The civil wars of France, during the bloody reign of Charls the Ninth

CHAP. V.

The Contents.

THe Protestants gallant Resolutions; Both parties arm; Queen Elizabeth aids the Protestants. The protestants take several towns; the Armies face one another, but ingage not; the Battel at Brisac, where the Prince of Con∣de is slain; the Prince of Navar, and Prince of Conde, chosen Generalls of the protestant Army; the Admirall and whole Army swears subjection to these two young Princes; the Queen of Navar coins money to pay the protestant Ar∣my; the Princes and Admiral draw their Ar∣my into Garrisons; the Kings army sits down before Cognac, but are valiantly repulsed; they take Mucidan, put all to the Sword, but lost Count Brisac; the Duke Deux Pont, with 14. thousand, marches to join with the Princes, but dies himself by the way. The Pope sends Forces to ayd the King; Both armies engage; the Kings Army retires to Garrisons; the Princes take in Chastelrault, and Lusignan Town and Castle; they lay siege to the great City Poictiers; the Kings forces besiege La Charite, but leave it after the loss of many brave Gentlemen and Commanders; the Duke of Anjou besieges Cha∣stelrault, but after great loss leaves it; the young Duke of Guise advances to Court, and his Fa∣thers place at once; the Cabinet Council meets; the Armies ingage in a bloody Battel; the Kings

Army besieges Angeli, but receives a gallant shock of a resolute defence by that brave Com∣mander Monsieur de Pilles, and at last yielded honourably; the Kings Army disbands; the pro∣testants increase, and are Masters of the field. The King summons his forces together and gives the command to Marshall de Coss; the King, Queen Mother, and Cabinet Council, plot to linck a peace, and the Protestants ruin together; the protestants at all times willing to embrace a peace; the end of the third Civil War; the K. and Queen Mother speed Messengers to the prin∣ces and Admiral to make way for a peace; they yield to imbrace a treaty, the King propounds for both armies to join against a foreign Enemy; A firm peace concluded with free liberty of the Edict. Several protestant Princes congratulate the King for his happy peace; the King subscribes to keep the Edict; the Armies dismissed; the peace not fully observed; the King with the Council plot destruction; the King and Court feed the pro∣testants with favours to make them the easier to swallow their own ruin, and his love together; the King dissembles with the Princes in shewing a dislike to the Catholick party; the prince of O∣range, and his Brother offer the King of France their assistance against the King of Spain, and is accepted; the Count of Nassaw. disguised goes to the King; the King invites the Admiral to Court; the Duke of Guise, and Cardinal Lor∣rain, depart the Court, the better to allure the Princes and Admiral to their Ruin; the Prince of Orange takes the Spaniards slips; the King propounds his Sister the Lady Margaret in mari∣age with the Prince of Navar; the Popes Em∣bassadour arrives at the Court; the Kings plot

to surprize Rochel; the King pronounces the Ad∣miral not guilty; many protestants at Roan mur∣thered; the Admirall perswaded of the Kings Reality by a Letter under his own Hand and Seal.

NOw begins the third bloody War, where∣in the Protestants solemnly covenanted together, so to cleave fast one to another, so to knit themselves firmly together in their affecti∣ons and resolutions, as no future transactions should, with the help of God ever make them to forget, or forsake, the cause of God concerned in the Protestant Religion, but resolutely to maintain it, to the loss of their lives, and all that was dear to them.

Hereupon the King arms amain, so also the Princes and Admiral, who send out a fleet of thirty sail for Provision for the Army to supply them for the ensuing Winter. The Queen of Navar also endeavours all she can for their aid and assistance.

Queen Elizabeth of blessed memory, sent o∣ver to their aid one hundred thousand Crowns, besides ships of Corn and Ammunition. A thing to be treasured up in the remembrance of her lasting fame.

The Prince and Admiral advance with their Army, and soon levels the force of many strong Towns to their power, in taking them in, and so become Masters of the Field. At length both Armies meet, yet no battel, in regard of the cold season: neither Army would fight, but on advantage, which would be given by neither.

The Winter being now past, in the year

1569. the Armies engage at Battel at Brisac the 16. of March, wherein the Prince of Con∣de was wounded, and his horse shot under him, yet did valiantly defend himself on his knees, in the midst of his Enemies, but at last was slain. On the Kings side was slain the Duke of Monsalez, whom de Andelot the Admirals Brother, charged so furiously, that with his bridle hand, he lifted up the Bever of his Hel∣met, and discharged his Pistol in his face, and so laid him dead on the ground. Great was the slaughter on both sides, of Gentry especial∣ly, wherein the Protestants were worsted by the Catholiques comming upon part of their Army in full bodies, which unfortunately was scattered by their too great security, and sudden approach of the Kings, yet their demeanor in the fight was such, that the Kings Army had reason to bewail their great loss, and admire their Enemies valour; and undoubtedly in outward appearance, had the body been en∣tire, and both encountred on equal advanta∣tages, the day was generally believed would have been otherwise; for the Horse only was engaged, but the foot never came to any service, but secured themselves in a body. And thus died that brave Prince of Conde; exceedingly commended for virtue and valour, and asmuch bewailed for his loss.

After this Battel the Protestants rallie their Forces, and by a General choice of the Army, Henry Prince of Navar, and Henry Son to the deceased Prince of Conde, were both elected Generals of the Protestant Army.

The Prince of Navar was of a noble and gallant Spirit, full of Urbanity and Civil

courtesie; of a Warlike courage, and being na∣turally given to valourous and heroick actions, he embraces this courteous invitation, and like a Souldier of a long standing (being but fifteen or sixteen years old) he lengthned their hopeful expectations by a short & pithy speech, wherein He promised to protect the true Religion, and to persevere constantly in defence of the common-cause, till death or victory proved the Issue.

Now to ballance this Royal assent, and Christian magnanimity of so tender a Sprout of virtue, the Admiral, and Count de la Roch∣fou-caut, first submitted, and swore fidelity; then followed the principal Officers, and Sol∣diers, in joint Resolutions to order their steps after his Royal commands, and the religious ends proposed in his Speech. All of the Army protesting fidelity to the Princes of Bourbon: And thus with a volley of applause was this Gallant young Prince elected General of the Army, and Protector of the Protestants, whose yeers were far younger than his wise conduct of affairs, in whom it was hard to say whether his resolution, valor and wisdom, or youth was more perspicuous, for he seemed, as if nature, which accomplishes others by degrees, had finished him in a trice. He was no sooner come to his Horizon, but his deserts lifted him up to his Meridian.

The Queen of Navar, mother to this virtu∣ous Prince, approved well of their choice, and his acceptance; so that she sharpned all their resolutions by her couragious assistance of the Protestants.

She was a religious Queen, in whom resided much virtue and constancy to a good cause, Wherefore she caused monies to be coined with her picture on one side, and the Princes on the other, with these words.

Pax Certa, Victoria Integra, Mors Honesta. A Motto becoming her noble Spirit. Thus they fall to consultation how to order the Army, with the best prudence; they resolve to divide and draw into Garrisons, so also does the King.

So the Princes and Admiral retire to Saint Jean D' Angeli, Brave Monsieur de Pilles defen∣ded Xaintes; Montgomery and Puviant take charge of Anglolesm, Ienlis commands with a strong garrison in Londun, and Monsieur d' A∣ciere, with seven thousand foot, and six thou∣sand horse, remains at Cognac, where the late Battel was fought.

Hereupon the Kings Army under command of the Duke of Anjou, attempted to sit down be∣fore Cognac, but the continud valor in their often sallies, amaz'd the enemy to a retreat. The Army thus forced to leave Cognac, layes siege to Mu∣cidan, where the Count of Brisac on the Kings side was slain, yet the Town was taken, and not only Souldiers but all Inhabitants suffered the rage of a bloody Sword, and inveterate E∣nemy.

To the assistance of the Princes and Admi∣ral advances the Duke of Deux-Ponts. with an Army of fourteen thousand, in which Ar∣my

my was VVilliam of Nassaw, Prince of O∣range, with Lewis and Henry his Brothers; in their march it pleases God the Duke the General died by the way, and so the Charge of the Ar∣my was committed to the Lieutenant General, Count Volrade of Mansfield, Three daies after the Armies meet with great joy on both sides.

The Pope mean while assists the Catho∣licks with four thousand foot, and eight hun∣dred horse, commanded by Paulo Sforza; the Duke of Tuscany sent also to their assistance a thousand foot, and two hundred horse; The Duke of Alva sends three thousand VValloons and three hundred Flemish; but Gods just judgments followed their insolent carriages, for such Miseries, wants, and sicknesses followed them, that by the way abundance died.

On the 23. day of June 2569. both Armies approach neer together, and next morning by break of day the Princes fell on Strozzi's quar∣ter, who was Col General of the Infantry, who were all routed, and he taken Prisoner; there was slain S. Loup, and Rogucleauz Lieutenants to Strozzi, twenty two Captains, and 350 of their best Souldiers; on the Protestants side was slain in all 150.

The Prince of Navar commanded the other part of the Army, and charged the Enemy to their quarter, with a great deal of manly cou∣rage, beyond expectation, himself charging in the front of his Army. Which was so much the more remarkable, in regard danger at first seems most terrible, so that they that beheld this valour, had their senses lifted up with ad∣mination, and the whole Army puffed up with

expectation, that the world would be filled with the renown of his actions.

And so after a little skirmishing, they both withdrew. Hereupon the Duke of Anjou, see∣ing little hopes of overcoming the Invincible manhood, and great power of the Protestants, he dismisses the Nobility, and settles most part of the Army in Garrisons till the first of Octo∣ber, against which time all was ordered to be in readiness to appear.

The Prince and Admiral advance with their Army, and take in the Town of Castelrault, and enter in the King of Navars name, by whose authority, as first Prince of the Blood, all things were dispatched.

They speedily advance to Lusignan, and ta∣king the Town, laie siege to the Castle, which though impregnable for strength, yet could not withstand the battering assaults of their valour; so was forced to yield on conditions; marching with flying colours.

The Articles being as faithfully performed as promised, which though according to Justice, yet contrary to the Catholiques constant practice; which was a great dishonor to their Army, and whole nation.

Speedily after they march and lay siege to the Strong City of Poictiers, a City of the great∣est Circuit of any in France, except Paris; be∣ing the Head of the adjoining Provinces, and where all the wealth and treasure of the Catho∣liques in the Country was brought for security. The Duke of Guise, enters with a party to de∣fend the City, and after strong assaults, and much loss on both sides, the Admiral falls sick with continual care and pains to prosecute the

siege to a conquest, so they rise with their Army, and leave the place.

Now the Kings forces under the command of Monsieur de Sansat, laie siege to La Charite, and after a sharp assault, and stout resistance, with the loss of many gallant Gentlemen, they were forced to leave it, being kept by a resolute and valiant commander Monsciur de Guerchy, Cornet to the Admirals own company of Gens d' Arms, whom we shall afterwards find basely murthered.

The Duke of Anjou not able to raise the siege of Poictiers, did in the mean while lay siege to Chastelrault (a place but lately taken by the Protestants) but finding a stiff resistance by their valour, were forced to tetire with the loss of Fabiano del Monte, commander of the Tus∣can Forces, with two hundred fifty Souldiers, and many Gentlemen; The Admiral advan∣cing to their relief; the Duke was forced next day to march away, and lodge his Army at Sello.

The Duke of Guise about this time goes to Court, and for his faithfullnesse to the Catho∣lick cause was admitted to his fathers place, and to the Cabinet councill; this Councill now meets again to consult of the affaires of the Kingdome; at last concludes to draw their forces together, and fight the Princes Army, which although the Prince was on disad∣vantage, yet they resolved unanimously the fight the Catholicks.

After sundry skirmishes and sharp encoun∣ters, the Armies both meet the beginning of October, when first the Prince of Navar with ample and Christian Speeches, recommen∣ded

to them all the cause of Religion and Li∣berty; now they engage first with terrible thun∣dering of Cannons, and much slaughter, but they presently close and fall on with wonder∣full fury, the horse and foot being strangely mixed together in the heat of the Battle, nay such was the heat of their valour on both sides, that the very common attendants of the Ar∣mies, such as Sucklers, Boyes, Pioneers, were deeply engaged for either party; And herein the Admirall acted so much of his wonted valour, that he shewed himself a va∣liant Soldier, and couragious Conductor; for with a furious assault and fixed resolution in the head of his cavalry he charges the Rein-grave, and though the Admirall had re∣ceived a shot in the cheek with a Pistoll, yet discharged his Pistoll in the Rein-graves face, and there layes him dead on the place, and fought valiantly, allthough the blood from his wound did fill his Gorget, and run down his male. At last the Protestants Army being worn out with a tedious march, was forced to retreat, and with the Prince, the Count of Nassaw, Count Volrade, all which without any disorder meet that night at Partenay.

After this bloody Battel, the King, Queen Mother, and Duke of Anjow, sit down before St. Iean d'Angeli which was kept by that famous & renouned commander Armand Sieur de Pilles, whose same spread it self through∣out all France by his stout resistance of the Kings power, and valorous keeping of the place, for against the continuall assaults of the whole Army, his brave Soldiers kept it for two months, and one time in this seige a truce was

made, that if in certain dayes relief came not, they should yeeld on conditions: the day comes, and St. Severin with forty horse deceives by policy the sentinells, and Kings Army, and as friends passe all to the relief of the Place. After many bloody assaults and great loss to the Kings Army, the place not able any long∣er to continue, did at last deliver up on honourable rearms; To depart with their Goods, Arms, Horses, and ensignes displaied; and for four months should not carry armes in defence of the Protestant religion. But as Monseiur de Piles made his seige famous, so the Catholicks made themselves infamous, by his Majesties breach of faith given; for as they advance to receive the articles of the Kings promise, and their own deserts, they are spoyled of Armes, Apparell, and Monies, rob their baggage, take away their Horses, and spoil their Men.

Nay a Regiment quartered at St. Jultan halfe a League off, under the command of Sarrien, fals on, Beats, Kills, Murthers, and destroyes many, casts some into the River, and he that can make a safe escape to Angou∣lesme is happy, though he have nothing else but his shirt. Whereupon Mounseiur Piles was freed from his engagement by a non-performance of the Kings promise. The King lost at this seige, Sebastian of Luxembourg, Duke of Martignes, and governour of Brittain; five thousand can∣nons shot spent, ten thousand men of War lost, twenty five or thirty Commissaries of the artillery which was slain in their charge; many crept away from the Army, and such hot service, insomuch that the Camp decreased eighteen or twenty thousand men.

In the year 1570, for many reasons, and af∣ter much consultation had, the King did re∣solve to disband his army, which accordingly was don.

Now the Protestants labour to gather Strength, by the Industrious pains of the most incomparable Prince of Navar, (who pas∣sing the expectation of his age) presently Armes the nobility and others in those partes, on whom his father the King of Navar had great influence, by reason of their near allian∣ces, and neighbour hood: whereby the Princes Army was now again got to such a degree of strength, That they were masters of the field.

The King seeing things go contrary to his desire and expectation, summons his Army together, and in regard the Duke of Anjou was sick, the charge of the Army was delivered to Marshall de Cosse; the Armies never came so neer as to give battel, but often skirmishing, and little likelhiood there was for the King to conquer the Protestants by force; which o∣pinion, as it was grounded on good reason, so was it increased by newes which came to the Court, that Prince Casimir was raising new forces for aid of the Protestant Princes, which indeed put the Catholicks in a great doubt and fear of any success against them

Now begins the bloody game, for the King, Queen Mother, Duke of Anjon, and Cardinall of Lorrain, meets privately together, and ac∣cording to their disposition, and custome, fall a ploting, holding it the best way (when they could not mend it) to think of accommodation, and giving liberty to the Protestants; Who might better have enjoyed it by war than by

peace, as the Issue proved. If it had pleased the Lord to discover the inside of their treachery, which, though fatal to the poor Protestants, yet so dishonourable to the King of France, and the French Nation, that it cannot but draw down Gods just Judgements upon them.

The secret Council thought this way of peace might be the quickest, and safest way to their designs of destroying the Protestants, better than by War; for if they could cut off the chief sup∣porters of the Protestant cause, the rest would follow; and so they aim at an opportunity to gain a peaceable (though bloody) access to their persons, which in time of War their Sword could not reach; so by this means, hoping to cut off the Root, the Branches would wither; Indeed it had been well if it had fallen out that the branches had naturally withered; but ah! sad and doleful, we shall see a horrid and bloody Tragedy, which will astonish any heart but flint, to hear and read this sad and miserable story; and truly it makes my heart bleed to think of the sad cruelties and unparalleld mas∣sacres of Gods people.

And now they discover their Inclinations to peace, which they knew at all times would gladly be embraced, and acceptably welcom to the Protestants, if covered with Liberty and Lives, the things they only desired. For if they had delighted in any thing but Allegiance, or fought for any thing but liberty, they would not now incline to peace in the midst of their unlimitted power; but poor souls, they had been far more happy if they had dyed like men in Warr, than murthered in their Bods like Dogs.

This third war was sharp, and thought the greatest, in regard of the Kings unfaithfull dealing, in the breach of his promise, that he should give a free liberty for religion, and en∣gage to keep it, binding himself thereto by Oath, yet the same King speedily after, breaks all oaths and promises, declaring that solemn engagement before God to be void, and that what he then promised was not so meant by him, and therefore proclaimes it death, for any man to professe any Religion but the Ro∣mish and Catholick.

Now the Princes and Admirall in the be∣half of themselves and Protestanrs, did declare in the sincerity of their hearts, that they desired nothing more then the performance of the Kings edict, and socurity to enjoy their Liberties, Lives, and Families.

Thus having given as succinctly as possibly I can, the most remarkable passages of this War, we shall now come to the last Tragicall part of the most unheard-of treachery, and bloody massacre, that ever I read or heard of, to take it in all it's circumstances.

After many battels and much loss of treasure and blood, a treaty was begun by the King and Q. Mother, who sends messengers to the Prin∣ces and Admirall, signifying, how desirous they were of a firm and inviolable peace.

The admirall being so often deceived with fair pretences of peace, could not be so ill an observer but to learn somthing by transactions past, therefore was so afraid and jealous that he knew not well how to advise, seeing all their fair pretexts of peace since he could remember, was but a shorter cut to their invitable ruin:

so that the burnt child dreads the fire, yet being desirous of a peace on good grounds (which proved as a Quagmire to swallow up all their hopes) he yeelded to embrace a treaty.

Now the King, that he might better colour and varnish over his treachery, sends messengers to the Admiral, to signifie in his Majesties name, that the King himself had now found out a sure way for a lasting peace, which way his Majesty thought so safe as none could doubt of his integrity therein, which indeed was a subtile piece of policie as follows.

That now both Armies which had so long fought against one another in the feirce flames of a Civill War, might now unanimoufly joyn against the Duke of Alva, as a forein enemie; and one that had been too great an in∣strument of the late combustions in France. And that it might appear no French Romance in regard of the suddeness, and the ayd lately received by his Majesty from the Duke of Alva against the Protestants, as also supplies from the King of Spain his Master, therefore he further signified, that his Majesty the King of France, had high cause prompting him to a War with the King of Spain, and among many this was not the smallest, viz: that the King of Spain, had by violence taken from his Majesty the King of France, the Island Florida in new-found-land, suddenly slaying all the French Soldiers, as also the Marquesdome of Finall, the Inhabitants whereof had lately sur∣rendred themselves under the command of the King of France. And therefore he desired in his Majesties behalf, that the ground of this war might not be misinterpreted, but taken in a good sense, and that his Majesties ends of propoun∣ding

both Armies to joyne against the Duke of Alva in the Low-countries, might be looked upon as a designe of his Majestie to unite all former discords in a firm bond of union, and concord, by cleaving together against a common enemie: And to set off this business the better, he further propounds, that it was now a fit opportunity to imploy Count Lodovick of Nas∣saw, Brother to the Prince of Orange, for ma∣nagement of the business, that he might easily by the assistance of his Commanders and Sol∣diers, suddenly surprise certain Cities which mighe be of great advantage to the future hopes of success.

Now this penetrated the more into the Ad∣miralls heart, in regard, this Count of Nassaw was one that had been under his command for two years, who behaved himself with an ex∣ceeding courage, and approved valour and fi∣delity, in a great proof to the Admiralls know∣ledge, and there needed no spur to the Count, being a man banished out of his own Country for Religion, by the Duke of Alva, and was a man of much resolution and courage.

The Admirall receiving this message was wonderfully put to understand what to do or say, for although he seemed not to suspect the Kings fidelity, yet he saw strong reasons to look about him, for though he valewed not his own life, yet he drew along with him the wellfare of all Protestants, therefore he con∣sidered thus with himself.

The great power of the Cardinall and Guisans in the Kings Court, and was also too well known to be no less greatly in favour with the King, and Court of Spain, against

whom this war should be: and therefore could not conceive how this war with Spain could really be caried on, when these men were the prime managers of the affairs of France, having also severall pensions from the King of Spain, therefore could not but increase and confirme his jealousie to suspect treason and deceit, when he considered, that these men were dependents of Spain, who were of the King of France his Cabinet Councell, and yet for them to wage war against the King of Spain. Oh! Treachery.

The Admirall could not but take notice, that at the same time the Embassadour of the King of Spain, was admitted into the Privie Coun∣cell of France, (which to forein nations seemed utterly incredible) and that also one Brirragio a Lumbard (reported a traitor to his own Coun∣try) being ignorant of the Law, was for his subtil wit hoysted to the honourable office of Chancellour, in the room of Michael Hospitall displaced, a man well known to be a true Patri∣ot to his own Country, and also so, learned and able, as the like could never be found in France.

Thus the Admiral (on whom did hang all the weight of affaires) doubted what to do in this great strait, he therefore considered on the contrary side what his adversaries would say against him; that they would hereby take oc∣casion to report him backward to Peace, as one delighting to live in the fuell and fire of blood and civill wars, not knowing how to live but in troubled waters, not able to endure the sweet relish of a quiet peace; these reasons, amongst others, did perplex his wavering mind.

Now the Kings Messenger in behalf, and for defence of his Majesty, did an••wer to all the Objections of the Admiral, and said, That the suddenness of the King of France his resolutions to war with the King of Spain, was. That he and his Mother the Queen, had been informed by one Albery come lately from Spain, That for certain King Philip a little before had poisoned his Queen, the French Kings Sister, and had basely given out through all Spain, that he had such things against her, as for the credit of many persons of honor were not fit to be published.

Now all this being said, moved not the Ad∣miral so much, as the free and chearful resolu∣tions of the Count of Nassaw, whose indefa∣gitable earnestness was boundless, and perswa∣sions to the Admiral endless till effected. The Admiral hereby perswaded, laies aside all dis∣honorable thoughts that might stain the Kings loyalty, and so stood ready to embrace a peace, to which purpose was sent Beavois, and Teligni the Admirals Son, and with them Monsieur de la Chossetire, the Prince of Navars Secretary, and so on the eleventh day of August 1570. was a peace concluded according to the Edict of Pacification in January, That every one should have free liberty of conscience to use and profess the Reformed Religion. Rochel and Montauban, was to be held in the Princes name for the space of two years by the Protestants. The Arti∣cles of Peace were afterwards published and Re∣gist••ed in the Parliament.

But alas! we shall see that this Sun-shine of Peace (like the poor Traveller in the sable) sooner makes the Protestants cast off the cloak

of their security, than all the blustering storms of the Kings Warlike forces could. For by embracing a peace, they hug in their bosoms, and nourish in their hearts their own calamities and know it not, by reason it is printed and gilded with the name of peace.

Not long after this peace thus concluded, several Princes of Germany that had respect to the Protestant Religion, among whom was the three Electors, the Palsgrave, the Duke of Saxony, and the Marquess of Brandenburgh; all sent their several Ambassadors to the French King, to congratulate this happy peace, and to shew their joyful resentment of the same; promising, that if any new commotion should arise, they would assist him to the uttermost a∣gainst the Contrivers and authors there∣of.

To this Embassage the King replies by words, and afterwards, subscribes to a Book with his own hand, giving his faith by both, That he would for ever, most sacredly and faith∣fully observe the late Edict of Pacification. But alas his heart was too many leagues from his mouth, his promises are no better than if writ∣ten in water with ones finger, being too far short of truth, and intention, which is sad to confider, that the King should have no way to keep his faith, but to break it, that oaths and promises which should ty devils fast, is the onely way to levell all faith and en∣gagements.

For now it is to be taken notice of, that wher∣as before the Kings age made his Authority fit only to advise and countenance, now he ma∣nages affairs with his own Council and com∣mand,

for being now come to the years of 22. he displaies himself on the Theatre of the World in such a splendid equipage, that all might see him to be of a fierce resolute nature, and above all an absolute dissembler, as one of the French nation very well observed, and if he did not, yet this History will sufficiently evi∣dence.

Now this peace being thus concluded, the Armies are dismissed, and the Strangers retire to their own Country; after which the Prin∣ces retired to Rochel: for now to effect the deep and bloody plot, nothing wanted but the Art of perswasion to entice the Princes, Q. of Navar, the Admiral, and Principal Prote∣stants Lords, to come to Paris; nothing more desired, for their the trap was laid for their de∣struction; and doubtless this mock-peace had never been embraced, if it had pleased God to have given them an insight to the bottome of this unheard-of, and unimaginable depth of Treachery, and Deceit; which being hatcht and brought forth in the Hellish Court of the Cabinet Council, we shall too soon see the speedy and sad effects of it, the Lord knows it will too soon come to the birth of their bloo∣dy hopes, and cruel desires, for as vengeance persues blood at the heels, so a hideous storm of cruelties succeeds this peace.

The Peace, though fully concluded of, be∣tween the King and Protestants, yet was not fully observed in all places according to the E∣dict. So that the Princes and Admiral (to give a reason why they stood at such a distance from his Majesty) send to Court Theligny, Bri∣quemault, Beauvais, La Nocle, and Cavannes;

They are no sooner come, but the King wel∣comes them to the Court, and professes that it is his Royal pleasure, that the full Observati∣on of the Edict was no less than he really in∣tended, and therefore to scatter all mists of doubt from the Princes and Admiral, he de∣sired that they would acquaint him of his real resolutions for their good.

And now they begin their Politick Maxim, Parvi sunt Arma foris, nisi sit consilium domi. That policy is of more force in Military af∣fairs than valour. They now to the Trade of Politick treachery; the King and his Cabi∣net Council meets, and their Result is, With speed and secrecie, by Serpentine Labyrinths, and enfoldings, to bring the principal Protestants in∣to the Not of destructior; A Wor being thought too hazardous, and weak to effect, therefore must the principle of Machevil take place in their judgements and practice, i. e. To effect their desires, though they swim through a Sea of blood. For now they have hopes that their plot might take effect, in regard that their private actings were now mannaged by those that were jointly concerned in the effects of their desires, and hoped to have some share in eheir bloody success.

To which purpose, a good opinion of the Kings sincere intentions for the Protestants good, must be fixed in the minds of the Prin∣ces of the blood, the Queen of Navar, and the Admiral, so that all their foul actings

might seem so fair, as no tincture of suspition should enter into their thoughts, he penetrates their hearts with shews of love, but his own heart is filled with deceitful plots and treache∣rous Resolutions, endeavouring so to insinuate into their good natures, that he might lodge in their hearts good thoughts of his bad in∣tents; so that all carriages must be screwed up to the highest pin of affection and love, as we shall shortly see conferred on them by an out∣ward confluence of all favours, that the least doubt might not have any footing to the preju∣dice of their bloody aims; hoping by this means, to have their desires and success to lodge under one roof. All their plot being to get them to Paris (the Theatre of this most horrid and cruel Tragedy ensuing) unarmed, and then by further progress, to put in execution the practi∣cal part of their bloody plot; so marshalling their affairs, that all the Protestants shall be im∣mediately cut off in the bloodiest war that ever was known.

Now the plot being laid, the Gin being set, they fall to work, labouring to bring this blou∣dy brat to the Birth; To which purpose the King and Queen Mother calls to Council the Duke of Anjou, the Cardinal of Lorrain, the Duke of Guise, and Alberti Conde Count de Retz, and speedily resolve them of their se∣cret intentions, if by any means it could be effected, they therefore desire their best aid and assistance, together with their approbation; which needed not be doubted, for they were men ready enough at all times to act the Kings pleasure.

The King therefore begins, sending out

strict orders to all the Provinces of his King∣dome, to have a high esteem and regard to the late Edict in behalf of his good Subjects the Protestants, and that it was his Majesties ex∣press command to have it strictly observed; and to make their Hearts understand what they heard by the ear, the King gives Order to have this message proclaimed at Rochel, the Seat of the Princes and Admiral, assuring them in particular, of the Kings favourable intenti∣ons, to what he had confirmed with his Royall Hand, which should be kept inviolable from all attempts of the strongest perswasion. And yet to penetrate more deep, to make one act of dissimulation out-vy another, to let the world see he was a good proficient in the Art of Trea∣chery and Bloodshed, he carries himself out∣wardly very harsh to the Catholicks, telling the Commissioners, that the Power of the Duke of Guise, and Cardinal of Lorrain, was not to be feared, for that the Government now re∣sted in himself, and had no dependency on a∣ny of their commands, and therefore, though they live at Court, yet needed not the Princes of the Blood, or Admiral, fear them as Adver∣saries, for they lived as Subjects, not as Mast∣ers; and that ere long he hoped all acts of for∣former hostility, and enmity, should be by his means buried in eternal forgetfulness, and that both parties should be reconciled, to the Kings desire, and their own good. All which did not only peirce the hearts of the common people, but wonderfully wrought upon the hearts of the Princes and Admiral, with the chief of the Protestants; who now begun to believe the Kings intentions real, and that be∣ing

now weary of the bloudy Civil Wars, and Distractions, and beginning now to govern by himself, and not by his Council, might at last sincerely desire a firm peace.

But alas they are too short sighted to espy, and too sincere to doubt, that such unparalleled de∣ceit should lodge in the hearts of devils, much less in a King, a Christian King, not so much as in his thoughts, much less in his intentions and practice; but it is the less wonder, seeing it is so, that not only in publick actions of great men, but also in our common intercourse with things of smaller moment, we all experience that the greatest hatred and malice, is covered with the greatest love and friendship; and that there is no greater knavery then that which bor∣rows a cloak of Religion to cover it with: some men again make use of friendship, as a stepping stone to their own ends; as the For being environed with a high Wall, and hot∣ly persued by his Enemies, was put to great straits for his liberty, for he could not leap o∣ver the Wall; at last espying one by the Wall side stooping for a stone to throw at him, he sud∣denly leaps on the mans back, and by that step of advantage leaps over.

Little did the poor Princes and Admiral, with the Queen of Navar, and Nobles, and Gentlemen of the Religion, think their No∣ble blood to be so neer spilling by such base and unheard-of cruelties, covered under so much love; who would not pitty to read that so much valor as was in these brave Commanders should be murthered, and laid in the bloody grave of a Treacherous death, which shortly we shall sad∣ly peruse.

The first thing the Admiral embraced by these perswasions was the War against the King of Spain, which made the way easier to the rest that followed, and yet he often said to his Son∣in-Law Teligny, that he suspected the rowling wit of the Queen Mother, whom he was afraid would lead them on in this enterprize, and leave them in the midst.

The Count of Nassaw, advising with his Brother the Prince of Orange, sends word to the King, That if it were his Majesties plea∣sure to War against the King of Spain in the Low Countries, they would so order themselves under his commands, as that by their service therein, his Majesty should find them faithful and useful; and perceive their affections to him and the cause in hand; to this the King replies in loving Letters; commending their resoluti∣ons, and gave them hearty thanks for their lo∣ving Message, which tended highly to a free manifestation of their affections to his Ser∣vice.

Now Maximillian the Emperour pretending to pitty the Estate of the Prince of Orange, had obtained by Embassadours to the King of Spain, that the Prince should have his goods restored, conditionally that he should not set∣tle his habitation in the Low Countryes, but in some other place, and yet nevertheless should enjoy freely all his Revenues.

As soon as the French King hears hereof, and doubting it might be a hindrance to his pre∣sent design, he speedily posts Messengers to the

Prince of Orange, to perswade him, that what the Emperour had done, was nothing but to hinder their progress in so good and advantagi∣ous a cause, and being only a devise to break up his leavies that he had begun in Germany, let∣ting him further understand, that if he will please to give him credit, he should not want assistance sufficient to regain his Estate from the King of Spain.

These perswasions of the King, being not suspected to come from dissimulation, and hy∣pocrifie, by the Prince of Orange, so did he firmly believe all to be real; insomuch as he proceeded in his Musters, resolving a while to bear the charges thereof, whilst all things else, fitting for the war, were in readiness; though the charge at that time was very heavy.

Now Count Lodowick his Brother, being of a resolute disposition, essayed his own fortunes, and by encouragement from the King he secretly journies from Rochel, taking with him onely two companions, giving out he was going for the Prince of Orange his Brother; but in a disguised habit he privately departs, and that night arrives at the Court which then was kept at Bloys; where the King and Queen Mother, shewed great demonstrations of a joyful wel∣come, and at this time the King in person him∣self did treat with the Count without the assi∣stance of any of his Council, which the rather was done that the Count might see and report, that now he acted by the Counsel of his own command, that so the Admiral and Princes might see and understand his promises could not be hindred or frustrated by the counsels of their adversaries about him at Court; that so

also they might receive the better encourage∣ment to come to Court, seeing their Enemies was not of his Council.

At this meeteng of Count Lodowick and the King, it was agreed, that the War should go forward against the King of Spain, with all possible speed, and that the Count should go before to prepare; that the Admiral shall go Captain General, desiring further of the Count that he would signifie as much to the Admiral, and to desire him in his Majesties name to come to Court, the better to treat and confer fully thereof; whose advise should have as great power with the King as could be expected; that he should have allowed for his Guard fifty per∣sons in Arms at Paris, for safety of his person; or should have any other security, that might put him out of hazard of his Enemies At∣tempts, and might also bring him into a good opinion of the Kings real intentions; Oh! deep dissimulation! This being don betwixt the Count of Nassaw, and the King, the Count returneth to Rochel, who poor Prince not see∣ing this depth of Treacherous deceit, used all Rhetorical Art of perswasions to the Princes, and Admiral, to journey to the Court; and indeed he was the only Spur to them, and much perswaded them of the Kings real intentions, and how joyful the King would be of their Company and Counsel in his affairs.

The King now returns to Paris, and takes his pleasure, that the World might see he min∣ded only recreation; but, God knows, plotted his poor subjects ruin, who with the Cabinet Council sits close for effecting their bloody de∣sires in the plot laid for their destruction.

To which purpose the Duke of Guise, and Cardinal Lorrain give out (the better to draw and allure the Protestants to Court in their ab∣sence) their high displeasure against the late proceedings of the King in behalf of the Pro∣testants by his favours conferred on them, ther∣fore in great disdain and greater Policy, the Cardinal of Lorrain departs the French Court, and carries with him Cardinal Pelvey, Duke of Pontmenseir, and the Prince Dauphine, pre∣tending to go to the Election of a New Pope, but indeed was only to draw the Princes and Admiral to Court by being encouraged with their adversaries absence, that they may come to Court with more confidence and less fear, but we shall shortly see that though they divide in opinion, yet they unite in Counsel and bloody crueltys.

And that this Treachery might still be more compleatly freed from all suspition, and all things seem to be carried on by the Kings mind, his Majesty gives leave to the Prince of Orange his fleet to hover about Rochel, and by oppor∣tunity to set on the Spaniards Ships and Portu∣galls, which might happen to sail along that Coast, taking such as they cold; which they did, and brought them into the Haven of Ro∣chel, where they openly sold their prizes, which the K of Spain by his Embassadour often com∣plained of.

But to set the world a fair copy of a Kingly treachery to his poor Subjects; to lay the Top∣stone of Dissimulation in the fairest pretences of affection and desire of peace, the King u∣shers in one of the handsomest pieces of Hypo∣crisie that ever carryed the face of Reality, for

although the thing he pretended was really ef∣fected, yet the grounds and ends by him pro∣posed, which was the only thing pretended by him) was clean contrary to his promise, and what he did in it was basely to defile his own actions with his ruin. And indeed it put all out of doubt of the Kings integrity.

The business was this;

The King sends Mounseir de Byron with pro∣positions to the Queen of Navar, that the La∣dy Margarite the Kings own Sister, should be given in mariage to her Son, the Prince of Navar, that the anticut consanguinity, and present peace, might be more confirmed and established to the liking of all parties: And in∣deed this did put on a great confidence in all, especially the Princes, the Queen of Navar, and Admiral, that the King was now real in what he professed and propounded. But Oh, the bloody effects it produced, shall at last too sad∣ly be related.

In the midst of these transactions secretly carried on, arrives (in the depth of a most sharp winter) in the King of France his Court, the Cardinal Alexandrio, who came from Rome by the advice of Cardinal de Pelve (that went from the French Court with Cardinal Lorrain) This Pelve was sometimes a Scholar in the College of Montaigue, and during his study there was a Servant to the Cardinal of Lorrain, and afterwards was grown to be a Scullion, but now being advanced to the place of Cardinall, was so fitted for any Treason, or act of cruelty, that nothing, though never so horrid would, stick in his throat, but he was able to swallow down that which was able to damn a World for the sinfulness thereof.

Now the Instructions that Cardinal Alexan∣drio brought along with him from the Pope, was to perswade the King to enter into the So∣ciety of the Council of Trent, the first and principal Article whereof was, That the Confe∣deration should join their power, to make war up∣on the Turks and Hereticks, meaning all Prin∣ces that suffered the use of the Protestant Reli∣gion.

The Cardinal was honourably received and welcomed to Court, he urged how much it was against the profession of a Christian King to make peace with Hereticks, and to war a∣gainst the King of Spain; how it did weaken his Friends and strengthen his Enemies; trea∣ting in Leagues with Forein Princes, that were excommunicated by the Apostolick Sea, which negotiation was so mannaged, as the result was not published, but it was publiquely rumored amongst the Common people, that he had not the effects of his desire; yet the Cardinal re∣turned cheerfully to the Pope, and it was re∣ported that he did say, he had such answer from the King and Queen Mother as was not fit to be published.

The King for a secure mannagement of the Wars against the King of Spain, gave Com∣mission to Strozzi, and the Baron de li Guard, to rig forth ships from Burgess and Rochel, and to surprize any Vessels that were going through the English Seas to the aid of the Duke of Al∣va, in the Low-Countreys; the Spanish Em∣bassadour complains hereof, but these two Captains had secretly and privately an under∣hand Commission to seize on Rochel, and by open or secret force, to get into their power for

his Majesty, although all was carried fair on against the Duke of Alva.

The King also gave command to the Admi∣ral to send Espials into Peru, and Island in the New found World (which being plentiful of Gold, the Spaniard had possessed himself there∣of) and there to attempt what he could against the King of Spain; which business, according to his Majesties command, the Admiral under∣took, committing it to one of his Gentlemen, who with a certain Portugal, skilful in those navigations he had joined in Commission.

Now the King heaped unexpressable favours on the Admiral, Count Rochfoucault, and The∣ligni, with the rest of the principal Protestants, and chief Noblemen of the Religion; for what ever was taken from any of them in time of the Civil Wars, was now most lovingly restored by the Kings command; and if any one that the King could learn was a friend to the Admiral, to him he did shew singular re∣spect, even to the height of an unimaginable dissimulaeion. He commanded one time to be given to the Admiral one hundred thousand pounds of his own treasury in recompence of his great losses.

When the Cardinal of Chastillon (formerly fled to England disguised, and having great Revenues and Wealth) his death being known to the King, he did give to the Admiral all the fruits of the whole year, with all his rich and costly Houshold-stuff: and though all former Admirals in Council, and publick Ceremo∣nies, had ever given place to the Marshall of France, yet for the Admirals greater honour, it was the Kings will and pleasure that he

should sit next Monseiur de Momorancy, who was the first Marshall, and above all the rest.

The King also writes to the Duke of Savoy, that for his sake he would please to be favoura∣ble to the Protestants under his Dominion, & it should ly upon him as an acceptable favor.

It is not to be thought what kindnesses the King shewed to the Protestants, even to the great amazement of the Catholicks, and re∣joicing of the Protestants, who poor souls thought all true that he said; but this love pro∣ved bitter hatred, like Judas kiss, nay the King did so carry it, that the Catholicks be∣gan to surmise, and say, that the King did not only favour the Protestants, but would himself turn one shortly.

And in regard there was a mighty enmity betwixt the Duke of Guise, and the Admiral, by reason of a report fixed on the Admiral, as if he should be an instrument of his Fathers death; the King therefore to make up all brea∣ches, and in order to a perfect peace, he pre∣scribes a perfect form of Reconciliation (the foundations whereof was laid six years ago in the Town of Molins) where the King summo∣ning the principal estates of his Kingdom, did on consultation and deliberation; declare and pronounce the Admiral not guilty of the death of the Duke Guise: a thing his Majestie was before bound in conscience to do, but now was acted and done as a piece of good policy; this block being taken away as an advance for the Admiral to the Court.

But as we said before, the most solemn bond and ty for a secure peace, is the Lady Marga∣rite, Sister to the King of France, to be gi∣ven

in mariage to the Prince of Navar, who was Son to the most virtuous Queen of Navar. who also had all the last civil war been General of the Protestant Cause, and couragiously de∣fended it to his Eternal Praise; which mariage the King did declare, That he did it for the ef∣fecting and establishing a durable peace, and as a signal testimony of his loyall affections to the Pro∣testants.

And yet in the mean while the Papists in Roan murthered divers Protestants, and grie∣vously beat others as they came from a Ser∣mon.

And in regard that it was objected, That the King of France his Sister was of the Ro∣man Religion, and the Prince of Navar a Pro∣testant, it could not well be effected to a good purpose; To which the King answered he would free her by a Dispensation from the Pope, that no Impediment might stand in the way to so great a good, as a sure peace betwixt him and his Subjects, nothing being more delightful or desired by him.

As soon as this was spread to the Courts of Forein Princes, it did amaze the Popish Par∣ty, that ever the King should proceed in behalf of Hereticks. But on the contrary it did ex∣ceedingly possess the hearts of the Prince, and Admiral, and all forein Princes of the same Religion, with exceeding joy, being such a large demonstration of the Kings affection, and as a Seal of fidelity to all he promised, and did also drive out of their hearts all jealousies of plots, or secret Contrivances; but the Ad∣miral which had most reason, and was most backward to believe all reall, yet he at this time

was now most forward to believe, and most ready to be confirmed, not only by this, but also by a Letter which the King sent him by his Son Theligni, under the Kings own hand and Seal, assuring the Admiral, That whatever he should do in the Business of the war in the Low Countries against the King of Spain, should be by his Majesty allowed of and ratifi∣ed, as if done by his special command, such was his alluring baits, and pretences of good will and trust to the Admiral.

And thus the poor Protestant Princes are too much perswaded of the Kings faith, who in∣tended their ruin without remedy; we shall shortly see them come to Paris, and embrace the mountains of treacherous pretences of faith and affection, and so be swallowed up in their Enemies malitious and unparallel'd cruel∣ty, for all the huge promises of the Kings stood but as an Earnest till their plot was ripe, and then they are more swift to shed blood, than real to what they promise, and truly such a piece of Kingly tteachery is not in any age to be par∣rallelled.

Notes

• The prote∣stants no∣ble resolu∣tions.
• Both sides prepare for war.
• Q. Eliz. aids the protestants.
• The prote∣stants take in many Towns, both armies meet, but fight not.
• The Battel at Brisac, the prince of Conde slain to his eternal ho∣nour, figh∣ting on his knees to the last.
• Prince of Navar and prince of Conde Generalls for the pro∣testants
• The Prince of Navar shews a gallant spi∣rit in a pi∣••hy speech.
• The Admi∣ral and whole Ar∣my profess fidelity and obedience to the prin∣ces of the blood, and the prote∣stant cause.
• The Reli∣gious and Noble Q. of Navar coins money and inserts a christian and reso∣lute Motto.
• The Prin∣ces Army draws into Garrisons.
• The K. be∣sieges Cognac is forced to leave it. Mucidan taken, and all put to the Sword.
• The Noble protestant Duke of Deux-Ponts with fourteen thousand joins with the Princes Army, be dies in his March.
• The Pope and others aid the K.
• The Armies engage.
• The Noble Princes of Navar charges in the head of the Army.
• The Kings Army draws into Garrisons.
• The Prote∣stants take in Cha∣stelrault.
• The Town and Castle of Lusig∣nan taken.
• The Strong City of Poictiers, beseiged but left.
• The catho∣licks be∣siege La Charite, but are for∣ced away with great loss.
• The catho∣liques be∣siege Ca∣stelrault, but leave it
• The Duke of Guise admitted to his Fathers place and Cabinet Council.
• The Armies engage in a bloody and furious battel.
• the Prote∣stant Ar∣my forced to retire.
• the K. besie∣ges St. Jean d'Angeli, which brav Pilles did keep.
• His exces∣ding valor.
• Relief by a handsome policy.
• Yields on honourable terms.
• But disho∣nourably kept by the King.
• They are murthered.
• 10000. men lost at the siege, and five thou∣sand canon shot spent.
• The K. dis∣bands the Army.
• The Prin∣ces Army increases.
• The K. Ar∣mie meets, and Mar∣shall de Cosse Ge∣neral.
• The K. & Cabinet Council meet, and plot a peace and ruin together.
• The K. sends to desire a peace.
• The Ad∣miral yields to a treaty.
• The subtle and trea∣cherous de∣sign of the K. propoun∣ding a war against the K. of Spain as a means to a peace one with another.
• the Kings pretended reasons of war against the King of Spain.
• the Admi∣ral reasons the case, & could hard∣ly be brought to believe this war real, and oh that he had ne∣ver belie∣ved it.
• The Ad∣mirall in a strait what to resolve on.
• The Kings Messengers reply to the Admiralls Objections.
• The Ad∣miral per∣swaded by Count Lodowick to the war with Spain.
• A peace concluded with free Liberty.
• Several Protestant princes sends Em∣bassadours to congra∣tulate with the King and his peoples tranquilli∣ty in the peace con∣cluded. The King olemnly gives his faith for e∣ver to ob∣serve the Edict.
• The Ar∣mies dis∣missed, and the Prin∣ces and Admirall go to Ro∣chel.
• The King and Cabi∣net Coun∣cil plots the ruin of the Prote∣stants, be∣ing desirous to get the Princes & Admiral to Paris, and so to cut them off.
• The King by fair car∣riages in∣tends to slide into the Prote∣stants affections, and so draw them to Paris, and cut them all off, which was the plot laid for them.
• Now the King be∣gins to dis∣semble, strictly command∣ing an ob∣servation of the Edict, which he intends not should be observ∣ed. The King outwardly carried it harshly to the Catho∣licks to more to work the Protestants to their lure.
• The Prince of Orange and Count Lodowick his Brother profer their service to the King in the war of the Low Countrys.
• The Empe∣rour medi∣ates be∣tween the Prince of Orange and the K. of Spain The King of France encourages the Prince of Orange against the perswasions of the Emperour.
• Count Lodowick disgrised goes to Court, and treats with the King, and agrees about the War.
• The Admi∣rall desired by the K. to come to Court, and be Captain General in the War.
• The K. ve∣ry earnest to have the admiral at Court un∣der spetious pretences of favour.
• The Duk•• of Guise & Cardinall of Lorrain feign a dis∣content, & depart the Court on purpose to allure the Princes & Admirall to Court by their ab∣sence from it.
• The Prince of Orange his Fleet takes the Spaniards Ships, and sells them as Prizes in Rochel, by the Kings per∣mission.
• The King propounds his Sister the Lady Margarite in mariage with the Prince of Navar.
• An Em∣bassadour from Rome arrives in the French Court.
• The Kings strange plot to surprize Rochel.
• The King heaps un∣expressible favours on the Admi∣ral and Friends.
• The K. de∣sires the Duke of Savoy to favour the Protestants
• The K. so far dissem∣bles, that by his shew of respects to the Pro∣testants the Catholicks suspect him.
• The Admi∣ral and Duke of Guise re∣conciled, and the Admiral declared not guilty of the Duke of Guises death.
• Many Pro∣testants murthered in Roan.
• The K. plot takes effect
• The Admi∣ral at last perswaded and delu∣ded by a Letter from the King.