The history of the civil wars of France written in Italian, by H.C. Davila ; translated out of the original.

THE HISTORY OF THE Civil Wars of France. By HENRICO CATERINO DAVILA. The THIRD BOOK.

The ARGUMENT.

THe Third Book relates the Deliberation of the King of Navarre to drive the Prince of Conde (already become formidable) out of Paris; for this purpose he sends for the other Catholick Lords to Court. The Duke of Guise makes a Journey thither, and passing by Vassy, lights upon an Assembly of Hugonots at their devotions; thereupon follows accidentally a bloody con∣flict; to revenge themselves of which, the Hugonots rise in all parts of the Kingdom. The Prince of Conde leaves Paris: The Queen, together with the King, because she would not be constrained to declare her self for either party, retires to Fountain-bleau: On the other side, the Princes of each Fa∣ction endeavour to possess themselves of the persons of the King and Queen; The Catholicks prevent the Hugonots, and lead them both to Paris. The Prince of Conde, having lost his opportunity, takes other resolutions; possesses himself of Orleans, and prepares for the War. The Catholick Lords under the Kings Name likewise raise an Army. Many Writings are published on each side. Both Armies go into the Field. The Queen-Mother avoids the War, and labours for a Peace: To this end she comes to a parley with the Prince, but without success; notwithstanding she continues to treat of an Agreement, which at length is concluded. The Prince by the perswasion of the rest, repents himself thereof, and again takes arms: purposeth to assail the Kings Camp by night, but fails of his design. Forces come to the King out of Germany, and many thousands of Swisses: thereupon the Prince is forced to retire unto the Walls of Orleans; where not being able to keep the Army together, he divides it. He sends for succours into Germany and England: consents to give Havre de Grace to the English, and to receive their Garisons in Deipe and Rouen, to obtain aids of them. The Queen is offended, and grievously afflicted therewith, and for that cause joyning with the Catholick party, causeth the Hugonots to be declar'd Rebels. The Kings Army takes Blois, Tours, Poictiers and Bourges; besiegeth Rouen and

takes it: The King of Navarre is kill'd there. Succours come to the Prince out of Germany, with which being reinforced, he makes haste to assault Paris: The King and the Queen arrive there with the Army; wherefore after many attempts, he is necessitated to depart. Both Armies go into Normandy, and there follows the Battel of Dreux; in which the Prince of Conde is taken prisoner on the one side, and the Constable on the other: The Duke of Guise being victorious, layeth siege to Orleans, and is ready to take it, but is trea∣cherously slain by Poltrot. After his death follows the general Peace, and the Kings Army recovers Havre de Grace from the English. The King cometh out of his minority; The Queen useth divers arts to work the discon∣tented Princes to her will; and to compass her ends, together with the King, makes a general visitation of the Kingdom; cometh to a parley at Avignon with the Popes Ministers, and at Bayonne with the Queen of Spain. It is agreed between the most Christian and Catholick King, to aid each other in the suppression of seditions. The Queen of Navarre cometh to the Court. The King maketh a reconciliation between the Families of Chastillon and Guise; but within few days after, they return to their former enmities. The Queen of Navarre in distaste leaves the Court, and plots new mischiefs. Di∣vers Marriages are celebrated, but the civil dissentions nevertheless continue.

AFfairs of the State being thus on the sudden put into another po∣sture, there were none so short-sighted who did not clearly per∣ceive that the animosity of the Factions would finally shew it self in a War; and that there wanted nothing to make this cloud break into a storm, but the conjuncture of some fit occa∣sion. Which (as if all things had concurred to hasten the calamity of France) did forthwith arise from a marvellous op∣portunity.

The King of Navarre, after he had declared himself of the Catholick party, stayed, as by chance, in Paris; which City, as it is placed in the middle of France, so in fre∣quency of people, riches, dignity, and power, far surpasseth all others in the Kingdom. Wherefore believing that the rest would follow the example which that should give, he endeavoured very sollicitously, as was agreeable to the natural inclination of the inhabitants, to hinder there the preachings and assemblies of the Hugonots; and in all his other actions of the Government, having still a regard to that end, he hoped with the benefit of time, by degrees to take away their credit and force; and lastly, their liberty of Religion; which maintained in being, and gave increase to that party.

The Prince of Conde was likewise in Paris; who on the contrary, encouraging the Preachers, and enlarging as much as he could their license and liberty, under colour of making the Edict of January to be observed, arrogated to himself (more by force than reason) a great authority in all the affairs of State.

It appeared necessary to the King of Navarre, by some means or other to make the Prince of Conde leave Paris. For already, either the desire of peace, or the envy that he bore him, had rendred him exceeding violent against him; and Reason perswaded to preserve that City from tumults and seditions upon which the Catholick party chiefly relied; but knowing his own forces were not sufficient, or willing to communicate this resolution with the other Confederates before any thing were put in execution, he sent for the Duke of Guise and the Constable, that they might unite all their forces in the same place.

The Duke of Guise, after he retired from Court, dwelt at Jainville, a place of his own, upon the confines of Champagne and Picardy; and having received advice from the King of Navarre, being accompanied with the Cardinal his Brother, with a train of many Gentlemen his dependants, and two Squadrons of Lances for Guard, was upon the way to be at Paris at the time appointed. But the first day of March in the morning passing thorow a little Village in the same confines called Vassy, his people heard an unusual noise of Bells; and having asked what was the reason of it, answer was made, That it was the hour wherein the Hugonots used to assemble at their Ser∣mons.

The Pages and Lacqueys of the Duke that went before the rest of the com∣pany, moved with the novelty of the thing, and a curiosity to see, (for then those Congregations began first to be kept in publick) with jesting speeches, and a tumult proper to such kind of people, went towards the place where the Hugonots were as∣sembled at their devotion; who understanding that the Duke of Guise was there, one of their chief persecutors, and seeing a great troop come directly towards them, fear∣ing some affront, or else indeed incensed with the words of derision and contempt which the rudeness of those people used against them, without any further considera∣tion, presently fell to gather up stones, and began to drive back those that advanced first towards the place of their assembly. By which injury the Catholick party being incensed, (who came thither without intent of doing them harm) with no less incon∣sideration betaking themselves to their Arms, there began a dangerous scuffle amongst them. The Duke, perceiving the uproar, and desiring to remedy it, setting spurs to his horse, without any regard put himself into the midst of them; where, whilst he reprehended his own people, and exhorted the Hugonots to retire, he was hit with a blow of a stone upon the left cheek, by which, though lightly hurt, yet by reason he bled much, being forced to withdraw himself out of the hurly-burly, his followers, impatient of such an indignity done to their Lord, presently betook themselves to their Fire-arms, and violently assaulting the house where the Hugonots retired to secure themselves, killed above sixty of them, and grievously wounded the Minister; who climbing over the tyles, saved himself in some of the adjoining houses. The tumult ended, the Duke of Guise called for the Officer of the place, and began sharply to repre∣hend him for suffering such a pernicious license to the prejudice of passengers; and he, excusing himself, that he could not hinder it, by reason of the Edict of January, which tolerated the publick Assemblies of the Hugonots. The Duke no less offended at his answer than at the thing it self, laying his hand upon his Sword, replyed in choler, This shall soon cut the bond of that Edict, though never so binding. From which words, spoken in the heat of anger, and not forgotten by those that were pre∣sent, many afterwards concluded, that he was the author and contriver of the ensuing War.

But the Hugonots, exceedingly incensed by this chance, and being no longer able to keep themselves within the limits of patience, not contented with what they had done formerly, both in Paris (where killing divers men, they fired the Church of S. Medard) and in other Cities all over the Kingdom; now full of malice and rage, stir∣red up such horrible tumults and bloody seditions, that, besides the slaughter of men in many places, the Monasteries were spoiled, Images thrown down, the Altars bro∣ken, and the Churches brutishly polluted. By which actions every body being much incensed, and the people in all places running headlong to take Arms, the Heads of the Factions upon the same occasion went about gathering forces, and preparing them∣selves for a manifest War.

But the Lords of both parties saw plainly, that in the state things were then in, they could not take Arms without running into an open Rebellion; there being no pretext or apparent colour that covered with the shew of Justice the raising of Arms: for the Catholick party could not oppose the Edict of January without apparently contradicting an Act of Council, and trespassing against the Royal Power by which the Edict was authorized: and on the other side, the Hugonots having the Liberty of Conscience given them which was appointed by the Edict of January, had no just cause to stir. Wherefore each Faction desired to draw the King to their party, and seizing upon his person, by abolishing the Edict, or interpreting it under his Name according to their own sense, to make a shew of having the right on their sides; and the contrary party by opposing the Kings will, and resisting him in person, to run into an actual Rebellion.

The Queen-Mother, very well knowing these designs, and desiring as much as was possible to preserve her own liberty and her Sons, continued her wonted artifices so to balance the power of the great ones, that by their tyranny they might not prejudice the security of the State; and having left Paris, that she might not be constrained by either Faction, she went to Fountain-bleau, a house of pleasure belonging to the Kings of France; which being a free open place, she conceived she could not be forced to de∣clare her self, and hoped by doubtful speeches and ambiguous promises to maintain her credit with both parties. Where she gave assurances to the Prince of Conde and

the Lords of Chastillon, (who being inferiour in strength to the Catholicks, were gone out of Paris to arm themselves) that she would join with them as soon as she saw they had assembled such a force as might be sufficient to resist the power of their Adversaries. And on the other side, she made protestations to the King of Navarre, the Constable, and the Duke of Guise, that she would never forsake the Catholick party, nor ever consent to the establishment of the Hugonots further, than granting them a moderate liberty, such as by the advice of persons well-affected should be thought necessary for the quiet of the State. Her Letters concerning this business were no less ambiguous than her words; nor did she declare her self more openly abroad to foreign Princes, than at home within her own Kingdom: but often changing the tenour of her dis∣course, and varying the instructions she gave to Ambassadors in other Courts, and particularly to Monsieur de l' Isle who resided in Rome, sometimes restraining them, other while giving them a larger scope, so confounded the understandings of all men, that they could not conclude any thing.

But now she began to have a hard task. For the heads of both parties were grown by experience to be no less their Crafts-masters than her self; and in such a long time that she had held the Regency, they had had the commodity to discern and understand her arts; besides now that the King began to grow of age, she was necessitated to cut off those delays which she formerly used; many things being in apparence just, which when He should come to years to govern of himself; depended absolutely upon his judgment and arbitrement; which none could oppose without manifest delin∣quency of Felony; whereas at the present every one might pretend that they did not withstand the Kings will, but the wicked pernicious counsels of his Ministers.

The Duke of Guise, who being of a more violent disposition and resolute nature than the rest, absolutely swayed the resolutions of his party, having already drawn to his opinion the Constable and the King of Navarre, perswaded them that going pre∣sently together to Court, they should bring the King and the Queen-Mother to Paris, and afterwards make them confirm such Determinations and Edicts as seemed necessary for the present times; and not by expecting, run the hazard of being prevented, or suffer their Adversaries to seize first upon the Kings person, and so invest themselves with the authority of his Name.

The Prince of Conde had the same intention; who when he left Paris, retired first to Meaux, a Town in Brye, ten leagues distant from thence; and then to la Ferte, a place of his own, there to assemble his Forces. To this resolution he was advised by the Admiral, invited by the promises of the Queen-Mother, and perhaps further in∣duced by the design of the Catholicks, which was not concealed from him, (as for the most part in civil dissentions, through the infidelity of Counsellors and frequency of spies, it is very easie to penetrate into the very thoughts of the Enemy.) But the Ca∣tholick Lords with their ordinary followers were sufficient to manage this design; besides, they were near to Paris, which depending absolutely upon their wills, afforded strength and commodity to effect it: Whereas on the other side, the Prince of Conde being far weaker than they, and but few of his men armed, he was forced to expect the other Lords and Gentlemen of his party; who being sent for from divers Provinces of the Kingdom, were not speedily to be brought together.

In the mean while the Catholicks prevented them, and on a sudden appeared in great numbers at the Court. Yet the Queen, nothing dismayed at their so unexpected coming, though doubtful that her former arts would no longer prevail, began to per∣swade the King of Navarre, that the Princes and other Lords that came with him should presently withdraw themselves from about the Court, that every one plainly perceived the cause of their coming; which was, to force her being unarmed, and the King yet in minority, to order things in the State according to their humours, and to accommodate publick affairs to passions and private interests; which was not only far from the loyalty and integrity they professed, but absolutely contrary to the peace and safety of the Kingdom, which they pretended only to desire. For to seek new Edicts and new Institutions different from those which were already enacted, was no less than to arm the Hugonots; who, bold enough of themselves, and ready for Insurrections, would believe and publish to all the World, that they had reason on their side, if with∣out any cause that Edict should be recalled, which by a general consent was confirmed and established. That it was expedient, whilst the King was under age, to avoid the necessity of a War, and the troubles and inconveniencies that accompanied it; left

besides the universal prejudice, a greater brand of infamy might be fixed upon them who held the greatest authority in the Government. That she for this reason con∣sented to the Edict of January; for this cause left Paris; to take away all manner of pretence and opportunity for that mischief to break out, which secretly crept up; and that to return to a place suspected, and to disturb the Edict already published, would be openly to foment the violence of it. Withal, she put the King of Navarre in mind, and the other Catholick Princes, that to raise Civil Wars was only proper to those who were either of unsetled or desperate fortunes: and not for such who, possessing riches, dignities, estates and honours, lived in a flourishing eminent condition. That the King of Navarre should enjoy the principal Command of the whole Kingdom, which already without contradiction he was possessed of; the other Princes should enjoy their estates, greatness and dignities; and should comply with the people, that by en∣joying, or believing they enjoyed a borrowed and momentary liberty, they might suffer the King without War to accomplish the age of his majority. That nothing had been done which was not forced by an absolute necessity; That only was given, which could not be sold; and that liberty granted to the Hugonots, which of their own power they arrogated to themselves. And therefore the Catholick Princes should have patience, that this so frantick humour might be overcome with art and dexterity; and not wilfully be an occasion, by anticipating the remedies before the time the King came of age, to anticipate likewise the disease; which would carry along with it many adverse revolutions and dangerous accidents: and if they were positively resolved to regulate the Edict, that it was to be done insensibly, and with opportunity of times and occasions, and not with such open violence, which would afford that commodity to the seditious, which they themselves desired and sought after.

These reasons effectually expressed and reiterated, would have moved the King of Navarre, and perhaps the Constable also, if the Duke of Guise had consented there∣unto. But he having setled his hopes, not only to recover, but enlarge his former greatness by the fortune of the war; and desirous, as ancient Protector and Head of the Catholick party, that those things resolved upon without his consent should by any means whatsoever be disturbed, and the honour of disturbing them redound apparently upon himself; he peremptorily opposed all the Queens arguments; shewing, that they should at the same time lose their credit and reputation, when they suffered them∣selves to be so easily deluded by a woman, who did all with a design to throw her self into the arms of the contrary party; if fondly giving credit to her words, they should so easily be perswaded to depart from the Court; that it would too much prejudice the justice of their cause, if it should appear by their own confession, that the end of their coming was not for the publick good or preservation of the Royal Authority, but through private passions, and particular interests; and that through an inward guilt, they had not pursued those intentions which they purposed to effect. That they ought not, by the artificial perswasions of the Queen, to be diverted from a delibera∣tion so maturely weighed, and unanimously resolved upon; nor to satisfie her will, suffer those things to be laid aside which were dictated by Reason, prescribed by Ju∣stice, and commanded by Religion; the preservation and respect of which had chiefly brought them thither: But howsoever, it was no longer seasonable to defer or spend time in discourses: The Prince of Conde with an armed power was already at hand, the Hugonots had already joyned their forces; who without doubt would carry the King along with them, if they did not first take order for his security. And there∣fore this being a business not to be determined by perswasions, it was necessary to use force, and carrying away the King, leave the Queen to take that party which pleased her best. For having with them the person of the lawful King, and the first Prince of the Blood, to whom the Government naturally belonged, they needed little to re∣gard what she should do with her self. And it was true, that the Prince of Conde, joyned with the Lords of Chastillon, and the rest of his adherents, already drew near to the Court. Wherefore the Constable and the King of Navarre being confirmed by these reasons, and seeing it was necessary to break off all treaties and delays, gave the Queen personally to understand, that she must instantly resolve; for they had deter∣mined, whatever hapned, to carry the King and his Brothers with them to Paris, le••t they should fall into the hands of the Hugonots, who, (as they had advertisement) were not far off; that it was not fit for them to leave their lawful Prince a prey to He∣reticks, who desired nothing more than to have him a prisoner, that they might under

his name subvert the foundations of the Kingdom: That there was now no time to be lost, nor means to put it off; that they would dispose of the King as their alle∣giance and the common good required. For what concerned her self, that they would not determine any thing, but, as it was their duty, leave her free to do what she pleased.

Though this intimation were peremptory and sudden, yet the Queen was not at all surprised therewith, having long foreseen it, and designed what in such a case would be fittest to do. Wherefore being necessitated to declare her self, though it were against her will, and she foresaw War would quickly ensue thereupon; she would not by any means separate her self from the Catholick party; not only because reason and justice so advised, but because she likewise conceived, that both her own safety and her Sons depended upon their strength. So that with her wonted vivacity of courage presently resolving, she returned answer to the King of Navarre and the Constable; That she was no less a Catholick, nor less sollicitous of the general good of that Re∣ligion, than any other whatsoever; that for this time she would rather believe the counsel of others, than her own judgment; and since all agreed that it was best to go, she was ready to satisfie them. And so without any other reply, she presently put her self in a readiness to depart: notwithstandig, at the same time she dispatched Letters to the Prince of Conde, lamenting that she could not discharge the promise she had made to put both the Kings Person and her own into their hands; for the Ca∣tholicks coming first, had carried them by force to Paris; but that they should not lose their courage, neglect their care for the preservation of the Crown, nor suffer their enemies to arrogate to themselves the absolute power in the Government. So being mounted on horseback with the King and her other Sons, and compassed about with the Catholick Lords, who omitted no observance or demonstrations of honour that might appease her, they went that night to Melun, the next day to the Bois de Vincennes, and with the same speed the morning after to Paris.

It is most certain, that the young King was seen that day by many to weep, being perswaded that the Catholick Lords restrained him of his liberty; and that the Queen-Mother being discontented that her wonted arts prevailed not, and foreseeing the mischiefs of the future War, seemed perplexed in mind, and spake not a word to any body; of which the Duke of Guise making little account, was heard to say pub∣lickly, That the good is always good, whether it proceed from love or force. But the Prince of Conde having received this news upon the way, and finding that he was either pre∣vented by the Catholicks, or deluded by the Queen, he presently stopt his horse, and stood still a good while, doubtful what resolution to take; all those future troubles that were like to ensue representing themselves before him with a face of terrour. But the Admiral, who was somewhat behind, overtaking him, they conferred a little to∣gether, and after a deep sigh, the Prince said, We are gone so far forward, that we must either drink or be drowned; and without any further dispute, taking another way, he went with great speed towards Orleans, which he had formerly designed to possess himself of.

Orleans is one of the principal Cities of the Kingdom, some thirty leagues distant from Paris, of a large compass, abundance in provision, commodious for buildings, and very populous; which being in the Province of Beausse, stands as it were the Na∣vel of the Kingdom, upon the River of Loire, anciently called Ligeris, a great Navi∣gable River; which passing thorow many Provinces, at length runs into the British Sea. This City, by reason of the Navigation, the fertility of the Soil▪ the eminency of it, and the mutual commerce it had with many other places, seemed to the Prince very convenient for a standing quarter, and to oppose against Paris, by making it the principal seat for their Faction. For which reasons having many months before cast his thoughts upon it, he had taken pains to hold secret intelligence with some of the Citizens which were of Calvins Religion, and by their means to raise a great party of the youth, who were of unquiet spirits, factious, and inclined to a desire of No∣velties. So that the disposition of the Inhabitants answering the instigation of the complices, already a great part of the people were willing to take Arms. And that things might be done in due order, the Prince had the day before sent Monsieur de Andelotte to the City, who entring thereinto secretly, (at the same time that the Prince seised upon the Court) should endeavour likewise to make himself Master of the Town. But though it so fell out, that the Prince could not arrive at Court;

Andelotte not knowing what had happened, armed three hundred of his followers, and at the day appointed suddenly seised on S. John's Gate. Upon which accident Mon∣sieur de Monterau, Governour of the City, getting together some few men of Mon∣sieur de Sipierres company, who by chance were then thereabouts, very hotly assaulted the Conspirators, with no little hope that they should be able to drive them away, and recover the entrance of the Gate, where they had not had time enough to fortifie themselves; so that joyning in a bloody fight, after a conflict of many hours, Andelotte at length began to yield to the multitude of the Catholicks, who ran thither armed from all the parts of the Town, and had surely received an affront, if he had not been opportunely assisted by an unexpected succour. For the Prince of Conde, not finding the Court at Fountain-bleau, and therefore desisting from his voyage, returned much sooner than he thought, and marching with great diligence, approached near to Or∣leans at the same time that the fight began; and knowing it to be very violent by the continual shot and incessant ringing of Bells, which might be heard many miles off, he presently gallopped with all his Cavalry towards the City to succour his Confede∣rates, who were already in great danger of being defeated.

They were more than three thousand horse, and ran headlong with such fury, that the peasants, though astonished with the unusual spectacle of civil arms, in the midst of their fright and wonder could not forbear to laugh, seeing here a horse fall, there a man tumbled over, and nevertheless without regarding any accident, run furiously one over another as fast as their horses could go, upon a design which no body knew but themselves. But this haste, so ridiculous to the Spectators, had very good success to the Princes intentions. For coming with such a powerful succour, and in so fit an opportunity of time, the Governour being driven away, and those that resisted sup∣pressed; at last the Town, which was of exceeding consequence, was reduced into his power, and by the Authority of the Commanders preserved from pillage. But the Churches escaped not the fury of the Hugonot-Souldiers, who with bruitish examples of barbarous savageness, laid them all waste and desolate.

Thus the Prince having taken Orleans, and made it the seat of his Faction, he be∣gan to think upon War. And first having appointed a Council of the principal Lords and Commanders, he advised with them of the means to draw as many Towns and Provinces to his Party as was possible, and to get together such a sum of money as might defray the expences, which at the beginning of a War are ever very great.

The Catholick party were intent upon the same ends; who being come to Paris with the young King and the Queen, held frequent consultations how best to order the affairs for their own advantage: in which Councils the Duke of Guise openly de∣clared, that he thought it most expedient to proceed to a War with the Hugonots, so to extinguish the fire before it burst out into a consuming flame, and to take away the roots of that growing evil. On the contrary, the Chancellor de l' Hospital, secretly set on by the Queen, proposing many difficulties, and raising doubts and impediments upon every thing, perswaded an agreement; by which both parties absenting them∣selves from the Court, the power of the Government should be left free and quiet to the Queen and the King of Navarre. But being sharply reproved by the Con∣stable, and after the news of the revolt of Orleans, injuriously treated, under pretence of being a Gown-man, he was excluded from the Council, that was now called the Council of War; by which means also a principal instrument was taken from the Queen, who having no power left in that Council, for there were newly admitted to it Claud Marquess de ••oisy, Honore Marquess Villars, Louis de Lansac, Monsieur de Cars, the Bishop of Auxerre, the Sieurs de Maugiron, and la Brosse, (who all abso∣lutely depended upon the Constable and the Guises) every thing on that side likewise tended to the raising of Arms.

At the first (as it ever falleth out) their pens were more active than their swords. For the Prince of Conde and his adherents, willing to justifie in writing the cause of their taking Arms, published certain Manifests and Letters in print, directed to the King, the Court of Parliament in Paris, the Protestant Princes of Germany, and to other Christian Princes; in which very largely, but no less artificially dilating them∣selves, they concluded, that they had taken Arm•• to set the King at liberty, and the Queen his Mother, who by the Tyrannical power of the Catholick Lords were kept prisoners; and to cause obedience to be rendred in all parts of the Kingdom to his

Majesties Edicts, which by the violence of certain men, that arrogate to themselves a greater Authority in the Government than of right belonged to them, were impiously despised and trodden under foot; and therefore that they were ready presently to lay down their Arms, if the Duke of Guise, the Constable, and the Mareshal de St. Andre, retiring themselves from the Court, would leave the King and the Queen in a free place, in their own power; and that liberty of Religion might be equally tolerated and maintained in all parts of the Kingdom.

The Parliament at Paris answered their Manifest, and the Letters, shewing, that the pretence was vain, by which they sought to justifie their taking of Arms, which they had immediately raised against the Kings Person and his Royal Authority: for so far was the King or the Queen his Mother from being deprived of liberty, or retained in prison by the Constable and the Guises, that on the contrary they were in the ca∣pital City of the Kingdom, where the chief Parliament resided; and in which com∣manded as Governour Charles Cardinal of Bourbon, Brother to the Prince of Conde, and one of the Princes of the Blood. That the King of Navarre, Brother also to the same Prince of Conde, held the chief place in the Government, and the Queen-Mother the charge of the Regency; both chosen by the Council, according to the ancient cu∣stom, and confirmed by the consent of the States-General of the Kingdom: that every day they assembled the Council composed of eminent persons to consult of fit remedies for the present evils; that the Edict of January was intirely observed with full Liberty of Conscience to those of the pretended reformed Religion, (notwithstanding it de∣pended wholly upon the Kings will to call in those Edicts whensoever he should think sit, especially that of January, made by way of provision, and which was accepted by the Parliaments only for a time;) That the Hugonots had of themselves violated the Edict made in their favour; because, contrary to the form thereof, they went to their assemblies armed, without the assistance of the Kings Officers, conditions ex∣presly mentioned in the same. And besides this rashness, they were likewise so bold, as in all places to raise tumults, and commit disorders and slaughters. Wherefore their rebellion could not be excused with so slight a pretence, seeing many Towns were openly seized upon, Souldiers raised, the Munition consumed, Artillery cast, Moneys coyned, the publick Revenues spent, Churches thrown down, the Monaste∣ries laid desolate, and infinite other proceedings, no way agreeing to the Duty of Subjects, but express acts of Felony and Rebellion. Wherefore they exhorted the Prince of Conde, that following the example of his Ancestors, he should return to the King, abandoning the society of Hereticks and factious persons, and not so cruelly wound the bosom of his own Country; the welfare whereof, as Prince of the Blood, he was obliged to maintain with the hazard of his own person, even to the last period of his life.

The Constable likewise and the Guises made an Answer in their own behalf; and after a long narration of the services they had done to the Crown, concluded, that they were ready not only to depart from the Court, but to enter into a voluntary exile, upon condition that the Arms taken up against his Majesty might be laid down, the places kept against him delivered up, the Churches that were ruined restored, the Ca∣tholick Religion preserved, and an intire obedience rendred to the lawful King un∣der the Government of the King of Navarre, and the Regency of the Queen-Mother.

After which Declarations past on both sides, the King and the Queen together, by the advice of the Council, made another Answer to the Prince of Conde, and caused it to be divulged in print, in which they avowed, That they were in full liberty, and that they had voluntarily removed the Court to Paris, to remain there in great secu∣rity, and to advise with the Officers of the Crown, how to remedy the present disor∣ders: That they were ready to continue the observation of the Edict of January, and to see it should be entirely kept, until such time as the King came of Age: And since the Catholick Princes, whose loyalty and vertue was sufficiently known to all France, were contented to retire themselves from Court: That the Prince of Conde nor his Adherents had any manner of excuse longer to keep at such a distance, and in Arms; but that they ought presently to put both themselves and the places they possessed into obedience of the King; which if they did, besides a pardon for what was past, they should be well lookt upon by their Majesties as good Subjects, and punctually main∣tained in all their priviledges and degrees.

Whilst these things were in agitation, the Queen endeavoured to bring it so to pass, that both parties (to colour their proceedings, and not to seem to condemn them∣selves of any violence to the Kings person) should retire to their several charges, and leave the Government of the State to her and the King of Navarre; who being of a facile nature, was a fit instrument for the establishment of her Sons in the Kingdom. But after much Treating, and many Declarations on both sides, all was reduced to this point, That neither of them would be the first to disband their forces; and up∣on this cavil they made large Propositions in writing, without concluding any thing in fact.

At the same time that these Manifests were published to the world, and every man busie about the Treaty, the Prince of Conde and the Admiral used means to draw all the greatest Towns, and those that lay most convenient for them, to their party. To which purpose, having scattered men of understanding and trust in the several Pro∣vinces, they with divers policies, by the assistance of the Hugonots, and other sedi∣tious persons which abounded in all parts of the Kingdom, easily made themselves Masters of the principal Cities, and other strong places of greatest consequence. With these practices revolted the City of Rouen, (the residence of the Parliament of Nor∣mandy) and in the same Province Diepe and Havre de Grace, situated upon the Ocean on that Coast that looks toward England. In Poictou and Touraine, with the like skill they got into their hands Angiers, Blois, Poictiers, Tours, and Vendosme. In Daul∣phine, Valence; and at last, after many attempts, the City of Lyons also; and in Gas∣coigne, Guienne, and Languedoc, where the Hugonots swarmed most; except Bur∣deaux, Thoulouse, and some other Fortresses, they had in a manner possessed themselves of all the Cities and walled Towns. By which Insurrections all France being in an uproar, and not only the Provinces, but private houses and families divided amongst themselves, there ensued such miserable accidents, that every place afforded spectacles of desolation, fire, rapine and bloodshed.

And because the Contributions they had from the Hugonots, (though they gave very largely) and their own private Revenues, with the pillage they had in those Towns that they took, was not sufficient to maintain the charge of the War; the Prince of Conde made all the Gold and Silver in the Churches to be brought to him, and coyned it publickly into money, which was no little help to them. For the ancient piety of that Nation had in every place adorned the reliques, and filled the Temples with no small Treasure. Nor was their diligence less to provide Munition and Artillery. For in the Towns which they surprised▪ and particularly in Tours, having found a great quantity, they sent it to Orleans to supply their present occasions; where, having ap∣pointed the Convent of Franciscan Fryars for a Magazine, they kept there in very good order all the Stores and Provisions that they made with exceeding industry for the future.

But the Governours of the Kingdom having resolved and determined a War, with no less diligence brought the Catholick Army together near about Paris; where enter∣ing into consultation what they should do concerning the Edict of January, though there was some difference in their opinions, they all concluded it should be observed: partly, not more to sharpen the humours already too much stirred; and partly, not to add strength or colour to the Hugonots cause; who, whilst the Edict was maintained, had no manner of reasonable pretence to take Arms.

But because the People of Paris reverencing (as in the greatest troubles they have ever done) the Catholick Religion, instantly desired that no Congregations of the Hugonots might be permitted amongst them; First to take away an occasion of tumults and dan∣ge••s in the principal City, which was the foundation of the Kings party, it being be∣sides very indecent that wher•• his Majesty remained in Person any other Religion should be exercised but that which he himself professed: These reasons laid together, they resolved the Edict of January in all things else remaining in force, to forbid the Hugonots to keep any Assemblies in the City of Paris, or the Precincts thereof; or in any other place where the Court resided, where none could live that were not con∣formable to the Rites of the Catholick Religion observed in the Roman Church.

After the publication of this Decree, followed other Provisions in pursuance of the Civil and Military affairs. And the Cardinal of Bourbon, who loved not to engage himself in troublesome businesses, having in these times of difficulty surrendred up the Government of Paris, they conferred it upon the Mareshal of Brissac; that they might

be sure to have in the power of one they trusted the most potent City in all France; which alone gave more assistance to that party it favoured, than half the rest of the Kingdom could. They appointed other Commanders in divers other parts to with∣stand the attempts of the Hugonots; amongst which the principal were Claude Duke of Aumale in the Province of Normady; Louis de Bourbon Duke of Monpensier in Touraine; and in Gascoigne, Blaise, Sieur de Monluc, a man famous for wit and valour, and much more for experience in the War.

But having already a great power on foot, those who commanded in chief resolved to go directly towards Orleans, where the Prince of Conde and the Admiral gathered their Forces, and not to give them longer time for the provisions that they made, but to endeavour to suppress them before they encreased in strength or reputation. The Kings Army consisted of four thousand Horse, the chief Gentry in the Kingdom, and six thousand French Foot, all chosen men and old Souldiers; and the Swisses were expected, who being hired by the King, were already advanced to the confines of Burgundy. With this number of men, and a convenient train of Artillery, the Army moved towards Orleans, commanded by the King of Navarre with the Title of the Kings Lieutenant-General; but with the consent and authority of the Duke of Guise and the Constable, who for their experience and age had the chief credit in directing businesses of weight or consequence.

On the other side, the Prince of Conde and the Admiral, by whose advice all things were governed, having already assembled such a force as was able to encounter with the Kings Army, resolved to issue out of Orleans, and to take the field likewise; judging it the best way to uphold their reputation, which in all, but especially in Civil Wars, is always of great moment to maintain and encrease a Faction; there being an infinite number of men that follow the rumour of fame, and prosperity of fortune. Being marched forth into the field with three thousand Horse and seven thousand Foot, they quartered themselves in a place naturally strong, some four leagues distant from the City, just upon the great Road; that so they might cut off the Catholicks passage to the Town, and with greater facility have provisions brought them in from the Coun∣try about.

But whilst the Armies thus approached one another, the Queen was greatly troubled in mind to see things at last break out into a War, in which she doubted she should cer∣tainly remain a prey, whosoever obtained the Victory; believing that she could no more trust her self to one party, than be secure of the other. For though the Catholick Lords made shew of paying her a great respect, and seemed to promise, she should continue her wonted authority of Regent; she feared not without good ground, that the contrary party once suppressed, and the obstacle taken away that contained them within the bounds of reason, they would make but little accompt of a P••pil King, or a woman that was a stranger, and prefer their own greatness before all other respects. And for the Prince of Conde, who, besides his restless disposition and vast thoughts that wholly swayed him, thought himself also injured and betrayed by her, she could by no means depend upon his support. Besides, the exaltation of the Hugonots she knew would absolutely subvert the State, and kindle such a lasting fire, that the mise∣rable Country of France would never be able fully to recover the quiet it formerly en∣joyed. Wherefore desiring a peace, and that things should remain in machination, and (as they call them) Brigues of the Court, without breaking out into the vio∣lence of Arms, she endeavoured to promote propositions of accommodation by means of the Bishop of Valence; who at last, after many difficulties, concluded a parley be∣tween her and the Prince of Conde, in a place equally distant from both Armies; that by discoursing together they might find a means to secure and satisfie both parties. To which purpose the Queen, being come to the Catholick Camp, accompanied with the King of Navarre and Monsieur d' Anville the Constables Son, she advanced as far as Toury, (a place about ten leagues from Orleans) whither came the Prince of Conde with the Admiral and the Cardinal his Brother, who called himself Count de Beauvais, (of which place he held the Bishoprick though he had changed his Religion.) Where meeting altogether in an open Campaigne which on every side extended as far as they could discern, the Prince and the Queen withdrew themselves from the company, and discoursed very long together; but what passed between them was unknown; only it is certain, that they parted without concluding any thing; and each of them retired to their own company in great haste. This meeting satisfied those who doubted it, that

the Queen only dissembling with the Hugonots for her own ends, would not in any wise forsake the Catholicks. For she was there in such a place, that she might have gone away with the Prince if she had pleas'd; who perhaps came to the parley princi∣pally through such a hope.

Now the Prince being returned to his Army, (as if he had received courage from the Treaty he had with the Queen, or else to encrease the jealousies which the Catho∣licks generally had of her) proposed much higher Conditions than formerly, and so exorbitant, that they moved a disdain even in the King himself, though yet in such an age that he referred all things to the arbitrement of his Council. For he demanded, That the Guises and the Constable should depart out of the Kingdom; That the Hu∣gonots might return again to live in the Cities, and have Churches publickly appointed them; That all the Edicts should be nullified that were made since the Duke of Guise returned to the Court; That he might hold the Towns he was possessed of, till the King was out of his minority, and command in them as free absolute Lord; That the Popes Legat should be commanded to leave the Kingdom, that the Hugonots might be capable of all charges and publick Magistracies; That the Emperour, the Catho∣lick King, the Queen of England, the Republick of Venice, the Duke of Savoy, and the Commonalty of the Swisses, should give security, That neither the Duke of Guise, nor the Constable, should return into the Kingdom, or raise any Army, until such time as the King came to the age of two and twenty years. Every man being incensed with these Conditions, the Governours of the Kingdom resolved to send Monsieur de Fresne, one of the Kings Secretaries, to Estampes in the mid-way between Orleans and Paris, who with a publick Proclamation should warn the Prince of Conde, the Admiral, Andelot, and the rest of their Adherents, within ten days after to lay down their Arms, to deliver up the Towns they possessed, and to retire privately to their own houses: which if they did, they should obtain pardon and remission for all that was past; but if they refused to obey this his Majesties express Command, it being an im∣mediate Act of Treason and Rebellion, they should be deprived of their estates and dignities, and proceeded against as Rebels. Which being published accordingly, it was so far from working any thing upon the Hugonots, that on the contrary, either through desperation or disdain become more resolute, they united themselves by a pub∣lick Contract in a perpetual Confederacy, to deliver as they said, the King, the Queen, and the Kingdom from the violence of their oppressors; and to cause obedience to be rendered to his Majesties Edicts through all his Dominions. They declared the Prince of Conde Head of this Confederacy, and with their wonted liberty published in print a long Narration of the causes and end of this their Union.

The Queen for all this, still employed her thoughts how to compass an agreement. For besides the hopes she had to effect it, nothing was more advantageous to her then gaining of time; and by delaying the War, to keep things from coming to an issue, till her Son was out of his Minority, which they pretended was at fourteen years of age. She began already to endeavour by her usual arts to regain the Constable and the Guises; and having given evident proof of her resolution to persevere in the Catho∣lick Religion, and continue constant to that party, since when she was even in the Hugonots Camp she returned notwithstanding back to them again; she had in great part removed and purged her self of those jealousies which they were wont to have of her inclinations; insomuch as, besides that they left her a more absolute power in the Government, they sought by complying, to make her approve of their proceed∣ings. Wherefore having more hope than ever to find some means of accommodation, she began to deal with the Catholick Lords under the pretence of Justice, and detesta∣tion of a Civil War; that to shame the Hugonots, and for their own honour, they should be content to depart first from the Court, as they were the first to come thi∣ther. She laid before them, how greatly it would commend their sincerity, by one action only to extinguish that horrible flame which was now kindling in every part of the Kingdom to consume all things both sacred or prophane. That they would me∣rit much more of their Country by this so pious a resolution, than by all their former exploits put together, though never so glorious and beneficial. For this would bring safety, whereas those added only greatness and reputation. She told them further, that to absent themselves from the Court, was but a ceremony of a few months: for, if nothing happened before to make it necessary to call them back again, when the King came to age, which would be shortly, he would soon s••nd for them; and in the

mean while, this short time of absence might be employed to their honour and advan∣tage. For every one retiring to their several Governments with which they were in∣trusted, they might with industry keep the Provinces in peace, and purge those that most needed it, of the pestiferous humours that infected them; whereas staying at the Court, they served for nothing else but to foment and stir up a War. She assured them, she would never change resolution in matters of Religion, or the Kings Edu∣cation; that never any thing of importance should be determined without their pri∣vity; that the present Insurrections once quieted, she would take care, that with the first possible opportunity they should be recalled; and that in all times they should find her gratitude answerable to so great a benefit, if really they resolved to perform what she proposed. With which kind of practises she so far prevailed, that at the last the Duke of Guise, the Constable, and the Mareshal de St. Andre, were contented to depart first from the Court and the Army; provided, that the Prince of Conde came presently without Arms to render himself to the Queens obedience, and to follow such orders as she should think most expedient for the welfare of the Kingdom: which though every one of them thought a very hard condition, yet such was the general ap∣plause that resulted from thence to their own augmentation and glory, and so firm the belief, that the Prince would never be perswaded to return to the Court unarmed as a private person, that they were induced to consent to it; believing withal perhaps, that there could not want pretences and interpretations speedily to licence their re∣turn; and so much the rather, because the King of Navarre, being then so exaspe∣rated that they thought him irreconcileable with his Brother, remaining still an assistant in the Government, they were in a manner secure, that the form of things would not be changed, and that they should have the same power in their absence as if they were present.

But the Queen having gotten this promise from them, and keeping it very secretly to her self, forthwith sent the Bishop of Valence, and Rubertette, one of the Secretaries of State to the Prince of Conde, who having given them this answer, That if the Ca∣tholick Lords departed first, he would not only lay down his Arms and return into obedience to the Queen; but also for the more security, forthwith leave the Kingdom; and often reiterating, and making large professions of the same; though with an as∣sured opinion, that those Lords would neither for their reputation nor safety be wil∣ling first to lay down their Arms and depart: The Bishop and Rubertette praising his readiness, desiring he would write what he had said to the Queen; shewing, that whereas for the present he was held for the Author of these scandals, and of the War, by this free offer he would silence his enemies, and confound the Faction of the Guises; justifying to all the World the candour of his intentions and counsels. The Prince, perswaded by the fair apparence of the proposition, and with hope to add to his force a shew of reason, (which is always of very great moment among the people) was con∣tent to write to the Queen, That when the Catholick Lords were retired to their houses without either Arms or command; he, with the principal of his Adherents, for the Kings satisfaction, and the quiet of the State, willingly promised to go out of the Kingdom, and never to return till he were recalled by the general consent of them that governed.

The Queen having received this ratification written and subscribed by the Princes own hand, instantly advertised the Catholick Lords, that they should forthwith retire themselves, only with their ordinary followers; who readily obeying her command, having put over their men to the King of Navarre, went to Chasteau Dame, with a full intention to be gone as soon as the Prince on that part began to perform his pro∣mises. The Lords having left the Camp on a sudden, the Queen without any delay, the very same night let the Prince know by Rubertette, that the Catholick Lords being already departed from the Army, and their commands, it remained that he with the same readiness and sincerity should perform what he had so assuredly promised under his own hand-writing.

This unexpected resolution not a little perplext the Hugonots, having never ima∣gined that the Constable and the Guises would yield to this condition. Wherefore re∣penting themselves that the Prince through his facility had promised so much, they be∣gan to consult how they might break off and hinder the Agreement. The Ad∣miral making little account of outward appearance, and deeming that after a Victory all things seemed just, and justice by an overthrow would lose her authority; advised

presently to send back Rubertette, and without further ceremony to break off the Trea∣ty. Andelot, according to his manner, mingling brags with his reasons, wished that he were so near the Catholicks, that he might come to try it out by force; and it should soon appear whom it concerned most in reason to abandon their Country; it being against all right, that so many gallant men, who voluntarily had taken Arms, should be deluded by the crafty Treaties of the Queen and the Catholicks It appeared hard to the Prince to gain-say his word, and hardest of all to relinquish his command in the Army, and at one Treaty to fall from such great hopes, to a necessity of forsa∣king his Country, without knowing whither to retreat.

The Hugonot Ministers interposing their Divinity with matters of State, alledged, that the Prince having undertaken the maintenance of those who had imbraced the purity, as they called it, of the Gospel, and made himself by Oath Protector of Gods Word; No obligation afterwards could be of force to prejudice his former oath or promise. Others added to this reason, that the Queen having at the beginning failed of her word to the Prince, when she promised to bring over the King to his party, he likewise was not bound by any promise made to her, who first committed such a ma∣nifest breach of Faith. Amongst which, rather tumultuous than well directed opi∣nions, applying themselves (as in matters of difficulty it is usual) to a middle way, it was at last, not without much dispute, determined, that the Prince should go to the Queen, making shew to perform his promise, and confirm a peace; but that the morning after, the Admiral and the other Hugonot Lords coming on a sudden, should take him away suddenly as by force, and carrying him back to the Camp; giving out that he had not violated his promise, but that he was constrained by those of his party to observe his first Oath, and the confederacy a little before so solemnly con∣tracted. That which made them think of this deceit, was the great commodity of putting it in execution; for the Queen, to meet with the Prince, being come to Talsy, six miles from the Army, where she was accompanied only with her ordinary Guards, and the Courtiers, the Prince could not fear the being stayed by force; and the other Lords of his party might go thither and return, without any danger or impe∣diment.

So it was punctually effected as they had resolved amongst themselves. For the Prince, accompanied with some few attendants, went to the Queen, with great shew of humiliation, and was received with much familiarity. But whilst he raised diffi∣culties, and interposed delays in subscribing the condition, which by order from the King and the Council were proposed to him by Rubertette; and whilst Monsieur de Lansac, a man of sharp wit and understanding, sent by the Queen, perswaded him to perfect the specious promise he had made, the Hugonot Lords arrived, who had li∣cence to come to salute the King and the Queen; and seeming greatly offended that the Prince had abandoned them, made him as it were by force get on horseback. And though the Queen, angry to be so deceived, loudly threatned every one of them, and the Bishop of Valence, Lansac, and Rubertette, endeavoured to perswade the Prince to remain at Court, without any further mention of leaving the Kingdom; yet the desire of command and interest of rule prevailing, without more delay, the Queen not having time to use force, he returned the same day, which was the 27 of June, to the Hugonots Camp, re-assuming, to their great content, the charge of Captain-General in this Enterprise. Thus all hopes of Peace being cut off, the War was kindled, and began between the two Factions under the name of ROYALISTS and HUGONOTS.

The Treaty of an Agreement being broken, which the Queen, with wonderful po∣licy keeping things from coming to an issue, had continued many months; the Prince of Conde, desirous to abolish the infamy of breaking his word by some notorious fa∣mous action, determined the same night to set upon the Kings Army in their own quarters. Two things chiefly encouraged him to so bold a resolution: the one, that the Duke of Guise and the Constable were absent, whose valour and reputation he esteemed very much: the other, that at that time a Peace being in a manner concluded, and published, many were gone from their colours, and the greatest part of the Ca∣valry, for commodity of quarter, were scattered up and down in the neighbouring Villages; by which means the Army was not a little diminished and weakned. These hopes moved him to venture upon this attempt, though it appeared a new thing to undertake the surprisal of a Royal Camp within their own trenches. But he was ne∣cessitated

also to try the fortune, though doubtful, of a battel; knowing, that the Kings Swisses were within a few days march; and when they were joined with the rest of the Army, he should not be able, being far inferiour in number, to keep the field; but be constrained to withdraw his forces to defend those forts he was possessed of; a matter, through the little hope of succours, both difficult and dangerous. Where∣fore he desired to do something whilst he had time, to free himself from that necessity which he saw would fall upon him. With this resolution he departed when it was dark, from la Ferte d' Ales where he lay; and the Army being divided into three Squadrons, the first of Horse led by the Admiral, the other of Foot under the con∣duct of Andelot, and the third mingled both with Horse and Foot▪ which he com∣manded himself, he marched with great silence and expedition to assault the Enemies Camp about midnight.

But fortune frustrated his design: for though the way were plain through a free open Country, yet the guides that led the first Squadron, either through treachery or amazedness, or else through ignorance, losing their way, they so wandred up and down, that the next morning at break of day he found that he was advanced but little more than a league from the place whence he set out over night, and still two great leagues from the Kings Camp. Notwithstanding, necessity compelling to attempt the greatest difficulties, the Commanders resolved to pursue their design, and the same or∣der to perform that in the day which they could not effect in the night. But Monsieur d' Anville, who with the light horse quartered in the front of the Kings Army, having presently advertisement by his Scouts of their coming, had by shooting off two pieces of Cannon, given notice thereof to the Camp that lay behind him. Whereupon the Souldiers and Gentlemen running from all parts to their colours, he going before to make good the high-way, that they might have time to put the Army in order, ha∣ving divided his Horse into divers little Squadrons, began to skirmish fiercely with the first Troops of the Hugonots. By reason whereof they being forced to march slow∣lier and closer together, often making halts through the heat of the skirmish, and not to diso••der themselves in the face of the Enemy, the King of Navarre had more com∣modity of time to get his men together, and to order them for a Battel. So the Prin∣ces Army still advancing, and the King of Navarre ranging his men in a Battalia upon the plain, but with the Camp behind them, at the last about noon both Armies faced one another, that there was nothing between them but a little plain, without any manner of impediment. But though the Ordnance plaid fiercely on both sides, yet no body advancing to begin the battel, it was perceived, the Commanders were not of opinion to fight. For the Prince, who thought to have surprised the Catholicks on a sudden, before they could either get together, or put themselves in order, seeing them all together, and drawn out in excellent order for the Battel; and not believing that his men, who were but newly raised, would be able to stand against the Kings Foot, that were all choice old Souldiers, had more mind to retreat than to fight. And the King of Navarre, who knew, that within a few days his forces would be increased, would not in absence of the other Catholick Lords, expose himself without any pro∣vocation to the hazard of a Battel. Wherefore after they had stood still facing one another at least three hours, the Prince retiring more than a league backwards, quartered with his Army at Lorges, a little Village in Beausse, and the King of Na∣varre drew off his men, but in much better order, to the place where they encamped before.

The same evening arrived from Chasteadune at the Army the Constable and the Duke of Guise, being sent for in great haste; and causing all the Guards to be doubled, they commanded quite thorow the Quarters, at every hundred paces great piles of wood to be made; which being set on fire, if the enemy came to assault them by night, the Souldiers might the better see what they were to do, and the Canoneers how to point their Ordnance. Which orders being known to the Prince of Conde, and find∣ing that the enemy was not to be surprized; after he had stayed three days at Lorges, the second day of July in the morning he rose with all his Army, and went to take Baugency, a great walled Town, and with the pillage thereof to refresh his Souldiers, which were in great want of money, and not over-abounding with victuals. Nor was the enterprise of any great difficulty; for the wall being battered with four peeces of Cannon, brought thither for that purpose, and an assault given in ano∣ther part by the Regiment of Provensals, at a certain breach they made by sap∣ping,

it was taken the same day, and sackt, with great slaughter of the inhabi∣tants.

Whilst the Hugonots assaulted Baugency, there arrived at the Kings Army ten Cor∣nets of German Horse, led by the Rhinegrave; and six thousand Swisses, under the conduct of Jerosme Freulich, a man for experience and valour of great esteem among his own Nation. With which Forces the Catholick Lords designed without any delay to set upon the Enemies Army. But the Prince of Conde being advertised of the arri∣val of those foreign supplies, having slighted Baugency, that the Catholicks might make no use of it, in great haste retired to Orleans, absolutely quitting the field, without making any other attempt.

In Orleans it was no longer possible to keep the Army together, partly through want of money to give the Souldiers their pay, without which, being shut up in the Town, they could not possibly live; partly, because the Nobility that followed the War as Voluntiers, having spent what they brought with them, could no longer subsist. Wherefore having called a Council, the chief of the Hugonots determined to turn this necessity to their best advantage. For not being able to resist the Kings Army with the Forces they then had, nor to remain shut up within those walls; they took a reso∣lution to separate themselves into divers places, and to defend those Towns and for∣tresses which they held in other parts of the Kingdom; in this manner subsisting as well as they might, until they could have such aids from their friends and confederates, that they might again meet the Enemy in the field.

Their chief hopes of Succours were from the Protestant Princes of Germany, (so they call those, who separated from the Catholick Church, do follow the opinions of Luther) and from Elizabeth Queen of England, not only an adherent to the same Re∣ligion, but also desirous, through the ancient Maxims of that Nation, to have some footing in the Kingdom of France. The Princes of Germany had already freely pro∣mised them their aid; and there wanted nothing but only to send Commanders and Money to conduct and pay the Souldiers. But the Queen of England proposed harder and more difficult conditions, without which she denied to afford them any Succours. For she offered to imbrace the protection of the Confederates, and to send into France an Army of eight thousand Foot, with a great train of Artillery, at her own charge▪ and to maintain it there till the War were fully ended; that at the same time with her Fleet mann'd with Land-forces she would invade the Coasts of Normandy and Brit∣tany, to divert and divide the Kings Forces; but upon these terms, That the Confe∣derates should promise in recompence, to cause Calais to be restored to her, (a strong place situated upon the narrow Sea in Picardy, held many years by the Kings of Eng∣land her Predecessors, and at last recovered by the Duke of Guise in the Reign of Henry the Second.) But because the Hugonots were not Masters of that place, she demanded that in the mean time they should consign to her Havre de Grace, a Fortress and Port of less consequence upon the coast of Normandy; and that they should receive her Gar∣risons into Diepe and Rouen. These conditions seemed to many intolerable, and not to be consented unto through any necessity whatsoever; knowing the infamy and pub∣lick hate they should undergo, if they made themselves instruments to dismember the Kingdom of such important places, and bring into them the most cruel implacable ene∣mies of the French Nation. But the Ministers, who in all deliberations were of great Authority, and in a manner reverenced as Oracles, alledged, that no consideration was to be had of worldly things, where there was question of the heavenly Doctrine, and propagation of GOD's Word. Wherefore all other things were to be contemned, so as Religion might be protected, and Liberty of Conscience established.

The Prince of Conde and the Admiral being desirous to continue their Commands, and necessitated by their own private affairs to pursue the enterprise, were of the same opinion: so that their Authority overcoming all opposition, after many consultations, it was at last concluded, to satisfie Queen Elizabeth, and by all means to accept the conditions proposed. To which effect they presently dispatched Monsieur de Brique∣maut, and the new Vidame of Chartres, with Letters of credit from the Prince and the Confederates to confirm the agreement in England. Andelot and the Prince of Por∣tian, with such a sum o•• money as they could get together, went to sollicit the levies of the Germans; the Count de la Roch-foucaut went to Angoulesme; the Count de Mont∣gomery retired into Normandy; Monsieur de So••bize to Lyons; the Prince, the Admi∣ral, Genlis, and Bouchavenes, stayed to defend Orleans, and the places adjacent. But

many of the Commissioners for the confederacy which was treated with England, not being able to endure such dishonourable conditions, began to forsake them: amongst which, Monsieur de Pienne went over to the Kings Army, and the Sieur de Morvilliers, chosen by the Prince to be Governour of Rouen, that he might not be forced to admit an English Garrison into a Town of such consequence, leaving that charge, retired into Picardy to his own house.

Whilst by these means the Hugonots endeavoured to provide themselves with Forces, the Catholicks designed to make an attempt upon Orleans, as the chief sourse and seat of all the War. But in regard it was exceedingly well provided for Defence, and fur∣nished with Munition of all kinds, they knew it was an enterprise of great difficulty. Wherefore first, to cut off from it the hopes of succours, they resolved to take in the places round about, that so they might afterwards with more facility straighten it with a siege; or being deprived of succours▪ assault it by force. For which purpose they raised their Camp the 11 of July, and the Duke of Guise leading the Van, and the King of Navarre the Battalia, whilst every one of both sides expected to see them set∣led before Orleans, they leaving that Town on the left hand, and passing sixteen leagues farther, on a suddain assailed Blois; which though it were full of people, beautified with one of the noblest Castles for a Kings house in the whole Kingdom, and situated upon the same side of the River of Loire; yet it was not so fortified that it could hope to make any long resistance against the Kings Army Wherefore, after the Souldiers which were in guard saw the Cannon planted, being terrified with the danger, they passed the River upon the Bridge, and throwing away their Arms, sought to save them∣selves by flight: which though the Duke of Guise knew, who with the Van-guard was nearest to the wall, yet being more intent to take the Town than to pursue those that ran away, whilst the Citizens dispatched their Deputies to capitulate, he sent a party of foot to make an assault; who finding the breach forsaken that was made by a few Cannon shot, took the place without resistance; which by the fury of the Souldiers (their Commanders not forbidding them) was miserably sackt.

From Blois the Army marched towards Tours, a much more noble, populous and ancient City, wherein the name of the Hugonots first took vigour and force: but the people, who for a few days at the bginning of the Siege made shew that they would stand resolutely upon their defence, when they perceived the Trenches were made, and the Artillery planted, of their own accord cast out the Commanders, and ren∣dered the place, saving their goods and persons; which conditions were intirely ob∣served.

In the mean while, the Mareshal de St. Andre with the Rear of the Army went ano∣ther way to besiege Poictiers, a City likewise famous for antiquity, great and spacious, where the ••atholicks thought they should find a strong resistance. But it fell out to be a work of much less difficulty than they imagined. For the Mareshal having bat∣tered it two days together with his Artillery, and made an assault upon the Town, ra∣ther to try the resolution of the Defendants, than with any hope to gain it; the Cap∣tain of the Castle, (who till then had shew'd himself more violent than any other of the Hugonot party) suddenly changing his mind, began to play from within with his Cannon upon those who stood ready to receive the Assault: by which unexpected ac∣cident the Defendants losing their courage, not knowing in such a tumult what way to take for their safety, as men astonished, left the entry of the breach free to the As∣sailants; who not finding any resistance, entered furiously into the Town, which by the example of Blois, was in the heat of the fight sackt, and many of the peole put to the sword.

The Catholicks having thus in a few days taken those Towns which from Poictiou and Touraine backed and succoured Orleans, and stopt the passage for supplies from Guyenne, Gas••oigne, and other places beyond the River; it remained, that turning backwards, and passing to the other side, they should take in Bourges; so to cut off those aids that might come from Auvergne, Lyonoise, and other Provinces joyning to Daulphine. Bourges (anciently called Avaricum) is one of the greatest and most po∣pulous Cities in France; a residence for Students of all sorts, but especially famous for the Civil Law. This Town being within twenty leagues of Orleans, and by reason of the Traffick of Wooll, as also through the great concourse of Scholars, much reple∣nished with strangers, was at the beginning possest by the Hugonots; and afterwards, as an important passage for the Commerce of those Provinces that being nearest de∣pended

upon it, diligently guarded and fortified; so that now foreseeing a Siege, Monsieur d' Yvoy Brother to Genlis, was entered thereinto, with two Thousand French foot, and four Troops of horse, a Garison both in consideration of it self, and for the reputation of the Commander, esteemed sufficient to make a long defence; and in∣deed with these Forces at the first coming of the Kings Army, which was the tenth of August, the Defendants shewed such fierceness and confidence, that they not only valiantly defended the Walls, but continually sallying out night and day, vext the Camp with hot skirmishes; in one of which advancing just to the Trenches, though they could not do so much hurt as they intended, yet they killed five Captains, with many Gentlemen and common Souldiers; and Monsieur de Randan, General of the Foot, was so grievously wounded, that notwithstanding the great care that was had of him, he died within few days after.

In the mean while, the Admiral issuing out of Orleans, over-run all the Country about with his horse; and having had intelligence of a great quantity of Artillery and Munition that was going from Paris to the Army, he set upon it in the night at Cha∣steaudune, where after a long dispute, having defeated the Convoy which was of four Companies, he brake the greatest pieces, and burning the Engins that belonged to them, carried the lesser to Orleans, together with such Munition as could be saved from the fire and pillage of the Souldiers. But the Duke of Guise being very intent upon his business at Bourges, after he had so far advanced the Trenches, that he be∣gan to batter the Wall, and with divers Mines had thrown down many Bastions that the Hugonots raised to defend the weakest parts thereof; Monsieur d' Yvoy not an∣swering the opinion that was conceived of him, began to hearken to propositions of agreement, which were proposed to him from the Camp. Wherefore the Duke of Nemours being gone with a safe conduct to treat, upon the last day of August he deli∣vered up the Town upon these conditions, That he and all his that were with him should have a pardon for what was past; That the Souldiers should be free to go where they pleased; yet with this Obligation, neither to bear Arms against the King, nor in favour of the Hugonots; That the City should not be plundered, and the Inha∣bitants enjoy a Liberty of Conscience in all points conformable to the Edict of January. Which Capitulation, though it were afterwards performed, Yvoy not being able to bear the ••ate and ignominious reproaches that were cast upon him by his accusers, retired himself to his own private house; and St. Remy and Brichanteau, men of known cou∣rage, went over to the Kings service.

In the mean while, matters in the State were drawn into another course contrary to the former. For the resolution of the Hugonot Lords being known not only to intro∣duce foreign power into France, to which end they had sent two of their principal men into Germany, but also to alienate Havre de Grace, and to put Diepe and Rouen, places of such importance upon the frontiers of the Kingdom, into the hands of the English, who in all times had been bitter enemies to the Crown; there was not only a general hate conceived against them, but the Queen her self, who till then had ear∣nestly endeavoured a peace, and formerly supported that faction as a counter-poize to the Guises, (for she never believed that they would ever fall into such pernitious delibe∣rations) now with an incredible hate, and through fear that the English might be brought in to settle themselves in these places; resolved sincerely to unite her self with the Catholick party, and to make a War in good earnest upon the Hugonots: de∣siring to make it clear to all the World, that she held no intelligence with them, (contrary to that which was believed at the first) esteeming it a double loss and a double shame, that the English, who by her husband were victoriously driven out of Fran••••, should get footing there again during the time of her Government. Where∣fore stirred up with an implacable displeasure against the Hugonots, being so perplexed in mind that she could find no rest, she determined with her self, not to interpose any further delays or impediments, but to endeavour with all her force their final oppres∣sion. And for a preamble to what was to be done, having brought the King solemnly to the Court of Parliament in Paris, after grievous complaints made by the High Chan∣cellor of the insolences of those his Subjects, who not content to over-run and spoil their Country, and to usurp all the Offices and Regal power, had perfidiously con∣spired to bring in the English and Germans to the destruction of his Kingdom, caused Gaspar de Coligny late Admiral of France, Francis d' Andelotte, with Odett de Chastillon, his Brothers, and namely all other notable persons of that party to be declared Rebels;

depriving them of their Charges, Honours, Nobility, Goods and Revenues, as con∣fiscate to the State. And because the Hugonots with their riots laying desolate Cities and Provinces, destrowing the Churches, throwing down Monasteries, and filling all places with rapine and Blood, were become so outragious, that it was impossible lon∣ger to suffer them; they were likewise declared publick enemies to the King and the Crown; and authority granted to the people at the ringing of the Toquesaint to rise up in arms against them, and to kill or take their persons, and deliver them over to Justice. The Prince of Conde was not at all mentioned; but, making use of that Art first invented by the Hugonots, it was spread abroad both by report and in writing, that he was by the violence of the other Confederates with-held by force, and against his will remained in that Army; the Rebels making use of the Authority of his Per∣son, though he were in his heart averse to all their proceedings.

After which businesses, the Queen publickly bewailing her self that the Hugonots had abused the Clemency which she had shewed in supporting them, and oftentimes in favouring them also; and desiring to make it appear how zealous she was against them, and by any means to expel foreign Forces out of the Kingdom, went her self in person with the King to the Army before Bourges; where she shewed a manly cou∣rage, in going up and down in the Camp, though very much anoyed by the Cannon from the Town; and with a singular constancy animated the Souldiers and Com∣manders to perform their duties. But Bourges being taken, and all ways of succours cut off from Orleans, the Catholicks intended without any other delay to besiege it, if the Queen had not proposed, That it was better first to recover Rouen, being so principal a City, of so large an extent, and lying so opportunely to invade the bosom of France, before the English had established themselves there, by making the Forti∣fications stronger than they were at the present. For the confederacy between the H••gonots and Queen Elizabeth being already concluded, the English had passed the Sea, and received Havre de Grace into their possession, and placed Garisons in Diepe and Rouen.

The opinions in the Kings Council were very divers. Some thought it most expe∣dient first of all to make an attempt upon Orleans, and to cut off at one blow the head of the Hugonot Faction. For the chief of that party being suppressed, who were in the Town, and the Magazine destroyed, all the rest would be overcome with ease and facility. But the King of Navarre and the Queen more intent to cast out the English than any thing else, thought, that Rouen once taken, and the aids of England cut off from the Hugonots, Orleans would be more easily reduced, which for the present they thought very difficult, and a work of much time; by which the English would have the commodity to confirm their possession, and perhaps make themselves Masters of all the Province of Normandy, where the Duke of Aumale had so inconsiderable a force▪ that he was not able to make head against them. This opinion at last through the Queens inclination prevailed; and it was resolved without any delay to go upon that design.

The situation and commodities of Rouen are admirable. For the River Seine, up∣on which it stands, rising out of the Mountains in Burgundy, and distending it self through the plains of the Isle of France, after it joyns with the Matrona, commonly called Marne, and by the confluence of many other little streams, is made deep and Navigable, passeth through the midst of the City of Paris, and then running with an impetuous torrent quite through Normandy, falls with an exceeding wide channel into the Ocean; which ebbing and flowing, and continually filling and feeding the River with salt water, affords spacious room for Vessels of any burthen to ride. On the right hand of the mouth, where the River at last falls into the Sea, over against England stands Havre de Grace, a secure large Port, which with modern Fortifications, being reduced into the form of a Town by King Francis the First, serves for a defence against the in∣cursions of the English. But in the mid-way between Havre de Grace and Paris, near to the place whither the salt waters flow, mingled with the fresh, about twenty two leagues from the Sea, stands the City of Rouen upon the River, grown noble, rich, abundant, and populous by the commerce of all Northern Nations. From one side of the fortress of Havre de Grace upon the right hand, a tongue of land advancing many miles into the Sea, makes as it were a spacious Peninsula, which the common people call the Country of Caux, and in the extreamest point and promontory thereof is Diepe, placed directly opposite to the mouth of the Thames, a most famous River in England.

These places which lie so fitly to damage France, and to be supplyed by their Fleets, the English had made themselves Masters of. For though at Diepe and at Rouen French Governours were chosen by the Council of the Confederates; yet the Garisons kept there by Queen Elizabeth being very strong, they could so curb them, that all the rest was absolutely at their dispose.

The Resolution being taken to besiege Rouen, the King and the Queen marching together with the Army, in fourteen days arrived at Darnetel, at which place less than two leagues distant from the City, the whole Camp lodged the 25 day of September. The chief Commanders of the Army, considering that the body of the City is defended on the one side by the River, beyond which there is nothing but the Fauxburg S. Sever, and on the other side by S. Catherines Mount, upon the top of which is placed an an∣cient Monastery reduced into the form of a Modern Fortress; they thought it best to make themselves Masters of the Mount: it appearing very difficult to make any attempt or assault upon the Town it self, if they did not first gain the Fort without, which flanked and commanded the entrances on all parts. Upon this deliberation, Sebastien de Luxemburg Signeur de Martigues made Colonel General of the Foot in the place of Randan, advanced the night of the 27 of September, and sate down under St. Cathe∣rines Mount, in the great High-way that goes towards Paris; which being hollow almost like a Trench, covered them in great part from the shot of the Fort.

The Count of Montgomery who commanded in the Town in chief with 2000 English and 1200 French Foot, four Troops of Horse, and more than 100 Gentlemen of qua∣lity, besides the Citizens, having foreseen, that the enemy must of necessity first take the out-works, besides the old fortifications on the top of the Mount, had raised half way up the Hill a Half-moon of earth; which having the Fort behind, and fronting upon the campaigne, might not only hinder the ascent, but also flank the walls of the Town, and force the Catholick Army to spend much time and lose many men in the taking of it. Nor▪ was the effect contrary to what he intended: For though Monsieur de Martigues, leaving the direct way, and ascending in a crooked line, ad∣vanced by help of the spade between the Fort and the Half-moon to gain the top of the Hill; yet the work proceeded with much difficulty and great slaughter of the Soul∣diers; who the more the Foot advanced with their gabions and trenches, were so much the more exposed to the Cannon planted upon the Fort, to the annoyance of the Musquet shot, to the fury of the fireworks, and other inventions, with which they within very resolutely defended themselves. To these main difficulties was added the quality of the weather, which being in the beginning of Autumn, as it always falls out in those parts, was very rainy: so as the waters continually falling from the top of the Hill into that low place where the Army lay, it was no small inconvenience unto them. Likewise the great Sallies the Hugonots made night and day were not of little moment: For though they were valiantly sustained, so that the success thereof was not very doubtful; yet they kept the whole Army in motion, and in work. Nor were their Horse less diligent than the Foot in their Trenches; insomuch as many times the Siege was interrupted and hindered.

Considering these so great impediments, it would have proved a tedious painful business, if the negligence or arrogance of the defendants had not rendered it very short and easie. For Jean de Hemery Signeur de Villers, who afterwards married a Sister of Henry Davila's that wrote this History, being upon the guard in the Trenches with his Regiment, observed, that about noon there was very little stirring in the Fort, and that they appeared not in such numbers upon the Ravelins as at other times of the day. Wherefore having sent for a Norman Souldier called Captain Lewis, who two days before was taken prisoner in a Sally they made out of the Fort, he asked him as by way of discourse, What was the reason that at certain hours so few of the Hugo∣nots were to be seen upon the Rampart? The Souldier not concealing the truth, with∣out looking farther what the consequence thereof would be, told him that they within had so little apprehension of the Catholick forces, and despised them in such a man∣ner, that they used every day, for recreation, and to provide themselves of necessa∣ries, to go in great companies to the Town; and that through custom and for con∣venience, they made choice of that time of the day. By which words Villers appre∣hending an opportunity to surprize the Fort, acquainted the Duke of Guise and the Constable with his design; who not being wanting to so good an occasion, secretly causing ladders to be provided, commanded, that at the hour appointed, when they

saw least stirring, they should on a suddain assault St. Catherines Fort, and at the same instant the Half-moon also, so much the more to divide the enemies forces.

Martigues, whose place it was to have a care of the business, chose the same Villers to make the assault upon St. Catherines, and St. Coulombe a Colonel of Foot likewise for the Half-moon; and having without noise put all things in a readiness, at the time prefixed with a Cannon shot gave the Signal to fall on. Whereupon Villers with his men instantly running up the steep of the Hill, fastened his ladders to the Walls, before the enemy could possibly have time to make use of their Cannon or small shot to keep them off. But yet those within, though few in number, couragiously presenting themselves at the assault, there became a hot bloody conflict with short weapons, in which as the manner is, the valiantest falling at the first encounter, the defendants were so weakened, that they could scarce longer resist. On the contrary, Villers being sup∣plied with fresh men, and aided by Martigues, began to get the better of the enemy; and though grievously wounded with a Pike in the face, and a Musquet shot in the left thigh, yet continuing the fight, he at last planted the Kings Flag upon the Keep of the Castle. Whereupon, two great Squadrons of Foot that were appointed for a re∣serve running to his assistance, in a short time they made themselves Masters of the Fort, before the Defendants could be succoured either by the Town or their Com∣panions. The same success had the assault made upon the Half-moon, and in as short a time; but the Catholicks gained the Bastion with loss of much blood; and the Defendants not having means to retreat, died all valiantly, fighting to the last man.

St. Catherines Mount being taken, there remained still without the Walls, the Faux-Bourg of St. Hilary, well fortified, and a good Garison placed in it by the Hugonots. Against which having planted their Cannon, by reason the works were of earth, it wrought little effect; notwithstanding the Catholick Commanders caused a fierce as∣sault to be made upon it; which proving likewise vain by reason of the strength of the Ramparts, and valour of the Defendants, at length changing resolution, they planted twelve great pieces in the middle of St. Catherines Hill: from the advantage of which place they began with great noise and slaughter to batter the houses and ram∣piers which the enemies had raised; by the fury whereof the whole Faux-Bourg being in a manner beaten down, and the Catholicks ready to renew the assault, those with∣in having fired the houses that were left, retired safe into the Town, which was now naked of all defence but the Walls only. But the Defendants by their frequent sallies, and divers assaults made upon them, losing many of their men, the Count of Mont∣gomery, having recourse to the last remedy, sent to desire succours of the English at Havre de Grace, though he saw plainly it was a thing of exceeding great difficulty for them to effect. For the Kings forces having taken possession of Quilbeuf and Harfleur, two places in the mid-way between Rouen and Havre de Grace, upon the River, they placed there divers pieces of Cannon to hinder the passage of Ships or other little Barks, which holpen by the Flood that enters there with great force, mount the stream to Rouen. Notwithstanding, the English, desirous by any means to help their friends, resolved to expose themselves to the worst of danger; and stealing up the River in the night, in great part avoided the violence of the Cannon, which being shot at ran∣dom in the dark, did them but little hurt. Wherefore by the advice of Bartolomeo Campi, and Italian Engineer, the Catholicks caused divers Vessels laden with stones and gravel, and fastned together with chains, to be sunk in the River, which so stopped and pestred it, that neither the enemies Ships nor Gallies could pass: only some small Bark drawing but little water, with much ado got safe into the Town. But this supply being insensible, and Rouen still in necessity, there appearing no other way possible to succour it, the English resolved to make their last attempt; and being come in the night with a good number of Vessels to the bar, though through the fury of the Cannon and fire-works, part of them perished, and others returned back; yet in one place the chain being broken, three Gallies and one other Vessel got through, which carried seven hundred men, munition and money for their present relief.

In the mean while the rains of Autumn still increasing, by reason whereof the Ca∣tholick Army that lay in a low dirty place, suffered very much; yet the Commanders not disheartned by the little supplies that were conveyed into the Town, pressing the siege, began to batter from St. Hillaries Gate to the Gate Martinville; between which advancing with their Trenches, they had pierced the counterscarp. The second day

so much of the Wall was thrown down in the middle of the Curtain, that the Squa∣drons might easily march on to the assault; and already Sarlabous, Villers, and Sancte Coulumbe's Regiments that were to keep the first front, prepared themselves for the onset; when the King of Navarre, being gone into the Trenches to discover how things stood, received a Musquet shot in the left shoulder, which breaking the bone, and tearing the nerves, he presently fell down upon the place as dead. This accident put off the assault for that day; for being carried to his own quarter, before they looked to his hurt, all the other chief Commanders went thither, and being after∣wards dressed with great care in presence of the King and Queen, his wound, by reason of the great orifice the Bullet had made, was judged by the Physicians to be mortal. So as between that time and the Council which was called thereupon, the day was so far spent, that the assailants without any farther attempt were sent for back to guard the Trenches.

Yet this slackned not the siege: For besides the care of the Duke of Guise and the Constable, who from the beginning had in effect the charge of the Army, the Queen also assisted her self in person; who by her presence and speeches adding courage to the Souldiers, caused the battery still to be continued in the same manner; till with two thousand shot there was such a large breach made, that they went on in very good order to the assault: which being begun with great fierceness by the assailants, and received with no less resolution by the Hugonots, continued with great slaughter on both sides from twelve of the clock at noon till the evening; the Catholicks not be∣ing able to make themselves Masters of the wall. The night after the assault, those of Diepe endeavoured to put succours into the Town: to which purpose the Sieur de Corillan being advanced into a wood not far off, with four hundred firelocks, he thought by the benefit of the night to delude the guards, and to steal in at the gate that answers to the lower part of the River. But being discovered by Monsieur d' Anville, who with his light horse scoured the fields, he was with little difficulty de∣feated and routed, and the Town remained hopeless of any aid. Wherefore having already so many days sustained such hot skirmishes, and the violence of the Cannon, and it being therefore known, that they within were reduced almost to nothing; the twenty sixth of October in the morning about break of day, the Catholicks, not to lose more time, went very fiercely, but in good order, to make another assault: which they of the Town, through weariness and weakness, being not able to with∣stand; Sancte Coulombe, he that took the Bastion upon the Mount, was the first with his men that passed the breach, and entred into the City, right against the Cele∣stines street, though mortally wounded, and falling upon the place, within three days after he ended his life. At the same time Villers Regiment forced their passage at another breach; and Sarlabous entred at the Street of St. Claire, but not without some difficulty, by reason of a barricado of cask that was made in the way. After these that were the first, entred furiously the whole Army, and with great slaughter of the Soul∣diers and Inhabitants, sackt the Town, in the heat of their anger sparing no persons whatsoever, but putting all to the Sword both armed and unarmed; only the Churches and things sacred, by the great diligence and exact care of the Commanders, were preserved from violence.

The Count of Montgomery, when he saw things in a desparate condition, and the Town reduced into the power of the enemy; getting into one of the Gallies that brought the succours, wherein he had before imbarqued his wife and children, passing down the River through all the Catholicks Cannon, saved himself in Havre de Grace, and from thence without delay passed over the Sea into England. There saved them∣selves with him Monsieur de Columbiere, and some few of his servants; all the rest being left to the discretion of the Conquerour, came to divers ends. Captain Jean Crose, who had introduced the English into Havre de Grace, being fallen into the Kings hands, was as a Rebel, drawn with four Horses. Mandreville, who from being the Kings Officer, carrying his Majesties money with him, becam•• a follower of the English; and Augustine Marlorat, who from an Augustine Frier, turned to be a Hu∣gonot Minister, were both condemned to be hanged. Many were slain, and ma∣ny remained prisoners in the Army, who afterwards redeemed themselves for a ransom.

The City continued forty eight hours at the mercy of the Souldiers; the third day the King making his entry at the breach together with the Parliament and the Queen

his Mother, who in the heat of the sack sent all her Gentlemen and the Archers of her guard, to take care that the women which fled into Churches might not be violated; there was an end of the slaughters and rapines committed by the Army, which being drawn out of the City, quartered in the neighbouring Villages.

In the mean while, the King of Navarre through the pain of his wound finding no rest either in body or mind, would by all means imbarque upon the River to go to St. Maure, a place near Paris, whither by reason of the wholsomness of the Air, and privacy, he used often for recreation to retire himself; and nothing prevailing that the Physicians could say to the contrary, he caused himself to be carried into a boat, accompanied by the Cardinal his Brother, the Princes de la Roche-sur, and Ludovico Gonzaga, with some few servants, amongst which some were Catholicks, and others Hugonots, and the principal among them Giovan Vicenzo Lauro, then a Physician, by birth a Calabrian, who was afterwards Bishop and Cardinal. But he was scarce ar∣rived at Andeli, a few leagues from Rouen, when through the motion of the journey his feaver increasing upon him, he began to lose his senses, and in a short time after died.

He was a Prince, as of high birth, so of a noble presence and affable behaviour; and if he had lived in other times, to be remembred amongst the most famous men of his age. But the sincerity and candour of mind with which he was indued, and his mild tractable disposition in the distractions of a Civil War, held him all his life∣time in care and pain, and many times doubtful and ambiguous in his deliberations. For on the one side, being drawn by the headlong violent nature of his Brother, and spurred on by the ardour of his Faction, in which he was the principal person; and on the other side restrained by his love of justice, and a natural inclination disposed to peace, and averse from civil broyls; he appeared many times fickle in his resolutions, and of a wavering judgment. For at the first he was reckoned and persecuted amongst those that fought to disturb the quiet of the Kingdom; and afterward was seen head of the contrary Faction, bitterly pursuing those that were up in arms. And for mat∣ters of Religion, sometimes through his Wives perswasion and Beza's preaching, in∣clining to the Calvinists party; sometimes through the general opinion and the Cardi∣nal of Lorain's eloquence, to the Catholick Religion; he became mistrusted by both parties, and left behind him an uncertain doubtful report of his belief. Many were of opinion, that being in his heart a Calvinist, or rather inclining to that which they call the Augustan Confession; yet nevertheless his vast insatiable Ambition withdrew him from that party, which, perceiving the Prince his Brother through his high spirit and resolution, was of much greater reputation amongst them, made him chuse rather to be the first among the Catholicks, than the second among the Hugonots. He died in the two and fortieth year of his age, and in such a time when experience had made him so wise, as would perhaps have produced effects very contrary to the common opinion that was conceived of him. He left behind him his Wife Queen Jeane, with the title and relicks of the Kingdom of Navarre, and only two children, Henry Prince of Bearne then nine years old, and the Princess Catarine an Infant, who remaining at Pau and Nera•• with their Mother, by whom they were very carefully brought up, at the same time received deep impressions of the Hugonot Religion.

Now whilst so much blood was spilt on both sides at Rouen, Andelot with great pains and diligence raising the aids of the Protestant Princes of Germany, had gotten together a great company of Horse and Foot; and in the Territories of Strasbourg be∣ing joined with the Prince of Porcien, who brought with him a Convoy of two hundred Horse of the French Gentry, he considered the best he could what course was to be taken to joyn his Forces with the rest of the Confederates.

The Mareshal of St. Andre being sent upon the Frontiers with thirteen Troops of Ge••s d' Arms, and two Regiments of Foot to hinder his passage, lay upon the way which by Rheims and Troye leads directly out of Germany into France: and Francis of Cleves Duke of Neve••s, who was Governour of Champaign, staid with all the Forces of the Province between Chaalon and Vitry, to stop the other passage from Lorain to Paris. But Andelot, considering if he were encountred by the enemy, he could not long keep his men together for want of money; and if he prolonged his journey, he should not come soon enough to succour his friends already reduced to an extream point of necessity, resolved rather to contend with the difficulties of the passage, and impediments of the ways, than the opposition of the enemy. Wherefore to deceive

the Catholicks, making shew to keep the ordinary way, and having marched so two days, till he came to the confines of Lorain, he raised his Camp silently in the night, and taking the way on the left hand, through rough places full of swift and rapid streams, marcht with exceeding diligence out of the great Roads, till he came into Burgundy; and from thence, notwithstanding the continual rain and dirt which in that Country is every where very deep, preventing even Fame it self, brought all his men, though toiled and weary, to Mountargis; where at last he joined with the Prince of Conde and the Admiral, having led five thousand Foot and four thousand Horse so many leagues, excepting from the injury of the weather, safe from all other dis∣asters.

This so powerful and seasonable supply took off in great part the grief and terrour the Hugonots were strucken into for the loss of Rouen. But their hopes were ex∣ceedingly diminished by a defeat given at the same time to the Baron of Duras; who being a man of great dependences, had raised a great number of men in Gascoigne and the adjacent Provinces, so as they amounted to five thousand Horse and Foot; with which force indeavouring to make his passage between the Catholick Towns to suc∣cour his party at Orleans, being set upon in the way by Monsieur de Monluc, and Mon∣sieur de Burie, who commanded for the King in those parts; the most of his men were cut off, and he himself with some few Horse escaped with very much difficulty. The Hugonots in divers places received many other, though not great losses; by which misfortunes the reputation of the Faction every where diminishing, the Prince and the Admiral resolved to undertake some notable Enterprize, to recover their lost cre∣dit; and so much the rather, because being straightned for money, they knew not how to maintain their Germans, if they did not feed and pay them by the pillage of the Country. But what the Enterprize should be, they agreed not between them∣selves. For the Prince, measuring all things by the greatness of his own thoughts, had a mind on a sudden to assault Paris; perswading himself, that in such a multitude of people, there must needs be many favourers of the Hugonots party, and many others inclined to his name; who when an opportunity was offered, would presently shew themselves. He believed farther, and sought to perswade, that the Kings Ar∣my, being imployed in Normandy, could not come soon enough to aid that City; by the invasion and taking whereof, they should not only get great store of provisions of Arms, Munition, and Artillery, of which they began to be in no little want; but also have it in their power, with the contributions of so rich and numerous a people, to furnish themselves abundantly with money; by means whereof, they should both gain a great reputation, and an exceeding advantage over the contrary Faction.

The Ministers adhered to this opinion, through the bitter hate they bare to the Pa∣risians, ever constant reverencers of the Catholick Religion, and implacable enemies to their preachings. But the Admiral Andelot, and the more experienced Souldiers, esteeming the enterprize rather impossible than difficult, disswaded them from it; al∣ledging, that the Mareshal of Brissac, the new Governour, had cast out all those who were suspected to depend on their party; wherefore there was no reason to hope for any motion among that people, so united together for the preservation of the Catho∣lick Faith; and that the Kings Army, having had good success at the siege of Rouen, and secured Normandy, would have time sufficient to aid that City, from which it was but eight and twenty leagues distant; whereas they on the other side were to pass four and thirty leagues, through places infested with the enemy, which would very much retard the expedition of their march; And what Artillery, what provisions for War had they, wherewith they designed to assail Paris? a City of so vast an extent, and by nature so replenished with people, who through custom were ever armed, having but four pieces of Battery, and very little quantity of munition? How should they draw on their Army to an Enterprize which would prove of such length, not only without money, but also without means to sustain and nourish their men? That it would be better to recover the places near about Orleans, and open the way for pro∣visions and supplies, nourishing the Army with the pillage that was near at hand and secure, than to hazard themselves upon an attempt that would infallibly prove vain. But these reasons took no effect: for the Prince, perswaded by his own will, and the consent of the major part of his adherents, resolved to venture all upon this Enter∣prize. Wherefore the Army being mustered together, and such provision of victuals made as the present necessity would permit, it moved without further delays that way.

In the mean while, after the taking of Rouen, the Town of Diepe, having cast out the English Garison, rendered it self to the King: the same did Caen and Talaise, Towns in the lower Normandy, which largely extends it self upon the coasts of the Ocean beyond the banks of the River; nor was there any place that remained in the power of the enemies, save only Havre de Grace, which the Queen had resolved to set upon with the whole Army, that so they might be absolutely freed from the fear of the English. But news being come of the arrival of the Germans, and that the Prince with great preparations moved with the Camp through Beausse, (so they call that Country which lies between Orleans and the Isle of France) the Queen with the Duke of Guise and the Constable, in whose hands remained the power of the Government, resolved, putting off the Siege of Havre de Grace, to bend their course to meet with the Hugonots Army. Wherefore having left Monsieur de Villebon Governour of Rouen, and the Rhynegrave with his Horse to secure the Country of Caux, and hinder the Eng∣lish from making in-roads into the Country, the King and the Queen, with all the re∣mainder of the Army, marched along the Seine towards Paris.

The Prince marching very close through the Enemies Country, took without much difficulty Piviers, Monthery and Dordane; and having given the pillage thereof to his Army, went on with all possible expeditions to Paris. But Corbeil, a little inconside∣rable Town upon the River of Seine, interrupted his journey: For four Companies of French Foot being, contrary to the Princes expectation, entred thereinto, it made such a resolute defence, as held his army play many days to no purpose, being through an∣ger rather than mature deliberation, obstinately bent whatever happened to take it. But the Mareshal of St. Andre following Andelot, though at a distance, with an intent to get into Paris, having by another way gotten before him, he was constrained to raise the siege with loss of time and credit, besides the total ruine of the principal de∣sign; which depended wholly upon expedition. For having spent many days there in vain, the Catholick Commanders in the mean while discovering his intent, had with the King and Queen in person brought the whole Army unto the Walls of Paris; and with much ease and commodity fortified the Suburbs, and distributed their men in very good order to their several quarters. The Prince lodged the twenty third day of November at La Saussayea Nunnery, who in that terrour had abandoned it; and the twenty fourth day at Ville-Iuif, two leagues from the Suburbs of Paris. But the twenty fifth day in the morning, though much fallen from their hopes, yet resolved to try their fortune, the Army being put in a readiness, advanced to assault the Faux-Bourg of St. Victor. This attempt at the first seemed very successful. Six hundred light Horse that were sent out to skirmish and discover the proceeding of the enemy, when they saw all the Army come resolutely towards them, ran away in such a head∣long manner, that many doubted they fled rather through treachery than fear. With which unexpected tumult the Foot being disordered who guarded the Ramparts of the Faux-Bourg, they began already to think of retiring themselves into the City; and the people full of terrour and confusion cried out to shut the Gates, and abandon the Suburbs. But the Duke of Guise coming thereupon, so settled all things with his presence, that there was no more to be feared for the present, or the future. In this occasion Philip Strozzi issuing out with 1200 Foot to back the Horse, gave a notable testimony of his valour; for being abandoned by his men, and finding himself ingaged in the midst of the Hugonots Army, he retired under the ruines of a broken Wind∣mill, being a place, by reason of the height, of some advantage, and there so resolutely defended himself, that it was not possible by all they could do, to drive him from thence; but he alone made it good against a multitude of the enemies that used their utmost endeavours to take that Post. The Prince nevertheless, not amusing himself therewith, but encouraged with the success of their first encounter, fiercely assailed the Faux-Bourgs in divers places; and for the space of two hours that the fight en∣dured, not only the Art and Discipline of the Captain appeared, but also the readiness and courage of the Souldiers; notwithstanding, finding every where a gallant resi∣stance, and the Cannon upon the Ramparts continually beating and galling upon his flank, he was constrained to draw off the Army for that time from the Walls, that he might have day enough to take up convenient Quarters. The weather was rainy, and the season cold; wherefore the Souldiers, not being able to lie abroad, the Army being divided into four parts, Monsieur de Muy and the Prince of Porcien lodged at Gentilly, Genlis at Monteriau, the Prince and the Admiral at Areveil, and Andelot with the Ger∣mans

at Cachan. There making many fires on high, and a great number of Cannon shot, they endeavoured to strike a terrour into the people, which might stir up some commotion in the Town; and yet notwithstanding, the City which is inhabited, as the report goeth, by 800000 persons, from the beginning of those disorders to the last, remained in such quiet, that the Professors in the University never discontinued their Lectures, nor the Judges forbore to sit in the Courts of Justice.

The third day the Prince, having put his men in order, advanced into the middle of a plain, inviting the Catholick Army to a Battel. But in stead of fighting, the Queen, desirous of a peace, to rid the Kingdom of foreign forces, or else by a Treaty of Accommodation to slacken the first heat of the Hugonots, to whom she knew no∣thing was so pernicious as delays, sent first Monsieur de Gonnor, and afterwards Ram∣bouillette, and the Bishop of Valence, to treat with the Prince of an Agreement; which in a few days advanced so far, that first the Constable, and afterwards the Queen her self coming to a parley with him, it was hoped a peace would follow; such large rea∣sonable Conditions being proposed on the Catholick party, that the Hugonots them∣selves knew not how to refuse them.

But the Prince and the Admiral, not knowing how to take off their minds from the hopes of rule and domination of France, and the Ministers never ceasing to demand li∣berty and security; they could not agree upon any reasonable Conditions that were of∣fered unto them; and the manifest desire that they saw in their adversaries to obtain a peace, as a sign of weakness, increased the ardour and obstinacy of the ignorant. Whereupon the Treaty having continued till the seventh of December, and the Hugo∣nots not being able for want of money or means to nourish their Army to continue still in the same Quarters, the Treaty being absolutely broken, they resolved (to go off with the best reputation they could) the night following to assault with four thou∣sand men the Faux-Bourgs of St. Germain, guarded by the Regiments of Champagni•• and Picardy, which were counted not so good men as the rest, and being far on the other side from the enemy, not so carefully guarded. But advice thereof was given to the Duke of Guise, who thinking to assault the assailants in the flank, caused all the Cavalry to stand armed and in readiness from the beginning of the night till next morn∣ing; and in the mean while with great diligence visiting the guards, kept the Foot awake, and under their Arms. Yet there was no need thereof; for the assailants, partly through the great compass they were to make, that they might not be disco∣vered, partly through the darkness of the night, which is always full of errours, so spent the time, that they came not before the Faux-Bourg till break of day. By reason whereof, finding, besides, that the Catholicks were ready couragiously to re∣ceive the assault, they retired for that day, without making any trial of their for∣tune.

The night following they had the like design upon the Faux-Bourg of St. Mar••eau: but that was hindered by the deliberation of Genlis, who either perceiving, as he said himself, the wicked intentions of the chief of the Hugonots, or else offended as others said, that the Prince made but little accompt of him and his Brother after the ren∣dering of Bourges, went over the same night with all his men into the City: by which accident, the Hugonots being very much troubled, and believing for certain, that he who was present at the deliberation had discovered the plot, they not only feared that their design upon St. Marceau would prove vain, but also that it might produce some sinister event. Wherefore they resolved, the same night to raise the Camp. To which purpose, whilst the Catholicks in readiness expected the assault, and the Duke of Guise thought on a suddain to fall upon one of their Quarters; they being risen in great silence without any noise either of Drum or Trumpet, first the carriages marcht away towards Beausse, after which many hours before day followed the Germans; and la••••ly, the Prince and the Admiral, having fired Arcueil and Cachan where they lay, and many other neighbouring Villages, departed in great haste as soon as the light began to appear; taking the same way with the rest of the Army, not upon any cer∣tain design, but only with the best commodity they could to get food for their men.

In the mean while, the Catholick Army was exceedingly increased. For whilst the time was artificially delayed in the Treaty, the Infantry of Gascoigne led by Monsieur de S••nsac arrived by the way of Mance: and the King of Spain, desirous also to have the Hugonots suppressed, had sent the King a supply of three thousand Spanish Foot.

So that, not to keep such a great Force idle within the Walls of the City, the Kings Army the day after moved the same way that the Hugonots had taken; the Constable commanding as General, but with the authority and assistance of the Duke of Guise; and the King with the Queen-Mother resolved to remain together at Paris.

The Hugonots, having three days after taken and pillaged the Castle of St. Arnoul, were uncertain what resolution to take. For long to maintain the Army was altoge∣ther impossible, through the want of money; having no revenue but their rapines, and for the insatiable importunity of the Germans, who never ceased begging or de∣manding their pay; and to meet the enemy, and give him Battel, being much infe∣riour in Foot, Artillery and other Provisions, appeared too rash and desparate a reso∣lution. The Prince was of opinion, since the chief of the Catholicks with the whole Army had left Paris, and followed him into Beausse, to return thither with the same expedition that he departed; hoping he might enter the City upon a suddain, and seize upon the persons of the King and the Queen-Mother, before they could recover any succours from the Army. But this Proposition being made in their Council, was rejected by all the rest; considering the enemy would follow them so close, that he would come upon them either whilst they were making the assault, or else (supposing their design succeeded) whilst they were sacking the City; in either of which cases their Army would be manifestly ruined.

At the last, after many discourses, the Admirals opinion was approved of; who advised, That they should depart as secretly as they could with all the Army into Normandy. For if the Catholicks followed them not, they might make a prey of that so fertile and rich a Province, where they should have commodity to raise Moneys and recruit their Forces; and if they did follow him, notwithstanding they should have such a great advantage, that if they marched with any expedition, they might arrive at Havre de Grace before they could be overtaken; and there being joined with six thousand English, provided with twenty pieces of Cannon, store of Munition, and fifteen thousand Duckets, which Queen Elizabeth, according to the Articles of Agreement, sent to their aid; they might with such an addition of strength, either ha∣zard a Battel, or continue the War with such counsels as should then be thought most expedient. With this determination, having all their unnecessary carriages and horses in the Castles of Beausse, they marched away out of the Territories of Chartres the 14 day of December, in the close of the evening, to get clear of the Enemy before he should be advertised of their departure; and so with great diligence took the way of Normandy.

The Catholicks knew not of the Princes rising till the day after; and to have cer∣tain intelligence how they bent their course, staid till the evening of the 16 in the same place; so as the Hugonots got in a manner three days march before them. But passing through places full of Rivers and other impediments, in the worst season of the year, they were necessitated to lose much time; whereas the Catholicks taking the way over the Bridges through the Towns which all held for their party, made a more easie and expedite journey. The Admiral with the Germans led the Van, that they might be provided with the most convenient Quarters, and to feed and content them with the pillage of the Country; having nothing else to satisfie their wonted complaints and frequent mutinies. The Prince followed with all the Infantry in the Battel. The Count de Roch-fou-cault and the Prince of Porcieu, with the greatest part of the French Cavalry, brought up the Rear: and so the Army was disposed with the best advice that could be. For the Germans preying upon the paisants that were yet untoucht, more easily supported the want of pay; and the French Cavalry marching behind all the rest, were more ready to sustain the charge of the Catholicks if they should be over∣taken. But the Prince passing near Dreux, entered into hope by some means or other to possess himself of it: and therefore confounding the Orders that were given, with∣out making the Admiral acquainted with the design, hastned his march with such di∣ligence, that his Battel was become the Van; the Rear of Horse, that followed with the same Expedition, was placed in the middle; and the Germans being left behind, contrary to the Order given, made the Rear. In the mean while the Enterprize of Dreux proving vain, the Admiral grievously offended at this lightness, thought it best to stay a day in the place where he was, that the Army might recover the Order it was in before. Which delay having given time to the Catholicks to overtake them, brought by consequence both Armies into a manifest necessity of fighting a Battel.

Dreux is twenty six leagues distant from Paris, situated upon the confines of Nor∣mandy, joining to those Plains which were anciently called the Plains of the Druids; and on the one side of it runs a little River, which being Foordable in all places, is by those of the Country commonly called Eure. This River the Hugonots had passed the nineteenth, and being lodged in the Villages adjoining, expected to continue their march the morning after with like haste as before. But the Catholicks Army follow∣ing them without staying any where, and a shorter way, arrived the same night at the River, and lodged in the houses thereabouts; so that there was nothing between both the Armies but the current of the water. Yet by reason of the Shrubs and ma∣ny Trees that grew upon the banks, they could not see one another, though they were so near. It is most certain, that the Prince, who lodged next the River, lay there with such negligence, (a fault which hath ever proved fatal to the Hugonots) that without placing the wonted Guards, or sending out Scouts▪ or any other care what∣soever, he took his rest all night, and knew not of the Catholicks coming till next morning very late. But the Constable quite contrary, being a practised, experienced Captain, very well knowing the advantage he had, and making use of the Enemies carelesness, passed all his Army over the River the same night by Moon-light, with∣out any obstacle or impediment; and going on a league forwarder upon the place where the enemies were lodged, possest the way by which, following their design, they were of necessity to pass. There, between two little Villages, the one called Spinal, the other Blainville, which stood by side the great Road, he placed his men with great commodity and no less silence.

The Army was divided into two parts; the first the Constable led, the other the Duke of Guise; but they disposed their Squadrons in such a manner, that in the Right-wing of the Constables were the Swisses flanckt by the Regiments of Fire-locks of Brittany and Picardy; and in the Left-wing of the Duke of Guise, the Germans flanckt with the Gascon and Spanish Infantry; and both the Wings closed and sheltred with the houses of the Villages, having Spinal on the right, and Blainville on the left hand; and besides the defence of the houses, they placed their Carriages and Artillery on each side; for the enemy being stronger in Horse, they doubted to be compassed in, and charged in the flanck. The main body of Cavalry being divided into little Troops of Lances, that they might use them the more conveniently, and were placed between the Squadrons of Foot; which in a manner flanckt and covered them; and only the light Horse taking their station out of the Battalions, were drawn up at the point of the Right-wing where the Champagn began to open it self, and with a large front possessed the pass of the great Road. But the Duke of Guises Battalion, which was in the Left-wing, though it was nearest to the enemy, yet was it so covered with a number of Trees that it had in flanck, and the houses of Blainville, that it could hardly be perceived by the Hugonots: and on the contrary, the Constable having his light Horse ranged upon the Champagn was easie to be discerned afar off; and by the largeness of their Front, might well be taken for the whole body of the Army.

The day being come, and the Admiral, who was farthest from the River, begin∣ning according to the order given to march; on a suddain the Constables Squadrons appeared; and being assured by his Scouts, that they were the Catholicks, exclaiming against the negligence of his Officers, he turned about, saying aloud to them that were next him, The time is now come that we must no longer trust to our feet, as we have done hitherto; but like Souldiers, rely upon the strength of our hands: and having sent word to the Prince, that the enemy was arrived, he caused his Division to make a halt, that the rest of the Army might draw up to join in a Body upon the Champagn. The Prince, though he were advised by many to turn to the left hand, to recover a Village thereby, that he might either prolong, or else wholly avoid the necessity of fighting; yet the nearness of the enemy inciting his natural fierceness, he resolved rather to make a day of it without advantage in the open field, than to be af∣terwards forced to disband the Army without making trial of his fortune. So hastning his march, he joined with the Van in the middle of the plain; and having with great diligence put his men in order, continued on his way, with an intention not to provoke the Catholicks, and to pursue his journey; but if he were provoked by them, not to refuse the Battel.

The Hugonots marching in this manner, and not having discovered the Squadrons of the Duke of Guise, (who causing his Foot to set one knee to the ground, and his

Horse to retire into the Street of the Village, stood as it were in ambush) passed on without perceiving they left a part of the Enemies force behind them, and came up to the place where the Constables Battalia was drawn up: who perceiving the great advantage he had, (for the Duke of Guise fetching a little compass about, (they ha∣ving inconsiderately ingaged themselves) might set upon them in the Rear) com∣manded the signal to be given to the Battel with fourteen pieces of Cannon that were placed on the outside of the left Wing. Whereupon the Prince, though his light Horse were somewhat disordered, therewith putting himself in the head of his Division, led them on with great animosity to assault the Battalion of the Swisses, which in a man∣ner fronted him. The first that fell in upon them were Monsieur de Muy, and Mon∣sieur de Avaray with their Horse; then the Prince charging himself, and by his ex∣ample the Baron of Liancourt, the Count de Saule, Monsieur de Duras, and the other Captains de Gens d' Arms, the whole force of that Battalia was turned upon the Swisses: some charging them in the Front, others in the Flank, with all the earnestness and violence that might be; believing, that if they were routed, the victory would infal∣libly incline to their side.

But the Swisses, charged and compassed in on every side by such a number of ene∣mies, valiantly charging their pikes, received the shock of the Cavalry with such a courage, that though divers of their pikes were broken, and many of them trodden under foot by the Horses; yet they stood firm in their order, repulsing and abating with exceeding great slaughter the fury of the enemy.

At the same time the Count de la Roch-fou-cault and the Prince of Porcien, who brought up the Reer, entring fiercely into the Battel, first fell in upon the light Horse, which made but weak resistance, and afterwards upon the Regiments of Picardy and Brittany that flankt the Swisses on that side; and the Fire-locks being broken and rout∣ed, they likewise assaulted the same Squadron in the Rear; where though the danger and loss of blood were great, yet they found a resolute and hard encounter. For the Swisses standing in a close order, made a Front every way, and bravely resisted on all sides; so that two Terti••'s of the Hugonots Army were fruitlesly imployed in the same place, bei••g obstinate to break the Battalia of the Swisses, to whom (if they had been abandoned by all the rest of the Army) they must either voluntarily have yielded, or at least retired with much loss.

But the Admiral, who led the Van with better conduct and more advantage, had in the mean while charged the Constables Cavalry, and having in the first encounter killed his Son Gabriel de Momorancy, Sieur de Monbrun, and laid upon the ground the Count de Rocheforte, who likewise remained there dead; (though on all parts it were valiantly fought) yet he began to make the Catholicks yield ground; and thereupon the German Horse coming up in two great Squadrons, armed with pistols, with a new and furious assault mingled themselves in the conflict, and absolutely disordered the whole Battalion of the Catholicks; so that being defeated and routed, they manifestly ran away. There the Constable fighting valiantly, and seeking to keep his men from flight, being compassed in by the multitude of the Germans, (who if they can once find a breach open, easily overthrow any body of men) his Horse falling under him, and being wounded in the left arm, was at length taken prisoner. The Duke of Ne∣vers, Monsieur de Givry, and many other Gentlemen and Cavaliers being fallen dead by his side.

The Duke of Aumale and Monsieur d' Anville were near the Constables Battalion with two Squadrons of Lances; who moving to succour that party which they saw already began to yield, came boldly on to rush into the fight: but those that were chased by the Admiral and the Germans fled in such haste, that over-running their own men, they disordered the Duke of Aumale's Squadron; who being thrown down, and his Horse falling upon him, was maimed on the left Leg; and Monsieur d' Anville retiring out of the tumult of the run-aways, to avoid (seeing nothing was to be done) the like encounter, was constrained to return back to the same place from whence he came. So all the Constables Cavalry being routed, and the French Foot that were with him defeated; only the Swisses, beset on all sides, but standing firm in a close order and doubled Battalia, having beaten back and destroyed the German Foot, who were so bold as to assault them, though they had lost their Colonel and the most of their Captains, made still a very obstinate resistance; and the report is most certain, that the valiant resolution, even of the meanest Souldiers of that Nation, was such

that day, that many of them, when their pikes were broken, and their swords lost, fought resolutely with stones.

But the Duke of Guise, when he saw the left Wing wholly routed, and knew the Constable was taken prisoner; there being now no danger to be over-run by the fugi∣tives who ran away scattered in the Champagn, and perceiving the enemy was disor∣dered and wearied with the fight, gave the signal to his Squadrons to move; and put∣ting on his Arms, in few words encouraged his men, shewing them, that they had a great advantage to fight with an enemy already wearied out and scattered, who because they had routed the Constables Cavalry, thought themselves secure of the Victory. He had the Spanish foot on the right hand, and the Gascons on the left; which bending on the form of an half Moon, covered his Horse, that for the more security were placed in the middle; and about an hundred paces before all the rest, marcht the forlorn hope of Foot, led by Monsieur de Villers, the same that took St. Katherines Fort at the siege of Rouen: which being resolute old Souldiers, were placed there to sustain the first shock of the enemy. In this order, but composedly and quietly, with their Squa∣drons closed together, he marched with great fierceness to the Battel, and being in the head of his Cavalry, seemed to make but little account of the victorious Army of the Enemy.

On the other side, the Prince and the Admiral, not perceiving that they had left the Catholick Van behind them, and believing they had gained an intire Victory; when they saw such a great force come upon them, rallying their men, and joining again with the Reiters, (who when they found they could not break the Battalia of the Swisses, were in pursuit of the Enemy) came separately to the Front; but with a di∣vers event, and diverse resolution. The Prince seeing the Forlorn hope in his way, which, despising all danger, set upon him, filling every place with death and confu∣sion; and the Gascoigne Musquetiers, which entred couragiously into the fight, play∣ing upon him in the flank, before he could bring up his men to charge the Horse, was so shaken and disordered, that his Division was with much ease dissolved and over∣thrown, and himself, invironed by Monsieur d' Anville, (who through grief of his Fa∣thers imprisonment, fought desparately) being wounded in the right hand, and all covered with sweat and blood, finally remained prisoner. On the other side, the Ad∣miral, seeing the fierceness with which the Spanish Foot, pouring out their small shot, came to charge him in the flank; and that at the same time the Mareshal de S. Andre with divers companies of Lances which were yet fresh and intire, began to move to∣wards him; and finding his men and horses through weariness could scarcely be kept in order, he went not up to the Front of the Battalia, but wheeling about, and skir∣mishing lightly, endeavoured to rally his men which were scattered in the field, watching an opportunity to retreat in the best order and with the most reputation that he could. Notwithstanding, making divers charges, and fighting continually with his Pistols, he sustained a long time the fury of the enemy; especially, after that the Mareshal, being mortally wounded, left the field. But at last, being charged by the Duke of Guise, who after the Prince was taken, advanced with divers Troops of his Gens d'Arms, to environ him; and the Foot arriving on all sides, that with their shot destroyed his horses; all hope of rallying his men being lost, he resolved to save himself in time; and getting as many of his men together as the enemies pursuit would permit, in great haste made towards the woods; and without staying or ta∣king breath, with his horses tired and men wearied, in the close of the evening came to Neufville.

At the beginning of the disorder Andelot was retired to the same place; who by reason of a quartan Ague, being unable to endure the fight, having gotten to an emi∣nent place, when he saw the Duke of Guise's Troops move, after, as he thought, the Kings Army was utterly defeated; he asked what men those were? and answer being made, that they were the Duke of Guise's, which had not yet fought: he said many times, that this tail was impossible to be flea'd; and setting spurs to his horse, thought to secure himself without expecting the issue of the Battel. Both the Brothers then being come to Neufville, they endeavoured to get together those relicks of the Army that had escaped the Enemy; which following the example of the Commanders, came scattering in. So the night coming on, through the darkness whereof they could not be pursued, the Prince of Porcien, the Count de la Roch-fou-cault, and the Ger∣mans, who led the Constable Prisoner, all met in the same place; where, with a great

applause of every one, the Admiral was declared General of the Hugonots Army. Who, not to expose himself to the inconveniences of the night, stayed there till next morning break of day; when having put those few men that were left in order, he marched with great diligence towards Orleans, seeing the passage to Havre de Grace was already possessed and cut off by the Enemy, who lodged just in the middle of the great Road.

The Duke of Guise remaining Master of the Field, together with all the Enemies Artillery and Carriages, and having received the French Infantry to mercy, which after a little resistance yielded themselves at discretion; being overtaken by the night, lodged very inconveniently upon the place at Blainville; whither the Prince of Conde being brought to him, it is very remarkable, that those two Princes, formerly and in the present Battel such mortal enemies, reconciled by the variety of fortune, supped together at the same table, and for want of carriages, and through streightness of lodging, lay together all night in the same bed. For the Duke of Guise using his Vi∣ctory modestly, receiving the Prince with all demonstrations of honour, offered him part of his. In which the patience of the Conquered in the desparate estate of his present defeat, was no less considerable than the modesty of the Conquerour i•• the pro∣sperity of his Victory.

The first news that came to Paris, was of the defeat and imprisonment of the Con∣stable, brought by those that ran away at the beginning of the Battel; which filled the Court with great sadness and infinite fear: but a few hours after arrived there Monsieur de Losse, Captain of the Kings Guard, dispatched by the Duke of Guise; who bringing such a contrary relation, with the assurance of a Victory, dissipated their grief for particular losses, in which the greatest part of the Kingdom had a share: for besides many Lords and Cavaliers of great esteem and reputation, there were slain on both sides 8000 persons.

Various were the opinions and discourses of men concerning this Battel: for many accused the negligence of the Prince of Conde, when having the Enemy so near, he believed he was still far off; which necessitated him to fight against his will: Many blamed the haste they saw in the Admiral to retire; believing that if he had vigo∣rously charged them when the Mareshal de S. Andre was killed, he would have routed and defeated that part of the Catholick Horse, and put his party in a condition to re∣cover again their loss. And on the other side, there wanted not those, who making a sinister interpretation of the Duke of Guises proceedings, were of opinion, that he might at the beginning, coming behind the Enemy, have rendered the Victory more easie and more secure, without expecting first the disaster of the Constable, and the slaughter of the Horse and Foot; but that being desirous of the Constables ruine, and to remain sole Arbitrator of the Catholick Faction, he had craftily suffered the Enemy to rout the right Wing, on purpose to assume all the glory and command to himself. To which notwithstanding, he and his partisans made answer, That he moved not at the beginning, first to let the Enemies pass, and then to avoid the blind fury of them that ran away, by which he might have been disordered, as were the Duke of Aumale and the Constables Son himself; but that he had patiently expected an opportunity to accomplish the Victory with security; which by an inconsiderate haste would have proved uncertain and dangerous. Howsoever it were, it is certain, that as the Duke of Guise gained all the glory of the day; so the reputation of the Hugonots, rather by accident than any real loss, was in great part diminished. The Duke remained in the same place three days after; as well to put in order and refresh the Army, as to pro∣vide for the wounded men, and the burial of his dead: and being by the King and Queen declared General of all the Forces, of which charge he took possession with the Victory, not to give the Enemy time to recover himself, directed his course to∣wards Orleans.

In the mean while, the Admiral with a great part of his Forces, and particularly the German Horse, which received but little hurt in the Battel, was returned into Beausse; where granting a Warlike liberty to gain and assure the affections of the Souldiers, he at last brought them to Beaugency, to take such resolution as was most expedient for the present necessity. There a Council being called of all the French Lords and German Commanders, it was disputed with great variety of opinions, what in that change of fortune was fittest to be done. It was not to be doubted, but the Duke of Guise pursuing his Victory, would come directly to besiege Orleans, which in

the bowels of France was the chief seat and foundation of the War. Wherefore it was expedient to think how to defend that City, and also to provide for it in time a fitting supply: which being very hard to be done, by reason many already wavered in their affections, and the fortune and reputation of the Hugonots declined in all parts of the Kingdom; the two Brothers of Coligny boldly took upon them the charge of taking care for both. For Andelot profferred himself, with the German Foot, and part of the French Horse, to defend Orleans; and the Admiral, laying before the Reiters (so they call the German Horse) the booty and riches of Normandy with the near succours of England, perswaded them to follow him into that Province; where whilst the Duke of Guise was in person imployed in such a difficult siege, they might have opportunity to join with the English, receive the moneys sent by Queen Elizabeth, and bring all their succours together: with which forming a great body of an Army, they should be able afterwards time enough to succour and relieve the besieged.

With these counsels the heads of the Hugonots directed their Actions. But the Duke of Guise, not to lose by delays the fruits of his Victory, at the beginning of the year put all things in readiness to besiege Orleans; having sent for the great Cannon from Paris, with all other provisions necessary for so great a work: at which siege, as well to hasten the issue thereof, as not to trust wholly to any one person, the Queen resolved to be present; and having past over with exceeding patience the sharpest and most incommodious season of the year, came with the King to Chartres; and staying there some few days, at the last arrived at the Army, lodging with much incommo∣dity at the adjacent Villages. At the coming of the Kings Army, Piviers, Estampes, and all the other places thereabouts were already rendred: after the taking of which, the Duke of Guise, having gotten all his men together, drew towards the Town the fifth day of February, and encamped between the Faux-bourg d'Olivette, and the Town of S. Aubin; a convenient Quarter, and being placed upon the River of Loire, abound∣ing with provisions. There were in Orleans, besides Andelot, who commanded all the rest, Monsieur de St. Cyr, Governour of the City, the Sieurs d' Avaret, Duras, and Bouchavenes, fourteen Companies of Foot, partly Germans, and partly Gascons, and five Troops of French Horse, consisting for the most part of old experienced Souldiers: and besides these, the Citizens, refusing neither labour nor danger for the defence of their Town, being divided into four Squadrons, with wonderful readiness hazarding themselves upon all services.

Orleans is divided, though not equally, by the River of Loire; for on one side stands the whole body of the City, and on the other lies only a great Faux-bourg vulgarly called the Portereau. The Portereau is joined to the City with a fair Bridge, at the entrance whereof towards the Faux-bourg are two Forts, called the Towrelles, which hinder and shut the entry of the Bridge; at the other end whereof is the Gate of the City strengthened with good Walls, but without any Rampart, defended with a high square Tower built after the ancient fashion, of a great thickness. The Walls of the City were in themselves of little strength; but the Defendants had repaired and made them more defensible. Amongst other things, they fortified also the Portereau, rai∣sing two great Bastions before it, which might entertain and keep off the Enemy for a time from the Town: the one being right against the place where the Catholicks en∣camped, was guarded by four Companies of the Gascons; and the other which was farther off, was kept by two Companies of the Germans. The Duke of Guise upon very good reasons thought it best to begin the Siege on that side. First, that his men being conveniently lodged, might the better support the incommodities of Winter; then, because, esteeming it an easie matter to take the works of the Portereau, he de∣signed to make use of the commodity of the River to assail and batter the Walls of the City with a great number of Barks covered with Gabions, and full of other Warlike Instruments, which would in wonderful manner facilitate the assault. Besides on that side those within had neither Rampart of Earth within the Wall, nor any allarum place capable to receive a body of men. Wherefore the next morning the whole Army ad∣vanced in very good order within sight of the Town; Monsieur de Sippierre leading on the first Divisions of the Catholicks with six hundred Horse, and two Regiments of Foot, with which force he easily beat back again into the Faux-bourg those who to shew their courage sallied out to skirmish. Whereupon his men being heartned with such good success at the beginning, he caused a furious assault to be given to the Bulwark guarded by the Gascoigns; at which the Duke of Guise coming in, and making

shew to draw all the forces of his Army to that place, at the same time sent Sansac's Regiment to surprize by Scalado the other held by the Germans; who being amazed with the suddenness thereof, made so little resistance, that the Bulwark being taken, the Catholicks entered the Faux-bourg before any body perceived there was an attempt made upon that part. By which means the assailants having already made themselves strong within the Rampart, and all the Army that stood in order marching to them, the Defendants were constrained to abandon the Suburbs of the Portereau; but not without great terrour and confusion: in which Duras being slain, with many other persons of remark, they were so closely pursued by the Catholicks who came up to them on all sides, that if Andelot himself, fighting valiantly with a great Squadron of Gentlemen, had not withstood them, they had in that fury entred the Towrells. But he standing at the entry of the Bridge all covered with Arms, and bravely assisted, they were with much difficulty at length repulsed; and the Ports of the Towers and the City being shut, that bloody conflict ended with the day. The Faux-bourg be∣ing secured, the Army approached to the Towrells; which proving very hard to be taken, by reason of the strength of the place, the Duke of Guise notwithstanding with Gabions, Trenches and Engines of War, so far advanced the work, that he found they could not long maintain that Poste; though from the Cannon planted in certain Islands in the middle of the River, those upon the banks received much molestation and da∣mage.

In the mean while, the Admiral with his Reiters and some few French Horse, ha∣ving left all their carriage and baggage at Orleans, passing the Loire at Georgeau, marcht with such expedition, that the Mareshal of Brissac, who endeavoured to lie in their way, could by no means stop them in any place, or hinder them from passing in∣to Normandy; which Province the Reiters, slaughtering, firing, pillaging and destroy∣ing all things both sacred and prophane, over-ran without resistance; there being no forces in that Country which were able to hinder their incursions. So passing through all places like a horrible and fearful tempest, they came at last to the coasts of the Ocean at S. Sauveur de Dive. There the Germans not knowing in what part of the World they were, and seeing the Sea grow furious and inraged with the tempestuous∣ness of the weather, and no news at all appearing of the succours so often promised from England, began fiercely to mutiny; demanding with clamour and threats the arrears of their pay, and calling upon the Admiral to observe his promise: who com∣ing out of his Lodging, and shewing them with his finger the swelling of the Sea, and the impetuous contrary winds, excused with the perverseness of the weather, and the season, the delay of their expected supplies. But the Germans not to be appeased with any thing, he could hardly obtain of them the patience of a few days; though to sa∣tisfie their greediness, he gave them free license to plunder all, as well friends and adherents, as adversaries and enemies. Wherefore destroying with barbarous cruelty all the tract of that Country which with wonderful fertility and richness of the inha∣bitants extends it self along the Ocean, he stayed so long expecting about the Sea-coasts, that at length the storm ceasing, they descryed from Havre de Grace the English Ships, which brought with them both the 150000 Ducats, and the two Regiments of Foot, besides fourteen pieces of Cannon, with all manner of munition proportionable. The English under the conduct of the Count of Montgomery and Monsieur de Colom∣biere, being received with incredible joy, and the Reiters satisfied for their arrears; the Admiral having sent for the Count de la Roch-fou-cault and the Prince of Porcie••, who brought succours out of Brittany and the neighbouring Countries, making in all eight thousand Foot and four thousand Horse, put himself in order with great dili∣gence to go to the succour of his Brother with all the speed that was possible; ho∣ping, either by force or art to make them raise their siege from that place. But the Duke of Guise having already, though with loss of much blood, taken the Towrelles, the Defendants were reduced to great straights; nor could the Admiral have arrived soon enough to succour the besieged, if other stratagems and means had not been used to deliver them from that imminent danger.

There was among the Hugonots Faction one called John Poltrot Sieur de Mereborn, of a noble Family near Angoulesme. This man being of a ready wit, and by nature subtile, having lived many years in Spain, and afterwards imbracing Calvins opinion, being made cunning by the preachings and practises of Geneva, was esteemed by all (as he was indeed) fit to undertake any great attempt. Whereforefore being known

to all the heads of the Hugonot Faction as a proper Instrument for any such designs, which are the daily effects of Civil Wars, he was perswaded, as they say by the Ad∣miral and Theodore Beza, to endeavour to kill the Duke of Guise; the one proposing to him infinite rewards and acknowledgments; the other laying before him, that by taking out of the World so great a Persecutor of their Faith, he should merit exceed∣ingly of God. Which perswasions working upon Poltrot, feigning to have abandoned the Calvinists party, he went to be a Souldier in the Kings Army; and there insinuating himself likewise into the Duke of Guises Court, watched an opportunity to put in ex∣ecution his purposed mischief. So the 24 of February in the evening, being the Feast of St. Matthias the Apostle, the Duke having given order for an assault, which the day after he intended should be made upon the Bridge of Orleans; and retiring un∣armed to his lodging, was was little less than a league from the Trenches. Poltrot, lying in wait on Horseback upon a swift Jennet, and seeing him come alone discour∣sing with Tristan Rostine a servant of the Queens, discharged a Gun at him, laden with three bullets, which all three hit him on the right shoulder, and passing through the body, laid him upon the ground for dead. At which suddain accident, his Gen∣tlemen, who, not to seem to hearken to what their Master said, rode a little before, running to help him: Poltrot aided by the swiftness of his Horse, saved himself in the neighbouring Woods; and the Duke being carried to his lodging, shewed at the first dressing very little hopes of life. At the News of this sad accident, the King and Queen-Mother, with all the Lords of the Army, went presently to see him; but nei∣ther the diligent care nor remedies that were applied taking any effect, the third day after his hurt he died, with great demonstrations of Religion and Piety, and discourses full of constancy and moderation.

He was a man of mature wisdom, singular industry, and sprightly valour; wary in Council, quick in execution, and most fortunate in conducting his designs to their in∣tended ends. For which qualities, he was reputed by the general consent of all men, the chief Captain of his time. Likewise by the merit of his own Actions▪ he ac∣quired the title of Defendor and Protector of the Catholick Religion; and dying, left the glory of his Name to be celebrated and renowned to all posterity.

The Murtherer, as if he had b••en besides himself, either through consciousness of the fact, or else through fear that he had to be pursued from every part; not finding the way to Orleans, wandred all night in the ways and woods thereabouts, and at last in the morning, neither he nor his horse being able to bear themselves longer upon their legs, he fell into certain companies of Swisses that were in guard at the Bridge d'Oli∣vette; by whom being taken, and carried before the Queen and the Lords of the Army; First, he confessed voluntarily the whole plot of the Fact; and afterwards, being put upon the torture, ratified the same confession: wherefore being led to Paris, he was by sentence of Parliament publickly quartered.

The Admiral and Theodore Beza endeavoured, by large Writings scattered in all parts of Christendom, to clear themselves of the suspition: but the common opinions of men, confirmed not only by reason, but from the mouth of the Delinquent, refuted all their excuses; and the memory of it stuck close to his posterity, till the consum∣mation of their revenge. The proceedings of the Queen-Mother were much different; to whom a Hugonot Captain commonly called la Motte having offered himself to find a means to kill Andelot; She causing him to be apprehended by her Guards, sent him bound to the same Andelot, that he might punish him as he pleased himself. Which though some interpreted sinisterly, believing that the Queen had either discovered a treacherous intent in the assassine, or else that she hoped to win Andelot, by such a kind∣ness, in gratitude to deliver up Orleans, which they found hardly to be reduced by force; yet it is certain, that the greatness of the Queens mind made it generally be∣lieved, that she used no dissimulation in so generous an Action: and surely there are few examples of the like in any of our modern Stories.

After the death of the Duke of Guise, an Accommodation followed without diffi∣culty, the treaty whereof was never intermitted in the greatest fervour of the War. For the Queen being freed from the King of Navarre and the Duke of Guise, the one of which through his nearness to the Crown, and the other by reason of his immense power and great esteem amongst men, was always suspected by her; She desired by a domestick quieting the troubles of the Kingdom, to drive out the foreign forces be∣fore they setled themselves. Neither had she now any jealousies of the Prince of Conde

or the Constable. For they had so offended each other, that she believed it was im∣possible that they should ever be sincerely reconciled. Besides, the Constable being grown decrepid with age, had neither force nor thoughts to aspire to the Government; and the Prince of Conde, though in the quality of first Prince of the Blood, for things past, and particularly for the Agreement made with England, was become odious to the whole Kingdom, except only those that followed the Hugonot party Wherefore thinking it most expedient for the pr••sent to settle a peace, that with their united Forces they might without diversion attend the recovery of Havre de Grace, the alie∣nation of which place into the hands of so powerful Enemies, more than any thing else troubled the Queen; that those things might be effected, and the Reiters ex∣pelled the Kingdom, (who without regard destroyed the Country, and with unheard of cruelties oppressed the people) She was inclined to grant very large Conditions. Also this other consideration was no small motive to perswade an agreement; That the Duke of Guise being dead, and the Constable prisoner to the Enemy, there was no Captain of like Authority and esteem, who having the command of the Kings Ar∣my, could in any degree equal the Admirals weariness, or the fierceness of Andelot. For the Duke of Aumale, Brother to the late Duke of Guise, though he were a man of great courage, yet he was not esteemed answerable in counsel or wisdom. Be∣sides, he was for the most part held unfortunate in the War; and which imported most, he was at that time, by reason of the hurts he received in the Battel, unfit for labour; and the Mareshal of Brissac, though a Captain of great experience, and known valour, had not such an Authority as was requisite for a General of the Kings Army, composed of the chief Princes and principal Lords of his Kingdom. To these was added one reason more, that it made it very necessary to desire a peace: For the de∣vastations of a Civil War had so wasted, broken, and hindred the Kings Revenues; and the excessive expences which the beginning of a War brings along with it, had so exhausted the Publick Treasury, that they were not only unable to pay the interests of those debts contracted by the former Kings, but the King was constrained to make them greater, having received in the time of her necessity a considerable Sum from the great Duke of Tuscany, and 100000 Duckets from the Republick of Venice. Where∣fore having not wherewithal to continue the War, she thought it wisdom to lay hold on the advantage of the present conjuncture.

On the other side, the Prince of Conde seeing himself prisoner to the Enemy, to obtain his liberty, ardently desired a Peace; and Andelot, being reduced to a necessity of yielding, thought it would be more for his reputation to be included in a general accord, than to deliver up the Town upon a capitulation made only by himself. The Admiral was of a contrary opinion; who neither trusting to the Kings reconciliation, nor the Queens promises, and knowing he was inwardly hated and detested, chose for the best, rather to continue the War now the chief Leaders of the adverse party were gone, than to expose his person to the danger of a suspected and dissembled Peace. But he being absent, and the accommodation treated at Orleans, where the Queen was in person in the Camp, and the Constable prisoner in the City; whither also came about the same business Madam Eleonor wife to the Prince of Conde; without having any re∣gard to the opinion of the Admiral, the Peace was concluded and established upon these Conditions; That all those that were free Lords over the Castles or Lords that they possest, not holding of any but the Crown, might within their Jurisdictions freely exercise the Reformed Religion; and that the other Feudataries, who had not such dominion, might do the same in their own houses, for their families only; pro∣vided, they lived not in any City or Town. That in every Province certain Cities should be appointed, in the Faux-bourg whereof the Hugonots might assemble at their devotion. That in all other Cities, Towns and Castles in the City of Paris, with the Jurisdiction thereof, and all places whatsoever where the Courts resided, the exercise of any other but the Roman Catholick Religion should be prohibited. Yet every one to live free in his Conscience, without either trouble or molestation. That the Pro∣f••ssors of the pretended Reformed Religion should observe the holy-days appointed in the Roman Kalender; and in their Marriages, the Rites and Constitutions of the Civil Law. That all the Lords, Princes, Gentlemen, Souldiers and Captains, should have a full Pardon for all delinquencies committed during the time, or by occasion or mini∣stry of the War; declaring all to be done to a good end, without any offence to the Royal Majesty; and therefore every one to be restored to his Charges, Dignities, Goods,

Priviledges and Prerogatives. That the Germans should be sent, and have safe con∣duct out of the Kingdom; and that it should be in the Kings power to recover all his Places, Towns and Castles, from any persons whatsoever that presumed to with∣hold them from him.

This Capitulation being published in the Camp, and in the Court, the eighteenth day of March the Prince of Conde and the Constable came out of prison; Andelot de∣livered the City of Orleans into the Queens hands; the Nobility no less wearied with the toils than expences of the War, very willingly departed; and the Reiters being conveyed to the confines and satisfied for their pay, returned to their own houses.

The Eight Parliaments of the Kingdom, but particularly those of Paris, Tholouse, and Aix, those three being always more averse than the rest to the Hugonot party, re∣fused to accept and register the Edict of Pacification. But the Cardinal of Bourbon and the Duke of Montpensieur appearing in the name of the State at Paris; at Tholouse, the Vicount de Joyeuse; and the Count de Euze at Aix, they laying before them, that the King thought it most convenient for the quiet of the Kingdom and the welfare of his Subjects, that the Pacification should be accepted and approved; at last the Ar∣ticles were published: yet still reserving a power in his Majesty, whensoever he should think fit, to correct, or revoke it. There was no less resistance amongst the enemies and Hugonot Ministers, seeing the Edict of January so streightly moderated; and it was exceedingly resented by the Admiral, who had conceived a great hope to over∣come the War. But the Prince of Conde being pleased it should be so, and the No∣bility greedily concurring with him, they were forced to comply for the present; though in the mean while contriving among themselves new and more dangerous re∣volutions.

The Peace being agreed on and published, the Queen not giving her self leisure to breathe, having sent the Army into Normandy under the command of the Mareshal de Brissac, went thither in person; designing, without delay to reduce Havre de Grace by force, and to order matters by her own presence and directions. Whereby, besides that she was secured from the arts and treacheries of the great Ones, and her Coun∣cils were more effectually directed to their proper ends; she also gained the affections of the Souldiers to the King, who being brought up amongst the Armies, and present at all Councils and Actions, was replenished with generous lively thoughts; daily learning by experience the practical part of governing his Kingdom.

Charles was of magnanimous and truly Royal nature, of a sharp ready wit; and for the Majesty of his aspect and gravity of manners in so tender an age, not only esteemed, but greatly reverenced by those that were about him. On the other side, the English which were to the number of 3000 in Havre de Grace under the command of the Earl of Warwick, failed not, carefully to provide for and fortifie themselves; hoping by the strength of the place to be able to make a bold resistance, until the arrival of their Fleet, which was coming with great preparations, not only to succour that place, but also to land men, and to infest the borders of the lower Normandy, and all the coasts to∣wards the Brittish Sea. But the Queen having summoned them by an Herald, within the tearm of three days to deliver up the Town, which contrary to the Articles of Peace they had unjustly usurped; that short time being expired, the Army was brought before it, and Batteries raised in divers parts.

Not many days after, the Constable arrived at the Camp; whose presence added a greater vigour to the Assiegents; and however the pains and directions was divided between him and the Mareshal de Brissac, all the authority and command remained in the Queen; who lodging in the Abby of Fecan, rode every day to the Army, sol∣liciting the advancement of the siege in such a manner, that one of the Towers which stood at the entry of the gate being already taken, and Colonel Sarlabous with a good number of Foot lodged therein, the Defendants were reduced to great extremities; which daily more and more increasing by reason of the heats, it being then about the middle of July, the Town was infected with such a grievous Plague, (to which the English through the temper of their bodies and manner of diet are exceeding sub∣ject) that a horrible mortality consumed in few days the greatest part of their men. Wherefore the Earl of Warwick, not being able longer to resist the force of the Army, and the anger of Heaven, at length, upon the seventeenth day of July, agreed to render himself upon these Conditions; That he should freely deliver up Havre de Grace into the hands of the Constable for the use of the most Christian King; with all the

Artillery and Munition belonging to the French, and all the Ships and Merchandize taken or seized upon since the War began. That all the prisoners on both sides should be set at liberty without ransom; and that the English within the term of six days should transport their arms and baggage, without receiving any impediment whatso∣ever.

The Capitulation was scarcely confirmed, and Hostages given on both parts, when the English Fleet, consisting of sixty Ships, and well furnished with men, appeared at Sea, steering their course with a very favourable wind directly to the Haven. But the Earl of Warwick, thinking it dishonourable not to stand to his Capitulation, gave notice to the Admiral of the Fleet, that the Town was already rendred. Wherefore casting anchor till he had received the Souldiers of the Garison aboard, when they were all imbarked, he set fail again, and without making any other attempt returned into England.

The Queen having with such facility dispatched the strangers, she presently applyed all her endeavour to pacifie the troubles of the Kingdom, and to reform things in the Government. Her intention was, since the King was in the fourteenth year of his age, to cause him to be declared past his Minority, and capable to govern of himself; knowing that such a Declaration would take away from the Princes of the Blood and other great Lords the right of pretending or aspiring to the Government; and that through the Kings youth, and the absolute authority her counsels had over him, she should still continue in the same power and administration of the Kingdom. But this design was opposed by the opinions and authority of many Councellors and Lawyers, who disputed, That the King could not be freed from the Government of his Tutors, nor have the Rule put into his own hands, nor be declared out of Minority, if he had not fully finished and altogether accomplished the time prefixed of fourteen years; of which he yet wanted many months. With the Archives of the Crown that are kept in the Monastery of Monks at St. Dennis, amongst the Acts of the Court of Par∣liament, there is a Constitution of Louis the Fifth King of France, (he that was sur∣named the Wise) made solemnly in the Parliament of Paris in the year of our Salva∣tion 1363. sealed by the High Chancellor Dormans, and subscribed by the Kings Bro∣thers, the Princes of the Blood-Royal, and a great number of the chief Barons and Lords of the Kingdom; by which it is declared, That the Kings of France may in the fourteenth year of their age assume to themselves the Government and Administration of the Kingdom: But it is not clearly specified, whether this Constitution be of force at the beginning, or else at the end of the fourteenth year. For which reason many Councellors, particularly those of the Parliament of Paris, (perhaps knowing they had greater power during the Minority of the King, and therefore desiring to enlarge the time of exercising it) affirmed, That it could not be said the Pupil was come to the age of fourteen years, if he had not fully accomplished them; nor could by any means, before that time, free himself from the obligation of a Minor. On the other side, the High Chancellor de d' Hospital, a man of profound learning, and those that favoured the Queens intentions, alledged, That in matters of honour and dignity, they were not to count the minutes of time, as is usual in the Reintegration of Pupils; the Laws having an aim to be gracious in the favour of those in minority, to whom it was a benefit to have the time prolonged, before they be setled in their Estates. But in confe••ring honours, it was matter of advantage and favour to abbreviate the term, and cut off delays; that the space of a few months was of no moment for the con∣firming the judgment and understanding of a man; and that the Laws prescribe the age of fourteen years for a man to remain in his own power. These their reasons they proved with the same testimony of the Imperial Laws, by which all Christian Poten∣tates are governed, and with the clearest and most famous Expositors of them; who in the distribution of Honours and Offices, have, by a common rule practised in civil right, ever reckoned the year begun, and as they say, inchoatus, for the year ended and finished. But because the Parliament of Rouen had ever shewed it self more obe∣dient to the Kings commands than all the rest, and in the late restitution of the City the particular Counsellors thereof had received many special graces and favours from the Queen; they resolved to make this Declaration pass in that Parliament, rather then expose themselves to the contradiction of the Counsellors of Paris, who had gotten a custom to take upon them to moderate by their sentences the Royal Decrees. So the King and the Queen, after the reduction of Havre de Grace, returning with great repu∣tation

to Rouen; the 15 day of September they went solemnly with all the Court-Lords and Officers of the Crown, to the Parliament; where, in the presence of the Coun∣cellours, the King took upon him with the wonted Ceremonies, the free absolute Go∣vernment of the Kingdom.

The Parliament of Paris exceedingly resented, that a business of such great weight should be decided and determined in any other feat than theirs, which hath the pre-eminence of all the rest, and is ordinarily held as a general Council of the whole Nati∣on. But the King being already declared out of Minority, and by nature of a manly masculine Spirit, was much the more offended, that the Parliament of Paris presumed to interpose in matters of Government, which belonged not to them; and sharply ad∣monished the Councellours that they should busie themselves to do Justice, to which they were deputed, and not meddle with the affairs of State, which depended wholly upon his will and arbitrement. By which admonitions the Councellours being some∣what mortified, they accepted and published without farther contest the Declaration of his Majority.

The King having assumed the power of the command in name and appearance, the Queen (whose counsels were of more authority than ever) turned all her thoughts to quiet and pacifie the Kingdom, which (like the Sea when the storm is newly past) after the conclusion of the Peace remained troubled and unquiet. It was no longer necessary to keep the parties divided, and balance the force of the Factions, since on the one side the Kings Majority had removed all pretences of affecting the Administra∣tion of the Government; and already his Authority, partly by such no••able Victories, partly by taking the power into his own hands, was so confirmed and established, that the past suspicion ceased of the machination and treachery of the great ones; who, it was doubted, aspired, by casting the Pupils out of the Royal Seat, to transfer the Do∣minion of the Crown upon themselves: and on the other side, the death of the King of Navarre and the Duke of Guise, had so notoriously weakened the Catholick Faction; and the rash proceedings of the Prince and the Admiral had so abated their credit, and diminished their followers, that the power of both parties being suppressed, dis∣cords quieted, and civil dissentions removed, the Kingdom might easily reassume that form in which the preceding Kings had so many ages past enjoyed it. Upon this, the Queen bent all her intentions, (having devised together with the King, and the High Chancellor de l' Hospital, who by their secret counsels wholly managed the affairs) to try all means possible to draw the Prince of Conde from the protection of the Hugo∣nots Faction; to appease the Admiral and Andelot; who being full of suspicion, stood as it were retired from frequenting the Court; and having in this manner deprived that party of Heads and Protectors, by little and little, without noise or violence, to eradicate and destroy them; so that at the last, as in former times it hath happened with many others, it should fall of it self, and be extinguished as it were insensibly. By these arts, dissimulations, wariness and dexterity, they hoped so to work, that the Kingdom should be setled again in that sincerity of quiet, to which by violent sharp means, by force and the sword it was very difficult and dangerous to seek to re∣duce it.

For the effecting these ends, it was necessary to have a peace with England; to re∣new the confederacy with the Commonalty of the Swisses; and to maintain a good intelligence with the Protestant Princes of Germany; that the Hugonots might be de∣prived of such support, and stranger Nations of pretences to come into the Kingdom, from whose invasions they had lately freed themselves with such infinite labour, dan∣ger and prejudice, both publick and particular. To this purpose an Overture of a Treaty was made with Queen Elizabeth, by Guido Cavalcanti a Florentine, who was conver∣sant in the affairs, and understood the interests of both Kingdoms. To the Protestant Princes of Germany they sent Rascalone, a man formerly imployed in that Country by the Duke of Guise, to quiet and gain the Protestants; with power besides to treat of divers things that concerned the mutual instruments of both Nations. And to the Republick of the Swisses went Sebastian de l' Aubespine Bishop of Limoges, to renew the ancient Capitulations made with the Father and Grandfather of the present King. But with the Prince of Conde they used all subtil arts to convert him sincere∣ly to his obedience. For the King and the Queen receiving him with great shews of confidence, and respecting him as first Prince of the Blood, presently conferred upon him the Government of Picardy, the taking away of which was the first spark

that kindled in him a desire to attempt alterations in the State, and entertaining him as much as could be at Court with Plays, Feasts, and all manner of pastimes, sought to make him in love with the ease and pleasures of peace; and in some measure at least to forget the fierceness of his nature. To these practises being added the death of Eleanor de Roye his Wife, a woman of an unquiet nature, and that continually spurred him on to new undertakings, the Queen perswaded Margarite de Lustrac, Widow to the Mareshal de S. Andre, who was left very rich both by her Father and Husband, to offer her self to him in marriage; believing, that the Prince by this match sup∣plying the necessity of his fortune, and living at ease, and in the splendor belonging to the greatness of his Birth, would not easily be induced hereafter to involve himself in new troubles, which had already proved so disastrous and dangerous.

But to separate and withdraw him from the friendship of the Chastillons, whose con∣versation, it was plain, stirred his thoughts to innovations; they indeavoured by the same Court-flatteries to make him believe, that the loss of the Battel of Dreux pro∣ceeded from the cowardise and treachery of the Admiral and Andelot, who either too careful of saving themselves, or envying the valour with which he began to conquer, fled a great deal too soon, leaving those alone that fought couragiously, and princi∣pally him, in the hands of the Enemy; which things being prest home and instilled into him, might distract his mind, and put him in diffidence of his ancient friends and confederates. But he being exceedingly enamoured of Limeville, one of the Queens Maids, whom (she not seeming to take notice of it) he enjoyed, having besides the hope of so rich a match that was offered him, these two Considerations contributed more to the pacifying of his natural fierceness, than all the arts that were used to withdraw him from the adherence of the Admiral and the other Brothers of Chastillon; who, not trusting in the Queen, nor believing she could ever have any confidence in them, could by no means be secured; but continually practising to raise new hopes in the Hugonots, stood upon their guard at a distance from the Court.

The common peace and the Queens intentions were not more opposed by the Hugo∣nots, than the Catholick party intent to revenge the death of the Duke of Guise, and impatient to see a toleration of Religion.

Francis Duke of Guise, by his Wife Anne d' Est Sister to Alphonso Duke of Ferrara, left three male children, Henry Duke of Guise, a youth of singular hope and exceed∣ing expectation, Lodovick destined to the Church and the dignity of Cardinal, and Charles, first Marquiss, then Duke of Mayenne, (he who in the late Wars maintained the Catholick League against Henry the Fourth.) These Sons, who neither for great∣ness of mind nor courage degenerated from their Father, though they were very young, yet being upheld by the fierceness of the Duke of Aumale, and the authority of the Cardinal of Lor••in, their Uncles, boldly attempted to make themselves the Heads of the Catholick party: and therefore indeavoured to gain credit in the world, and to promote new motives to maintain the ardour of the Faction. For which cause ha∣ving assembled a great number of their kindred and servants, they went together all clad in mourning to the King, demanding very earnestly, and with great clamour, of the people of Paris (who ran in multitudes to this spectacle) that justice might be done upon those who had so bruitishly caused their Father to be murthered, whilst in the service of GOD and the Crown loyally and gloriously bearing arms, he laboured for the good of the Commonwealth. To which demand the King not being able to make other answer, than that in due time and place he would not fail to do exemplary Ju∣stice upon those that were found guilty of so hainous a crime; the Brothers of Coligny became more diffident than before, and were brought as it were into an inevitable ne∣cessity again to arm their Faction, that they might be able to withstand the powerful enmity of the Guises.

But if all Arts were used to raise the Catholick party; the endeavour was yet greater to suppress the Calvinists. For the Cardinal of Lorain, knowing that the interests of his Nephews being united and mingled with the cause of Religion, they would gain greater honour, and render themselves more strong and powerful; as soon as the Council of Trent was broken up, which hapned this present year in the month of No∣vember, he went to Rome, and perswaded the Pope Pius Quartus (who was ill satisfied with the Peace concluded in France) that he should press the King and the Queen-Mother to cause the Council to be published and observed in their Kingdom: promising, that his Nephews, with the whole house of Lorain, and the greatest part of the French

Nobility, would be ready and united to cause declaration thereof to be made, and sufficient afterwards by force to suppress the followers of the Hugonot Doctrine. The Pope was sollicited to the same effect by the Catholick King, and the Duke of Savoy, being entred into a jealousie, that the nearness and introduction of the Hugonots might endanger their States, seeing the Low-Countries belonging to King Philip were already infected, and not only Savoy, but even Piedmont also exceedingly pestered with them▪ where through the neighbourhood of Geneva they had sowed the seeds of their here∣sie. Wherefore they both desired, that this dangerous fire kindled in so near a Coun∣try, might without further delay be extinguished. Nor was it a difficult matter to perswade the Pope to be earnest in a business which more than any thing else concerned the greatness of the Apostolick Sea, and the Authority of the Papacy. For which reasons, they resolved to join together to send Ambassadors to the King of France, to exhort him that he should cause the Council to be published and observed, with proffers of forces and aid to expel and extirpate heresie out of his Dominions. This Embassie (which to give it the more credit was sent in the names of them all) exceedingly troubled the King and the Queen-Mother: For though they concurred with the Pope and other Princes, to irradicate and suppress the Hugonot Faction, which they knew to be the source of all the troubles; yet they judged it not agreeable to their interests to do it tumultuously, and with such a noise on a suddain; nor to precipitate their deliberations; which being designed with great wisdom, were not yet come to ma∣turity. And they took it wondrous ill, that the Catholick King, and much more the Duke of Savoy, should presume as it were by way of command to interpose in the Go∣vernment of their State: Besides, that this so pressing sollicitation put them in an evident necessity, either to alienate the Pope from them, and with publick scandal and ignominy of their names to separate themselves from the obedience of the Apostolick Sea; or else to discover the designs, with which proceeding leisurely, they had de∣termined without the hazard of War to attain (by the benefit of time) to the same end: but if they were by this means discovered, whilst they endeavoured with their uttermost skill to conceal them, it was evident, that the knowledge thereof coming to the Hugonots, not only a Civil War would be kindled again in the bowels of the King∣dom, but a way opened for stranger Nations to invade and spoil the best parts of France; as the example of the past War had sufficiently proved. For which reason, there being no other way but by art and dissimulation to render this negotiation of no effect, they received the Ambassadors privately at Fountain-bleau, (a house remote from the concourse of people) that by the little ceremony used at their reception, their business might be thought of less consequence. Afterward they endeavoured by de∣laying their answer and dispatches, to make the Negotiation antiquate it self, and by degrees fall to nothing. And lastly, sought by ambiguous speeches, capable of divers interpretations, to leave the Ambassadors themselves doubtful of their intentions: con∣cluding in the end, that they would forthwith send Ministers of their own to the Pope and the other Princes, to acquaint them particularly with their resolutions.

The Ambassadors being thus dispatched away at the end of January in the year 1564. the King and the Queen resolved to visit all the Provinces and principal Cities of the Kingdom, meaning by this progress to advance those designs, which was the only end they aimed at for the present. For coming to a Parley with the Duke of Savoy in Dolphine, with the Popes Ministers at Avignon, and with the Catholick King, or else with the Queen his Wife upon the confines of Guienna, they might communicate their counsels to them without the hazard of trusting French-men, (who either through dependence or kindred had all the same interests) to have them revealed to the Hugo∣nots. So that in this manner preserving the amity of the Pope and the other Catho∣lick Princes, they might by common consent have leisure enough to bring their pro∣jected designs to maturity. They thought it also no little help to have the opportunity to treat in person with the Duke of Lorain; and by his means, with the Protestant Princes; with whom they hoped to make so firm an alliance, that they should not need to fear they would any more shew themselves in the favour of the Hugonots, or interpose in the affairs of their Kingdom. From this journey arose another benefit of great importance; that by visiting the principal Cities, and informing themselves par∣ticularly what condition they were in, they might take order to secure them with new Forces, or the change of Magistrates and Governours, so that at another time they might not apprehend their revolt. Besides this, they hoped, that by appeasing the

tumults, and satisfying the complaints and grievances of the people, the King would greatly augment his authority, and so gain the affections of his Subjects, that by de∣grees they would turn to their ancient loyalty, which by nature and custom they used to pay with such devotion to the persons of their Soveraigns. The voyage was also r••quisite in regard of Queen Jeane: For she, after her Husbands death, being wholly abandoned to the worship and belief of the Hugonots, had by publick Edicts; and with open violence, taken away the Images out of the Temples, banished the Priests, possest the Churches, and thrown down the Altars; commanding that all the People subject to the Principality of Bearne should live according to the Rites and Ceremonies of Calvins Religion. At the noise of which proceedings, the Catholick King, either watching all occasions to conquer the reliques of the Kingdom of Navarre, or else through an apprehension that the infection of Heresie coming so near might penetrate into his Country of Spain, made great complaints thereof to the Pope; advertising him without further delay to provide against so great an inconvenience. And the Pope moved not only by the advice and exhortations of the King of Spain, but also the open prejudice the interests of the Apostolick Sea received thereby; first, kindly admonished the Queen by the Cardinal of Armagnac, a near kinsman and ancient dependent upon that family, not to introduce such an intolerable innovation; and afterwards, seeing those admonitions profited nothing, sent out a Monitory; whereby he required her, to desist from persecuting the Catholick Religion, and to return within the Term of six months into the bosom of the Church; or else threatned, when the time was ex∣pired, to expose her to the Ecclesiastical censures, and grant her Country to those that could first conquer it.

The King of France openly declared himself against the Monitory; alledging, that the States of Jane being held directly of him, the Pope could not through any fault in her, who was simply a Feudatary, make a grant of them; but that they devolved immediately upon him, as the Supream Lord. By which opposition, the vehemency and ardour of the Pope being somewhat abated, Queen Jane continued so much the more resolute by new Laws, and promulgation of new Orders, to banish the Catho∣lick, and establish Calvin's Religion. But the King, not willing that any Act of his should give the Spaniards a colourable pretence to intermeddle with businesses on this side the Mountains which separate France from Spain; or whilst he was busied with the Insurrections of his Subjects, that such a large passage should be opened to enter into his Kingdom; gave order to the Parliaments of Thoulouse and Bourdeaux, that they should oppose the attempts of the Queen of Navarre; pretending that she could neither make new Laws, nor introduce a new Religion in those States without the consent and permission of the King of France, who was the chief Lord. Which though it were true of Nerac, Oleron, and the County of Bigorre; yet it was not so for the Principality of Bearne, that had been many times brought into controversie, and always declared independent upon any but the King of Navarre. But the state of the present affairs, and the apprehension of the future, to prevent the growing disorders, caused these disputes to be revived, which hath been so long buried and decided. Wherefore the King and the Queen thought it very material in visiting all parts of the Kingdom, to pass likewise upon those Confines, to try whether they could alter Queen Jane in her opinions; or if they could not effect that, to bring away her Son Prince Henry, that being first Prince of the Blood he might not be brought up in the Doctrine of the Hugonots, whereby to prepare new protection and support for the men of that Faction. These be the reasons that moved them to undertake this Voyage. But not to discover to those upon whom they had de∣signs, what was the end or secret intention of this Visitation; they made shew, and were content every body should think, that the King, only through a youth∣ful vanity to shew himself in all parts of the Kingdom, and to taste several de∣lights in several places, desired to make this progress; and that the Queen con∣sented thereunto through an ambition to let the World see the Magnificence of her Government, and through a desire to visit her Daughter the Queen of Spain. Wherefore with an apparence much different from their inward designs, they made publick and plentiful Preparations of sumptuous Liveries, of all manner of things for several kinds of Huntings, for Stage-Plays, and Royal Entertainments; with a great train of Courtiers fitted for Pomp and Delights. Which things when they were ready, not farther to delay the business in hand, as soon as

the season of the year would permit, they went through Brye and Champagne to the City of Bar, (placed upon the confines of Lorain) whither came to receive them the Duke himself, with the Dutchess Claudia his Wife the Kings Sister, and Daughter to the Queen. There, by Rascalone and the Ministers of the Duke of Lorain, the Queen began to treat of an interview with the Duke of Wittembergh, the chief of the Prote∣stant Faction in Germany, believing if she could treat in person with him and the other Princes of the same Religion, by her Arts to draw them to such a confederacy with the Crown of France, that they should not need for the future to fear any opposition from them. But the Duke of Wittembergh through the infirmities of age refusing to come, they began (though with less hope) by way of Treaty to perswade him and the other Princes to receive pensions from the King, with honourable Title and other large Conditions; conceiving, that in reason they would rather desire to have certain Stipends and assured Conditions from the King, than the uncertain promises and vain offers from the Hugonots. Notwithstanding, the Count Palatine of Rhine, Wolphangus Duke of Deux-ponts, and the Duke of Wittembergh, inclining to favour the Hugonots, though more for the common interest of Religion than any other consideration, re∣fused to accept pensions of the Crown of France; and only with good words promised in general, not to send any Aids to the Faction of the Male-contents, except in case they were molested in their Liberty of Conscience. On the contrary, John William, one of the Dukes of Saxon, and Charles Marquess of Baden, either through emulation of the other Princes, or else moved with the profit proposed, accepted the Kings Stipends; promising to serve him in his occasions with a certain number of men, and to bear Arms against all his Enemies.

From Bearne the King continuing his Visitations came to the City of Lyons, in which the Hugonots had so great a party, that in the last War it was one of the first that re∣belled, and the last that returned into obedience. Wherefore considering the impor∣tance thereof, the neighbourhood of Geneva, and Germany, with other conditions of the place, it was resolved in the Council to build a Cittadel between the Rhofne and the Saone, (two great Rivers that run through the Town) whereby to bridle the peo∣ple, and secure the City from the treachery of its neighbours. The foundation of which Fortification being laid then in the presence of the King, it was afterwards brought to perfection by the diligence of Monsieur de Losse, newly put into that Government by the discharge of the Count de Saut, who had rendred himself suspected by favour∣ing the Hugonot party. From Lyons the King being come to Valence in Dolphine, he caused the City to be dismantled, and built there a new Fortress; that Town having ever been a great place of receipt for those that were in rebellion. But being arrived at the Castle of Roussilion, Filibert Emanuel Duke of Savoy came thither post to meet him, with whom having treated of such things as concerned both States, this Prince was sufficiently informed of the Kings intentions, and of the way designed to free him∣self without noise or danger from the molestation of the Calvinists. So that being fully perswaded and satisfied, he promised such aids as could be sent from those parts.

From Roussilion the King went to Avignion, immediately under the Jurisdiction of the Pope, where Fahritio Serbelloni the Governour, and the Bishop of Fermo Vice-Legate, received him with very great solemnity: and Lodovico Antinori, one of the Popes trusty Ministers a Florentine, being according to the Queens desire come thither, they began to confer about businesses of common interests. There the King and the Queen gave an Answer to the Popes Embassie, which they would not trust to the Em∣bassadors; shewing, that they were ready to extirpate Calvinism, and to cause the Council to be observed in their Dominions: but to avoid the Introductions of the English, with the Incursions of the Lutherans of Germany, and to effect their purpose without the danger or tumult of new Wars, in which so many thousands of Souls pe∣rished, and the Christian Countries were miserably destroyed, they had deliberated to proceed warily, with secret stratagems, to remove the principal Heads and chief Sup∣ports of that party, to reduce the Prince of Conde and the Brothers of Chastillon to a right understanding, to fortif••e such Cities as were suspected, re-establish the Kings Revenues, gather Moneys, and make many other provisions, which could not be had but by the progress and benefit of time, that they might be able afterward to work their ends with more security, without those dangers and prejudices which a too pre∣cipitate haste would plunge them into, with little hope of good success. By the appa∣rence of which reasons the Pope being perswaded, who was by nature averse from

cruel counsels, and the effusion of Christian Blood in civil dissentions, he consented, that the publication of the Council should be deferred till such time as they had brought their designs to maturity.

It was now the beginning of the Year 1565. when the King continuing his Voy∣age through the Province of Languedock, and celebrating the Carnival with youthful pastimes, arrived at Bayonne, situated in the Bay of Biscay, and upon the confines of Spain, just in that place where ancient Writers describe the Aquae Augusti. The Queen of Spain being come to this place, accompanied with the Duke of Alva and the Count de Beneventa, whilst they made shew with triumphs, turnaments, and several kinds of pastimes to regard only their pleasures and feastings, there was a secret conference held for a mutual intelligence between the two Crowns. Wherefore their common interest being weighed and considered, they agreed in this, That it was expedient for one King to assist and aid the other in quieting their States, and purging them from the diversity of Religions. But they were not of the same opinion concerning the way that was to be taken with more expedition and security to arrive at this end: for the Duke of Alva, a man of a violent resolute nature, said, That to destroy those Inno∣vations in Religion, and Insurrections in the Commonwealth, it was necessary to cut off the Heads of those Poppies, to fish for the great Fish, and not care to take Frogs (by these conceptions he expressed himself:) for the winds being once allayed, the billows of the common people would be easily quieted and calmed of themselves. He added, That a Prince could not do a thing more unworthy or prejudicial to him∣self, than to permit a Liberty of Conscience to the people; bringing as many varie∣ties of Religion into a State, as there are capritious fancies in the restless minds of men; and opening a door to let in discord and confusion, mortal accidents for the ruine of a State: and shewed by many memorable examples, that diversity of Reli∣gion never failed to put Subjects in Arms, to raise grievous treacheries and sad rebel∣lions against Superiours. Whence he concluded at the last, That as the Controver∣sies of Religion had always served as argument and pretence for the Insurrections of Male-contents; so it was necessary at the first dash to remove this cover, and after∣wards by severe remedies, no matter whether by sword or fire, to cut away the roots of that evil, which by mildness and sufferance perniciously springing up, still spread it self and increased.

On the other side, the Queen fitting her deliberations to the customs and disposition of the French, desired to avoid as much as was possible the imbruing of her hands in the Blood of the Princes of the Royal Family, or the great Lords of the Kingdom; and reserving this for the last resolution, would first try all manner of means to reduce into obedience and the bosom of the Church, the Heads of the Hugonots; who be∣ing withdrawn from that party, they should likewise take away, though not by the same means, the fuel that nourished the fire of civil dissentions. She said, that she well knew the inconveniences that were derived from a Liberty of Conscience; and that it would have been indeed expedient, to have provided against it by severity at the beginning, when it was newly planted; but not now, that it had taken root, and was grown up: that the motives of Religion are so universal and efficacious, that where they once take footing, it is requisite to tolerate many things, which without that necessity would not be indured; and to make a long various navigation to that Port, where they could not arrive by steering a direct course: shewing withal, that in the Government, they were to do what they could, not all that they would; and in mat∣ters of Conscience, it was requisite to proceed with great dexterity: for they are fires that flame out with too much violence. Wherefore it was necessary to slacken them by degrees, and secretly to suffocate them, before by breaking out they filled all places with desolation and ruine: and by so fresh an example as the late War, demonstra∣ted unto them, how near the Kingdom of France was to be dismembred and ruined, not only by the English, but also by the Germans. In which regard she thought it most requisite, as much as was possible to avoid the necessity of a War. The opinions were thus divers by reason of the diversity of circumstances, the variety of customs, difference of interests; and above all, the different quality of the natures of men, ren∣dred the matter diverse, and administred different counsels: notwithstanding they disagreed not in the end. For both parties aimed at the destruction of the Hugonots, and the establishment of obedience. Wherefore at last they made this conclusion, That the one King should aid the other either covertly or openly, as was thought most condu∣cing

to the execution of so weighty and so difficult an enterprise: but that both of them should be free to work by such means and counsels as appeared to them most proper and seasonable; praying to God, that severity and clemency (ways so diffe∣rent) might nevertheless succeed to the same end.

The enterview of Bayon being ended in this manner, and Queen Elizabeth departed to return into Spain, the King, following his Voyage, went towards the Territories of the Queen of Navarre; whom not being able to perswade to return to the Rites of the Catholick Church, yet he required, that in all places where Mass had been for∣bidden, it should be restored; and that the Priests should be re-established in their pos∣sessions. He obtained of her further, that she with her children should follow the Court; which seemed no hard condition: not that she was affectionate to the Kings Person, or approved the manner of the present Government; but there being at that time a matrimonial process depending before his Majesty, between the Duke of Ne∣mours and Frances de Rhoan her Neece, (whom, being of the same Religion, she ex∣ceedingly loved) it seemed necessary for her to be present at the discussion of a busi∣ness in which she was so much concerned. Being therefore resolved to follow the Court; the King, the more to invite her to stay there, made great shew of kindness both to her children and her self: but his having seen with his own eyes through all the Provinces of Aquitan the Churches destroyed, the Altars profaned, Images thrown down, Monasteries burnt and destroyed, and even the bones of the dead raked out of their graves, and thrown up and down the fields; made him inwardly conceive such an hate against her, and against all the Hugonots, that he ceased not afterwards to persecute them most severely, until the rage which was kindled in his breast against them were fully satisfied. But the general visitation of the Provinces being ended, and desiring to remedy the disorders which they had discovered in divers parts by the com∣plaints of the people, he caused an Assembly of the most eminent persons of the eight Par∣liaments of the Kingdom to be summoned for the year following to meet at Moulins, in the Province of Bourbonois, there to give such orders as should seem most propor∣tionable to the present affairs. His Majesty designed in so noble a presence of his chief Subjects to reconcile the Houses of Guise and Chastillon, which were so bitterly incensed against each other; their private enmity drawing along with it by consequence the division of the people, and dissention in the Kingdom. He thought by this occasion to get the Prince of Conde and the Admiral to come to Court, to work by some fit means to separate them from the commerce and protection of the Hugonots, to take them off by a present certainty from future machinations, to make every one taste the benefits of peace, with the advantage of publick and private repose; and by this way to deprive that party of their Authority and Conduct, that they might be able after∣wards more easily to restrain and suppress them.

But all these attempts were in vain. For the Admiral, who had laid down his arms unwillingly; and Andelot, who only to free himself from the Siege at Orleans, consented to a peace; were more intent than ever to contrive new matters; and neither trusted the Kings demonstrations, nor the Queens dissembling; nor believed they could ever be sincerely reconciled with the Guises. And the Prince of Conde, al∣ways voluble, and of vast thoughts, satiated with the delights and pleasures of the Court, despising the marriage with the Widow of St. Andre as unequal to him in birth, had taken to Wife Mary Sister to the Duke de Longeville, and was more than ever united with the Lords of Chastillon. So that what the Queen built up with her Art, the dis∣position of the Prince, and the subtilty of the Chastillons threw down. There was no less disorder threatned from the dissention that arose in the Constables Family; which being kindled before, brake forth now with greater violence. For Francis Mareshal of Momorancy (his eldest Son) drawn by nearness of kindred, and a certain ill-under∣stood ambition, which inclined him (though with a mind and understanding much inferiour) to imitate the Admiral; more than ever openly declared himself for the Lords of Chastillon▪ professing for their sakes a passionate enmity to the Guises. And on the contrary, Henry d'Anville, in respect of his Wife (who was Neece to Madam Valentine) allied to the Duke of Aumale, and puft up by being newly created Mare∣shal in the place of Brissac lately deceased; through emulation also of his Brother, clearly depended upon the Catholick party, and the friendship of the Princes of Lorain. By reason of which discord, they not only divided the followers of their Family, but also held the judgment and counsel of their Father in great suspence▪ seeing they mani∣festly

prepared, the one to side with the Hugonot party, and the other to foment the re∣solutions of the Catholicks; by their private contentions augmenting the publick di∣stractions.

It hapned at the same time the more to incite the animosity of the parties, that the Cardinal of Lorain returning from Rome, and offering to enter Paris with a certain guard of armed men, as he had power to do by a Brevet (so they call it) from the King, sealed by the High Chancellor, and subscribed by the Queen; the Mareshal of Momo∣rancy, after the death of Brissac made Governour of that City, first injuriously forbad his entry, and afterwards in a tumultuous manner put him out of the Town; pre∣tending he knew not that the Cardinal had a Licence from the King and the Council. In which tumult the Admiral, who was near, seeking an occasion of new stirs, and burning with a desire to appear the Arbitrator, and as it were the Oracle of France, ran thither, accompanied with a great train, and appearing in the Parliament, a thing not usually done except in great necessity, but by the King himself, or by his Autho∣rity gravely advertised the Counsellors, promising his care to pacifie the uproars of the people, and to free them from so imminent a danger. Which kind of proceeding ex∣ceedingly offended the King and the Queen; it appearing to them, that those people presumed too evidently to counterpoise the Royal Authority. But the end at which they aimed made them artificially dissemble their displeasure. With these seeds of discord ended the year 1565.

At the beginning of the year following, the King and Queen being really intent, though inwardly exasperated, to put an end to the troubles of the Kingdom rather by the arts of Peace, than the violence of War, went to Moulins; where those that were summoned met from all parts at the Assembly; in which the complaints of the people being proposed and considered, and the abuses introduced; according to the advice of the High Chancellor, there was a long punctual decree formed, in which was prescri∣bed a form of Government, and a manner of proceeding for the Magistrates, taking away those corruptions and disorders that use to give the subject just cause of complaint. At the same time the King, insisting upon the pacification of his subjects for the gene∣ral peace of the Kingdom, a reconciliation was endeavoured between the Houses of Guise and Chastillon, at which appeared on the one side the Mareshal of Momorancy with the Chastil••ons; on the other, the Cardinals of Lorain and Guise: but with such backward∣n••ss in both parties, that there was little hope of sincere intentions, where there ap∣peared so much disorder, and such an adherence to private interests. For on the one part, the Duke of Aumale, Brother to the Cardinals, had absolutely refused to be pre∣sent thereat; and Henry Duke of Guise, yet in age of minority, came thither, only not to displease his Tutors; but carried himself in such a grave, reserved manner, that it clearly appeared, though his Governours brought him against his will, when he was once come of age, he would not forget the death of his Father, nor observe this peace, to which he could not, being then so young, remain any way obliged. But on the other part also the Mareshal of Momorancy, not induring so far to humble himself, denied to speak c••rtain words appointed by the Queen and the Council for the satisfaction of the Cardinal of Lorain, nor would ever have been brought to it, if he had not been forced by his Father▪ who if he refused, threatned to disinherit him; and the Chastillons op∣posing by their Actions this se••ming Agreement, ceased not to calumniate and make ••inister interpretations of the proceedings of the Guises. At the last they were brought ••ogether in the presence of the King, where they imbraced and discoursed, but with a general belief▪ even of the King himself, that the reconciliation could not long endure; which within a few days proved so indeed. For the Duke of Aumale arriving at the Court▪ denied expresly to meet with, or use any act of salutation or civility to the Ad∣miral▪ or the rest of his Family. On the contrary, in the Queens presence he said, that the Admiral laying to his charge that he had hired one to kill him, he should think it a great happiness to be shut up with him in a chamber, that he might hand to hand let him know▪ ••e had no need of help; but that he was able to determine his own quar∣rels himself. And because the Queen being moved therewith, answered, That they might meet in the field; the Duke rep••yed again, That he came thither with fifty Gentlemen, but would return o••ly with twenty; and if he met the Admiral, he might perhaps make him ••ear mo••e: and in this fury he would have left the Court, if the King had not laid an exp••ess comma••d upo•• him to stay. After which new exasperations, Andelot se••king all ••ccas••o••s of new s••••••dals, publickly charged the Duke of Aumale in

the Council, that he had set one Captain Attin to murther him: to which the Duke re∣plyed with great shew of resentment, It was necessary to lay hold of Attin; who not being found culpable in any thing, was at last released. Both parties ceased not mu∣tually to persecute each other both in words and deeds, each of them accusing their adversaries, that they went about to raise men, and had an intent to disturb the quiet of the Kingdom. Which (though diligently inquired into) proving but vain surmises, at length it was thought the best way to continue the peace, that the Lords of both parties should absent themselves from the Court, where daily new occasions arising of con••estation between them, the things already quieted were disturbed and subverted. To this end, and to give example to the rest, the Constable with the Mareshal d'An∣••ille his Son, taking publick leave of the King and the Queen, went to their Castles in the Isle of France. So the great Lords following the same resolution, within a few days after they all departed; and particularly the Prince and the Admiral, went seve∣rally to their own houses; and the Duke of Aumale being left Heir to Madam Valen∣tine his Mother-in-law, who died about that time, retired himself to Anet, a place of pleasure which she had built. There remained at the Court only the Cardinal of Lo∣rain, whom the King imployed in all businesses of importance; and the Mareshal Mo∣mor••••cy, whose Government of Paris the Queen meant by some slight or other to take away; that so powerful a people might not be under the command of a person that was inclined to innovations; and that the chief support of the Kings Authority for the present might be put into such hands as depended absolutely upon himself.

At this same time happened the distastes and departure of the Queen of Navarre from Court. For sentence being given by the King against Frances de Rohan, by which the contract of marriage between Her and the Duke of Nemours, though subscribed by their own hands, was made void; and he having concluded to marry Anne d' Este, Widow to the late Duke of Guise; Queen Jane, after infinite, but vain attempts in favour of her Neece; at the last, (just as they were Marrying in the Kings presence) caused one whom she had hired with promise of Reward to interpose, and make a Protestation in the name of Frances: but he being taken and imprisoned, without in∣terruption of the Marriage, and finding her designs took no effect; equally offended withal, thinking her self injured and despised, she resolved to leave the Court, and retire into Bearn: designing in her mind, to raise new and more dangerous troubles. She took for occasion and pretence of her departure, That she could not be suffered a free exercise of her Religion. For the King being advertised by the Popes Nuncio, and divers others of the great resort of persons of all sorts to her lodging, to hear Hugo∣not Sermons; and knowing the Parisians were greatly scandalized thereat; he one day sent his Provost de l' Hostel (as they call him) to seize upon her Minister: and though he were not taken, (for the Provost gave him secret notice, that he might be gone) yet Queen Jane esteeming it as an huge affront, and having made many complaints thereof to the Queen, pretended that this was the cause of her departure. But the Court was full of joy and feasting for the Marriage of the Duke of Nemours and Ma∣dam de Guise; besides many other Weddings that were celebrated, made the Carnival appear indeed a time of pomp and pleasure; that custom of the Nation giving a te∣stimony to those who govern, That to lead a merry pleasant life, is a way in some measure to mitigate the fierceness of mens minds, by reason of such great dissentions then amongst them not a little inraged.

The Feasts were continued with great solemnity for the Marriage of Prince Lodovico Gonzago, before contracted, and now consummate. This second Son of Frederick Duke of Mantua coming, when he was but a youth, to the Court of France, by the advan∣tage of his Birth and nobleness of presence, but much more for quickness of his wit and Courtly behaviour, got a great reputation; which continually increasing, by gi∣ving upon all occasions large testimonies of his valour, there was not any that surpassed him either in the Kings favour, or general esteem of the Court.

It hapned, that as the young Cavaliers of France used to court some Lady whom they pretend to marry, this Prince, full of modesty and prudence, passing by those which flourished in beauty or wealth, and were therefore sought after by many, made his addresses to Henriette de Cleve, Sister to the Duke of Neurs, a Lady of great dis∣cretion and wise behaviour; but neither for beauty nor portion equal to many others in the Court. But the Prince liking her, and she esteeming his affection; after her Brother was killed in the Battel of Dreux, and she, as eldest Daughter remained Heir

to the State; with a rare example of gratitude, declared freely, that she would not chuse a Husband amongst any of those that newly pretended; but whatever came of it, would marry the Prince Gonzaga. For she had sufficient testimony, that he, being her Servant when she was poor and forsaken, loved her person; whereas all the rest could not deny, but that they sought her at the present, only in regard of her fortune. So this greatness of mind being approved of both by the King and the Queen, the Mar∣riage followed without delay, and at this time was solemnized: After which was cele∣brated the Wedding of the Prince Dolphine, Son to the Duke of Monpensier, who mar∣ried the only Daughter and Heir of the Marquess de Meziere; which was an unequal match for Birth, but she brought him forty thousand Franks yearly Revenue; and ha∣ving been before promised to the Duke of Mayenne, second Son to the late Duke of Guise, those of the Hugonot Faction hoped that this Alliance would breed discord be∣tween the Houses of Monpensier and Lorain. But the Cardinal and the Duke of Au∣male, with the rest, who knew how much it concerned them not to break friendship with a Prince of the Blood, and for Estate the most considerable amongst them, wisely dissembled this injury; seeing it was impossible to hinder the Match already concluded. After these principal ones, many other lesser Weddings following, the Court seemed in appearance altogether turned to pomp and delights; but nourished inwardly the pesti∣ferous seeds of long discords and bloody Wars.

The End of the Third BOOK.

Notes

• In a conflict between the Duke of Guise his servants and the Hugo∣nots, the Duke is hurt wi•••• a stone.
• A saying of the Duke of ••uis•• which made him thought the author of the ensuing War.
• Persons of de∣sparate ••or∣tunes, the in∣cendiaries of Civil Wars.
• The Queen is forced to de∣clare her self f••r the Catho∣licks, and at the same time maintains ho••es in the Hugonots.
• Charles the IX. wept at his re∣straint.
• Orleans made the seat of the Hugonot Fa∣ction.
• The Prince of Conde's Mani∣fest.
• The Parlia∣ment of Paris Answer to the Princes Mani∣fest.
• The Answer of the King and Queen.
• The Prince of C••nde coyn•• the Plate be∣longing to Churches.
• An Edict pub∣lished at the instance of the Parisians to forbid the Hu∣gonot Assem∣blies in their City, or ne•••• the Court.
• The Kings Ar∣my mov••s to∣wards O••leans.
• Brigues a French word signifying fa∣ctions, or con∣tentions.
• The Cardinal of ••hat••llin changing his Religion, cal∣le••h himself Count of F••••••vais. The Parley between the Queen-Mo∣ther and the Prince of C••nde.
• The Prince of Conde's de∣mands in fa∣vour of him∣self and the Hugonots.
• The Kings E∣dict slighted by the Hugo∣nots.
• The Queen perswadeth the Duke of Guise and the Constable, and the Mareshal de S. And••••, to leave the Court, which they promise.
• The Queen having it un∣der the Prin∣ces hand that he woul•• re∣tire himself, the Catholick Lords leave the Camp.
• The Prince of Conde return∣eth to his Ar∣my.
• ROYALISTS and HUGO∣NOTS.
• The Hugonots through the faults of their guides, march all night with∣out advancing
• The Armies face one ano∣ther, and re∣treat wi••hout fighting.
• The Prote∣stants of Ger∣many are Lu∣therans.
• Conditions of∣fered by Queen Eliza∣be••h of Eng∣land to the Hugonots.
• That Mont∣gomery who killed H••n•••• the Second.
• Blois taken and pillaged by the Kings Ar∣my, and Tours the first As∣sault.
• Poictiers taken and sa••kt.
• Bourges re••∣dred upon condition.
• The Heads of the Hugonot Faction are declared Re∣bels.
• Toquesaint an allarum Bell used as the ringing of the bells backwards with us.
• The English received by the Hugonots to Havre de Grace, Diepe, and R••••en.
• The Author is a little mi∣staken in his Cosmogra∣phy; for D••epe stands just over against ••ye.
• The Fort of Rouen taken.
• An••ho••y of Vendo••••ne King of Navarre shot in the shoulder.
• Rouen taken by the Catho∣licks, and sackt.
• The King of Navarre dieth.
• The Prince of Conde going to besiege Pa••is, amuseth him∣self before Corbeil, by which means he fails of his principal de∣sign.
• In Paris were 800000 Inha∣bitants; yet during the Siege neither the Lecturers nor the Law∣yers disconti∣nued their Lectures o•• Audie••••es.
• Negligence the ordinary defect of the Hugonots.
• The Battel of Dreux.
• The Constable taken priso∣ner, and his Son with ma∣ny others kil∣led.
• The Consta∣bles Division being broken, ••he Swisses only with ex∣ceeding gal∣lantry sustain the fight.
• The Prince of Conde thinking he had won the Battel, be∣ing charged a••resh by the Duke of Guise▪ is taken pri∣soner.
• The Hugonot•• lose ••he day
• The Admiral made General of the Hugo∣nots.
• The two bitter enemies Conde and Guise sup and lie toge∣ther in the same bed.
• The Duke of Guise made General of the Kings Forces.
• 1563.
• The Siege of Orleans su∣stained by An∣delot with the reliques of the Hugonot Ar∣my.
• I••••n P••l••rot feigns to for∣sake the Hu∣gonot party, leaves Orleans, insinuates himself into the Duke of Guises C••urt, whilst the Duke gives order for an assault, shoots him in the shoulder, whereof he dies.
• Pol••rot taken and condemn∣ed.
• A Hugonot Captain off••r∣ing to kill An∣delot, the Queen sends him to the same Andelot.
• Conditions of Peace conclu∣ded at Orleans the 18 of M••••c••, ••563.
• Havre de Grace deliver∣ed up upo•• condition••.
• Livery made ••o Wards.
• In matters of ••avour the year begun is taken for the year ended.
• Aft•••• much opposi••i••n, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Ninth is de∣clared out of minori••y by ••he Parliam••nt of Rouen.
• Francis Duke of Gu••s•• left his wi••ow Anne d'Est, sister to the Duke of Fer∣rara, with three sons, Henry Duke of Gu••se, Lodovick that was Car∣dinal, whom H••n••y the Thir•• caused to be murther∣ed, and the Duke of May∣enn••, who was afterwards Head of the Catholick League.
• The Council of Tr••n•• breaks up in Nov••mb. 1563. in the Papacy of Pi••s Quar∣tus.
• The Pope, the King of Spain, and the Duke of Savo••, send Ambassadors of C••arles the Ninth to sol∣licite the pub∣lication of the Council.
• 1564.
• The Queen of Navar•••• caus∣eth Churches to be ruined, and expelleth the Priests. Whereupon the Pope sends out a Monito∣ry against her, which is op∣posed by the King of France.
• The Principa∣lity of Bea••ne ho••••s not of the Crown of France.
• The King and the Queen make a gene∣ral visitation of the whole Kingdom.
• The Queen treats wi••h the Prote∣stants of Germany.
• Lyons the first that rebelled, and the last that returned to obedience.
• An Interview between the King and the Duke of Savoy
• The King meeteth with the Popes Mi∣nisters at Avignon.
• 1565.
• Charles the IX. and the Queen-Mother come to an inter∣view with the Queen of Spain at Bayonne.
• The King not being able to perswade the Queen of Na∣varre to change Reli∣gion, moves her to restore the Mass and Priests to their forme•• liberty.
• 1566.
• The Assembly at Moulins, and the decree made there.
• An interview between the Princes of Guise and the Chastillons; ••ut no reconcilia∣tion.
• Provost de l' Hostel (called now adays le grand Provost de l' Hostel) is the ordinary Judge of the Kings House∣hold; his power extends to all unprivi∣ledged places within six leagues of the Court.
• Lodovico Gon∣zago Son to Frederick Duke of Man••ua, marrieth Hen∣rie••••a de C••eve, Sister to the late Duke of Nevers who was killed in the Battel of Dreux. This was Father to C••arles Duke of Nevers, now Duke of Mantua.