Memorabilia mundi, or, Choice memoirs of the history and description of the world by G.H.

FRANCE.

IN so great a multitude, we must look to find as much variety of Customs and Dispositions. It was the report of Caesar long since, and seconded by late Authours, that the French for the most part are of a fiery spirit for the first on∣set in any Action, but will soon Flag; They desire change of Fortunes, and passe not greatly whether to better or worse: Their Women very Jocund, of a voluble tongue, and as free of their speech, Complemental to strangers, and win more by their wit than their beauty, one and tother are great enticers of mens affections: Their Nobility have been reported to be liberal, but I sup∣pose that fashion is now worn out, for so it hath been noted in diverse, which

respect their purse more than their ho∣nour, and let pass the Service and De∣serts of worthy persons unrewarded, as if their gracious acceptance were a sufficient return of thanks for any Office a man can do them: They are practised to this garbe by their Peasantry▪ whom they reckon but as slaves, and command as their proper Servants, which the poor snakes take as a favour and are glad to be employed by their betters, that by their protection they may stand free from the injury of their equals. For the meanest of them are cruel, and af∣fect to oppresse their adversary, either by open violence or suit in Law, though to their own Ruine. They are very rea∣dy to take Arms, and serve in defence of King and Country, they need no more Press than the stroke of Drum, but are as rash in their atchievements; they will not wait upon Councel, but run as far on, as upon their strength they may, and when they find that fails, they will as soon give ground.

Aquitania. In this Province was fought the great Battel betwixt our Black Prince and John of France; where, with eight thousand he vanquished forty thousand, took the King Prisoner and his son Philip, 70 Earls, 50 Barons, and 1••000 Gentlemen.

Normandy; where our William the Conqueror was Duke. It was lost from his Successors in the time of King John: Her chief Cities are Roan, and Cane, memorable for the Siege of our English Henry the Fifth, and Verveille, Besieged by Philip the second of France, in the time of our Richard the First. Which when the King heard as he sate in his Pallace at Westminster (it is said) he sware he would never turn his back to France, till he had his revenge; and to make good his Oath, brake through the Walls, and justly performed his threat upon the Besieger.