The troubles of Geneva.  
With the wars which the Duke of Savoy hath made against it these three years space.  
And the great victories which God hath lately given to the Citizens of Geneva.  
Truly translated according to the French copy. by W. P.   map of Geneva and surroundings 
The Map of Geneva.  
GENEVA  
LEMAN-LAKE  
THONON  
BALIADGE DE GEZ  
Printed at London for Thomas Nelson, and are to be sold at his shop at the great South door of Paul's. 1591.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE Lords of her highness most Honourable Privy Council.  
IT is a thing of very great consideration (Right Honourable) to behold The wonderful work of almighty God, in strengthening and preserving those that continually fight for the defence of the true & sincere Religion of Christ jesus: as hath been seen within this Island, which in comparison to the world, is but as a handful: yet is the same so defended (by the providence of almighty God) from spoiling & subverting, that neither foreign practices abroad, nor civil discord, or privy pretended treasons at home, or the invasion of the mightiest enemy can once prevail against it: as hath of late years been manifested, to the great amazement, overthrow, and confusion of the chiefest complotters of such bad actions. And this (right Honourable) is not seen only in this Island, but generally even in all Nations, Cities, or Towns, where God's truth is advanced, preached, & preferred before Idolatry and superstition: as appeareth by that famous City of Geneva, where God is rightly honoured, and his word sincerely preached. Of which City, (right Honourable) this discourse ensuing truly describeth, and aswell layeth open their troubles, sustained by the invasion of the Duke of Savoy and his forces, for the time of these three years, as also the battles and unlooked for victories which almighty God hath given the Citizens of Geneva, against the Savoyans their deadly enemies: Thus presenting the said discourse unto your Honours, being truly published in the English tongue, according to the French Copy, I humbly take my leave.  
Your honours most humble T. N.   

¶ The description of the Town of Geneva, with the troubles that happened thereunto by wars which the Duke of Savoy made against the said Town, from the beginning of the year 1589. until this year 1591.  
Geneva is a most ancient City, lying between the Countries of Savoy and Swiserland, whereof Caesar in the beginning of his Commentaries maketh mention: which town ever since hath (by the providence of God) been preserved and defended from all dangers, even in the midst of all the wars and troublesome times, which until this latter age have happened in many Countries environing the same, and now of late having received the reformation of the Gospel, it hath been more renowned then ever it was, by diverse marvelous actions & events, which the Almighty God hath shown in the defence and conservation of the same. It hath for a long time been a free imperial City, situated at the end of one of the most great and notable Lake in the world, called Leman-lake, in breadth at the largest part, eight English miles, and extendeth in length thirty or two and thirty mile, which Lake aboundeth in great store of fish, and is very commodious for all the Country, by reason of the traffic upon the same, specially for the carriage of their woods which they fetch from of the mountains. This Lake serveth in place of a rampire unto the Town on the North side thereof. On the East part it hath the balliages of Thonon, of Chablais & the Country of Fossigny, within two, three, four and five leagues of the gates, which Countries are bordered with great and high hills, being environed with the Alps. On the South part there is a most fertile & pleasant hill named Saleve, at the foot whereof lieth the balliage of Ternier, in a most rich and goodly plain, extending in length three leagues, and in breadth two leagues, which balliage is bordered on the South part with the river of Rhosne, and on the North part with the river of Arue, little more than a quarter of a league distant from Geneva, and lieth at the foot of the mountain of Wache, which runneth a long by the end of the town, separating the same by a bridge from Saint Geruais, a borough very well fortified and strengthened. On the one side of the river of Rhosne towards the South lieth the balliage of Gez, containing in length four leagues, and in breadth two leagues, enclosed with the mountain of jura, on the further side of which mountain lieth the Franche Count. At the one end whereof is the town and castle of Gez, two great leagues distant from Geneva. At the other end towards Lions is the strait and narrow passage of the Cluse, a place both by art and nature very strong, situated between two mountains and the river of Rhosne. Thonon is five leagues distant from Geneva, lying upon the Lacque, extending itself towards the country of Valois, in such manner that Geneva is found to be environed with the three balliages aforesaid, which upon certain conditions were restored unto the Duke of Savoy by the Lords of Berne in the year 1567.   map of Geneva and surroundings 
The description of Geneva.  
GENEVA  
LEMAN-LAKE  
THONON  
BALLADGE DE GEZ  
In these three balliages (the territories of the Lordship of Geneva being comprehended) which are enclosed within the same, there hath in times part been almost 300. good villages, besides the hamlets and houses standing scattered in diverse places, barns, and a great number of Castles, whereof more than the half of them have been burnt, destroyed, and overthrown in these last wars. Part whereof are hereunto annexed.  
Long time since, as it were naturally, and by inheritance, from the Father unto the son, the Dukes & Earls of Savoy have used many means, and sought diverse occasions both by practices and violence, to make themselves Lords of the town of Geneva, the most fair and greatest City (whatsoever) in those parts, and is the key, whereby (if they could enjoy the same) they might enter into Switserland. The Duke last deceased, having obtained the three balliages aforesaid, during the time of his life, did greatly molest and trouble (although very subtly) the commonwealth of Geneva, yet not minding to enter into an open war with the said town, the discommodities whereof he had otherwise oftentimes assayed and experimented. But Charles Emanuel his son, not long after his entry into the estate of the Duchy of Savoy, did presently discover and make known his evil will and hatred unto the said City of Geneva, by seeking to surprise the same in the year 1582. and at that time showed his forces before it, threatening them with a great army, under the conduct of the Earl of Raconis, Piamontois. Not long time after having espoused Lady Katherine, the youngest daughter of the king of Spain, he took a further matter in hand, that was, to invade all the Country lying about the Lake of Leman, which appertaineth unto the Canton of Berne, thinking by that means in short time to become Lord of Geneva, which Town in the mean time did not cease to be much molested and troubled, not only by his foragers, exactors, and commissaries, but also to be solicited and tempted by diverse means, both with fair promises and threatenings. To the which end he had appointed Francis Melchior de Saint joire, Baron of Ermaus, with other his adherents, that they should secretly practise in the Country of Vault, the winning and taking (at a certain day appointed) of the castles of Chillon, Vevay, Lausanne, Morges and Nion, principal places situated about the Lake. He had likewise made a view and muster of all his forces, and had already caused a part thereof to pass the mountains. He held a great garrison within the Castle of Gez, as also in the country of Cluse, and the castle of Thonon. And within the fort of Ripaille about a quarter of a league from Thonon, he kept a garrison of five hundred Piemontois, men purposely chosen out, where he had likewise two galleys, great & sufficient enough to hold two hundredth men in each galley besides their furniture, which were ready at all times to be launched into the Lake if occasion should serve. During these practices, the Duke fell in hand with another enterprise, in the month of October 1588. usurping upon (the crown of France) the Marquisate of Salusses in Piamont: which in short time having brought to effect by means of the intelligences he had within the same, he caused his pretence to be put in practice against the states of Berne and Geneva, who in the mean time continued very peaceable and quiet, although Geneva endured great injury by means that the traffic and victuals were hindered and kept from it. Upon this occasion the French king, Henry the 3. being moved with the usurpation of his Marquisate, by his Ambassadors solicited the Signors of Berne and Geneva, together with some of the Cantons of Switsers, the Valoisons and Grisons, to aid and assist him against the Duke of Savoy, by whom he alleged himself to be unjustly assailed and despoiled. The conclusion was, to invade those countries which he held about Geneva, mean time that the king should give him somewhat to do out of Daulphinois. This resolution finished, on wednesday the second of April 1589. the horse and footmen of Geneva issued forth, and marching towards Fossigny wan the Castle of Monthou, & a little town called Bonne, broke down certain bridges upon the river of Arue, and marched as far as Saint joire, a castle belonging unto the Baron of Ermansse, wherein they found (and sent them to Geneva) all the papers, remembrances, letters and commissions of the Duke of Savoy and of his principal officers, concerning the secret enterprises devised against the states of Berne and Geneva. These troops conducted and lead by Monsieur de Equerry, a Gentleman of France, and knight of the order, turning their course the monday following, marched on the other side, wan the town and castle of Gez, together with all the balliage: and having assayed (although in vain) to force the passage of Cluse, returned with their army unto Geneva, being in number above nine thousand men, whereof the most part were footmen.  
These exploits caused a great rumour and marvelous astonishment in all the Country of Savoy, which the Duke himself and his secret friends rejoiced at, saying, that the occasion by him & his so many times sought and procured, did now voluntarily offer and pres; enter itself unto them. Which he neglected not, but with great diligence embraced the same, as by the gathering of his forces (which in few days after he had prepared and made ready) easily appeared: for that the French Kings army entering into the passage of Thonon, having taken the town, which is not very strong, and the castle yielded by composition, laid siege unto the fort of Ripaille. The County of Martineugue, with the bastard of Savoy, resolved to raise the siege, having gathered above twelve hundredth lances, five hundredth Argolettiers, and about fifteen hundredth foot men, marched over the mountains, and did so much, that on Tuesday the nine and twentieth of April, they descended without resistance, within the country, very near unto the Town of Thonon, from whence (after a few skirmishes & charges given on both sides) the County Martineugue being wounded, they retired to their shame and dishonour, without succouring or delivering the assieged within Ripaille, who having greater want of courage then of victuals, or of good means to defend & keep the place, not long after yielded it up, their lives and goods saved, leaving the two galleys behind them, which with two frigates (other kind of vessels for the water) were burnt, and the fort destroyed and laid waist. That done, they marched into the Country of Fossigny, which the Duke of Savoy understanding, caused part of his forces, as well horse as footmen, to make hast thither, to keep the passage, which country of Fossigny is a territory or Lordship comprehending about ten or twelve leagues (as well mountains as plain ground) in breadth and length, and beginneth about the town of Bonne, having the Alps on the East part, the County of Geneva on the South part, & Geneva itself within three leagues: The Lake on the west part, & Thonon with the Country of Vault on the north part. The winning of this country gave an entry unto these of Geneva to pass further: and is a very strong key or passage into Savoy. The balliage, of Chablois, Boige, with other places adjoining. Whereof those of Geneva hold the town of Bonne, which is as it were the gate or entry of the same. Mean time, the Baron of Ermansse, which not long before, had by composition recovered his Castle of Saint joire, knowing of what importance the said place (being within two leagues of the town of Bonne, and so far within the mountains) was unto all the Country, caused a fort or sconce of earth to be made upon the mount of Castles, between the high mountains of Maule, & those of View, & Estaux, placing in the same a company of Piemontisians', under the which fort, he raised a platform of earth, whereon he placed four field pieces, each piece bearing a Bullet of the bigness of an egg. On the further side thereof upon the way going to saint joire, he made a Barricado, and under in the way, leading from Vieu unto saint joire, not far from a barn called Warnoz, an other strong Barricado, kept by a company of arquebusiers of Fossignie. The rest of the Country being strait, narrow, and difficult to be entered, might easily be defended and kept by very small force against a puissant army. This notwithstanding, the Baron did so much, that besides the companies, aswell of horse as foot men, whereof he had sufficient to defend the Country, procured an aid of 500 lances to be sent unto him, which were paid by the towns and Country of Piedmont, & conducted by the Countess of Valpergue, and S. Martin: wherewith he being joined, they determined (trusting unto the fort aforesaid, and of their foot companies, which they might easily place in ambuscado between the Barn of Warnoz and the village of Latour,) to show themselves in the field which lieth between that village, and the Castle of Tyer: hoping of two things, that one would take effect, which was, either that the army of Berne, consisting of thirty eight or 40. Ensigns approaching, might easily be overthrown by them, (for they esteemed not of the companies of Geneva) or else, having feared & astonished that army, they should constrain it to retire. So that on saturday, the 16. of july 1589. they being encamped in the field, between their fort and the Castle of Tier, (the army of Berne lying at Pillonay, about half a league from that place.) They divided their horse into 3. Squadrons, a bow shot distant one from the other: The last of their troops being in the houses of the village of Latour, and the first part near unto the said houses among the bracks. The lancers of Piedmont were in two other Squadrons, at the end of the three first Squadrons: there was likewise a squadron of Argolitiers of Fossigny, conducted by the Baron of Ermansse, which made a halt covert under the trees and houses of the villages of Latour: part of their footmen were set in divers places for their most advantage. The Lord Vateville Auoier, General of the army of Berne, considering and beholding the countenance and manner of the Savoyans, caused all his army to be ranged in order of battle, between Pillonay and Vieu, choosing out of the same three companies of Harguebusiers and Musketeers, under the leading of Captain Berole, Bossey, and N. with the number of twenty Argoletiers or thereabouts, and a company of harguebuses of Geneva, lead by captain jaques, to march forwards, which made the point, being seconded by the shot of Boisioli, he therewith seconded by the Savoyans footmen to forsake their ambuscado, and Boisioli at that instant ceased upon the castle of Tier. On the other side captain Guinet with one hundred shot taking the lower way, suddenly set upon the baricado of the horse of Warnoz, where he slew all such of the Fossigniers as resisted him, and put the rest unto flight. Captain jaques with his bands, following likewise after the companies of foot, which had left their ambuscado under a hedge. The Duke of Savoy's horsemen perceiving that, began to retire, which the horsemen of Geneva (being placed in the side way between Vieu and Tier) being descended into the plain field, and perceiving the Duke's foot men to fly, traversed forcibly among the Duke's horse which because they were enclosed on each side within a strait and narrow lane, near unto the village of la Tover, had neither time nor leisure to turn their horses, so that of all their troops there was not above three ranks, which couched their lances against the enemy, into one of the which captain Bois (lieutenant to the Lord of Varro, Colonel of the horses of Geneva) entered, where being hurt in the mouth, he was constrained to turn on the left hand, but he was so well seconded by 120. lances and fifty argoletiers, with certain companies of footmen, that the Countess of Valpergne and of S. Martin, with the greatest part of the Piemontoisians' horses, having received the overthrow, remained dead upon the place, the rest being scattered fled in great disorder unto the top of the mountain, whereas many of them were lost, the rest with great danger saved themselves within Bonne ville & other places of Fossignie: which the Duke's footmen perceiving, forsook their fort and fled into the mountains, but the Baron of Ermansse with his Argolettiers saved themselves with the first, not once offering to fight, by which means the honour of the field, together with the fort, the four field pieces, & all the barricadoes remained unto the companies of Berne and Geneva. The Duke lost at that time almost 300. horse and foot, & the Bernors not above five men at the most, whereof captain Bois was one, who not long after died of the wound received in his mouth, being very much lamented for his valour and prows. Which done (those of Berne having the field, yielded thanks unto God for their great victory) the General Vateville caused the army to march towards Saint joire, whereas the castle within few days after yielded by composition, which they burned. Until that time the affairs of Geneva seemed to prosper and go forwards: but not long after the Switsers and Grisons changed their course, & marched toward France by the way of New castle, & the Franche Count, by which means Geneva itself was forced to sustain the whole charge and burden of the wars, wherewith the Duke of Savoy being very well pleased, thought thereby to attain unto the effect of his desires, he failed not to approach near Geneva with a puissant army, consisting of more than 16. thousand, and great store of ordinance for battery: his Vanguard having done certain small exploits in the Country of Fossigny, so that about the beginning of the month of june, he entered into the balliage of Ternier, whereas with his Canon shot he battered an old town, the soldiers whereof in number about forty or fifty, being ready to yield the same unto him, he promised to save their lives, but having entered, contrary unto his faith and promise, he caused them all to be hanged. From thence, to the end he might astonish those of Geneva, and so constrain them forcibly with all humility to yield unto him, when they should see so puissant an enemy, with thirty canon shot under their walls, he enterprised to batter a little mount of earth, which they in great haste had raised by the bridge of Arue, whereas five times one after the other he gave the assault, but to his shame and dishonour, both he and his army were repulsed and driven back, with the loss of many of his valiantest soldiers, which truly was done more by God's hand then by the force & industry of those of Geneva, which had therein but a very small number of men, and those fight only by handfuls and without order, yet with an incredible courage and boldness, and with an extraordinary success and event. He seeing himself to receive such a repulse, took another course, & after certain small exploits went & assieged the town of Bonne in Fossigny, wherein lay three companies of Geneva, which yielded unto him by composition: but the same was as well kept with them, as it was with those of Ternier, for that the Duke at their issuing forth caused them all to be cut in pieces. This done, he recovered the castle of Thonon, from whence he marched with all his forces unto the country of Cluse, a Country situated between two hills near unto the river of Rhosne, wherein the Duke held a fort named the Cluse, the situation whereof is as followeth.  
Mount jura being about four or five days journey to travel outright, beginneth in the West about four leagues distant from Geneva, stretching towards Lions. At the place where it endeth, there lieth right against it in the South the mountain of Wache, between the which two ends of hills (as near one unto the other, as a musket shot) the famous river of Rhosne hath her course, which by diverse turnings & windings runneth unto Lions. Farther within at the foot of mount jura, it is bordered and prospected with an high hill named Cresdo (a word signifying, a mount of earth raised on high) under the which lieth a little plain about half a quarter of a league in breadth, at the end whereof there is a village called Longeray. Passing along the rock or stones of this mount jura, about the end thereof there is a strait and narrow way, winding in form of a serpent, upon the which a cart may very well pass, and by reason of the steepness of the same, having the river of Rhosne very swiftly running at the foot thereof, is very easy to be kept. In the midst thereof, which is about two musket shot in length, there standeth a fort, part whereof is by main force cut out of the rock itself, the rest builded of hard stones, specially on that side which butteth upon Geneva, and half covered with earth, in manner of a wall, about the length of eighteen or twenty paces towards Geneva, all the foot of this fort (before that time being hollow, and serving for a passage unto carts & horses) was filled with earth, & that horse & men might pass. There is a draw bridge made which cometh out of the Fort, and stretcheth along by the same, which although it should be taken by the enemy, doth not any thing at all hinder the said fort, but might easily be won again, by reason that it can not be held but by those within the Fort, not possible to be scaled, wherein you may not enter, but one by one, and that very hardly. Within this Fort, partly out of the Rock, and partly builded of free stones, there are lodgings for a Captain and about 60. Soldiers, with certain places for their provisions. On that side which butteth upon Le-Vache and Longeray, it lieth more open and discovered, & is easier to be battered: but very difficultly upon Geneva side, by reason the artillery may not be placed nearer than within 100 paces of the same: although that they of Geneva, about the month of April, in the year of our Lord 1589. did assay with their Canon to batter the same. This Fort the Duke minding to fortify, and make it of greater strength, caused another fort to be made, naming it the little Cluse, being on the other side of the river of Rhosne over against the place where those of Geneva had battered it the year before, right against the other fort. Which done, he entered into the balliage of Gez, where without resistance, he took both the town and castle: mean time, pacifiing the Lords of Berne, he began to make a fort at Versoy, thereby to hinder on that side the passage to Geneva, both by water & by land.  

A description of the fort of Versoy.  
This Versoy is a little Bourg, containing in it about seventy houses, having Geneva, (from whence it is distant 2. French leagues) on the South part, the balliage of Thonon & the Lacque of the East part, mount Zura on the west part, & the country of Vault on the North part. It is situated on the side of the Lake, having two gates, and a river issuing out of the mountains named Versoy, the which by one of her branches runneth through the midst of the bourg, & by the other passeth along before the gate which goeth unto Geneva, besides this, there is the proportion of an old castle, the walls whereof are yet standing, with an high tower. This place the Duke perceiving to be very fit to bridle those of Geneva, resolved to fortify the same, which he did with great diligence: his army being lodged thereabout, the better to bring it to pass: first therefore he caused the entries and feeble places to be barricadoed, the old castle to be new repaired, & a trench towards the West in form of a spur, he stopped the breeches, erecting a platform on the side of the Lake, whereon were placed two field pieces, which hindered the passage of all barks & galleys that would pass up unto Geneva, in such sort, that by day it was not possible without great danger to pass by water unto the town (notwithstanding that the Lake is half a league broad in that place) by reason the pieces carried so far, and that the stream (whereby the boats were carried up) ran principally in the midst of the Lake, which fort being made, he committed the custody thereof to the baron of de la Sarra, esteemed for one of the best soldiers of Savoy, leaving with him 600. chosen soldiers, under the leading of old Captains, to keep & defend the same, furnishing them with all manner of munition for war and victuals in great abundance: and besides the two field peeees placed on the water side, he caused four Canons to be brought thither, with great quantity of bullets and powder. He left likewise with the said Baron seventy galley slaves, both Turks and Christians, (which had served in the building of the fort of Sonzy) for to make an end and finish that which was begun at Versoy, where they together with the Country men and some soldiers, used such diligence, and made so great expedition, that in short time the said Bourg became marvelous strong, and by them was named Saint Maurice: which puffed the Duke up with such pride & assurance, that he called his Canons the keys of Geneva, and at his departure he desired the said Baron very earnestly to do his endeavour. This done, in the month of October 1589, for that there happened diverse new and strange diseases in his army, he retired with his soldiers (in very pitiful & languishing estate) unto Savoy, and from thence unto Piedmont. All this he did in the months of june, July, August, September & October, with extreme desolation of all the Country round about Geneva, specially in the balliages of Gez and Ternier, wherein he caused all acts of hostility to be used and exercised against his own subjects, for that the second day of September he caused the frontiers of Colonges to be burnt and destroyed, which was done and executed by the garrison of the Cluze, wherein they murdered, massacred, deflouted, drowned and hanged of men, women and children to the numder of one hundredth and two and twentieth persons well known, besides such as were not found, and remain as yet unknown: and upon the thirteenth day of September he being in the balliage of Gez, the day before, his troops marching unto Croset, took one Gead Barbir Minister of the word of God in the said parish, being about the age of 70. years, whose feet they clove in two, and setting him very contemptuously upon an Ass, his face towards the Ass' tail: They led him in such manner before the Duke himself, in whose presence he affirmed that he had preached nothing but the truth: and wherein he was fully determined to persever until his end, whereupon they brought him back again, & cast him upon a little straw before his house, where he gave up his ghost and died, a spoil being made of all his goods and substance: in the which village they likewise spoiled, murdered, and destroyed eight other poor and aged persons: whereof the names are exstant to be seen. And about the fifteenth of the same month, the said troops being in the parishes of Gez, Divonne, Villars, Plaus, Aberoz, and Petigny, they massacred, , and destroyed by divers torments, to the number of one and twenty persons, with fourteen houses which they burned in the parish of Villars, besides all these herein specified, & many other which are not as yet come to light or known. It were hard to number the women and Maids that were forced and deflowered by them, without any respect of age: for that many grave Matrons, who were to be reverenced for their years, and divers Maiden children to be respected for their tender age, could have no assurance against the rapes, violences, and furies, of these enraged Devils incarnate. For it may be said truly, that few of all the Women or Maids that fell into their hands, have hardly escaped dishonesting, and such as resisted their violence, in so much as that they could not force them) were massacred: and (which is a thing most execrable, whereof the like hath not been heard of among the barbarous Scythians.) Some women being hurt to death, & ready to yield up their ghosts, (those villains desirous to enjoy their companies) departed out of their lives, as they lay under them. They likewise burned divers Villages, and many Farms, near the fort of Cluze, so that in a manner, they left desolate, and made waste the most part of all the Villages thereabouts, depopulating the Country by their barbarous and inhuman cruelties. By which murders it may be gathered, how many Orphans and fatherless Children they have made, living in great misery and poverty, how many Families ruined and subverted, and how many honest houses impoverished and beggared. The Baron de la Sarra in the mean time lay not still, but daily skermished, and beat the boats which passed up unto Geneva, and had divers times bragged and boasted, aswell by his Letters which were intercepted by those of Geneva, as by word of mouth, that in short space he would force the town to yield to the Duke. They of Geneva, perceiving themselves abandoned of all men, considering likewise and feeling very well, that Versoy, remaining in that estate, daily fortifying itself, would be such a yoke unto them, that in the end, it would be their utter overthrow and confusion, concluded to use some means (by God's help) whereby they might break the same, and after divers small attempts, (procuring an assurance rather than a fear unto the enemy,) The seventh of November, 1589. keeping their gates shut, that no man might pass out: In the Evening they caused their small troops to be assembled, in number about five hundred footmen, with some hundredth and fifty voluntary Soldiers: two companies of Argoletiers, and two of Lances, under the conduct of the Lord of Lurbignie, (commanding the said troops, in the behalf of the most christian King, together with divers wise and expert Captains,) making their prayers unto God with a full deliberation: about ten of the clock in the night, issued forth of Geneva, carrying with them certain lather's, and pieces of wood, thereby to pass the river, within half a league of Versoy. Not long before their issuing forth, there appeared in the Element a great white circle which shone very bright, after the which followed certain fiery Pillars, whereat those of Versoy were astonished, and being in a fear, said that they of Geneva would come and visit them. But because they had been in arms all Thursdaie at night, having watched until two of the clock after midnight: between friday and Saturdaie, the most part laid themselves down to sleep: In the mean time, those of Geneva marched forwards, and on Saturdaie after midnight passed the river, close by a mill without any resistance, coming about two of the clock before Versoy, where having received a brief instruction from their General, they divided themselves into four parts, the greatest part of the footmen went towards the gate, opening upon the country of Vault, there to use their engine which they had purposely brought with them, and the most part of the Argoletiers, and Lances, made a halt upon the ways to the fort, part of them descending on foot, were ordained some to go unto the scaling of the fort, & the rest (being seventeen in number) followed a peisaunt, who with a Leaver on his shoulder, led them very quietly, and expertlye between the Bourg and the Lacque, where he brought them unto a certain easy passage, being the entry (through a little lane or street) into the fort, he himself showing them the way, mounted first up, encouraged those that followed him to do the like, which being perceived by the senturell, they soon prevented by killing him: that done, those seventeen armed men, each man having a Partisan or courtelas in his hand, entered into Versoy, where they began to make a marvelous bouchery of the Duke's soldiers, having supprized them in Peir, Corpse de guard. Which certain Captains hearing, awaked, and began to make resistance, but being slain, as the Baron thought to have joined unto them with the rest of his troops: they of Geneva, with their engine forced the gate of Copet, pursuing the exploit already begun by the seventeen men aforesaid. Those likewise which scaled the walls, entered at the same instant. But as in speedy executions, it is impossible for men to see into all places at once, and that against all hope, the place was so suddenly won, (day as yet not appearing) The Baron, with the rest of his Soldiers, and part of his slaves, found means with speed to enter into the Castle, wherein there stood two Tents, the Duke's 4. Canons, and great store of warlike munition: but the victuals were within the bourg which was presently taken, and almost three hundredth Savoyans, Piamontisians', and Italians, remaining dead in the place and in the houses, not accounting such as were burnt, with others sore wounded, which saved themselves by night, (leaping over the walls) and so got unto the Castle of dirty, and of Gez, about a league and a half distant from thence, wherein the Duke held garrison. The Baron, who had divers times threatened those of Geneva, that he would constrain them by famine, with halters about their necks, to kneel before the Duke, and submit themselves unto him, then found himself to be enclosed with his Soldiers, for the most part being in their doublets and hose, without either bread, wine, or water: yet nevertheless, making of necessity a virtue, to astonish the victors, and move the Garrisons about him, as Thonon, Bonne, Sonzie, and Gez, to come unto his aid and assistance, as also to hasten the Lord of Sonnas, not far from thence, with four or five Cornets of Lances, (for the Duke had promised him by letter, that he should want no succours:) began most furiously to thunder with his Canons, (their bullets weighing seventeen pounds) against the houses of Versoy, which he continued until three of the clock in the Evening, in which time he did little or nothing at all indomage those of Geneva, which had means to choose such places for their safeguard, as were out of the force of his battery. They lost in all four or five Soldiers, and about sixteen or eighteen hurt, and those almost all by their own follies. The Baron that day having discharged at the least 35. or 40. shot, yet ceased not to do the like all the next day being sunday, (expecting his succours, whereof those of Gex had made him a sign,) and hurt with Musket shot such as discovered themselves. But in the Evening, the water being cut from him, whereof he, and his begins to have want: no succours appearing, he desired a treaty of composition and yielding up, which was granted unto him, and that more graciously, then either he or his, had any ways deserved, by reason of their insolences committed, whereof the History at large can well declare and show forth: for they were suffered to departed, with such Arms as they had, their matches not lighted, their Drumbs at their backs, two Ensigns wrapped up, with all their baggage light enough for them to carry: in which manner, they were safe conducted unto Gez, being in number about 200. men, in very poor estate, and altogether astonished, to have been so rudely awaked and compelled to receive the same entertainment, which they threatened to give unto those of Geneva. The four Canons, and the two other of the Duke's pieces, were drawn unto Geneva, with fifty barrels of powder, divers Iron bullets, and great quantity of Lead, as also the remainder of their meal, whereof the soldiers made great waste, for that at the taking thereof, it was more than 200. Quintals: They likewise brought away with them two Ensigns, and all the Galleyslaves, to the number of threescore and ten, whereof the Lords permitted some to departed where they would, the rest willingly staying there, (being courteously used) were employed in such service of their wars as need required. The fort of Versoy was soon after pulled down, and razed to the ground, the walls of the Castle overthrown, the Tower undermined and overwhelmed, and the most part of the houses burnt, thereby taking all means from them, for ever after that to fortify again in that place: Of the which yoke, the town of Geneva being freed, (yielding thanks unto God,) they found themselves to be greatly eased, by reason that victuals began in great store and abundance to be brought thither out of the Country of Vault, and so hath continued ever since, their navigation being free until this present, God be thanked. This done, they took diverse other places about them, which anoied than very much, they threw down divers bridges and castles. And in the year 1590. having overthrown the Baron of Ermansse, taken the town of Gez, & beaten down the castle, where the Duke lost a great number of soldiers, they troubled the Duke's garrisons in diverse places: at the last they perceiving and considering the situation of the place of Cluse to be very strong, and that it would be a means to bridle their town & keep it in subjection (although, they esteemed it but lost labour any more to assail so difficult a place as that was to be won, as also being won, of so great and dangerous defence unto such as are not masters of the field, and specially on the other side of the river of Rhosne: although at other times they had determined not to enterprise the same) occasion then being offered to think thereon, they took the matter upon them in manner following. About half a league from that fort on Geneva side, there standeth a little castle somewhat strong, named Pierre, within the which a Savoyan called the Lord of Arsene, held a garrison of forty or fifty soldidiers, which daily issuing forth, spoiled and wasted the poor country men inhabiting in the balliage of Gez, and specially such as dwelled in the villages that were appertaining unto the signiory of GENEVA. with them likewise: there issued ordinarily out of the Cluze, about twenty Soldiers, who spared neither man nor woman, but violated both women and virgins, committing infinite other extortions. The Lord of Lurbigny, and those of Geneva, (having taken and thrown down the Castle of Gez, with other places annoying their town,) seeing the insolences of those of Berne, (which thought themselves out of fear, by reason of the distance between them and Geneva, & trusting to their aid when time should serve,) determined to abate their pride. To the which end, they took with them 2. of the Canons which they had taken from the Duke at Versoy, & two other field pieces, wherewith, they meant with all speed to batter the said Castle. And on Thursdaie the 16. of April 1590. they sent a troop of forty or fifty Argoletiers before to discover the place, and to show themselves unto the enemy: the same day there were about twenty eight or thirty arquebusiers issued forth of the Cluze, and running as far as the village of Farges, (a good league distant from their fort, towards Geneva:) they took down the Bell out of the steeple, and carried it with them, but in the end, it cost them very dear: for that they were no sooner departed from thence, but the Argolatiers of Geneva arrived at Farges, and understanding what had happened unto the Village, presently made after, and having over taken them, within a Musket shot of the Castle of Pierie, set upon them, and entering among men, overthrew them all: of whom, they slew about five or six and twenty, without any damage or loss unto themselves, only that the Sargeaunt of their Company was hurt in the Arm, (whereof, nevertheless he died not,) and the captains horse slain under him. The Lord of Arsene, and those of Pierre made a show as though they would have succoured their companions, but the execution being so speedily done, and they perceiving that the Argoletiers made towards them, entered again into their fort, wherein they were presently enclosed by those of Geneva, and upon Saturday after, without any resistance, yielded up the Castle upon composition, hereupon, the Lord of Lurbigny and those of Geneva, finding so good an occasion, presently sent three companies of their Soldiers, on the other side of the Cluze, to break the bridges, and to keep certain passages, that thereby, those of the Cluze might not be aided with fresh men from the Garrisons lying about them. The Captain within the same, being a Piemontois, with about a thirty Soldiers more, having intelligence of the overthrow of his men, which they thought had been taken prisoners, was much amazed: yet in the end after great grief (by reason he had lost the best Soldiers he had) he determined to stand in defence, expecting aid from other places, presently after the yielding up of the castle of Pierre: The pieces were drawn beyond Colongs, for to batter the two forts, and men were sent up upon the mountains, not only to keep the passage, but also to pull great stones out of the rock, and to roll them down upon the enemy within the fort, with the which, and with their canon, having broken the walls, overthrew their enclosure and baricado, or platform before the Ravelin. On Saturday the 19 of April, the said Ravelin was taken by those of Geneva: Notwithstanding the furious resistance of the fort besieged, and the Musketeers which shot out of the fort of Saint Victore, and down from of the hill of Wache. The next day, those of Geneva having gotten underneath the foot of the fort, ceased not to molest and grieve the Soldiers in the same with engines, Miners, and artificial fires of divers sorts, and that very often: They within having gotten into the strongest places of their fort, upon whom, those of Geneva threw & rolled down great stones from of the mountain, which endamaged and hurt them very sore, and in the end, would have spoiled them altogether, from beneath, they made a great smoke which ascended up into the fort, devising all means they could to plague them within, to encourage the assieged: Those of the fort of Wache cried unto them, courage, courage, assuring them that their aid approached, as in truth it did and that on all sides of the mountains, and specially on sunday at night, the enemy made great signs and shows of fire unto those that were besieged: this notwithstanding, the Lord of Lurbignie perceiving his small troops (although they were but hardly furnished of victuals) to increase in courage, and to be earnestly bend unto the fight, resolved to assay all means possible whereby he might force the fort, by mining, by throwing down stones from the mountains, and with fire, whereupon on monday at night, he caused a mine to be made with great diligence at the foot of the tower. They within hearing a noise thereof, & having assayed (but all in vain) to drive the miners from their place, which wrought out of their danger, the better to find out the mine, they feigned to parley for an accord, but for that in place of making a composition, the captain began to speak very high and proudly: The Lord of Lurbigny caused him quickly to retire, & therewith continued the mine: whereat they within, required him to sursease, promising him, that if their succours did not come unto them the next day within an hour after the appearing of the day, that then they would yield up the place, and departed with their arms & such necessaries as they had, which was granted unto them. Mean time, the Savoyan forces were assembled with great diligence from all places, & upon monday the 20 of April, came unto Chastillon in Michaille, within 2. leagues of the fort, marching towards the same, but the craggines of the way which they had marched, had so wearied their footmen, that they were constrained to lie all that night within a league of the Cluze. On tusdaie early in the morning they entered into the field, being in number about 1500. men, & were commanded by their leaders, to divide and range themselves into five Squadrons: whereof, one should take the way, leading along the river of Rhosne, the second should go close under the mountain: (These two were lancers, Pistoletiers, and Petronels all horsemen) and the other three Squadrons all footmen with murrions, should march through the plain, leading right upon Longeray, where they hoped to enclose and overthrow the footmen of Geneva, who having discovered their forces by little and little began to retire, feeling themselves to weak for their enemies, not having any horsemen to defend them. The Savoyans, having sent forth 2 spies to discover their enemy, & understanding, that the companies of Geneva began to dislodge, made haste after them with a great noise and outcry. While this happened, the time appointed for the yielding up of the fort was now expired, and the Lord of Lurbigny, who had made the composition, understanding of the enemy's approach, made a great noise with drums and trumpets, to the end that the Captain of the fort should not hear the cries and shouts which those within the fort of Wache made at the approaching of their aid: and therewithal wrought so speedily, that he caused the Captain and eight and twenty soldiers which he had left him, with two women and five or six of the Country men, which they had taken prisoners, to issue out of the fort, & in their place caused certain pikes and muskets to enter in & take possession of the same, speedily conveying the captain and his soldiers (all wearied, and part hurt as they were) some part on their way. At the same time that the fort was yielded up, the Savoyans began in great number to come down unto the fort, and perceiving the retreat of three companies of Geneva, began to spread themselves abroad, as they thought best, making their account that not one of them should escape their hands, specially trusting to the succour of the fort, which they as yet esteemed to be theirs, and whereof the Duke of Savoy made so much account, that he bragged, that with the same Fort & thirty men he had driven back, and could bridle a whole army of Frenchmen and Switsers. Being thus dispersed, they began very boldly to discharge against those of Geneva, who having by good hap, recovered the side of a hill, made them so hard an answer, that their footmen in the end were constrained to retire, but being ranged in order, they began a fresh charge, mean time that a great troop of their horse men, with certain armed men on foot approached very near unto the fort, calling the Captain by his name, & displayed one of their banderols, having a red cross upon the same, but the answer that they received was with musket shot, which overthrew divers of them, besides a great piece which so played upon them, that it slew diverse of their horse men, wherewith the foot men of Geneva which were on the one side, gave them such a fresh charge, that they retired with all speed, & being a good distance from the fort (perceiving that they had staid overlong) in as good order as they could, they took the way leading unto the mountain, leaving diverse of their company dead in the place, and all the ways covered with their blood, in such manner, that it seemed a butchery or slaughter of cattle. The Lord of Lurbigny and those of Geneva were not a little ravished with admiration, not only to see themselves so soon to be delivered of their enemies, and that without any loss but only three men slain, & four or five hurt, but also that they were with such speed become masters of the strongest fort in all that country, for the which both there and within the town of Geneva they yielded hearty thanks unto God: in the besieging whereof they lost about seven or eight men, but presently after they perceiving that the said place could not very well be holden by them, not having sufficient forces to keep & defend so many passages & ways, as well on the one side as the other of the fort & of the river of Rhosne, caused the fort of Cluse to be blown up with powder, which within certain weeks after, was again ceased upon by the Duke's forces, causing it to be made somewhat longer, and as much under the covert of the mountain as he cold devise: but yet in such manner, that whosoever hath the plain on that side which butteth upon Longeray and the Wache, may easily compel them within the fort to abandon the same. The Duke's garrisons lying in Fossigny, being moved with the good success of those of Geneva, about the 20. of May, and the 22. of April 1590. assembled themselves together, and entered into divers villages on that side within a league of Geneva, and belonging unto their master, where they most furiously and in great rage fell upon the poor Country men: whereof they slew a great number, not sparing any one, no not the women great with child, nor yet little children, for that they slew, murdered, and destroyed by divers torments, to the number of 62. persons. On the other side, the Duke again having taken, & new built the Fort of Cluze, under the conduct of the bastard of Savoy, sent an army of 5. or 6. thousand men into the balliage of Gez, which army in the month of june, after they had slain about 250. men of Geneva, made a most horrible waste & destruction through out all the balliage, slaying such of the Country men as they found, to the number of 27. persons, whose names are recorded, committing such villainies as are not to be rehearsed, and before their departure, burned more than 60. good villages. On the side of Ternier, in the year 1589. about the month of june, they made a fort (in a village named Sonzy,) calling the same S. Katherine's fort, wherein the Duke left his great shot, wherewith, in few months, he threatened to batter Geneva. The garrison of this fort, hath ruinated & destroyed the most part of those villages, which at this day are not inhabited: there remaineth only the balliags of Thonon, wherein there are six or seven score villages, which the baron of Ermansse, and his companies do by little and little spoil and destroy, attending the coming of the Spaniards, Piemontoisians, and other of the Duke's troops, to set them all on fire, as they have done the rest, following their pretended resolution, which is, to make a desert within six leagues round about Geneva, if otherwise they can not bring their purpose about, to get the town into their hands. Thus, one of the most fair, and fertile little countries of Europe, hath in the space of eighteen months, been fourraged and spoiled by their own Lord: and yet, all this notwithstanding, those of Geneva, in the midst of so many discommodities, have continued without spoiling, being sustained by a special favour from God himself, and aided by certain friends, both far and near, specially the most Christian king, who in divers sorts, accompanied with good effects, hath shown a most great affection towads them.  
Let this suffice you (gentle reader) as a scantling or small proportion of one of the most memorable Histories of our age, until such time as it shall please God to give the means unto some others which think thereon, & whose memories may serve them, to collect and gather it in order more at large, to the end, that now you yourselves, and your posterity after you, may see and behold the wonders and miracles of almighty God. Unto whom be all honour, praise, and glory, for the preservation of Geneva, as unto him only it appertaineth.  
Written at such time as the troops of Geneva, assisted by those of the most Christian king, overthrew three cornets of Spanish and Neapolitan horsemen, belonging unto the Duke, and therewith took the strong castle of Buring in Fossigny.   
FINIS.