A LETTER FROM THE KING, to his Court of Parliament of Bordeaux, touching the death of the Duke of Guise.  
(***) 
 AT BIRD EAUX By S. Milanges, ordinary Printer unto the King, 1589.  
By commandment of the said Court.  
Newly translated according to the French Copy.  
CANTABO JEHVAE QUIA BENEFECIT MIHI   printer's or publisher's device 
Printed for Thomas Woodcock, dwelling in Paul's Church yard at the sign of the Black Bear. 1589.   

The King his letter unto his Court of Parliament of Bordeaux.  
Trusty and well-beloved, although you are sufficiently informed of the occasions which the Duke of Guise now deceased hath given us, to revenge ourselves of those troubles which he hath spread in our Realm, and of the enterprises and attempts which he hath made of later years against our state and Crown, yea our honour and life: nevertheless (expecting until we give you more particularly to understand how he hath used himself ingratefully towards us instead of a mends, whereas we pardoned him all things passed, in hope that our gentleness, and the good turns and honour which since then we have done unto him, and did every day, to the misliking of our good and Loyal servants and Subjects, which were still offended with it, might bring him to the right way again.) We will only signify unto you, that of late his insolency was grown so far, that despising our Authority, he hath omitted nothing of that which he might do, to bring us into trouble, and to take our crown from us, yea our own life. And if he hath not done it, it is because he could not do it, which hath given us just occasion to make him know that GOD hath given us the Authority, the means, and the courage to chastise him, according to his desert, by the loss of his life. Whereof we have not thought amiss to advertise you by these presents, to the end you may know the truth of it, least by false reports it be colourably altered unto you, giving you moreover to understand, that we will by no means leave our holy entrprise to make war against the Heretics, and to root them out: but rather, as it was not grounded either upon the late deceased Duke of Guise his life or death, nor his ambition; but upon the zeal and affection which we have always borne, and will always have engraved in the bottom of our heart, to the glory of GOD, and the increase of our Catholic, Apostolic, and Roman Religion; so likewise it cannot be by any occasions whatsoever removed from us. Our will therefore is, that our Subjects of our jurisdiction be informed of the just causes of the punishment which they have received, and of our good and holy purposes. And that likewise, you endeavour yourselves to keep every one in their obedience which they own unto us, whereby they may assure themselves to be eased as much as we can, and whiles they shall continue in their duty, they shall find us always their gracious King, ready to gratify them as far as their fidelity shall deserve; and likewise to chastise them if they forget their duty, and withdraw themselves from the respect and obedience which GOD hath commanded them to give us.  
Given at Bloys, the 24. day of December. 1588. signed thus, HENRY. And lower, REVOS.  
Presented the second of january 1589.  
And on the back side  
To our trusty and well-beloved of our Court of Parliament at BORDEAUX.  
FINIS.   

Drawn out of the registers of the Court.  
THe Court and Chambers thereof being assembled by request made unto them by word of mouth from the King his general Attorney, hath, and by these presents doth make special inhibition unto all manner of persons of what estate, quality, or condition soever they be, and under what pretence soever it be; to make or renew any league or association, to withdraw and entice the Subjects of our said Lord the King from his service, nor spread or use any words tending to withdraw them from the Loyal heart, fidelity, and obedience which they own unto him, upon danger to be accounted as Rebels and guilty of high treason. Enjoining all Bailiffs, Stewards, Vnderwardens, their deputies, and all others to whom it shall belong, to make inquiry of them that oppose themselves hereunto, and to proceed against the offenders, according to the rigour of the King's edicts, and to signfiie unto the same Court of their endeavour done in that behalf within one month under pain to answer it themselves at their own peril and danger.  
Enacted at Bordeaux at the Parliament, in the Chambers thereof being assembled, the 2 of januarie. 1589. signed thus D. ARNAL.