The lives of sundry notorious villains, memorable for their base and abominable actions together with a novel as it really happened at Roan in France.

CHAP. VIII. The Life and Death of Vero•• born at Compeigne in France

NOt far from the place where th•• Rivers of Oire and of Ene joy•• together that they may come in th•• same course to lose their Names i•• the Seine, there stands a pleasant an•• stately City called Compeigne, fa∣mous for its Antiquity, having bee•• built by Charles le Chauve or th•• Bauld, taking from him its name 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Carlopolis. This City has all the ad∣vantages desireable; for it enjoys most excellent Air, and admirab•• Prospect, being every way most ple•• santly seated; on the one side she 〈◊〉〈◊〉 watered with the River Oire, whic•• separateth her by a great and spacio••

Meadow, bordered with fruitful ••ines and all sorts of Grain: On the ••ther side half a League distant it ••ath a large and level Forest.

The Kings of France were wont 〈◊〉〈◊〉 divert themselves in this City, by ••ason of its convenient scituation ••r Hunting, especially in the said ••orest, which may be justly said to ••e one of the best in all France.

'Twas in this Forest and thereabout ••here Veron play'd his Devilish ••ranks; and as an other Antheus ••nged and ransack'd all the neigh∣••ouring parts; there being scarcely ••y one who durst be so bold as to ••eet him, so cruel and barbarous was ••e. It will not be here amiss to ••eak something of his Parentage and ••xtraction, before we relate any of ••is horrid and abominable actions.

He came then of one of the best ••amilies of Compeigne; but gave ••imself over from his Youth to Cruel∣••y and Rapines, and all manner of

Licentiousness; yet nevertheless, bei•• born of honest Parents, he light 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a good Match in the said City; b•• alas! when we leave God he leav•• us, and suffers all our Affairs to d•• cline.

Veron had no sooner entred in•• possession of his Estate, but bega•• immediately to abuse his Wife, a•• to pawn and make away all the•• had, that he might keep lewd co•• pany, and be continually at Taver•• and Alehouses; this course of Li•• lasted not long, drunkenness being Labyrinth, in which those who a•• plunged, cannot get out when the•• please.

Having spent some years after th•• sort, he found himself at length stri•• of all things necessary, so that his Wiv•• friends would have 'em-parted, as we•• for the present want he had reduce•• her to, as for the injuries he con•• nually did her, pawning not one•• his own Cloaths, but hers likewi••

that he might have wherewithal to ••rnish his drunken appetite: which ••roceeding was not a little hard of ••igestion to her, who being as yet ••oung, was not a little troubled to ••e her self used after this manner.

All the admonitions his Parents ••sed were to no purpose, being so ••abituated in Vice and naughtiness. ••rom that very time he despised all ••ood Counsel, and began to range the Woods, being sometimes eight days ••efore he returned home; so that ••e was often held for dead, by reason ••f his so long absence.

There was scarcely any thing else ••alk'd of but Thieves in that Forest; ••nd scarcely durst any one pass by ••here, being sure if they did, to be ••obb'd: sometimes he was on that ••ide which lies towards Pierrefonds, ••nd other times towards Verberie. There was not a Hole or Cavern in ••he Forest he knew not: Somtimes ••e would take the Field, and vaul∣ted

on the other side the Water, a•• bout the Borders of Vernelle Rem•• and other circumjacent places: An•• that which gave the most admiratio•• was, that having committed an•• Murther or Robbery in a place, h•• would be seen two or three hours a•• ter at least eight or nine Leagues o•• thence.

This person was of a great siz•• being a huge massie Fellow, and, lik•• another Hercules, would by hi•• strength do things beyond concep•• tion. One day being pursued in th•• City by the Justices Officers, wh•• were resolved to have him examine•• concerning his way of living, he ca•• himself from the Bridge into the Ri•• ver near where the Boats are hale•• up the Water; the Tide running i•• that place with such a rapid swift•• ness, that when a man could not swim•• it would carry him half a Leagu•• without stirring himself. Veron cas•• himself in there, and (which wa••

never before seen) he was so strong, that maugre the force of the River, he made up and ascended the Key. This action was admired by every one, as indeed it might well.

The Woods were the ordinary places of his retreat; he lurk'd there all the day-time, and was often seen on a Tree with his Harquebuss watch∣ing the Passengers. It is reported for certain he kill'd in one day six Merchants, who were all of them re∣turning from a Fair not far distant thence. In short, all the parts there∣abouts trembled with fear at his cru∣elties: he on the other side when he was flusht, returned to Compeigne, and no one durst be so bold as to af∣front him, carrying on always his busi∣ness so slyly, that 'twas impossible to finde certain proofs against him.

It hapned about the year 1609, when France was calm'd by a long and happy Peace, that people from all parts, as 'tis the custom, came to

the general Match of Shooting, every one striving who should bear away the Prize.

Veron being a man who loved to shew himself, would not let slip this occasion, resolving with himself to make one amongst them; but that for which he was most concerned was, that he had no Money, and not one of his Relations would lend him any, being by them well enough known to be a bad Husband; not∣withstanding which, he was resolved to furnish himself some how or o∣ther, imagining people would reflect on him not appearing on so eminent an occasion; and seeing on the other side he could borrow none, he re∣solved in his minde to get some by force.

It is to be remarked, that about a quarter of a League beyond Com∣peigne, upon the side of the Wood, near the great Road which leads to Soissons, there is a little Hermitage,

called the Cross of the holy Signe, where there lives continually Her∣mits who come begging to the City: There is likewise a very decent Chappel, where many people, whose occasions lie that way, turn in to make their Prayers.

In this Hermitage dwelt then two good old Fathers; one of them was called Frater Claudus, the other's name I do not remember. Now Ve∣ron was wont very often, after he had been weary with ranging the Wood, to retire there. They ever gave him entrance when he knock'd at their Gate, and also imparted to him what they had gotten in the Ci∣ty. He had frequented this Hermi∣tage for at least two years before this business of the Shooting-match was talk'd of; so that notwithstanding all the bad reports which were con∣tinually noised of him, these Fathers were not afraid of him, and ceased not to receive him whensoever he li∣sted

to put in with them. But the easie access which they gave him, lost 'em: For frequenting there so often, he came at length to know they both had Money; he would not howsoever have harmed them, could he otherways have effected his bu∣siness; but finding himself urged by want of Money, and knowing he must contribute his part to the Prize, which was to a very rich one, and that very speedily; he resolves there∣upon to rob these Hermits, and take from them their Money, but he knew not what means to use that people might not mistrust him: but behold what he did! one night about eight of the clock, 'twas about Whitson∣••ide, when the days were at longest, as he was about to go out of the Ci∣ty, he asks of two several persons what a clock 'twas; he was told it was eight; upon which he strikes into a little Street that leads out of the Gate, and was so quick, that

scarcely was he half an hour in his way to the Hermitage, where he en∣ters, no body without seeing him go in, where he addresses himself to the Eldest of the two Hermits, (for the other was gone to draw Water out of a Well hard by there) and de∣mands his Purse. The good old Se∣nior thought he was in jest, not ma∣king any reckoning of what he said; but was immediately astonish'd fin∣ding himself on the Ground by a blow given him by this Parricide, seconding it by another with his Poignard about his left-breast: the Hermit feeling himself thus struck, shewed him the place where his Mo∣ney lay; the other redoubles not∣withstanding his blows▪ piercing him to the Heart, and so was dispatched without any farther noise; for Veron held his Foot on his Throat; which having done, he takes his Money, amounting to about three hundred Livers.

Frater Claudus in the mean time returns from the Well with his Buc∣ket of Water, not in the least suspe∣cting what had hapned, and sees Ve∣ron standing before the Wicket of the Hermitage: being entred, he sees likewise his Companion on the Ground, and began to cry out; but Veron made up to him with a Coun∣tenance witnessing fury, and with his Dagger struck him in the Brea••, laying him likewise half dead wal∣lowing in his own Blood on the ground, who never spake any other words than these; Ah, Veron, thou kill'st me; is it possible my Age can∣not stop the Fury which boils in thy Soul? These words howsoever could not hinder this Tyrant (for so I call him, seeing he betook himself to two such religious persons) but that he pierced his Heart at the second stroke.

This Murther, or rather Sacriledge, being committed, he gave himself

the leisure to light two Torches which were in the Chappel, and lay'd them both strecht out one upon another, setting the two Torches at their Feet: then charging himself with the Money, shuts the Gate, and throws the Keys into the Field, and returns to Compeigne: And that which was most to be admired was, that he did all this in one quarter of an hour; so that he came into the City at half an hour after eight, without any bo∣dies having perceived him, except a Baker's Boy, who coming through the Woods, and passing by this Her∣mitage, heard one of these Fathers cry out, Ah Veron thou kill'st me. And that he might not be thought to have done this, he came imme∣diately to the same persons of whom he had demanded half an hour be∣fore what a clock it was, asking them the same question, who answer∣ed him 'twas half an hour past eight. Veron did this, that he might have

Witness, if there should be occasio•• that he had been in Town when th•• act was done.

This Tragedy being acted afte•• this manner, he returns to his Lod∣ging, not letting his Wife know wha•• an abominable villainy he came fro•• committing. Two days are pas•• without any bodies taking notice o•• the Hermits not coming to the Ci∣ty: Veron however fail'd not to wall•• about the Town, as assuredly as e∣ver. At length some devout Wo∣men going to visit the Hermits, found the Doors of the Hermitage, as also of the Chappel shut, contrary to cu∣stome; upon which they began to suspect something; which suspition nevertheless was suspended, being told by some there by, they were probably gone out in the Country nevertheless there was one among the rest who advised the Door to be broke open, that they were perhaps sick, or some other sad disaster had befallen them.

This Counsel was put in execution, ••ausing two Smiths to come from the Town to-break open the Doors; which being done, they found the two Hermits stretcht out dead upon the Ground; at the sight of which they were struck with horrour and amazement: they search'd the Corpse, and found the Wounds near the Heart, the Bodies beginning already to putrifie.

Which being known in the City, they were all astonish'd at so dreadful a relation, flocking to see this woful spectacle: Veron came amongst the rest, and made shew of no small sor∣row for the loss of these two good Fathers, cursing with a hundred im∣precations those who had done this wicked fact: They, saith he, must cer∣tainly have a great stock of Cruelty and Hardheartedness, who have exe∣cuted so execrable a perfidiousness to have killed two so Religious and De∣vout Personages, even at the very Eve∣ning

of their days: they must cer∣tainly, saith he, be possessed with dia∣bolical fury; speaking which words, he could not so much palliate his fact, but the motions of his Soul were apparent in his Face; the near∣er he approach'd to the Hermitage, the more he found himself agitated by, I know not what kinde of chil∣liness and fear, which caused those who accompanied him not a little to su∣spect him. This suspition took dee∣per root in the mindes of the Assi∣stants, when he came before the Corpse of the two poor Hermits; for at the same time the Corpse, which were dry and withered, having bled all the Blood in their Veins, began then to bleed again a fresh; whereupon all the people began unanimously to cry out that there must be one in the com∣pany concerned, seeing the dead Corpse so plainly called for ven∣geance; at which, every one cast their Eyes on Veron: nevertheless by

his Meine he endeavoured to put by ••he suspition conceived of him; but his Conscience feeling it self tor∣mented within him, suffered him not ••o rest, but as a Vulture was inces∣santly a gnawing his Heart, making outwardly appear the inward resent∣ments of his Soul.

The Officers came to take away the Bodies; during which all the Ci∣tizens cast their Eyes on Veron; his frequenting the Hermitage not a lit∣tle strengthening their suspition; yet durst they not immediately accuse him, there being not any who could come in as a Witness against him.

Their suspition of him daily in∣creasing, there was scarcely any thing else talk'd of, or concluded on, but that he was the Author. There was all enquiries imaginable made to finde out something to strengthen them in this their conjecture; and at last the Baker's Boy, of whom we have before spoken, attested that

he heard about eight a clock at night the Hermit, who cried out, Veron, tho•• kill'st me; upon which simple de∣position, and upon the joynt con∣jectures of the people, it was resol∣ved on to apprehend him; but th•• difficulty was how to seize on hi•• without blows, for should he have th•• least notice, he would not have stai•• long at Compeigne; (although h•• said since that, he could never hav•• imagined they would dare to la•• hold on him upon so frivolous con∣jectures) nevertheless they appoin∣ted out the day and manner of taking him, making a match with him t•• play at Tennis (a Game very ordi∣nary in Picardy) just before the Pri∣son-gate.

The day appointed being come two or three Citizens came to him asking him whether he would g•• out to take some recreation; he be∣ing a man who was mightily fo•• Company, agreed; whereupon they

walk'd together till they came over against the great Gate of the Prison, where they set to their Game: they who should seze on him, fail'd not in great numbers to appear there, lest any resistance should happen, for he was exceeding strong and robust, and would have given them their hands full, had he had but notice of their designe. As he was in the midst of his Game, there was a Ser∣jeant who trundled slily a Ball into the Entry of the Prison, praying Ve∣ron to step for't; whereupon he goes, but was astonish'd seeing him∣self set upon by twelve or fourteen Officers, who charged him in the Kings Name to yield himself: Veron was not a little amaz'd, seeing him∣self taken after that manner, being ready to burst with rage and fury, running about the Prison like a mad∣man, seeking something to do mis∣chief withal; and to say the truth, they who lay'd hands on him had

enough to do with him; yet notwith∣standing all his efforts, he was forced to contain himself within the Prison∣walls, being loaded with Irons.

In the mean time they draw'd up his Process, there coming from all parts those which deposed against him, being accused of divers Thefts and Robberies committed both in the Woods and elsewhere; but not one of them could say any thing a∣gainst him touching the Murther he was cast into Prison for, excepting the Baker's Boy, who affirmed that upon such a day he had heard, as he passed by the Hermitage, the fore∣mentioned Words. He for his de∣fence brought in two Citizens of good repute, who affirmed they had seen him in the Town at eight a clock, and at half an hour after eight; withal adding, 'twas impossible he could perform such an Enterprize in so little a time: this made them all at a stand, putting them in doubt

what to think of it. Several of the Court seeing no sufficient proof, went from their Seats, and would be no farther concerned, fearing lest they should give a wrong judgement through want of certain knowledge, knowing not what to think of it. Likelihood indeed there was, but no sufficient proof; yet howsoever, fin∣ding they could get nothing from him but a bare negation, and that the tortures of the Rack could not make him confess this crime, they procee∣ded notwithstanding upon probabili∣ties, and the other undeniable crimes which he was proved guilty of, for which he was sentenced to be broken on the Wheel, which did not a little daunt him; for there was no appeal; he must on force undergo it, though it went to the Heart of him, being in the flower of his age. There was sent to him a Confessor to prepare him for death; but he would by no means hear on't: for although condemned, he flat∣tered

himself with the hope he should not die this bout; but seeing there was no respit given him, they endea∣voured by degrees to dispose him for his passage.

This man had an undaunted Spirit, and could not be brought to the be∣lief he should die in the flower of his age: He threatned and calum∣niated his Judges, bidding defiance to Heaven and Earth, foaming with rage and despair, fury having so much possessed him that scarcely the Priest his Confessor durst approach him.

He at length confessed to the Priest; but when he came to speak to him concerning his murthering of the Hermits, he cast it back with a thousand Oaths and imprecations: saying that in truth he had committed several Robberies; but touching the Hermits, so horrid a thing never so much as once entred into his minde.

It will not be perhaps impertinent

to speak a word or two concerning ••is Death, being as tragical as his Life was, and strange and horrible.

He was led then at five of the clock 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Evening to the place of Exe∣••ution, there being such a multitude 〈◊〉〈◊〉 people who came from all parts ••o see him, that the whole City was ••lled with them. Veron being come on the Scaffold, which was set up before St. Cornille's Church, shewed outwardly in his countenance the dis∣dainful haughtiness which boiled in∣wardly in his minde.

'Twas observed during the time ••e was in Prison, notwithstanding the ••rons on his Legs, he would turn and ••hrow himself more nimbly than a∣••other man could who had none on: but here 'twas otherwise; for assoon as ever he was on the Scaffold, he walk'd about it with his Arms across, taking ••en or a dozen turns thereon, look∣••ng more like a man despairingly ••ad, than one who had made his

Peace with God, or who had a becom•• ing apprehension of death; Choler ha•• painted on his Front a kinde of da•• ring boldness. When his Sentenc•• was reading, he listned to it with matchless gravity, stroaking his Mu•• staches, as a person who cared littl•• for Death, and who believed h•• should not die that day: and indee•• had he found the Bar with whic•• he was to be broken, the Executio•• ner and others too would have bee•• in danger to have lost their Lives for it angred him so much to leave•• so young and robust as he was, thi•• World, that he would have hew'•• his way through Rocks and Moun∣tains to have escaped.

But in the reading of the Sen∣tence, when he heard he was con∣demned for having assassinated an•• barbarously murthered two poor Her∣mits, he cried aloud three times, tha•• the Judge lied, and that he was s•• far from doing any such thing, tha••

i•• never so much as came once into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thoughts.

There were two men sent for on ••rpose for to finish his Execution, ••om he warned not to come near 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and that he'd never suffer him∣••f to be lay'd on the Wheel by ••e: and to make appear that he ••d great strength, he was seen nine ••es one after another down on the ••ffold, and the Executioners upon 〈◊〉〈◊〉; notwithstanding which, he got ••p from them, and every time he got ••p he began his walks, cursing the day 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which he was born, wishing a ••ousand plagues to fall upon them ••ho had condemned him, and espe∣••ally cursing and damning the Judge ••ho pronounced his Sentence; be∣••g mad chiefly, amongst the rest, that ••e should be the first this Judge, ••eing newly made, ever had begun ••ithal. At length, seeing he could ••ot escape, and that he must die, he ••ields, but with much ado; for his

vigorous youth could not suffer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 self to be blossom'd so soon.

He was laid on the Cross then, o•• which he was broken alive: h•• Heart of steel, which could not b•• moved before, after having endure•• exceeding great torments, began t•• bethink it self; wherefore he cal•• his Confessor, to whom it is thoug•• he declared the whole matter. An•• so, after a long struggling with Deat•• he was at length overcome by him.