Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol. 2, part 1] with an vniuersall history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitiue age to these latter tymes of ours, with the bloudy times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions agaynst the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperours, as nowe lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realme of England and Scotland. Newly reuised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time agayne published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the helpe of Christ our Lord) Iohn Foxe, which desireth thee good reader to helpe him with thy prayer.

*The Historie of the persecutions and warres against the people called Waldenses or Waldois in the valleis of Angrongne, Luserne, S. Martin, Perouse, and others, in the countrey of Piemont, from the yere 1555. to the yere of our Lord. 1561.

Persecutours.	Martyrs.	The Causes.
...The Parlia∣ment of Thu∣rin. ...The President of S Iulian. ...Iacomell Monke, an In∣quisitour. ...Monsieur de la Trinitie. ...The Gentle∣men of the Valleyes. ...Charles Tru∣chet. ...Boniface Truchet. ...The Collate∣rall of Corbis ...The Collateral de Ecclesia. ...The Duke of Sauoy. ...Monkes of Pigneroll, and many other moe, enemies of God, and ministers of Sathan.
...The Martirs of the val∣ley of An∣grogne. ...The Mar∣tyrs of the valley of Luserne. ...The Mar∣tyrs of S. Martin. ...The Mar∣tyrs of Pe∣rouse, and others. In the coū∣trey of Piemont. From the yeare 1555. vnto 1561.
TO procede now fur∣ther in the persecu∣tion of these Waldois,* 1.1 or Waldenses, you haue herd hitherto, first how they deuiding themsel∣ues into diuers Coun∣treis, some fled to Pro∣uince, and to Tolouse, of whom sufficient hath bene sayd. Some went to Piedmont, and the valley of Angrogne, of whom it foloweth now to entreat God willing. Thus these good men by long persecution, be∣ing driuen from place to place, were grieuou∣slye in all places afflic∣ted, but yet could neuer be vtterly destroied, nor yet compelled to yeelde to the superstitious and false religion of ye church of Rome: but euer ab∣steined from theyr cor∣ruption and Idolatrie, as much as was possi∣ble, & gaue themselues to the worde of God, as a rule both truely to ser∣ue him, and to directe their liues accordingly. They had many bookes of the old and new Te∣stament translated into their language. Theyr Minysters instructed them secretely, to auoyd the furye of theyr enne∣mies, whyche could not abide the light: all be it they did not instruct thē wyth suche puritie as was requisite. They li∣ued in great simplicity, and with the sweate of theyr browes. They were quiete and peace∣able

among theyr neighbors, absteining from blasphemy, and prophaning of ye name of God, by othes, and such other impietie: from lewde games, dauncing, filthy songes and other vices and dissolute life, and cōformed their life who∣ly to the rule of Gods word. Their principal care was al∣waies that God might be rightly serued, and his woorde truely preached: In so muche, that in our time, when it pleased God to set forth the light of his gospel more cleare∣ly, they neuer spared any thing, to establish the true and pure ministery of the worde of God and his Sacraments. Which was the cause that Sathan with his ministers, did so persecute them of late more cruelly then euer he did be∣fore, as manifestly appeareth by the bloudy & horrible per∣secutions which haue bene, not onely in Prouince, against those of Merindol & Cabriers: also against them of Prage and Calabria (as the histories afore written doe sufficient∣ly declare) but also against them in the Countrey of Pied∣mont, remaining in the Ualley of Angrongne, and of Lu∣cerne, and also in the Ualley of S. Martine, and Perouse, in the sayd countrey of Piedmont. Whych people of a long time, were persecuted by the Papists, and especially with∣in these fewe yeares, they haue bene vexed in such sort, and so diuersly, that it seemeth almost incredible: and yet hathe God alwayes miraculously deliuered them, as heereafter shall ensue.

Albeit the people of Angrongne had before this time, certaine to preach the word of God, and minister the sacra∣mentes vnto them priuately: yet in the yeare of our Lorde 1555. in the beginning of the moneth of August, the Gospel was openly preached in Angrongne. The ministers and the people entended at the first, to kepe themselues still, as secrete as they mighte: but there was suche concourse of people from al parties, that they were compelled to preach openly abroad. For this cause they built them a Church in the mids of Angrongne, where assembles were made, and Sermons preached. It happened about that time, that one Iohn Martin of Briqueras, a mile frō Angrongne, which vaunted euery where,* 1.2 that he wold slit the ministers nose of Angrogne, was assaulted by a Wolfe, which bitte of hys nose, so that he died thereof madde. Thys was commonly knowen to all the townes thereabout.

At this season the French king helde these foresaid val∣leis, & they were vnder the iurisdiction of the Parliament of Thurin. In the ende of Decēber folowing, newes was brought, that it was ordeined by the sayd Parlament, that certaine horsemen and footemen should be sent to spoil and destroy Angrongne. Whereuppon some whych pretended great frēdship to this people, counselled thē not to goe for∣ward with their enterprise: but to forbeare for a while, and to wait for better oportunitie. But they notwithstanding, calling vpon God, determined with one accord, constant∣ly to persist in theyr religion, and in hope and silence, to a∣bide the good pleasure of god: so that this enterprise against Angrongne, was soone dashed. The same time they began also openly to preach in Luserne.

In the moneth of March, An. 1556. the Ministers of the Ualley of S. Martine, preached openly. At that time certaine Gentlemen of the Ualley of S. Martine, tooke a good man,* 1.3 named Barthelmew a booke binder, prisonner, as he passed by the said Ualley, the which was sent by and by, to Thurin, and there with a maruellous constancie, af∣ter he had made a good confession of his Faith, hee suffered death: In so much that diuers of the parlament were asto∣nished and appalled at his constancie. Yet they of the sayde Parlament, being sore incensed against the Uandois, sent one named the President of S. Iulian,* 1.4 associating vnto him, one called de Ecclesia, and others, for to hinder theyr enterprise. These comming first to the Ualley of Perouse, wher as yet no preachers were, but they were accustomed to resort to the Sermons at Angrongne, very much trou∣bled and feared the poore people there.

From thence they went to the Ualley of S. Martine, and remained there a good while, tormentinge the poore people, and threatning their vtter ruine and destructi∣on. After that they came to Luserne, troubling and vexing the people there, in like maner. From thence they went to Angrongne, accompanied wyth many Gentlemen, and a great rable of Priestes, of the sayde Countrey: but by the way, the President enquired for one dwelling at S. Iohns neare to Angrongne, and examined him whether hee had not baptised his childe at Angrongne, and wherfore he had so done.* 1.5 The poore simple man aunsweared, that hee hadde baptised his childe at Angrongne, because Baptisme was there ministred according to the institution of Christ. Thē the President in a great rage, commāded him in the kings name, to Baptise his childe again, or els he shuld be burnt. The poore man desired the President that he might be suf∣fered to make his prayer to God, before hee shoulde make aunsweare thereunto. Which, after,* 1.6 he had done in the hall before all the companie there present: he required the Pre∣sident that he woulde wryte and signe the same wyth hys owne hand, that he would discharge him before God of the danger of that offence, if he should baptise his childe again, and that he would take the pearill vpon him and hys. The President hearing this, was so confounded, that hee spake not one worde a good while after.* 1.7 Then sayde he in a great furie, away thou vilaine, out of my sight: and after that he was neuer called againe any more.

After they were come to Angrogne, the President ha∣uing visited the two Temples, caused a Monke to preache in the one, the people being there assembled, who pretēded nothing els, but only to exhort them to returne to the obe∣dience of the Sea of Rome. The Monke with the Presi∣dent & all his retinue, kneeled downe twise, and called vp∣pon the virgin Mary:* 1.8 but the ministers and all the people stoode still, and would not knele, making no signe or token of reuerence. Assoone as the Monke had ended hys Ser∣mon, the people requested instantly, that their Minister might also be suffered to preache, affirming that the sayde Monke had spoken many thinges, which were not accor∣ding to the woorde of God. But the President woulde not graunt their request. After that, the sayde President admo∣nished them in the name of the king, and the Parlament of Thurin,* 1.9 that they shoulde returne to the obedience of the Pope, vpon paine of losse of goodes and life, and vtter de∣struction of their towne: and withal he recited vnto them, the pitious discomfiture of their brethrē and frends, which had bene done before in Merindoll and Cabriers, & other places in the country of Prouince. The ministers and the people answered that they were determined to liue accor∣ding to the word of God, and that they wold obey the king and all their superiors in all things,* 1.10 so that God were not thereby displeased: And furthermore, if it were shewed vn∣to them by the word of God, that they erred in any poynte of Religion, they were ready to receaue correction, and to be reformed. Thys talke endured about sixe houres toge∣ther, euen vntil night. In the end, the President sayd there should be a disputation apoynted for those matters. Wher∣unto the people gladly agreed. But after that there was no more mention made thereof.

Heere he remained 14. daies, daily practising newe de∣uises, to vexe and torment them,* 1.11 wyth newe Proclamati∣ons, now calling to him the Syndiques and head officers, now seuerally and nowe altogether, y^t so for fear he mighte make thē to relente: causing also assembles to be made in euery Parish, by suche as hee appoynted, thinking thereby to deuide the people. Notwithstanding he nothing pre∣uailed with all that he coulde doe: but still they continued constant. In somuch that they with one accorde, presented a briefe confession of their Faith, with an aunswere to cer∣taine interrogatories made by the President, in the whych they confessed:

That the Religion wherein both they and theyr El∣ders had ben long instructed & brought vp, was the same,* 1.12 which is conteined both in the olde and newe Testament, the which is also briefly comprised in the 12. Articles of the Christian beliefe.

Also, that they acknowledged the Sacraments institu∣ted by Christe, whereby he distributeth aboundauntly hys graces and great benefites, his heauenly riches and trea∣sures, to all those which receiue the same, with a true and a liuely faith.

Furthermore, that they receaued the Creedes of the foure generall Councels, that is to say, of Nice, Constan∣tinople, Ephesus and Calcedon, and also the Creede of A∣thanasius, wherein the mystery of the Christian faith and religion is plainely and largely set out.

Item, the ten Commaundementes expressed in the 20. chapt. of Exod. and in the 5. of Deut. in the which the rule of a godly & holy life, and also the true seruice whiche God requireth of vs, is briefly comprised: and therfore folowing this article, they suffered not by any meanes (sayd they) a∣ny grosse iniquities to raigne among them, as vnlawfull swearing, periury, blasphemy, cursing, sclandering, dissen∣tion, deceit, wrong dealing, vsury, gluttony, dronkennesse, whoredom, theft, murther, sorcery, witchcraft, or such like: but wholy endeuoured them selues to liue in the feare of God, and according to his holy will.

Moreouer, they acknowledged the superior powers, as princes and magistrates, to be ordeined of God, & that who so euer resisteth the same, resisteth the ordinaunce of God: and therefore humbly submitted themselues to theyr superiours, with all obedience, so that they cōmanded no∣thing against God.

Finally, they protested, that they woulde in no poynte be stubborne, but if that their forefathers or they had erred many one iote concerning true religion, the same beynge proued by the woord of God, they would willingly yeelde, and be reformed.

* 1.13The interrogatories, were concerning the Masse, auri∣cular confession, baptisme, mariage, and burials, according to the institution of the Church of Rome.

* 1.14To the first they aunsweared, that they receyued the Lordes supper, as it was by him instituted, and celebrated by his Apostles: but as touching the masse, except the same might be prooued by the word of God, they would not re∣ceiue it.

To the second touching auricular confession, they said, that for their parte, they confessed them selues daily vnto God, acknowledging them selues before him, to be mise∣rable sinners, desiring him of pardone and forgeuenesse of their sinnes, as Christe instructed his, in the prayer which he taught them:* 1.15 Lord, forgeue vs our sinnes. And as S. Iohn sayeth: If we confesse our sinnes to God, hee is faithfull and iust to forgeue vs our sinnes, and to cleanse vs from all vnrighteous∣nesse. And according to that which God him selfe sayeth by his Prophet: O Israel, if thou returne, returne vnto me. And againe, O Israel, it is I, it is I, which forgeeueth thee thy sinnes. So that,* 1.16 seeing they ought to returne to God alone, and it is he only that forgeueth sinnes, therfore they were bound to confesse them selues to God onely,* 1.17 and to no other. Also it appeareth, that Dauid in his Psalmes, and y^e Prophets, and other faithfull seruaunts of God haue confessed them∣selues, both generally and particularly vnto God alone: Yet if the contrary might be prooued by the woord of God, they woulde (say they) wyth all humblenesse receiue the same.

* 1.18Thirdly, as touching Baptisme, they acknowledged and receiued that holy Institution of Christe, and admini∣stred the same with all simplicitie, as hee ordeined it in his holy Gospell, without any chaunging, adding, or dimini∣shing in any poynt, & that all this they did in their mother tongue,* 1.19 according to the rule of S. Paul, who willeth that in the church euery thing to be done in the mother tongue, for the edification of our neighbor. But as for their coniu∣rations, oyling, and salting, except the same might be pro∣ued by the sacred Scripture, they would not receiue them.

Fourthly, as touching burialles, they aunswered, that they knewe there is a difference betwene the bodies of the true Christians,* 1.20 and the Infidels, for asmuch as the firste are the mēbers of Iesus Christ, temples of the holy ghost, and partakers of the glorious resurrectiō of the dead, and therefore they accustomed to folow their dead to the graue reuerently, with a sufficient company, and exhortation out of the woorde of God, as well to comfort the parentes and frendes of the dead, as also to admonish all men, diligent∣ly to prepare them selues to die. But as for the vsing of candles or lightes, praiers for the dead, ringing of belles, except y^e same might be proued to be necessary, by the word of God, and that God is not offended therwith, they wold not receiue them.

Fifthly, as touching obedience to mennes traditions, they receiued and allowed all those ordinances,* 1.21 which (as S. Paule sayth) serue for order, decencie, & reuerence of the Ministerie. But as for other Ceremonies, which haue bin brought into the Churche of God, either as a parte of his diuine seruice, either to merite remission of sinnes, or els to binde mens consciences, because they are mere repugnant to the word of God, they could by no means receiue them.

And whereas the Commissioners affirmed the sayde traditions to haue ben ordeined by councels:* 1.22 first they an∣sweared, that the greatest part of them were not ordeined by councels. Secondly, that Councels were not to be pre∣ferred aboue the woorde of God, which saith: If any man, yea or Angell from heauen, shoulde preache vnto you, otherwise then that which hath bene receiued of the Lorde Iesus,* 1.23 let him be ac∣cursed. And therefore (said they) if Councels haue ordained any thing dissenting from the woorde of God, they woulde not receiue it.

Finally, they said, that the Councels had made diuers notable decrees concerning the election of Bishoppes, and Ministers of the Church: concerning Ecclesiasticall disci∣pline, as wel of the Cleargie, as of the people: also concer∣ning the distribution of the goodes and possessions of the Church.* 1.24 And further, that all pastours which were eyther whoremongers, drunkardes, or offensiue in any case, shuld be put from their office. Moreouer, that whosoeuer should be present at the masse of a priest which was a whoremon∣ger, should be excōmunicate. And many such other things, which wer not in any point obserued. And that they omit∣ted to speake of many other thinges, whith were ordained by diuers Councels, very superstitious, and cōtrary to the holy Commaundements of God, as they would be ready to prooue (said they) if they should haue occasion and opor∣tunitie thereunto.

Wherefore they required the Commissioners,* 1.25 that a disputation might be had (as by the sayde President was pretended) publiquely and in their presence, and then if it might be prooued by the woorde of God, that they erred ei∣ther in doctrine, or conuersation and maner of liuing, they were content, with all humblenesse to be corrected, and re∣fourmed, as they had before sayde: beseeching them to con∣sider also that their religion had ben obserued & kept from their auncitours, vntill their time,* 1.26 many hundred yeares together: and yet for their partes, being conuicted by the infallible woord of God, they would not obstinately stande to the defence therof: Saying moreouer, that they, togither with the said Lordes Deputies, confessed all one God, one Sauiour, one Holy Ghost, one Lawe, one Baptisme, one hope in Heauen: and in Summe, they affirmed that their faith and religion was firmly founded and groūded vpon the pure woord of God, wherefore it is sayd, That blessed are they which heare the same, and keepe it.

To be short, seeing it is permitted to the Turkes,* 1.27 Sa∣razens, & Iewes (which are mortall ennemies to our Sa∣uiour Christe) to dwell peaceablye in the fairest Cities of Christendome, by good reason they should be suffred to liue in the desolate mountaines & valleis, hauing their whole religion ••ounded vpon the holy Gospel, and worshipping the Lord Iesus: and therefore they most humbly besought them, to haue pitie and compassion vpon them, and to suf∣fer them to liue quietly in their deserts, protesting that they and theirs would liue in al feare & reuerence of God, with all due subiection and obedience to their Lord and prince, and to his Lieutenants and officers.

The President and the rest of the Commissioners per∣ceiuing that they laboured in vaine, returned to Thurin, with the notes of their proceedings, the which immediatly were sent vnto the kings court, & there the matter remai∣ned one yeare,* 1.28 before there was any answeare made there∣unto: during which time, the Waldoys liued in great qui∣etnes, as God of his infinit goodnes is wont to geue some comfort & refreshing to his poore seruants, after long trou∣bles and afflictions. The number of the faithfull so aug∣mented, that throughout the valleis, Gods woorde was purely preached, & his sacraments duely administred, and no mas••e was song in Angrōgne, nor in diuers other pla∣ces. The yere after, the President of S. Iulian with his as∣sociates, returned to Pigneroll, & sent for thither, the chiefe Rulers of Angrongne, & of the valley of Luserne, that is, for sixe of Angrongne, and for two of euery parish besides, and shewed vnto them, how that the last yere they had pre¦sented their confession, the which by a decree made by the parliament of Thurin, was sent to the kings court,* 1.29 & ther diligently examined by learned men, & condemned as he∣reticall. Therfore the king willed and commaunded them, to returne to the obedience of the Church of Rome, vppon paine of losse both of goods and life: enioyning them more∣ouer, to geue him a direct aunswere within 3. daies. From thence he went to Luserne, & caused the housholders, with great threatnings to assemble them selues before certaine by him appoynted:* 1.30 but they with one assent persisted in their former confession. And least they should seeme stub∣bern in the defence of any erroneous doctrine, they desired that their confession might be sent to all the Uniuersities of Christendom, and if the same in any part, by the word of God were disproued, it should be immediately amended: but contrariwise, if that were not done, then they to be no more disquieted.

The President not contēted with this, the next morning sent for sixe of Angrongne by him named, & for two out of euery other parish, the which he and the Gentlemenne of the country threatned very sore,* 1.31 and warned twelue of the chiefe of Angrongne, and certaine of the other parishes, to appeare personally at the Parliament of Thurine, and to bring before the Iudges of the said Parliament, their mi∣nisters and scholemaisters, thinking if they were once ba∣nished the countrey, that then their enterprise might soone be brought to an ende. To the which it was aunsweared, that they could not, nor ought not to obey such a comman∣dement.

A litle while after, Proclamation was made in euery place,* 1.32 that no man shoulde receiue any preacher comming from Geneua, but onely suche as were appoynted by the Archbishop of Thurin, and other his officers, vpon paine of confiscation of their goodes, and losse of their liues, and

that euery one should obserue the ceremonies, rites, & re∣ligion vsed in the Church of Rome. Furthermore, if any of the foresaid preachers of Geneua came into those quar∣ters, that they should immediately be apprehended, and by no meanes their aboade there by any one to be concealed, vpon the paine aforesayde. And furthermore, the names of those which should disclose any one of them, should be kept secrete, and also for their accusation, they shoulde haue the third part of the goodes confiscated, with a full pardone, if that the saide accusers were any of those which priuily did keepe or maintaine the said ministers: and that they and al other, which would returne to their mother the Churche, mighte freely and safely come and recante before the sayde Commissioners.

At the same season the Princes of Germanie, and cer∣taine of the Suitzers sent vnto the French king,* 1.33 desiring him to haue pitie on the foresaide Churches, and from that time vntil thre yeeres after, the people of the foresaide val∣leyes were not molested by any of the kings officers: but yet they were sore vexed by the monkes of Pigneroll, and the Gentlemen of the valley of S. Martin.

About that time a minister of Angrongne named Gef∣frey Uarialla, borne in Piemont, a vertuous and learned man,* 1.34 and fearing God, went to visite certaine churches in those quarters where he was borne, and comming home∣ward, was taken at Berge, and from thence led to Thurin where he after he had made a good confession of his faith, to the confirmation of many, and the terrour of the aduersa∣ries, most constantly suffred.

A fewe daies after, a minister of the valley of Luserne, returning to Geneua, was taken prisoner at Suse, & soone after sent to Thurin, and with an inuincible constancie made his confession before those of the Parliament, and in the end was condemned to be burnt. The hangman at the time of execution fained himselfe to be sicke,* 1.35 and so conuei∣ed hym selfe away. And so likewise an other serued them, being appointed by the foresaid Court, to execute the poore minister. It is credibly reported, that the hangman which executed certain Germanes a litle afore, would by no mea∣nes do this execution. Wherupon the minister was sent to prison againe, where after long & painful endurance, seing the prison doore open, he escaped, and returned to his cure.

Nowe foure yeares being past, in such manner as we haue hitherto touched in this storie, in the yeare folowing, which was 1559. there was a peace concluded betweene the French king, and the king of Spaine. Whereupon the countrey of Piemont, (certaine townes excepted) was re∣stored to the Duke of Sauoy: vnder whose regiment the foresaide Churches, and all other faithfull people in Pie∣mont, continued in great quietnes, and wer not molested: and the Duke him selfe was content to suffer them to liue in their religion, knowing that he had no subiectes more faithfull and obedient then they were. But Sathan hating al quietnesse, by his ministers stirred the Duke against the sayde Churches of Piemont,* 1.36 his owne naturall subiects. For the Pope and the Cardinalles seeing the good incli∣nation of the Duke towardes this people, incensed him to doe that, which otherwise he would not. The Popes Le∣gate also which then followed the Court, and other that fauoured the Churche of Rome, laboured by all meanes to perswade the Duke, that hee ought to vanishe the sayde Waldoys, which mainteined not the Popes religion: alle∣ging that he could not suffer such a people to dwell within his dominion, without preiudice and dishonour to the A∣postolique Sec. Also that they were a rebellious people a∣gainst the holy ordinaunces and decrees of their holy mo∣ther the Churche. And briefly, that he might no longer suf∣fer the said people, being so disobedient & stubbern against the holy father, if he would in dede shew him selfe a louing and obedient sonne.

Such deuilishe instigations were the cause of these hor∣rible and furious persecutions, wherewith this poore peo∣ple of the valleys and the Countrey of Piemont was so long vexed. And because they foresawe the great calami∣ties which they were like to suffer: to find some remedy for the same (if it were possible) al the saide Churches of Pie∣mont, with one common consent wrote to the duke, decla∣ring in effect, that the onely cause why they were so hated, and for the which he was by their enemies so sore incensed against them, was their religion: which was no newe or light opinion, but that wherein they and their auncitours had long cōtinued, being wholy grounded vpon the infal∣lible worde of God, conteined in the olde and new Testa∣ment. Notwithstanding, if it might be prooued by the same worde, that they held any false or erroneous doctrine, they would submit them selues to be reformed, with all obedi∣ence. But it is not certaine whether thys aduertisemente was deliuered vnto the Duke, or no: for it was sayde, that he woulde not heare of that Religion. But howe so euer it was, in the moneth of March following, there was great persecution raised against the poore Christians, which wer at Carignan. Amongest whom there were certaine godly persones taken, & burnt within foure daies after, that is to saye, one named Mathurine, and his wife,* 1.37 and Iohn de Carquignan, dwelling in the valley of Luserne, taken pri∣soner as he went to the market at Pignerol. The woman died with great constancie. The good man, Iohn de Car∣quignan had ben in prison diuers times before for religion and was alwaies deliuered by Gods singulare grace and prouidence. But seeing him selfe taken this last time, incō∣tinēt he said, he knew that God had now called him. Both by the way as he went, and in prison, and also at his death, he shewed an inuincible cōstancie, and maruelous vertue, aswel by the pure confession which hee made touching the doctrine of saluation, as also in suffering with patience the horrible torments which he endured both in prison, & also at his death. Many at that time fled away: others being a∣fraid of that great crueltie, and fearing man also more then God, looking rather to the earth, then vnto heauē, consen∣ted to returne to the obedience of the Church of Rome.

Within fewe daies after,* 1.38 these Churches of the sayde Waldoys, that is to say, Le Larch, Meronne, Meane, and Suse were woonderfully assaulted. To recite all the out∣rage, crueltie, and villany that was there cōmitted, it were too long: for breuities sake we will recite onely certaine of the principal and best knowen. The Churches of Meane & Suse suffered great afflictions. Their minister was ta∣ken amongst other. Many fled away, and their houses and goodes were ransackt and spoiled.* 1.39 The Minister was a good & a faithfull seruaunt of God, and endued with excel∣lent giftes and graces, who in the ende was put to moste shamefull and cruell death. The great pacience which hee shewed in the middes of the fire, greatly astonished the ad∣uersaries. Likewise the Churches of Larche and Meron∣ne were marueilouslye tormented and afflicted. For some were taken and sent to the galleis, other some consented & yelded to the aduersaries, and a great number of them fled away. It is certainly knowen,* 1.40 that those which yeelded to the aduersaries, were more cruelly hādled then the others which cōtinued constant in the truth. Wherby God decla∣reth howe greatly he detesteth all such as play the Aposta∣taes, and shrinke from the truth.

But for the better vnderstanding of the beginning of this horrible persecution against the Waldoys, heere note, that first of all proclamations were made in euery place, that none should resort to the Sermons of the Lutherans, but should liue after the custome of the Churche of Rome, vpon paine of forfaiture of their goods, and to be condem∣ned to the Galleyes for euer, or loose their liues. Three of the most cruel persons that could be founde,* 1.41 were appoyn∣ted to execute this cōmission. The first was one Thomas Iacomel, a Monke, and Inquisitour of the Romish faith, a man worthy for suche an office, for hee was an Apostata, and had renounced the knowen truth, and persecuted mor∣tally and malitiouslye the poore Christians, againste his owne conscience, and of set purpose, as his bookes do suffi∣ciently witnesse. He was also a whoremonger, and geuen ouer to al other villanies and filthy liuing, and in the hor∣rible sinne of Sodomitrie, which he cōmonly vsed, he pas∣sed all his fellowes. Briefly,* 1.42 he was nothing els but a mis∣shapen monster both against God and nature. Moreouer, he so afflicted and tormented the poore captiues of the sayd Waldoys, by spoiling, robbery, and extortion, that he deser¦ued not only to be hanged, but to be broken vpon y^e whele a hundred times, and to suffer so many cruell deathes, if it were possible: so great, so many, and so horrible were the crimes that he had committed.

The seconde was the Collaterall Corbis, who in the examination of the prisoners, was very rigorous & cruell, for he only demaunded of them whether they would go to the masse, or be burnt within three dayes, and in very dede executed his sayings. But it is certainly reported,* 1.43 that hee seeing the constancie, and hearing the confession of the pore Martyrs, feeling a remorse, and tormented in conscience, protested that he would neuer meddle any more.

The thirde was the Prouost de la Iustice, a cruell and crafty wretch, accustomed to apprehende the poore Christi∣ans either by night, or early in the morning, or in the high way going to the market, and was commonly lodged in the valley of Luserne, or there aboutes. Thus the poore people were alwayes as the seely sheepe in the Woolues iawes, or as the shepe which are ledde vnto the slaughter house.

At that season one named Charles de Comptes, of the

valley of Luserne, and one of the Lordes of Angrongne, wrote to the sayde Commissioners, to vse some leuitie to∣wardes them of the valley of Lusern. By reason whereof, they were a while more gently entreated then the rest. At that season the monks of Pignerol, & theyr associates tor∣mented greeuously the churches neare about them.* 1.44 They tooke the poore Christians as they passed by the waye, and kept them prisoners within their abbey. And hauing as∣sembled a company of Ruffians, they sent them to spoyle those of the said churches, and to take prisoners, men, wo∣men & children, and some they so tormented, that they wer cōpelled to sweare, to returne to the masse, other some also they sent to the galleis, and other some they burnt cruelly. They whyche escaped, were afterwards so sicke, that they seemed to haue bene poysoned.* 1.45 The same yeare there were two great earthquakes in Piemonte, and also many great tempests and horrible thunders.

The Gentlemen of the valley of S. Martin, intreated theyr tennauntes very cruelly, threatning them, and com∣maunding them to returne vnto the Masse, also spoyling them of th••yr goodes, imprisoning them, and vexing them by all the meanes they could.* 1.46 But aboue all the other, two especially, y^t is to say, Charles Truchet and Boniface hys brother, the whiche the 2. day of Aprill before day, wyth a company of Ruffians, spoyled a village of their owne sub∣iectes, named Renclaret, the whiche assoone as the inhabi∣tants of the said village perceiued, they fled into the moun∣taine couered with snow,* 1.47 naked and without victuall, and there remayned vntill the thirde night after. In the mor∣ning certaine of his retinue toke a minister of the said val∣ley prisonner, which was come out of Calabria, & was go∣ing to visite the poore people of Renclaret, and ledde hym prisonner to the Abbey, where soone after hee was burnt, with one other of the valley of S. Martin.

The third night after, they of Pragela hauing pity vpon the poore people of Renclaret,* 1.48 sente aboute iiij. C. to dis∣comfite the company of the Truchets, and to restore those which were fled to their houses. They were furiously as∣saulted by the shot of their enemies, who notwithstanding in the end were put to flight, and but one of the foure hun∣dred hurt.

About a yeare before, the said Truchet being accōpanied with a company of ruffians, arrested prisoner the minister of Renclaret, as he was at his Sermon. But the people was so moued by this outragious dealing, & specially the women, that they had almost strangled the saide Truchet, and the rest of them were so canuased, that they had no liste to come there agayne any more. By reason whereof hee so vexed them by processe, that they were compelled to agree with him, and to pay him xvi.C. crownes.

Soone after the lordes of the sayde valley tooke another minister of the same valley,* 1.49 as he was going to preach in a parish, a mile frō his house: but the people perceiuing that, speedily pursued him, and tooke him. The enemies seeyng that they were not able to leade hym away, wounded hym so sore, that they left him for dead. Whereupon they so per∣secuted the poore people, that they were almost destroyed.

Heere is not to be forgotten, that the same nyght in the whiche the companye of Truchet was discomfited, was so stormie and terrible, and the Gentlemen of that Countrey were so terrified, that they thought they should haue bene al destroied. Wherfore they vsed more gentlenes towardes the people then before, except Charles Truchet, & hys bro∣ther,* 1.50 the whych wente to the Duke, and made greeuous complaintes against the Waldoys, not only for that which was done and past, but also perswaded the duke, that they went about to builde three Fortresses in the mountaines, and also intended to maintaine certaine garrisons of strā∣gers: charging them further with diuers other crimes, of the whych they were in no poynt guiltie. The Duke being mooued by these false surmises, gaue in charge to the sayde accusers, and the Fortresse of the valley of S. Martine, the whych about twentie yere before was rased by the French men, shoulde be builte againe, and that therein shoulde be placed a perpetuall garrison, and that the people shoulde make so plaine and wide the rugged wayes, that horsemen myght easely passe, with diuers such other thyngs: and all this to be done at the costes & charges of those that woulde not submit them selues to the abedience of the Romaine Churche.* 1.51

This commission being sealed, the Gentlemen caused the Fortresse to be built againe, and put therin a garrison, and proclaimed the commission. The poore people being thereat amased, withstoode the Commissioners, and sente certaine to the Duke: and immediatly after the Commis∣sioners retourned to the Dukes Courte, being at Nice, to inflame his anger more against them. But God soone pre∣uented this mischiefe: For the Truchets being at Nice, went to the Sea, with diuers noble men, and immediate∣ly they were taken prisoners by the Turkes, put into the Galleys, sore beaten wyth ropes, and so cruelly handled, that it was commonly reported that they were deade: and lōg time after denying their nobilitie, were sent home,* 1.52 ha∣uing paid 400. crownes for their ransome. Some say, that the Duke himselfe was almost taken, but it is sure that hee fell sicke soone after.

In the moneth of April next folowing, the Lorde of Ra∣conis was present at a Sermon, in a place neare vnto An∣grongne. The sermon being ended, he talked with the mi∣nisters, and hauing discoursed as well of the Dukes sicke∣nesse, as also of his clemencie and gentlenes, he declared to them, that the persecution proceded not of him, and that he meant not that the cōmission shuld haue bene so rigorously executed. After that he demaunded of them, what way they thought best to appease the Dukes wrath. They answea∣red, that the people ought not to be mooued to seeke by any meanes, howe to please & appease the Duke, which mighte displease God. But y^e best way they knewe, was the same, wherwith the auncient seruaunts of God, vsed to appease the Pagane Princes and Emperours,* 1.53 in the time of the great persecutions of the church, that is to say, to geue out and present vnto them in wryting, the confession of theyr faith, and defence of the religion which they professed: tru∣sting that for as muche as the fury of diuers prophane and Ethnike Emperors and princes haue bene heretofore ap∣peased by such meanes, the Duke being endued wyth such singular vertues, as they said he was, would also be paci∣fied by the like meanes: And for that cause the poore people had before sent a supplication, wyth a Confession of theyr faith vnto the Duke, but they were not certaine whether he had receiued it, or no. Wherfore they desired him to pre∣sent the same vnto the sayd Duke him selfe. Whereunto he agreed & promised so to do. Wherupon they sent three sup∣plications: one to the Duke, the second to the Duches,* 1.54 and the third to y^e dukes counsell, wherein they briefly declared what their religion was, and the poyntes thereof, whych they and their aunciters had of a long time obserued, being wholy grounded vpon the pure word of God: and if by the same worde it should be proued, that they were in errour, they would not be obstinate, but gladly be refourmed, and embrace the trueth. After this the persecution seemed to be somewhat asswaged for a litle while.

In the ende of Iune next following, the Lorde of Ra∣conis, and the Lorde of Trinitie came to Angrogne, there to quallifie (as they sayde) the sore persecution. and cau∣sed the chiefe rulers and ministers to assemble together, propoundinge diuers poyntes of Religion concernyng Doctrine, the callyng of Ministers, the Masse, and obe∣dience towardes Princes and Rulers: and furthermore declared vnto them that their confession was sent to Rome by the Duke, and daily they looked for aunsweare.* 1.55 To all these poynts the Ministers answered. After this they de∣maunded of the chiefe rulers, if that the Duke would cause Masse to be song in their parishes, whether they woulde withstand the same, or no. They answered simply that they would not. Then they demanded of them if that the Duke would appoynt them Preachers, whether they would re∣ceiue them. They answered,* 1.56 that if they preached the word of God purely, they would heare them. Thirdly, if y^t they were content, that in the meane time their ministers shuld cease, and if they whiche shoulde be sent, preached not the worde of God sincerely, then theyr ministers to preache a∣gaine. If they would agree to thys, they were promysed that the persecution should cease, and the prisoners should be ••estored againe. To thys question, after they had con∣ferred with the people, they aunswered, that they could by no meanes suffer that theyr Ministers shoulde forbeare preaching.

The two Lordes not contented with thys aunswere, commaunded in the Dukes name, that all the Miny∣sters whyche were straungers, shoulde oute of hande be banished the countrey: saying, that the Duke woulde not suffer them to dwell wythin his dominion, for that they were his enemies: demaunding also whether they would foster and maintaine the Princes ennemies wythin hys owne lande againste his owne decree and expresse com∣maundement? To the whyche, answeare was made by the chiefe Rulers, that they coulde by no meanes banish them, vnlesse they were afore conuicted of some heresie, or other crime: for their part,* 1.57 they had alwaies founde them to be men of pure and sound doctrine, and also of godly life and conuersation.

Thus done, immediatly Proclamations were made,

and the persecution began on euery syde to be more furi∣ous then it was afore. Amongest others, the Monkes of Pignerol at that tyme were most cruell: for they sent out a company of hyred Ruffians,* 1.58 which dayly spoyled and ransackt houses, and all that they could lay hands of, tooke men, women, and children, and led them captiues to the Abbey, where they were most spitefully afflicted and tor∣mented. At the same time they sent also a band of the sayde ruffians by night, to the Ministers house of S. Germain, in the valley of Perouse,* 1.59 being led thither by a traytour which knew the house, and had vsed to haunt thether se∣cretly: who knocking at the dore, the Minister knowing his voyce, came foorth immediately, and perceiuing hym∣selfe to be betrayed, fledde: but he was soone taken and sore wounded, and yet notwithstandyng they pricked him behynde wyth theyr halbards, to make hym hasten hys pace. At that tyme also many they slue, many they hurt, and many also they brought to the Abbey, and there kepte them in prison, and cruelly handled them. The good Mi∣nister endured sore imprisonment,* 1.60 and after that a most terrible kind of death, with a wonderfull constancie: For they rosted him by a small fire: and when halfe his body was burnt, he confessed and called vpon the Lorde Iesus, with a loude voice.

The Inquisitour Iacomel, with his Monkes, and the Collaterall Corbis, amongest other, shewed one pra∣ctise of most barbarous crueltie against thys poore man. Who when he should be burnt,* 1.61 caused two poore women of S. Germain (which they kept in prison) to cary fagots to the fire, and to speake these wordes to their Pastour: take thys, thou wicked hereticke, in recompence of thy naughty doctrine, which thou hast taught vs. To whome the good Minister aunswered: Ah good women, I haue taught you well, but you haue learned ill. To be briefe, they so afflicted and tormented those poore people of Saint Germain, and the places thereabout, that after they were spoyled of their goodes, and driuen from theyr houses, they were cōpelled to flie into y^e mountaine to saue their liues. So great was the spoyle of this poore people, that many which before had bene men of much w••alth, and with their riches had ministred great succour and comfort to others, were now brought to such miserie, that they were compel∣led to craue succour and reliefe of other.

Now, for as much as the sayde Monkes, with theyr troupes of ruffians (which were counted to be in number about three hundred) made such spoyle and hauocke in all the countrey,* 1.62 that no man could there liue in safetie: it was demaunded of the Ministers, whether it was lawfull to defend themselues, against the insolencie and furious rage of the sayde Ruffians. The Ministers aunswered, that it was lawfull, warning them in any case, to take heede of bloudshed. This question being once dissolued, they of the valley of Luserne and of Angrongne, sent certayne men to them of S. Germain, to ayde them against the suppor∣ters of these Monkes.

In the moneth of Iune, the haruest being then in Pie∣mont, diuers of the Waldoys were gone into y^e countrey, to reape and make prouision for corne, for very litle grow∣eth vpon their mountaines: the which were all taken pri∣soners at sundry times and places, not one knowing of a∣nother:* 1.63 but yet God so wrought, that they all escaped out of prison, as it were by a myracle: Whereat the aduersa∣ries were maruelously astonished. At the same time, there were certayne other also, which had susteyned long im∣prisonment, looking for nothing else but death: and yet they after a wonderfull sort, by Gods mercifull prouidence were likewise deliuered.

In the moneth of Iuly, they of Angrongne, beeyng in a morning at haruest, vpon the hill syde of S. Germain, perceyued a company of souldiours spoylyng them of S. Germaine: & doubting least they would go to Angrōgne, made an outcry. Then the people of Angrongne assem∣bled together vpon the mountayne,* 1.64 and some ranne to S. Germain ouer the hill, & some by the valley. They which went by the valley, mette with the spoylers commyng from S. Germain, loden with spoyle, which they had got∣ten, and being but 50. set vpon the other, amounting to the number of 120. men well appoynted, and gaue them soone the ouerthrow. The passage ouer the bridge beyng stopped, the enemies were fayne to take the riuer of Clu∣zon, where diuers were sore hurt, many were drowned, & some escaped very hardly: and such a slaughter was made o•• them, that the riuer was dyed with the bloud of them, which were wounded and slaine, but none of the Angrōg∣mans were once hurt. If the sayd riuer had bene as great as it was wont commonly to be, there had not one mā es∣caped alyue. The noyse of the harquebushes was great, and within lesse then one houres space, there was three or foure hundreth of the Waldoys, gathered together vppon the riuer: and at the same tyme, they had purposed to fetch away their prisoners, which were in the Abbey, but they would not do it without the counsaile of their Ministers, and so differred the matter vntill the next day: But their Ministers coūsailed thē, not to entreprise any such thyng: but to refrayne themselues, and so they dyd. Albeit they doubted not, but if they had gone incontinent, after that discomfiture, vnto the Abbey: they might haue founde all open, and easly haue entred: For the Monkes were so sore afrayde, that they fled sodēly to Pignerol, to saue their re∣liques and Images, which they caryed thether. The rest of the countrey about, were wonderfully afrayde, & range the Belles euery where. The greater part of them fledde, doubtyng least the poore Waldoys would haue reuenged the wronges and outrages done vnto them.

The next day folowyng,* 1.65 the Commaunder of Saint Anthony de Fossan came to Angrongne, accōpanied with diuers Gentlemen, saying that he was sent by the Duke: and hauyng assembled the chief Rulers and Ministers of Angrongne, and of the Ualley of Luserne, after he had de∣clared vnto them the cause of his commyng, he read their Supplication directed to the Duke, which cōteined their confession, demaūdyng of them, if it were the same, which they had sent to the Duke. They aunswered, yea. Then he began to dispute, beyng sent (as he sayd) to informe them of their errours, not doubtyng, but they would amēde, ac∣cordyng to their promise. Then he entred into a disputati∣on of the Masse, in a great heat, deriuyng the same frō the Hebrue word Massa,* 1.66 which signified (as he supposed) con∣secration, and shewed that this word Missa, might be foūd in auncient writers. The Ministers aunswered that he ill applyed the Hebrue word: and further, that they disputed not of the word Missa, but of that which is signified by the same, the which he ought first to proue by y^e word of God. Briefly that he could not proue either by the word of God, or the auncient fathers, their priuate Masse, their sacrifice expiatorie or propiciatorie, their transubstantiation,* 1.67 their adoration, their application of the same for the quicke and the dead, & such other matters, which are principal partes of the sayd Masse. The Cōmaunder hauing here nothyng to reply, fell into a marueilous color, rayling and ragyng as if he had bene starke mad, and told thē that he was not come to dispute, but to banish their Ministers, & to place others in their rowmes, by the Dukes commaūdement, which he could not, vnlesse their Ministers were first dri∣uen out of the countrey.

From thēce he went to the Abbey of Pigneroll,* 1.68 where he & Iacomell caused a number of the poore inhabitaunts of Campillō, and of Feuill, which be of the Ualley of Lu∣serne, to be taken prisoners, spoylyng them of their goods, driuyng away their cattell, and forcing them to sweare & forsweare, & in the end raūsomed them, for great summes of money. About that tyme, a Gentlemā of Campillon a∣greed with those whiche were fled, for xxx. crownes to be payde vnto him out of hand, that he would warrant them from any further vexation or trouble, so that they remay∣ned quiet at home. But when he had receaued the money, he caused the Commaunder of Fossan with his men, by night to come to his house, and then sent for the poore men thinking traiterously to haue deliuered thē into the hādes of their mortall enemy, folowing therein the Decree of the Councell of Constance: which is,* 1.69 that no promise is to be kept with heretickes. But God knowyng how to succour his, in their necessitie, preuented this daunger: for one of them had intelligence of the Commaunders commyng, & so they all fled. Thereupon they writ to the Lorde of Rā∣conis, declaryng vnto him y^e proceedyngs of the Cōmaū∣der, and that he neither would nor could shewe or proue any thyng by the word of God, as hee had promised:* 1.70 but threatned them great wronges & iniuries, and would not suffer their Ministers to reply, or say any thyng for the de∣fence of their cause: & therefore they desired him to signifie the same vnto the Dukes grace, to the end that he should not be offended, if they persisted still in their religiō, seyng it was not proued vnto them, by any reason taken out of the Scripture, that they erred.

After this, there were many commaundementes and iniunctions geuen out thorough all the countrey, to ba∣nish these poore Waldoys, with the doctrine of the Gos∣pell (if it were possible) out of the mountaynes and Ual∣leyes of Piemont: But the poore people still desired that, accordyng to that, which they had so often before protested by word & writyng, they might be suffered to serue God purely, accordyng to the rule prescribed in his word: sim∣ply obeying their Lord & Prince alwayes & in all thyngs.

Notwithstanding they were still vexed and tormented with all the crueltie that could be deuised, as partly it is al∣ready declared: but much more you shall perceiue by that which followeth.

* 1.71In the end of October next folowing, the rumor went that an army was leuying to destroy them, and in verye deede there were certeine bands leuyed, ready to march at an houres warning. Furthermore, those malefactours which heretofore were fled, or banished for any offence or crime committed, were called home agayne, and pardoned of altogether, so that they would take them to theyr wea∣pons, and go to destroy the Waldoys. The Ministers and chiefe Rulers of the valleyes of Luserne and Angrongne, therupō assembled together oftētimes to take aduise what in such an extremitie,* 1.72 were best to do. In the ende they de∣termined, that for certeine daies folowing, there should be kept a generall fast, and y^e Sonday after, a cōmunion. Also that they should not defend themselues by force of armes, but that euery one should withdraw himselfe into the high mountaines, and euery one to cary away such goods as he was able to beare: and if their enemies pursued them the∣ther, then to take such aduise and counsel as it pleased God to geue them. This Article of not defendyng themselues, seemed very strange to the people, being driuen to such an extremity, and y^e cause being so iust. But yet euery one begā to cary their goods and vitailes into the mountaynes, and for the space of eight dayes, all the wayes were filled wyth commers and goers to the mountaines, like vnto Ants in Sommer, which prouide for winter. All this did they in this great perplexitie & danger, with a wonderful courage and cherefulnes, praising of God and singing of Psalmes, and euery one cōforting an other. Briefly, they went with such ioy and alacritie, that you should not haue seene any, which grudged to leaue their houses and faire possessions, but were wholy determined patiently to abide the good pleasure of God, and also to dye if he had so appoynted.

* 1.73A few dayes after, certeyne other Ministers hearyng what they of Angrongne & Luserne had concluded, wrote vnto them, that this resolution seemed very straunge to some, that they ought not to defend themselues against the violence of their enemies, alleadging many reasons, that in such an extremitie and necessitie, it was lawful for them so to do: especially, the quarell being so iust, that is, for the defence of true Religion, and for the preseruation of theyr owne liues, and the liues of theyr wiues and children: knowing that it was the Pope and hys Ministers which were the cause of all these troubles and cruell warres, and not the Duke.* 1.74 Who was stirred vp thereunto onely by their instigations: Wherefore they might well and wyth good conscience, withstand such furious and outragious violence. For the proofe heereof, they also alleadged cer∣teine examples.

During this season, the Lorde of Angrongne, named Charles de Comptes of Luserne, laboured earnestly by al meanes possible, to cause them of Angrongne, to cōdescend to the Dukes pleasure, & sollicited them to send away their Ministers, promising that he woulde cause a Masse to be song at Angrongne, and that the people should not be cō∣pelled to be present thereat, hoping that by that means, the Dukes wrath would be appeased. The chief of Angrōgne thereupon were assembled and made this answere, that if the Duke would permit them to choose other Ministers, they were content to send away their forreine ministers & straungers. But as touching the Masse, hys hyghnes might well cause it to be song in their parishes, but they for their part, could not with safe consciences, be present at the same, nor yet geue their consent vnto it.

The xxij. of October, the sayde Lord of Angrongne, went from Luserne, to Mondeuis (where he was then gouernour for the Duke) and sent for the chiefe Rulers of Angrongne, at seuerall times, declaryng vnto them the great perils and daungers wherewith they were enui∣roned, the army beyng alreadie at hande: yet promising them if they woulde submitte themselues vnto hym, he would send immediately to stay the armye. They of An∣grongne aunswered, that they all determined to stande to that, which they, two dayes before in theyr assemble, had put in writing. With thys aunswer he seemed at that pre∣sent, to be content. The next day the rumor was, that they of Angrongne had submitted themselues to the Duke. On the morrow, whiche was Sonday, you should haue seene nothing but weeping and mourning in Angrongne. The Sermon being ended, the Rulers were called before the ministers and the people,* 1.75 the whiche affirmed, that they wholy cleaued vnto their former writing, and they sent se∣cretly to the Notary, for the copie of that which was pas∣sed in the counsaile house, at their last assemble before the Lord de Comptes: in the whiche was comprised, that Angrongne had wholy submitted hirselfe to the good plea∣sure of the Duke. The people hearing that, were sore asto∣nished, and protested rather to dye, then obey the same, and therevpon it was agreed, that at that very instant, (albeit it were very late) certayne should be sent to the Lorde of Angrongne, to signifie vnto him, that the determination of the Councell was falsified, and that it might please him, the next morning to come to Angrongne, to heare the voyces of the people, not onely of the men, but also of the women and children. But he himselfe went not thyther, (hauing intelligence of the vprore) but sente thyther the Iudge of that place. Then that which had bene falsified, was duly corrected, the Iudge laying all the blame vpon the Notary.

During this time, the aduersaries cryed out through all the Countrey of Piemont, To the fire wyth them,* 1.76 to the fire with them. The Thursday after, Angrongne, by proclamations and writings set vp in euery place, was exposed to the fire and sworde. On Friday after, being the seconde of Nouember, the army approched to the borders of the valley of Luserne, and certayne horsemen came to a place called S. Iohn, a little beneath Angrongne. Then the people retired into y^e mountaines. Certaine of S. Iohn perceiuing that the horsemen not only spoiled their goods, but also tooke their felowes prisoners, set vpon them. It is not certayne what number of the enemies were there slayne: but sodenly they retired to Bubiane, where theyr campe then was, and not one of them of S. Iohn was slayne or hurt. It happened at the same tyme, that two of the foresaide horsemen beeing sore amased, galoped before the rest, towards the army, being ready to march towards Angrongne, crying, they come, they come. At whose cry, the whole armye was so astonished,* 1.77 that euery man fled his way, and they were all so scattered, that the Captaines that day were not able to bring them in order againe, and yet no creature folowed them.

On the Saterday in the morning, the army mustered in the medowe grounde of S. Iohn, neare to Angrongne. They of Angrongne had sent certaine to keepe y^e passages, and stoppe the armye, that they shoulde not enter, if it were possible. In the meane season, the people retyred into the medowe of Tower, and little thought of the comming of the army so soone, or that they would haue made such a sodeine assault, for they were yet carying of victuals and other stuffe: so that few of them kept the passages. Now they which kept the straites, perceiuing that their enemies prepared themselues to fight, fell down vpon their knees, and made their praiers vnto God, that it woulde please hym to take pitie vpon them,* 1.78 and not to looke vpon their sinnes, but to the cause which they mainteyned: to turne the harts of their enemies, and so to worke, that there might be no effusion of bloud: and if it were his wyll to take them, with their wiues & infantes, out of this world, that he would then mercifully receiue them into his king∣dome. In this sort most feruent prayers were made of all those that kept the passages, with exhortation that they should altogether cry vnto God, and craue hys succour and assistance in thys great distresse. All this the Lord of Trinitie and the army did well perceiue.

Their prayers thus ended, sodenly they perceyued their enemies comming towards them, through the vines, to wynne the top of the mountayne of Angrongne. In the meane tyme the Prior of Saint Iohn, and Iacomel, were within the temple of Angrongne, and communed wyth the Rulers touching an agreement. These were sent thy∣ther by the Lord of Trinitie, to keepe the people occupyed. To be short, the combat began in diuers places, and en∣dured for a long space in the passages of Angrongne. The poore Waldoys (being but few in number, and some of them hauing but slings and crossebowes) were sore pres∣sed with the multitude of their enemies.* 1.79 At length they re∣tired to the toppe of the mountaine, where they defended themselues vntill night.

When they had found a place where they might wyth∣stande their enemies still pursuing them, they turned themselues, and slue diuers of them, and hurt many. When the euening came, the enemies rested, and were about to encampe themselues, there to suppe and lodge all night. Which thing, when the Angrongnians perceiued, they fell to prayer, desiring God to assist and succour them: but the enemies flouted them, and laughed them to scorne. Then y^e poore people deuised to send a drumme into a litle valley hard by. And as they were makyng their prayers vnto God, & the drumme sounded in y^e valley, the Lord of Tri∣nitie caused his souldiers whiche were about,* 1.80 to encampe themselues, to remoue thence: which was a great vaun∣tage

to the poore people, whiche now were sore weeried with trauaile, al wet with sweating, and very thyrstie, and in great perill, if God had not geuen them some litle brea∣thing time. Many of the enemies that day were slayne, and many hurt,* 1.81 of the which very few escaped. In so much that they reported that the shot was poysoned, which this poore simple people neuer vsed to do in all these warres. Of the Angrongnians, that daye there were but three slayne, and one hurt, which afterwardes was well healed agayne. This combate gaue greate courage to the Wal∣doys, and sore astonished the aduersaries. The same tyme the army retyring, burnt many houses, and made greate spoyle as they went, destroyeng also the wines which were in the presses.

The sayd Lord of Trinitie, with his army, camped in a village beyond Tour, in the valley of Luserne, at the foote of the hill, betweene Angrongne and y^e other townes of y^e valley of Luserne,* 1.82 which professed y^e Gospell. They of the sayd village were alwayes sore against y^e Waldoys, & ha∣ters of true religion, and were glad of this outrage and violence done against the professours therof: but they had their iust plague, for they were all destroied. After this the sayde Lorde of Trinitie caused the Fortresse to be built a∣gayne, which the Frenchmen had rased, and placed there a garrison, and after sent another to the Forte of Uillars, which is of the valley of Luserne, and an other he sente to the Fortresse of Perouse, and a fourth garrison he placed in the Castle of S. Martin. They of Angrongne (seeyng themselues to be now as it were in a sea of troubles) after they had recommended themselues vnto God by prayer, and committed their cause vnto him: sent to them of Pe∣rouse, of S. Martin, and of Pragela, for ayde and succour: which sent them all the helpe that they were able.

The nexte daye folowing, there came letters to An∣grongne, from the Lord of Trinitie: The effect whereof was this,* 1.83 that he was sorye for that whiche was done the day before, and that he came not thyther to make warre a∣gainst them, but onely to view if it were a place conueni∣ent, to build a Fort therein to serue the Duke. Further∣more, that his souldiers seeing the people assembled, as it were, to defie them, vpon that occasion onely were stirred vp to geue assault and to set vpon them. Also that he was sory that suche spoyle was made of their goodes and suche hurt done by fire. But if they would shew themselues o∣bedient to y^e Duke, he had good hope that al should be wel, and trusted that some good agreement shoulde be made. The Angrongnians answeared, that they were maruey∣lously agreeued to be so assaulted,* 1.84 spoyled, and tormented by the subiectes of their liege and naturall prince: and as they had oftentymes before offered themselues to be more faythful and obedient to their soueraigne prince the Duke, then any of all his subiects besides: so yet still they offered the same obedience. Also they most humbly besought hym, not to thinke it strange, if they being constrayned by such extreame necessitie, defended themselues. Finally, as tou∣ching their Religion, they affirmed that it was the pure word of God, euen as it was preached by the Prophetes and Apostles: and the same which their predecessours had obserued for certayne hundreth yeares past. Moreouer, that the cause was not cōcerning the goodes of the world, but the honour and glory of God, the saluation, or destru∣ction of the soules both of them and theirs, and therefore it were much better for them to dye all together, then to for∣sake their religion: and yet if it might be proued vnto them by good demonstration out of the word of God, that they were in errour, not by force of armes, by bloud and fire: they would then yeeld themselues with all obedience, most humbly beseeching him and all other the Lordes of the Countrey of Piemont, to be their intercessours and aduo∣cates to the Duke in this behalfe.

* 1.85Upon Monday being the fourth day of Nouember, the Lord of Trinitie sent his army to Uillars and Tailleret. The lesser company ascended toward Uillers. The people seeing their enemies aproching, after they had called vp∣pon God with feruent prayer,* 1.86 strongly defended them∣selues, and slue many: many also were hurt, and the rest fled. The other companye ascended towardes Tailleret. And although they of that place were but few in number, and that parte of the army the greater, yet making theyr prayers vnto God, and cōmending their cause vnto him, they defended themselues likewise valiantly.

In the meane season they of Uillars being emboldened by their late victorie, came to assist their neighbours, and beyng assembled together, they couragiously pursued their enemies, and put them to ••light. In this pursute it chaun∣ced (which here is not to be forgotten) that this poore peo∣ple,* 1.87 by an ambush of their enemies, which came an other way, were sodēly enclosed on euery side, and like to be de∣stroyed: but yet they all escaped, and not one of them was slayne, onely iij. were hurt, which were soone cured agayn. On the enemies side, there were so many slayne, that they were layd together by whole cart loades. This was the reward of those which were so desirous to shed innocent bloud.* 1.88 The same day the inhabitauntes of Sanson neare to Roccapiata, assembled in great number together, and went to a riche mans house of Roccapiata, and spoyled all that hee had. Certaine of Roccapiata (in number not past xvij.) vnderstanding this, set vpon them, & soone put them to flight, tooke away their drumme, & forced them to leaue their bootie behynde them.

After that the Lord of Trinit••e had receiued the letters of the Angrongnians, he sent vnto them his Secretary,* 1.89 named Christopher Gastaut, (which said him selfe, that he fauoured the veritie of the Gospell) accompanyed with a Gentleman of the sayd valley. Whose charge was to cause the chief rulers to send certaine to common with the sayd Lord of Trinitie,* 1.90 saying that he had good tydinges to de∣clare vnto them, & moreouer, that he would deliuer them a safe conduct to come and go. Wherupon they sent foure vnto him, whom he entreated very courteously, & rehear∣sed vnto them, how the Duke at his departure from the Court, told him, that although the Pope, the Princes, and Cities of Italie, yea his own counsell were fully resolued that of necessitie they of the sayd Religion should bee de∣stroyed, yet notw^tstādyng God otherwise put in his mind, and that he had taken counsell of God, what he should do in this matter: that is, that he would vse them gētly. Fur∣thermore, he declared vnto them, that the Duches bare them good affection, and fauoured them very much,* 1.91 & that she had commended their cause vnto the Duke, perswa∣dyng with him, to haue regard to that poore people, & that their Religion was auncient & old, with many such other thynges. Moreouer they had (sayd he) great frendes in the Dukes Court, not doubtyng but if they would send cer∣taine to the Court with a Supplication, they should ob∣teine more, then they themselues would require, and he for his part would employ himselfe in their affaires, to the vt∣termost of his power: and so hee promised that he would retire him selfe with his army. This hee seemed to speake vnfaynedly. The people desiring but to liue peaceably in their Religion, and vnder the obedience of their Prince, were content to folow his counsell.

About this season, they of Angrongne perceiued that a part of the army ascended the hill of Tailleret (which is the halfe way betwene Angrongne, and those of the val∣ley of Luserne) & the other part had already gotten a way, whiche led to the Medow of Tour, by the whiche they of Angrōgne might easily haue bene enclosed. Therfore they sent certaine immediately to keepe the way, who soone af∣ter encountered with their enemies, and obteined the vic∣torie, pursuyng and chasing them to their camp, not with∣out great losse of their men. The number of their enemies slayne, was not knowen: for their custome was,* 1.92 immedi∣ately to carry away those which were slayne. Not one of Angrongne perished that day, nor yet was hurt. It was feared that this combate would haue hyndred the agree∣ment. But the Lord of Trinitie could well dissemble this matter, and excused that dayes iourney,* 1.93 puttyng the fault vpon them of Tailleret, whom he charged to haue slayne certaine of his men in the hygh way, but amongest other, his Barber.

On Saterday folowyng, beyng the ix. of Nouember, the said Lord of Trinitie sent agayne for them of Angron∣gne, to consult with him touchyng the agreement, vsing the like communication, as before: and added thereunto, that in token of true obedience, they should cary their ar∣mour into two of the houses of the chief Rulers, not fea∣ryng but it should be safe: for it should remayne in their owne keeping, and if neede were, they should receyue it a∣gayne. Also that▪ he vppon Sonday (which was the next day) would cause a Masse to be song within the temple of S. Laurence in Angrongne, accōpanyed with a very few, and thereby the Dukes wrath would be asswaged. The next mornyng he went in the temple, (whereat they were sore agreeued, albeit they could not withstād him) his ar∣my marchyng afore him: and hauyng caused a Masse to be song, he desired to see the Medow of Tour, so much spokē of, that therof he might make a true report vnto the Duke: and thether the Rulers, with a great troupe of his owne men, went: the residue of his company remayne behynde, the which spoyled certaine houses, and seased the armour which they had deliuered vp before: but they foūd no great store, for the people had taken away the greatest part ther∣of. The sayd Lord being entred into the Medow of Tour,

the people began to make a commotion. Whereof he ha∣uing intelligence, returned immediately. All that daye he shewed himselfe very courteous to all whome he met.

The people in this meane time, perceiued themselues to be in great daunger, and were sore moued at the sight of the army, the spoyle of the souldiours, the taking away of their armour, but especially because the sayd Lord of Tri∣nitie had viewed the Medow of Tour, foreseeing his trayterous meaning and purpose. A few dayes after, the sayde Lord of Trinitie sent his Secretary Gastaut to An∣grongne,* 1.94 to talke with them concerning the agreement, and to make a full resolution thereof: which was read in the assemble, by the Secretarie, the summe whereof, was this: That the people of Angrongne submitted them∣selues to render all honour and reuerence to God, accor∣ding to his holy word, and all due obedience to the Duke their soueraigne Prince: to whome they shoulde send cer∣taine men to demaund pardon of him, concerning theyr bearing of armour in their extreme necessitie, and humbly to beseech him that he would suffer them to liue peaceably in their religion, whiche was according to the worde of God, not compelling them to do any thyng agaynste their conscience: as it appeareth more amply in the supplicati∣on, which after this the Angrongnians made, and caused to be read before the Secretary, in the open assemble, the which heere ensueth.

¶To the most excellent and worthy prince, The Duke of Sauoy, &c. our soueraigne Lord, and naturall Prince.

* 2.1MOst noble and renowmed prince, we haue sente certayne of our men vnto your highnes, to geue testimonie of our hum∣ble, hartie, and vnfayned obedience vnto the same, and with all submission, desire pardon, touching the bearing of armour by certayne of our people in their extreme necessitie, and for all o∣ther our trespasses, for the which your soueraigne grace might conceiue any offence against vs.

Secondly, to desire in most humble wise, your sayd hyghnes, in the name of our Lord Iesus,* 2.2 that it would please the same, to suffer vs to liue with freedome of conscience in our religion, which al∣so is the religion of our auncitours, obserued for certayne hun∣dreth yeares past. And we are perswaded that it is the pure Gos∣pell of our Lord Iesus, the only veritie, the word of life and salua∣tion, which we professe. Also that it may please your most grati∣ous clemencie, not to take in yll part, if we, fearing to offende and displease God, can not consent vnto certaine traditions and or∣dinances of the Church of Rome: and heerein to haue pitie vpon our poore soules, and the soules of our children: to the end that your highnes be not in any wise charged in the iust iudgement of God for the same, where all men must appeare to answere for their doyngs.

On our part, we protest that we will seeke nothing but to be the true seruants of God, to serue hym according to hys holy word: and also to be true and loyall subiectes to your highnes, and more obedient then any other: being alwayes ready to geue our goodes, our bodies, our lyues, and the liues of our children, for your noble grace, as also our religion teacheth vs to do: on∣ly we desire that our soules may be left at libertie, to serue God accordyng to hys holy word.

And we your poore humble subiectes, shall most hartily pray our God and father, for the good and long prosperitie of youre hyghnes: for the most vertuous Lady your wife, and for the noble house of Sauoy.

To this supplication, they of S. Iohn, of Roccapiata, of S. Bartholomewe, and of Perouse, with those of the valley of Luserne, did agree: For it was concluded, that the agreement made,* 2.3 should extend to all the confederates of the same religion. Whiles they were treating of this a∣greement, the Lorde of Trinitie vexed cruelly them of Tailleret, vnder this pretence, because they had not pre∣sented themselues, to treate of this agreemēt. He tormen∣ted them after this sort. First he commanded that all theyr armour shoulde be brought before hym, and then they, on their knees, should aske him pardon, because they came not to treate of the agreement with the rest: whiche not∣withstandyng the most parte of them did. Then he com∣maunded them, to attend vpon hym, to enrolle all the names of those, which woulde be of the foresayde agree∣ment. Wherupon the next morning, the chiefe of the hous∣holders went to the village named Bouuets, the place a∣pointed thereunto, and when they had heard the Sermon, and called vpon God, they beganne to write their names. The enrolling of their names not being fully ended, word was brought, that the souldiers had gotten the top of the mountayne, and taken all the passages, whereat they of Tailleret were sore amazed, and ranne with all speede to defende their wiues and children. Some they saued: the most part, with their goodes, were in their enemies hands already. At this time, wich sacking, spoiling, and burning, they did much mischiefe.

After this, the Lord of Trinitie sent word to them which were fledde, that if they would returne,* 2.4 he woulde receiue them to mercy. The poore people (for the most parte) tru∣sting on his promise, returned to Bouuets, and yet the next morning the souldiers came thyther, to apprehende them and their ministers, and beset y^e place one euery side. Suche as were swift of foote, and could shift best, escaped, but very hardly. The rest were all hurte or taken, and yet they all escaped by a marueilous meanes: For it hapned that there was an old man, which could not runne fast, to whome one of the souldiers came with a naked sword in hys hand to haue slayne him.* 2.5 The olde man seeing the im∣minent daunger, caught the souldier by the legs, ouer∣threwe hym, and drew hym by the heeles downe the hyll. The souldier cryed out, helpe, helpe, this villaine wyll kill me. His felowes hearing him cry, made hast to rescue him: but in the meane time the old man escaped. The rest seing what the olde man had done, tooke hart of grace, and albeit their armour and weapons were taken from them, yet with stones and slings, they so beat and discomfited their enemies, that at that time they caryed no prisoners awaye. The day folowing y^e souldiers returning to the sayd Tail∣leret, robbed, spoyled, and caried away all that they coulde finde, and so continued three dayes together: which was very easie for them to do, because the poore men fearyng least they shoulde be charged with violating the agree∣ment, made no resistance, but retyred toward Uillars.

The fourth day, the sayde Lord of Trinitie, to torment the poore Taillerets yet more cruelly, sente his armye a∣gaine before day, to y^e mountaine, and into the same place. And because the people of the sayde village were retyred towards Uillars, and scattered about the borders therof, in the hygh mountaynes, the souldyers not yet satisfied with spoyling and sacking the rest that they founde in the sayd Tailleret, raunging about the confines thereof, raue∣ned, and made hauocke on euery side,* 2.6 of what soeuer they could laye handes on, taking prisoners both men and wo∣men, which were loden with carriage. The poore priso∣ners were cruelly handled. Amongest other there was one, whose care a souldier of Montdeuis, in a raging fury,* 2.7 bit cleaue off, with these wordes: I wyll carry (sayde he) y^e flesh of these wretched heretikes with me, into my coun∣trey. They of Uillars also complayned of the great cruelty that was shewed vnto them, during the time of the agree∣ment. The which when the Lord of Trinitie vnderstoode, to make a shewe that he was offended therewith, he came to his souldiers (whiche were so weary, that they coulde scantly goe, not with fighting, but because they were so heauily loden with the spoyle, that they were not able to cary it) and pretēding to be in a great choler, some he beat, and some things also of a smal value, he caused to be resto∣red, but all the rest was kept backe, and caryed away.* 2.8 The same day, two women, the mother and the daughter were found in a caue in the mountaine, wounded to death by the souldiers, and died immediatly after. So likewise a blinde man, a hundreth yeares of age, which was fled into a caue, with his sonnes daughter, being eighteene yeares olde, whych fed him, was slaine by the enemies,* 2.9 and as they would haue forced the mayden, she escaped from them, and fell from the top of the mountaine, and dyed.

At that tyme also a great company of women of Tail∣leret & Uillars, were taken as they fled, with their goodes, and brought to the campe, and sent away emptye. There was at the same tyme a certaine souldier whiche promised the Lord of Trinitie, to find out the minister of Tailleret, and to deliuer him into his owne hands. And to bring his purpose to passe, he neuer ceased vntill he had founde him, and after that he pursued hym a long time. But as he was pursuing and chasing him,* 2.10 certaine at vnwares comming out of the mountaine, rescued the poore minister, and killed the souldier with stones.

But this especially is to be noted, that duryng these troubles, diuers of the Papistes had sent their daughters into the mountaines vnto the Waldoys to be kept, fea∣ring least they should haue ben rauished by the souldiers, being wholy geuen ouer, as to all crueltie and rauine, so to all villany and abhomination, by whome they were be∣fore threatned to be so abused.

All this being done, the sayd Lord of Trinitie caused the head officers and chiefest of y^e people, to assemble together, and declared vnto them, that the mainteining of the army was a greate charge vnto the Duke: and that it was

meete that they should beare the one halfe of the charges. For this cause he demaunded of them twentie thousande crownes. But by the meanes of his Secretarie Gastaut, who was promised a hundreth crownes for hys wyne, (that is to say, for a bribe) foure thousand of those twenty, were abated,* 2.11 so that they graunted vnto him xvj. thou∣sand: of the which summe the Duke released the one halfe. Then the Lord of Trinitie pressed this poore people to de∣liuer the eight thousand out of hand, to pay the souldyers their wages (as he sayde) and so to withdraw his armye. The yeare before corne was exceeding deare, for a sacke was commonly sold for sixe crownes, yea and some for eight crownes, and also they had very litle corne growing vpon their mountaines: wherefore they were now verye bare of money. But they being in this perplexitie, and de∣siring nothing more then to liue in peace and quietnes, went about to sell their cattell, to pay this money. But the Lord of Trinitie had geuen out a commandement, y^t none should buy any cattell of the Waldoys,* 2.12 without his licēce. Then licence was geuen out to certaine, to buy great store of cattell, and that for a small price: and the common brute was, that he had part of the gaine. When this money was payd, yet the army notwithstanding retyred not.

After this, the Lord of Trinitie commaunded the Wal∣doys, to surrender vp al their armour, to furnish y^e Dukes fortes: otherwise he threatned to sende his souldyers a∣mongest them, and in deede he constrained many so to do. Then he demanded moreouer the eight thousand crownes whiche the Duke had remitted, and constrayned them to promise the payment thereof. After that he commaunded that the ministers should be sent awaye, vntill the matter were determined before the Duke: otherwise he woulde send his souldiers to dislodge them out of hand: whereup∣pon with one common assent and accord, they determined that their ministers shoulde withdrawe themselues for a space, vntill the army were retired: which was not done without marueilous sighes, lamentation, and teares. At that season there fell such abundance of snowe, that the like had not bene seene of a long time before: so that the people were constrained to make a way with great trauaile and paine, through the top of the mountayne of S. Martin, for their ministers to passe. Now thought the Lord of Trini∣tie so to haue enclosed them, he keeping the plaine, and the mountaynes beyng couered so thicke with snowe, that by no meanes they shoulde haue escaped his handes. But the people caused thē to passe the top of the mountayne, and at their departure,* 2.13 there flocked out of euery quarter greate multitudes, to the village of Boby, and came together into a secrete place there, called le Puis, not withoute greate griefe and sorowe: For they found thē altogether in teares and mourning, that their ministers should so be taken frō them, and they now leaft as lambes amongst wolues.

The armye was aduertised that the ministers were assembled together, and incontinent a greate troupe of harquebushes were at hand, whiche sought them euen to the very top of the mountaine, in so much that if they had remained there but one houre longer, they had bene all taken. From that time, for certaine dayes after, they dyd nothing but raunge about in all places,* 2.14 seeking for the mi∣nisters, and there was no house, chamber, caue, nor se∣crete corner, into the whiche they dyd not enter, vnder pretence to seeke the Ministers. There was neither chest, nor any thing else so strong, but they brake it open, saying, that the ministers were hidden therein, and by that mea∣nes they tooke, spoyled, and caried away whatsoeuer they would.

The Lorde of Trinitie promised often tymes, that al∣though it were forbidden to all the Ministers to preache, yet the Minister of Angrongne, shoulde be excepted: and furthermore sent the sayd Minister word, that if he would demaunde any thyng of the Duke, it shoulde be graunted hym. Whereupon the sayde Minister made thys request, that the poore people might liue peaceably in their religiō. A while after he sent for the saide Minister to confer wyth him priuately, vpō certaine points of religion. The mini∣ster went vnto him, hauing therto the cōsent of the people. The Lord of Trinitie propounded vnto him three points.* 2.15 The first concerning the supremacie of the Pope: the o∣ther concerned transubstantiation. Of the whyche two points, the minister then immediatly declared his opiniō, and he seemed to agree thereunto, and required him to put the same in writing. The last (which was his whole drift) was to perswade the minister to go to the Dukes Court, and there to defend the cause of the people, alleging certain reasons to perswade him so to do. Whereunto the minister answeared, that he was bound to God and his church, and if it seemed conuenient to the ministers and people, that he should go, he would be content to do the same, and therof he promised to send him aunswere immediately, with the which aunswere he seemed to be contented.

Shortly after the foresayd Lord, not tarying for an aū∣swere, sent his army to the temple of S. Laurence in An∣grongne, pretendyng to sing a Masse there, & sodenly the souldiours besieged the Ministers house. The Minister beyng warned therof, assayed to escape. The souldiers at∣tempted nothyng by force, but vsed gētle perswasions to the contrary, for there were not yet many of them. But the Minister pushed on further, & the souldiers folowed him halfe a myle, but fearyng the people, durst go no further. The Minister withdrew himselfe into the rockes vpō the moūtaine, accompanied with v. other. The army was by & by at his heeles,* 2.16 & sought a good while in the houses and cotages on euery side, cruelly handlyng the people whom they tooke, to make thē cōfesse where their Minister was, spoylyng their houses, takyng some prisoners, & beatyng other some: but yet they could not learne of them where their Minister was. At the lēgth they espyed him amōgest the rockes, where they thought to haue enclosed him, & so they pursued him in y^e rockes, all couered with snow, vn∣till it was night, & could not take him. Then they retur∣ned & spoyled his house, and diligently searched out all his bookes & writynges,* 2.17 and caried them to the Lord of Tri∣nitie, in a sacke, who caused them al to be burnt in his pre∣sence, supposing (as it well appeared) that y^e letters which he had sent to Angrongne, touchyng the agreemēt, should be with the rest burnt: for he did not the lyke in the other Ministers houses.* 2.18 That day they spoyled fourtie houses in Angrōgne, broke their mylles, and caried away all the corne and meale that they found.

About midnight the souldiours returned with torch∣light, to the Ministers house, to seeke him, & searched eue∣ry corner. The next mornyng, commaundement was ge∣uen to the rulers of Angrongne, that within xxiiij. houres they should deliuer their Minister, or els Angrōgne to be put to the fire & sword. The Rulers aunswered, that they could not so do, for they knew not where he was, and the souldiours had chased him ouer the mountaine. After cer∣taine dayes, whē the souldiours had burned houses, spoy∣led the people, broken their mylles, & done what mischief they could, the army retired. Notwithstandyng the Lord of Trinitie left garrisons in the forenamed Fortresses, but all at y^e costes and charges of the Waldoys: the which gar∣risons not contented with their wages, spoyled continu∣ally. Upon a night v. souldiers went with torches to a rich mans house of Angrongne, & spoyled the same. The good man of the house hardly escaped with life,* 2.19 by the top of the house, for there were xij. pellets shot of at him. Whereof one touched his face, & stroke his hat from his head, with∣out any further hurt.

The Rulers of Angrongne whiche were gone to the Fortresse to cary thether victuals and money,* 2.20 were by the souldiours receiued, & in despite of them & the people, cau∣sed a Masse to be song before them, and forced them to be present at it: and because they would not kneele downe to it, they were beatē almost to death. The one of them was sent agayne for more money, the other with great perill of his lyfe, lept ouer the walles, and beyng pursued to An∣grongne escaped.

Certaine dayes after, a certaine cōpany of souldiours came vnto the midst of Angrōgne, as though they would haue passed through, and called for meate and drinke. The poore men brought that they had vnto thē, in a close court. Whē they had eaten and drunken,* 2.21 they caused the women to auoyde, & then bounde xiiij. of those which had brought thē victuals by ij. and ij. together, & led them away. Their wiues & children perceiuyng this,* 2.22 so fiercely pursued them with stones, that they were fayne to let go x. of their priso∣ners for hast, & had much ado to saue them selues. The o∣ther iiij. they led away to the Fortresse: of the which two were ransomed, the other two were hāged vp by the feete & the handes, & hauyng tormented them almost to death; they released them for a great summe of money.* 2.23 The one of the which dyed the next night: the other lay sicke with∣out hope of lyfe, long tyme after, and his flesh fell from his handes and his feete, and therof he became lame, and after that his fingers fell of also. In like manner did the other garrisons entreate the villages adioyning vnto them.

The garrison of Tour & of Uillars beyng assembled together in a night, went to Tailleret, to the place called Bouuets, & breakyng in at the windowes and toppes of the houses, breakyng open the doores, sackyng & spoylyng all that they could lay handes of, tooke also xiiij. prisoners; and bound them two & two together by the armes, and so led them to the Fortresse of Tour. But two which were

escaped, whiles the souldiers were taking other, set vpon them which led the prisoners,* 2.24 and so valiantly assaulted & beat them with stones, that they forced them to let go xij. of the prisoners: the which tumbling and rolling themselues downe the mountaine, hauing their hands bound behinde their backes, and fastened two and two together by the armes, were contented rather so to dye, then to be caried to the Fortresse, and yet in the ende they escaped. The other two which were led to the Fortresse, were cruelly tormen∣ted, and in the end, the one of them the Captayne strangled with his owne handes, who was very young and but a child: the other which was about threescore yeares of age, whose name was Odull Gemet, suffered a strange & cruel death: For when they had bound him, they toke a kynde of beastes which liue in horsedoung, called in French Escar∣botz, and put them vnto his nauell, couering them with a dishe, the which within short space pearced into his belly, and killed him. These and the like, more then barbarous cruelties, haue bin reuealed by the souldiours themselues.

The poore Waldoys were yet in great captiuitie and di∣stresse, but especially because they had not the preaching of Gods word amongst them, as they were wont to haue, and therefore taking to them a good courage, they deter∣mined to begin preaching againe, albeit secretly, for two principall causes:* 2.25 The one, for feare of mouing the Duke, and hindering the voyage of their messengers, hauing yet some hope of good successe. The other, that no occasion might be geuen to the souldiers of further trouble and outrage, for that was it which they especially desired. Also they of Angrongne were fully determined, as soone as their messengers were returned from the Duke, to preach openly, what newes soeuer they brought, were they good or euill: and furthermore, not to be contributaries to the finding of the garrison, neither yet to suffer the same to en∣ter into Angrongne.

* 2.26The messengers which were sent to the Duke, being at Uerceil, were there deteined vj. weekes, and all that while were cruelly handled by the Popish Doctours, and were constrayned by force and violence to promise to returne to the Masse. Furthermore, they would haue constrayned them to promise the same in the behalfe of the rest, but they would not. After they were presented to the Duke, the Se∣cretary Gastaut tooke the supplication of the Waldoys out of the messengers hands, and deliuered another. After they had presented themselues to the Duke, and asked pardon for bearing of armour, they were constrayned also to craue pardon of the Popes Legate: which at the bginning they would in no case do. Now when these messengers were returned, bringing these wofull newes, and the people vnderstood that there was a new commaundement geuen out, that they shoulde returne to the Masse: also that the Popish preachers were appointed,* 2.27 and ready to come vn∣to them, and they commanded to go to fetch them, and en∣tertaine them accordingly: there was wonderfull lamen∣tation, weeping, and mourning for this great calamitie.

Heereupon they of the valley of Luserne and of Boby, being assembled together, by one assent, sente two Mini∣sters, wyth certaine other of the people, to the Churches of Pragela (which be in the countrey of Dolphine) to sig∣nifie vnto them, the piteous estate of the poore Churches of the valleyes of Piemont, to haue their counsell and aduise, howe to preuent the greate daungers at hande, if it were possible. For this cause they fell all to prayer, and after they had long called vpon GOD, desiring hys grace, and the spirit of discretion and counsell, well to con∣sider of those waightie and vrgent affayres wherewyth they were oppressed: in the ende it was concluded, that all the people dwelling in the sayde valley and moun∣taynes of Piemont, and those of Dolphine, should ioyne in a league together. Whereupon they all promised, by Gods grace and assistance,* 2.28 to mainteyne the pure prea∣ching of the Gospell, and administration of the holy Sa∣craments: the one to ayde and assist the other, and to ren∣der all obedience to theyr superiours, so farre as they were commaunded by the worde of God. Moreouer, that it should be lawfull for none of the same valleyes to pro∣mise or conclude any thyng touching the estate of religi∣on, without the consent of the rest of the valleyes: and for more sure confirmation of the sayde league, certayne of the Ministers and Elders of the Churches of Dolphine, were sente to the valley of Luserne, to vnderstand if they woulde geue theyr consente heereunto, and ratifye the same.

These messengers, the Ministers and others of Dol∣phine, being arriued in the euening, at the village of Bo∣by, & the people being there assembled, word was brought that the next day euery housholder should appeare in the Counsel house, to knowe whethey they would returne to the Masse, or no,* 2.29 and that they whiche woulde receiue the Masse, should quietly enioy their houses, and they whiche woulde not, shoulde be deliuered to the Iustices, and condemned to be burned, or sent to the Galleyes. Where∣fore the people was brought to thys extremitie, eyther to dye, or flee, or else to renounce God. To flee, it seemed them best, if the great snowe had not let them. Wherefore seeing themselues in such distresse, they most gladly con∣sented to the league. After this, they exhorted one another, sayeng: For as much as we shall be all called for to mor∣row, to renounce and forsake our God, and reuolt agayne to Idolatrie, let vs now make solemne protestation, that we will vtterly forsake the false religion of the Pope, and that we will liue and dye in the maintenance and confes∣sion of Gods holy word. Let vs all go to morrow into the Temple, to heare the word of God, and after, let vs cast downe to the ground all the Idoles and aultars. To this euery man agreed, sayeng, Let vs so do: yea, and that the very same houre, in the which they haue appointed vs to be at the Counsell house.

The nexte day after,* 2.30 they assembled themselues in the Churche of Boby, and as soone as they came into the Temple, without anye further delaye, they beate downe the Images, and caste downe the aultars. After the Sermon, they went to Uillars to do the like there. By the way they encountered with a bande of souldyers, whyche were goyng to spoyle a village, named Le val Guichard, and to take the poore inhabitāts prisoners. The souldiers seeyng them so yll appointed, mocked them, and dischar∣ged theyr handgunnes vppon them, thynking at the first brunt, to haue put them to flight. But they valiantly de∣fended themselues,* 2.31 and with stones chased them euen to the Fortresse. When they came to Uillars, they beate downe theyr Images and aultars, and afterwardes be∣sieged the fortresse, and demaunded the prisoners whiche were there deteyned.

The same daye the Iudge of Luserne, called Pode∣sta, went to the Counsell house, to enrolle the names of those whiche woulde returne to the Masse, but seeyng what was done, hee was sore afrayde, and desired the people to suffer hym to returne quietly: which they wyl∣lingly graunted vnto hym. Diuers Gentlemen also of the valley came thyther with the Iudge, to make theyr poore tenauntes to forsake God: but seeyng the tumult, they were fayne to flee into the Castle, where they and the Garrison were besieged tenne dayes together, not without great daunger of theyr lyues. The seconde daye of the sege, the Captayne of Toure wente with a com∣panye of souldyers, thinking to raise the siege,* 2.32 but they were, by those that kept the passages, eyther slaine or dis∣comfited. As much was done the third daye. The fourth day, he returned with three bandes,* 2.33 and with the Garri∣son of Tour, which caused a furious combat: wherein many of the enemies were slayne, but a greate number hurt, and yet of those that besieged the Fort, there was not one man hurt.

In the tyme of thys siege, they attempted dyuers meanes to take the sayde Fortresse, but without ordi∣naunce, it was impossible so to doo: wherefore they were now past all hope of winning it. Moreouer, the Lorde of Trinitie returning with his armie, was come to the val∣ley of Luserne, and the next day after, myght easily haue raised the siege. Wherefore, when the Garrison (not kno∣wing that the Lord of Trinitie was so neare) desired that they might depart with bagge and baggage, they graūted theyr request.* 2.34 In thys siege halfe of the souldyers were slayne, and many were hurt, as well with harquebushes, as with stones. During thys siege, the souldyers for lacke of water, were constrained to bake their bread with wine, which tormented their stomackes, and caused great disea∣ses. Here is not to be forgotten, that the souldiours which a while before dyd so cruelly persecute the poore Mini∣sters, seeking by all meanes possible to destroy them, were now faine to pray them to saue their liues, and to promise them that they should haue no hurt, and also to safeconduct them into a sure place: neyther woulde they depart, vntill they had promised them so to do. Which the Ministers dyd promise, and also perfourme verye willingly. Then the souldiours seeyng themselues much beholden to the Mi∣nisters so gently dealing with them, gaue them greate thankes, and promised them, in recompence thereof, all the pleasure that they could shew them. The same night the Fortresse was rased.

The 2. day of February, the Lorde of Trinitie camped at Luserne,* 2.35 and placed a Garison in the Priory of S. Iohn a village of the Waldoys, betwene Luserne & Angrōgne.

The next day in the morning, the sayde Lorde of Trinitie sent word vnto them of Angrongne, that if they wold not take part with the rest, they should be gently handled. All the weeke before, they were sollicited by him to consent to the same, but they woulde geue no aunswere. The same day, they of Angrongne, and the rest of the Ualleys, fully agreed and determined to defend their religiō by force, and that the one shoulde aide the other,* 2.36 and no agreement to be made, by any one, without the consent of the rest. A∣bout noone, the Lorde of Trinitie marched wyth hys ar∣mie, by S. Iohn, to enter into the borders of Angrongne, by a place called La Sonneillette, where they had foughte before. The people had made certaine bulwarkes of earth and stone, not past three foote hie: where they defended themselues valiauntly against their ennemies, whyche as∣sailed them diuers wayes.* 2.37 When the ennemies were so wearye that they coulde fighte no longer, they put fresh Souldiers into their places: so that the combate endured vntill nighte, and all that day, the armie coulde not enter into the borders of Angrongne. Many of the ennemies were slaine, and a great number hurt: and but two of An∣grongne slaine, of whome the one was slaine by his owne folly, because he was too greedy vpon the spoile. The army being nowe well beaten and tired, rested a while, to make themselues stronger for a further mischiefe.

The Friday following, which was the seuenth of Fe∣bruarye, at the breake of the day, the armie marched to∣wardes Angrongne, by fiue seuerall places. The people of Angrongne were not yet assembled, and none there were to resiste, but onely a fewe, whyche kepte the watche: the which seeing their ennemies comming vppon them in so many places,* 2.38 and perceiuing that they went about to in∣close them, after they had valiantly fought for a space, they reculed by little and little, to a highe place called La Casse, where the combate was renued wyth a greater fiercenesse, then before. But the Lord of Trinitie, seing the losse of his men, and aboue all, that one of great creditie and authority in the Dukes Courte, was wounded to death, blewe a re∣treite, and descended to Angrongne (the people being fled to the Medowe of Toure) and there spoyled and burnt all the wines, victuals, and the rest of the goodes that he could finde: so that in a shorte space, he had burned about a 1000. houses of Angrongne.

And heere is not to be forgotten, that they oftentimes, set fire vpon the two Temples of Angrongne, where the worde of God was preached,* 2.39 but they coulde neuer burne them. So did they also to the Ministers house, which not∣withstanding remained whole, the houses rounde about, being all consumed with fire. That day none of Angron∣gne was slaine or hurt, sauing onely one that was hurte in his thighe.

There were in all Angrongne, but two that were ene∣mies to the woorde of God, whiche that same daye, were slaine by the souldiers, not in the Combate: but for their riches,* 2.40 whych they had about them, as they were running away. The one of them was a very couetous wretche, and had great store of golde and siluer, and woulde spende nothing, either to helpe himselfe, or succour others: no not his poore parentes. All this was spoiled by the soldiours, with a hundreth or two hundreth crownes besides which he had about him. Besides these two, there was not one of Angrongne slaine that day. All the rest of the people reti∣red to the Medowe of Toure: The situation whereof, we will heere declare, for the better vnderstandyng of that which followeth.

Tour is a little Ualley vpon the borders of Angron∣gne,* 2.41 enuironed aboute wyth Mountaines: two miles in length, but very narrowe. On both sides, and in the mids thereof, there be about two hundreth small houses and co∣tages: also medowes, pastures for cattell, grounde for til∣lage, trees and goodly fountaines. On the South side and the North, the mountaines be so high, that no man cā that way approche vnto the sayd Ualley. On the other coastes a man may enter by seuen or eight wayes. This place is not past two miles from Angrongne. The way thether is very narrow, and il to passe by, because of the hilles, which be on both sides. There is also a Riuer harde by, but very small, but the bankes thereof be very high in many places. The people had caryed thether very fewe victuals, part∣ly because the way was so yll, and also through the sodaine returne of the armie.

In the meane time the Lorde of Trinitie after he had nowe twise assaulted Angrongne, sent certaine to burne Rosa, and to discouer the wayes, whiche ledde to the val∣ley of Luserne: but the Souldioures were driuen backe foure dayes together by those whyche kepte the passages.* 2.42 Whereuppon hee sent hys whole armie, whome they vali∣auntly withstoode from the morning till nighte. Then they of Luserne sent newe aide. During thys combate, an am∣bushment of souldiours descended from the toppe of the mountaine, by a place so harde to passe by, that no manne would haue suspected it.* 2.43 The poore people seeing themsel∣ues so enuironed of their enemies, saued them selues, some running through the middes of their ennemies, and other some into the rockes.

The ennemies being entred into Rosa, consumed all with fire and swoorde.* 2.44 The residue of the people fledde by a secrete way, leading to the Ualley of Luserne, and wan∣dred al that night vppon the mountaines full of snowe, lo∣den with their stuffe, carrying their litle infantes in theyr armes, and leadinge the other by the handes, wyth greate paine and trauail. When they of the valley saw them, they ranne vnto them, praising God for their deliueraunce, for they thought they had beene all slaine. All be it thys poore people were heere in suche great extremitie, yet they were ioyfull, and comforted them selues, wythout any lamenta∣tion or mourning, excepte the little poore infantes, whych cried out for colde.

A fewe dayes after, the Lorde of Trinitie entred into the Ualley of Luserne, by three seuerall wayes: that is to say, by Rosa, by the plaine, and by the sides of Tailleret. They which kept the passages, at the first resisted their en∣nemies valiauntly: but perceiuing that they were assailed on euery side, they retired to Uillars,* 2.45 and there defended them selues a while. But because they sawe that their ene∣mies hadde already passed the Plaine, and gotten aboue Uillars, towardes Boby: they gaue ouer, and leafte Uil∣lars, and fled into the mountaines. The souldiours beyng entred, burned houses, and slew all that they coulde finde. The poore people which were fled to the mountaines, see∣ing the village on fire, praised God, and gaue him thanks, that had made them worthy to suffer for his name, and for his cause: and also they were glad to see the village on fire, least that their enemies should encampe there themselues. Then the souldiours in great rage mounted the hilles on euery side, pursuing this poore people in great furie: but a few of them, after they had ardently called vpon God, toke courage, and beate backe theyr ennemies to Uillars. This done, the armie retired.

Fewe dayes after the medowe of Tour was assaulted by three seuerall wayes on the East side. The combate du∣red a long season, where diuers of the enemies were hurt, and many slaine: but none of this poore people were slaine that day, onely two were hurt, which were soone healed a∣gaine. But to declare the conflictes, assaultes, skirmishes, and alarmes which were at Angrongne, and other places therabout, it were too long: for breuities sake it shall be suf∣ficient to touch the most principall, & those which are most worthy of memorie.

On Saterday, which was the fourteenthe day of Fe∣bruarye, the people which were in the vppermost parte of the Medowe of Toure, perceiued that a company of soul∣diours were ascended vp the hill to Angrongne, and bur∣ning y^e rest of the houses there. They doubted that it was a pollicie of theyr ennemies, to drawe them thether, and in the meane time to sette on them behynde, and so to winne the Medowe of Tour from them. Therefore they sent onely sixe harquebushes against those souldiours, the whych hauing the higher grounde, and not espied of theyr ennemies, discharged their gunnes altogether. Whereup∣pon incontinent the souldiers fledde,* 2.46 albeit no man pursu∣ed them. Whether they fledde of pollicie, or for feare, it was not knowen.

Shortly after, they of the warde of the Medowe of Tour, whiche were in the watche on the top of the moun∣taine (because euery morning there was a sermone made, whereunto the people resorted, and they mighte see a farre of rounde about them) espied a troupe of souldiours mar∣ching on that side of the hill, which is betweene the Easte and the Northe, and soone after that, discouered an other companye, whyche marched on the North side, towardes the sayde troupe. The firste were ascended an houre be∣fore the other, and fought on the toppe of the mountayne called Melese, but they were soone discomfited:* 2.47 and be∣cause they coulde not runne faste, by meanes of the deepe snowe, and difficulty of the waies: in fleeing they fell often downe vpon the grounde. Whiles they that pursued them were earnest in the chase, and had taken from them theyr drumme: beholde, there came certaine vnto them, cryinge out, that the other troupe was entred into the medowe of Toure, by meanes wherof they gaue ouer the chase, or els not one of their enemies had escaped,* 2.48 as they whych were there, reported for a trueth. Not one of Angrongne were slayne or hurt.

The other troupe which came by the North side, tooke a high hil in the top of the mountaine, the whych seemed to be almost inaccessible, by reason of the snow and ice which was there. The chiefest of this company were Lodouicke of Monteil (which had bene before master of the campe in the kings warres) and Charles Truchet. When they wer come to the toppe of the hill, they caused seuen souldiours to goe downe the hill, and to viewe the waye, and to see whether the troupe might descende that way, or no. These 7. went downe almost to the houses. They sent also other to occupie the rest of the high places, which were neare to the foote of the hill and the rockes. In the meane time the ministers and the people which were in the middes of the valley of the medowe, sawe al this, and were much discou∣raged therwith: wherfore they fell to prayer, & called vpon God ardently, not without great sighes, lamentation and teares, euen vntill night.

The seuen spies whiche came downe to discouer the wayes, cried vnto their captaine Truchet, Come downe, come downe Seignior Charles, this day Angrongne shal be taken. The other cried to them againe, ascend, ascend, & returne, or els ye shall be slaine euery one of you. Immedi∣ately issued out fiue against these spies, and tooke certaine, and chased the rest. The first of the fiue which set vpō them, cast two of them downe vppon the grounde with a forke of fire. Soone after, eight of Angrongne issued out agaynste the whole troupe, which was wonderfull to see them goe with suche courage and boldnesse, to assaile suche a multi∣tude, and it seemed that they should haue ben all destroyed and hewen in pieces. The firste of the eight went a good way before the other, to discouer the enemies, and caryed a great staffe,* 2.49 which they call a Rancon, and is somewhat bigger then a halbarde. The other folowed by two & two together, with harquebushes. These eight went frō rocke to rocke, from hill to hill about the mountaine, and chased their ennemies valiauntly. Then came twelue other, the which ioyning wyth the rest, foughte with a woonderfull courage, and made great slaughter of their enemies. Sone after, there came from the valley of Luserne, an hundreth harquebushes, with one of their Ministers, according to their maner, which are wont to sende out a minister with∣all, as well for prayer and exhortation, as to kepe the peo∣ple in order, that they exceede not measure, as it came to passe that day.

* 2.50At the length they sawe them also commyng, whyche returned from the discomfiture of the former troupe, ma∣king a great noyse, and hauing a drumme sounding afore them, whyche they had taken from their ennemies: which ioyned with them of the valley of Luserne, and hauing made their earnest praier vnto god, immediatly they came to succour the other that nowe were encountring valiant∣ly wyth their ennemies. Then the ennemies seeing suche a company marching against them, with suche courage and boldnesse: after the other had once called vpon God, theyr hearts were so taken from them, that sodenly they fledde, and as soone as the other began to pray, they beganne also to flee. But because they could not well saue them selues by running away, they turned backe twise, and foughte, and some in the meane time fled.

He that caried the Rancon, and discouered the enemies, was but a very young and a simple man, and was estemed to be one that coulde doe nothing, but (as they say in their language) handle La Sappe, that is to say, a Hatchet, and kept cattell:* 2.51 and yet he with those that folowed, so discom∣fited the ennemies, that it was woonderfull to beholde. He brake his great Rancon with laying load vpon them, and after that, he brake also foure of their own swordes in pur∣suing of them. There was a boy of 18. yeares of age, and of smal stature,* 2.52 which alone slue the Lord of Monteil, master of the campe (as is said) to the king: wherwith the enemies were maruellously astonished and discouraged. An other simple man, who a man wold haue thought, durst not once haue looked Charles Truchet in the face (because hee was a very bigge man, strong & puissant, and one of the chiefest captaines of the whole army) threw downe the saide Tru∣chet with the stroke of a stone. Then a young man leapte vpon him, and slue him with his owne sworde, which was foure fingers broad, and cleaft his head in peeces.

* 2.53This Truchet was one of the principall authours of this warre, and one of the chefest enemies of true religion, and of the poore Waldoys, that could then be foūd. It was sayd also, that he vaunted and promised before, to the sayde Lord of Trinitie, that he would deliuer into his hands the medow of Tour. But God soone brought his proude brag to nought. And for his spoyling, pilling, and polling of the poore people, hee lay spoyled and naked like a beast, in the wilde mountaine of Angrongne. Two of the chiefest a∣mong them offered to paye a great summe of crownes for their ransome, but they coulde not be hearde. They were pursued more then a mile, & were so discomfited, that they fled w^tout any resistance, and if the nighte had not let them, they had pursued them further.

The minister when he saw the great effusion of bloud, and the enemies to flee, he cried to the people, saying, that it was enough, and exhorted them to geue thankes vnto God. They which heard him, obeied, and fel to prayer: but they which were further of, and heard him not, chased their ennemies till darke night. In so muche, that if the rest had done the like, very few of their enemies had escaped. That day they spoiled their ennemies of a great part of theyr ar∣mour and munition. So God restored in this combat and in others, to the poore Waldoys,* 2.54 the armor which the Lord of Trinitie had taken from them before. Thankes were geuen vnto God in euery place, and euery man cried, who is he which seeth not, that God fighteth for vs? This vic∣torie gaue great courage to the poore Waldoys, and great∣ly astonished the enemies.

The eightenth of February, the Lorde of Trinitie, not satisfied with burning and destroying the greatest parte of Uillars returned to burne all the little villages rounde a∣bout, which pertaine to the same, and especially,* 2.55 to pursue the poore people, which were fled vp into the mountaines, and diuiding his armye into 3. partes, he entered, by the 3. seuerall wayes aboue mentioned. The two first compa∣nies ioyned together betwene Uillars and Boby, hauing a great company of horsemen. From thence they went to seeke the people which were in the mountaine of Combe, by suche a way, as they did not suspecte, and where there were no warders to defende the place: Notwithstanding, the warders which were nexte, seeing their ennemies as∣cending that way, speedely ranne before them, and callyng vpon God for his aide and succour, they set themselues a∣gainst their ennemies: and albeit they were but thirtie in number, yet they valiauntly beate them backe twise, com∣ming out of their bulwarkes, that is to say,* 2.56 certaine hou∣ses, which at that time serued them for that purpose, albeit they were not made to that vse. Many of y^e enemies were slaine at those two combates, and not one of the other side. The Lorde of Trinitie seeing his men so fiercely driuen backe, sent out the greatest parte of his armie: whych were esteemed to be aboue xv. hundreth men. There came also about a 100. to succour the warders. The combate was ve∣ry cruell and fierce. At lengthe, the poore people were as∣saulted so vehemently, that they were faine to forsake their bulwarkes, loosing two of their men. Then the ennemyes thought all to be theirs, and blew their trumpettes, trium∣phing that they had put the people to flight: But the peo∣ple retiring not past a stones cast, toke courage, and crying altogether to the Lord for succour, they turned themselues to the face of their enemies, and with great force and pow∣er, they hurled stones at them with their slings.

After this, the enemies rested themselues a while, and by and by after, they gaue a furious assaulte, but yet they were againe mightely resisted. Yet once again the enemies rested, and in the meane time, the people fell to praier, cal∣ling vpon God altogether, with their faces lifted vppe to∣wardes heauen: which frayed the enemies more then any thing els. After this they gaue yet an other great assaulte, but God by the handes of a fewe, droue them backe. Yea God here shewed his great power euē in the litle children also, which feruently called vpō God, threw stones at their enemies, and gaue courage also vnto the men. So did also the wemen, and the vulgare sort, that is to say,* 2.57 those which were meete for no feates of warre, remaining vppon the mountaine: and beholding these furious combates, knee∣ling vpon the ground, and hauing their faces lifted vp to∣wards heauen, with teares and gronings, they cried: Lord helpe vs. Who heard their praiers.

After that these three assaults were geuen, there came one vnto them, crying, Be of good courage, God hath sent those of Angrongne to succour vs: hee meant, that they of Angrongne were fighting for them in an other place, that is to say, towardes Tailleret, where the thirde parte of the army was. The people perceiuing y^t they of Angrongne were come to that place to succour them, began to cry, bles∣sed be God, who hathe sent vs succour: they of Angrongne be here, they of Angrongne be here to succour vs.* 2.58 The en∣nemies hearing thys, were astonished, and sodenly blew a retreit, and retired into the plaine.

That troupe whith was gone towards Tailleret, de∣uided themselues into three companies. The first marched by the side of the mountaine, burning many houses,* 2.59 & ioy∣ned with the maine armie. The seconde companie whyche was of seuen score, marched hygher, thinking to take the

people at vnwares. But they were by seuen men strongly resisted and driuen backe. The third company attained the toppe of the mountain, thinking to enclose the people, but as God woulde, they of Angrongne, which came to succor them, encountred with them, & wyth great force put them to flight.

They of Uillars, of whom mention is made before, af∣ter they had refreshed them selues with a little breade and wine (for the most part of them had eaten nothing all that day) chased their enemies til it was almost night: so fiersly that the maister of the campe was faine to send to the Lord of Trinitie (whiche was at Toure) for succoure, or else all would haue bene lost. Which he did: and immediately hee roade with all speede to Luserne, to saue him selfe, hearing the alarme which was geuen at S. Iohn, by those of An∣grongne, & fearing least the way should haue ben stopped. The armye retired with great difficultie (notwithstanding the newe aide whiche was sent them) and wyth great losse of their men.* 2.60 One of their captaines confessed since, that if they had bene pursued any further, they had fledde all that night longe. Since that time, they neuer returned againe into the valley of Luserne.

On Monday, being the 17. day of Marche next folow∣ing, the Lorde of Trinitie, to be reuenged of those of the medow of Tour, assembled al the force that he could make with the Gentlemen of the Countrey. In so muche, that whereas before his army was commonly but foure thou∣sand, it was nowe betweene sixe and seuen thousande: and secretly in the night season he encamped with parte of hys army in the middest of Angrongne, from whence the poore inhabitants were fled before. The next morning, after the Sermon and praiers were ended, they perceiued the other parte of the army to be encamped at the foote of the moun∣taine of Angrongne, on the East side. Sone after they per∣ceiued how both partes of the army coasted the hilles side, the one towards the other, being such a multitude, so glit∣tering in their harnesse, & marching in such araye, that the pore people at the first, were astonished therat. Notwyth∣standing the assemble fell downe vpon their knees 3. or 4. times, crying, Help vs, O Lord, beseching him to haue re∣garde to the glory of his holy name,* 2.61 to staye the effusion of bloud, if it were his good pleasure, & to turne the hearts of their enemies to the trueth of his holy Gospell. These two partes of the army ioyned together, nere to the bulwarks of the medow of Toure, & gaue the assault in three seuerall places. One of the bands mounted secretly by the rockes, thinking to haue enclosed the people in their Bulwarkes. But assoone as they which kept the bulwarke be lowe, had espied them, they forsooke their place, and marched straight towardes them, & as they marched, they met with the aide which was sent vnto them, from the vally of Luserne, ve∣ry luckily, and comming (as it were) from heauen: whych ioyning together, sone discomfited their enemies w^t stones and harquebushes. They pursued them fiersly in y^e rockes, and vexed them woonderfully, because the rockes are so steepe, that no man can ascende or descende, without great paine and difficultie. The Captaine of this band was na∣med Bastian of Uergil, a man very expert in the affaires of warre.* 2.62 Hee at his going out of his lodging, threatned y^t he would do great & terrible things that day. His hostesse hearing that, said vnto him, Monsieur, if our religiō be bet∣ter then theirs, you shall haue the victorie: but if theyrs be better then ours, you shall not preuaile. Shortly after, the captaine was brought againe into his Inne, so wounded and so feeble, that he was not like to liue. Then sayde hys hostesse vnto him, Monsieur, it is nowe wel seene, that their religion is better then oures.

There was also an other bande that kept the top of the hill, to assault the bulwarkes, from thence. The middle∣most bulwarke was then assaulted, in the which were ve∣ry fewe to defend the same: the which seeing the number of their enemies, retired backe, leauing therein but 5. onely to defend it. There was a huge cocke not farre from the fore∣sayd bulwarke, behinde the same, a great number of the e∣nemies were hid. And anone there issued out two ensigns, assuring them selues to winne the bulwarke: but immedi∣ately one of their ensigne bearers was wounded to death. Whereupon many reculed backe. The other set vp his en∣signe vpon the bulwarke. They which were wythin, had neither halbard, nor any other long weapon, but only one Pike,* 2.63 and the same without an yron: the which one of the 5. tooke, and threw downe the ensigne, and manfully beate backe the sealers, and threwe them downe to the grounde. Diuers of the enemies were entred into the bulwarke, by a doore belowe, and slue one of the fiue, which kept y^e mid∣dle parte of the bulwarke. The other foure looked to be de∣stroyed out of hande. Then one of the foure chased awaye those which had entred belowe, with stones: and the other three leauing their handguns, defended themselues like∣wise with great stones: and perceiuing the bande whych was on the rockes to flee, they tooke courage, and w^tstoode their enemies valiantly, til their companions were retur∣ned from the chase.

In the meane time, the Bulwarke which was vppon the side of the mountaine, was furiously assailed by the one halfe of the armie. Those that were within suffered theyr enemies to approche neare to the Bulwarke, without any gunshot or other defence: whereat the enemies much mar∣ueiled. But when they were euen at hand, they fell vppon them, some with throwing of stones, some wyth rollynge downe mighty stones, & some with harquebushes.* 2.64 There was a huge stone rolled downe, whych passed throughout y^e whole army, and slue diuers. The souldiers at that time had wonne a litle cotage, neare to the said bulwark, which did much hurt to the poore men. But among them, one de∣uised to roll downe a great huge stone against the cottage, which so shooke it, and amased the soldiors, that they thou∣ght they had bene all destroyed, and incontinent they fled, and neuer would enter into it againe.

Then the souldiors made certaine fences of woode, fiue foote long, three foote broade, and of the thicknesse of three boardes, but they were so sore vexed w^t the shot of the har∣quebushes, that they were faine to lay al those fences aside. The miners also made others of earth for the souldiours. But al these policies of the enemies auailed them nothing: for the slaughter was so great, that in diuers places you might haue sene three ly••ng dead one vpon an other. God so wrought wyth the poore Christians, that the shot of two harquebushes slewe foure men. It was sayd for a certain∣tie, that the shot of an harquebush came so neare the Lorde of Trinities heade, that it brake a wande which he bare in his hand, and made him to retire six score pases backward,* 2.65 and seeing his soldiors in suche great numbers murthered & wounded on euery side, he wept bitterly. Then hee reti∣red the rest of his army. That day he thought assuredly to haue entred into the medowe of Tour. Moreouer he was determined, if that dayes iourney had not succeeded, to en∣campe therby, and the next morning very early, to renewe the assault. Many gentlemē and others came thither, to see the discomfiture of the pore Waldois: and likewise those of the Plaine looked for nothing, but to heare y^e piteous ruine and desolation of thys poore people. But God disposed it otherwise: For the Lorde of Trinitie had muche adoe to saue himselfe and his: and seeing the mischiefe which they intended to do vnto others, was fallen nowe vppon their owne heads, they were wonderfully astonished. They of y^e plaine also, when they saw the number of the dead bodies, & the wounded to be so great (for from noone vntil the eue∣ning,* 2.66 they ceased not to cary them away) were likewise ex∣ceedingly dismaied. Albeit they caried not away al, for ther were many that lay nere to the bulwarks, whiche the peo∣ple couered with winding sheetes, the next morning. The souldiers them selues confessed to them of the medowe of Tour, that if they had pursued them, they had ben al slain, they were so tired and cleane out of heart.

Many marueiled why the people did not followe the army, but especially the souldiers, seeing the great discom∣fiture which they had done, and that they had gotten suche vantage of them already. But this was done for two cau∣ses. The one was, because they had alredy determined not to folow the army being once retired,* 2.67 to auoid the effusion of bloud, meaning onely to defend them selues. The other cause was, for that they were weary, and had spēt all theyr munition: For many of them had shot of, about 30. times, and none of them, vnder twēty, spending great store bothe of pellets and haileshot. The rest of the army retired, cry∣ing with a loude voyce, God fighteth for them, and we doe them wrong.

The next day, one of the principal captaines of the ar∣my, surrendred his charge to the L. of Trinitie, saying vn∣to him, that he would neuer fight against this people anye more, and vpon that he departed. It is a maruelous thing and worthy of perpetual memorie, that in y^e combate there were but two of the Waldoys slaine, and two hurt. Tho∣row y^e whole countrey of Piemont, euery man sayde, God fighteth for them. One of the Captaines confessed, that hee had bene at many fierce assaultes and combates, and sundry battailes wel fought, but yet he neuer sawe souldi∣ers so faint hearted and amased: yea the souldiours them∣selues told him, they wer so astonished,* 2.68 that they could not stryke. Moreouer, they sayde, that thys people neuer shotte, but they hurte or killed some of the Souldiours. Some other sayd that the ministers by their prayers, con∣iured and bewitched them, that they could not fight: and in

dede wonderful is it, and maruellous are the iudgements of God, that notwithstanding so many combates and con∣flicts, so great assaults and aduentures, so much & so terri∣ble shot, continually made against this poore people, yet all in a maner came to no effecte: So mightily Gods holy po∣wer wrought for his people: In so much, that for al y^e sayd combates, skirmishes, and so many conflicts: of all the An∣grongnians, there were but 9. only that miscaried, and the whole number of those that were slaine, were but only 14. persons.* 2.69 Where also is to be noted, not without great ad∣miration, how few there were, and those also but poore se∣ly shepherds and neatherds, to encounter w^t such a migh∣ty power, of so strong and braue souldiours comming a∣gainst them with weapon and armor, being so well furni∣shed and appoynted with munition as they were, in all poynts accordingly, and the other on the contrary side be∣ing vnarmed, and vnprouided of all habiliment of warre, hauing for their defence for the most parte, nothing els but slings and stones, and a fewe harquebushes.

The 9. day of Marche, there was a hotte skirmishe at Angrongne. For 3. companies of souldiours went to An∣grongne, to burn and spoile all that remained, & to destroy the wines, which were hidden in the grounde. Where, a∣mongest themselues, they mocked & flouted the poore peo∣ple, saying: these Lutherane Waldoys, are valiant felowes behinde their bulwarkes: but if they had bene in the plain field, they had bene wel canuased. After this it chanced that 30. of the Waldoys wēt and assailed these foresayd compa∣nies in the plain field.* 2.70 They fought a long season, and that so neere, that some of them fought hande to hande. In this conflict, one of those of Angrongne, wrestled w^t a captaine of the enemies, strong and mighty, and cast him downe v∣pon the ground. Many of the souldiours were slayne, and many hurt. But of y^e Angronians there was but one slaine and an other hurt a little, which notwithstāding gaue not ouer to fight manfully. Then the souldiours seing the losse of their men, retired sodenly.

After that, the Lorde of Trinitie sent 2. Gentlemen of the Ualley of Luserne, to them of Angrongne, to fele them if they would come to any agreement. To whom answere was made, y^t they would stand to their first answer. From that time he sent very often, to entreate of the agreement: but what his meaning was, it myght well appeare. For when the pore people hoped for some agrement,* 2.71 they were most furiously assaulted. Upon this there was a day assig∣ned in the valley of Luserne to confer touching the agree∣ment, w^t certaine men pertaining to the Lord of Raconis, and the safe conduct was promised and graunted.

The night afore the ministers & rulers of Angrongne should take their iourny, they perceiued a company of sol∣dioures going vp a hill,* 2.72 by the which they of Angrongne should passe, & hid them in houses on the wayes side, thin∣king to take at vnwares them of Angrongne, which were sent to treat of the agrement. But they hauing intelligence of this conspiracy, watched and warded. It was an easie matter as diuers thought, that night to haue taken the L. of Trinity, and haue spoiled his whole campe. But they of Angrongne, and Luserne, woulde not execute thys enter∣prise,* 2.73 least thereby they shoulde offende God, and passe the boundes of their vocation, taking vpon them no more but to defend themselues.

At that time a pitifull case happened in the Medowe of Tour. The Lorde of Raconis seeming to be sorie for thys warre, sent into y^e medow of Tour, an honest man of Bri∣queras, named Fraunces of Billes, to take aduise, what meanes were best, to further the agreement. Who hauing consulted with the ministers and rulers, returned home∣ward that day according to his maisters commandement, and hauing sent backe one whiche conducted hym, was murdered soone after at the foote of Angrongne, by two of Angrongne, which otherwise seemed to be honest, and of good parentage. Soone after, one of the two which had cō∣mitted this facte, entred into the Medowe of Toure, and was immediately apprehended and boūd. He confessed the fact without any further delay. Immediately the other al∣so was taken.

The Waldoys were maruelously troubled & agreeued with this fact, and wrote to y^e Lorde of Raconis, declaring vnto him the whole circumstance of the facte, and that they had the offenders in warde, and that, if it would please him to send certaine to examine the matter, they for theyr part, wold so execute iustice in y^e punishment of them, that theyr innocency to all men shuld appeare. The lord of Raconis, wrote vnto them, y^t they should deliuer vnto hym y^e offen∣ders, and that he would do such iustice vppon them, as the cause required. To the which they of Angrongne aunswe∣red, that vpon three conditions, they shoulde be deliuered, according to his request. First▪ that the prisoners should be compelled to do nothing against their consciences,* 2.74 and as touching religion, nothing shuld be spokē vnto them, but out of the word of God. Secondly, that speedy and sharpe iustice should be executed vpon them: and y^t heereafter this should be no preiudice to y^e liberties and priuiledges of the people of Angrongne. The third, that the execution of thē should be vpon the borders of Angrongne, for an example to all other. This being accorded with one assent (yea w^t∣out contradiction of their parents) they sent them prison∣ners accompanied with 60. gunners, to the cōfines of Lu∣serne, and there deliuered them into the hands of the Lord of Raconis. This redounded to the great commendation of them of Angrongne.

After this the lord of Trinitie hauing left certaine gar∣risons about Angrongne, and the valley of Luserne: went to Perouse nere to the valley of S. Martine, to succour the garrison there, being in great danger, and there remained a moneth. During which time, they of Angrongne, and of the valley of Luserne, liued in more quietnesse then afore: but yet they were so afflicted, by reason of the scarcitie of vitailes, which sore pressed them, and namely those of the medowe of Toure, for they were spoyled of theyr vitailes.* 2.75 This poore people liued with milke and with herbes, ha∣uing very litle breade. But afterwardes, when they were euen like to be famished, God of his goodnesse, sent them better succour, both of corne & breade, then they had before. The enemies thought to haue taken the medow of Toure by famine: for they toke away the vitailes that were to be had in all places round about▪ Euery houshold was suffe∣red to haue no more then should sustein them that day, and that also was very litle: to the ende that they shuld not suc∣cour this poore people.

After that, the Lorde of Trinitie being returned from Perouse to Luserne,* 2.76 sent certaine to entreate of an agree∣ment, and required to common with some of the people. Then they began to consulte and deuise by al meanes, how they might come to some good agreement. But one Mon∣day being the 17. day of Aprill, by breake of day, he sent cer∣taine bandes of Spaniardes, which he had there, with the Garrison of Toure, to the mountaine of Tailleret, by the way which leadeth to the medow of Tour, on the South∣side. They murdered men, wemen and children of Taille∣ret, whome they founde in their beddes. Then they mar∣ched on along vpon the mountaine, towardes the medow of Tour. Anone after the people perceiued 2. other compa∣nies of souldiours marching by Angrongne, by 2. seuerall wayes, to assault the Medow of Toure. In the morning, assoone as they rose, they blewe their hornes, for they sawe the Spaniards already entred. When they had made theyr prayers, euery man ranne to meete the enemyes, some on the East side and the other on the Southe. They whyche firste resisted the Spaniardes (who were already paste the bulwarkes) were in the beginning but 12. Gunners, and a few other whom they caused to go vp to the hil, and rolle downe great stones. These 12. hauing founde a fitte place for their purpose to stay the Spanyardes, began to shoote of their harquebushes at them. The Spanyardes seeing themselues so sore assailed both aboue and beneathe,* 2.77 & the place so narrow and so straight, reculed backe, and retyred as fast as they coulde, by the same way, by the whiche they came. If they had taried a little longer, they had ben enclo∣sed betweene the two mountaines: whyche place was so strait that they coulde not haue escaped. The people chased them vnto their campe, which was at Toure.* 2.78 As they fled they founde often, some Fortes, where they did resiste for a litle while: but they were alway beaten out. In this com∣bate God gaue victorie to the poore Waldoys, wyth great slaughter of the Spanyards: where also very many of thē were sore hurt and wounded.

The sayd L. of Trinitie sent vnto the Spanyards, that they should not faint and giue ouer, but sticke to it like mē, and he woulde shortly send them succour: but they would not. Those of the Ualley of Luserne, hearing of thys con∣flict, came in the meane time, to helpe their neighboures. Amongest other, there was one slaine in that battaile, for whom the Lord of Trinity much lamented, saying that he would rather haue lost a whole band, then that man. The other 2. companies, whiche marched by Angrongne, per∣ceiuing the Spanyardes to be so beaten and put to flyght, & seing also those of y^e medow of Tour cōming to encoun∣ter w^t them, retired in hast. Upon that, the lord of Trinitie went to Cauors thre miles from Luserne, being in a great perplexitie: and as he was about to sende succoure to the Spanyards, he heard the sounde of a drumme aboue Lu∣serne, & suspected that there was an army of the Waldoys comming against him. Upon this diuers of the souldiors

fled away by the plaine, crying that all was lost. It was certainly reported,* 2.79 that if the Waldoys had pursued the ar∣mye, as they mighte easyly haue done, the campe had that day ben chased out of Luserne. The poore people lacked no courage so to do: for albeit they had neither eaten nor dron∣ken all that day before,* 2.80 & had sore trauelled and fought: yet they sayde, that if they had but a little refreshed themselues with a morsel of bread, and a glasse of wine, they durst take vpon them to enter into the campe of their enemies.

Within a few daies after, they of Angrongne were ad∣uertised by the L. of Trinities letters, that hee fully deter∣mined to cut down their trees and vines, and destroy their corne being on the ground. And furthermore, that 2. fortes should be builded at Angrongne. The day was assigned, & horsemen appoynted, with all spede to execute this mische∣uous enterprise. The poore people thought y^t they shuld be assailed as sore as euer they were, and fight as harde as e∣uer they did before.* 2.81 But God preuented this cruell attēpt. For the night afore that this should be executed, the lord of Trinitie receiued certaine letters from the Duke, which staied this enterprise. They of the medowe of Tour, being aduertised that the lord of Trinitie did now entend to send ordinance to beat downe the bulwarks which were made of stones: they made a bulwarke of earth, whyche was in compasse about 500. paces: which they might easily see frō Luserne. They of the medow of Tour told the lord of Tri∣nities men, that if they brought any artillery, they shoulde not so soone cary it away againe, and shortly the ordinance was sent backe againe.

About this season, the chief rulers and ministers of the Waldoys requested earnestly the Lord of Raconis, to pre∣sent a supplication which they had made to the Duchesse of Sauoy.* 2.82 For they had intelligence that she was sore offen∣ded y^t her subiects were so cruelly handled. In the whych supplication they declared the equitie of their cause, prote∣sting all due obedience to the duke their soueraigne Lord: and if it mighte be prooued by the pure worde of God that they held any error,* 2.83 they would with all humble submissi∣on, receiue correction and be reformed, humbly beseeching her grace to appease the displeasure which the Duke had cōceiued against them, by the vntrue surmises of theyr ad∣uersaries: and if there were any thing wherin they had of∣fended him, they most humbly craued his gracious pardō.

About this time the lord of Trinitye, by sicknes, was in great daunger of his life.* 2.84 Soone after the supplication was deliuered: the Duchesse sent an aunswer to the Waldoys, by the sayd Lorde of Raconis. The effect thereof was, that she had obteined of the Dukes grace all that they demaun∣ded in their supplication, vpon such conditions as the said lord Raconis would propound vnto them. But whē they vnderstoode that the sayd conditions were very rigorous, they sent an other supplication vnto the Duches,* 2.85 wherein they humbly besought her grace to be a meane that the said conditions and Articles might be moderated: which Arti∣cles here follow.

First, that they should banish their Ministers.

Secondly, that they shoulde receiue the Masse and other cere∣monies of the Romish church.

Thirdly, that they should pay a raunsome to the souldiours for certaine of their men which they had taken.

Fourthly, that they shoulde assemble and preache no more as they were wont to do.

Fifthly, that the Duke woulde make fortresses at his pleasure, in all that countrey, with other like things.

The people made humble request in this their last sup∣plication,* 2.86 that it would please the sayd Duches to geue the Duke her husband to vnderstand, how y^t these conditions were straunge and rigorous. And as for their partes, al∣though they had good triall of their ministers, y^t they were good men and fearing God, of sounde doctrine, of good life & honest conuersation, yet neuerthelesse they were conten∣ted so to do, if he woulde geue leaue to some of them to re∣maine: requesting this, that it might be permitted vnto thē to chuse some other good Ministers in their places, before they departed, least that their Churches shoulde remaine without Pastors.

* 2.87Concerning the Masse, and other Ceremonies of the church of Rome, if the duke should cause them to be mini∣stred in their parishes, they neither wold, nor could with∣stand the same, and for their part, they would do no iniurie or violence to those that should minister them or be present therat: notw^tstanding they besought him, that they myght not be constrained to be present thēselues, at the ministra∣tiō thereof, or to pay any thing to the maintenaunce of the same, or els to yelde either fauour or consent thereunto.

As touching the raunsome which was demaunded of them for their prisoners, considering the extreme pouertie that they were in, and the great calamities and damages whiche they had suffred, it was to them a thing vnpossible. Yea if his highnes wer truly informed what losse they had susteined, by burning, spoiling and sacking of their houses and goods, without all mercy or pity, he wold not only re∣quire of them no suche thing, but as a gracious and merci∣full Prince, he would succour and supporte them, that they might be able to maintaine their poore families, whome they nourished (as they were bound to do) to the seruice of God, and their said Lord and Prince: and therfore they de∣sired that it mighte please him that their poore brethren re∣maining in captiuitie and prisone, and such as were sent to the galleis for the profession of their religion, might spede∣ly be deliuered and set at libertie.

As for their assembles and preachings, they were con∣tēted that they should be kept only amongst themselues, in their accustomed places and in other Ualleys aforesayde, where any assemble of the faithfull shoulde be, which were desirous to heare the preaching of the Gospell.

Touching y^e Fortresses, for as much as by those which were already made, they had suffered great molestations and troubles as well concerning their goods, as also their religion: they were assured that if he should build vp newe Fortes, they shoulde neuer be able to abide the troubles, miseries, and calamities, that would folow therupon, and therfore they most humbly desired the sayde Duchesse to be so good and gracious vnto them, as to obteine of the Duke that he would accept their persons in the steade of Fortes: and that, seeing those places were by nature and of them∣selues strong and wel fortified, it mighte please theyr sayde lord the duke, to receiue them into his protection and saue∣garde: and by the grace and assistance of God, they would serue him them selues for suche Walles, and Forts, that he should not neede to builde any other. And because many of those which dwelt neare about them, had robbed & spoiled them, not onely of their housholde goodes and such other thinges, but also driuen away their cattell: that it myghte please him to geue them leaue to recouer the sayde goodes, by the way of Iustice, and to buy againe that whyche the souldiers had sold, and that for the same price, for the which it was solde.

Briefly, they also besought their said Lorde, y^t it myght please him to be so gratious vnto them, as to graunt them a confirmation of al their franchises, immunities, and pri∣uileges, as well generall, as particular, geuen vnto them as well by him, as by his predecessours: and likewise of those which, as well they, as their anciters had bought of their Lordes, and to receiue them as hys most humble and obedient subiects, into his protection and safegarde.

And because in time past, in the stede of good and spedie Iustice, all iniquitie was committed by those that had the administration of iustice in their Ualleis: and for as much as their purses were emptied & punished rather then the malefactours: that it might please him to geue order that such iustice might be done amongst them, wherby the wic∣ked might be punished with all seueritie, and the innocent defended and maintained in their right.

Finally, forasmuch as diuers of this poore people (be∣ing astonished at the comming of the army, & fearing least they should not onely be spoyled of all theyr goods, but also they with their wiues and children, be vtterly destroyed) made promise against their consciences, to liue accordynge to the traditions of the church of Rome:* 2.88 they were marue∣lously troubled and tormēted in spirit, and did nothing but languish in that distresse. Wherfore they humbly besought the sayde Duches to take pity vpon them, & to obtaine that they might not be compelled to do any thing against their conscience: and moreouer, that it might please the Duke to permit them, to liue in libertie and freedome of conscience: also, that all theyr poore brethren, banished for the cause of Religion, might returne home to their houses: and that al confiscations and penalties made against them, myghte be abolished. And for their part they promised to geue all due reuerence and honour to God and his holy worde, and to be true and faithfull subiects to theyr Lorde & Prince. Yea more then any other. Underneath the sayde supplication, there was wrytten:

Your faithfull and humble subiects, the poore afflicted of the Ualleys of Lu∣serne, Angrongne, S. Martin, and Perouse, and generally all the peo∣ple of the Waldois, which inhabite the countrey of Primont.

After that this supplication was viewed & read of the sayd Duchesse, she so persuaded with the Duke, that aun∣swer was made with these conditions declared in these ar∣ticles following.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Persecution in the valley of An∣grongne, Luserne, S. Martin, Perouse, in Piedmont.
• * 1.2

  The iust hād of God vpon Iohn Martin, a persecutor.
• * 1.3

  Barthel∣mew a Bookebin∣der martyr.
• * 1.4

  The Presi∣dent of S. Iulian and other, sent to the An∣grongnians.
• * 1.5

  Note here how the Papistes play the A∣••abaptistes.
• * 1.6

  Example of good prayer
• * 1.7

  The President confounded at the poore mans aunswere.
• * 1.8

  The people would not kneele to pray to our Ladye.
• * 1.9

  The people of Angrongne threatned with destruction.
• * 1.10

  The Angrong∣nians desired to be tryed by the word of God.
• * 1.11

  The Syndiques were as Shrieues Coun∣cellers or Ad∣uocates.
• * 1.12

  The Articles & confession of the Angrongnians exhibited, to the President.
• * 1.13

  Their Interro∣gatories.
• * 1.14

  Their aunswers to the Interro∣gatories. Masse.
• * 1.15

  1. Iohn. 1.
• * 1.16

  Iere. 4. Esa. 43.
• * 1.17

  Auricular con∣fession.
• * 1.18

  Baptisme.
• * 1.19

  1. Cor. 14.
• * 1.20

  The manner of burials.
• * 1.21

  Obedience to mens traditions.
• * 1.22

  Councells not to be preferred before Gods word.
• * 1.23

  Galat. 1.
• * 1.24

  Councells not kept of the Pa∣pistes in many poyntes.
• * 1.25

  Disputatiō required.
• * 1.26

  For the an∣tiquity of these Wal∣doys, see before pag.
• * 1.27

  Turkes and Iewes finde more fauor with the Papistes, then the true Chris∣tians.
• * 1.28

  A breathing time geuen of God to the Ang••o∣nians.
• * 1.29

  Persecution againe be∣ginneth a∣gainst the Angroniās.
• * 1.30

  The Angro∣niās require triall by Gods word.
• * 1.31

  The An∣gronians re∣quired to bring in their mini∣sters and Schoole∣masters.
• * 1.32

  Proclama∣tion made at Angrōg∣ne.
• * 1.33

  The Ger∣mans make supplication for the An∣gronians.
• * 1.34

  Geffray Varialla Martyr.
• * 1.35

  A notable example of a good hangman.
• * 1.36

  The Pope stirreth vp the Duke of Sauoy a∣gainst the Angroniās.
• * 1.37

  Mathurin & his wife Iohn de Carquignan, Martyrs.
• * 1.38

  Persecution be∣ginnerh in the Valleys.
• * 1.39

  The Minister of Meane, Martyr.
• * 1.40

  Gods secret iudgements vpō them that shrinke from his truthe.
• * 1.41

  Cruell persecu∣tors. Thomas Iaco∣mell a cruell A∣postata.
• * 1.42

  The rigorous handling of the Waldoys.
• * 1.43

  Martyrs.
• * 1.44

  The cruell Monkes of Pig∣neroll.
• * 1.45

  Martirs.
• * 1.46

  Charles Trut∣chet and Boni∣face, his brother, two cruel perse∣cuters.
• * 1.47

  A minister of Calabria burnt.
• * 1.48

  Gods people rescued.
• * 1.49

  A minister of the Valley of Ren∣claret, taken and wounded.
• * 1.50

  False cōplaintes brought to the Duke▪ against the Waldoys.
• * 1.51

  What cruell re∣port••r•• doe.
• * 1.52

  The iuste iudgement of God vpō the Tru∣chets, so cruelly ver∣ing, spoy∣ling and ac∣cusing of these poore Waldoys.
• * 1.53

  By what meanes the Chrystians in tymes past, haue appeased the fury of Pagane princes.
• * 1.54

  The An∣gronians send forth three sup¦plication.
• * 1.55

  The confes∣sion of the Angronians sent to the Pope.
• * 1.56

  Demaundes put to the Angronians,
• * 1.57

  The An∣gronians deny to put away their ministers.
• * 1.58

  The Monks of Pignerol cruel against the Angro∣nians.
• * 1.59

  The mini∣ster of S. Germain betrayed & taken.
• * 1.60

  Barbarous cruelty shewed a∣gainst the good mini∣ster of S. Germain.
• * 1.61

  Two womē compel••ed to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fa∣gots to burne their pastor.
• * 1.62

  Whether it be lawfull for the per∣secuted peo∣ple of christ to stand to their owne defence.
• * 1.63

  Mirabilia Dei.
• * 1.64

  Victory of the Ang••o¦nians ouer their ene∣mies.
• * 1.65

  The commaun∣der of S. Antho∣ny sent to An∣grongne.
• * 1.66

  Missa falsly de∣riued out of the Hebrue.
• * 1.67

  Disputation a∣bout the Masse.
• * 1.68

  The poore inha∣bitants of the valley of Lu∣serne, taken pri∣soners.
• * 1.69

  The Coūcell of Cōstāce geueth leane to breake promyse with al such as they take to be heretickes.
• * 1.70

  Nothing proued by the worde of God against the waldoys.
• * 1.71

  Barabas deliue∣red, and Christ pursued.
• * 1.72

  Deliberation a∣mong the Wal∣dois how to de∣fend, and how not to defend themselues.
• * 1.73

  Whether sub∣iects for religiō, may stand to their owne defence.
• * 1.74

  The Angronyās refuse to heare masse.
• * 1.75

  The determina∣tion & answere of the Angro∣nians, was falsi∣fied.
• * 1.76

  Open procclamatiō a∣gainst An∣grongne.
• * 1.77

  Senachar••b flyeth from the face of Israell.
• * 1.78

  The prayer of the An¦gronian.
• * 1.79

  A combat•• betweene the Lorde of trinity, & the Waldo∣ys.
• * 1.80

  Beholde the polecye of this pore people.
• * 1.81

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.82

  Gods secret in ••••ement in helping his and pu∣nishing his enemies.
• * 1.83

  A crafty mes••a••e of the Lord of Trinitie, to the Angro∣nians.
• * 1.84

  The Angro∣nians aun∣swere to the message.
• * 1.85

  The towne of Vellers assaulted.
• * 1.86

  The towne of Taille∣ret assaul∣ted.
• * 1.87

  God geueth victory to his seruants.
• * 1.88

  The iust reward vpon the Lords enemies.
• * 1.89

  Gastaut a false brother.
• * 1.90

  Deepe dissimu∣lation in a crafty Papist.
• * 1.91

  The Dutches, a fauourer of the Angronians.
• * 1.92

  A combate be∣tweene the An∣gronians & the persecutors.
• * 1.93

  The crafty dissi∣mulation of the Lord of Trinity.
• * 1.94

  Beholde the double dealing and dissimulatiō of the Papistes to bring their wi••k••d purpose to passe.
• * 2.1

  The supplicatiō of the Angroni∣ans to their Duke.
• * 2.2

  A lawfull re∣quest of the An∣gronians to lyue after Gods word.
• * 2.3

  The wretched dealing of the Lord of Trinity, against them of Tailleret.
• * 2.4

  The Papis•••• false brea∣kers of pro∣mise made.
• * 2.5

  Example of Gods mar∣uelous pro∣tection, for hys seruant•• in tyme of neede.
• * 2.6

  The Village of Ta••••leret sacked, and spoyled.
• * 2.7

  The crueltie of Papiste••.
• * 2.8

  Two womē the mother and the daughter Martyrs.
• * 2.9

  The grand∣father & hys nyce dyed Martyrs.
• * 2.10

  A wicked persecuter killed with stones.
• * 2.11

  The poore Waldoys pressed at 16. thousād crownes.
• * 2.12

  The Papists false of pro∣mise.
• * 2.13

  The care of the Waldois for their ministers.
• * 2.14

  Gods pro∣uidence for his mini∣sters.
• * 2.15

  Marke here the faire pretence & trayterous meaning of the Lord of Trynitye, which by & by after, see∣••••th the death of this good Minister.
• * 2.16

  The minister of Angrōgne pur∣sued of the soul∣diers.
• * 2.17

  The minister•• house spoyled.
• * 2.18

  40 houses in Angrongne spoyled.
• * 2.19

  Gods holy pro∣tection in sauing his seruant.
• * 2.20

  Two rulers of Angrongne beaten almost to death for not kneeling to the Masse.
• * 2.21

  Cruelty shewed for kindnes.
• * 2.22

  Note how God did blesse his seruantes stan∣ding in their owne defence.
• * 2.23

  Two Martyrs of Angrongne.
• * 2.24

  Note againe how God bles∣seth his people, stāding to their defence, against the bloudy Pa∣pistes.

  Two Martyrs. A barbarous kinde of to••ment vsed, agaynst a Martyr of the Lo••d called O∣dul Gemet, by ••he cruell Pa∣pistes.
• * 2.25

  Be wise lyke Serpentes.
• * 2.26

  The messengers of the Angroni∣ans cruelly en∣treated.
• * 2.27

  A new cōmaun∣dement to the Angronians, to goe to masse.
• * 2.28

  Gods assistance in time of neede.
• * 2.29

  The people of Pyemo•••• brought in∣to great dis∣tres.
• * 2.30

  Images and altars brokē downe in the Church of Boby.
• * 2.31

  Images and altars cast downe in the Church of Villars.
• * 2.32

  God geueth victorye to his seruants.
• * 2.33

  An other combat be∣tweene the Waldois & their ene∣mies.
• * 2.34

  The iust hād of God vpon his e∣nemies. Note how the Mini¦sters of the Gospell promise to their ene∣mies & per∣forme, doing good fore∣••ill.
• * 2.35

  The For∣tresse gott••▪ by the An∣gronians.
• * 2.36

  God com∣pelleth his ••eruantes to defēd their religion by force.
• * 2.37

  An other combat be∣tweene the Lord of Tri∣nity and the Angronyās. God geueth victory a∣gayne to his people.
• * 2.38

  An other fighte be∣tweene the Lorde of Trinity and the Angro∣nians.
• * 2.39

  A notable miracle of God in kee∣ping the tē∣ples of the Gospell frō burning.
• * 2.40

  Note againe the secret worke of God. Vnkindenes to parentes, rightly re∣warded.
• * 2.41

  The me∣dowe of Tour, described.
• * 2.42

  The enemies againe dri∣uen backe.
• * 2.43

  The poore Christians rūne through the pickes.
• * 2.44

  The Angroniās with their yoūg infantes, flie into the mountaines.
• * 2.45

  The Waldoys a∣gayne assaulted by the Lorde of Trinity.
• * 2.46

  The wicked fly∣eth when no man pursueth hym.
• * 2.47

  The persecutors pursued.
• * 2.48

  Gods people fight with pray∣er.
• * 2.49

  The courage of Gods people a∣gainst their ene∣mies.
• * 2.50

  A conflict be∣tweene the An∣gronians and the enemies.
• * 2.51

  The maruelous workes of the Lord.
• * 2.52

  Dauid with his s••ing killeth Goliath.
• * 2.53

  The crueltye of this wretched Truchet agaynst this pore people, appeareth be∣fore in this story.
• * 2.54

  God figh∣teth for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 people.
• * 2.55

  Pharaos hart yet re∣maineth in∣durate.
• * 2.56

  The Wal∣doys againe driue their enemyes backe.
• * 2.57

  God geueth victorye by the handes of a fewe.
• * 2.58

  The ene∣mies 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.59

  The An∣gronians helpe their fellowes.
• * 2.60

  The perse∣cutors put to flight.
• * 2.61

  The An∣groniās fall to prayer.
• * 2.62

  The proud threates of Amman.
• * 2.63

  The Bul∣warke man∣fully defen∣ded.
• * 2.64

  Behold the Ar∣tillary of this simple people, & with what wea∣pōs they fought.
• * 2.65

  The Lord of Trinitye with his army, driuen backe.
• * 2.66

  The papistes astonished and dismayde on e∣uery side, by the wonderfull iudgement of God.
• * 2.67

  Gods people a∣uoyde the shed∣ding of bloud.
• * 2.68

  God fighteth for his people.
• * 2.69

  Onely 14. of all the Waldoys slaine in all these conflictes.
• * 2.70

  An other skir∣mishe betweene the enemies and the Angrōgniās.
• * 2.71

  Note the prac∣tise of Papistes.
• * 2.72

  Behoulde how this traiterous Trynitye whiles he pretendeth an agreement, goeth about to destroy these poore men.
• * 2.73

  Dauid spareth king Saule.
• * 2.74

  The iust dealing of the An∣grongnians.
• * 2.75

  Scarsenes of vitaile a∣mong the Angrōgni∣ans. Gods mercy toward his people.
• * 2.76

  Note how thys bloudy wretch pro∣tending a∣greement, peace, and quietnes: immedyatly seeketh the destruction of this poore people. The people of Tailleret cruelly murdered of the Spany∣ardes. The trum∣petts of the Waldoys.
• * 2.77

  The Spany∣ardes beaten backe.
• * 2.78

  God geueth victory to the Waldois against the Spanyardes.
• * 2.79

  God taketh the 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 2.80

  God geueth co••••age to the poore Waldoys.
• * 2.81

  The mis∣chieuous purpose of Trynitye, stayed by the prouidence of God.
• * 2.82

  The Wal∣doys send a supplication to the Du∣chesse.
• * 2.83

  The Wal∣doys offer to be iudged by the word of God.
• * 2.84

  The Lord of Trinyty sore sicke.
• * 2.85

  An other supplycatyō sent to the Duchesse.
• * 2.86

  The suppli∣catyō to the Duchesse.
• * 2.87

  The condi∣tiōs where∣••••to the Waldoys did agree & consent.
• * 2.88

  Tormēt of con∣science in sliding from the truth.