued thereof: First, by the same Charlemaigne, Pepin his Sonne and his Successours, from Father to Sonne, for the space of an hundred and thirtie yeares: yea, euen to the very inuasion, which was made for those Seigneuries, by the Berengars, descended of the Lombardes, expelled out of Italie, by the said Charlemaigne.

Secondly by William, Sonne to Tancred, Duke of Normandie and his Successours, Princes of the House of France: vnto Constance, Sonne of William the fourth, last King of Sicilie, of this Branch of Normandie, for two hundred yeares wholly, and the Sons of Constance, vnto the Bastard Mainfroy, about fortie yeares.

Thirdly, by the first Ligne of Aniou, beginning at Monsieur Charles of France, Bro∣ther to Saint Lewes; vntill Iohn, sonne to Charles, sonne of Robert and Ioane,* 26.175 Daughter to Charles of Duras, Sister to Lancelot. And by Lewes, first Duke of Aniou, sonne to King Iohn, second Branch of Aniou of the House of France, euen vntill King Rene, ouer whom Alphonso of Arragon vniustly vsurped the Kingdomes of Sicilie and Naples, whereof he seized his Bastard (as wee haue already said) against whose Suc∣cessours:

King Charles, eight of the name,* 26.176 vndertooke to recouer his Kingdomes of Naples and Sicilie, seeing himselfe in the floure of his age (for he had compleated but twenty yeares) and France in quietnesse; a most remarkeable consideration, to vndergoe a∣ny great enterprise: but he should haue had a bottomlesse Bagge of Treasures, as (in our time) King Henry the Great, of eternall memorie, had, and then is a King best ena∣bled for warre.

Alphonso at that time possessed (quietly enough) the said Kingdomes; but Auarice, ordenarily attended on by Cruelty,* 26.177 caused commotions among the States of the Realme. Among them of Nobilitie, the Prince of Salerne, and the Sonnes to the Prince of Bizignan, escaped the Massacres of Alphonso, and Ferdinand his Sonne, Duke of Calabria, who came into France with their friends, and faithfull confede∣rates. Who hauing wonne the fauour and eare of the Lady of Beaujeu, Madam Anne of France, Sister to the said King Charles the eight (wife to Peter, Duke of Bour∣bon, and Lord of Beaujeu) of William Brissonnet, then Intendant Generall for the Re∣uennues, afterward Bishop of Saint Malo, and Cardinall, and of the Seneschall of Beaucarie, Stephen Vers, then prime President of the Accounts at Paris, who onely gouerned the King: they put into his h••ad, to vndertake this Voyage, making the con∣quest of Naples so easie for him to compasse; that his Harbingers might meerely chalke him the way with their hands thither.

Whereto were added the offers and perswasions of Lodowicke Sforza, called the Me••re; who had proiected, how to possesse himselfe of the Dukedome of Millaine, as he did, against Iohn Galeas his Pupill: with the Predications and Prophesies of Fryer Ierenimo Sauanarola of Ferrara, published throughout all Italie.* 26.178 That the French should beare their victorious Armes to Naples: That they should conquer it without a stroake: And that at their returne, willing or nilling all the Potentates of Italie, the Noble King of France should trample them vnder his feete.

But that which most of all aduantaged and furthered this businesse, was the Lady of Beaujeu, who, by the absence of the King her Brother, promised her selfe the Regency of the Kingdome: by meanes whereof,* 26.179 the Crownes Reuennues should passe thorow her hands, wherewith she would fill her owne Bouldges, to cut and shaue all the State affaires after her will.

Iames, King of Maiorica had bin despoyled of his Kingdome, by the King of Arra∣gon

his Cousine, and was enforced to flye for refuge into France, to the Court of King Iohn,* 26.180 and of Humbert Daulphine of Viennois his Brother in Law. To supply the charges necessarily required in warre, Iames sold the Viscountie of Montpellier to King Iohn, paying the price of Sixe hundred thousand Florines of Gold, and within a while after, the Countie of Roussillion, at the same rate: prouided neuerthe∣lesse, that he repaying backe these summes; he, and his Successours, Kings of Maiori∣ca in the direct Ligne, and of his Stocke (but not any other) might reenter vpon the Countie of Roussillion, and Citie of Perpignan. Conditionally likewise, that the said Iames,* 26.181 King of Maiorica (during his life time) should haue and enioy the title and qualitie of Count of Roussillion, as indeede afterward he did.

And the said Iames happening to dye without Children, as also the Prince Daul∣phine of Viennois, and Count of Valentinois and Diois, and his wife, Sister to the said Iames King of Maiorica, with two Sonnes which he had, the one slaine in the Isle of Maiorica,* 26.182 where King Iames his Vnckle, and the Daulphine his Father had for three yeares space maintained the warre; the other Sonne was drowned in the Riuer of Rhosne: By consent of the said Humbert Daulphine, and of his wife, the said Iames granted, gaue and transported all rights appertaining to him in the King∣dome of Maiorica, and the Lands of his Patrimonie in Arragon and Valentia, Catha∣logna and Cerdaignia, to the said Iohn, King of France, his Heires and Successours in the Crowne of France.

Now Iohn, King of Arragon, second of the name, in his first marriage had to wife Blanch,* 26.183 Queene of Nauarre, the Daughter to the King of Nauarre, Charles, third of the name, called the Noble, and by her he had Charles Prince of Nauarre, legitimate heire of Nauarre. And in second marriage Iane, Daughter to Frederigo Henriques, Admirall of Castille, who to aduance his Sonne Ferdinando, second of the name, King of Arragon (vsurper of the Realme of Arragon, against the King Iohn d'Albret, and Katharine his wife) supposed the crime of Fellonie against the said King Iohn her Husband, by Prince Charles his Sonne in Law, imprisoned by King Iohn his Father, in L'Alia-Feria of Sarragossa.

This imprisonment caused a generall reuolt of the people of Arragon and Catha∣logna, who compelled Iohn of Arragon, to set his Sonne at libertie. But before his release out of prison, the Physition to Iane Henriques, his Stepmother, gaue him a Iulep,* 26.184 whereof he dyed (within a short while after) in the Citie of Barcellona, on Wednesday the three and twentieth of September, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred threescore and one, being aged fortie yeares, three Moneths and foure and twentie dayes.

To reuenge his death, the people rose in Commotion, vnder conduct of the Count de Paillars, issued of the House of Arragon, marched in ranged Battaile, besiedged the Towne and Citie of Gironna; where then Iane Henriques resided, with Ferdinando, Duke of Monblanck her Sonne.

Iohn of Arragon mediated by contract with King Lewes, eleauenth of the name, Father to Charles the eight, the free enioying the Countie of Roussillion, sold to his great Grandfather,* 26.185 as we haue said before. With promise, that for the ouer-plus of the said saile, he should giue and pay vnto him in ready money, the summe of Three hundred thousand Crownes of Gold, in Coine of France: Hee should aide him also with two thousand fiue hundred Souldiours on Horsebacke, seauen hundred whereof should be compleate Lances. Here you may reade the very words of the Bonds, which were made by the said Iohn King of Arragon, to King Lewes the eleauenth.

The Couenants and Contracts, which were passed substantially betweene the two Kings.

PAteat vniuersis quod nos Ioannes, Dei gratiâ Rex Aragonum, Nauarrae, Scicilia, Va∣lentiae, Maioricarum, & Sardiniae, & Corsicae, Comes Barcinonae, Duce Athenarum, & Neopatria, ac etiam Comes Ruscinionis, & Ceretaniae, attendentes & confide∣rantes

vos Illustrissimum & Christianissimum Principem Ludouicum eadem gratia Fran∣carum Regem Consanguineum & Confoederatum tanquam fratrem nostrum charissimum, dum superioribus diebus Celsitudo vestra in Villa Saluatierra Comitatus Benarui, nos au∣tems in loco sancti Pelagit (Sainct Palais Capitale de la basse Nauarre, ou est l'Audience Royale & la Monnoie) Regni nostri Nauarrae adesset, & adessemus, propter sincerum af∣fectum, & beneuolentiam praecipuam quam erga nos, & nostrum honorem geritis obtulisse nobis succursum contra inobedientes & aduersantes nobis in Cataloniae principatu, hoc vide∣licet modo quod mitteritis ad nos ad eundem Cataloniae principatum Septingentas lanceas munitas sagittarijs vel alijs gentibusde tractu, cum peditatu competenti, artillerijs, & alijs munationibus iuxta formam, & modum Regni vestri Franciae, vestrisqui proprijs sumptibus & expensis, & in seruitio nostro manebunt vsque quod ipsi Catalani inobedientes deuene∣rint, & red••cti fuerint ad nostram veram obedientiam, & similiter si à vobis dicto Sere∣nissimo Francorum rege habere voluerimus ex dictis gentibus vestris pro seruiendo nobis in guerra in Regnis Aragoniae, & Valentiae, vel in altero corumdem regnorum mittetis nobis Quadrigentas. Lanceas duntaxat munitas, modo, & forma praedictis, vestris pariter sumptibus & expensis, & quidquid iustum fore censentes & consonum rationi, vt pro maximis sumptibus & expensis quos & quas pro stipendijs dictarum gentium serenita∣tem vestram agere oportebit condecens per nos eadem fiat satisfactio, & emenda. Id∣cires tenore presentis deliberationis, ac de nostra certa scientia conuenimus, & pacisci∣mur vobiscum dicto illustrissimo Francorum Rege: atque promittimus & nos obligamus Celfitudini vestrae performam, & validam stipulationem, quod in primo casu quo ad nos miseritis ad dictum Cataloniae principatum dictas septingentas lanceas munitas sagitta∣rijs vel alijs gentibus de tractu cum peditatu competenti, artillerijs & alijs munitionibus ••iuxta formam & modum dicti Regni vestri Franciae, vt est dictum, & in nostro seruitio ve∣stris sumptibus & expensis manserint vsque quo dicti Catalani inobedientes nobis, deuene∣rint, & reducti fuerint ad nostram veram & completam obedientiam, dabimus, & trademus vibis, aut, cui, seu quibus volueritis loco vestri realiter & defacto Ducentos Mille Scu∣tos aureos veteres monetae Regni vestri praedicti Franciae, (Les Vieux Escuts fai∣solent Soixante & Quatre au Marc, le Poids de Huict Onces au Marc, & d'alloy a Vingt-quatre Carats, vn Quart de Carat de Remede) vel valorem verum corumdem, isto videlicet modo quod soluemus, aut solui faciemus vobis, aut cuicumque, scu quibuscumque à vobis legitimam potestatem habentibus Centum Mille Scutos intra vnum Annum computandum, eo tempore quo dicti Catalani inobedientes, deuenerunt, & reducti fuerunt ad nostram veram, & completam obedientiam; & alios Centum Mille scutos veteres vel verum valorem eorumdem soluemus seu solui faciemus vobis, aut cui volueritis & mandabitis nomine vestro intra tempus alterius Anni com∣putandi à fine termini primae solutionis faciendae de dictis prioribus Centum mille scutis. In sicundo autem casu quo ex dictis Septingentis lanceis de quibus supra mentio habetur quo ad Catalauniae principatum à Celsitudine vestra habere voluerimus quadringentas lance as munitas modo & forma praelibatis, & illas cum effectu mittetis vestris proprijs sumptibus & expensis pro seruiendo nobis in guerra in regnis Aragoniae & Valentiae, vel in altero eorum∣dem regnorum, & ibi quantum opus fuerit permanserint dabimus, & trademus vobis, aut cui, seu quibus volueritis, & mandabitis loco vestri, realiter & de facto Trecentos Mille scutos auri veteris monetae dicti vestri Regni Franciae, in hunc videlicet modum: Quod soluemus aut solui faciemus vobis, aut cuicumque, seu quibuscumque à vo∣bis sufficientem potestatem habentibus Centum Mille scutos infra Annum vnum, compu∣tandum à tempore quo dicti Catalani inobedientes deuenerint & reducti fuerint ad no∣pram veram & completam obedientiam; & alios Centum Mille scutos vetere, vel eorum valorem soluemus scu solui faciemus vobis, aut cui volueritis & mandabitis nomine ve∣stro, intra tempus alterius Anni computandi à sine termini primae solutionis faciendae de di∣ctis prioribus centum Mille scutis. Reliquos autem Centum mille scutos ad complementum autorum trecentorum mille scutorum suo casu soluemus▪ seu sol••i faciemus vobis aut cui vo∣beritis, & mandabitis nomine vestro intra tempus alterius Anni computandi à fine ter∣••ini secundae solutionis faciendae de alijs Centum Mille scutis. Promittentes vobis dicto serenissimo Francerum regi Consanguineo, & Confoe derato, tanquam fratri nostro charissi∣••••, at{que} Prothonotario, & Notario infrascripto tanquam publicae, & authenticae personae quo∣rum, modo pro omnibus interest aut interesse poterit quomodo libet in futurum legit ime

stipulanti in nostra bona fide, & verbo regio quod eosdem Ducentos Mille seutos casu, & ali•• trecentos mille s••utos in suo singula singulis referendo soluemus, seu solui faciemus, & me•• dabimus vobis, seu cui, aut quibus volueritis, & mandabitis nomine vestro iuxta mode•• seu formam superius mentionatam, atque tandiu, & terminis supra designatis & statutis quibusuis vlterioribus dilationibus, subterfugijs, ac exceptionibus reseratis & penit•• procul pulsis, & adeo omnia & singula prout per nos supra, & infra promissa & oblig•• sunt tenendum, complendum & inuiolabiliter obseruandum omni cum effectu obligauim•• vobis dicto serenissimo Francorum Regi; generaliter omnes redditus, & introitus, iura, & emolumentae querumlibet Regnorum & terrarum nostrarum, omniaque bona nostra mo∣bilia & stabilia quaecumque & vbicumque reperientur haebita, & habenda: Et specialiter & expresse obligamus vobis, quoscumque redditus; introitus, iura, & emolumenta quae nes habemus, si tamen aliquae sui factae gratiae, vel assignationes super iuribus, & redditibus dictorum Comitatuum Rossilionis, & Ceretaniae vltra ordinari••s quod decedentibus ill•• qui eas recipiunt, vos dictus illustrissimus Francorum Rex haheatis, & recipiatis, & b••∣bere debeatis cum omni iuris plenitudine, & integritate, is••o videlicet, modo quod po••∣quam quantitates praementionatae Serenitati vestrae debitae fuerunt, & quae dicto ordine non fuerint exsolutae modis, & formis superius memoratis, eadem Celsitudo vestra intro••∣tus, iura, & emolumenta dictorum Comitatuum Rossilionis & Ceretaniae deductis omni∣bus modo quo supra dictum est habeat & recipiat per manus magnifici ac dilecti Consili•• nostri Caroli de Vlmis Militis Procuratoris regij in eisdem Comitatibus Rossilionis, & Ceretaniae, vel alt••rius successoris sui in officio supradicto. Ita quidem quod huiusmodi redditus recipiendi n••n computentur in sortem principalem dictorum ducentorum mille, aut trecentorum mille scutorum singula singulis referendo. Et nihilominus ad maiorem & vberiorem vestri tuitionem, & securitatem conuenimus, paciscimur, & nos obligamus quod faciemus, & operam dabimus efficacem, quod dictus Carolus de Vlmis idoneam faciet obli∣gationem quod aduenientibus casibus supradictis in quibus iura, redditus, introitus, & ••mo∣lumenta dictorum Comitatuum Rossilionis & Ceretaniae vigore huiusmodi conuenti••nis, pacti, & obligationis, ad vos pertine••unt, de illis respondebit Sublimitati vesirae vel cui voluerit, & mandabit iuxta formam superius mentionatam, & quod quicumque succe•• suus in dicto officio Procurateris regij, suo loco, & tempore consimilem obligationem qua•• fecerit super his Carolus de Vlmis procurator regius, qui nunc est in dictis Comitatibus E••s∣silionis & Ceretani••e. Et insuper cupientes vos eundem Serenissimum Francorum Reg•• in, & super praemissis reddere tutiorum eum hac eadem conuenimus, paciscimur, & nos ••bli∣gamus quod illustris Ioannes de Aragonia filius noster charissimus, Administrator perpet••∣us Ecclesiae Caesar-Augustanae, Nobiles Petrus Durea frater Bernardus Vgonis de Rupeber∣tino Commendator Montissoni Ordinis sancti Ioannis Hierosolymitani, Petrus de Peralta, & F••rrarius de Lannes Iustitia Regni Aragonum milites Consiliarij nostri idoneam fac••∣ent obligationem: quod si dictus Carolus de Vlmis Procurator regni, aut eius successor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eodem officio deficeret in solutione reddituum, & iurium dictorum Com••tatuum Rossilia•• & Ceretaniae quandiu quantitas dictorum Ducentorum mille scutorum in suo casu vobis m•• solu••tur, ipsi, & quilibet eorum in solidum tenebitur, & tenebuntur quoad solutionem d••∣taxat iur••um, & reddituum dictorum Comitatuum Rossilionis & Ceretaniae quae annis sin∣gulis, deductis omnibus modo praedicto soluenda erunt vobis quousque Celsitudini vestra quantitas dictorum Ducentorum Mille scutorum suo casu, & Trecentorum Mille scutoru•• in suo, vel valoris ipsorum soluta fuerit cum effectu. Nos eam pro maiori omnibus & singu∣lorum supra & infra scriptorum fortificatione & corroboratione renunciamus, quoad que••∣mu••, Iuri Canonico, & Ciuili, foris, constitutionibus, vsaticis, legibus, & alijs iuribus, & auxili. Iuris, vel facti, qui, & quae ad ista nobis prodesse, aut vobis dicto Illustrissimo Fran∣corum Regi••n cere, aut obesse possent quouismodo, ratione, seu causa qui & quae dici, scribi, & agitari valerent, etiam in fauorem Regum, Principum introductis. In quorum omnium, & singulerum testimonium presens publicum instrumentùm confici iussimus per Protho••••∣tarium n••strum, & N••tarium publicum infrascriptum. Quod fuit datum, & actum in Pa∣latio Archi••piscopali Ciuitatis Caesar▪ Augustae die Vigesimo tertio mensis Madij, Anno à Nat••u t••te Domini Millesimo Quadringentesimo Sexagesimo secundo, Regnique nostri Na∣uarrae Tregesimo septimo, aliorum vero Regnorum nostrorum Quinto.

[illustration]

Signum Ioannis, Dei Gratia Regis Aragonum, Nauarrae, Sciciliae, Valentiae, Maioricarum, Sardini••, & Corsicae: Comitis Barcinonae, Dücis Athenarum, & Neopatriae, ac etiam Comi∣tis Rossilionis, & Ceretaniae praedicta concedimus, & firmamus, huicque publico instrumen∣to Sigillum nostrum apponi iussimus impendenti.

Testes sunt qui ad praedicta praesentes fuerunt magnifici, Martinus de Lannes Baiulus ge∣neralis Regni Aragonum Miles, Ludouicus de sancto Angelo Iurisperitus Fisci Aduoca∣tus Consiliarij, & Ferdinandus de Vaquedano Secretarius dicti Domini Regis Aragonum.

[illustration]

Signum mei Antonij Nogueres serenissimi Domini Regis Aragonum Prothonotarij, ciusque ••horitate per vniuersam ipsius ditionem publici Notarij, qui praedictis vna cum praeno∣••inatis testibus interfui, eaque per alium scribi feci, & clausi▪ Signatum supra plicam B. ••ra Est. Sealed with Red Waxe.

Et nos Ioannes de Aragonia filius praelibati serenissimi Domini Regis Aragonum, ac Dei, & Apostolicae sedis gratia Administrator perpetuus Ecclesiae Caesar-Augustanae. Petrus Du∣••ea Cubernator Regni Valentiae, Frater Bernardus Hugonis de Rupebertino Preceptor siue Commendator Montessoni Camerlingi. Petrus de Peralta Magister Hospitij, & Ferre∣rius de Lannes Iustitia Regni Aragonum praelibati Domini Regis consiliarij, qui prae∣sentes fuimus, & vterque nostrum in solidum conuenimus, & nos obligamus vobis Sere∣••issimo ac Christianissimo Principi & Domino Domino Ludouico, Dei Gratia Francorum Regi, in praesentia Prothonotarij ac Notarij infra scripti tanquam publicae & authenticae personae recipientis, & legitime stipulantis, quod si praelibatus Carolus de Vlmis procurator ••egni in Comitatibus Rossilionis & Ceretaniae, aut eius successor quicumque in eodem of∣ficio deficient in solutione reddituum & iurium dictorum Comitatuum Rosilionis & Cere∣••iae quandi•• quantitas dictorum Ducentorū Mille scutorum suo casu, & dictorum Trecen∣••••rum Mille scutorum in suo, singula singulis referendo vobis dicto Serenissimo Domino Francorum Regi debitae fuerit, & Maiestati vestrae non soluetur iuxta formam obligationis

desuper factam per dictum illustrissimum Dominum nostrum Regem Aragonum, nos, & qui∣libet nostrum ex nostris certis scientijs tenebimur, & tenebitur Serenitati vestrae quo ad so∣lutionem dumtaxat iurium & reddituum dictorum Comitatuum Rossilionis & Ceretania; quae omnia singulis deductis oneribus m••do ••ontento in dicta Regis obligatione soluenda e∣runt Maiestati vestrae, quousque sibi quantitas dictorum Ducentorum Mille Scutorum su•• casu, & Trecentorum Mille scutorum in suo vel valor i••••orum soluta fuerit cum effectu, quemadmodum in dicto publico instrumento obligationis praedictum Dominum nostrum Re∣gem Aragonum facto dicitur, & continetur, atque omnia, & singula prout supra dictum est, & ad nos attinet & spectat tenendum, complendum & inuiolabiliter obseruandum, nos, & vterque nostrum simul & in solidum obligamus personas, & omnia bona nostra & vniuscu∣iuscumque nostrum; & immobilia habita & habenda vbicunque & renuntiamus quo ad haec nostris iudicibus ordinarijs & localibus, & iudicio eorumdem submittimus nos & v∣trumque nostrum Iurisdictioni, coértioni, & compulsu cuiusuis Iudicis Ecclesiastici vel Se∣cularis, coram quo nos simul vel diuisim conuenire malueritis, & nihilominus renunti••∣mus legi Iurisperitorum, quae dicit quod fideiussor conueniri non potest nisi prius bona prin∣cipalia discutiantur, & alicuius iuri canonico & ciuili, foris, constitutionibus, vsaticis legi∣bus, & alijs iuribus, & auxilio iuris vel facti qui & quò quoad haec quae ad nos attinent, Maiestati vestrae nocere aut obesse possent: in quoram omnium & singulorum testimonium presens publicum instrumentum confici Volumus ad indemnitatem vestri serenissimi Do∣mini Regis Francorum, Prothonotarium, & Notarium publicum infra scriptum, praesenti∣bus testibus ad ea vocatis, & rogatis dictis Martino de Lannes Baiulo generali regni Ara∣gonum Milite, Ludouico de sancto Angelo Iurisperito, Fisci Aduocato, Consiliarijs, & Fer∣dinando de Vaquedano Secretario dicti Serenissimi Domini Regis Aragonum. Quod actum fuit in dicto Palatio Archiepiscopali Ciuitatis Caesar-Augustae, dicto Vicesimo tertio die Men∣sis Madij, anno à Natiuitate Domini Millesimo Quadringentesimo Sexagesimo Secundo.

[illustration]

Signum mei Antonij Noguerij, Serenissimi Domini Regis Aragonum Prothonotarij, eius∣que auctoritate per vniuersam ipsius ditionem publici Notarij, qui praedictis vna cum pra∣nominatis testibus interfui, easque per alium scribi feci, & clusi.

Signatum supra plicam. B. Ita Est. And Sealed with Red Waxe.

King Lewes the Eleauenth was not satisfied and contented with these Obligations, but would needs haue intire enioyment of the things which were obliged to him so that the said Iohn, King of Arragon, sold, gaue, quitted and transported to the said King Lewes the eleauenth, & to his Successors Kings of France to perpetuitie; the said Countie of Roussillion, and that of Cerdaignia for euer, with all Iurisdiction & Soue∣raigntie. And King Lewes the eleauenth was put in reall & actuall possession; & (for him) Messire Tanneguy du Castell was made Gouernor in the said Coūties of Roussill•• & Cerdaignia. The Conducter of the French Army was Gaston, Count of Foix & Lord

of Bo••. The Contract of this Engagement, Grant and Sale was dated the fiue and ••wentieth day of Iune, in An. One thousand foure hundred threescore & two, at the Archbishops Pallace of Sarragossa. Signed by the said King, and answered by Nota∣••ies and Witnesses, with their hands and Seales.

And thus King Lewes the eleauenth enioyed those Seigneuries sold vnto him,* 27.1 and placed Gouernours in them: And after him King Charles the eight his Son, confor∣mably to the Couenant made with Iohn of Arragon. After whom succeeded King Ferdinand, second of the name, who was his Sonne.

But Madam de Beaujeu, who then gouerned France, vnder the name of King Charles the eight her Brother plaied two slippery parts at once,* 27.2 not much to be com∣mended. One was, taking & tearing the Registers, belonging to the Court of Parlia∣ment at Paris, especially the Decree concerning the Reuniting to the Crowne of France, of the Duchie of Barrois, on Rene Duke of Lorraine, who was not Naturali∣zed in France.

The other was rendering to Ferdinand of Arragon, the Coine and Cloath for the Counties of Roussillion and Cerdaignia, without vntying the purse, charges repaied, or any agreement whatsoeuer. The Mediators of this Merchandise were the Generall Brissonnet, the Seneschall of Beaucarie, & two holy Fathers Gray Friers, Oliuer Mail∣lard, & Iohn Mauleony. The two last named men, gouerned the Kings conscience,* 27.3 and the other disposed of the rest. Merchandise deliuered in exchange of a promise, made on the behalfe of Ferdinand of Arragon, not to hinder the King in his voyage of Ita∣lie▪ a shadow or smoake, an imaginarie exchange, & oath for an handfull of feathers cast vp in the open Aire, concerning the part of Ferdinand of Arragon.

The treatie of this Restitution, without repaiment of one penny, made in the yeare One thousand foure hundred fourescore & thirteene, the nineteenth day of Ianuary, betweene King Charles & Ferdinand & Isabell, Kings of Arragon and Castile; bare these contents. That the said Ferdinand & Isabel doe make perpetuall peace with the King, League offensiue and defensiue against euery Prince liuing and dying,* 27.4 without ex∣cepting any. And that the said Ferdinand and Isabell, shall not contract any alliance with the Kings of England, and the Archduke of Austria Ferdinand, Count of Flan∣ders, & other Princes whatsoeuer they be; without the expresse consent & agreement of the King. There were named in the said Treatie, the Children of Ferdinand and Isabel, to wit, Dom Michele eldest Infant of Spaine, & Iohn, Prince of the Asturies;* 27.5 who with their Father & Mother sware this Treatie on the holy Euangelists laid vpon the Altar. And by the same Oath thus solemnely sworn, the said Ferdinand & Isabel, and likewise their Sons, renounced all such rights, as they could haue and pretend to the Kingdome of Naples, in any sort or manner whatsoeuer, which might ensue to them: they acquitted, gaue, granted and transported them to the said King Charles, and his Successors Kings of France, to al perpetuity. Conditionally, that the said King Charles without the Counsell of the Princes of his Bloud, & Officers of the Crowne, & con∣trary to all Remonstrances in the Court of Parliament at Paris, many times repeated and reiterated; acquitted and released the fiue hundred thousand Crownes of Gold, contained in the Bond of King Iohn of Arragon.

And hereupon it was further conuenanted, that the Ecclesiasticall persons, proui∣ded of Benefices & Liuings in diuers places, giuen, granted & put ouer by the King,* 27.6 to the said Ferdinand of Arragon, held as well by Frenchmen, as Naturals of the Coun∣trey, since the Kings of France had enioyed the Lands and Seigneuries sold: should peaceably hold and possesse their said Benefices.

But if it should so happen, that the King enioyed not freely the Kingdome of Na∣ples, which appertained to him: in this case,* 27.7 the King and his Successours Kings of France, might reenter on the proprietie of Perpignan, and the Counties of Roussillion and Cerdaignia, and that within a Month after, the said Ferdinand and his Successors had bin thereto required by the King, and his Successours, being come to the Crown of France. And thorow defect of not performing this; the King, and his said Succes∣sours, Kings of France, might reenter on the proprieties of the said Seigneuries, giuen and engaged: by force of Armes, without any other neede of summons, or forme of Iustice.

In the execution of this Treatie, the King decreed and deliuered his Letters Pa∣tents, in forme of Commission, to the Count of Montpensier, and to Le••••••, Bishop of Alby, to giue possession of the Seigneuries (very vnaduisedly) released to ••er••••∣nand of Arragon; notwithstanding the protestations of the Parliament of Paris, Con∣seruatour of the Maiestie of our Kings, and of their Sacred Patrimonie & demea••es (which cannot be alienated, but by Engagement and condition of perpetuall Re∣demption,) Thus were matters carried, by the Lady of Beau••eu, Brissonnet, and De Vers, at the deare cost of France.

Now beginning to make spare, when all was spent to the bottome, the next re∣course was to Borrowing;* 27.8 yet not of the people of France, whom the King would not oppresse: but of Strangers, and at the caution of the French Nobilitie. The Banck de Soly of Gennes furnished an hundred thousand Franckes, which cost foure∣teene thousand pounds Interest for foure Moneths. The Duchie of Sauoye lent her Iewels, which wee engaged for twelue thousand Ducates. As much did the Mar∣quisate of Montferrat: And Lodowicke Sforza, vsurper on the State of Millaine, offred for the passage, fiue hundred men at Armes, waged with his money, and the lending of two hundred thousand Ducates.

* 27.9With such small meanes did King Charles (yet neuerthelesse) set on foote a good∣ly Armie for the Land, and another for the Sea. In that for Land-Seruice, there were sixeteene thousand Men of Armes, two Archers for one Lance: Sixe thousand Archers on foote, and sixe thousand Crosse-bowes: eight thousand Harquebusiers, and men that carried two handed Swords: twelue hundred pieces of Canon, as well of lion as B••asse: two hundred Canonniers: eleauen hundred men to cast Bals of Artillerie, and to make Coales, Cords and Cables: eight thousand Horses of Artil∣lery: foure thousand Carters to driue them: six thousand two hundred Pionners: sixe hundred Maisters Carpenters, and three hundred Masons.

* 27.10The Nauall or Sea Armie, consisted of eighteene Gallies, sixe Gallions, and nine great Ships. Lewes, Duke of Orleans, a yong and valiant Prince, was Lieutenant Generall of the Fleete. And the Lord Honoreo d Vrfe, the Maister of the Horse, proui∣ded this Armie at the Port of Genewaye, a Common-wealth (at that time) subiect to the State of Millaine.

* 27.11Such as followed the King in this expedition, were the Count of Angoulesme, Fa∣ther to King Frances the first; Gilbert de Bourbon, Count of Montpensier; the Prince of Orenge; the Duke of Nemoux Iohn de Foix (formerly Viscount of Narbo••na) the Counts of Neuers, of Ligny, of Boulogne and of Bresse: The Lord Alain d'Albret, Fa∣ther to the King of Nauarre, Iohn d'Albret; Lewes de la Trimouille, Viscount of Thouars: The Marshals de Gie, de Baudricourt and de Rieux: The Lords of Cruss••ll, of Tournon, of Piennes, of Suilly, of Aubigny, of Guise, of Chandenier, of Maule••••, of Prie, of Montezon, of Alegre, of Bonneuall, of Genouillac, of Chastillon, de la Pa∣lice, de Frainezeles, de Chaumont, de Vergy, de l'Hospitall, de Beaumont; the Ba∣stards Mathew of Bourbon, and hee of Bourgongne, with many other Lords of noate.

In this braue furnishment, Charles departed from Vienna in Daulphine, to make for the Citie of Ast, belonging to the Duke of Orleans, the three and twentieth day of August,* 27.12 in the yeare One thousand foure hundred fourescore and thirteene, leauing for Regent in France Peter, Duke of Bourbon, his Brother in Law.

Charles had (before) made surrender of the Counties of Roussillion and Cerdaig∣ma to Ferdinand of Arragon, who, in the doing thereof, had promised to the King, to giue no succour, aide or fauour any way, to the Kings of Naples and of Sicilie his Cousines and Brother in Law, and so did he solemnely sweare vpon the Crosse and holy Euangelists in the Citie of Barcellona: An Oath immediately after viola∣ted by himselfe, when he saw that he was quietly seated in the surrendred Lands. For,* 27.13 perceiuing that it was fully couenanted, that the King should passe himselfe in person into Italie, for Conquering the Kingdome of Naples: he sent his Ambas∣sadour Antonia Fonsequa, to protest, that he would aide (with his best meanes) the Kings of Naples, if so be the King would attempt vpon their Estate. He met with

the King at Velitres beyond Rome, to whom hee deliuered his Ambassage: where∣to hee receiued not any answere; so much did the King hold in detestation, the perfidious disloyaltie of the Arragonian, without either Faith or Consci∣ence.

The King continuing on his way for Ast,* 27.14 was magnificently welcommed into the good Cities of Italie, as at Pauia, Placentia, Luka, Pisa and Florence: Afterward at Viterbo, Sienna and at Rome, where he made his entrance into it like an Emperour (borne, and being the eldest Sonne of the Church) on the last day of the Moneth of December, in the same yeare One thousand foure hundred fourescore and thirteene, his whole Armie in Battaile arraye, and the Artillerie appointed about the Pallace of Saint Marke, where the King lodged. Pope Alexander the sixt (a natiue of Valentia in Arragon, and a partaker with Alphonso and Ferdinand) affrighted at such a Martiall en∣trance; lockt vp himselfe in the Castell of Saint Angelo. But at the same time, a great part of the same Castell wall being miraculously falne to the ground;* 27.15 the Pope was glad to submit himselfe to the Kings kindnesse, by the meanes and mediation of Iohn de Foix, Duke of Nemoux (hee had that Dukedome of the King, in coun∣ter-change for the Viscountie of Narbonna) the Counts of Bresse, and de Lig∣••y, as also the Marshall of Gie, and the Bishop of Angiers, Maister Iohn d•• Rely.

These two Princes being thus reconciled together,* 27.16 the Pope keeping Chappell at the High Altar of Saint Peter in Rome, the Twentieth day of Ianuary, in the said yeare the King was Crowned Emperour of the East, and of Constantinople by the Pope; he being assisted with Fiue and Twenty Cardinals, Thirty Arch-bishops, Forty Bishops, and an infinite number of Prelates, Then was made Cardinall Bri∣s••nnet of Saint Malo, principall motiue of this Voyage, with the Seneshall of Beucarie. And the same day the King handled the diseased of the Euill, who were instantly cured, the Italians admiring at such wonderfull power.

In the said City of Rome, where the King soiourned Eight and Twenty dayes,* 27.17 were great places appointed and prepared for Iustice, and there erected Iibbets, Strappadoes in the Kings name: some were beheaded, others hanged, some beaten, their eares cut off, and diuers drowned as Theeues and Malefactors; especially in the great Market place, called Campo Fiore. Whereby the Italians might vnder∣stand, that as the Most Christian King, Eldest Sonne of the Church, whereto the Noble Kings of France (his Predicessors) had giuen the Riches and Seigneuries which she possessed: hee had in Rome all power in those three kindes of Iustice, tearmed high, meane and middle Iustice, and all Right of Soueraignty; euen as in the City of Paris, and other Cities of France. Contrary to the opinion of such, as, forging an imaginary Donation of Constantine, granted to the Pope S. Syluester: make the Popes to be absolute Princes, and Soueraigne Lords of Rome.

From whence Charles being departed the Eight and Twentieth day of Ianuary,* 27.18 to shape his course directly for Naples: the Castels of Montfortin, & of Mont Saint Iohn, the very strongest places in the Neopolitane Estate, were ouercome by assault; yet Alphonso had lien seauen yeares before the last of these Castles, and could not surprize it by force; which the French performed in lesse then Eight dayes, entring thereinto by a Breach, cutting the throats of Nine Hundred Fifty and Fiue men of Armes, for hauing so audaciously refused to render the place, the King then being before it himselfe in Person.

Ferdinand, Duke of Calabria, Sonne to Alphonso of Naples, was at Saint Germaines,* 27.19 a place well fortified with three good strong Castles, as being the Key for entring into the Kingdome of Naples: but hauing heard the newes, that Mont Saint Iohn was surprized, where hee hoped that the French Army would bee vtterly defeated; hee forsooke that Towne to retreate himselfe to Naples. And thence also hee de∣parted with his Father, directing their course toward Sicily, for plainly they percei∣ued, that (perforce) they must giue way to the victorious Armes of King Charles, whom God euen guided by the hand, to conquer Italy.

The King hauing brought Saint Germaines vnder his power, the men of Capua went and deliuered vp their City Keyes: whether hee went to lodge,* 27.20 and made

his entrance on the Eighteenth day of February. And the Twentieth day of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 same Moneth, his Maiesty being lodged in the Towne of Auerzo: the Dep••i•••••• of Naples came and offered the Keyes of the Citie, and aduertised him withall that Alphonso and his Sonne Ferdinand had quitted the place, being fled secretly by S•••• into Sicily.

Into the City of Naples the King made his entrance in pompe and magnificenc•• on Sunday,* 27.21 the Eight and Twentieth day of February. Afterward both by Land and Sea he caused the Cittadell to be assayled, and the two Castels Ne••f and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••Ocuf. The Cittadell was taken in the assault, and the Spanyards, Italians and other•• which were within it, hauing burned the houses which stood round about it; g•••• themselues into the Castell Neuf, where being pressed by a furious batt••rie, they yeelded vpon composition, to haue their liues and goods saued. Which place be∣ing taken, the whole Armie inuested the Castell de l'Oeuf, the batterie beginning 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Wednesday the fourth day of March, and continued very violently vntill Thurs∣day,* 27.22 the twelfth day of the same Moneth, when the resistants were then constrai∣ned to yeelde. So the King hauing conquered all the strong places of the Citie, he determined to make his entrance againe thereinto, as Emperour of the Romaines, King of France, of Naples, of Sicilie and of Ierusalem, on Tuesday the twelfth day of May, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred fourescore and foureteene.

At this his entrance, he tooke the title of Charles Caesar Augustus, being cloa••hed in a great Cloake or Mantle of Scarlet, Furred with Ermines, the Imperiall Crowne on his head, the round Ball in his right hand, and a Scepter in the left, mounted on a Horse most richly harnessed.* 27.23 Ouer his head was carried a Canopie of rich Cloath of Gold, embrodered all ouer with Pearles, raised on sixteene Pillers or Staues, and supported by sixteene of the very worthiest Lords in all the Kingdome of Naples. About his person waited his Footemen, attired all in massie Cloath of Gold; the Prouost of the Hostell, and the Archers of his Guard. Before him went the Senes∣chall de Beau••arie,* 27.24 Gouernour of Gayetta (which was taken by force) representing the Constable of the Kingdome, and Monsieur Gilbert de Bourbon, Count of Montpensier, Vice-Roy and Lieutenant Generall of the Realme. After the King followed the Prince of Salerne, who was became French; with the great Lords of France, Kinse∣men to the King: then the Knights of his Order, all of them wearing long Cloakes of Scarlet, like vnto that of the Kings, and according to the fashion of the auncient Romaine Senators, Assistants and Councellors to the King, as those that formerly had bin to the Emperours of Rome.

* 27.25At dinner & Supper this day, the great Seneschall or Steward of Naples, cloathed all in white, and mounted on a white Courser, serued in all the meates before the King: who that day (with his owne hand) made many Lords Knights, and other Gentlemen of the City of Naples. In which Kingdome hauing left for Gouernour and Viceroy, Gilbert of Bourbon, Count of Montpensier: hee resolued to returne for France, and departed from the said City of Naples the One and Twentieth day of the same Moneth of May.

But before hee had set downe this firme resolution, hee had a purpose for the Conquest of Constantinople,* 27.26 and for his better effecting the same, hee had constrai∣ned the Pope to deliuer into his hands Zizime, Brother to the Great Turke Bai••∣zeth the Second: who standing in feare of the Christians; paid yearely to the Pope Forty Thousand Duckats, because hee should not see him at liberty. The Popes vrging necessity, of deliuering him to King Charles, and loosing so much yearely money, made him to poyson him; so that hee liued but fifteene dayes at the most. Moreouer, the same Pope (in all hast) gaue aduertisement to Baiazeth by a Bo••c••r of Geneway, concerning the precedent purpose of King Charles.

And the same Pope named Alexander the Sixt, an Arragonian by Nation, and (in that quality) partaker with the House of Arragon; practised a League against the King, of the Emperour, the Castilian, the Venetians, Florentines, Duke of Millaine, and other Potentates of Italy, who fearing the Conquests of the French, had no de∣sire at all to deale with them. For notwithstanding all faire outward apparances▪

••hey hated the Dominion of the French; and in no better manner affected the Spaniards; but reputed them both proud and arrogant, not to be endured.

Since the beginning of the Kings passage on his Iourney, Duke Lewes of Orleans,* 27.27 ••is Lieutenant Generall in the Nauall Army, on the Sea had vanquished Fredericke of Arragon, Vncle to Ferdinand, whom Alphonso the Father (before hee forsooke the City of Naples) had caused to bee published abroad, yea, and proclaimed King of Naples and of Sicily. The same Duke of Orleans perceiuing, that Lodowicke Sforza had vniustly vsurped the Dukedome of Millaine against his Nephewes, whom hee had put to dea••h by poyson, & that the said Duke was entred League with the Pope and other Potentates of Italy, to enclose the King at his returne; possessed himselfe of the City of Nouara in the Estate of Millaine, which (as indeed it was true) belon∣ged to him, in regard of his Grandmother Valentina. On the contrary side,* 27.28 Lodo∣wicke Sforza maintained himselfe in his vsurpation, and (in counterchange) laboured to surprize the Towne of Ast, appertaining to the said Duke of Orleans, thinking to finde nobody there to defend it; as hee might haue done, if hee had sooner thought on it: for the Marquesse of Saluces had sent thither Fiue Hundred men, and other troupes of well appointed Soldiers, which the Duke of Bourbon (Regent) had sent out of France to assist the King. But these Forces came very conueniently to coape with the men of Millaine, conducted by Count Galeazzo of S. Seuerino. So the Towne of Ast continued in obedience to Lewes, Duke of Orleans, who being posses∣sed also of the City of Nouara (which is ten miles from Millaine) and the Castle thereof; was immediately after assailed by the said Lodowicke Sforza.

Now, the King being parted from Naples,* 27.29 came backe by Auerso to Rome (from whence the Pope was gone) and won the Estate of the Venetians, Sienna and Pisa, (which hee tooke into his protection against the Florentines, and gaue the Gouern∣ment to Lewes of Luxembourg, Count of Ligny his Cousin) with Luca & Petra Sancta, where is the passage of the Alpes. And from thence he went to Scura, Serezana, and Pontremo, the entrance of the Alpes mountaines, where the Germaines by maine strength passed all the great Artillery.

From Pontremo, the King came to lodge at Fornoua, the foote of the Alpie Moun∣taine: neere to which Borrough the Italians were encāped, to giue the King Battaile. The Marquesse of Mantua was Captaine Generall of the Venetians, & for the Duke of Millaine was the Count of Gayazza, who hauing forsaken the French side▪ tooke part with Lodowicke Sforza, to whom hee was then Lieutenant Generall. This Ar∣my of the Enemy consisted of very neere Forty Thousand men, all in good furnish∣ment; and the Kings amounted not to the fourth part of them.

On Monday the Sixt day of Iuly, One Thousand, Foure Hundred,* 27.30 Foure Score and Fifteene, was fought this memorable Battell of Fornoua; the honour whereof remained to King Charles the Eight. The Marshall of Gie conducted the Auant∣garde, wherein, next vnder God, the King had placed all his hope. The King was in this Battaile armed at all points, his Armour most richly engrauen and gilded.* 27.31 Vpon his Cuirasse he ware a Cassocke of Cloth of Siluer, Dammasked with Red, (for his Liueries were Carnation and white) semed in embroyderie of Gold with the Crosse of Ierusalem. The Helmet on his head was of pure Gold, couered with a most rich Crowne, and hee was mounted on a goodly Courser, blacke haired, and named Blacke Sauoy, because Charles Duke of Sauoy had sent the Horse to him as a present, richly barded, with the Chanfraine of great value, whereon was exalted a braue plume of Feathers, Carnation and White, the Caparisons and other furni∣ture being answerable to the Coate of Armes, semed with the Crosse of Ieru∣salem.

In this Royall equipage and manner mounted, this Prince (aged but Foure and Twenty, or Fiue and Twenty yeares) appeared farre otherwise then his nature car∣ried, or his stature, or complexion: for the horse shewed him, to bee great, and his countenance had a cheerefull coulour, his words likewise discreet and bold. For all these respects was his person particularly obserued by his enemies,* 27.32 who purposed to beset him soundly; but neere to him was the Basta••d of Bourbon, Mathew, who that day performed wonders, to saue and guard the person of the King.

* 27.33The Enemies (who were ten to one) began the fight, close ioyning to the Valley of Tarro at a place called Vergera, two miles from Fornoua, and foure miles from Parma: but the fire and fury thereof was about the Kings person, who acted mar∣uailes in his fighting, being brauely seconded by Mathew of Bourbon, Lewes de la Trimouille, and Iohn Iaques de Triuulce, a Millanois, expulsed the City of Naples by Alphonso and Ferdinand. Since which time of his disgrace, he tooke part with King Charles, whom he serued both profitably and very faithfully, as being a very valiant and wise Captaine.

The enemies Armie felt (as yet) more feare then harme, for part of them being falne vpon the baggage, to make prey thereof, seemed to minde nothing more: but the French, making no account of so poore a losse, and perceiuing that the person of the King was safe; fell with such fury vpon the Italians, that they who were most valiant in the Army, began to flye in a most strange confusion, as appearing to haue neither manly feare nor shame.

* 27.34A small Riuer which they had formerly passed, to come & enclose the Kings per∣son, had so enlarged it selfe in a moment, by meanes of a storme of Raine, Thunder and Lightening, which happened while they were at fierce handy stroakes (God fighting for the noble King of France, whom he guided by the hand) that such as aduentured to passe it againe (which was no small number) neuer thinking on the perill they ranne into, were all furiously carried away and drowned in the water,* 27.35 and the greater part of the Infantery slaine in the field, but the Lords of worth were taken. Of the French there was slaine Seauen Hundred in all, and among them onely Ten Gentlemen of note.

The Bastard of Bourbon, by pursuing the runnawayes ouerfar, without being secon∣ded, was takē prisoner by the enemies, who sent, to the King the next morning, to craue fauour for carrying away their dead, to giue them buriall. Which he would not permit, but as a signal of the victory, which God had bestowed on him, contrary to all humane hope: lodged that night in the Field of Battaile, and remained there on the morrow till towards the Euening, when hee went to lodge two miles thence, at an appointed place,* 27.36 named Magdelane, whither the Artillery was brought from the Field, and placed about the Kings Pauilion.

On hee iourneyed in the despight of his enemies, and came to Nouara in good time for the Duke of Orleans, besiedged there by them of Millaine: who were compelled to rais•• their Siedge, and get them gone to Millaine againe. From Nouara the King went to the City of Ast, and thence to Verceillis, where dyed the Count of Vendosme, (a worthy Prince of the House of Bourbon) to the no little griefe of the French. His death happened on Friday, the Second day of October, in the said yeare, Foure Hun∣dred, Foure Score and Fifteene: his Obsequies were celebrated in the principall Church of Verceilles, but his dead body was carried to Vendosme.

* 27.37Charles at his returne to France, addicted himselfe to Iusts and Tournaments, and to bee familiar with Ladies; without much remembring them whom hee had left in Italy, scarsly well entreated by the Neapolitanes; who reuolted (in fauour of Ferdinand) so soone as the King was departed. And in such manner, that the Count of Mont∣pensier was constrained to withdraw himselfe to Salerne with the Prince thereof, who still continued honestly French.

In Calabria was the Lord of Aubigny; in Brescia the Lord Gratian des Guerres; Georges de Suilly at Tarentum, all of them in miserable case and brought to extreame necessity, through want of Victuals and money, hauing remained a yeare and an halfe without any succour or money sent from France. So that the French were enforced to yeeld themselues to Ferdinand of Arragon, who (as then) stiled himselfe King of Naples and of Sicilie boldly.

* 27.38Charles being aduertised of these bad newes, and likewise of the death of the Lord de Montpensier (impoysoned by the Neapolitane) which brought along with it more then hope for reddition of the City of Gayetta, the sole entrance for regaining the State of Naples: resolued to set another puissant Armie on foote, and repasse it againe to Naples; hauing named for his Lieutenant Generall the Duke of Orleans. But he refused that charge, alleadging one while one excuse, and then againe another. Now

indeed the truth was, that being well informed of the Kings condition, to be so weake and impotent of nature, as presaged no long continuance for him; hee would not leaue France, the Crowne whereof appertained to him, because the King had not any Sonnes.

In regard of these refusals, the King determined to goe himselfe in person thither,* 27.39 which he could not doe, in being preuented by sudden death, as hee was looking out of his Gallery window, at his Castle d'Amboise, (which hee caused to bee newly re∣builded euen as now it is at this day) beholding the Princes and Lords of his Court, playing at Tennis. Hee dyed the Seauenth day of Aprill, the end of the yeare Foure Score and Seauenteene, before Easter, at which day sollemnly begin the yeares in France. In Guienne they begin on the day of the Incarnation of our Lord, which is the Fiue and Twentieh day of March.

This Prince some while before his death, made a vow to God,* 27.40 no more to com∣mit any mortall sinne: he withdrew himselfe from the worldly vanities of his Court, forsooke the loue of Ladies, and liued chastly wth his wife Queene Anne, a beautifull and wise Princesse.

At the houre of his death, hee entred into the Flower of his Age,* 27.41 hauing finished but Seauen and Twenty yeares. Of his owne naturall disposition, he was humble and courteous to euery one, bountifull and magnificent, a good Catholique, without hy∣pocrisie, faithfull, an vpright Iusticer without dissimulation, and well beloued of his people. Of whom, and of all strangers hee won the reputation, to be the most vali∣ant and couragious Prince of his person, that had beene seene in an hundred yeares before. From Amboise his body was carried to Paris, and from thence to Saint Denis,* 27.42 in France, where his Figure is to bee seene in Brasse, kneeling on his knees, and his hands closed, but aduanced towards heauen, with this Epitaph, as a testimony of his valiancie.

The Epitaph hanging in a goodly Table by his Tombe.

HIc Octaue iaces Francorum Carole Regum, Cui victa est forti Britonis ora manu. Parthenope illustrem tribuit captiua triumphum, Claraque Fornouio pugna peracta solo. Coepit et Henricus regno depulsus auito, Bellare auspicijs sceptra Britanna tuis. O plures longinque dies si fata dedissent, Te nullus toto maior in Orbe foret.

Hee was deformed in face and body, but in recompence thereof,* 28.1 God had giuen him a faire minde, susceptible and capable of haughty enterprises: which (without all question to the contrary) would haue beene executed, if his life had lasted lon∣ger time.

The Conquests of Charles the Eight in Italy, were trauersed by the King of Ca∣stile, Ferdinand of Arragon, contrary to former promise, and by Pope Alexander the Sixt▪ pertaker with the House of Arragon, a coniurd Enemy against our Charles, from whom (in violence of passion) hee laboured to take the name of most Christi∣an King, for transferring it to the said Ferdinand of Castile.* 28.2 But the Cardinals op∣posed themselues couragiously against him, so that this Pope deuised another name or title, giuing to the said Ferdinand & his Wife the Sirname of Catholique Kings; a name which hath euer since remained to them, for hauing brought to end the warres of Granado.

King Lewes hauing succeeded in the Crowne, repudiated Madame Iane of France, whom hee had espoused perforce, and tooke to Wife Madame Anne of Bretaigne, widdow to King Charles the Eight. After this Marriage, he made his preparations for recouering his Dukedome of Millaine, (which belonged to him,* 28.3 in the right of Valentina of Millaine, his Grandmother, as wee haue formerly related in the Or∣der of Orleans) and for the expulsion of Lodowicke.

Hereupon, and to effect what he intended, he caused a potent Army to passe the mountaines, conducted by the Lord d' Aubigny•• Robert Stuart, an honourable S••, Marshall of France, called the good Father of Cheualrie, & Iohn Iacques d•• Tri••le••, a Millanois (afterward Marshall of France) who at their first approach, tooke Ni•• and Rocque, laid Alexandria in the dust, the spoyle whereof serued for recompence to the Souldiours. Pauia fearing to runne the same ryot, yeelded it selfe freely to the French:* 28.4 so that within the compasse of fifteene dayes, they conquered the Dukedome of Millaine. All this while was Lodowicke within the City, who grow∣ing distrustfull of the people; got secretly thence with his two Sonnes, escaping by the Lake of Coma, and fled toward Maximilian, King of the Romaines, to deriue some succour from him. By his departure, Millaine was taken by the French, the fourth day of September, in the yeare, One Thousand, Foure Hun∣dred, Foure Score and Nineteene; the Castell still holding out for Lodowicke the Moore.

* 28.5Lewes the Twelfth receiued tidings at Lyons, concerning the surprizall of Mil∣laine; whether hee went with all diligence, and made his entrance into it. The Captaine of the Rocquet or Cittadell, who could well haue held it two yeares space at the least, so strongly it was furnished with all things necessary; did yet neuerthe∣lesse yeeld it into the Kings hand, to haue the moity of the goods and riches that were in it.

Lodowicke, assisted by the forces of Maximilian, preuailed on so farre, that hee got entrance into Millaine, by intelligence and reuolt of the Inhabitants, this was done the third day of Ianuary, in the said yeare foure hundred fourescore & Nineteene; the French yet keeping st••ll the Casteli, which Lodowicke could not get by friendship nor force.

* 28.6The Iubilie for the Seculer yeare, One thousand fiue hundred, being open at Rome (the Eeuen of Christmasse, in the said yeare foure score and nineteene, on which day the Romaines begin their yeare) by Pope Alexander the Sixt: great concourse of the p••ople (of all Nations) flocked into Italy, namely of the French, whose de∣uotion was much troubled by the bad dealing of Lodowicke, who did set their liues at open sa••e giuing a Duckate for euery head brought him: so that in all the Innes and Hosteries throughout Italy,* 28.7 vpon the high roade w••yes conducting to Rome, French Pilgrimes throats were cut most cruelly. Which was no sooner discouered, but the French Army, remaining in the parts about Millaine, made warre (with∣out any pity) on them of Millaine, and so fast as any of them could be taken, bloud for bloud seru••d to expiate and appease the Ghosts of the French. And for exam∣ple to the Hosteries and Innes (all crimson ••incturd with their blood:) diuers were burned with their Maisters, Wiues, Maid-seruants and Men-seruants, without sparing sparing so much as their Cats, which serued as no meane terror an affright to others.

* 28.8Now, that which gaue subiect to the Millanoises (by their owne confession) to reuolt from Lewes the twelfth, was this extreame bad behauiour in the French. At the first Voyage which King Charles the Eight made beyond the Mountaines; the I∣talians (so speaketh our French Salust Philip de Commines) adored the French, re∣puting them to bee Saints, and saying, that they had not their like for goodnesse, Faith, mildnesse and discretion. But this good opinion of them lasted not long, fo•• our French misgouerned Libertines, by their riots and robberies, declared the quite contrary: and gaue apparant subiect of being accused, for taking mens wiues perforce from them, and goods from the people, wheresoeuer they could find them by night or day.

Concerning the women, it may be that they lied not; and for the rest, doubtlesse somwhat was done;* 28.9 for the French could not finde any thing too hot, or too heauie; a disease neuerlesse) as common to the Italians, Germaines, Spaniards, and other Nation▪ as to the French. But this was it that confounded the Kings affaires, which otherwise had carried themselues formally: but being conducted without any or∣der, and the French Souldiers transported with pilferies; this was the reason, of al••••nating the Italians from their former affection to the French, to the great griefe

and discontentment of honest mindes, for the extraordinary honour and renowne, which the French nation might haue won to themselues in this Voyage.

And such bad behauiours,* 28.10 are meanes vtterly contrary for attaining to any great Conquest, in what part soeuer it is (but especially in Italy) and to keepe it long: be∣cause the Italians are the most iealous and couetous Nation, beyond all other in the world. Wherefore, whosoeuer would make him selfe a Potentate in Italy; hee must hold it for an infallible Maxime, to be very modest and retent in all his actions; but especially towards women, and to lay no oppression vpon the people.

The Italians are inconstant, and desire nothing more then change;* 28.11 they contemne the facility of the French, and hate the rigor of the Dutch, a Nation diuers wayes proud and tyrannicall, yet can better conserue their Conquests, then we: who of all our Voyages to Piedmont, Millaine, Naples, and Sicilie, haue not reserued one inch of ground. Diffidence is the Mother of Assurance, and to make our owne best begin∣ning, it behoueth vs first to conquer our selues.

Maxima cunctarum Victoria, victa voluptas.

A graue Verse,* 28.12 well seruing for an Epitaph on the Tombe of Great Scipio the Af∣frican: who abstained from all force and violence towards men and their goods. Moreouer, to containe the people subiected to duty, by a moderated gouernment betweene mildnesse and power: is to stand vpon good guard night and day, and not to trust ought else, but in good behauiour towards the Italians, with whom to communicate and be the least familiar, is the best and safest.

Now the men of Millaine being thus reduced vnder the obedience of Lord Lodowicke; the King was constrained once more, to bring an Army into the Field;* 28.13 which he committed to the conduct of Messire Lewes de la Trimouille, Viscount of Th••nars: who hauing made an agreement betweene the Lords of Aubigny and of Tri∣••lce; all three ioyned together, and gaue such order and direction to the Army, that Lodowicke standing in feare thereof, was inforced againe to forsake Millaine, with an hundred horse onely, and so withdrew himselfe to Nouara, where was his Army and Artillery. As speedily was he followed by the French Army, whereto a Bot••∣gongnon Captain, named Des Yottieres, yeelded himselfe, being come forth of the said Towne of Nouara, wherein (at that time) for Ledowicke were foure thousand Swiz∣zers, eight thousand Lans-kenets, about sixe or seauen thousand Lombards, and eight hundred Bourgongnons, who with the said Captaine Des Yottieres, ioyned themselues to the French Army on the one side, and the foure thousand Swizzers, won by the Bailiffe of Dijon, on the other side.

Lodowicke came forth into the Field, and presented Battaile to the French,* 28.14 which they accepted very willingly, and Lodowicks Army comming to handy blowes; they submitted to the French without striking one stroake: because the Swizzers and Lans-kenets being not paid their Wages, they would not by any meanes fight. Such misfortunes as this, doe often happen to Princes, that make vse of Strangers ser∣uice, who when need requireth; will bee sure to hold their hands, making three or foure demands for money before the Battaile, when they well know it is not to be had. Let a Prince therefore prouide his Army of his owne Subiects,* 28.15 of whom he shall bee better and more profitably serued: for strangers soules are meerely mer∣cenary, and they affect not Princes, but in regard of the benefit they can deriue from them; They are for their seruice that will giue them most, and their loue is poysed in the Ballance with their wages, but no otherwise. Lodowicke being thus betrayed, dis∣guised himselfe in the habite of a Gray-Frier, as hoping so to saue himselfe. But the Lord of Trimouille, causing a passage to be made betweene two Pikes crossed, for all them of the enemies Army, departing with their liues and goods saued, one af∣ter another: Lodowicke being knowne, was taken,* 28.16 and sent Prisoner to Chasteau de Pie••re Encise at Lyons, from whence he was (not long after) transported to the great Tower of Bourges, and there he finished his dayes.

The Towne of Nouara by this meanes yeelded it selfe to the King, who had for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 part of the victory (won on the thursday before Palme-Sunday in the same yeare fourescore and nineteen) Lodowicke, and all his Artilery, with the Towne of Nouara, very rich and mighty in goods.

* 28.17The Cardinall Ascanio Sforza, lest Gouernour at Millaine by his Brother, hauing heard the tidings of his surprizall: departed thence, accompanied with sixe hundred Horse, belonging to the richest Inhabitants, and some pieces of Artillery, taking his way towards Bologna. On the way hee was met by a Venetian Captaine, th•••• came with his troupe to ioyne with the Armie Royall. This Captaine was named Soncino Biansono, who crying out aloud France and Saint Marke; set vpon the Cardi∣nalls Company, conducted by Count Iohn, Brother to the Marquesse of Mantua, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whom hee gaue charge, to pursue him fighting to Chasteau de Riuolles, where the Car∣dinall was as soone inuested by the Venetian, who had prisoner in his power Count Iohn of Mantua, of whom hee had a great ransome. With him was taken the Abb••t of Sanzeles, foure of the Viscounts, Captaine Bardo, & an hundred thousand Duck•••• in ready money, with all the Iewels of the Cardinall Ascanio, who likewise was con∣tented to yeeld, onely his life saued. Hee was deliuered into the hands of Stephen de Vers, Seneschall of Beau••aire, Lord of Montoison, and the Iudge Mage of Prouence: who brought him safely to Chasteau de Pierre-Encise at Lyons, euen where before his Bro∣ther was imprisoned.

* 28.18The Inhabitants of Millaine much daunted at the surprizall of their Duke, his Brother also, and the discomfiture of their Armie, by that of the Kings which had in∣uested them; sent their Deputies to the Cardinall George d'Amboise; who by the King was established Lieutenant Generall ouer the Millainers; entreating him to take com∣passion of them, to saue their City from pillage, and to make his entrance into it, cra∣uing most humbly pardon of him, for their offence committed, by admitting Lord Lodowicke into their City. The Cardinall made it manifest to them, by Master Mi∣chaell de Ris, Doctor of the Lawes, and Councellour in the Parliament of Bourgongne, that the enormity of their rebellion was punishable with death: because (without any subiect) they had withdrawne themselues from obedience to their King and Soue∣raigne Lord, who had so mildly and mercifully dealt with them. And that the summe of a million of Pounds which they paid yearly to Lodowicke in taxes and tallages, hee had moderated it to the summe of sixe hundred and two & twenty thousand pounds (here is to be noted,* 28.19 that the Dukedome of Millaine valued yearely fifteene hundred thousand Duckats) which gentle and mild vsage in the French, they had neuerthelesse vtterly forgot.

All which notwithstanding, hee declared to them in the Kings name, that hee would spare the liues of the Inhabitants, and exempt their City from pillage, and all the people from death, which they had iustly deserued, vpon condition: that they would yeeld and deliuer to him, the principall Authours of the rebellion, to bee iustly punished, and themselues (for euer after) continue faithfull to the King, and to his Successours the Kings of France, their Dukes and Soueraigne Lords.

Moreouer, to defray the charges of this last warre, the City of Millaine should (for an honourable amends) pay three hundred thousand Ducates; to wit, fifty thousand in the present Moneth of Aprill, One thousand, fiue hundred and fifty thousand the first day of May next followng; and the other two hundred thousand at the end of the same yeare, except the King would be pleased in clemencie, to pro∣long them a further time for the last payment.

* 28.20Which being agreed vnto, the Cardinall d'Amboise entred into Millaine vpon Good Friday, it being the seauenteenth day of Aprill: accompanied wih Ioh•• Iacques de Triuulce (Marshall of France in the time of King Frances) the Bishop of Luc••n, Chancellour of Millaine, the Lord of Neuf-Chastell, with other Lords and Captaines of the Armie. Hee went to lodge at the Hostell called La Cour-Vi••••ll••, the Pallace belonging to the first Viscounts of Millaine, whether the three Estate•• thereof went in solemne procession, bearing the Crucifixe and Banner of the Vir∣gin Mary; after which followed all the Children of the City, Sonnes and Daugh∣ters, cloathed all in white, and in this manner the Cardinall welcomed them in the Court of his Pallace, sitting aloft vpon a Theater, and round about him his French Lords and Captaines. For the Inhabitants, the man most famous among their Aduo∣cates,* 28.21 named Maister Michael Touse, made the Oration, desiring grace and mercy o••

••heir behalfe. The Councellour de Ri•• returned a kinde and mercifull answere, more then the inconstant people deserued: which being concluded, all the young Children (innocent in the guilt of their Fathers) passed two and two together ••efore the French Lords, crying with lowd voyces, France, France, Mercy, Mercy.

Now King Lewes the Twelfth, hauing recouered his Dukedome of Millaine, (wherein he established as his Lieutenant Generall Iohn Iacques de Triuulce, Marshall of France, a Lord naturally affected of the Countrey, and most faithfull to the Crowne of France) with the Seigneuries of Geneway, where gouerned (for his Ma∣iesty) the Prince Philip of Cleues, Lord of Rauastaine,* 28.22 his Cousin by the Mothers side: hee resolued to conquer the Kingdomes of Naples and Sicily. To effect his intention, he caused to passe into Italy his Lieutenant Generall Lewes of Armaignac, Duke of Nemoux, and Messire Robert Stuart, a valiant Scottishman, Lord of Aubigny, Knight of his Order, and Marshall of France, worthily called, The Father of Chiual∣rie, who (in short time) reconquered the City and Kingdome of Naples, against Dom Fredericke of Naples, who after the death of Dom Ferdinand his Nephew, had posses∣sed himselfe thereof.

His resistance was but of small continuance,* 28.23 being compelled to yeeld himselfe to the Lord of Aubigny, who sent him into France, whither (within few dayes after) his Wife and Children, excepting the Eldest Dom Ferdinand of Arragon, Duke of Calabria, who had fortified himselfe in the City of Tarentum) followed him. So came the Kingdome of Naples againe to her legi••imate and naturall Lord the Kings of France, in the yeare of our Saluation, One Thousand, Fiue Hundred and Two.

Ferdinand of Arragon King of Castile (to whom the French gaue the name of Iohn Gippon) was most highly offended at these Conquests of the French in Italie,* 28.24 and practised all meanes hee could deuise, to turne the winde a contrary way. Par∣ticularly he dealt with the Venetians (at all times held a••d knowne to be wise & well aduised worldlings) to assist these partakers of Arragon, for the kingdome of Naples; as they did within a while after. He (for his owne part) making an outward shew of being well pleased, at the successefull fortunes of the French, gaue charge to his Sonne in Law Philip, Arch-duke of Austria (Father vnto Charles the Fift) that, at his returning into the Netherlands or Low-Countries, hee should resolue on a bro∣therly amity, in him towards King Lewes, who as then soiourned at Lyons, as being neerest to him of his Estates, that were in Italy.

Philip being there well entertained,* 28.25 performed to the King Liedge homage for the County of Flanders, a Peeredome of France: so practised and done in fauour of King Ferdinand his Father in Law, when they made this agreement; to wit. That the said Ferdinand should enioy the Realme of Sicily, and beare the title, renoun∣cing for the King, all right which he had or could pretend; and her yeelding it to the said Ferdinand and his Successors; moreouer and beside the Countries of Apuglia and Calabria, neighbours to Sicilie.* 28.26 As Ferdinand (for his part) acquitted and relea∣sed to the King, and to his Successors Kings of France, the Title of King of Naples, and of Ierusalem, with all that hee could pretend thereto, without any time after¦ward, either he or his Successors should take the titles, or vse the Armes. And that vnto the Kings of France should remaine Abbruzzo and Terra di Laucuro (wherein is the City of Naples) which Lands of Abbruzzo and di Laucuro, assigned to the French with the said Titles and Armes of Kings of Naples and of Ierusalem, & those of Calabria and Apuglia, assigned to the Arragonnois, should bee a conquered and wonne by these two Kings each at his owne cost and by power, without any da∣mage or disturbance ensuing by the one to the other.

This Partition or diuision was approued by Pope Alexander the Sixt, and peace sworne betweene these two great Princes, Lewes the Twelfth,* 28.27 and Ferdinand the First, King of Spaine, called th Catholique. Wherein were comprehended Maxi∣milian King of the Romanes, and his Sonne Philip, Arch-duke of Austria: published and proclaimed in the City of Lyons, the Fourth day of Aprill, after Easter, in the yeare, One thousand, fiue hundred and three.

Lewes had vsed (very fauourably) Fredericke of Naples, to whom, and to his Wife and Children hee had assigned in Aniou the principall Cities and Townes for their Estate,* 28.28 to the value of Thirty Thousand Crownes of Rents, which hee enioyed to his decease, and which hapned in the City of Tours. Hee had beene foure yeares King of Naples, hauing succeeded his Nephew Dom Ferdinand, Successor to his Fa∣ther Dom Alphonso: euen he who (pressed by the victorious Armes of King Charles, after hee had made knowne for King his said Sonne Ferdinand) fled into Sicilie, where hee dyed a Monke; who was Sonne and Successour in the same Kingdome to Ferdinand, the Bastard Sonne to Don Alphonso of Arragon, Adopted by the Se∣cond Ioane Queene of Naples, as wee haue formerly reported to you.

* 28.29Ferdinand, to the preiudice of the accord and peace, which had beene sworne to Lewes the Twelfth; sent into the kingdom of Naples Dom Gonsalo Ferdinandes de Cor∣dua, to whom the Spaniards had giuen the Sirname of a great and valiant Captaine, who receiued secret command, that possessing himselfe of Apuglia and Calabria: he should find some apt and conuenient means, wherby to expell the French out of the Kingdome of Naples: which Realm is diuided into sixe principal Prouinces, as name. Terra di Lauouro,* 28.30 La Principalita, La Basilicata, Calabria, Apuglia and Abruzzia. Po∣uilla or Apuglia is subdiuided in three parts: the Land of Otranto, that of Bari, and the Capitanate ioyned to Abruzzo, and separated from Apuglia, by the Riuer of O∣fanta; so that the Capitanate had beene at all times esteemed and ceenzed ioyned to Abruzzo.

This is the most fertile Countrey of Italy, as well for all manner of Corne, as feeding of Cattell: so that the Custome thereof valueth (at the least) Fo••••e Se•••••• Thousand Duckats yearly, and comprized with the Partage of the French.

* 28.31Gonsalo neuerthelesse, according to the disposition of a Commander, whose natu∣rall inclination is, alwayes to p••eferre the enlarging of their estate before the feare of God, and saith sworne & promised with most exquisite solemnity; laying cla••me to the Capitanate, possessed himselfe thereof perforce, alleadging, that it belonged to his partage, as ioyning to Apuglia, which it could not doe.

But this Captaine hath beene said in all his actions and course of life, to be a man faithlesse and without feare of God, and was euermore wont to say. That a Soldiour who desireth to make himselfe famous to Posterity,* 28.32 should build his fortune according to those occurrences, whereby hee findeth the best meanes to doe it, and to warpe the cloath of his hon••ur with a grosse woofe: without caring what men may iudge concerning the right or wrong of his Armes; prouided, that hee doe aduance the affaires of his Maister.

And now the French are to seene in Armes, standing on their Guard against their enemies, appearing at their first arriuall milde as Lambes, loath to be moued: After∣ward like Lyons, against such as would take their Pasturage from them. In all oc∣casions else, men of Warre, of long foresight and prouidence, in managing and conseruing their Conquests, the honour and the profit of them.

* 28.33The French being succoured, regained the Capitanate, and shut vp Gonsalo in Bar∣leta; who aided likewise by his men, had his reuenge. Hee made a second agree∣ment and pacification, notwithstanding which, albeit sworne againe by the King, and Ferdinand of Arragon: yet Gonsalo left not the pursuit of his intent. And by surprizing the Lord of Aubigny, by the death the Vice-Roy of Naples, Lewes of Ar∣ma••••nac;* 28.34 the Spaniards became Maisters of that which we held there, and namely of the City of Naples, whereof the said Ferdinand Gonsalo de Cordoua, possessed himselfe the Thirteenth day of May, in the yeare Fiue Hundred and Three.

* 28.35This surpriz••ll happened by default in the Venetians, who had promised succour to the King but they performed it not: which made him conclude to giue them battaile at A••nadell, which was won by the French, the King being there in person, on Friday the eighteenth day of May, One thousand, fiue hūdred & nine After which Pope Iulius the Second (turning his back on the King, who had cōquered & rendred those Townes which the Venetians held of the Churches Patrimony) inuested in the Kingdome of Naples, One thousand, fiue hūdred & ten; Ferdinand of Arragon paying

Eight thousand Ounces of Gold, payable yearely on the day of the Prince of the Apostles, and from three yeares to three yeares, a white Hackney, Fifty thousand Crownes of Siluer in ready money, and the wages of three hundred men of Armes, at all times, and as often, as hee should bee summoned thereto, on behalfe of the Sacred Seate.

Against this Pope and his pertakers, was won the Battaile of Rauenna,* 28.36 by the Gentle and Couragious Prince Gaston de Foix, Duke of Nemoux, Counte de Estampes, Nephew to the King, and his Lieutenant Generall in Italie, by the death of Charles de Amboise. The victory of this Battaile, wonne vpon the sollemne day of Easter, being the Eleuenth day of April, lbeginning the yeare one Thousand, fiue hundred and twelue; was on the French side, albeit they lost their chiefest Leader there.

This good Pope Iulius the Second, brought troubles quite throughout all Italie, onely to expell the French nation thence. He excommunicated King Lewes the Twelfth; Maximilian, King of the Romanes, and other pertakers with the French. The Bull of the said excommunication, was giuen at Saints Peters the foureteenth of the Calends of August, One thousand, fiue hundred and eleauen, and of his Po••rificalitie the eight Subsigned Iulius Ecclesiae Catholica Episcopus;* 28.37 which fulmina∣tion was declared to be of none effect or vertue, by the Galicane Church. It was also the same Pope, who seconding the desseignes of Ferdinand of Arragon, whom he had inuested in the Kingdome of Naples; gaue him a secret Bull of dispensation, to possesse himselfe of the Kingdome of Nauarre, against Iohn de Albret, and Queene Katharine his wife, for being allied and of kinred, and taking part with King Lewes the Twelfth. This Bull beareth date the Eighteenth day of Februry, in the yeare for Inuesting the said Ferdinand in the Kingdome of Naples, One Thou∣sand fiue hundred and tenne, the seauenth of his Pontificalitie, at the Pallace of Laterane.

Vrbanus Reuersus, Chanon and Chaunter of the Citty of Sens, and Doctour in Diuinitie, in his Booke of the liues of the Archbishops of Sens writeth, that after the Battaile at Rauenna, won on the sollemne feast day of Easter,* 28.38 beginning the yeare fiue hundred and twelue against Pope Iulius the Second, the elected Em∣perour Maximillian, and the Venetians; the said Pope Iulius, ouer and beside his fury against the French, and King Lewes the twelfth, King of Naples, Duke of Mil∣laine and Lord of Geneway; composed three verses and small Prayers, in honour of the Virgin Mary, to expell the French out of Italie. And he ordained, that they should be said thorow all the lands vnder his obedience, and of his Allies and Con∣federates euery day, at Morning and Euening, at towling the Bell for Aue Maria; with great Pardons and Indulgences to all such as said them. To meete equally with this kinde affection in Pope Iulius, (a Martiallist and warriour) good King Lewes the twelfth, father of his people, obtained of the Prelates and Cleargy of France; that euery day, in all Churches Cathedrall, Collegiall, Conuentuall and Parochiall, at the eleuation of the body of our Lord in the Masse, this Versicle should be sung.

O Salutaris Hostia* 28.39 Quae Coeli pandis ostium, Bella premunt hostilia Da robur, fer auxilium.

But in the Oratorie and Chappell of the King, the Chaunters in that place, instead of Fer auxilium, vsed to say.

Da robur, Serua Lilium.

Which was afterward was put in practise, by all the Cathedrall & Parish Churches thorow France.

But the good King Lewes the twelfth, being deceased in his hostell Des Tournelles at Paris, the first day of Ianuary, one thousand foure hundred & foureteene,* 28.40 King Frances the first, his cousine, the very neerest to succeed him, came to the Crown of France, & to the pretensions of Ierusalem, Naples & Sicilie, as also of Millayne, Countie of Ast. &c.

Et ad huc spes durat Auorum.

* 28.41The Armes of them that were Kings of Sicilie and of Naples, haue beene changed diuersly, according to the mutations of Families and Houses: because the Norman Princes, so many wayes and times allied to the most Sacred Crowne of France, Porterent de Gueules à la Bande Eschiquetee d'Argent & d'Azur de deux Traicts. Which was continued vntill the death of the last King of Sicily, William the Good, who deceased without any issue, as we haue already related.

Constance, Sister to this last William, was married to the Emperour Henry, Sixt of the name, who being of the House of Suauba; Porta d'Argent à Trois Leopards de Sable, passants l vn sur l'autre: Armes likewise borne by her Descent, and to the Bastard Mainfroy, Qui porta d' Argent à deux Aigles de Sable.

The Kings of Arragon, Successours to this Bastard in his Vsurpation, of the said Kingdomes of Sicily and Naples, against the Houses of Aniou, haue euen to this pre∣sent, Porte d' Arragon, qui est d Or, à Quatre Paulx de Gueules Flanquees with those of the Bastard Mainfroy, which they tearme of Sicilie.

* 28.42Of the two Houses of Aniou, the first began in the person of Monsieur Charles of France, Brother to the King Saint Lewes, Porta seme de France sans nombre au Lambel de Gueules mouuant de Chef, as haue done, and doe all the descendants.

The Second began with Monsieur Lewes of France, Sonne to King Iohn▪ Porta de Ierusalem; party de Sicilie, qui est de France sans nombre au Lambel de Gueules en Chef: Tierce d' Aniou, qui est de France sans nombre, à la Bordure de Gueules.

* 28.43Lewes, Third of the name, King of Sicily, and Duke of Aniou, Eldest Sonne to King Lewes the Second, and Yoland of Arragon, onely Daughter to the King of Arra∣gon, Dom Pedro First of the name, to whom app••rtained without any difficulty the Kingdome of Arragon vsurped, (according as many other Seigneuries were) by the Brother to the said King Iohn, Dom Martin of Arragon against his Niece. The same King Lewes the Third, Porta d'Arragon sur le Tout de ses Armes, according as did his Brother and Successour.

Rene, King of Sicily, called the Good, who varied his Armes of Alliances of his Predecessours Dukes of Aniou, and Kings of Sicily: because that he, Porta d'Hongrie, in regard of Charles Martell,* 28.44 (Sonne to Charles, Second of the name, King of Sicily and of Naples) Crowned King of Hungary, Party de Sicilie, (as did Monsieur Lewes of France) Et Tierce de Ierusalem: en Chef soustenu des Duchez d' Aniou, & de Bar: Sur le Tout d' Arragon. Wee may see these carried in most part of the Armes, belonging to the Illustrious House of Lorraine, descended of the House of Aniou, in the per∣son of Madame Yoland of Sicilie and of Aniou, Daughter to the good King Rene.

And the difference in Armes of the said King, maketh it selfe easily knowne, by the Escutcheons of the Princes of this House, Knights of the Order of the Holy-Ghost, whereof we haue formerly spohen.

They haue placed Arragon in the fourth part of the Chiefe, & parted the Armes of Gueldres betweene that of Aniou and of Bar, and aboue all, for them of Lorraine, La Deuize bien Blazonnee,* 28.45 of the First King of Ierusalem, of the Latine name, God∣fr••y de Bologne, Duc de Lorraine, & de Bouillon. This Deuice is richly Blazonned, D'Or à la bande de Gueules chargee de Trois Allerions d'Argent. Those of Bologne were, D'Or au Gonsanon de Gueules frange de Synople. And them of Lorraine (before the said Godfrey of Bologne) were D' Argent au Cerf passant de Gueules, somme d'Or sans ••••mbre.

The good King Rene Blazoned his Armes, as in like manner did his Father, and of the fashion described in his Armes by his Herauld, and King of Armes of his Order called Croissant d'Or.

De Trois puissants Royaumes sous Tymbre coronné Porte en Chef en ses Armes le Noble Roy Rene Hongrie, & Sicile, Hierusalem aussi Ainsi que voir pouuez en cest Escrit icy. D' Aniou, & Bar en Pieds, Duchez de Grand renom, Et vn Royal Escu sur le Tout d'Arragon.

Si est l'Excellent Prince Cheualereux Courtois Pour vray Roy, Fils de Roy, Frere, & Oncle de Roys: Il crie Mont-Ioye-Aniou, cartel est son plaisir. Pour Deuise, Chaufettes, porte D' Ardant Desir. Et par deuotion amoureuse sans blasme, Les Patènostres porte pour l'amour desa Dame.

The same thus Englished.

Of three great Realmes, vnder a Crowned Crest, Noble King Rene beares, as Chiefe and best Hungaria, Sicilie, and Ierusalem, As here you may behold the Royall stemme. Aniou, and Bar en Pieds, Duchies of Renowne, And aboue all Great Arragons rich Crowne. These Honors to this Knightly Prince Fame brings; A King, Kings Sonne, Vncle and Brothering Kings. His crie, Mont-Ioye-Aniou, such his flames-fire. Chafing-Dishes his Deuise, in Ardent Desire. In Amorous deuotion, blamelesse as maybe, Pure Pater-nosters to his louely Lady.

Which is thus spoken for enquirie, and to make it known,* 28.46 that like as all the Prin∣ces, issued of the Noble and Sacred Lillies, doe beare Armes with the Crest and Supporters of France; so in like manner doe they beare the Warre-Crye. And as concerning the Deuise of the said King Rene, in the lifetime of Queene Isabel (Duch∣esse of Lorraine) his first wife. He carried Warming-Pannes, or Chafing-Dishes full of Fire, and for the Soule or speaking part of this Deuise D'Ardant Desir, Enflamed De∣sire. He placed it within a Chaplet or wreath of Pater-nosters or Beades, and in the middest thereof this Legend in Italian Letters, Deuot Luy Suis; I am deuoted to her. I haue seene the Armes of this Prince in the Churches of Auignion and Prouence, entoured with Cappelets, instead of Collar▪ of the Order: which giueth sufficient∣ly to be vnderstood, that they were made before the Institution of the Order of the Crescent, whereof we are to speake hereafter. And I do not remember to haue read, that the Illustrious House of Lorraine had any Order, or Collar about the Armes; but onely a Chappelet of Pater-nosters.

After the death of the said Queene Isabel, Duchesse of Lorraigne,* 28.47 happening in the end of the Moneth of February, One thousand foure hundred fiftie three: hee left this first Deuise, and tooke for a second; A Turkish Bowe, the String whereof was broken, and had for the Motto or word, this Italian Legend.* 28.48

Arco perlentare piaga non sana, To vnbend the Bowe, cureth not the wound.

Which deuise he caused to be painted in many places of the Citie of Angiers. He seemed to expresse and signifie thereby, that the death of the Queene his Wife (to whom he was so intimately affected) had not the power, to make him loose the re∣membrance of her, and that

Qui bien ayme, tard oublie. Who truely loues forgets not hastily.

The first House of Aniou conserued (so long as it endured) The Order of the Double Crescent; Instituted by the King Saint Lewes, according as we haue formerly ob∣••d.

Vnder the second Ligne, this good King Rene set on foote, and Instituted that Or∣••••r ••f the Crescent, to the end, that the memory of the first might be preserued, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••bolished in Sicilie by the Arragonians, and so likely to haue run into vtter obli∣•• which he could no way like or allow of.

The Order of Aniou, or of the Crescent or Halfe-Moone: Instituted in the Citie of Angiers by the good King Rene; in the year One thousand foure hundred threescore and foure. CHAP. XIIII.

THis good and worthy King, being loath to let slip his Age in silence,* 28.49 and not performe some act worthy of eternall memorie; his thoughts likewise meditating among them∣selues, that euery good and Noble Courage, in duetie ought to attempt, and bend his whole aime at all Actions Gene∣rous and Magnanimious, proceeding from vertue to vertue, and alwayes to encrease in well doing, as well in mildenesse and courtesie,* 28.50 as in valiancie and glorious deedes of Armes; to the end that his renowne might still goe on by encreasing, and neuer taste of diminishing: For this cause, and in the honor of God, support and ma••tention of the Church, as also the exaltation of Knighthood; in the yeare One thousand foure hundred threescore and foure, the said good King Rene deuised and erected a new Order of Knighthood, tearmed Of the Crescent, or Halfe-Moone, where∣of he declared himselfe to the the Chiefe and Soueraigne; and after him his Succes∣sors, Dukes of Aniou, and Kings of Sicilie.

[illustration]

The Symbole of this Order, was a Crescent of Gold,* 28.51 whereon was aptly and conueniently engrauen, as like∣wise expressed by red enamelled Letters, this word, Loz, which would signifie; Praise by Encreasing; Loz E•• Croissant, which the Knights did weare on the right side of their Cloakes or Gownes. At this Cres∣cent was tyed and made fast as ma∣ny small Staues of Gold, fashioned in Collomnes or like Tags of Points, of Gold enamelled with red: as the Knights of this Order, had bin seene or present in Battailes, Mines vnder ground, or Siedges of Townes and Citties; which made due acknow∣ledgement of their Valour and Prowesse.

* 28.52I haue read, that the Knights of the said Order of Aniou (composed of sixe and thirtie in number) did weare Cloakes of Red or Crimosine Veluet, and the Mantelet of White, with the lining and Cassocke of the same. At the first Chapter of this Order were made Knights, King Rene, founder therof, whose qualities are here thus remembred.

〈…〉〈…〉 Puissant Prince Rene D'Aniou, Roy de Hierusalem, de Scicilie, d'Arragon, de

Valence, Sardeigne, Maillorque, & de Corseg••e, Duc d' Aniou, & de Bar; Comte de Prouence, de Forqu••lquier, & de Piedmont: Chef de L'Ordre.

The High and Potent Prince Rene of Aniou, King of Ierusalem, of Sicilie, of Arragon,* 28.53 of Valentia, Sardaignia, Maiorica, and of Corfica; Duke of Aniou, and of Bar: Count of Pro∣••ence, of Forcalquier, and of Piedmont; Chiefe of the Order.

Monsieur Iohn of Aniou, his Sonne, Duke of Lorraigne: Monsieur, the Vicount of Saint Ballory.

Monsieur Saladine d' Angleure, Viscount d'Estanges, Lord of Nogent.

Monsieur Bertrand de Beauuay, Lord of Precigue, de Sille le Guillaume, and of Brian∣••; President in the Chamber for the Kings accounts at Paris, and Great Maister of the Hostell for the King of Sicilie, and Captaine of the Castell of Angiers.

Of whom are yet to be seene (for the most part) the names and Armes in the Church of Saint Maurice of Angiers, in the Chappell,* 28.54 which (in regard of them) was called The Chappell of Knights.

Here you may reade, what is said, concerning this Order, by Messire Iohn Bou••∣••gne, in his Historie of Aniou, the seauenteenth Chapter of the third Part; without ••epresenting the said Coates of Armes, and names of the Knights, made after the ••ue before remembred.

By the fauour of Monsieur Chapelle, Councellour to the King, and Maister in his Chamber of Accounts at Paris, a man studious and learned (Il porte d'Or an Boeuf de ••ueulles Acerne, & Ongle d' Azur, au Chef de Gueulles, charge de Trois Annel••ts d'Or) haue seene the Armes of eighteene Knights of this Order of the Crescent, and the ••ost part of their Names (for there are Armes which are not noated or named at ••l.) Of Monsieur ••asnier, Councellour to the King, and Lieutenant Generall in the Duchie of Aniou: Qui porte d' Argent á Trois Testes de Lasnier de Sable, Deux en ••hef, & l'autre en Poincte, au Cheuron d'Azur, charge de Trois Aigles d Or. This house ••f the Asniers is the most remarkeable of Aniou, and from thence haue descended a ••eat number of worthy persons, both for learning and knowledge.

Messire Iohn Bourdigne, describing the entrance of King Frances the first, into his Citie of A••giers, in the Moneth of Iune, One thousand fiue hundred and eighteene, ••peaketh in this manner.

Ala premiere Porte, appellee la Herce, estoient les Venerables Recteur, Scholastique,* 28.55 Do∣••curs, Pocureurs, Bourgeois, & autres Officiers de l Vniuersite, leurs Bedeaux deuant eux, ••ies••eu Dix ou Douze en nombre, auec leurs grosses Masses d' Argent, aux Armes de ••ations & Facultez de ladite Vniuersite. Et pour accompagner les Recteur, & Docteurs ••unt plusieurs Gens Lettrez, Escoliers Bacheliers, & Licenciez qu'il faisoit tres-bon ••oir. Le Roy ou ils estoient arriue, luy fut faict par iceux Recteur, Docteurs, & Scolasti∣••es treshumble reuerence. Et le Roy de tres-bon co••ur, & ioyeuse ••here leur Salut leur ••endit, se arrestant la par quelque espace de temps à escouter vne Oraison Que le Tres∣••octe, & Renomme Docteur Francois Lasnier Angeuin Luy fit, de laquelle le Roy fut ••es-content, & bien edifie, & promit de l Vniuersite d'Angiers garder les Droicts, & Pri∣••ledges garder. L'Ordre de ses Armes est tel.

The same in English.

AT the first Gate, called the Port Cullis, were the Reuerend, the Rector, Scholasticks,* 28.56 Do∣dours, Atturneys or Aduocates, Bourgesses and other Officers of the Vniuersitie, their ••dles before them, which were Ten or Twelue in number, with their great Maces of Sil∣••r, bearing Armes of the Nations and Faculties of the said Vniuersitie. And to accom∣•••• the R••ct••r and Doctors, there were many learned men Schollers, Bachelers and Licen∣••tes, which made a goodly sight to behold. The King. being come to the place where they ••re; reuerence was done vnto him by them, the Rector, Doctours and Scholasticks in most ••ble manner. And the King, with a most kinde heart and chearefull countenance, ren∣••ed them faire salutations, there slaying himselfe for some space of time, to heare an Oration, ••hich the most learned and renowned Doctour Frances Lasnier, an Angeuin by ••ith, made to him: Whereby the King was very highly conten••ed, and well edified, and

promised to the Vniuersities of Angiers, that he would keepe the Rights and Priuiledges thereof.

The Armes thereof are thus.

1. There is not any name at all: But the Armes is Face d'Or, & d'Azur in Po∣inctes, chacune de Quatre pieces.

2. Aloft aboue the Armes, is writ∣ten in old Gothish Characters, Senate••r en l' An Quatre Cents Cinquante Deux. And beneath in new Italian Bastard Let∣ters, Bertrand de Beauuau, Cadet. And benea••h or vnder that Line, is an Es∣cutcheon D'Argent à Quatre Lyons de Gueulles, non Armez, ny Lampassez, & en Abisme vne Estoile d Azur a•• Six Raiz. On either side of the Escutcheon is writ∣ten in Gothish Letters, Preci••gne au Sicur, and below in new Italian Letters; Gou¦uerneur du Chasteau d' Angiers, & Senes∣chal d' Aniou, enterre aux Augustines. 2. Whereby it appeareth, that in the yeare foure hundred fiftie two, Bertrand de Beauuau, a yonger Brother, was there Se∣natour. And that he was Gouernour of the Castell of Angiers, and Steward of Aniou, buried at the Augustines.

3. There is likewise not any name, but onely a Shield D' Azur, à Trois Cheu∣rons d'Or.

4. Without any name, a Shield Frette d' Argent, & de Sable, au Chef d' Ar∣gent, charge d'vn Lyon naissant de Gueulles. On both the sides of this Armes, is this Deuise repeated. Sta ferme. Sta ferme.

5. Iohn du Plesseys, called Le L••rgne, Esquire, Lord of Pinnay, D' Azur au Ly∣on d'Or, Coronne, Lampasse & Arme de Gueulles. On both sides this deuise: A Iamais-Celle. She for euer and euer.

6. Guiscardo de Monteberon, Lord of Mortaigne. L'Escu Face d' Argent & de Sable de Six pieces: Escartele de Gueulles à Deux Bars adossez d'Or, seme de Trefles de mesme.

7. Andrew de Haracourt, Lord of Brandembourch and of Delletff. D'Or, à la Croix plaine de Gueulles, au Quartier d' H••••neur d' Argent, au Lyon de Sable.

8, Iohn Count de Salme de Gueulles à Deux Bars ado••sez d'Argent, seme de Croix recroisettes au pied fiche d'Or. Aboue, there is on the one side, the Letter I and an M. on the other.

9. Aboue the Shield is written; In the yeare One thousand foure hundred and fiftie. Betweene this word Cos-sa, Est l Escu d'Argent à Trois Bandes d'Azur, au Chef de Gueulles à vne Chausse d'Or en Pal au mitan, à la Bordure engres••ee de Or.

10. Without name, D'Or à Trois Vi••∣ures de Gueulles, à la Bordure Compn•• d' Argent & de Sable. Vnderneath is writ∣ten in new Italicke Letters: Breze, M••∣ille, Cadet.

11. Without name. D'Or à vn Re∣nard rempant de Sable.

12. Aloft aboue the Shield is writ∣ten. In the yeare One thousand fo••re hundred fortie and eight. De Lanal, as Quartier d Honneur de Beaumont, qui es•• d' Azur, seme de France, au Lyon d'Or. Vnderneth is written Laual, Loue; l•• Premier Quartier de Beaumont.

13. Is written. Of the said King of Sicil••e, Senatour in the yeare One thou∣sand foure hundred: The Shield, D•• Hongrie, Party de Scicile (which is o•• France without number Au Lambel d•• Gueulles) Tierce de Hierusalem; Scu••ie••∣nants, Aniou, Bar, & Lorraine.

14. According as the seauenth, which is D'Or à la Croix plaine de Gueulles, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Canton d' H••nneur d' Argent, au Lyon d•• Sable. Vnderneth is written, Messire Iu••ques De Passetis.

15. Le Promiere Senateur en L' Au•• Vnder that name, such a man it appea∣reth, was Senatour in the yeare On•• thousand foure hundred fortie and two The Shield is the same as the thirteene 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and in the one part and the other i•• written in Gothish Carracters, Anio•• Yoy.

16. For the Count of Bandem•••• Senatour in the yeare One thousan•• three hundred, the Shield D' Or, à la Ba•• de de Gueulles, chargee de Trois Alleri•• d'Argent.

17. Without writing, L'Escu 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bar. Vnderneth is written De Barts, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lorraine.

18. Which is De Cossa, formerl•• obserued. And this Shield is flanc•• qued with these two words, Gasp•• Cossa.

These are all that I could compasse concerning this Order, contrary to the promise of good store of persons, which were liberall in protestation of many more: th••

••rned (no doubt) will supply what is wanting herein. Monsieur Perez, Councel∣••ur in the Parliament of Prouence, promised vs his Recherches, and the Iousts ••d Tournaments of this good King Rene, with the perticularities of his Or∣••ers, and others beside, which hath made vs come short of a much larger mea∣••ng.

In magnis voluisse sat est. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Non omnia possumus Omnes.

Rene of Aniou was a very deuout Prince, among all them of his time and Reign; he ••as liberall & magnificent towards men of the Church, and other persons of know∣••dge and Studie. He was well practisde and expert in the Noble Art of Painting; ••r I haue seene many Tables of his owne handie worke in Prouence, and elsewhere,* 28.57 which haue made good proofe of his skill and knowledge. Painting and the Ma∣••ematickes haue bin (at all times) thought expedient, and to be commended in ••rinces: because they are beneficiall to them, either in the times of Peace or Warre. ••his King tooke great delight in Iusts and Tourneyes, as Bourdigne telleth vs in ••s Chronicle, vnder the yeare One thousand foure hundred threescore and ••ne.

Le Roy Louis (Vnziesme du nom) estant en sa Ville de Tours, le Roy de Scicile, & la Royne ••nne de Laual son Espouse par deuers luy se transporterent; lesquels le Roy à grand ioye ••cent, & sit venir plusieurs Princes & Princesses, Seigneurs & Dames pour les festoyer. ••t peur leur bien-venuë fit faire Ioustes, Tournois, Mommeries, & tels Esbattemens, ••ource Quil scauoit que le Roy de Sicile les aimoit.

King Lewes (eleauenth of the name) being in his Citie of Tours, the King of Sicilie,* 28.58 and ••ne of Lauall his Wife, came thither to visite him: whom the King welcommed with ••reat ioye, and caused the appearance of many Princes and Princesses, Lords and Ladies, ••r their feasting. And for their better entertainement, he procured to be performed Iusts, ••ourneys, Mummeries and such like sports; because he knew and saw, that the King ••f Sicilie affected them.

This is the same King Rene of Sicilie, to whom King Lewes the eleauenth gaue ••he priuiledge to Seale with White Waxe, for an especiall grace and fauour, as we ••aue said in the second Booke of these Recherches, and elsewhere.* 28.59 He was present ••ith the Generall Estates, held at Tours in the great Haule of the Archbishops ••allace, by King Lewes the eleauenth of the name, the sixt day of Aprill, in the yeare One thousand foure hundred threescore and seauen, before Easter, and other dayes following, vntill the foureteenth day of the same Moneth in∣cluded.

In the first Parquet (for there were three, the second for Lords of the Bloud,* 28.60 the Constable, Chancellours and Prelates in midst of the Hall; and the third for No∣blemen, Counts, Barons, such as were of the Kings Counsell, and Deputies of great Cities) was seated the King in an high Chaire, whereto he was to ascend by three degrees 〈◊〉〈◊〉 height; which Chaire was couered with Blew Veluet, powdered with Floures de Luces ••p••n golden Lances, the Canopie and Vallans being also answerable to the same. The ••ng was attired in a long Roabe of White Damaske, thickly stitched with fine Gold very ••se together, and Buttond before with Golden Buttons, Furred with Sable Martines: ha∣••ing a little blacke Cappe vpon his head, with a Feather of fine Gold Wiers in it. On either side of the King there were Chaires, distant (backward from his) some seauen or eight foote space, the one on the right hand, and the other on the left, but both of them couered with rich Cloath of Gold vpon Crimosine Veluet. In these Chayres, as that on the right hand, was sea∣ted the Cardinall of Saint Susanna, Bishop of Angiers, cloathed in a sumptuous Cardinals C••••pe. And in that on the left hand sate The King of Ierusalem and of Sicilie, Duke of Aniou, hauing on an Ashe-coloured Veluet Roabe or Gowne, Furred with Mar∣••ins.

Thus much haue we learned, concerning the Order of the Crescent, or halfe Moone; attending for more ample memories, as well as of others, and whereof we are desi∣rous to haue certaine knowledge. What we haue to this purpose now spoken, is from Frances de l' Alouette, who in the first Booke of his Genealogie of Coucy, alleadgeth

vnto vs: That many Princes and great Lords of France, haue made Orders of their ••¦ses, which they had for themselues.

* 28.61The ancient Lords of Bourbon, had that of the Golden Shield.

The Lords of Luxembourg made theirs, A Parke round Faled with Woods.

The Counts of Foix (whereto should be added Lords of Bearne) Of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cowe.

The Lords of Coucy; Of a Lyon, to perpetuate the memory of the same Lyon which Enguerran de Coucy, first of the name, tearmed the Great, fought with•• and killed in his Forrests: where afterward he caused to be builded the Ab¦bey of Fremonstre, Chiefe of the Order, in the Reigne of King Lewes, called th•• Deuout.

Hereto he might haue added.

* 28.62The Lords of Montmorency, who carried for Deuise, The Dogge, the Symbole 〈◊〉〈◊〉 faithfulnesse; with the common saying, that Bouchard de Montmorency (by other called of Mont-Remy) came to offer his seruice, with all his followers, to King Phil∣lip, first of the name, and who (as the same man auoucheth) that Bouchard and his fol∣lowers, Portoient au Col vne Chaine d'Or, composee de Testes & Cimiers de Cerss, & de••∣siu l'Estomach vn Chien. Did weare about his necke a Chaine of Gold, composed of Crests 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Heads of Harts, and vpon the Breast a Dogge.

Such Princes and great Lords, might both make and maintaine the Order of their Deuises, in regard of their Greatnesse, and wealthinesse of their Houses. But we haue since then seene, in time of the Generall Estates of the Kingdomes being at Paris: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 meane Gentleman, to be the Instituter of a new Order of the Crescent, called of Sain•• Magdalen. Of which Order here is to be seene the Crosse, with the Statutes begin∣ning and ending thereof.

* 28.63The Order of Saint Magdalen; Instituted at Paris in the yeare of Grace, One thousand sixe hun∣dred and foureteene, by a Noble Gentleman, named Messire IOHN CHESNEL. CHAP. XV.

* 28.64DVring the time as the Generall Estates of France, were pre∣sent at Paris, in the yeare of Grace One thousand f••e hundred and foureteene; a Breton Gentleman, issued of a Noble House, renowned both for valiancy and No∣bility, as well in Bretaigne as Aniou, beside other Prouinces of the Kingdome: being returned from the East and ••¦lie, moued by deuotion, and partly a zealous passion, to see (against Gods Commandements, and Sacred Or∣denances of the King) such Diuelles, rude Encounters and Garboiles, as daily happened among such, as, standing on tearmes of Honour, grounded on an ill kinde of goodnesse, as taking the wall, or a word scarsely well spoken, but farre worse vnderstood, or taken with a wrong Bias,* 28.65 the subiect being about a Strumpet (the commonest quality of all other) cut the throates of one another, euen as Butchers serue Swine, loosing both bodies and soules foreuer in the pit of eternall fires, which they would not do for defence of the Catholique Faith, and seruice for the King. Vpon these considerations, hauing col∣lected together some few good and memorable noates; he presented them to the Nobilities Chamber, for the stablishing of a new Order Military, erected on the for∣mer

ground. The principall vow whereof was, to abiure Duels, Fights and Frayes, with all other kindes of quarelling: but onely to regard the honor of God, the ser∣••ce of his Maiestie, and conseruation of the Kingdome.

The King looking vpon the Papers,* 28.66 de∣••ared

[illustration]

by his gracious behauiour, that the Gentlemans purpose was pleasing to ••im; and so much the rather, because he ••ainely perceiued, that Charitie vrged ••m meerely thereto: without seeking af∣••••r his perticular profit, priuate fauours, re∣••ards, Wages or Pensions.

He prouided the Order, and Crosse be∣••nging thereto, according to his owne ••inde and meaning, which onely tended 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this end, to entreat his Maiesties liking ••nd consent; that this nouell Institution ••f French Knights, might be vnder the in∣••ocation on Saint Magdalen, the Mirrour ••f Penitence and Repentance. Within ••ompasse whereof, such Noble French∣••en (ill borne, and worse bred) making ••ccount and profession of swearing, blas∣••heming the holy name of God, and of ••he blessed Virgin his Mother, fordging ill ••rounded quarrels, and thereon murde∣••ng one another like bruite beasts: might ••eturne to better vnderstanding, by exam∣••le of that sinfull Woman, who as of a Sinke; filled with all vice and abhomination; ••y meanes of her t••ue and vnfeigned repentance, became a Vessell full of precious ••alme and all perfection.

The Crosse of this Order, which serued for wearing about the necke,* 28.67 and on the Cloake; finished with Floures de Luces at three Branches; for reuiuing againe the ••emory of the Order of the Lillie, which was of Nauarre; and the foote stood, or ••egan in a Cr••s••ent. The Order was Baptized with that name by Rene, Duke of An∣••, outwardly cantonned with small Palmes, made aptly in a roundure, as a noate ••r signale of the voyage to the holy Land, made by the Institutour of the said Or∣••er, according to the example of the auncient French Paladines,* 28.68 who were called ••y the name of Palmers, returning from the Holy Land; as at their going thither, ••hey were tearmed Crosiers. The shape of Magdalen her selfe, was presented Ouall∣••ise in the midst, as giuing name to the Order, the Crosse whereof is Cantonned with Floures de Luces, glittering out of Sunnie-beames, as shewing the Excellency of the Kingdome, the most famous of Christendome.

The Inuentor of this Order,* 28.69 was named Messire Iohn Chesnell (whose Grandfathers ••e renowned (for their valour) in the History of Bretaigne, vnder the name of Ches∣••ell, Lord of Chappronnaye) who describing the habite, Crosse and Collar, with the Statutes of the Order (which follow after) presented them and himselfe to the King. He made him Knight, putting vpon him the Cloake of the Order, & the Collar with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Crosse of Gold about his necke▪ And euer since that time, thee tooke the title of Knight of Saint Magdalen, being so named, as well in the Court, as elsewhere. The Scutcheon or Shield of his Armes is composed of sixteene Quarters, 4.4.4.4. & one ouer all, which are in this manner Emblazoned.

Au premier,* 28.70 & sur le Tout de sa Maison De Sable à vne Bande Fuzelee d'Or de Six pie∣••s. Au Deuxiesme Eschiquete d' Argent, & de Gueulles; Au Troisiesme de Bretaigne. Au Qu••tri••sme d'Or à Deux Fesses nouees de Gueulles à l'Orle de Six Merlettes de Sable, au Chef de Gules au Lyon passant d'Or. Au Cinquiesme de Gueulles à vn Lyon d' Argent Corōne de mesme. Au Sixiesme de Sable à vn Croissant d' Argent, supportant vne Estoile de mesme

[illustration]

Cantonne de Quatre Be••ans d' ••¦gent. Au Septiesme d'Azur à V•• Billettes d'Argent, qui est de Bea••noir 4.3.4. Au Huictiesme Cyra•• de Gueulles & d'Ermines de Seize p••ces: Au Neufuisme de Sable à Trois P••¦ces d'Argent, accompagnees de Tr•• Coquilles de mesme. L'Vnziesme co•• le Sixiesme. Au Douziesme de Gueulles à Deux Leopards d'Or mis l'vn sur l•• autre. Au Treiziesme d'Azur Fretted A••¦gent. Au Quatorziesme d'Azur à vn Ly•• d'Argent. Le Quinziesme d'Azur à t•• Lyon d'Argent. Et au Seiziesme d'Ar¦gent à Deux Faces nouees de Gueulles.

The Shield or Escutcheon is ador∣ned and entoured with the Order, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Heaume tarre de front: hauing fo•• Crest an Eagle with her Wings des∣played De Sable, L'Estomach brise d'vne Croix dudit Ordre. With this Deuise in two pendants, thus.

* 28.71L'Amour De Dieu. Est Pacifique.

Rules and Statutes to be obserued by the Knights of the Order of Saint Magdalen. CHAP. XVI.

* 28.72I. THE King is to continue alwayes (if he be so plea∣sed) Chiefe of this Order: as well for his Honour, a•• for the good of his Seruice. And he may commit o•• allow a Prince, to be the Generall, and as his Lieute∣nant (vnder his owne good pleasure) ouer the whol•• Order. To whom the Knights shall stand oblige•• to be obedient, next vnto the King. The same Princ•• shall haue power and authority, to conduct th•• Knights of this Order to Warres, and elsewhere; ac¦cording to the command of his Maiestie, during the time of his charge, but n•• longer.

II. Vnder the said Prince, shall be the Great Maister of the Order, whom the Knights shall make election of from three yeeres to three yeares. He shall haue th•• care and charge,* 28.73 of all the Reuennues belonging to the Order, and to whom all th•• Knights shall render their obedience. During the yeares of his charge and Office•• he is to make his continuall residence in the principal Academy of the Order, which shall be named The Royall Lodging; whereon shall depend all the other Academi•• of the Kingdome.

* 28.74III. Such as shall be admitted and receiued into this Order, shall be No¦ble by three Races or Descents. They shall not be tyed or engaged to Iustice•• They shall be well enstructed in the Catholique and Apostolique Religion: They must be sound, healthfull, and well disposed of body, without any difformitie eithe••

Corporall or Spirituall, whereof may be receiued any apprehension. And ••ereof they must be bound to bring true attestation from their Bishop (espe∣••ally) for matter of Religion: from three worthy and well knowne Gentle∣••en, concerning their Nobilitie: and from a skilfull Physition, for their ••ealth.

IIII. On the day of entertaining or receiuing any Knight,* 28.75 either by the King, Prince Committee, or Great Maister of the Order; hee is to make a so∣••emne Vowe and profession, to renounce all doubtfull and hazardous Play or Ga∣••ing. Not to blaspheme the name of God, nor to commit any act that shall be ••icious, and vnbefitting a Christian Knight. He shall not reade prohibited and ••nlawfull Bookes, without the permission of his Superiours in the Order, and the Ordenaries of the places, wheresoeuer the Academies are seated. Hee is to ••hunne the reading of Bookes that are of wicked Doctrine, which corrupt good manners; and dissolute Songs, scurulous talke, and dishonest companies of euill fame.

V. The Habite of the Knights on the day of their reception, must be of Skie-Colour, and the Collar of the Order, of the Letter M. doubled with Lambda,* 28.76 and the Letter A. representing the names of Saint Mary Magdalen; of Lewes and of Anne, King and Queene of France; enterlaced and enchained with double Harts, trauersed and wounded with Darts of Gold Crossed, and the said Ciphers or Let∣ters enamelled with the Colours and Liueries of his Maiestie, Carnation, White and Blew. The Cordon or Riband must be Red or Crimosine, whereon to hang the Crosse of Gold enamelled with Red, with an Ouale in the middest, wherein must be (on the one side) represented or figured, the Image of the holy penitent Saint Ma∣ry Magdalen, and S. Lewes on the other. And on the Mantle or Cloake, the Crosse of Red or Crimosine Sattin, embroidered with Gold and Siluer, hauing the like O∣uale as is said before, and a Magdalen. And for the deuise round about it, these words; L'Amour De Dieu Est Pacifique.

VI. These Knights are to haue a House neere to Paris,* 28.77 which his Maiesty may bestow vpon them, if he be so pleased, wherein there must be a Chappell, and where∣in also the Knights are to be entertained. There shall ordenarily attend sixe Religi∣ous Priests (who are to weare the Crosse as the Knights doe) there to say daily di∣uine Seruice, and to assemble (in the same Chappell) the Knights of the Order, who are there to be receiued at their presentment, vpon the conditions before specified. At which Reception, and at the end of the Masse, shall be said by those Reli∣gious Priests the Veni Creator; the Letanies of the Sacred Virgin, and the Pray∣ers of Saint Mary Magdalen, and likewise of Saint Lewes. Which being done, the Knights must take the Oathe before the King, or the Prince his Committee,* 28.78 or the Great Maister of the Order. From whom he is to receiue the Sword hallowed, the Habite for Knighthood, the Great Order, the Crosse and Cor∣don. Afterward is to be sung the Te Deum, and the Psalme Laudate Domi∣num omnes Gentes; at the end whereof, the Knights Assistants must goe and embrace the new Knight; giuing him the kisse of Peace, Vnion and Con∣cord, euery man in his Ranke, according to the order as they haue bin enter∣tained.

VII. Concerning the House, which the Knights are to haue neere to Paris;* 28.79 it must be called and named The Royall Lodging, wherein must ordenarily be fiue hundred Knights: all bound to abide therein, during the time of two yeares Probation, beginning at the day of entertainement, and yet they may abide there longer, if themselues thinke it good. At the ending of those two yeares for their Probation, they shall take the solemne Oathe of the Order (in pre∣sence of the Religious Priests of The Lodging Royall) Of Charitie, Obedi∣ence and Coniugall Chastitie; and to weare the Collar and Crosse of the said Or∣der, during all their life time.

VIII. In like manner, they are to renounce and abiure all Duelles or Combats,* 28.80 all rude Encounters and Assassinates, yea, and all quarrels out of the Kings Ser∣uice: except such wherein they shall be taxed, in which cases, they may lawfully

defend themselues by Armes, which they are to weare by their profession. In the Oath is likewise included, that they are to liue and dye in the Kings seruice; with∣out adhering or ioyning themselues to any Leagues or Parties whatsoeuer, vnder what cause, pretence or subiect that can be alleadged. For this perfect knowledg•• ought to be engrauen in the depth of their soules, that the very greatest seruic•• which they can render to God; is, first to serue him, then their King, and lastly their Countrey, for exaltation of the truely Catholique Faith, and honour of th•• Kingdome.

* 28.81IX. Euery Knight of the said Order, after their Approbation, shall stand bou•• to appeare in person at the Lodging Royall, euery yeare once, on the day and Feast of Saint Mary Magdalen, Patronesse of the said Order. To the end, that they may Communicate together, and render an account of their actions to the Great Mai∣ster, and to twelue Knights more, elected and chosen as his Assessours and Coun∣cellours: who are to iudge of all their differences, and the transgression of their Vowes, which are to be kept inuiolably; vnder paine of being casheerd, & degraded of the Order, if their recidiuation extend to the third time.

X. The Knights abiding and dwelling in the Lodging, must stand obliged, to be assistan•• on Sundayes and Feastiuall dayes at Diuine Seruice, celebrated by the Priests of the Order;* 28.82 and to receiue the holy Communion euery first Sunday of the Moneth, at the least. To say daily the Letanies of the Sacred Virgin, with the Prayers of S. Mary Magdalen, and of S. Lewes; their Chappelet and Salue Regina.

XI. The Exercises of the Knights, are to be ruled according to the houres of the day,* 28.83 for auoiding Idlenesse, the Fountaine or well-spring of all vices. And for this effect, in the Lodging Royall, and elsewhere, there must be maintained Esquires, Maisters in actions of Armes, Learned Mathematicians, and some number of well experimented Souldiours, to enstruct Milita••y agilities, and exercises fit for Horse and Foote For other houres of Recreation after these Exercises, there shall be a Ten∣nis Court, Stoole-Baule-Play, and other pastimes, fit for maintaining a knight in the expertnesse of Armes, for better disposition of the body. And from the Knights lodgings or chambers shall be banished (as hatefull and detestable for euer) all play at Dice, Cards or such like.

* 28.84XII. For nourishment and maintenance of the sixe Keligious Priests, the King is most humbly to be petitioned; for the annexing and ioyning to the House, some good and especiall Benefice, for the better continuance of Diuince Seruice. And for maintaining the Officers of the Lodging, each Knight that shall enter into the said Order, must be engaged to giue a thousand Francks at his entrance, for the first yeare, and an hundred Pistolets for the second yeare, by way of Pension, which is to be paied to the Reiuer of the Order, established by the Great Maister: as well for himselfe, as for two Seruants and two Horses, which must be his furnishment; vntill there shall be some better meanes established. Which is to be awaited, either by the charitable gifts of Princes or Great Lords, or by Conquests made by the Knights themselues, on such as are enemies to the Church; or by the stocke moued to his Ma∣iesty for his owne memoriall, which was presented to him in the Moneth of Iuly, One thousand sixe hundred and foureteene, when it shall be graciously granted and Signed.

* 28.85XIII. Concerning maried Gentlemen, such as would enter into this Order, they are to be obliged; ouer and beside the attestation of their Nobility, Catholique Religion, and good habitude and disposition of body: to bring with them the full consent of their Sonnes, for making their two yeares probation, to be admitted and receiued as Knights, which otherwise they cannot be. And such as be formerly entertained Knights, and vnmaried: may lawfully marry after their Probation, if themselues do so thinke it good; considering, that the Order bindeth nor restraineth, but for the Vow of coniugall chastity.

XIIII. And in regard of them, which (at all times) haue had the habitude of vertue, and are knowne for such by common reputation, perfected in their Exer∣cises by maturity of their yeares, more capable to enstruct others, then to be en∣structed, and being tied to the duties of Mariage, and cares attending on a Familie,

••nd yet (neuerthelesse) desirous of admittance into the said Order: they may be re∣••eiued, with charge of the precedent proues, and onely fifteene dayes of exercise,* 28.86 ••ecessary for a Knight. Which time being past, they shall notwithstanding be en∣••aged, to assist on Feast dayes and Sundayes at Diuine Seruice, in the Lodging of ••e Order; except there be some sufficient essoine or excuse. And submit them∣selues, to receiue direction in their Conscience, that their Spirits may be the more ••rongly enabled, and fit for maintenance of all vertues, among the vicious thornes ••d briers of this wicked world, and to chastise and correct themselues for such im∣••erfections and behauiours; as they had contracted before their receiuing into the ••rofession of the Order. They shall likewise stand obliged, to be personally pre∣••ent at all Assemblies of the Knights, and one day in the weeke (by allowed ••iscretion) to continue the exercises necessary for a Knight, the space of two ••eares: yet neuerthelesse, without binding them to a continuall abiding, whereto ••e tied those Knights which be not married. And they must be such as are rich, of good degree and quality: because they will be engaged, to maintaine the exercises ••f the Order, and such poore Gentlemen, that haue no meanes for entrance, that they ••ay the better satisfie the Vow of Charity.

XV. Married Gentlemen, which haue deuotion to the Order,* 28.87 and yet notwith∣••anding, are far off from the places where the Academies be, and haue not meanes ••o maintaine their Family in the neerest Townes to them; may yet receiue the gol∣••en Crosse of the Order, at the hands of the Great Maister, euen as well as Knights of Honour. Alwayes prouided, that they first haue made proofe of their Catho∣••ique Religion and Nobilitie; oblidging themselues to the Prayers of the Order, and yeelding fauour and assistance to the Knights of the Order, like friends in affaires of importance, whereto they shall be required, and in so doing, they become par∣takers of the Orders Prayers. Yet they may not enioy any Commanderies, nor a∣••ise to the charges and dignities of the Order; nor weare the Crosse on the Cloake; ••ut (as Friends) may be holpen by Knights of the Order, when any such neede shall be.

XVI. These Knights may not be compelled by their bodies,* 28.88 for the paiment of ciuile debts: and their equipage or furnishment shall stand exempt from all ex∣••cutions. They can but oblige the benefit of their patrimony; because they are not ••o be impeached from following the Kings Seruice, at what time soeuer they shall ••e thereto commanded. And these Knights may also make choice (at once for all o∣••her) of some one of the Parliaments in France; whereto they may be called, there ••o be iudged and sentenced definitiuely.

XVII. If there shall be in the Lodging more money,* 28.89 then is required to pay ••he Officers thereto belonging; the ouer-plus may serue for entertaining poore Gen∣••lemen to the Exercises, that haue no meanes for their learning, for satisfying the ••ow of Charity.

XVIII. And to the end, that there may be alwayes about the King,* 28.90 some of ••hose Knights for his seruice: there shall daily goe to visite him, fourescore or an ••ndred of these Knights (the number of fiue hundred remaining ordenarily com∣••leat in the Lodging) departing from the Order vnder conduct of some one of them ••hereto appointed by the Great Maister, each Company going on his day in the ••eeke, while the rest stay at home about their exercises.

XIX. Such as are Brethren Seruants,* 28.91 shall be had from the most honorable Fa∣milies in Townes and Cities, next to the Nobility: who shall be bound to ••ring attestation of three races, and that their Grandfathers and Fathers haue alwayes liued honorably, without any noate of infamie, and in the faithfull be∣••••efe of the Catholique Church. They shall be bound to the same Vowes and Offices as the Knights. They shall weare as a noate on their Cloakes, a Scar∣••et Crosse, purfled with Siluer, and a Siluer Crosse of the same fashion, as that of Gold worne by the Knights, which is to hang at a round Cordon of Crimosine ••ilke. For entring into the Lodging, and Exercises vsed among the Knights, they shall pay to the Receiuer of the Order at his entrance an hundred Crownes, and two hundred pounds of Pension the yeares following; as

well for himselfe, as maintenance of a Horse to performe his seruice on. And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bretheren Seruants may be admitted to Millitary charges, as members of the K•• Companies going to Warre. And if they attaine to the performance of some w••∣thy Act of Armes, and for the Kings seruice; they are to be ennobled, that they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the more lawfully aspire to that honorable quality. And they may establi••h 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Stocke or Bancke of money, for maintaining them of their owne condition that lacke the meanes for entring into the said Exercises, and Order of Bretheren S••¦uants; by the Charities conferred on them, by those of their condition, and by the T••¦staments of such, as shall be deuoted to this holy Order.

* 28.92XX. The Groomes or meaner Seruants attending on these Knights, shall be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the most honest Families of Mechanicall Artezans; who shall bring testimony o•• their good life and manners, by two or three of the principall men of the Parish, a•• and of the Curate. Their Garment shall be of Blew Cloath, with a Galloune L•• of Crimosine Silke: And they must be skilfull in one Trade or other, for their b••¦ter seruice in the Lodging, and for the Knights that are to make vse of them. E••¦ning and Morning they must attend the Knights seruice, as is appointed them by the Great Maister: but the rest of the day, they are to trauaile faithfully for the co••¦mon benefit, euery one in his Art and profession, as they shall be employed by Maisters experimented in them. They must be bound to the same Vowes and Pray∣ers as their Maisters, for auoiding all vicious example in so holy a Company. A•• for attaining to this happinesse, they are to bring no thing but their proues appoin∣ted, and must remaine in the Lodging all their life time: if so themselues thin•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 expedient, or may withdraw themselues thence (if they will) after the two yeares of their Probation. All their life long, they shall be priuiledged by some fauours of the Order; in recompence of such good seruices, as they shall per∣forme thereto.

* 28.93These were the Articles deliuered to his Maiesty by the said Lord of Chappr••¦naye; which sorted not to any effect, by reason of many impossibilities, as well a∣bout the Lodging, as the Stocke and Banke, with other difficulties beside. So th•• this Order tooke both birth and death, in the person of the same Chappronnaye, wh•• hauing lost all hope, of seeing the execution of these his good intentions; left all hi•• goods to his friends, retreating himselfe from the World, and liued confined to a•• Hermitage (by him erected) neere to Valuin in Gastinois, at the end of the Forrest o•• Bierre, or of Fontaine-bleaud, vpon a Rock, which discouereth the course of the good∣ly Riuer of Seine. He remaineth in this place, knowne to the Countrey neighbours and at Paris, by the name of L'Hermite Pacificque de la Magdelaine; The Peacea•• Hermite of S. Mary Magdalen.

The Order of Bretaigne; called of the Her∣mine, and of the Eares of Corne; Instituted by Fran∣ces, Duke of Bretaigne, Sonne to Iohn the sixt, Sirna∣med the Conquerour: In the yeare of Grace One thousand foure hundred and fifty. CHAP. XVII.

* 28.94FRances, Duke of Bretaigne, last of the name, yongest Sonne (but not i•• fortune) to Iohn, sixt of the name, called the Conquerour, by imitati•• the steps of the Princes of the Bloud of France, his Cousines, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whom he was most Nobly descended: Instituted the Order of Knight¦hood, tearmed Of the Hermine, in the yeare of Grace One thousand fou••

••undred and fifty. Which order was otherwise called, Of Eares of Corne in regard,* 28.95 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Great Collar thereof, was composed of Gold, in the true forme of Eares of Corne, enterlaced like to a Saultour, and bound both aboue and beneath, with two ••ies and circles of Gold.

At the end of this Collar, hunge by two or three small Chaines of Gold, a little Beast, white as Snow, vulgarely called an Ermine; but in writing it more truely,* 28.96 it is ••earmed an Hermine, appearing to passe or runne ouer a word or motto, vnder a Bancke or faire Tufte of greene grasse, diapred with goodly flowres. Beneath which, was the deuise of the said Duke Iohn the Conquerour, Three wordes, to expresse the foule or sense thereof, to witt, A. MA. VIE.* 28.97 Whereby he would make knowen to the world, that the greatnesse and hieghst of his courage was such, as rather then to fayle in his honour, he would expose himselfe to a thousand and thousand deaths.

The meaning of this deuice,* 28.98 conueigheth it selfe perticularly to this creature the Hermine, whose nature and kinde is such (according to the testimony of the best naturallists) that when he is pursued, in regard of the excellencie & raritie of his furre: ••he will suffer himselfe to be taken, rather then to runne or thwarte thorow any boggy, foule or filthy passage, so proudly doth he stand on the purenesse of his coat or skinne. For huntesmen, well acquainted with his naturall inclination, to take him; will soile his hauntes and trackes with mud, mire and dirte. In like manner, hee is as earnestly coueted and sought after for his whitenesse, euen (as in elder times) was the Genett for his blacke furre, speckled or spotted with red, and which (in those times) for excel∣lency, was called, The Richest Furre. These two Animalls, the Genett and Hermine,* 28.99 haue serued for Subiest to two seuerall Orders of Kinghthood, in France and Bretayne: as the Hedge Hogge or Porcupine, and the Weather or Sheepe, to them of Orleance and of Bourgongue, called at this present Flanders.

The Hermine, for his excellent whitenesse, is the very richest furre, sought for and put in vse by Princes, at their highest and chiefest Feasts, and dayes of greatest Sollem∣nity, worne in their Gownes, Robes, Cloathes, mantelets and Su••coates,* 28.100 as the fayrest furre to grace their life time. And after their death, their Polles and Coates Ar∣mours are furred therewith, being layed vpon them; and vsed beside in their Obse∣quies and Funeralles.

For purity and excellency, it goeth farre beyond the Lettice, next vnto which is accounted the Menu-Vair. In a worde, it is white as milke, and thereupon (in former times) it was the occasion of the Aunciest French name of Lettice, by way of Antono∣masia, farre aboue all other white furres, whereof there are many kindes.

Plinie maketh mention of the diuersity of these Beasts, whereof the Romanes made great reckning in those times then, and describeth their nature in his eight Booke and seauen and thirty chapter. Conuntur Hyeme, et Pontici Mures, hi dumtaxat Albi, quo∣rum palatum ingustu sagacissimum est. Hac cute expoliuntur Vestes. That the Rattes of Pontus (for so are the Hermines called, by comming from those parts in great abun∣dance) and namely the Whites, which all the length of Winters time, keepes in their holes or dennes. That this creature hath a wonderfull capacity and vnderstanding, for discouery of any Game that may serue for his nourishment. With skinnes of this Beaste, the Romane Senatours had their robes furred.* 28.101 But merchants for lucre and gaine, which they made by the sale of these exquisite Furres, procured many fraudes and deceites: so that the Emperours and Senate had dayly their patience much dis∣turbed, by continuall complaintes against those Regraters and Monopolizers. Where∣unto also may be added, that these Hermines haue some kinde of notion and future knowledge, as is obserued by Aelianus, in the first Booke of his various History, where he tearmeth these Animalles in this manner, Mures futurorum praescios.

For addition of a further grace to this rich Furre, and to make it appeare much whiter then it is, by the luster and beauty of his contrary: the Furriers or Skinners, as matter belonging to their arte and skill, doe spot or speckle it with little quantities or morsels, of Lambes skinnes of Lombardy,* 28.102 famous and much commended for their Blacke shining splendour. For the Hermine is a little creature, wholly white, of the likenesse and bignesse of a Rat, the nose or snoute pointed and sharpened. The Fur∣riers or Skinners doe make vse of this beasts tayle, to grace Aumusses, which are worne

by Bishopes, and Chanons of great reuenewes. But oftentimes (which is not so much knowen) they deale like the Regraters spoken of by Plinie, they deliuer M•• Vaire or Lettice, instead of Hermines, as Martines of Foxes, and Cattes of Spoyne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gennets.

The Dukes of Bretaigne, which followed after the Conquerour, in such sort af∣fected the whitenesse of this little beast:* 28.103 that they chaunged their auncient Armes, to take De Sable seme d'Hermines d'Argent, sans nombre. And yet notwithstanding ignorant Painters haue emblazoned Bretaigne contrary to trueth, and the Rules of the Noble Art of Painting: according to which course, we may make naturally, or after the life, Roses of Gueulles on d'Argent, because Nature produceth them Redde and White. Lillies are (of their owne nature White and Yellow, as the Pauillee: to figure and present them with Gueulles, like to them of Florence; is not for Enquirie, but rather ignorance in Armes, howsoeuer the art and cunning of man, may make variation of naturall colours, as in the Scripture, the spotted Ewes to deceiue La∣ban. In all things Nature ought to be imitated. Ignorant Painters haue scarsely so much vnderstanding to informe them,* 28.104 that the Colour and Mettall of Bretaigne are Sa∣ble and Argent. The Crosse in her Banners and Cornets, is alwayes made with white; and that the Armes of the later Dukes of Bretaigne, were De Sable, seme d'Hermines d'Argent. Such as are Maisters in Blazons, doe note these Armes by this onely word: Il porte de Bretaigne, for breuities sake; As De France, de Nauarre, Daulphine, d'Or∣leans,* 28.105 d'Aniou, d'Alanson, or de Valois for France. For Kingdomes of England, Scot∣land, Leon, Castile, Arragon, Portugall, Hungaria, Bohemia, Polonia, Denmarke and Sweden, without emblazoning them any otherwise: because these being the princi∣ples and grounds of the Art, he who maketh profession thereof, ought not (by any meanes) to be ignorant therein.

Duke Frances the first, caused his Castell of the Hermine to be newly builded, in memory and honor of the said Order;* 28.106 which he composed of fiue & twenty Knights, without taxation of blame or reproach. They were garmented with Cloakes of white Damaske, lined with Carnation, the Mantelet or Chaperon of the same; whereon was worne the Great Collor of the Order, composed of Eares of Corne, accordingly as be∣fore you see the same figured.

* 28.107The Subiect for these Eares of Corne, is (by some) reported, and referred to the care of Agriculture or Husbandrie, which the Kings, Dukes and Counts of Bretaigne alwayes had, to the end, that their Prouince might be the more fertile and aboun∣dant.

Poets, in their wonted humour of gracefull fiction, haue feigned, that the Gods be∣ing assembled on a day,* 28.108 for their recreation in Euboea, in the Island of Boeotia: Iupiter their Chiefe and Great Maister, commanded them to speake their mindes in some thing, which was the best and most profitable for the life of men. Vulcane said, that it was Fire; Neptune Water; Mercurie a House to dwell in; Ceres Corne; and Minerua the Oxe.

These opinions were diuersly bandied among them, each of the Gods and Goddes∣ses maintaining what themselues thought best. Some preferred Fire, to be as the Spi∣racle or infuser of life.* 28.109 Others auouched, that men might liue without Fire, and many Nations there were, that had no knowledge in the vse thereof. Others affirming, that both the one and other were altogether necessary for the life of Man, according to the saying of Pindarus.

Water is the best Element, And Gold as the Fire resplendent, Shineth aboue all other substances.

* 28.110Mercurie the guide and directer of Societie among men, fearing to be preuented in his opinion; defended dwelling in an house, affirming, that the forenamed Elements were necessary for man, who yet remained left and exposed to the Ayres iniuries, and the violence of furious Beasts, wilde, saluage and cruell, without the inuention of buildings, which make Townes and villages by multiplicity. Ceres and Minerua being ioyned together, hoping to winne the day from the other Gods, said, that they

had better considered on the case, For men haue (indeed) like lodging, dwelling and ••eeding as the Beasts haue.

Silua domus erat, Cibus Herba, Cubilia Frondes.

But yet Ceres had thought on a better distinguishing for nourishment, and giuen man Corne, in stead of wilde Acornes.

Prima Ceres ferro mortales vertere Terram Instituit, cum iam glandès, atque arbuta secrae Deficerent syluae, & victum Dodona ne garet.

Then, that the Oxe was the most necessary creature for the seruice of men, as being the Symbole of Rest, and of Husbandry. Hereupon Iupiter, who alwayes was a well willer to Ladies, according to his wounted behauiour, and for whose sakes he had so often times disguised himselfe; adiudged the victory to Ceres and Minerua.* 28.111 Adding moreouer (for reason in a Iudge) that Tillage, Husbandry, the Countrey and Fieldes ••ife was the most perfect, most innocent and iust, beyond all other kindes of life that men could make election of. Husbandry is the absolute Elixar (without any com∣••ounding) that maketh a man satisfied and contented, euen as if hee possessed a Kingdome.

Post aliquot mea regna videns mirabor aristas.

Others haue held and maintained, that the Auncient Kings, Dukes and Countes of Bretaigne, caried the Standard and Banner of the great Prince Gomer, who was sonne ••o the Patriarche Iaphet, first peopler of the plenteous Gaules,* 28.112 which was L' Escu d' ••zur au Lyon rempant d'Or. Armes afterward changed De Gueules en Macles d'Or, ••y a certaine King named Maclianus, who reigned in the time of our King Clouis; Armes still held by the Lords of Rohan, descended of this auncient Stocke and Linage.

But others are of the minde, that the proper and naturall Armes of Bretaigne, were D'Azur a Trois Gerbes de Bled lices d'Or, retained by the Lords of Ponthieure, Escar ••el••s de Bretaigne Moderne. And

That a certayne Duke of Bretaigne, hauing seene in heauen an Image of the Sacred Virgin, clothed in a mantle of Hermines;* 28.113 he forsooke Les Espics et Gerbes de Bled d' Argent en champ d'Azur, and tooke De Sable seme d'Hermines d'Argent. This is the o∣••nion of Richard de Vassebourg, and other reporters of nouelties, to such as they would ••aue to credit them.

It is a matter most certaine, that the Prouince of Armorica (called at this present ••retaigne) was first of all inhabited by the Gaules.* 28.114 Wee learne in the tenth Chapter ••f Genesis, that Iaphet (whom the Rabbines make to bee the eldest sonne of the Patri∣••rche Noah, Cham the second, and Sem the third) in the deuision of the world, made ••hree hundred and so many yeares after the Flood: had in his lot and partage, the ••eptentrionall or Northerne partes of Asia, Europe and their Ilands, which his seauen ••hildren deuided among them.

Gomer, the Eldest sonne of Iaphet, first exposed himself vpon the licquid or moist ele∣••ent, that is to say, to saile on the Ocean-sea: and that he made or Carpented Gallies,* 28.115 ••hippes and vesselles, by the module or patterne of the Arke, formed by his Grand∣••ather Noah. And being followed by his Brethren with their Families, peopled the ••rme land and the Isles; according, as Iosephus informeth vs in the first of his Anti∣quities, the fift and sixt Chapters.

Zonaras, in his first booke and fourth history, writeth,* 28.116 that Gomer and his Brethren ••arting from the mountaines of Taurus and Amanus; shaped their course ouerthwarte Asia towards the North, and came to the riuer Tanais, which rowling from the North ••o the South, runneth on to ioyne with the marishe Moetides, which crossing Scythia, ••eperateth Asia from Europe. And then soiourning in the North, sought for shelter in Europe▪ proceeding on so farre as Cades, a straight at this instant called Gibraltar, but be∣forenamed of Gomer or Hercules. And coasting along the land, the brethren of Go∣mer tooke vp their dwelling, some heere, some there; but Gomer went vp to the Ar∣••oricane Ocean, that is the coaste of Bretaigne, a Prouince first inhabited by the Gaules:* 28.117 ••nd of this Gomer, the Gaules were called by the Greekes Galates, and by the Hebrwes Gom••rites, this is related to vs by Iosephus, in the place before alleadged.

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Lucian a Greeke Author, in his Gaulish Hercules reporteth, that the wise Druid••, Priests and Soueraigne Iudges of the Gaules, called their first Founder 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which•• signifieth in their mother tongue (improperly called Greeke, saith he, for it was Gau∣lish) Father of Wisedome, and of Eloquence. That they figured and presented him in the shape of an old Man, wrinckled, blacke, swarthie and Sun-burnt, like to an aun∣cient Mariner,* 28.118 with small store of haire, or rather like a Balde-headed man; his body wrapt in a Lyons skinne, holding his Clubbe in his right hand, and a bended Bowe in his left, his backe charged with a Quiuer, which was well furnished with Arrowes. From his tongue were extended forth small Chainets of Gold, where∣with were tied and bound by the eares, an infinite number of men, with smiling countenances.

* 28.119These Diuine Druides gaue hereby to vnderstand (so saith the same Lucian) that their Prince Gomer, hauing aduentured himselfe vpon the vnknowne Seas; came to inhabite and people the flourishing Gaules, and had first (before all men else) tamed▪ and ouercome that fierce stearne Element the Ocean, represented by the Lyon, a•• vnconquerable creature. Also, that by his Eloquence or well speaking, he had (in so perillous an enterprise) attracted all the way along with him, Men, who had follow∣ed him on their owne meere good will, with glad hearts and pleasing lookes; hau∣ing pollicied and gouerned them in all vertues and Sciences, compared to Gold. That hee brought these faire designes of his to passe, by wisedome and prouidence, by pregnant arguments and reasons, whereby he pierced thorow their eares, & pene∣trated to the very depth of their hearts that heard him.* 28.120 From hence it is, that the Greekes inuented their Hercules, to be a queller and tamer of Monsters, & celebrated the memory of Iaphet, Father to Gomer, vnder the name of Iapetus; to whom they gaue the title, To be the first Discouerer of vnknowne Lands and Countries.

Audax Iapeti genus primum se credere transtris.

* 28.121From this first kinde of Nauigation, the Gaules deriued their appellation. The name of Gallus is Syriac and Chaldean, Gallin, which signifieth disposed to floate vp∣on Waters, Brookes and Riuers. And thence is deriued the word Gallerin, which properly in Hebrew and other Easterne Languages, signifieth so much as a Shippe, Arke, Boate, Ferry Boate, Wherrie, Cocke-Boake, Gondeloe and Barcke for pas∣sage, made by craft of Carpenters, to passe freely ouer Floods and Waters. As we haue made repetition of in the matter of Marine or Sea businesse, by the names now in vse of Gallies, Gallotes, Galliottes, Galleasses and Gallions; especially light∣ly and arteficially made by Ioyners and Carpenters skill; by meanes whereof me•• may passe the Seas at pleasure. And by this obseruation, our Gaulish Hercules wa•• named Gomerus Gallus, because, by aduenturing himselfe vpon the Seas; he had war∣ranted and defended his followers from Shipwracke, onely in such Vessels made of Wood.* 28.122 Hence was it also, that Forrests were (in times past) called Gaules in ge∣nerall, and a Wood perticulerly was named Gaull: A Tree alone, high and straite, fairely exalted, Gaule, a word whereof we make vse yet to this present, whereby to denoate and signifie a Beame or Pearch. The Romant of Reynard of Montauban, com∣posed in the time of Phillip Augustus, hath these relations, according to the aunci•• French in those dayes.

a 28.123 Eins Carpentier en b 28.124 Bos, c 28.125 Sot si charpenter Ne mena telle noise en d 28.126 parfond Gaul rame.

The Romant of Aye d Auignion made in the selfe same Reigne, forming a Periphra∣sis concerning the end of the Spring time, whereunto Summer succeedeth.

* 28.127Ce fu apres la Pasque, que Ver met à declin, Que florissent Cil Pre, & Cil Gaul sont foueilly Que chantent cil oysel haut, & clair, & e 28.128 sery Lors change folle Dame f 28.129 l'Amor de son Mary.

And this is the reason why the Bretons, the most ancient people of the Gaules, hau•• retained (euen to this very day) the name of Goy for a Wood & Forrest. And among•• vs, the ordenary Oath of honest plaine meaning Country men, is by Ver-goy, as if they would say, By the Greene-Wood. And let me tell you, that (from all Antiquitie) peop••

liuing & dwelling in the fieldes, were called Bagaudes, or Bagaules,* 28.130 whereof mention is made by Eutropius, & Paulus Orosius, These were of the Gaules Christians, that had re∣••reted themselues into the woods, during the persecutions of cruell Dioclesian, only to ••iue in their owne Religion. Since which time, this name or word hath bin taken in the worst sense, and referred to such, as hide themselues lurkingly in Woodes and Forrests, only to prey vpon, and rob all passengers, and so, by corruption of Letters, ••re tearmed high-way-men, Theeues & robbers, of whom we ceasse to speake any fur∣••her, and returne againe to our Bretons.

The countrey of Bretaigne hauing bin first of all inhabited by Gomer and his fol∣••owers (who afterward peopled the rest of the Gaules, Spayne,* 28.131 Allemaigne or Germa∣••ie, Italie and Greece) the Druides made there their principall abiding, from whence afterward they dispersed themselues into the neighbouring Prouinces. And although ••t was so, that their Prince, high Priest and president of the Gaules, hold the Seate of his Principality at Dreux, In finibus Carnutum, as Caesar saith in his Commentaries: yet notwithstanding, the chiefest Colledge of those Drudes, was in the Gaulish Bre∣••aigne whereof we now discouse, euen the very same; and not in England, so ought the same passage in the sixt Booke of Caesars Commentaries to be vnderstood.

Disciplina Druidarum in Britannia reperta est, atque inde in Galliam translata:* 28.132 which ••s meant of Bretaigne Armorica. And thither it was that the Noblemen of the Gaules sent their sonnes, to learne those Sciences whereof the Druides made professi∣on, as the same Caesar reporteth in the place before alleadged,

England, which is now named Great Bretaigne, was peopled by the Gaulish Bretons, who gaue it their name, as heere you may see for further assurance, by the Noble Ro∣maine Historian Cornelius Tacitus, in the life of his Father in Law Iulius Agricola. In ••niuersum aestimanti, Gallos Vicinum solum (of England) occupasse credibile est. Eorum sacra deprehendas: Sermo haud multuum diuersus, in deposcendis periculis eadem auda∣••ia. Strabo maketh a perticuler description of the Breton Gaules passage into England, whether they caried their Religion, Discipline, Language and boldnesse in Fights, which it seemeth he hath borrowed of Caesar in his fift Booke, where he speaketh in this manner.

Britannicae maritima pars ab ijs incolitur qui praedae, & belli inferendi causa Ex Ar∣••oricis transierunt; qui omnes fere iis nominibus Ciuitatum appellantur, quibus orti ex Ciuitatibus eo peruenerint, & bello illato ibi remanserunt, atque agros colere coe∣••erunt.

Venerable Beda, an Englishmen by nation, in the first Booke and first Chapter of his Ecclesiasticall history of England, speaketh thus. Britannia Oceani insula cui quondam Albion nomen fuit, inter Septentrionem; (& Occidentem locata est. In primis haec Insula Britones solum, a quibus nomen accepit, Incolas habuit qui De Tractu Armorica (vt ••ertur) Britanniam aduecti, Australes sibi partes illius vindicarunt.

So is it very certaine, that the maritime Coastes of England, inhabited by the Gau∣lish Bretons, had their Townes and Villages called (as Caesar, telleth vs) by the names of those of Bretaigne Armorica, which causeth the same Caesar speaking of them of Walles which he tearmeth Cantium, to say: That in Manners and fashion of behauiour, they differed not much from the Gaules. Qui Cantium incolunt, non multum diffe∣runt a consuetudine Gallorum. Who by the meanes of Nauigation (whereto they were made aptly prepared, more then any other people) caried into that Isle of Albi∣on, their fashions, Manner of life, their Language and their Religion: For they had learned it of the Druides, as Tacitus writeth in the fourteenth Booke of his Annales.

We are creedily informed, that at Lions, Authun, Neuers, with other places in the Prouinces of France, there had bin Druides, and namely in Normandie, Ausonius the Bourdelois, speaking of Professours famous and renowned in his time: maketh menti∣on of one Patera, a nation of Bayeux in Normandy, Sexton of the Temple of Apollo cal∣led Belenus.

Tu Baiocassis stirpe Druidarum satus Si fama non fallit fidem.

But yet, that he was extracted of the race most Noble of the Druides of Bretaigne Armorica, the Sourse and Fountaine of the Auncient Druides, whose Learning and

diuine Science, as well as their language, was knowne and renowned through a•• parts of the habitable world.

* 28.133Auant le Nom Latin, & que les Romulides Eussent le champ d'Euandre en poinctes aiguise, Le parler Docte-Sainct des Bardes & Druides En Grece, en Italie en Memphe estoit prise.

Before the Latine name, and the Romulides Were by Euander sharpened in such sort, The learned-holy speech of Bards and Druides In Greece, in Italy and Memphis held report.

So effectually speaketh our excellent Du Bartas.

Nec reticebo senem Nomine Phoebicium, Qui Beleni A••dituus Stirpe satus Druidum Gentis Aremoricae.

Learnedly deliuered by Ausonius.

* 28.134Bretaine had heeretofore the Title of Armorica, as wee haue seene by the prece∣dent obserued passages, and may also read in Aeghinard, Secretary of State, or Chan∣cellour to our King Charlemaigne; speaking of the onset in the Pyrenean Mountains, made by the Bandouliers of the Countrey, vpon the Baggage of the French Army, where there were slaine some of ours, and but three onely of any note. In quib•• (saith hee) ••uitlandus Praefectus littoris Armorici, betweene which was Roland Ami∣rall des Costes de la B••etagne Armorique. For it is to be especially obserued, that the ancient Gaules called by this name of Armorique & Morique, the Countries, strands and shoares engirt with the Sea, and likewise such Townes and Villages as were seated on the Coasts thereof. Ciuitates quae ipsorum Gallorum consuetudine Arm••rica appellantur. And the same is obserued by Casar: Armorica ripa, vel Ciuitas dicitur, quae supra mare sita est.

The Piccards and Flemmings seated on the Coasts of the Ocean Sea, are by the same Authors called Morini Populi, as meaning Maritimi: & from thence hath been deriued our name D'Anurall,* 28.135 a Gouernour on the Sea. From the ancient Gaulish Lan∣guage Arl which signifieth before or after, & More, which signifieth the Sea. Or else Als-M••re, Haute-M••r, H••gh-Sea (& not Mer-Salee, such an Epithite were ouermuch) changed into Almeras, so say the English, Ammirante in Spanish, & by Caesar in Armo∣rica, to deck or clo••th (as with a Romane habite) this ancient Gaulish Diction▪ as very boldly hee hath done the proper names of our Cities, Townes, Riuers and Moun∣taines,* 28.136 reuested, turned and returned in disguised habits, according to his owne fan∣cie, and imitated afterward by strange Geographers, who haue made a micton or Gallimaufry of vs.

* 28.137Now, concerning Bretaigne (as wel as many other beside) it hath heretofore been gouerned by Kings. Within some while after by Dukes and Counts, who were Li••dgemen to the Crowne of France, from the time of our first Christian King Clouis, who subdued this Prouince of Bretaigne Armorica: according as it is written by our auncient Annalist, Saint Gregory Victor, Archbishop of Tours, in his History of France, the fourth Booke and fourth Chapter. Semper Britanni sub Fran∣c••rum potestate post obitum Regis Clodouaei fuerunt, & Comites non Reges appellati sunt.

Charles the Simple, King of France, to restraine the rude courses of Normane Py∣rates, who spoyled and rauaged France: made alliance, by the mariiage of his Daughter to Rollo,* 28.138 who hauing embraced the Christian Catholique Religion, was (by the said Simple) made hereditary and patrimoniall Duke of Neus••ria (after∣ward called Normandie) of which Prouince Bretaigne Armorica bearing the title of a County onely, was giuen in Arriere Fief or Mesne Fief to the Dukes of Normandy,

〈◊〉〈◊〉 whom the Counts of Bretaigne were as Seruants and Vassailes, vntill the time of ••hillip Augustus, called the Conquerour and Gods Gift, King of France, second of ••e name, who by the death of Richard King of England, his mortall enemy, hap∣••ening at the Siedge of Chaluz in Limosine, the sixt of the Ides of Aprill, One thou∣••nd, one hundred fourescore and nineteene; inuested in the Countie of Bretaigne ••ong Arthur, Nephew to the said King of England.* 28.139 So that this yong Arthur com∣••ing (an Infant) with his Mother into the Citie of Mans, where then King Phillip ••as: he did him Liedge Homage, as well for the said Countie of Bretaigne, as also ••r that of Aniou, whereof this yong Prince was seized by force, after the death of ••e said King Richard his Vnckle.

By the Treatie of peace, made betweene the said Phillip and Iohn, King of Eng∣••••nd, Brother to the deceased King Richard, who died without Children; the same ••eace was made and sworne betweene Vernueil and the Isle of Andely, in the yeare ••ne thousand two hundred, in the Moneth of May, and on Ascension day. On ••e behalfe of the said King Phillip, it was namely stipulated and couenanted,* 28.140 that ••ex Anglia recipiet Arturum in hominem, ita vt Arturus Britanniam tenebit de co ••nd on the part of King Iohn without Land. De Arturo sic erit quod nos non amoue∣••us cum, & minuemus, neque de feudo, neque de dominio Britanniae citra mare, nisi ••er rectum iudicium Curiae nostrae. This Arthur was Sonne to Geoffrey, Count of ••retaigne, Sonne to Henry, King of England, who being come to Paris to see Phi∣••ip Augustus, that dearely affected him; he fell sicke and died the foureteenth of the Calends of September, One thousand one hundred fourescore and fiue, and was ••uried in the Quire of the Church of Paris, before the high Altar; The King being ••ssistant at the Conuoye in person, followed by Thibault, Count of Champaigne and ••rie, Seneschall (that is to say, Great Maister) of France with Count Henry his Bro∣••her, the Countesse of Champaigne their Mother, and Lady Margaret of France, Sister to Phillip Augustus, Widdow to the King of England, Henry the yonger, married to Bela, King of Hungaria, Croatia and Dalmatia. Within some few daies, ••he same King Phillip; Quatuor Sacerdotes in Ecclesiâ beatae Mariae Parisius, in ••s Comes sepultus fuerat, pro seipso, & pro anima pijss••mi patris sui Ludouici, & ••o anima dilecti sui Gaufridi Comitis Britanniae perpetuo instituit. This we learne ••rom Rigordus, in the life of the Emperour Augustus, vnder the yeare before re∣••embred.

Now, the same yeare of the Peace,* 28.141 accorded (as before) betweene King Phil∣lip Augustus, and Iohn King of England, Successour to King Richard, who dyed at ••he Siedge of Chalux (to get a massie Treasure of the Emperour Lewes the Debon∣••re, his Wife Ermingard, their three Sonnes Kings, Lothaire, Lewes and Pepin,* 28.142 as ••lso their wiues, all made sitting at a Table, which was composed of the purest Gold) ••he Count of Bretaigne Arthur, was made Knight Of the Starre, in the Towne of Gu••rnay in Normandie; and affianced to Madam Agnes, or Mary of France, Daugh∣••er to the said King Phillip Augustus, and Agnes of Morauia. Which Daughter of France, and Phillip of France her Brother, were made Legitimate by Pope Innocent, Third of the name: And here you may reade the very words of that Marriage con∣••ract.

The Popes dispensation for the Contract of Marriage.

PHilippus Dei Gratia Francorum Rex. Notum sit omnibus praesentibus & futuris, Quod nos concessimus dilecto nostro Arturo Comiti Britannia, quod nos trademus ei Mariam filiam nostram in Vxorem, quando id poterimus facere de iure secundum consuetudinem Ecclesia; & modo fecimus ea, quae facere possumus ei de iure, de securitate dicti futuri ma∣••tagij, & hoc fecimus ei iurari sicut praedictum est de parte nostrâ. Et ipse iurauit nobis quod ipse accipiet eam in Vxorem, cum ipsa ad aetatem debitam peruenerit, & numquam

vitâ Comite, dimittet eam aliquo modo. Actum Parisius Anno Domini Milles•• Due••∣tesimo Secundo, Mense Aprili.

* 29.1But vpon the bad and indirect dealing, which King Iohn of England vsed towar•••• him; he inuested himselfe in the Countie of Bretaigne. Qui iure haereditario ad c•• pertinebat, this is affirmed to vs by Rigordus. Adijciens Comitatum Pictanenfium, &•• Aneidegauensium, quos armorum iure sibi acquireret. Quâ de causa Rex Artur••m per∣petuo in hominem ligium accepit, & acceptâ à Rege licentia, mense Iulio recessit. And here is the Charter of the Homage, and of the Inuestiture of the said Arthur Count of Bretaigne, in the Counties of Bretaigne, Aniou, Maine, Touraine and P••ctou.

A Copie of the Charter.

PHILLIPPVS DEI GRATIA FRANCORVM REX. Notum, &c. Quod nos recipimus Arturum Comitem Britanniae in Ho∣minem L••gium contra omnes qui possunt viuere, vel mori, nemine dempto, de fo••dis Britanniae, Andegauiae, Cenomaniae, & Turoniae, quando, Domino volente, vel 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vel ipse ea acquisiuerimus saluis omnibus teneamentis de quibus nos vel homines nostrit••nentes eramus eo di••, quo disfiduciauimus Ioannem Regem Angliae pro interceptionib•• quas nobis f••ceret de hac vltima guerra, de qua nos obsedimus Botauant, tali modo. Qu•• quando recipiet hommagia de Andegauia, Cenomania, atque Turonia, ipse recipiet hom∣magia illa, saluis conuentionibus inter nos, & ipsum factis. Ita quod si Arturus resilierit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 conuentionibus inter nos, & ipsum factis, ipsi cum feodis suis ad nos venient, & nos inn••bunt contra ipsum. In super autem de Dominio Pictauiae, recipimus eundem Arturu•• in Hominem Ligium, si Dominus dederit quod nos, vel ipse eam quocumque modo acquis••∣rimus. Barones vero Pictauiae qui imperij nostri sunt, & alij quos voluerimus, facient no∣bis hommagium ligium contra omnes qui possunt viuere, vel mori de terris suis, & de pra∣cepto nostro facient ei hommagium ligium, salua fide nostra. Si autem Charissimus Fr••∣t••r, & amicus noster Rex Castellae in terra aliquid iuris clamauerit, per iudicium Curi•• nostrae definietur, si ipsos de assensu vtriusque non poterimus pacificare. De Norman∣nia vero sic••rit, quod nos id quod acquisiuimus, & de eo quod Dominus nobis concedet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quirere, ad opus nostrum retinebimus, quandiu nobis placuerit: & hominibus nostris, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pro nobis terras suas amis••runt, dabimus id quod nobis placuerit de terra Norman∣niae. Actum apud Gornacum Anno Domini Millesimo Ducentesimo Secundo, Mens•• Iulio.

* 30.1This Peace of Andely or of Gournay, was broken by the occasion of Iohn, King of England, who refused to performe Liedge Homage, for the Counties of Poicti∣ers, Aniou, and the Duchie of Aquitaine, which he then held and possessed in Franc•• of the Crowne, and violating his Oath, was entred into Armes against his Soue∣raigne. This Iohn, tearmed as well without Faith, as without Land, hauing got pos∣session of his Nephew Arthurs person, had caused him to be strangled in prison, and had taken into his custodie also Eleanor, eldest Daughter to Geoffrey Count of Bre∣taigne (deceasing at Paris, as we haue formerly said, and Sister to the same Arthur▪ being both of them Children of Geoffrey, the elder Brother to Iohn without Land whom hee had closely shut vp in a strong prison in England, as fearing, lea•• she should driue him forth of the Realme of England, which appertained to her, in the right of her Father Geoffrey of England.

* 30.2Whereupon, and for this cause, King Iohn of England, was by Decree of the Co•• of Peeres, in the Parliament of February One thousand two hundred and thirteene attainted and conuinced in the crime of high Treason, for the death of his Nephew Arthur, who was Liedgeman to the King, in regard of the Counties of Bretaign•• Aniou and Poictou, Fiefes which he held of the Crowne of France, acquired and con••fiscated to the King. Who moreouer leuied a great Naual Army, for the Conquest o•• England, which (as he presumed) did belong to him, as being the neerest Heire, and

••lest to succeede in the Crowne, Causae quae Philippum Regem magnanimum moue∣••t ad hoc, vt vellet in Angliam transfretare, hae fuerunt, vt Episcopos qui diu à sedi∣•• suis eiecti, in Regno suo exulabant, suis Ecclesijs restitueret: vt diuinum Seruitium ••od iam per septennium in tota Anglia cessauerat, faceret renouari: Et vt ipsum Ioan∣•• Regem, qui Nepotem suum Arturum occiderat, poenae condignae subijceret. So speaketh ••gordus, and vnder the same yeare before set downe.

Now, this Arthur dying in this manner by violence, and without issue,* 30.3 Alix his ••ster, by one and the same Mother, Daughter to Guyon Viscount of Thouars, and to ••nstance, Countesse of Bretaigne (Widdow in her first marriage to Geoffrey of Eng∣••nd, of whom we haue spoken before) Daughter and sole heire to Conan the yon∣••er, Count of Bretaigne: Alix, I say, was married to Peter of Dreux, and by mari∣••ge was couenanted to him the Countie of Bretaine, wherein hee was inuested by ••hillip Augustus, in the same yeare One thousand two hundred and thirteene, as Ri∣••dus informeth vs concerning the said yeare. Petrus filius Roberti primogeniti Ro∣••rti Drocarum Comitis cognati Philippi Regis magnanimo, duxerat in vxorem filiam ••donis de Toartio sororem vterinam Arturi, ex parte matris suae Cimitissae Britanniae▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••acum acceperat à Philippo Rege magnanimo totum Comitatum Britanniae minoris. ••he Homage performed by this Peter of Dreux to Phillip Augustus, is set downe in ••e yeare One thousand two hundred and thirteene at Paris: and not in the time of ••aint Lewes, yongest Sonne to Phillip Augustus, as is vainely reported by the Pennes ••f some Historians, that write more liberally, then wit or gouernment are able to ••arrant.

This Geoffrey of England, fauourite of Phillip Augustus, Count of Richmont,* 30.4 and so ••y his wife Constance made Count of Bretaigne; was Authour of the Assise and Or∣••er, for the intire Feodale succession to eldest Brothers or Sisters, without any par∣••ge or deuision made to the yongest: & likewise, concerning the yonger, to whom ••as giuen Money at their marriage; and to the yongest of all, a Nagge and Armes or all their portion. This Assise or Assessement was heretofore called The Custome 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bretaigne (whereof we shall speake more hereafter) and said to be done in the ••eare One thousand one hundred and fourescore, published by the Estates of the Countrey, to serue (in following times) for a firme, ordained and setled Law. ••ut concerning Peter of Dreux, Husband to Alix of Thouars, Countesse of Bre∣••aigne: he was of the House of France, and in this manner (as wee vnderstand) his Originall.

The GENEALOGIE and Originall of the Counts of Dreux.

KIng Lewes le Gros, sixt of the name, and Alix of Sauoye his wife, had sixe ••afle children, the fourth whereof was Monsieur Robert of France, Count of Dreux, as also of Perche and Brenne, Lord of Vienna in Daulphine, of Bray (called by his name) Count Robert of T••rsy in Brie, and of Chaille in Biere. This Monsieur Robert had to wife Agnes, Countesse of Breme, and of this marri∣age issued a Daughter and fiue Sonnes, the eldest whereof was Robert, called the yonger, second of the name, Count of Dreux, who tooke to wife Yoland, el∣dest Daughter to Raoull, Lord of Coucy: by whom hee had sixe Daughters, and foure Sonnes, the fourth and last where of was

1. Peter of Dreux, Husband to Alix, Countesse of Bretaine, and of this mar∣riage issued a Sonne and a Daughter, which was

Yoland of Bretaigne, and was wife to Hugh of Lusignan, called the Browne, Count de la March, and of Engou∣lesme.

The Sonne was

II. Iohn of Bretaigne, Sirnamed the Red Count (in regard of his Haire) first of the name. He espoused Blanch, daugh∣ter to Thibault, sixt of the name. Count Palatine of Champaigne and Brie, and King of Nauarre, first of the name: of whom came two Daughters, and sixe Sonnes, as namely

1. Iohn.

2. Peter, who dyed yong, buried at

the Gray-Friers in Paris.

3. Thibault the eldest.

4. Thibaulte the yonger.

5. Nicholas. And

6. Robert.

The Daughters were

1. Alix of Bretaigne, who was twise married: First to Iohn de Chastillon, Count of Blois and of Chartres, And in second mariage to Bouchard, Count of Vendosme.

2. Eleanor the second Daughter died yong.

III. Iohn, second of the name, eldest Sonne to Iohn the first was made Count and Duke of Bretaigne. He tooke to wife Madam Beatrix of England, daughter to Henry, King of England, third of the name: And of this Alliance procee∣ded three Sonnes, and as many Daugh∣ters.

The Sonnes were

1. Arthur.

2. Iohn, Count of Richmond in Eng∣land. And

3. Peter.

The Daughters were

1. Blanch, wife to Phillip of Artois, el∣dest Sonne to the second Robert, Count of Artois.

2. Mary, wife to Guy de Chastillon, Count of Saint Paule, Brother to Huon, Count of Blois. And

3. Anne, a professed Nunne at Font-Eurauld.

The said Iohn of Bretaigne died at Ly∣ons, at the Crowning of Pope Clement the fift, in the yeare One thousand three hundred and fiue: And then succeeded his Sonne

IIII. Arthur, Duke of Bretaigne, who was twise married. First to Beatrix, Viscountes••e of Limoges, and by her he had three Sonnes, to wit

1. Iohn the third.

2. Guy, Count of Pointieure, who es∣poused the onely Daughter to Henry, Ba∣ron d'Auaugour: and by her he had one onely Daughter, named Ioane the Crip∣ple, wife to Charles of Blois. And

3. Peter, who died yong.

In second marriage he tooke to wife Queen Yoland, widow to Alexander, King of Scotland, Countesse de Montfort l Amaury, sister to Iohn the second, Count of Dreux, and by her he had one Sonne

Iohn, tearmed of Bren••n, who w•• Count of Montfort: And foure daugh∣ters, to wit.

1. Iane, wife to Robert of Flanders, Lo•• of Cassel, Alluye and Montmirall, yonge•• Son to Robert, Count of Flanders.

2. Alix, wife to the Count of Ve••∣dosme.

3. Beatrix, wife to Guy, Lord of Laual.

4. Mary, a Religious sister at P••∣issy.

V. Iohn, third of the name, Duke of Bre∣taigne, who was maried three times. His first wife was Isabel of Valois, daughter to Monsieur Charles of France▪ Count of Valois, without issue. The second was Madam Isabell of Castille, Daughter to the King of Castille Sancio, fourth of the name, without issue likewise. And i•• third marriage he had Ioane of Sau••••e, Daughter to Guy, Count of Sauoye, issue∣lesse also. So that by his death, the Suc∣cession grew to be questioned, be∣tween

Charles of Blois, yongest Sonne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lewes, Count of Blois, and Margaret of Valois: husband to Ioane of Bretaigne the Cripple, Niece to the party deased, And

Iohn of Brenne, Count of Montfort l••Amaury, Vnckle to the same Crip∣ple.

By a Decree (the King sitting in his Parliament, well furnished with Peeres) dated at Conflans the seauenth day of September, in the yeare One thousand three hundred fortie and one, The D••∣chie of Bretaigne was adiudged to the said Count of Blois and his wife. And yet notwithstanding

VI. Iohn de Brenne of Montfort, fourth of the name, being assisted by the English; maintained himselfe in the Duchie of Bretaigne, so that a Battaile was fought in Bretaigne the nine and twentieth day of September, One thou∣sand three hundred threescore & foure, where the said Charles de Blois was slain; and (within a while after) Canonized by the Pope Vrbane. To resist against Iohn de Brenne, King Charles the fift sent his Brother the Duke of Aniou, and the Lord of Clisson to make warre vpon him. So that Iohn the fift, Sonne to Iohn the fourth, was constrained to agree with the Widdow and Children of Charles de Blois, in giuing to them the

Countie of Pointioure, and to come and yeelde homage to the King, for the said Duchie of Bretaigne, and Countie of Montfort l'Amaury, Lands of Niuernois ••nd of Rethelois, deliuered into the Kings ••ands. And which were restored again by a Treatie, made betweene the said Charles and Duke, the fifteenth day of ••anuary, One thousand three hundred ••nd fourescore, ratified by the same Duke at Guerrande the tenth day of A∣prill, in the same yeare One thousand three hundred and fourescore. He tooke ••o wife Margaret, daughter to Lewes el∣dest Sonne to Robert Count of Flanders, third of the name: and of this mariage came

VII. Iohn, fift of the name, Duke of Bretaigne, who was twise married. First ••he espoused Madam Mary of England, daughter to King Edward, third of the ••ame; but had no issue by her. His se∣cond wife was Madam Iane of Nauarre, daughter to Charles the Bad, King of Nauarre, second of the name: And by her hee had three Sonnes and foure daughters.

The Sonnes were

1. Iohn the sixt, to whom his Mo∣ther gaue the Countie of Richmont, with all her moueables, gaines and win∣nings.

2. Arthur, Constable of France, And

3. Richard, Count d'Estampes, Lord of Clisson; who tooke to wife Margaret of Orleans, daughter to Monsieur Lewes of France, Duke of Orleans, and Madam Valentina of Millaine. Which Marga∣ret of Orleans brought to the said Ri∣chard (in marriage) the Countie of Ver∣tus. In this mariage was borne two sons and three daughters.

The Sonnes were

1. Frances of Bretaine, Count d'E∣stampes and Vertus.

2. Lewes, who deceased very yong.

The daughters were

1. Katharine of Bretaigne, wife to Wil∣liam de Chalon, Prince of Orenge.

2. Margaret, Lady Abbesse of Font-Eurauld: And

3. Isabel who dyed yong.

The foure daughters of Duke Iohn the Fift, the eldest was

1. Mary, wife to Alain, Viscount de ••••ban.

2. Mary wife to Iohn, first of the name who was Duke of Ala••son.

3. Blanch, wife to Iohn, Count of Ar∣miagnac: And

4. Bonna, wife to the Viscount of Lo∣magne, eldest Son to the said Iohn, Count of Armaignac.

VIII. Iohn, Sixt of the name, and fift Duke of Bretaigne, had to wife Madam Iane of France, second daughter to King Charles the sixt; and by her he had borne to him three Sonnes and two daugh∣ters.

The eldest Sonne was

1. Francis, the first.

2. Peter, Husband to Frances d••Amboise, only daughter to Lewes d'Amboise, Vis∣counte of Thouars. And

3. Gilles, Husband to Frances de Dinan, Lady of Chastea••-Briand, Monta-Filand, and of Beaumanior.

Peter and Gilles, not hauing any issue.

The Daughters were

1. Isabell, wife to Guy, Counte of La∣uall; And

2. Margaret, who died young.

IX. Frances, first of the name, Duke of Bretaigne (the Authour of this subiect) had two Wiues. The first was Madam Yoland of Cicilie daughter to Lewes, first of the name, King of Cicilie, and Duke of Aniou of the Second Ligne; but by her hee had not any children. His Second Wife was madam Isabell of Scotland, daughter to the King of Sotland, Iames, first of the name; Sister to Madame Mar∣garet of Scotland, first wife to King Lewes the Eleuenth. And by her he had three Daughters.

The first daughter was,

1. Margaret of Bretaigne, wife to Fran∣ces of Bretaigne, Counte d'Estampes, eldest Sonne to Richard Counte d'Estampes, Lord of Clisson, and Brother to Duke Iohn, Sixt of the name.

2. Katherine, wife to Iohn, Lord of Ro∣han, Viscounte of Lyons, Sonne to Alain Viscounte of Rohan; And

3. Frances, Wife to Iohn d'Albret, El∣dest Sonne to Charles d'Albret, Second of the name.

Frances the first being deceased with∣out any heire male,* 30.5 not one of his daugh∣ters succeeded in the Duchie of Bretaigne, but Peter, Second Brother to the said Frances the first. Because, by a Treatie made at Guerrand the Twelfth day of A∣prill, in the yeare of Grace One Thou∣sand,

Three hundred, Threescore and foure, betweene Iohn, Duke of Bre∣taigne, Fifth of the name, and Iane of Bretaigne Countesse of Pointhieure, it was couenanted: That thenceforward, Females should not succeed in the Du∣chie of Bretaigne, all the while, and so long as heire Males should be found, issued of the Ligne of Bretaigne. So that, accor∣ding to these Conuentions and Agree∣ments made and sworne:

X. Peter succeeded in the Duchie of Bretaigne; but he deceasing without any Issue, the said Duchie of Bretaigne fell to the second Sonne of Iohn the Fift.

XI. Arthur of Bretaigne, Constable of France, Second of the name, was thrise maried. His first Wife was the eldest Daughter to Iohn, Duke of Bourgongne, widdowe to Monsieur Lewes of France, Daulphine of Viennois, and Duke of Guienne, Sonne to King Charles the S••. His second wife was the daughter to the Lord d'Albret. And the third wife was Katherine of Luxembourg, daughter to the Counte of Saint Paule: but by the•• hee had not any children. So that the Duchie of Bretaigne came t••

XII. Frances, Second of the Name, El∣dest Son of Richard of Bretaigne, Brother to the said Arthur the second, according to the Treaty held at Guerr••nd. By his wife Margaret, Sister to the Counte of Foix, he had two Daughters, the Eldest whereof succeeded in the said Duchie, through defect of heires males, issued and descended of the true Ligne of Bretaigne.

The daughters names were

1. Anne: And

2. Isabell, who died young.

In the life time of the said Frances the second, deceassed King Lewes, Eleuenth of the name, the last day of August, in the yeare one Thousand, foure hundred, fourescore and three.* 30.6 After whom succeeded his Son Charles, Eight of the name; who being as yet in yeares of Minority, and not able to gouerne his Kingdome: his Eldest Sister Ma∣dam Anne of France, wife to Peter, Duke of Bourbon, Second of the name, Lord of Beauieu, was proclaimed Regentesse, according to the will of deceased King Lewes the Eleuenth. Shee being sole Gouernesse, and hauing in her possession the person of the King her brother, disposed of the whole State, Offices and Reuennues of the King∣dome, euen according to her owne mind. She estranged from the Kings seruice, first all the Auncient Officers of the Crowne; and within a while after, the Princes of the Bloud, and other Princes that were strangers.

Lewes, Duke of Orleans, prime Prince of the Bloud, who afterward was King of France,* 30.7 Twelfth of the name, had formerly pretended, that the guarding of the Kings person, and Regencie of the Realme, appertained to him. But he not being (as yet) of competent age to gouerne himselfe, the Estates Generall of France, being assembled at Tours after the death of King Lewes the eleuenth; adiudged that prerogatiue to the Lady of Beauieu, a Princesse of a proud surlie minde, and one that had very high as∣piring humours. Lewes playing one day at the Tennis, neere to the Court of Paris, there happened a stroke to grow in question and difference; which the Lady of Beau∣ieu (being then and there present) iudged against the Duke of Orleans. He wexing of∣fended at her peremptory forwardnesse, replied out aloude: That hee was badly sen∣tenced, and the Iudge had lied.

The Lady of Beauieu, hardly enduring to put vp the lye, caused the Councell to be assembled, where, by consultation passing among them, it was thought conuenient, that the Duke of Orleans should be committed to safe custody. But he being aduer∣tized thereof by a Gentleman,* 30.8 named Iohn de Louuaine; suddenly escaped from Paris, accompanied with his Cousin the Counte of Dunois, Frances of Orleans, Messire Guy Pot, and Louuaine that had bin his Intelligencer. He rode directly towards Pontoise, from whence departing to Vernueill and Alanson; he stayed there for some time with the Duke, whom he perswaded to take part with him, and the greatest Lords of the Kingdome, only to disturbe the peace thereof: vnder the ordenary and common couller of them, that couet to fishe in troubled waters, for Reformation of the Realme; Contrary to the Law of God, which forbiddeth a Subiect to rise against his Prince, what specious pretence soeuer may be alleadged for it.

When these newes were come to the Court, all the Princes and Lords were dis∣appointed, and all their Companies quashed from their former meaning; which ha∣uing in great measure incensed and displeased them, they made great mustrings and

Leuies of men throughout all their Prouinces, as the King did the like for his owne ••arte. On either side happened sharpe bickerings and encounters, and in this busie ••me of turmoile▪ Peter de Rohan, Lord of Gie, Marshall of France, and the Lord 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Grauille, mediated to pacifie the Duke of Orleans. Conditionally,* 30.9 that he should ••ome to the Court, there to hold the rancke and qualitie of his place, as was fitting for the prime Prince of the Bloud. And that the Counte of Dunois, Frances of Or∣••eans, his Cousine (who was reputed to bee the matche, tinder and fire of these ••ommotions:) should absent himselfe from the Realme for some space of time, withdrawing into the Countie of Ast, which belonged to the Duke of Or∣••eans.

And so by this accord (which was but of very short continuance) all men (on ei∣••her side) layde downe their Armes,* 30.10 to the great discontentment of martiall minded men, cheated and deceiued in their chiefest hopes, of speeding best in strifes and ••arboiles, as is ordenarily noated in all Ciuill dissentions. This dawbed agreement with the Duke of Orleans, was concluded at Boisgency, in the yeare of Grace One Thousand, Foure hundered, Fourescore and fiue.

No long tarying made the Counte of Dunois at Ast, but,* 30.11 without licence from the King, returned backe into France, and fortified himselfe in his Castle of Parthenay 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Poictou. The Lady of Beauieu, seruing still as Sentinell to these contrary courses, ••nd suspecting this returne of his; aduertised the King thereof, who, to cleare him∣••elfe in this businesse; by councell of the Regentesse, sent to the Duke of Orleans, who then made his abode in his Citty of Orleans) to come speedily, and yield him∣••elfe to him.

The Duke (well informed of these charitable and kinde offices, which the Lady of Beauieu perfourmed to him, and quite against the haire:) assured the Marshall de Gie, ••hat he would be as soone at the Courte, as he. And on the morrow, being the Fift day of Ianuary, in the yeare fourescore and sixe, he departed from Orleans,* 30.12 and came to ••lo••, from whence he went with his Houndes and Haukes, as if he intended to goe see 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Flight. Withall possible diligence hee went to Nantes in Bretaigne, where hee was ••indly welcommed by Duke Frances, Second of the name: who Shipte himselfe in ••is cause and quarrell, with all them of his first intelligence.

Which were Charles, Counte of Engoulesme, Lord of Espernay,* 30.13 of Fere and of Ro∣••orantin; Iohn, Duke of Bourbon, Second of the name; Madam Magdalen of France, Mother to the King, and Queene of Nauarre; the Cardinall of Foix; the Duke of Neuers; Francis, Second of the name Duke of Bretaigne, Counte of Montfort, Riche∣••••nt, d'Estampes and de Vertus; Alain, Lord d'Albret, Counte of Dreux, Gaure, Pointi∣••re and of Perigort, Viscounte of Limoges and Lord of Auesnes; the Counte of Co∣••enges, Rene Duke of Lorraine and de Bar, Counte de Vaudemont and de Harcour; Maximilliam, King of the Romanes, Arch-Duke of Austria, Duke of Lothier, Brabant, Lembourg, Luxembourg and Gueldres, Counte of Flanders, Artois and Bourgongne, Pa∣••atine of Henault, Holland, Zeland, Zutphen, Frizeland and Malines; Iohn de Chalon, Prince of Orenge, Nephew to the Duke of Bretaigne; Frances of Orleans, Counte de D••nois and of Longue-Ville, Lord of Parthenay, Great Chamberlaine of France; Fran∣ces de Dinan, Countesse of Lauall, Lady of Chasteau-Briand; Iohn de Rieux, Lord of Rieux and Ancenis, Counte d' Aumale, Viscounte of Donges, and Marshall of Bretaigne; the Bishops of Alby, and of Montauban; the Lords of Miolants, of the Isle, of Bou∣••••age, of Granuant, and many other great Lords beside, who tooke for their Chieftaine and Guide in this action Lewes, Duke of Orleans, who stiled himselfe Duke of Orleans, Millaine and Valois, Counte of Blois, Pauia and Beaumont, Lord of Ast and Coucy.

Thorow all France (by Poastes and Courriers) they declared and proclaimed,* 30.14 the manifest reason of their entring into Armes, and the agreement of their Sealed League, bearing this Title.

A Briefe of the Leagues Proclamations.

SEaled and confirmed by the Confederated Princes, for seruice of the King, Refor∣mation of the Kingdomes Pollicie, and his Royall Court (where open sale is made of all things) for ease of the people, and maintenance of those Orders agreed on by the

Estates in Parliament. For gouerning his highnesse Reuennues, and reestablishment 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Officers of the Crowne: Against disturbers of the weale publique; Breaker 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Ordenances, done in the generall Assembly of the States, and who (according to their owne willes) possessed and ruled the King in his minority; hauing expelled and thrust away from about his Royall person, the Princes of his Bloud, and chiefe Offices of the Crowne.

These Proclamations are dated the tenth day of February, in the yeare One Thou∣sand, foure hundred, fourescore and six, at Cognac, at La Flesche, at Nantes, and sundry other places beside.

When the King had intelligence of these rebellious proceedings; forthwith he se•••• an Army into Poictou,* 30.15 and besieged Parthenay, which was taken and raced downe ••o the ground. As much he caused to bee done in Guienne, on the Lands and Castles of the Counte of Comenges, and other pertakers with Orleans, who (for the greater part) were retreated into Bretaigne.

The King summoned the Duke of Bretaigne, to restore him his Subiects, of whom he made vse in this his reuolt. Vpon his refusall, he dealt with the Noble men of the Countrey, of whom hee withdrew the most part, to fight against their owne Duke. And in the meane while, hee entred a puissant Army into Bretaigne, where ioyning with the Bretons of his intelligence;* 30.16 he wonne Redon, Ploermell and other places, for beginning the yeare Fourescore and Seauen. In which yeare also, they of Vannes yielded themselues to the French: who afterward went valianly and besie∣ged Nantes in the moneth of Iune, surprising Moncontour, Ancenis and Chaste••-Briand.

At the beginning of the yeare fourescore and eight, the French Armie tooke Fouge∣res, and Saint Aubin du Cormier on the one side; while the King (on the other) tooke into his hands, all the goods of the Lord of Albret, as returning to his Crowne. The Confederated Princes, to draw to their faction the said Lord d'Albret (a very riche and powerfull Lord) Father to Iohn d' Albret, King of Nauarre, Great Grandfather to Lewes the Thirteenth of the name,* 30.17 King of France and Nauarre, at this present reig∣ning) in Bretaigne and Guienne: had propounded a mariage to him, of Anne of Bre∣taigne, eldest daughter to the said Duke Frances the second; who, imitating the last Duke of Bourgongne Charles, promised his daughter in mariage to all the Princes, from whom hee hoped to deriue any aduantage and seruice, helpefull for his owne affaires and occasions,

For she was first promised to the Prince of Wales, Eldest Sonne to the King of Eng∣land,* 30.18 Edward, Fourth of the name▪ Afterward to this Alain d' Albret; then to Maximil∣lian of Austria, King of the Romanes, widdowed of Mary of Bourgongne, daughter to the last Duke Charles: And secretly (but in good earnest) promised to Lewes Duke of Orleans, who was resolued to diuorce Madam Iane of France, a wise and vertuous Princesse, but somewhat mishapen of body, and whom he had espoused against his will, to obey King Lewes the Eleuenth, a Prince difficulte to be endured, and whom he durst not deny in any matter whatsoeuer. Neuerthelesse, not one of these purposed mariages sorted to any effect, God hauing otherwise disposed for the good of France▪ as we shall see by the successe, and the pretendants lefte all deceiued.

Alain d'Albret feeding vpon these new promises of Loue: beside his owne forces, and those of his friends,* 30.19 drawne by him into this quarell; made a voyage into Spayne, to King Ferdinand and Queene Isabell of Castile (vsurpers of the Kingdome of Na∣uarre, against the King Iohn d'Albret) enemies to Lewes the eleuenth. Hauing visited them at Valentia, hee obtained of them the assistance of a thousand men of warre, con∣ducted by their Grand Maister d'Hostell Iuan Graile, a Catholognian: with whom A∣lain d Albret being embarqued at the Port of Saint Sebastian in Biscaye, he ariued safely in Bretaigne the third day of Maye, One thousand foure hundred, twenty and eight.

* 30.20In the meane time, the King soiourning in his City of Angiers, gaue order to his Army, whereof (in absence of Gilbert de Bourbon, Count of Montpensier) hee gaue the conduct to Lewes, Lord de la Trimouille: albeit young in yeares, yet a wise Captaine, and of high attempting, also (of his time) he wonne the faire title of Cheualier sans Re∣proche, A Knight without detection.

The Army of the Leagued Princes, enlarged with the succour of England, Spaine ••nd Eight hundred Germaines, sent by Maximilian of Austria; was fully determi∣ned to set vpon the French. On they proceeded to handy blowes, neere to Saint A••bin du Cormier, on Monday being the Eight and Twentieth day of Iuly,* 30.21 in the said yeare Foure Score and Eight: the honour and benefit whereof remained to the French, through the wise carriage of the Lord de la Trimouille, who was Lieute∣••ant Generall thereof.

The Lord d'Albret and the Marshall de Rieux saued themselues (with the first) by ••rusting to their Spurres. The Count d' Escales and Claudius de Montfort English∣men, were slaine in the Field of Battaile, with Three Hundred English, to whom, and to Twelue hundred Bretons (ioyned with them, and bearing badges of the red Crosse) fell vtter ruine and slaughter, and not a man saued. The Duke of Orleans was arrested Prisoner among the Germaines, whom the Generall put to passe the Pikes.

The Prince of Orange perceiuing all to be in disorder;* 30.22 rent his Blacke Crosse (the Ensigne of Bretaigne) and threw himselfe on the ground among the dead: but be∣ing known to be liuing, was taken prisoner, as the like was Iuan Graille, Maiordome to Ferdinand of Arragon. Of the Bretons Army Sixe Thousand lay slaine in the field, and of the French but Twelue Hundred.

Which Victory thus won by the French,* 30.23 brought to them also the Conquest of Dinan, Saint Malo, and other Townes beside, which yeelded themselues to the victorious Generall. After the Battaile, Lewes Duke of Orleans, was sent Prisoner to the strong Towne of Bourges, where hee remained two whole yeares in one of those Cages, which yet are to be seene at this day: in danger to haue continued there a farre longer time, but for the teares and entreates of Madame Iane of France ••his Wife. The Prince of Orenge was sent with a sure Guard, to the Castell of Font de Sec, to verefie the ancient Oracle, which neuer fayled to speake the truth; that

Celuy: qui contre son Prin••. Esleue le front trop hault Et qui trouble sa Prouince En fin trebuche d' vn sault. Et sent la Iuste Iustice De ce grand Dieu punissant, De son foudre rougissant L'horreur & tel malefice.

Thus conuerted into English.

He that against his Prince Exalts his head too hye, And troubleth his Countries peace, At length full low may lye. And feele the iudgement iust, Of that offended God: Who punisheth such horrid sinnes With his reuenging Rod.

The losse of this Battaile afflicted the Duke of Bretaigne in such sort;* 30.24 that he died on Tuesday being the Ninth of September, in the same yeare Foure Score & Eight. His death was followed with that of his last Daughter, Madame Isabell of Bretaigne, His Eldest Sister

XIII. Anne, Duchesse of Bretaigne, was by the Testament of the last Duke Fran∣ces the Second her Father, left in the Guard and Tutelage of the Lord de Rieux,* 30.25 Mar∣shall of Bretaigne, and of the Lady de Loual, Step-Sister to the Lord Allaine d'Albret; in regard that the said Anne was then but twelue yeares old, being borne in the yeare, One Thousand, Foure Hundred, Three Score and Sixteene.

It was the meaning of the Marshall & Lady of Lauall, to espouse her to the Lo•••• Alaine d'Albret: but he being ouer-farre stept into yeares, the young Princesse made it appeare plainly, that she would not haue him. The Count of Commenges and Phi∣lip of Montauban, Chancellour and Gouernour of Bretaigne (during the minority of Anne, by the Testament of her Father) being both together otherwise minded, be∣gan to grow offended with their Lady,* 30.26 at her refusing the Lord d'Albret: who dis∣pleased also therewith; by the meanes of Peter of Bourbon, Lord of Beaujeu, husband to Maddam Anne of France; yeelded himselfe to the Kings Seruice, who (within a while after) released all his Seigneuries to him.

By this businesse concerning the Duchesse of Bretaigne, this Prince brought such benefit to France; that he deliuered vp to the French, both the City and Castell of Nantes, which being surrendred in the end of March, Foure Score and Ten: The King came speedily thither, & made his entrance the Fourth day of April following▪ And there he kept the Feast of Easter, vntill the Eleauenth day of the same Moneth of Aprill, beginning the yeare Foure Score and Eleauen, when hee resolued to goe and besiedge Rennes, whereunto the Duchesse had retreated her selfe, and (by that meanes) at one aduenture to subdue Bretaigne, & so annexe it for euer to the Crowne of France.

* 30.27The taking in of Guincamp by the French, began this Instant yeare, and ended with the hopefull happy Marriage of the young Duchesse to the said King Charles the Eight: to the no small benefit of that poore Duchy, miserably ruined by wars of the French and English. For the young Duchesse being badly succoured by the King of the Romaines, her pretended Husband; could not expect any great matter of defence from him, nor from his Germaines, whose weapons hung heauy by their sides, and therefore made them march the slower.

Both the higher and lower Bretaigne (Rennes reserued and very few other places) were reduced vnder the French Command, and it had beene no meane dishonour to them, to leaue the rest for Maximilian. And King Charles hauing set at liberty the Duke of Orleans, through the instant intreaties of his Sister, Madame Iane of France, Wife to the said Duke of Orleans, and granted the same grace to the Prince of Orenge: his side became very strongly fortefied, as well by those two Princes, as also the Lord d'Albret,* 30.28 the Count of Dunois, and the Viscount de Rohan, a potent Lord in Bretaigne, as now it was an easie matter for him, to make himselfe absolute Lord of the Dutchy.

On the other side, the Dutchesse (perswaded by her faithfull followers, who made plaine demonstration to her of her misery, and the calamity of a poore Prin∣cesse, despoyled of her goods, and now driuen to such distresse, as, either to see her selfe exiled, or else confined to some Monastery (began to lend an eare, of faire a∣greement with King Charles. And the meanes for attaining thereto, was onely but by one way, namely Marriage; she being then aged fifteene yeares, and the King Twenty, wherein there was little inequality.

* 30.29For full•• resolution in this case, his Maiesty hauing won the Suburbs of Rennes, was (within three dayes after) receiued into the Towne with all magnificence, in the Moneth of Nouember, and the same yeare Foure Score and Eleauen. The Marriage being concluded on, he sent his promised Margaret of Austria, to her Father Maxi∣milian, King of the Romanes, who had declared himselfe an enemie to him, making war against him, in fauor of the confederated Princes. Albeit, in the life time of King Lewes, the Eleauenth, his Daughter had beene granted to the Prince Daulphine Charles, and sent into France, where she was nourished some yeares, attending due age for the performance of Marriage.

* 30.30The Nuptialls of the King and Anne Duchesse of Bretaigne, were sollemnized a•• Langeois in Touraine, the Sixt day of December, in the same yeare Foure Score and Eleauen: in the presence of Lewes Duke of Orleans, Charles, Count of Engoules••••, Peter Lord of Beauieu, both before and then Duke of Bourbon, and Frances, Count of Vendosme, Princes of the Bloud; there were also present Iohn Vicount of Narbenn••, Guy of Rochfort, Chancellour of France, Mesire Lewes d' Amboise, Bishop of Al••y, and Messire Iohn de Rely, Doctour in Diuinity, Bishop of Angiers, and Ordinary

••onfessary to the King, all these were on the Kings behalfe. And with the Du∣••esse came Iohn de Chalon, the Prince of Orenge, Philip of Montau••on, Chancellour Bretaigne, the Lord of Guemene, and diuers other great Lords, as well French as ••retons.

In this Marriage was borne three Male Children,* 30.31 all dying in the life time of their ••ther; who hauing reigned fourteene yeares and somwhat more, deceased (with∣•• Issue) in the City of Amboise, the Seauenth day of April, ending the yeare yeare ••oure Score and Seauenteene, before Easter, and the Seauen and Twentieth of ••s age. A Prince deformed of face and Body, but in recompence thereof, God had ••ued him with a capable spirit, very susceptible of lofty enterprises; which doubt∣••sse hee would haue effected, if heauen had spared him longer life time, being edu∣••ted (from his tender yeares) in the feare of God, works of piety and deuotion▪ and ••ese were his onely direction.

In Second Marriage, Queene Anne of Bretaigne matched with Lewes the Twelfth,* 30.32 King of France, by the decease of Charles the Eight his Cousin. Which Lewes the ••welfth (called Father of the People) after his Sacring performed at Rheimes, the ••e Seauenteenth day of May, Foure Score & Eighteene; caused himselfe to be sepa∣••ted from Mademe Ioane or Iane of France, whom he had espoused and perforce, without giuing his will and consent thereto.

This was done by Sentence deliuered from these Cardinalls, as namely Philip, ••earing title of Saint Peter Ad Vincula, named of Sauonna; Marcellinus, Cardinall of Luxembourg, and Bishop of Mans; Lewes, Cardinall D'Amboise, and Bishop of Al∣••y, and Ferdinand, Bishop of Scepta, all of them Iudges delegated by Pope Alexan∣••er the Sixt.

Both the parties being in single condition, as they were before Marriage; King Lewes tooke to wife the said Queene Anne of Bretaigne (whom hee had dearely af∣••ected from the time before remembred) in the Moneth of Ianuary, Anno, One Thou∣••and, Foure Hundred, Foure Score and Eighteene.

Of this Marriage issued, two Sonnes, deceasing young, and as many daughters: to wit,

Madame Claudia of France, married to King Frances, First of the Name:* 30.33 And,

Renea of France, Wife to Hercules d'Este, Duke of Ferrara; of whom King Lewes the Twelfth vndertooke the protection, against the violences of Pope Iulius the Second.

This Queene Anne dyed at Chasteau de Blois, the Nineteenth Day of Ianuary,* 30.34 the yeare of Grace, One Thousand, Fiue Hundred, and Thirteene, Her body lieth buried at Saint Denis in France, in the Sepulcher of King Lewes the Twelfth her ••ast husband, without the Quire on the left hand.

When this Queene was widdow to King Charles the Eight, shee engirt her Ar∣mies with a Band or Cordeliere of Siluer, which she had inuented, like to an Order of Knight-hood: to the end that the Armes of Queenes, Princesses and Ladies of high degree (being Widdowes) might bee in the like manner beautified.* 30.35 Shee wore, as a Girdle, a Cordeliere of white threed, and gaue the like to alll the Wid∣dowed Ladyes of her Court, to weare vpon their mourning garments in her imi∣tation.

And when shee made or built any Shippes in Bretaigne, Shee called them by the name of Cordelieres; especially the principall Ship of them, which wee tearme Royall.

Madame Claudia of France, her Eldest Sister, Wife to King Frances the First, gaue to the King her Husband the Duchy of Bretaigne, with other Lands beside, which shee held in succession both from Father and Mother, as heere you may be∣hold the Contract of the Donation.

A Copie of the Queenes Letters Patents, for the Duc•• of Bretaigne, and other Lands.

CLaudia, by the Grace of God, Queene of France and Duchesses of Bretaigne, &c. To 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such as shall see or read these our present Letters, Greeting. We make publikely known•• that as on the Two and Twentieth day of Aprill last past, in the City of Paris, wee gaue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 granted to our most deare and louing Lord the King our Husband, the Duchie of Bretaigne, Counties of Nantes, Blois, Montfort l' Amaury, and the Siegneury of Coucy, for causes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 full related in those Letters Patents, made and past before Iohn du Pre, and Iohn Dam, No∣taries to our Prouost of Paris, by vsing the Priuiledge of Right, wherein Queenes are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 subiected to Constitutions and Customes, whereby those Donations made by Wines to that Husbands during their Marriage, may be said to be inualidate and of no worth, but for the enioying during her life time only. Since when, considering, that the said Donation 〈◊〉〈◊〉 granted for life onely, wherein we haue not satisfied our owne will and true meaning, which was, and is, to giue them to him to all perpetuity, if in case hee shall suruiue vs, with•••••• Children descending of our Marriage, or to our Children. Hauing regard to the Cla•••••• contained in the said Donation, and likewise to the charges, costs and expences, which but must needs bee at, for conquering of our Duchie of Millaine, the paines and trauailes which hee taketh continually to recouer it; yea, the great and (well neere) infinite Summes of mo∣ney, which hee hath beene at for many yeares, as well in the life time of our most louing Lord and Father, King Lewes (whom God absolue) as since then, sent from the Realme of France, as well for conquering it sundry times, as to conserue and keepe it still ours.

And considering withall, that many Princes of our Blood, & other great Lords, Subiects, & Seruants to our Kingdome, haue exposed their goods and persons in the Conquest, recouery and keeping thereof: And that being issued and extracted of the House of France, whereof (with all our heart) wee desire the prosperity and augmentation.

And, that if our said Duchy of Bretaigne and County of Nantes, should happen to the hands of some strange Prince or Lord (which God forbid) it would proue the cause of many warres, diuisions and debates, to the great preiudice of the said Kingdome and Duchie of Bretaigne, as heretofore wee haue knowne by our deare experience: And for the intimate Loue wee beare to the good and loyall Subiects of our said Duchie of Bretaigne, and Coun∣tie of Nantes, the rest quiet and tranquility whereof wee heartily wish, and make no doubt but it may attaine vnto (by Gods assistance) so long as the Duchy and County shall apper∣taine to the Crowne of France.

For these causes and considerations, with others which haue much moued vs, and are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 large set downe in the Letters of donation made at Paris, vsing the Priuiledge of Queenes, as before is mentioned; with our certaine knowledge, good counsell, and aduice, pure, fran•• and free goodwill, so much as in vs lyeth, or reason can require: Wee haue giuen, grantly and transferred, doe giue, grant and transferre by donation irreuocable, to our said Lord and husband, at this present accepted and couenanted, our said Duchie of Bretaigne, C••¦ties of Nantes, Blois, Montfort l' Amaury, and Siegneury of Coucy, without reseruing any part or parcell of them, but going so farre forth as they can and doe extend in the Duchie, Counties and Seigneuries, giuen and granted to our said Lord and Husband perpetually, of hee shall suruiue vs without Heyres descending by our Marriage, or after the death of such descendants, if hee doe suruiue them after our decease, euen as his owne proper and peculi∣ar inheritance.

And wee promise on the sound faith and word of a Queene, to keepe and obserue all things before remembred, and neuer to gainsay or contradict any thing, for any cause, reason o•• meanes whatsoeuer, either directly or indirectly.

And wee promise, to warrant and defend (towards all, and against all) and to pay all Interests and damages, that may happen to my Lord the King, if the said Donation should not take entire and full effect; and that vnder the engagement and Obligati∣on of all and euery part of our goods, and namely the said Duchy, Counties and Seig∣neurie.

And we renounce all exceptions, as well of Right as of Fact, and will that any such cases ••appening: hee shall take possession at all times, and as often as himselfe shall thinke good. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 testimony whereof, &c. Beneath the Originall of the said Contract of Donati∣••n, is written in this manner.

Die Vigesima Octaua Mensis Iunij, Anno Domini Millesimo Quingentesimo Decimo Quinto, Donatio supradicta facta est praesente Domino nostro Rege acceptante; Domi∣no Cancellario, Magistris Florimondo Robertet, Roberto Guydoyen, & nobis Nota∣rijs subsignatis. T. Pastille. I. de Monthennault.

And thus the Duchie of Bretaigne, sundred for euer from the Crowne of France,* 31.1 ••as inseperably reunited thereunto, by the said Queene Claudia, and King Henry ••e Second her Sonne; as well by the fore-recited Donation, as at the request, ••nd by the aduise of the States of Bretaigne, the Fourth day of August, in the yeare, ••ne Thousand, Fiue Hundred, Thirty and Two.

We haue heretofore spoken somwhat, concerning the custome of Bretaigne,* 31.2 cal∣••ed Assise, made for Feodale Succession, adiudged by aduice of the States to Eldest ••rothers and Sisters, and what kinde grace remained to the youngest. Before this ••aw, the Duchy of Bretaigne was diuided betweene the Children of the Duke or ••ount deceased: which was corrected by Geoffery of England, Count of Richmond, ••irst Husband to Constance, Duchesse of Bretaigne his wife, and here you may read ••he nouell Assise.

The new Law or Assise for Bretaigne.

CVm in Britannia super terris inter fratres diuidendis detrimentum plurimum teme∣rè soleat euenire, Ego Gofridus Henrici Regis filius, Dux Britaniae, & Comes Riche∣••ntis, vtilitati nostrae praeuidere desiderans petitioni Episcoporum, & Baronum omnium ••ritanniae satis faciens, communi assensu Assisiam feci, & concessi quod in Baronijs, & ••eodis Militum, vlterius non fierent diuisiones; Sed Maior natu integrum obtineret Do∣••inatum, & minoribus suis prouiderent, & iuuarent iuxta possessionem. Ea Vero quae ••unc Iuniores possidebant in Terris, siue Denariis, tenerent quandiu viuerent. Haeredes ••uidem terras tenentium possidebunt illas in perpetuum: Denarios autem habentium Haeredes post Patres non haberent. Item si terra Minorum deuenerit in Balliuiam, Fra∣••r maior post eum Bailliam habebit; quod si fratrem non habue••••t, ille Amitis Bailliam ••unc cui decedens cum assensu Domini sui eam commendabit. In Filiabus vero qui Ma∣••em habebit, terram habeat, & Minores maritabit de terra ipsa ad Consilium Domini, & Propinquorum: generis. Si etiam in terra Maioris Maritagium aliquod accidere con∣••igerit quod Iuniori placeat, illud habebit, nec alii Maior conferre potest, dum minor velit ••bere: quod si habere noluerit, & alibi inuenerit, Maior frater ei de rebus, & caballis ••is dando perquirat pro posse suo, cum consilio Propinquorum, amicorumque. Item si Ma∣•• minoriterram dederit, de quâ eum recipiat in hominem, & sine haerede obierit, alicui de propinquis suis cui voluerit eam dabit, ita quod ad principalem Dominum non redibit. ••i autem eum non receperit in hominem, ad Maiorem fratrem haereditas reuertet. Hanc Assisiam ego Gofridus Dux Britanniae, & Constantia vxor mea, & omnes Britanniae Ba∣rones iurauimus, & tenere decernimus vt necessarium, & vt Maiores natu, & Minores 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are valeant, nec amplius in Terris, vel in Denariis partem habituri sint. Hanc Assi∣••am, siue institutionem nominatim Alano de Rohan, & eius haeredibus per totam terram ••am concessimus per mansuram. Vt igitur hoc ratum, & stabile maneat, appositione Si∣gillimei, & Constantiae vxoris meae voluimus raborari, testibus adhibitis. N. Redonensi. Petro Maclouiensi, Guichar. Dollensi Episcopis; Mauritaniae, Nannouodii, Red. & aliis plu∣••ibus Baronibus, Anno Domini, Millesimo, Centesimo, Octuagesimo.

Now, after these homages were thus performed to the Kings of France by the Dukes and Counts of Bretaigne; it was permitted to the French, being actuall Inhabi∣tants, to cause the Bretons to be called to the Royall Seats of France, on simple assig∣nations & defaults, vntil the time of Philip le Bel, King of France & Nauarre, but he 〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

And some few words after. Quia vero magna qui•• sit Metropolitanus 〈…〉〈…〉 contentio est, nulliusquam teneat memoria, vos in vestra regione, nullum 〈…〉〈…〉 Ecclesiam, tamen si libet, postquam Deus omnipotens pacem intarite; & 〈…〉〈…〉 nostrum KAROLVM Regem gloriosum (This was Charlemaigne; ••y 〈…〉〈…〉 the Kings of Bretaigne Armorica) constituerit facil•• hoc poter•• adm••, Qu•• adeo contensiosius agere creditis, ad Apostolatum destinare contendite, quate•• nostro 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bramine, quae sit apud vos antiquitus Archiepiscopalis Ecclesia, luce clarius innotesent, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deinceps omni ambiguitate recisa, quam sequi Episcopi vestri deb••ant, inc••nct••tur 〈◊〉〈◊〉 noscant.

Notwithstanding this Rescript, the petty Kings and Counts of Bretaigne did no•• cease, to exempt themselues from acknowledging the right and Iurisdiction of th•• Archbishop of Tours, and maintained the Bishop of Doll to bee their Metropolitan because their Subiects and Seruants should not go forth of Bretaigne, for caus•• c••n¦cerning Iustice and Ecclesiastiall Discipline. Vntill it happened in the time 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King Philip Augustus, a great and most magnanimous Prince, called the Good 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (by iust right) The Conquerour; that Pope Lucius, Third of the Name, 〈…〉〈…〉 with the Pallium of Archbishop and Metropolitane, the Bishop of Doll who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then.

Which tidings comming to the eares of Augustus, hee then wrote backe aga•• to the same Pope, concerning this ouer-rash enterprise of his; shewing him that, he ought not to haue done it, without his permission.

The Answere returned by Augustus to the Pope.

NVmquid obliuisci poterit Mater Filiorum vteri sui? Et ECCLESIA ROM••¦NA REGNI FRANCORVM? cum vterque de Natura sit impossibile, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 iure difficile, & de facto enorme. Quid enim vltra facere debuimus MATRIN•• STRAE ECCLESIAE ROMANAE, & non fecimus ei vsque in hodiernos 〈◊〉〈◊〉 es cum Patribus nostris? Cum ipsa gaudente gauisi sumus, & cum flente fleuimus vtra•• que Calicem passionis, & laetitiae, sine dissimulationis dolo, conbibentes. Persecutiones a••¦us, quae frequentes acciderunt, Patres nostri REGES FRANCORVM, & rab•••••• portabant humeris, & extentis brachijs defendebant. Exempla promere, est beneficia ••¦tractare, quorum debetis in quem collata sunt, non qui contulit, meminisse. Hacue s•• benefic••a meritorum REGNI FRANCORVM? Hae retributiones, & gratie•••• actione••s Deuotionis, & Fidei quam ECCLESIAE ROMANAE Patres nos•• semper exhibuerunt, in omni persecutione vestra, pro Ecclesia Domini, & suis, fideliter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 perare, & resistere viriliter alienis?

To race out this fault and errour, Pope Innocent the Third, in the yeare of Gra•• before mentioned, and the Second of his Pontificiality; determined this cause to the benefit of the Church of Tours. And as hee was a very learned man; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was hee likewise bold and couragious, in the expressing of his owne inte••¦sions.

So pronouncing the definitiue Sentence, which hee caused to bee executed vnd•• paine of Excommunication; in taking away the Pallium from the Bishop of Doll 〈◊〉〈◊〉 beginneth with these words.

Innocentius, Seruus Seruorum Dei. Doleat Dolensis & gaudeat Turonensis Eccl••sia, &c.

Of other Knights, stiled by diuers Names; as Knights of Battaile; Knights of the Siedge; Knights of Mines vnder the Ground; And Knights of the Ac∣colade or Embrace. CHAP. XVIII.

OVer and beside these Orders of France, which doe beare their perticular Titles; Kings, Lieutenants Generals of Armies,* 33.1 and Captaines of maine Battalions, were wont to giue the name of Knight, to such as had carried themselues valiantly in Bat∣tailes, rough Encounters, Mines vnder ground, Assaults, and Siedges laid to Cities, Townes and well fortefied places. Moreouer, in times of Peace, Kings vsed to make Knights,* 33.2 by colling or embracing them, who were vulgarly called Knights of Grace and Fauour, which are the meanest of all ••he rest; and yet notwithstanding, this Grace cannot be giuen but by the King one∣ly, euen no more then the degree of Nobilitie. As for the other Titles, I meane Knights of Battaile, Knights of the Mine vnder ground, and Knights of the Siedge ••aid to Cities; Lieutenants Generals haue that power from the King, granted in the vertue of their charge.

Before, or after the Battaile, such Knights are made, and in such forme and man∣••er, as we haue obserued to you in our second Booke.

Bertrand du Guesclin, Constable of France, after the Encounter made at Coche∣••d, famous by the surprizall of Sir Iohn Chandois, chiefe of the English Armie,* 33.3 ••holly disrouted; made Knights of Battaile, to wit, Messire Iacques le Mercier, Lord and Patron of Saint Quentin des Isles, a Village neere to Bernay, in Norman∣die; and the Sonne in Law of the said Mercier, named Bertauld de Castell, Lord and Patron of the Village called Vitray le Gastel, neere to L' Aigle in Norman∣die. Moreouer, at Paris there are three Bretheren, descendants from the Familie of the same Bertauld, bearing the same Sir-name and Armes of Gastel, which are D'Argent â Deux Cheurons de Sable: the eldest of which three Brethren, is Mai∣ster Frances Gastel, Councellour to the King, and Generall in his Court of Aydes.

Concerning Knights of Mines vnder ground, before,* 33.4 in the Order of Bour∣••, Page 492. We haue there declared, that Renaud of Montferrand was made Knight in the Mine of the Castell of Vertueil in Poicton, by the good Duke of Bourbon. Whereto we may adde and annexe, that which is said in the Chroni∣cle of the Vrsins, vnder the yeare One thousand foure hundred and twentie, dis∣coursing on the Siedge of Melun, maintained by the Lord of Barbazan for the French, against the English and Bourgongnons. The English hauing found by proofe, that he gaue them hot worke in their assaulting; made their recouse to vndermining; which was perceiued by the besiedged, who counter-mined also against them.

Et pour-ce qu'on disoit qu'en Mines se faisoient de vaillantes Armes, on sit seauoir que s'il••y auoit personne qui voulust faire Armes, qu'il vint. Dont LOVIS IVVE∣RAL DES VRSINS requit audit Reigneur de Barbasan, qu'il luy donnast con∣••gè d' en faire. Ce qui luy fut octroye, mais qu'il trouuast Partie, laquelle il trouua assez ay∣sement. Et estoit vn bien Gentil-homme Anglois d' Angleterre. Heure fut assignee, à la∣••uelle ils comparurent, & y•• auoit Torches, & Lumiere. Et combattirent l'vn contre l'••••tre vne grosse demie-heure, & n'y eut celuy qui ne perdist de son sang, & de ceux qui

auoyent les Gardes furent retraicts. Et n'y auoit guere Heure au Iour, 〈…〉〈…〉 la Mine des faicts d'Armes. Entre les autres, Raymond de Lore, qui estoit vn vaillant ••cuyer entrepri•• Armes Deux contre Deux, & prit pour Deuxiesme ••dict•• Et combattirent contre Deux Angl••is, bien, & vaillament, & en euren•• 〈…〉〈…〉 ne pouuoit-on-prondre l'vn l'autre, car il y auoit vn gros Cheuron▪ 〈…〉〈…〉 ••rs de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mine, haut iusques à la Poictrine, & estoit defendu que nul ne passast p••r Dessus, 〈…〉〈…〉 Dessous.

Le Roy d'Angleterre, & le Duc de Bourgongne firent•• plusieurs Che•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gran•• Seigneurs, lesquels vaillamment s'estoient portez au faict des Armes, qui ano••ent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 faicts en la Mine. Et sonnoient Trompettes, & Menestriers en leurs Seiges, & fais••ieut 〈◊〉〈◊〉 grand Ioye.

Le Seigneur de Barbasan dict aussi qu'il en vouloit faire, & enuoya querir led•• Louis des Vrsins, & Gilles d'Escheuiller (Bailly de Chartres) & les fit Cheualiers▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 aussi sonner ce qu'il y auoit de Trompettes, & sonner les Cloches de la Ville.

And because it is said, that in Mines vnder-ground valiant actions of ••es are pe••formed; it was made knowne, that if there were any man, that would so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 himself•• Armes; he should come to doe it. Whereupon, Lewes Iuuenall des Vrsins, requ•• of the said Lord of Barbazan, that he would giue him leaue to make proofe of his V••▪ Which was granted to him; but hee must finde a partie to coape withall; And it was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a very worthy Gentleman of England. The houre was appointed, and Torches and Light•• there readily prepared. And they fought each against the other a large halfe-hour 〈◊〉〈◊〉 space, and neither of them escaped, without expence of his blood, till by them which wer•• the Guards, they were retreated. And there was not any houre in the day, but stout deede•• of Armes were acted in the Mine. Among the rest, Raymond de Lore, who was a va¦liant Esquire, vndertooke to fight two against two, and accepted (as his Second) the sai•• Lewes des Vrsins. And they fought against two Englishmen, brauely and valiantly, and had the honor, and yet could not one take another: because there was a great Spar or Beame o∣uerthwart the Mine, reaching so high as to the Breast; and it was prohibited, that they should not passe either aboue, or beneath it.

The King of England and the Duke of Bourgongne made many Knights and great Lords, that carried themselues valiantly in actions of Armes, and they had bin Knighted in the Mine. And Trompets were sounded, and other Musicks in their Siedges, making great de∣light and ioy.

The Lord of Barbazan said likewise, that he would make some Knights, and sent for the said Lewes des Vrsines, and Giles d'Escheuiller (Bayliffe of Chartres) and hee made them Knights, causing it to be done with the sounding of Trompets, and ringing the Bels of the Citie.

* 33.5Now as concerning the besiedging of Townes and Citties, Iohn Bourdigne, in his History of Aniou, vnder the yeare One thousand foure hundred fiftie and two, i•• the Moneth of Iune, speaking of the Siedge of Fronsac (called in Latine Fran••ic•• Castrum, the Founder whereof is made to be our King Charlemaigne. The Chronicle of Bouchard, Monke of Lauresheim, an Abbey of the Order of Saint Benedict, in th•• Messine Countrey, vnder the yeare Seauen hundred threescore and nine: Re•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Legati, quos miserat, reuerterentur, Castrum iuxta Dornoniam (that is Dordogne) fl••i•• nomine, Francicum aedificet) hath written, that at the same Siedge were made Knight•• Peter des Barres, and Iohn de la Haye, with many other valiant Squires, that had the•• performed faire deedes of Armes. All our French Histories are full of Examples, concerning these Knights of Battailes, Mines vnder-ground, and hot Siedges.

* 33.6The last are those of the Embrace and Accollade, which the King vouchsafeth and giueth to ennoble them. Such as are of best aduise among them, doe take their Let∣ters of Nobilitie, and of their Knighthood coniointly together, for otherwise they are put to double expences; whereof we say at Paris, as a common Prouerbe and by way of mockerie. Il en ha belles Lettres sans les Seaux: He hath goodly Letters, but with∣out their Seales. And here you may behold the forme of them.

The Coppy of the Kings Letters Pa••ents.

••OVIS par la Grace de Dieu Roy de France, & de Nauarre▪ A•• pr••••ent•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 aduenir, Salut. Scauoir faisons, que desirants 〈◊〉〈◊〉 l'E••emple, & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 des Roys 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••redecesseurs, recognoistre par les tiltres, & les grades d'Honneur c••••x de nos Subiect•• qui ••ritent par leur fidele Seruice, que cy-deuant ••ous duans recogn•• par les Lettres Pa∣••es des Roys nos Deuanciers sur l'Ennoblissement de N. en datto d••. Mil▪ Six Cents ••ix-Sept, & pour l••s causes y contenues, par lesquelles il luy seroit permi•• à luy, & à sa ••sterite naiz, & a naistre en loyal Mariage, de porter telles Armes, & quand bon luy s••••∣••leroit, requerir & demander l'Ordre de Cheualerie. Pour ces causes, & autres à ce nous ••uants, & pour inciter de plus en plus nostredict Amé, & Feal N. Seigneur de N. & par∣••iculierement pour tels & tels segnalez seruices, tant par luy, que tels & tels ses 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pere, & Oncles, rendus en tels, & tels lieux, & en telles Annees. Auons faict & cree, faisons & ••reons Cheualier en l'Accolant ainsi qu'en cas somblable il est accoustume. Et en con∣sequence dequoy nous luy auons donne, & confirme, donnons, & confirmons le tiltre, & de∣••gre de Cheualerie, Droicts, Honneurs. Priuileges, Prerogatiues, & Preeminences lesquelles ••en dependent, iouir, & vser pra ledict N. tant en Guerre, Cour, & Assemblee publique de la Noblesse, qu'en Iugement, & ailleurs par tout ou il sera be soin, en la forme, & ainsi qu'ont ••ccoustume de faire, vser, & louir les autres Cheualiers d'Accolee, creez de nostre Main, & ••des Roys nos Predecesseurs. Si donno••s on Mandement à nos Amez & Feaux Conseillers ••les Gents de nos Comptes, Generaux des Aydes, Gouerneurs de nos Prouinces, Bailliages, & Seneschaucees, Iuges, ou leurs Lieutenants & à ••nos autres Iusticiers, & Officiers qu'il ••ppartiendra, que ledict N. ils facent souffrent, & la••ssent chacun endroict soy, iouir, & v∣ser plainement & paisiblement desdicts droicts de Cheualerie, Honneurs, Priuileges, Pre∣••gatiues, & Preeminences, lesquels y appartiennent. Cartel est nostre plaisir. Et a fin que ••ce soit chose serme & stable à toufiours no•••• auons faic•• ••••ttre nostre Seel à c••sdi••••s presen∣••es. Sauf en toutes autres choses nos••••e droict, & l'antr••••. Donne a Paris au Mois d' Auril ••l Au de Grace, Mil Six Cents Dixl••uie••, & de nostre Regne le Hui••ties••••e.

Signe De Lom••nie. Et sur le Reply. Par le Roy. Visa. l Du Va•••• & Seelle sur Lacs de Soye de Cire Verde.

The same in English.

LEwes by the Grace of God, King of France and of Nauarre. To all present and to come, Greeting. We make knowne, that ••••••••ng by the Example, and in the Imitation of the Kings our Predecessours, to acknowledge by titles and degrees of Honour, such of our ••ubiects as deserue for their faithfull Seruices, which heretofore haue bin made knowne to ••es, by Letters Patents of the Kings our fore-goers, for the ennobling of N. bearing date 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the yeare One thousand sixe hundred and seauenteene, and for the causes therein con∣tained, whereby is permitted to him, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, posteritie, begotten and borne in loyall Marriage, to beare such Armes, and when it shall seeme good to him, to require and demand the Order of Knighthood. For these causes, and others thereto mouing vs, and to incite more and more our said Beloued and Loyall N. Lord of N. and perticularly for such and such worthy Seruices, as well by him, as such and such his Grandfathers, Father and Vn∣••les, performed in such and such places, and in such yeares. Wee haue made and Crea∣ted, doe make and Create him a Knight in Colling and Embracing him, as in the like cases hath bin accustommed. And in consequence whereof, we haue giuen and confir∣med, doe giue and confirme the title and degree of Knight, by these presents signed with our hand. For the said title and degree of Knighthood, the Rights, Honours, Priuiledges and Preheminences, which are to be enioyed 〈…〉〈…〉 the said N. as well in Warre, Court and publique Assembly of our Nobilitie, as in iudgement and otherwise euery where, he shall thinke fit, in the forme, and as hath bin vsed to make vse and enioy the same by as other Knights of the Embracing or Colling, created by our hand, and the Kings our Prede∣cessours

Euen so doe we giue in command to our beloued and faithfull 〈…〉〈…〉 Officers of our Accounts, Generals of Aydes, 〈…〉〈…〉 Stewardships, Iudges, or their Lieutenants, and to all our other Iustices 〈…〉〈…〉 whom it may appertaine: that the said N. they doe suffer and leaue 〈…〉〈…〉 enioy and vse plainely and peaceably the said Rights of Knighthood▪ 〈…〉〈…〉 Prerogatiues, and Preheminences which are thereto belonging. For such 〈…〉〈…〉 And to the end that this may be a matter firme and stable for euer▪ we haue to 〈…〉〈…〉 set our Seale. Reseruing in all other things our right, and what else▪ Giues 〈…〉〈…〉 Moneth of Aprill, and yeare of Grace One thousand sixe hundred and eight•••••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 Reigne the eight.

Signed De Lomeni••.

And on the Folde. By the King. Visa. Du Vair: And Sealed with Greene Waxe on Strings of Silke.

And heere wee thinke fit (with this conclusion) to place the Piece of the Her∣mine, being the Or∣der of Bretaigne.

[illustration]

The End of the Third BOOKE and first TOME.

Notes

• * 1.1

  L'Ordre de l•• Genette.
• * 1.2

  Languedocke ouercome by the Moores.
• * 1.3

  The intent of Charles Mar∣tell for Aqui∣taine.
• * 1.4

  The number of men in Charles Mar∣tell Armie.
• * 1.5

  Abdiramo slain in the field, and the Armie ••oiled.
• * 1.6

  A description of the Beast, called a Gen∣net.
• * 1.7

  Concerning two kindes of Gennets, the rare and the common.
• * 1.8

  The passage of Charles Martell into Languedock.
• * 1.9

  At what time this Order of Knighthood flourished in France.
• * 1.10

  The Bauldrick or Golden Girdle.
• * 1.11

  The pretended Gods of the Gaules and French.
• * 1.12

  The Temple of Mar•• on Mont-martre neere to Paris.
• * 1.13

  The meaning of the Red Rose in the Ba••ner.
• * 1.14

  The Lyon is the ripe of Va∣lour, as the Beare is of cru∣eltie.
• * 1.15

  Atheneus de Coena Celt••.
• * 1.16

  The death of Charles Martel.
• * 1.17

  Errors commit∣ted by Charles Martel.
• * 1.18

  A garment like a Petti∣coate with body & skirts.
• * 1.19

  The condem∣nation of Charles Mar∣tell.
• * 1.20

  Rigobert Arch∣bishoppe of Rheimes ex∣pelled by Mar∣tell.
• * 1.21

  Martell borne out of lawfull marriage.
• * 1.22

  A strange vi∣sion seene by S. Eucherius.
• * 1.23

  The ceasing of the O••der of the Gennet
• * 1.24

  •• Ordre de la Coron••e R••y∣al••.
• * 1.25

  The 〈…〉〈…〉 this Order.
• * 1.26

  How greatly Ki••g Charle∣maigne enlar∣ged France.
• * 1.27

  The three va∣liant Princes, of the French.
• * 1.28

  Lewes the loi∣terer, or Doe nothing.
• * 1.29

  The Popes an∣swer to the message.
• * 1.30

  Lewes the fift last King of the second Ligne.
• * 1.31

  The issue of Pepin King of Italie.
• * 1.32

  The French Empire deui∣ded into three portions.
• * 1.33

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈…〉〈…〉 Kingdom.
• * 1.34

  How dange∣rous the dis∣membering of a State is.
• * 1.35

  The originall and descent of Capet questi∣oned.
• * 1.36

  Fables numbe∣red only to di∣sturbe the peace of France.
• * 1.37

  An exact Or∣der set downe against the ba∣stards of Kings.
• * 1.38

  Concerning the descent of the House of Lorraine.
• * 1.39

  Anchises the father of Ae∣neas.
• * 1.40

  Clothaire the Great King of all France.
• * 1.41

  Arnulph resto∣rer of the Ab∣bey of S. Denis in France.
• * 1.42

  The reason of sir-names in elder times.
• * 1.43

  Hildebert son to Grimoald.
• * 1.44

  Hildebert cho∣sen king of Au∣strasia.
• * 1.45

  The two sons of Pepin le Gros, and their portions.
• * 1.46

  The birth of Pepin le Bref, sir named the Dwarfe or little man.
• * 1.47

  The marriage and issue of Pepin le Bref
• * 1.48

  The true Ge∣nealogie or descent of Charles Mar∣tell.
• * 1.49

  Charles the Simple borne after his Fa∣thers death.
• * 1.50

  Why he was called Charles the Simple.
• * 1.51

  Henry the Bird-catches.
• * 1.52

  Martin, eldest sonne to Clo∣dulphus Duke of Austrasia.
• * 1.53

  Errors com∣mitted by some Histori∣ans concer∣ning Charles Martell.
• * 1.54

  Thierry Count and Gouer∣nor of France.
• * 1.55

  A Parliament helde by Charles the Great in his Tents.
• * 1.56

  The Sacred Pallace an an∣cient name in France.
• * 1.57

  Thierry met them at the entrance of Saxonie.
• * 1.58

  The discretion of a prouident Commander.
• * 1.59

  The Gouern∣ment of Sax∣onie giuen to Thierry.
• * 1.60

  The descent of the Saxon Dukes.
• * 1.61

  The Armes of Prince Thierry permitted by Charlemaigne
• * 1.62

  Issue of the marriage of Thierry with Iutha.
• * 1.63

  The inhumain cruelty of Pi∣rates & Rouers
• * 1.64

  The reason why Prince Robert was called into France.
• * 1.65

  Aniou deui∣ded in two Counties.
• * 1.66

  The fortunes of Thierry fol∣lowing Lothair King of Italie.
• * 1.67

  Eudes made Regent of France.
• * 1.68

  The birth of Charles the Simple.
• * 1.69

  The Stamme∣rers Bastards.
• * 1.70

  Arnulph the Bastard Son of Carloman.
• * 1.71

  No stranger King of France although a Prince of the Blood.
• * 1.72

  The Text of the Salique Law.
• * 1.73

  Robert Sacred King of France
• * 1.74

  The issue of Hugh the great Abbot.
• * 1.75

  Of Hugh Ca∣pet or Capouche and his arising to be King.
• * 1.76

  The passage of the Crown of France from the Lign of Charle∣maigne.
• * 1.77

  The appariti∣on of S. Vale∣ry to Hugh the great Ab∣bot.
• * 1.78

  Dante the Flo∣rentine Poet.
• * 1.79

  He is no vsur∣per or inuader that is called lawfully to the Crowne.
• * 1.80

  The troubles of the vnholy League.
• * 1.81

  Godfrey a Prince of Den¦marke.
• * 1.82

  Another re∣turne of the Norman into France.
• * 1.83

  Charles le Gras foiled in Bat∣taile by the Normans and Danes, and forced to seeke their frendship
• * 1.84

  Lothaire mar∣ried his Con∣cubine Wal∣drada.
• * 1.85

  Gista married to Godfrey the Dane.
• * 1.86

  Hugh vsurped a great part of Lorraine.
• a 1.87

  The Hus∣band to his Sister Gista
• * 1.88

  Godfrey slaine treacherously by the Empe∣rors procure∣ment.
• * 1.89

  Of the Ba∣stard Son of Hugh.
• * 1.90

  Of three seue∣rall meanes, whereby the Crowne of France belong¦ed to Hugh Capet.
• * 1.91

  The begin∣ning of the French Mo∣narchie.
• * 1.92

  Charlemaigne the reformer of Religion.
• * 1.93

  The wise and worthy go∣uernment of Hugh Capet.
• * 1.94

  A truely No∣ble minde in a King.
• * 1.95

  The Procla∣mation pub∣lished by Hugh Capet.
• * 1.96

  Abuses com∣mitted by great Officers of the Crowne.
• * 1.97

  Offices dou∣bled on euery man in his de∣gree.
• * 1.98

  The Peoples tranquilitie es∣pecially respe∣cted.
• * 1.99

  The birth and originall of Leagues and factions in France.
• * 1.100

  The meanes of preseruing power in the Kings hand.
• * 1.101

  France was in a wofull con∣dition when Hugh Capet recouered it.
• * 1.102

  Robert the De∣uout, Sonne to Capet.
• * 1.103

  The ••dole of Mercury ouer∣throwne.
• * 1.104

  The Temple of Mercurie the chiefest at Paris.
• * 1.105

  Conuersion of Mercuries pro∣phane Temple to a Church.
• * 1.106

  Concerning the Picture of the Virgin Ma∣ry.
• * 1.107

  The Bishops See of Diony∣sius Ar••opagita
• * 1.108

  The Martyr∣dome of S Di¦onysius, Eleu∣therius and Rusticus.
• * 1.109

  S. Denys roa∣sted on a Gri∣diron.
• * 1.110

  Translation of the Bishops See to the Isle of Paris.
• * 1.111

  The pictures of King Clouis and his Sonne Chaldebert.
• * 1.112

  The misterie of the Trinitie taught to the Parisians by S. Denys.
• * 1.113

  Robert the De∣uout a famous reedifier of Churches in diuers places.
• * 1.114

  The Counts of Paris suc∣ceeded the Ro∣main Prouosts
• * 1.115

  The gift of Archambauld Count of Pa∣ris.
• * 1.116

  The figure of Phillip Augu∣stus and 28. Kings.
• * 1.117

  Archambaulde sonne and suc∣cessour to Len∣degisilus.
• * 1.118

  Engueran de Marigny, Count of Longue-uille.
• * 1.119

  A Chappell erected by Ro∣bert the De∣uout.
• * 1.120

  King Robert an excellent Latine Poet.
• * 1.121

  The Pilgri∣mage of King Robert to Rome.
• * 1.122

  Constance, the proud Queene of France.
• * 1.123

  Gracious hu∣militie in a King.
• * 1.124

  King Robert his besiedging the Towne of Aualon.
• * 1.125

  The Order of Knighthood instituted by King Robert, in Anno 1022
• * 1.126

  The Oath and daily duetie of the Knights.
• * 1.127

  A Prayer of the Kings own making.
• * 1.128

  Knights of the Star all Peeres of France.
• * 1.129

  Phillip Augu∣stus crowned King, and made Knight of the Starre.
• * 1.130

  Other Lords honored with the same Order of the Starre. A most royall and sumptuous Feast.
• * 1.131

  Thi••bault first King of Na∣uarte.
• * 1.132

  Phillip le Bell Knight of the Starre.
• * 1.133

  Prince Gaston made Knight of the Starre.
• * 1.134

  The famous and memora¦ble Banquet made b•• the Prince Gaston de ••oix.
• * 1.135

  The Seruices a•• they c••me to the Tables.
• * 1.136

  A 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ca∣stle se••••ed in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 enter∣••uise
• * 1.137

  The second Entercourse a Tiger.
• * 1.138

  The third En∣tercourse was a great Moun∣taine.
• * 1.139

  The fourth Entercourse a man on Horse∣backe.
• * 1.140

  The fift Enter∣course a Pea∣cock in a Ship
• * 1.141

  Establishing of the Order of the Starre by King Iohn.
• * 1.142

  Knights crea∣ted of the Star by the King.
• * 1.143

  ••••. Knights of the Order of the Starre.
• * 1.144

  Contradicti∣ons concer∣ning the Or∣der of the Star
• * 1.145

  Knight of the Watch for the night time in Paris.
• * 1.146

  The death of King Charles the seuenth.
• * 2.1

  The Starre Royall, or Royall Order of knighthood.
• * 2.2

  Mauld twice married, and to whom.
• * 2.3

  A Planter of Broom ••hrubs.
• * 2.4

  A matter worth the ob∣seruation.
• * 2.5

  Geoffrey of Aniou made Knight by king Henry of Eng∣land, in Anno 11••7.
• * 2.6

  The auncient manner and custome of making Knights.
• * 2.7

  Two Orders of knighthood instituted by King Lewes.
• * 2.8

  The birth of King Lewes.
• * 2.9

  His young comming to the Crowne.
• * 2.10

  The Regencie of Women al∣waies hatefull to the French.
• * 2.11

  The worthie life and wise∣dom of Queen Blanche.
• * 2.12

  Queen Blanch resigned her Regencie to the King her sonne.
• * 2.13

  Genista Hispa∣nica, Spanish broome. Humilis, wood waxen, Base broome. Sp••esa Sylue∣stris Whi••nes or Futtes.
• * 2.14

  Broome is al∣waies said to prosper best in s••ragie and leane grounds.
• * 2.15

  A description of the Broom
• * 2.16

  The great and admirable hu∣militie of the holy and reli∣gious King.
• * 2.17

  His exaltation to the King∣dome by his humilitie.
• * 2.18

  Concerning the Coller of the Order, with the Em∣blazon.
• * 2.19

  Marriage of the Count of Artois to the Duke of Bra∣bants daugh∣ter.
• * 2.20

  An assembly of the King∣domes general Estates at Pa∣ris, for giuing the Order.
• * 3.1

  Le Viel des Montaignes a tyrannous ki••g of the Arsacides and Beduins.
• * 3.2

  Schollers trai∣ned vp in a most deuilish Doctrine.
• * 3.3

  King Lewes his Guard of an hundred Gen∣tlemen.
• * 3.4

  Originall of the Kings hun∣dred Gentle∣men.
• * 3.5

  Guardes to the Predecessours of S. Lewes.
• * 3.6

  What ensued on the great feare and dis∣may of King Lewes.
• * 3.7

  Concerning the first inuen∣ter of Nauiga∣tion.
• * 3.8

  The reason of King Lewes his two voyages into the East.
• * 3.9

  Of the Kings of the first and second lign in their voyages.
• * 3.10

  The third lign exceeded both the other in length of reign
• * 3.11

  The Kings of France voya∣gers to the Ho∣ly-Land
• * 3.12

  The first voy∣age of King Lewes to Ae∣gypt and Pa∣lestine.
• * 3.13

  The Kings of England Dukes of Guyenne & Normandie.
• * 3.14

  The Iourney of King Lewes the seauenth to Ierusalem.
• * 3.15

  The Kings re∣turne by Sea.
• * 3.16

  The returne of King Phillip Augustus back againe.
• * 3.17

  Concerning the Co••quest of Constantin∣ople by the French Barons
• * 3.18

  Enguerrand de Ba••lleu••••, first Admirall of France.
• * 3.19

  The Hauen of Aigues-Mortes made by the King S. Lewes.
• * 3.20

  A new Order of Knighthood instituted by King Lewes.
• * 3.21

  Ordenances deuised & ap∣pointed by Mahomet.
• * 3.22

  How the Turkes do call Constantinople in their Lan∣guage.
• * 3.23

  The Emperors of the East their presump¦tuous tit••es.
• * 3.24

  The Crescent the signe of the High-Priesthood, and Royall Dignitie.
• * 3.25

  Apoc. 12 1.
• * 3.26

  Esay 3.16.17 18.19.20.
• * 3.27

  A Prophesie against the proud Iewish Women.
• a 3.28

  Grashoppers
• b 3.29

  People of Libya, adioy∣ning to the Psyll••.
• * 3.30

  Concerning the house of Angolesme,
• * 3.31

  Kings & great Lords of the Canibals.
• * 3.32

  The Armes of the Turkes.
• * 3.33

  The Loue-to∣ken of Hus∣bands to their Wiues.
• * 3.34

  Mahomet vsed alwayes to weare Greene colour.
• * 3.35

  The Turkes greatest fauor to his best friends.
• * 3.36

  The loue of King L••wes to his followers in his last voy∣age.
• * 3.37

  The death of King Lewes be∣fore Carthage in Affrica.
• * 3.38

  The decaying of this Order in France.
• * 3.39

  The continu∣ance of this Order in Na∣ples & Sicilie.
• * 3.40

  Of the Cere∣monies obser∣ued in this Order.
• * 3.41

  William Coūt of Holland chosen King of the Romans, and created Knight.
• * 3.42

  Ordenances belonging to the Order of Knighthood.
• * 3.43

  The auncient Order & man∣ner of making Knights.
• * 3.44

  The Kings of France made Knights by Prelates.
• * 3.45

  Dan. 10.13. Dan. 12.2.
• * 3.46

  Voyces in the Temple of Ierusalem.
• * 3.47

  Romanessus the Tutelarie God of Rome
• * 3.48

  The reason why the Ro∣mans feared to haue the name of their Tutelary God knowne.
• * 3.49

  S. Michael the Tutelarie An∣gell of France.
• * 3.50

  The Feast day of S. Michael in France.
• * 3.51

  The yeares be∣ginning with the Auncient French.
• * 3.52

  The decree de∣termined in the Romaine Councell.
• * 3.53

  Of the two se∣uerall deliue∣rances of France.
• * 3.54

  The first ex∣ample concer∣ning the Eng∣lish in France.
• * 3.55

  The English driuen from their besied∣ging Orleans.
• * 3.56

  The second example, thē vtter ouer∣throw if the bloudy League and recouerie of Paris.
• * 3.57

  The ioyf••ll words of King Henry the fourth.
• * 3.58

  The Vow made by King Charles the se∣uenth in honor of S. Michael.
• * 3.59

  The Royall en∣trance of King Cha••les the se∣uenth into the Citie of Paris.
• * 3.60

  The Standard of Saint Mi∣chael the Arch-Angell.
• * 3.61

  King Charles his entrance into Rouen.
• * 3.62

  The Kings per∣ticuler deuo∣tion to S. Mi∣chael.
• * 3.63

  The Kings daughter na∣med Michaelle.
• * 3.64

  The Streete and Gate of Hell, the name of them alte∣red by the King.
• * 3.65

  A Copie of the Letters Pa∣tents.
• * 3.66

  The number of Knights 36. the King the chiefe.
• * 3.67

  The Coller of the Order gi∣uen by the King and how to be worne.
• * 3.68

  How & when wearing the great Coller is to be excused.
• * 3.69

  Of what weight in gold the Coller ought to be.
• * 3.70

  For propaga∣tion of loue & amitie in the Order.
• * 3.71

  Against iniu∣rious offending Militarie at∣tempt•• vpon honorable oc∣casions.
• * 3.72

  No warres or danger to be vndertaken without aduise of the knights.
• * 3.73

  A limitation for vndertak∣ing warres or long voyages by any of the Knights.
• * 3.74

  In case of dif∣ference or dis∣content be∣tweene any of the Knights.
• * 3.75

  For iniurie or offence offerd to any knight or Officer.
• * 3.76

  For mouing war against any Knight of the Order.
• * 3.77

  Concerning trauaile, or seruing in War vnder any for∣reigne Prince.
• * 3.78

  Continuance in the Order during life, ex∣cept in cases of foule crimes.
• * 3.79

  In case of er∣rour or heresie and treason.
• * 3.80

  〈…〉〈…〉 be g••iu••n by the Soueraigne and Compa∣nions of the Order.
• * 3.81

  O•• wrong or iniurie by the Soueraigne to any of the Knights.
• * 3.82

  Co••cerning precedencie o•• priori••ie of place in the Order.
• * 3.83

  For such as come into the Order after the prime election.
• * 3.84

  The paiment of euery knight to the Treasu∣rer.
• * 3.85

  Paiment of money to the decease of any knight.
• * 3.86

  For the place and Church of the Mount Saint Michael.
• * 3.87

  Seates in the Church for the Soueraigne and Knights.
• * 3.88

  The Chaun∣cellour of the Order, and what he must be.
• * 3.89

  The Se••le of the Order to be kept by the Chancellour.
• * 3.90

  Of the absence of Knights from meetings and Chapters.
• * 3.91

  Concerning the Register of the Order, and the Bookes by him to be kept
• * 3.92

  Another Book appertaining to the Order.
• * 3.93

  A Treasurer of the Order, and the charges belonging to his Office.
• * 3.94

  Order concer∣ning any Knight decea∣sed or depri∣ued.
• * 3.95

  Concerning the Endow∣ments & other benefits be∣longing to the Order.
• * 3.96

  Bookes of Charters, Pri∣uiledges, &c.
• * 3.97

  The Herauld and King of Armes of the Order called Mont. S. Mi∣chael.
• * 3.98

  The yearely pension and allowance to be paid to the Herauld or King of Armes of the Order.
• * 3.99

  Concerning the foure espe∣ciall Officers of the Order.
• * 3.100

  An Order for especial obser∣uing the Festi∣uall day of S. Michael.
• * 3.101

  For altering or deferring the dayes of meeting.
• * 3.102

  Offices to be done on the Vigile or Fue of S. Michael by the Bre∣thren.
• * 3.103

  The manner of their wea∣ring habits for going to the Church.
• * 3.104

  The Ceremo∣nie to be vsed on the Feast day of S. Mi∣chael.
• * 3.105

  Office for the day at Euening Prayer, and the next day following.
• * 3.106

  The Offering of great Waxe Candles.
• * 3.107

  What is to be done on the morrow after the Feast day.
• * 3.108

  The Office of the Chancel∣lour at the Chapter.
• * 3.109

  For any such as shall offend against the Rules of the Order.
• * 3.110

  For auoiding partialitie or fauourable re∣spect either in Prince or Peers
• * 3.111

  Encourage∣ment to the yonger Bro∣ther of the Order.
• * 3.112

  Concerning complaint of some crime committed, reuealed in the Chapter-time
• * 3.113

  For auoiding of scandale to the Order, after depriua∣tion.
• * 3.114

  For sending back the Col∣ler of a decea∣sed Knight.
• * 3.115

  Losse of the Coller in any honorable action, and in the contrary.
• * 3.116

  For choice of a new Brother when a place is vacan••.
• * 3.117

  For procee∣ding in the act of new Electi∣on.
• * 3.118

  Another ser∣uice before perform••nce of the Election
• * 3.119

  The order ob∣serued in the Election.
• * 3.120

  What is done, if the Knight made coo••ce of is ab••e••t at the Election.
• * 3.121

  Concerning the qualitie of the person e∣lected, and his occasions.
• * 4.1

  The sonne of the Soueraigns answere.
• * 5.1

  Articles with∣in compasse of the Oath.
• * 5.2

  The words of the King to the Knight.
• * 5.3

  The new Knights pre∣senting to the Soueraigne.
• * 5.4

  Of refusing the Election.
• * 5.5

  For vacancie of the Chan∣cellors Office.
• * 5.6

  The Oath of the Chancellor
• * 5.7

  For sealing with the Seale of the Order.
• * 5.8

  Vacancie of the Registers Office, & ele∣ctiō of another
• * 5.9

  The Oath of the Register.
• * 5.10

  The Oath of the Treasurer.
• * 5.11

  The Oath of the Herauld Mont S. Mi∣chael.
• * 5.12

  The Kings ab∣solute confir∣mation of the Order, and all Articles there∣in contained.
• * 5.13

  An especi••ll•• exception, and other of like nature, to per∣ticuler Articles
• * 5.14

  The finall act of full ratifica∣tion▪
• * 5.15

  The great and lesser Seales.
• * 5.16

  Of the great Coller of the Order.
• * 5.17

  Alteration of the points into twisted Cor∣dons of Gold.
• * 5.18

  Alteration of the Cloaks by King Henry the second.
• * 5.19

  Other habits by him likewise appointed.
• * 5.20

  The forme of their sitting.
• * 5.21

  A second State
• * 5.22

  Their Habits.
• * 5.23

  Funerall me∣morie.
• * 5.24

  The Offering.
• * 5.25

  The worth and dignity of the Order.
• * 5.26

  The reason of the Orders Institution.
• * 5.27

  The first Ses∣sion and Ce∣remonie of the Order.
• * 5.28

  The mercilesse trouble caused by the League in Paris.
• * 5.29

  A Description of the great Coller of the Order.
• * 6.1

  His Election to be King of Poland, and returne to France.
• * 6.2

  Care and re∣gard of Knight¦hoods honor and support.
• * 6.3

  Erection of the Order of the Holy-Ghost.
• * 6.4

  The Soueraign or great Mai∣ster of the Or∣der.
• * 6.5

  The great Mai∣sters title vni∣ted to the Crowne of France.
• * 6.6

  No power be∣fore Corona∣tion.
• * 7.1

  The Arch-bi∣shop or his de∣putie holdeth the Booke for receiuing the Oach.
• * 7.2

  What Cleargy men were constituted to be of the Or∣der, and what belonged to their charge and office.
• * 7.3

  The Great Almone•• a chiefe Com∣maunder.
• * 7.4

  For election of the Cardi∣nals, Arch-bi∣shops, &c.
• * 7.5

  Necessarie du∣•••••• to be per∣formed by the Cl••••rgie men.
• * 7.6

  Concerning the Great Al∣moner.
• * 8.1

  The intent of the Orders in∣stitution.
• * 8.2

  Care of since∣ritie in Reli∣gion.
• * 8.3

  Gentilitie of three descents.
• * 8.4

  The Kings only preroga∣tiue.
• * 8.5

  A Royall pro∣uidence for e∣lecting Bre∣theren in the Order.
• * 8.6

  Information to be giuen to the King.
• * 8.7

  Commissions for firme intel∣ligence of the Parties nomi∣nated.
• * 8.8

  In what man∣ner the proues are to be made for Religi∣on, &c.
• * 8.9

  Concerning proues of No∣bility, & how they are to be made.
• * 8.10

  How, and to whom the Commisions for Nobility are to be di∣rected.
• * 8.11

  What is to be done after the Chancellour hath receiued the Verball Answere.
• * 8.12

  Relation of military serui∣ces done for ••he•• King.
• * 8.13

  Concerning the receiuing of strangers into the Or∣der.
• * 8.14

  Of Comman∣ders Sonnes and Kindred of the Order.
• * 8.15

  For appearing in the formall hab••ts of the Order.
• * 8.16

  The manner and forme of deliuering the Habites and Coller of the Order.
• * 8.17

  What behaui∣our is vsed in the Church, to a new chosen person.
• * 8.18

  The Chancel∣lour Office.
• * 8.19

  The Register.
• * 8.20

  The Maister of the Cere∣monies. The Kings words in put∣ting on the Cloake and Mantle.
• * 8.21

  The Kings words at the deliuery of the Coller.
• * 9.1

  The Vowe & Oath taken by the Comman∣ders.
• * 9.2

  Concerning Seruice to a foraign Prince by any of the Commanders
• * 9.3

  The Orders of S. Michael and the Holy-Ghost allowed toge∣ther.
• * 9.4

  A summe of money disbur∣sed for the maintenance of the Order.
• * 9.5

  Of what number of persons the Order is to consist.
• * 9.6

  No pension to be diminished.
• * 9.7

  Absolute pro∣uision of all Commandes.
• * 9.8

  Vpon vacan∣cie of a Com∣maunderie.
• * 9.9

  The Chancel∣lours ordinary stipend.
• * 9.10

  The Seale to be kept by the Chancellour.
• * 9.11

  Duties apper∣taining to the Chancellours charge.
• * 9.12

  The Office of the Maister of the Ceremo∣nies, and his stipend.
• * 9.13

  His charge on the dayes of celebrating the Order in the Church.
• * 9.14

  His charge on the death of any of the Or∣der.
• * 9.15

  His charge for contenti∣ons and qua∣rels, &c.
• * 9.16

  The Fees and rights belon∣ging to the Maister of the Ceremonies.
• * 9.17

  The Treasu∣rer of the Or∣der.
• * 9.18

  Such matters as belong to the Treasurers Office.
• * 9.19

  For making the Collers of the Order.
• * 9.20

  The Treasu∣rers yearly ac∣count to bee giuen at ge∣nerall Chap∣ters.
• * 9.21

  A Booke for all Donatiues to the Order.
• * 9.22

  The Register of the Order his s••ipend.
• * 9.23

  Duties of ser∣uice belonging to the Regi∣sters charge.
• * 9.24

  Another Re∣gister Book for Informations, &c.
• * 9.25

  The four chief Officers.
• * 9.26

  The Herauld or King of Armes of the Order.
• * 9.27

  The Gentle∣man Vsher of the Order.
• * 9.28

  Election of Officers by the Soueraign.
• * 9.29

  Of Pensions and Wages.
• * 9.30

  The Court of Requestain the Pallace at Pa∣ris.
• * 9.31

  Allowance of Acts made in the Chapters.
• * 9.32

  Genealogies or Pedegrees for proofe of their Nobility.
• * 9.33

  The certa••ne day of cele∣brating the Order in the Church.
• * 10.1

  Concerning the Officers.
• * 10.2

  The Kings roy∣all dinner to his Knights. &c.
• * 10.3

  Their manner of going to Eeuen-song.
• * 10.4

  Mourning Seruice for them of the Order decea∣sed.
• * 10.5

  A generall Chapter to be held after Dinner.
• * 10.6

  For errors and offences com∣mitted by Commanders
• * 10.7

  For auoiding contention & quarrel in their publique go∣ing.
• * 10.8

  Concerning such Knights are of both the Orders.
• * 10.9

  Colour of the Crosses to be worne.
• * 10.10

  Crosses for∣med according to them of Malta.
• * 10.11

  The Habites of the Order to remaine in the High Trea∣surers keeping
• * 10.12

  A due to the Treasurer for the Augustines
• * 10.13

  The Kings care for his Knights daily holy ex∣ercises.
• * 10.14

  For wi••ful ob∣stinacie from the Cōmunion
• * 10.15

  For wearing the Great Col∣ler of the Or∣der.
• * 10.16

  For attendance on the Soue∣raigne.
• * 10.17

  Auoiding of contentions and qua••rels.
• * 10.18

  Intelligence of contentions.
• * 10.19

  The Kings so∣lemne prote∣station.
• * 13.1

  Two Cōmis∣sions from the Register.
• * 13.2

  Contents of the first.
• * 13.3

  The second Commission.
• * 13.4

  Import of the Titles.
• * 13.5

  Proof of No∣bilitie by three des••••rts.
• * 13.6

  Epitaphes and Monuments.
• * 13.7

  Enquest of O••fice.
• * 13.8

  The O••fi••e of Armes.
• * 13.9

  A Memor••all of Seruices
• * 16.1

  How the Kings of the first and second Ligne sealed.
• * 16.2

  Sealing with white Waxe by p••i••••ledges granted.
• * 16.3

  None but the King and his eldest Sonne sealed with white Waxe.
• * 16.4

  The descriptiō of the Great ••eale of the Order.
• * 16.5

  The contrary side of the Seale.
• * 16.6

  ••'Ordre de la Char••e C••r••∣st••enne.
• * 16.7

  The 〈…〉〈…〉 the Order.
• * 16.8

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 16.9

  Establishment of the Order.
• * 16.10

  A remem∣brance of the 79. Article.
• * 16.11

  Hee that tra∣duced Plu∣tarch out of Greeke into French, and Heliodorus.
• * 16.12

  The Contents of the Table.
• * 16.13

  The Armes of Philip de Comines.
• * 16.14

  Three goodly Tables.
• * 16.15

  The beautify∣ing of the Chappel.
• * 16.16

  The Chancel∣lors Article reformed by the King.
• * 16.17

  The Inscripti∣on on the marble Table.
• * 16.18

  The Kings in∣tent for insti∣tuting another new Order of Knighthood.
• * 16.19

  A Kingly An∣swere.
• * 16.20

  The generall opinion of the Phoenix.
• * 16.21

  Hyperiod, the Greeke name of the Sunne.
• * 16.22

  A Towne on the edges of Egypt.
• * 16.23

  At what time the Phoenix was seene in Egypt.
• * 16.24

  Cornel. Tacit. in Annal. lib. 6
• * 16.25

  A Stone of diuers colours yet cleare as Christall, bea∣ring purple & white spottes.
• * 16.26

  Plin. in Hist. Nat. Lib. 10.
• a 16.27

  Phoenicia is a Country in Sy∣ria, next to Iudea.
• b 16.28

  Lybia is Af∣fr••ca, named so of Lybia, daughter to E∣paphanus, Iu∣piters Sonne.
• * 16.29

  Resurrection of the dead proued by the example of the Phoenix.
• * 18.1

  L'Ordre du Saint Lazaro.
• * 18.2

  The cruelty of the Turkes & Sarazens to Christians in the Holy-Land.
• * 18.3

  The bounty of King Lewes to the Knights of S. Lazarus.
• * 18.4

  The cause of this Orders subuerssion.
• * 18.5

  Hugh Good-fellow, Pope of Rome.
• * 18.6

  Opposition made by the K. of France.
• * 18.7

  The Knights of Malta, en∣ioyed all of S. Lazarus.
• * 18.8

  A new Order of Knight∣hood, of an Hundred French Gen∣tlemen.
• * 18.9

  The Husband of three wiues.
• * 18.10

  Reckoning of the pounds af∣ter the French Rates.
• * 18.11

  The first Great Maister of both the Orders.
• * 18.12

  The manner of his creation by the King.
• * 18.13

  The Great Seal of the Order.
• * 18.14

  L'Ordre d'Or∣leans, dit du Porc. Espoc.
• * 18.15

  How the Crowne of France came to the House of Orleans.
• * 18.16

  The Title of Lewes of France, his Armes and Descendants.
• * 18.17

  An errour in Annalists, a∣bout the name of Valois.
• * 18.18

  Kings com∣ming to their Crownes, lose their Sir-names.
• * 18.19

  Lewes of Frāce his wife and issue.
• * 18.20

  Of Charles Duke of Orle∣••••ans, eldest Son to Lewes of France.
• * 18.21

  Valentina of Millaine seek∣eth reuenge for the murder of her husbād.
• * 18.22

  The Disticks passing vnder Catos name writtē by Iohn of Orleans here in England.
• * 18.23

  A good dire∣ction to Ser∣uants.
• * 18.24

  His daily cha∣ritie to the Poore.
• * 18.25

  His Fasting.
• * 18.26

  His Musicall delight.
• * 18.27

  His apparell and aduise to his Subiects.
• * 18.28

  The making of this Will and Death.
• * 18.29

  His buriall in Saint Peters Church of An∣goulesme.
• * 18.30

  Information giuen by the Bishop of An∣goulesme.
• * 18.31

  Concerning his marriage and issue.
• * 18.32

  Charles, sonne and Successor to Iohn the Re∣ligious, and the issue descen∣ding of him.
• * 18.33

  Iohn the Ba∣stard of Orle∣ans.
• * 18.34

  The Knight without blame and Shield of the French.
• * 18.35

  Great Cham∣berlaine of France.
• * 18.36

  Out of the Re∣cords of Frāce a noate to be obserued.
• * 18.37

  The furnish∣ment of the Bastard of Or∣leans.
• * 18.38

  The cruell murder of Lewes Duke of Orleans.
• * 18.39

  An auncient Order of Beg∣ging Fri••rs in Paris.
• * 18.40

  The Order of bearing the dead Body to the Celestines.
• * 18.41

  Princes of the House of Or∣leans.
• * 18.42

  At what age the Duke was murdered.
• * 18.43

  Yong and old I snatch away
• * 18.44

  What terrour ensued on the murder of the Duke.
• * 18.45

  The perplexi∣tie and death of Iohn Duke of Berry.
• * 18.46

  A Looking-Glasse for vaine Gallants
• * 18.47

  The place of the Duke of Berry his bu∣riall.
• * 18.48

  A notable pol∣licie of murde∣rers to conceale themselues.
• * 18.49

  The Duke of Bourgongne voluntarily confessed the murder.
• * 18.50

  The Duke of Bourgongne his sudden flight.
• * 18.51

  Madam Valen∣tina of Mil∣laine her com∣ming to Paris.
• * 18.52

  The scituation of the Duke of Orleans his Hostel.
• * 18.53

  The Duke of Bourgongne summoned to appeare at A∣miens.
• * 18.54

  He maketh his answer by one called Doctor Petit, a bold and ignorant corrupted fel∣low.
• * 18.55

  Diuels want no Orators to defend bad actions.
• * 18.56

  A Lesson ne∣uer taught but in the Diuels Schoole.
• * 18.57

  No man may presume vpon the life of his equall, much lesse vpon his better.
• * 18.58

  The old Law abolished by the Law of Grace.
• * 18.59

  A bold saying of Philotas.
• * 18.60

  The hard fa••e of the two last Kings of Frāce
• * 18.61

  The Message to the Duke of Bourgongne & his answer.
• * 19.1

  The French Massiue.
• * 20.1

  The damnable Proposition.
• * 20.2

  The meeting of the Sorbon∣nists.
• * 21.1

  Concerning the word, Ty∣rant.
• * 21.2

  The Plea, Pro∣position, and Petits bones burnt.
• * 21.3

  Concerning Petrus Waldo∣nius a Merchāt of Lyons.
• * 21.4

  The poore people of Ly∣ons, Albigen∣ses, or Wal∣denses.
• * 21.5

  What the opi∣nions of these Sectaries were
• * 21.6

  Some doe doubt, that in these they are wronged.
• * 21.7

  The generall Councill held at Constans.
• * 22.1

  The dange∣rous publish∣ing of nouell propositions.
• * 22.2

  A diuellish Maxime.
• * 22.3

  The generall voyce of the whole Coun∣cell.
• * 22.4

  The Censure of the Coun∣cell against the Duke of Bour∣gongne.
• * 22.5

  Certain•• pie∣ces of Gold in France so na∣med.
• * 22.6

  The Wisigo∣thes practices against King Gonthran.
• * 22.7

  The vow of King Gnothran to bee reue••∣ged.
• * 22.8

  The wretched condition of this latter Age.
• * 23.1

  The liues and lands of Prin∣ces put to the Popes arbitre∣ment.
• * 23.2

  Three Ante-Popes deposed by the Coun∣cell of Con∣stans.
• * 23.3

  The notorious cruelties of the Duke of Bour∣gongne.
• * 23.4

  The deserued death of the Duke of Bour∣gongne.
• * 23.5

  Philip, Duke of Bourgongne reuenged his Fathers death.
• * 23.6

  Henry the Fift King of En∣gland, marri∣ed Madam Katherine of France.
• * 23.7

  In Chron. Iuue¦nal des Vrsins.
• * 23.8

  The words of Hennotin de Cleriaulx. He∣rauld of Orle∣ans.
• * 23.9

  The Dukes of Orleans and of Bourgongne re∣conciled and made friends.
• * 23.10

  In Chron. Iuue¦nal des Vrsins.
• * 23.11

  The Habite of the Order.
• * 23.12

  Concerning two kinds of Porcupines in Affrica & the Indies.
• * 23.13

  These beasts hardly laid to, lay as hardly about them.
• * 23.14

  Du Barta••, on Cinq Iour Pro∣m••or Semain••▪
• * 23.15

  Marc. Paul. Ven••t. in lib. de Tartar. 1. Chap 33.
• * 23.16

  The Porcu∣pines of Scas∣sem in Tarta∣••i••.
• * 23.17

  The Viper & Vrchin alike in producing their young.
• * 23.18

  The Porcupine the Hierogly∣phicke of in-indiscretion.
• * 23.19

  The reason why he tooke this deuice.
• * 23.20

  Heauy ene∣mies made lo∣uing friends.
• * 23.21

  Particular de∣uises in honor of the Marri∣age.
• * 23.22

  The Order of Bourgong•••• of the Golden-Fleece

  The manner of their Ha∣bits.
• * 23.23

  The manner of their habits.
• * 23.24

  The Armes of the first Dukes of Bourgongne.
• * 23.25

  Charles Duke of Orleans chosen to the Order of the Golden-Fleece.
• * 23.26

  Golden-Fleece King of Arm••.
• * 23.27

  The Spe••ch deliuered to the Duke of Orleans.
• * 23.28

  A mutuall en∣terchange of Loue & Ho∣nour between the 2. Dukes.
• * 23.29

  The Dukes of Bretaigne and Ala••son acce••∣ted into the Order.
• * 23.30

  Chambre Do∣r••e.
• * 23.31

  The Porcu∣pine kept still in continued memory.
• * 23.32

  The Armes of Orleans quar∣tered with M••llaine.
• * 23.33

  An expresse stipulation & agreement for the Dukedom of Millaine.
• * 23.34

  The ancient scituation of the Lombards.
• * 23.35

  Saint Ambrose Bishop of Mil∣laine.
• * 23.36

  The peo••ling of Italy by the Gaules.
• * 23.37

  Gouernors ap¦pointed for Millaine and Lombardie.
• * 23.38

  The descent of the Berengars and their rule in Italie.
• * 23.39

  Otho of Saxo∣nie his voyage into Italy a∣gainst Beren∣garius.
• * 23.40

  Pope Stephen the eight, a friend to Otho in his attempt.
• * 23.41

  The last Em∣perour of the bloud of Frāce
• * 23.42

  Pope Stephen his Crowning Otho for Em∣perour.
• * 23.43

  The words of Maximilian Emperour, to the Popes Le∣gate at Con∣stans.
• * 23.44

  The Emperor Fredericke Barba-Rossa, his entrance into Rome.
• * 23.45

  The Emperors bold & wor∣thy Answere.
• * 23.46

  The right of kissing the Hand.
• * 23.47

  The place of the Vicounts descent.
• * 23.48

  Facius d' An∣gleria, Father to Heriprand.
• * 23.49

  Otho, the Vi∣count, a vali∣ant Champion in the Holy-Land.
• * 23.50

  Alciate the Emblematist borne in Mil∣laine.
• * 23.51

  Andrew the Vicount.
• * 23.52

  The Empresse very despite∣spitefully vsed.
• * 23.53

  The Empe∣rours reuenge-on the Milla∣n••ises.
• * 23.54

  Look on your Figge.
• * 23.55

  The miserable condition of Guasuin.
• * 23.56

  The gouern∣ment of Mil∣laine quite al∣tered to Sena∣tours.

  Of the Tower
• * 23.57

  Iohn de la Tour.
• * 23.58

  The Factions of the Guelphs and Gibellines in Italy.
• * 23.59

  Vbertine of Angleria, and his Issue.
• * 23.60

  Guy de la Tour Gouer∣nour of Mil∣laine.
• * 23.61

  Mathew made Vicar o•• the Empire.
• * 23.62

  The Issue of Mathew.
• * 23.63

  Galeas, Knight of the Starre.
• * 23.64

  〈…〉〈…〉 of the Em∣pire.
• * 23.65

  Iohn the Arch∣bishop or Go∣uernor of Mil∣laine.
• * 23.66

  Concerning the three Son of Stephen the Vicount.
• * 23.67

  Galeas & Bar∣nabie deuided the Gouerne∣ment between them
• * 23.68

  Iohn Galeas the first Duke of Millaine, and Vicar of the holy Em∣pire.
• * 23.69

  The marriage of Monsieur Lewes of Frāce with Valentina of Millaine.
• * 23.70

  Concerning the Son••e of Barnabie the V••ount.
• * 23.71

  The issue of William of Montauban.
• * 23.72

  Mary of Mon∣tauban, wi••e to Iohn de Gra∣uille.
• * 23.73

  La Pucelle ••eanne d'Or∣leans.
• * 25.1

  Isabel of Baua¦ria wife to King Charles the sixt.
• * 25.2

  Iohn Maria the cruell Duke of Millaine.
• * 25.3

  Phillip Maria third Duke of Millaine.
• * 25.4

  Blanch Maria married to Frances Sforza
• * 25.5

  Frances Sforza the vsurper of Milain against the house of Orleans.
• * 25.6

  The issue of Frances Sforza by his wifeBlanch Maria.
• * 25.7

  The wicked life of Galeas, and his death.
• * 25.8

  The Issue of Galeas Maria.
• * 25.9

  Iohn Mariae Duke in his minority and thereby diuer•• inconuenien∣ces happening.
• * 25.10

  The folly of great ••adies being emptied of modesty.
• * 25.11

  The traite of e••••y in villan••
• * 25.12

  The Calabrian beheaded at Pauia.
• * 25.13

  The Ducall Treasure cal∣led in question
• * 25.14

  Blanch Maria married to the Emperor Max∣imillian.
• * 25.15

  Lodowicke his pollicie with King Charles the eight.
• * 25.16

  The death of Duke Iohn at Pauia.
• * 25.17

  Lodowicke the Moore, Duke of Millaine.
• * 25.18

  Millaine taken by the French.
• * 25.19

  King Lewes his entrance into Millaine.
• * 25.20

  The yeare of Iubilie at Rome.
• * 25.21

  The bloody c••uelty of Lo∣dowicke to the French, and their reuenge.
• * 25.22

  The first voy∣age of King Charles beyond the Alpes.
• * 25.23

  The best pro∣ceedings are ouerthrow••e by bad cariage
• * 25.24

  The naturall disposition of the Italians.
• * 25.25

  Di••trust is the mother of as∣surance.
• * 25.26

  ••he Epita•• on the tombe of great Scipio.
• * 25.27

  King Lewes rai∣seth another Armie against Lodowicke.
• * 25.28

  The Armie of Lodowicke fai∣leth him in the Field▪
• * 25.29

  A very worthy adu••se giuen to Princes.
• * 25.30

  Lodowick taken & sent ••••iso∣ner into France
• * 25.31

  Ascanio Sforza brother to Lo∣dowicke.
• * 25.32

  The lamenta∣ble condition of the Millai∣nois••s▪ vpon loss of their Duke & his Brother.
• * 25.33

  The Dukdom of Millaines yearly valuati∣on.
• * 25.34

  The Cardinall d'Amboise his entrance into Millaine.
• * 25.35

  The Cardinals mercie to the Citizens.
• * 25.36

  Yong Maxi∣mi••lian Sforza estated 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the dignity of Mil∣laine.
• * 25.37

  The answere returned by the Swizzers.
• * 25.38

  The great pre∣paration made by King Lewes the twelth, but fore-stalled by his death.
• * 25.39

  Women exclu∣ded from suc∣ceeding in the the Crown of France.
• * 25.40

  The iourney of King Fran∣ces the first, in∣to Italy to re∣couer Millaine
• * 25.41

  A great ouer∣throw of the Swizzers at Marignano.
• * 25.42

  Charles Duke of Bourbon, Lieutenant ge∣nerall and go∣uernour of Millaine.
• * 25.43

  Iohn the Ba∣stard of Du∣nois his admi∣rable seruices.
• * 25.44

  Iohn of Du∣nois made the legitimate Son o•• Orleans.
• * 25.45

  The m••rriage o•• the Count of Dunois to Iane Louuet.
• * 25.46

  The second mariage of the Bastard of Orleans.
• * 25.47

  The issue of Iohn and Ma∣ry, & of them that descended of them.
• * 25.48

  The Countie of Longue-Ville made a Dukedome & Peeredome.
• * 25.49

  The Dukdome of Longue-Ville commeth to Lewes of Or••eans.
• * 25.50

  Phillip of Sa∣uoye Count of Geneua.
• * 25.51

  Claudius of Lorraine Duke of Guise.
• * 25.52

  Duke of Lon∣gue Ville, and Count of Du∣nois.
• * 25.53

  Katherine de Gonzagua of Cleues
• * 25.54

  Caumont and Fronsac a Duke¦dome & Peer∣dome newly made.
• * 26.1

  L'Ordre de Bourbon dit de Chardon, & de nostre Dame.
• * 26.2

  Lewes of Cler¦mont created the First Duke of Bourgongne.
• * 26.3

  The Armes of Bourbon.
• * 26.4

  Houses of Bourbo, Dreux and Courtnay.
• * 26.5

  The House of Bourbon that a•• yet continu∣eth.
• * 26.6

  Psal. 1.3.
• * 26.7

  Peter Second Duke of Bour¦bon, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 issue.
• * 26.8

  The Th••••d Duke of Bour∣bon, Lewes the Second.
• * 26.9

  Lewes, 〈…〉〈…〉 Bourbon.
• * 26.10

  The Chroni∣cle of Iohn Ca∣baret of Or∣ronuille.
• * 26.11

  The Dukes words to his Barons.
• * 26.12

  The Order of the Golden-Shield, and the first Knights thereof.
• * 26.13

  The Dukes desire concer∣ning those of his Order, & Articles enioy∣ned them.
• * 26.14

  A vice too common in all Ages.
• * 26.15

  The meaning of the Motto in the Bende.
• * 26.16

  The Knights thankfull ac∣ceptation of the Order.
• * 26.17

  The Golden-Shield no Or∣der, but a De∣uice.
• * 26.18

  The Siege of Belle-Perche in Bourbonnois
• * 26.19

  The Duke of Bourbon at the Siege of Thu∣nis.
• * 26.20

  The bounty of Alexander to his Soldiers How our graue Elders pre••en••ed H••pe, and what they vn∣derstood ther∣by.
• * 26.21

  The religious Hope & per∣swasion of the good Duke.
• * 26.22

  His workes of Piety and De∣uotion
• * 26.23

  The death & buriall-place of the Duke.
• * 26.24

  The Dukes Marriage to the Daulphins Daughter of Auuergne.
• * 26.25

  The number of Knights.
• * 26.26

  The Belt or Girdle of Knighthood.
• * 26.27

  By our cōmon account the Eight Day of December.
• * 26.28

  The Great Collar of the Order.
• * 26.29

  The Bonnet of the Order.
• * 26.30

  The Eme∣rauld dedica∣ted to the Goddesse Ve∣••••••.
• * 26.31

  Martiall in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 p••g
• * 26.32

  Commanda∣tions is attribu∣ted to the Greene Co∣lour, but chief∣ly to the Eme∣rauld, and the vertue thereof.
• * 26.33

  The Hostell, and Ch••ppell of Bourbon in Pari••.
• * 26.34

  The Armes of ••bor.
• * 26.35

  The Duke of Bourbon•• Gol∣den Gallery.
• * 26.36

  The fashion of the ancient Girdle.
• * 26.37

  The ordinary Girdle of Bourbon.
• * 26.38

  The Armes des••r••bed in the Arras.
• * 26.39

  The Antiqui∣ty of the Ta∣pestry.
• * 26.40

  The loue and respect made of the Order of Bourbon.
• * 26.41

  Concerning the Constable of France, Ber∣trand de Gues∣clin.
• * 26.42

  A Souldier that had but one eye being in the Mine
• * 26.43

  Regnould de Montferrand made Knight by the Duke of Bourbon in a Mine vnder the ground.
• * 26.44

  Th•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 o•• the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with th•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Bourbon.
• * 26.45

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 26.46

  The Castle of Vertueill 〈…〉〈…〉 the Duk•• of Bour∣bon.
• * 26.47

  〈…〉〈…〉 of the Du••e to Regnau•••• de Montferrand.
• * 26.48

  A third Hi∣story concer∣ning the same Duke of Bour∣bon, and his worthy pro∣ceedings in Sardaignia.
• * 26.49

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and author••ty of Mainfroy. Lord of Cler∣mont, and his ente••tainment giuen to the Duke.
• * 26.50

  The bounty of Lord Main∣froy.
• * 26.51

  A Golden Gir∣dle giuen to th•• Lord of Cler∣mont.
• * 26.52

  Of Monsieur R••bert of France, and Beatrix of Bourgongne.
• * 26.53

  Son, Brother Vncle & Fa∣ther of K••••gs▪ and yet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no King.
• * 26.54

  The 〈…〉〈…〉 of Bour∣bon.
• * 26.55

  The Duke of Bourbon his speechs to the Duke of Berry
• * 26.56

  The death of the good Duke of Bourbon.
• * 26.57

  Our Lady of Chartres.
• * 26.58

  L'Ordre D' Au¦iou Dit Du Croissant.
• * 26.59

  The first Duke of Aniou and Count of Maine.
• * 26.60

  Lewes the a∣dopted Sonne to Iane the Queen of Na∣ples & Sicilie.
• * 26.61

  Lewes of France King of Naples and Sicilie.
• * 26.62

  Lewes, King of Sicilie.
• * 26.63

  Iohn Duke of Calabria.
• * 26.64

  Coūt of Main and Mortaigne
• * 26.65

  King Lewes the eleauenth heire to Charls of Aniou.
• * 26.66

  Yoland wid∣dow to Iohn King of Arra∣gon.
• * 26.67

  The testifica∣tion of the Queens dona∣••.
• * 26.68

  The ••nuesting of Lewes in the Kingdome of Ie••usalem, Naples, and Si∣cilie.
• * 26.69

  Neustria, now tearmed Nor∣mandie.
• * 26.70

  William with the Irō-Arme
• * 26.71

  The great ser∣uices of Robert to the sacred Seate.
• * 26.72

  His conque∣ring of Achaia Duraz▪ and Dalmatia from the Sarrazins.
• * 26.73

  The holy wars of God∣frey of Bou∣logne.
• * 26.74

  The passage of Rogero into Greece.
• * 26.75

  Wi••liam suc¦ceeded after his Father Ro∣gero.
• * 26.76

  Wi••liam suc¦ceeded after his Father Ro∣gero.
• * 26.77

  The last King of Sicilie of the Norman ••e.
• * 26.78

  Yoland of Ie¦rusal••m mar∣ried to Frede∣rick the second
• * 26.79

  Io••n de Brenne King of Ieru∣salem.
• * 26.80

  How the K••••g of Naples 〈…〉〈…〉 be Kings of Ierusalem.
• * 26.81

  Bauldwine, Sirnamed the Leaper.
• * 26.82

  The Noble & Royall House of Lusignan.
• * 26.83

  Conrard, First of the Name King of Ieru∣salem.
• * 26.84

  Mainfroy v∣surped Naples and Sicilie.
• * 26.85

  Ierusalem, Naples, and Sicilie enfeof∣fed to the House of An∣iou.
• * 26.86

  Charles crow∣ned King with his Queene in Rome.
• * 26.87

  A matter well worthy the obseruation.
• * 26.88

  The victory obtained by Charles at Be∣neuentum.
• * 26.89

  Conradin•• van∣q••ish••d 〈…〉〈…〉 Charles of Aniou.
• * 26.90

  The death of Conradine, his securitie of life to Charles.
• * 26.91

  Ease and Idle∣nes are the causes of all euils.
• * 26.92

  Iohn of Pro∣chi••a, Physiti∣an to King Mainfroy, an enemy to the French in Sici∣lie.
• * 26.93

  D••m Pedro the Third King of Arragon, solli∣cited for the Conquest of Sicilie.
• * 26.94

  Michael Pale∣ologus Empe∣rour of Con∣stantinople, fa∣uoureth Pro∣chidaes offer.
• * 26.95

  Hugo de Me∣ta••lana, Am∣bassadour to Pope Martin the Fourth, from King Pe∣dro.
• * 26.96

  Saint Augu∣stine, Bishop of Hippo.
• * 26.97

  Bon Iour, Bonn C••ure.
• * 26.98

  A bloudy Si∣cilian Euen-song to the French vpon Easter day, 1282.
• * 26.99

  Pedro of Ar∣ragon and the Sicillians ex∣communicated.
• * 26.100

  Abhominable blasphemy.
• * 26.101

  The foure su∣preame Magi∣strates of Si∣cilie vnder the Queene and her Sonens.
• * 26.102

  The King∣domes of Ar∣ragon and Va∣lencia excom∣municated.
• * 26.103

  Stratagems of pollicy in War are reputed lawfull.
• * 26.104

  A Combat•• intended for the Kingdome of Sicilie.
• * 26.105

  A Prerogatiue of strange and large allow∣ance.
• * 26.106

  The words of the Popes De∣cretall.
• * 26.107

  The Popes vt∣ter disallow∣ance of Duel∣loes & Com∣bates.
• * 26.108

  Sicilie & Na∣ples giuen by the Holy Sea to the Princes of France, and afterward re∣couered by Charles the Fift, Emperor.
• * 26.109

  Sicily & Na∣ples conquered from Infidell Nations by the French.
• * 26.110

  Pope Leo de Medicis, Elea∣uenth of the name.
• * 26.111

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at the Com∣bate di••a••∣pointed by Pedro of Ar∣••on.
• * 26.112

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 de Lo∣ria A•• 〈…〉〈…〉 Arragon.
• * 26.113

  Rogero de Lo∣ria Admirall for Arragon.
• * 26.114

  The Cripple Prince of Sa∣lerno taken Prisoner.
• * 26.115

  The death of King Charles of Aniou.
• * 26.116

  The first Ad∣mirall of France.
• * 26.117

  The Land and Naual Armies prepared a∣gainst Dom Pedro of Ar∣ragon.
• * 26.118

  The procee∣dings of the French Army
• * 26.119

  Soldiours on foote.
• * 26.120

  The death of Pedro of Ar∣ragon at Villa-Franca.
• * 26.121

  The fortunes of Charles the ••ipple, Son to Dom Pedro of Arragon.
• * 26.122

  Iames st••ng himselfe King of Sicilie his Armes.
• * 26.123

  The Issue of Charles the Second, ha∣uing nine Sonnes.
• * 26.124

  He had like∣wise 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Daughters.
• * 26.125

  Charles Ma••tel King of Hun∣garia.
• * 26.126

  Charles Robert Charobert.
• * 26.127

  Sigismond, Ma••quess•• of Brandenbourg▪
• * 26.128

  Of Ioane, the first Queene of Sicily, and her foure Hus∣bands.
• * 26.129

  Her vnchaste life de••riued her of the King¦dome.
• * 26.130

  Pope Vrbane giueth the King••omes of Nap••es and Sicily to La∣dislaus.
• * 26.131

  The two A∣doptiōs made by Queene Ioane the Se∣cond.
• * 26.132

  Reasons yeel∣ded concer∣ning the A∣doptions and Marriages of the two Queenes.
• * 26.133

  The first born are alwaies to be preferred before the younger.
• * 26.134

  The clause in the will con∣tēded against by Warre.
• * 26.135

  Lewes of Hun∣gary 〈…〉〈…〉 for hi•• Brothers d••••th.
• * 26.136

  Vnder 〈…〉〈…〉 Queen Ioane 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pope.
• * 26.137

  The Riuer of Rhosne belon∣ging to the Crowne of France.
• * 26.138

  Charles 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 26.139

  Queene Ioane descended of the ancient Race of Aniou.
• * 26.140

  Lewes of France origi∣nall of the se∣cond branch of Aniou.
• * 26.141

  Lewes crow∣ned King of Naples and Sicily, in Auig∣n••••n by the Pope.
• * 26.142

  The discreet prouidence of Charles of Duras.
• * 26.143

  The death of King Lewes in the Rea••me of Naples.
• * 26.144

  The gouern∣ment of wo∣men.
• * 26.145

  The Death of Charles of Du¦ras.
• * 26.146

  The procee∣dings of yong Lewes of An∣iou.
• * 26.147

  The Marriage o•• King Lewes to Yoland of Arragon.
• * 26.148

  The Death of King Lewes the Second in Angiers.
• * 26.149

  The Heyres Males still to succeed▪ but Daught••rs ex∣cluded.
• * 26.150

  The Titles gi∣uen to Lewes the Second.
• * 26.151

  Ladislaus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lancelot v••∣peth ••uer Sici∣lie & Naples, and his pro∣ceedings.
• * 26.152

  The Pope dri∣uen out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 26.153

  The tragicall relation of the wretched end of Lan••t.
• * 26.154

  An impoiso∣ned Ointment giuen by the F••ther to his Daughter
• * 26.155

  The death of the Physitian after the King & his daugh∣ter.
• * 26.156

  To conquer Lust in the greatest of all other victories.
• * 26.157

  A notable Hi∣storie deser∣uing to be du∣ly considered.
• * 26.158

  The answere of Lewes of Sicily to Queen Ioanella.
• * 26.159

  The marriage of Ioane the se∣cond 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iames of Bourbon.
• * 26.160

  The King of Arragon refu∣seth to a••d Io∣anella at the 〈…〉〈…〉 yeel∣ded afterward
• * 26.161

  Alphonso of Arragon dea∣leth iniurious∣ly with Ioa∣nella.
• * 26.162

  Lewes adop∣ted by Ioanella
• * 26.163

  Successour to Lewes the third was Rene of Sicilie, then pri¦soner at Di••o••.
• * 26.164

  Pope Eugeni∣us sent an Ar∣mie to Naples, conducted by a Pat••••arch.
• * 26.165

  Rene crowned King of Naples by Pope Euge∣nius.
• * 26.166

  Ferdinand Ba∣stard Sonne to Al••honso of Arragon.
• * 26.167

  The death of Iohn of Sicilie at Barcellona.
• * 26.168

  The Kings of France onely seale with white Waxe, and no other.
• * 26.169

  The titles of Charles adop∣ted son••e to King Rene of Naples.
• * 26.170

  Contention a∣bout the Coū∣tie of Prouence
• * 26.171

  The Prouen∣ceals commo∣tions appeased by King Lewes the eleauenth.
• * 26.172

  The Testa∣ment of King Charles of Si∣cilie.
• * 26.173

  The possession taken by King Lewes the elea∣uenth.
• * 26.174

  The ancient acquisition of Sicilie, Naples and Italie to France.
• * 26.175

  The first and second bran∣ches of Aniou.
• * 26.176

  At what time Kings may best vndertake warre.
• * 26.177

  The Prince of Salerne esca∣ped from Al∣phonso into France, and o∣ther friends with him.
• * 26.178

  The Prophe∣sies of Fryer Sauanarola.
• * 26.179

  The purposes of an ambiti∣ous woman.
• * 26.180

  Humbert D••••••••hine of Vie••••••is.
• * 26.181

  Iames King of Maiorica.
• * 26.182

  The Daulphins two Sons, the one slaine, the other drow∣ned.
• * 26.183

  Charles the lawfull Prince of Nauarre.
• * 26.184

  Prince Charles poysoned by Iane his Step∣mother.
• * 26.185

  The Countie of Roussillion obtained in King Lewes the eleauenth.
• * 27.1

  The Counties enioyed by the Sonne after his Father.
• * 27.2

  Two great dishonors ••en to France by the Lady of Beauie••.
• * 27.3

  A businesse o•• great impor∣tance passed away ouer∣lightly.
• * 27.4

  The Articles agreed on in the Treatie.
• * 27.5

  The two Sons of Iohn Ferdi∣nand & Isabel.
• * 27.6

  Concerning Ecclesiasticall Benefices and liuings.
• * 27.7

  Reentrie vpon B••each of for∣mer conclu∣ded couenants
• * 27.8

  The borrow∣ing of monies to supply vn∣aduised wants
• * 27.9

  The fu••ni••••••∣ment of the Ar∣mie appointed for the Land.
• * 27.10

  The Armie for Sea seruice
• * 27.11

  Attendants on the King in this Warlike expedition.
• * 27.12

  The setting forward of the Armie.
• * 27.13

  〈…〉〈…〉 Ferdi••••nd of Arr••••on 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 27.14

  King Charles his Royall en∣tertainment in the Cities of Italy.
• * 27.15

  The Pope af∣frigted at the Kings entrance
• * 27.16

  King Charles crowned Em∣perour of the Easte and of Constantinople by the Pope in Rome.
• * 27.17

  The power & authority of King Charles in Rome.
• * 27.18

  The depar∣ture of King Charles from Rome towards Naples, & his good successe.
• * 27.19

  Ferdinaneo & his Father get away out of Naples, and make for Sici∣lie.
• * 27.20

  Capua yeelded her Keyes to the King.
• * 27.21

  The Citie of Naples surren∣dred to King Charles.
• * 27.22

  The Cittadel. Castels and al the strong pla¦ces won▪ & the Kings entrance
• * 27.23

  The fort•••• & order of the Maiesticall pompe.
• * 27.24

  The Officers of State▪ & o•• others accor∣ding to their ••an•• & places
• * 27.25

  The Seneschall or Steward of Naples.
• * 27.26

  King Charles hi•• ••otent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the conque••t of Constantin∣ople.
• * 27.27

  The fortunes of Duke Lew∣es of Orleans, Lieutenant of the Nauall Armie▪
• * 27.28

  Lodowicke Sforza his hope for the surprizall of Ast.
• * 27.29

  The returne of King Charls the ••••ght from Naples, & his fortunes by the way.
• * 27.30

  The memora∣ble B••tta••le fought at ••or∣no••a, in Anno. 1495.
• * 27.31

  The Royall presence of the King in his Ar∣my.
• * 27.32

  A braue King is an eye-so••e to his enemies.
• * 27.33

  The begin∣ning and pro∣secution of the Battaile.
• * 27.34

  The small French Army relieued al∣most by mira∣cle.
• * 27.35

  The Army of the Italians foyled & put to flight.
• * 27.36

  The Artillery placed about th•• Kings roy∣all Pauilion.
• * 27.37

  The reuolt of Neapolitanes so soone as King Charles was gone thence, & the extremity of the French.
• * 27.38

  The Count 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Montpensier poysone•• by the Neap••l••∣tane.
• * 27.39

  The sudden death of King Charles the Eight.
• * 27.40

  The Kings vow before his death.
• * 27.41

  The age of the King at his death.
• * 27.42

  His body car∣ried from Am∣boise and buri∣ed at S Denis.
• * 28.1

  His deformi∣ty recompen∣ced with grea∣ter blessings.
• * 28.2

  The Cardi∣nals in oppo∣sition against the Pope.
• * 28.3

  Preparation to recouer Millaine.
• * 28.4

  Millaine ta•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 28.5

  King Lewes his entrance into Millaine.
• * 28.6

  The yeare of Iubile at Rome.
• * 28.7

  The blood•• cruelty of Lo∣d••wicke to the 〈…〉〈…〉 their 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 28.8

  The first Voy∣a•• of K••ng Charle•• beyond the Alpes
• * 28.9

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 28.10

  The naturall disposition of the Italians.
• * 28.11

  Distrust is the mother of ••∣surance.
• * 28.12

  The Epitaph on the tombe of great Scipio
• * 28.13

  King Lewes rai¦seth anothe•• Army against Lod••wicke.
• * 28.14

  The Army of Lodowicke fai∣leth him in the Field.
• * 28.15

  A very wor∣thy aduice gi∣uen to Princes
• * 28.16

  Lodowicke ta∣ken and sent Prisoner into France.
• * 28.17

  Ascanio Sforza brother to Lo∣d••wicke.
• * 28.18

  The lamenta∣ble condition of the Millai∣n••ises vpō losse of their Duke & his Brother.
• * 28.19

  The Duke∣dome of Mil∣laines yearely valuation.
• * 28.20

  The Card••nall d'Amb••••se his entrance 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Millaine.
• * 28.21

  The Cardinals mercy to the Citizens.
• * 28.22

  The Kings purpose to conquer Na∣ples & Sicily.
• * 28.23

  Dom Frederick conquered & sent ••nto France.
• * 28.24

  The Con∣quests of the French in Ita∣lie enuied by Ferdinand of Arragon.
• * 28.25

  The County of Flanders a Peeredome of France.
• * 28.26

  The accord betweene Fer∣dinand and the Kings of France.
• * 28.27

  The peace sworne be∣tweene France and Spaine.
• * 28.28

  Fredericke of Naples dies in France in the City of Tours.
• * 28.29

  Gonsalo Ferdi∣nande•• de Cor∣d••ua sent into the Kingdome of Naples
• * 28.30

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Nap••es.
• * 28.31

  The naturall disposition of braue Leaders & Captaines.
• * 28.32

  〈…〉〈…〉 right or wrong.
• * 28.33

  A second a∣greement and pacification.
• * 28.34

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 28.35

  The Pope 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 28.36

  The famous Battaile of Ra∣uenna fought on Easter day.
• * 28.37

  The King of France excom∣municated by Pope Iulius the second.
• * 28.38

  Concerning three Verses composed by the Pope in honor of the Virgin Mary.
• * 28.39

  Verses made to answer the kindenesse of Pope Iulius.
• * 28.40

  King Frances the first his comming to the Crowne.
• * 28.41

  The Armes of the Norman Princes.
• * 28.42

  The beg••nning of the two Houses of An∣iou.
• * 28.43

  ••••land of Ar∣ragon, onely Daughter to Dom Pedro.
• * 28.44

  The Armes of Charles Mar∣tell.
• * 28.45

  The Deuice for the Armes of Duke God∣frey of Bullen.
• * 28.46

  Concerning the related Deuise of King Rene.
• * 28.47

  The death of Queene Isabel Duchesse of Lorraine, and a new Deuise
• * 28.48

  Dechander l'Arc, ne gua∣vit la playe.
• * 28.49

  L'Ordit D•• C••s••nt▪
• * 28.50

  The reason•• of the Order•• Institution.
• * 28.51

  〈…〉〈…〉 the Ord••••
• * 28.52

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 28.53

  The Titles ap∣pertaining to King Rene.
• * 28.54

  The Chappel of Knights at Angiers.
• * 28.55

  The entrance of King Fran∣ces the first in∣to Angiers.
• * 28.56

  Or Harrow-Gate.
• * 28.57

  Painting and the Mathema∣ticks commen∣dable in Prin∣ces.
• * 28.58

  The same in English.
• * 28.59

  The Generall Estates appa∣rance at Tou••••
• * 28.60

  Courts or Seats of Dignitie.
• * 28.61

  Orders made of Deuises.
• * 28.62

  Bouchard Lord of Montmo∣rency.
• * 28.63

  L'Ord••e idem Saincte Mag∣delaine.
• * 28.64

  The time of this Orders In∣stitution.
• * 28.65

  Q••rr••o ra•• ••n ••len∣d••r occasions.
• * 28.66

  Honest inten∣tions can haue no bad actions
• * 28.67

  Concerning the Crosse of the Order.
• * 28.68

  How Trauai∣ler came at the fi••st to be called Palmers
• * 28.69

  Messire Iohn Chesnell Insti∣tutour of the Order.
• * 28.70

  The Embla∣zon of the Armes of Mes∣sire Iohn Ches∣nell.
• * 28.71

  The loue of God is peace∣able.
• * 28.72

  The Kings pre∣rogatiue in the Order to ap∣point a Prince &c.
• * 28.73

  Great Maister of the Order & his charge. L'Heberg•• Royale.
• * 28.74

  For admission ••nto the Order
• * 28.75

  At any Knights receiuing into the Order.
• * 28.76

  Concerning the Habite and Collar.
• * 28.77

  The House for the Knights.
• * 28.78

  The taking of the Oath, and receiuing of the Knightly dues.
• * 28.79

  The time for probation of the Knights.
• * 28.80

  What they ought to re∣nounce.
• * 28.81

  Appearance once yearely at the Royall Lodging.
• * 28.82

  For them dwelling in the House.
• * 28.83

  Of Exercises for the Knights
• * 28.84

  For mainte∣nance of the Priests and House Officers
• * 28.85

  For married mens ent•• into the Order
• * 28.86

  For such as are of ripe yeares and well en∣structed, com∣ming into the Order.
• * 28.87

  Concerning farre distance frō the Schools & Academies
• * 28.88

  Priuiledges appertaining to the Knights.
• * 28.89

  Consideration for poore Gen∣tlemen.
• * 28.90

  The Kings dai∣ly visitation by the Order.
• * 28.91

  For Seruants that be of the best condition called Breth••∣ren Seruants.
• * 28.92

  For Seruants of the meaner qualitie.
• * 28.93

  This intenti∣on came to no purpose.
• * 28.94

  L'O••d••e de Bretaigne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de ••'Hermine & de l'〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 28.95

  The forme of the Great Col∣lar.
• * 28.96

  A Beast cal∣ed Ermine or Hermine.
• * 28.97

  For my Life.
• * 28.98

  Concerning the naturall disposition of the Hermine.
• * 28.99

  The Hermine compared with the Gen∣net.
• * 28.100

  The Hermine furre for Prin∣ces in life and death.
• * 28.101

  Men that tra∣ded in the sale of Furres.
• * 28.102

  Beautiful black Lambes of Lombardie.
• * 28.103

  Chaunge of the ancient Armes of Bre∣taigne.
• * 28.104

  Nature should be followed in all things.
• * 28.105

  Emblazons for the King∣domes.
• * 28.106

  The number of the Orders Knights, and their Habite.
• * 28.107

  The reason for the Eare•• of Corne.
• * 28.108

  In the Sea cal∣led AEgeum.
• * 28.109

  Opinions de∣bated among the Gods.
• * 28.110

  Mercurie said to be the preseruer of humaine so∣ciety.
• * 28.111

  Read Ouid for the wanton disguises of Iupiter.
• * 28.112

  Gomers Ban∣ner borne by the Kings of Bretaigne.
• * 28.113

  The opinion of Richard de Vassebourg.
• * 28.114

  Armorica now called Bre∣taigne.
• * 28.115

  Iesephus in flu∣tipuit. Iudaic. Lib. 2. Cap. 5.6.
• * 28.116

  Zonaras in Lib. 1. Hist. 4.
• * 28.117

  The Gaules called Gala••es and Gomorites.
• * 28.118

  The picture of the Gaulish Hercules.
• * 28.119

  The morall interpretation of the figure.
• * 28.120

  The Greekes Hercules a ta∣mer of Mon∣sters.
• * 28.121

  How & from whence the Gaules name is deriued.
• * 28.122

  The Gaulish Hercules na∣med Gomerus Gallus.
• a 28.123

  Iama••.
• b 28.124

  Bo••••
• c 28.125

  Sceut.
• d 28.126

  Prosond.
• * 28.127

  ••o•• fu••lle
• e 28.128

  Le•••• ••emp•• vi••eut.
• f 28.129

  Gaillard & serin.
• * 28.130

  Bagaudes or Bagaules.
• * 28.131

  Bretaigne first peopled by Gomer and his followers.
• * 28.132

  Bretaigne Ar∣morica, not England
• * 28.133

  D•• Baptas en Se••aine secon∣des
• * 28.134

  Theeues of Robbers on t••e high∣wayes.
• * 28.135

  The de••ti∣on of the name Admi∣rall. Salt Sea.
• * 28.136

  An errour committed by Caesar.
• * 28.137

  Bretaigne sometimes go∣uerned by Kings.
• * 28.138

  〈…〉〈…〉 called Nor∣mandy.
• * 28.139

  Yong Arthur of England Count of Bre∣taign & Aniou
• * 28.140

  Couenants past betweene the two Kings of France and England.
• * 28.141

  King Richard slaine at the Siedge of Sa∣luz.
• * 28.142

  Arthur made Knight of the Starre.
• * 29.1

  Indirect dea∣ling in King Iohn to King Phil••ip Augu∣stus.
• * 30.1

  The peace 〈…〉〈…〉 the two King broken.
• * 30.2

  King Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to ••s N••∣••hew to h••s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Arthur
• * 30.3

  Alice sister to yong Arthur by the same mother, mar∣ried to Peter de D••eux.
• * 30.4

  An Order be∣gun by this Geoffrey, and called the Cu∣stome of Bre∣taigne.
• * 30.5

  No daughters succeeded in in the Duchie of Bretaigne.
• * 30.6

  Madam Anne of France Re∣gentesse of the King and State.
• * 30.7

  The Duke of Orleans his op¦position a∣gainst the Re∣gentesse.
• * 30.8

  The Duke of Orleans esc••∣peth from Pa∣ris p••••u••lie.
• * 30.9

  Labour to winne the Duke of Orle∣ans, and cease the distur∣bance.
• * 30.10

  Troubled waters are best fishings for Souldiours
• * 30.11

  The Counte of Duno••s his sudden returne into France.
• * 30.12

  His queint es∣caping to the Duke of Bre∣taigne.
• * 30.13

  Their names that tooke part with the Duke of Or∣leans.
• * 30.14

  The reasons published of their entring into Armes.
• * 30.15

  The Kings pro¦ceedings a∣gainst his re∣uolted subiects
• * 30.16

  The Kings ar∣my in Bri∣taigne.
• * 30.17

  A mariage in∣tended for the Lord Iohn d'Albret.
• * 30.18

  Arme of Bre∣taigne diuers times promi∣sed in Mariage and all disa∣pointed.
• * 30.19

  The voyage of Al∣••ain d'Albret into Spayne to King Ferdi∣nand
• * 30.20

  Lewes de la Trim ••spab•• Generall of the Kings Ar∣mie.
• * 30.21

  The Battell fought neere to S. Aubin•• 1488.
• * 30.22

  The Duke of Orleans and Prince of O∣renge taken Prisoners.
• * 30.23

  Duke Lewes sent to the Tower of Bourge••▪
• * 30.24

  The death of the Duke of Bretaigne.
• * 30.25

  Anne, the young Du∣chesse of Bre∣taigne.
• * 30.26

  The Lord d'Albret sub∣mitteth to the Kings Seruice.
• * 30.27

  A Marriage purposed for the Duchesse of Bretaigne.
• * 30.28

  The Kings part very greatly streng∣thened.
• * 30.29

  The King re∣ceiued into Rennes.
• * 30.30

  The King married to Anne Duchesse of Bretaigne.
• * 30.31

  The death of King Charles in the City of Amboise.
• * 30.32

  The second Marriage of Queene Anne of Bretaigne to King Lewes the Twelfth.
• * 30.33

  The Issue of King Charles the twelfth.
• * 30.34

  The death of Queene Anne of Bretaigne.
• * 30.35

  The gift of Queene Anne to widdowed Ladies.
• * 31.1

  The full reu∣niting of Bre∣taigne to the Crowne of France.
• * 31.2

  The diuision of Bretaigne before this Law.
• * 33.1

  A power pe∣culier to Mar∣tialists.
• * 33.2

  Knights of sa∣uour made onely by Kings
• * 33.3

  The making Knights of Bat¦taile.
• * 33.4

  Knights of Mines vnder ground.
• * 33.5

  Knights of Be∣siedgings of Townes or Cities.
• * 33.6

  Knights of the Embrace or Accollade.