THE Whole and true Discourse of the Enterprises and secret Conspiracies that have been made against the person of Henry de Valois, most Christian king of France & Poland.  
Whereupon followed his death by the hand of a young jacobin Friar, the first day of August, 1589. Whereby the enemies of the Crown, thought to have reduced & brought all France to their will & devotion.  
Together with the assembly that the king before his death made of the Princes of the blood; Lords and Gentlemen that were in his Army, with the heads of the strangers, to whom he declared his last will.  
Englished out of the French copy, printed at Caan in Normandy  
Imprinted by Thomas Purfoote, and are to be sold at his shop without Newgate, over against S. sepulchres church, 1589.   

The true discourse of the enterterprise made against the Person of the late deceased King, wounded (whereof he died) by a young jacobin Friar, the first of this month of August 1589.  
IF the holy scripture, yea God himself, expressy forbidden us, (& that with threatening us to fall into the indignation & iugdment of the higher power) that we should not in any wise couch or hurt the anointed of the Lord: It is a matter worthy to be wondered at, that he (who calleth himself the preacher of the gospel) should so far forget himself, as that he neither knew nor understood the will of God, who so greatly esteemeth, and ordaineth to be honoured & respected, the party to whom he committeth the the government of a common weal: although he use rigour and severity.  
And who (I pray you) from time out of man's memory, can give us testimony of so wretched an act, and so worthy of everlasting blame, to have happened, and to have been committed and perpetrated in all christiandome, as that which is yet all bloody in our France, committed against our so gracious and merciful King, Henry de Valois, King of France, and Polande? An act verily utterly unworthy a christian, & that would not be believed to have been exercised amongst the most barbarous nations of the world.  
We find, yea in the holy scriptures themselves, that there have been revoulting, discontentments, contradictions, and murmurings, and that in the end many people have raised wars, against their kings and princes, by reason of the great subsidies impostes, and heavy burdens, and other charges that were laid upon their shoulders very h●●● & uneasy to be borne. But it is not found that there hath an assault and murder been done nor conspired against the Sovereign authority.  
We read of Solomon who had imposed and laid upon the backs of the people that were committed unto him by the authority of God, importable burdens wherewith the subjects felt themselves 〈◊〉 and wholly ●●ressed. jeroboam 〈◊〉 well-beloved s●r●●imt, albeit he had received 〈◊〉 by A●●as the ancient prophet of God that 〈…〉 reign 〈◊〉 ten tribes of Israel, and that 〈…〉 but o●● of the tribes remain in the 〈…〉, yet the said I●●oboam being at 〈…〉 had rather 〈…〉 ●●a●omon, and 〈…〉 him. Not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉, and his 〈…〉 the kingdom, 〈…〉 of the people was 〈…〉 when he 〈…〉 supplication to the king, to ease them of those heavy burdens that his father had laid upon them. Whereto king Roboam would not yield, and they went there ways very greatly discontenced. And the said jeroboam reigned over ten of the tribes of Israeli: who crowned him king & ruler over them. But they long continued not in that estate, but the vengeance of God fell upon them after the death of the said Roboam: And amongst all that is written of this goodly history in the book of Paralipomenon the 13 and 14 chapters, & in the first book of Kings, the 1.2.3.4. & other Chapters following, there is no mention made (though there wanted no means of the peacusing amongst them of any other means, nor of any other kind of assaulting the king (though he were constrained to fly unto jerusalem:) nor of Abias his son that reigned after him. We find also that in the wars many kings have been smitten & slain. Others also by the just judgement of God have been killed and wounded by diverse strange mortal wounds. The reverence due to the king aswell in the wars, as otherwise, hath been and yet is in so great account, that there is an observation in the wars, when the King is there in person) to cry aloud: Save the King: save the King.  
They will allege, it was done upon wrath and indignation, for that which was executed upon Mounsire de Guise, by his majesties commandment.  
I answer them, it is not the part of a servant nor of any other whomsoever to make himself equal and evenlyke, nor to compare himself with the authority, power, or highness, of an Emperor, King, or Magistrace, who executeth and disposeth of his affairs, as pleaseth himself, and according to his good counsel. After whose example, and in imitation of him, if particular persons, should take upon them to make ordinances, and to intermeddle in the rule & government of the civil estate, & the affairs of the kingdom. What order, what government, what justice, should we have therein▪ To whom might it be said that the obedience were due, which we protest to yield in the name of God, to our superiors, whom he hath ordained and established over his people.  
There is no question, nor controversy, but that a long time there hath been very secret practising against the king. For his majesties own self, hath often discovered very evident tokens thereof, whereby he might easily be persuaded, of their cankered hearts toward him. As may appear by the searching and sifting that the house of Guise hath made, as being descended from Charlemagne, upholding the bull of Pope Stephen, in the behalf of Pepin king of France, and of his wife, with their two issues males, one of the which was the said Charlemagne, the which bull (next after the consecrating & anointing of the regality in the person of the said Pepin and his wife, by the same Pope) conteinech a judgement of curse against them that should presume to enterprise the french sceptre & prevail to obtain the same, except they were such as should descend from the said Pepin, & his race. There have been other sufficient occasions brought to light, which I will pass in silence.  
But I wonder why they laid that so long aside, and opposed not themselves, to them that have reigned sithencs that time. I wot well that they have ruled and governed in France in their time, and that nothing was done, but what they allowed for the most part.  
And to allege at this day, that the king had hardly dealt with them: he that had brought to light so many sinister dealings, and enterprises, They endeavouring and purposing to aid and defend themselves with a league and association (in a manner) of all the towns and commonalties of all France, where they could get audience. This kind of proceeding was in truth concluded and determined from the council, of Trent: And being assured of a great number of people as well Churchmen, as Gentlemen, and of the third estate, under colour of the reuniting of faith and religion, and also of the assuaging and lessening of the impositions taxes and subsidies that the king demanded by reason of the necessity of the affairs of his kingdom: and of other pranks, wherewith I may well say a great number of folk were bewitched, forsaking their king, who only hath power and authority in his kingdom to take order in all such matters, the which people stayed themselves upon certain particular persons, that have not any mean to accomplish the same, but only by taking their sword in hand, and altogether to enforce the king to grant to their minds, or else to constrain him to yield up his sceptre: and intending thus to win the authority that they seek to have over all France: to bring all things into confusion and disorder to murder all them that should refuse to be obeidient to their will: to seize their goods and possessions, to recompense the heads of these wars, for their good service employed for this league, at their costs. These matters are well enough known to many, by the actions that they have committed, yea & after what sort they have led the king's majesty about, who for a certain space disinherited not their hypocrisy & dissimulation. But they could not so covertly and cunningly play their game, but it was espied, how they had deliberated, to shut the king up in a religious house, there to finish the rest of his days.  
Now when this confederacy and league was thus confirmed and settled, and the time of the execution of their intent drew near, we know how the king was constrained to withdraw himself from Paris, and all those matters that ensued thereupon, until the assembly of his general estates at Bloys. At which-place, in the beginning, the king of Navarra, and all those of his race, are declared to be vomcet and uncapable to succeed, to the crown 〈◊〉 France, as men attainted & convicted of heresy in their only judgement, with confiscation of all their possessians. In which place they thought verily to have accomplished and attained to the perfection of their secret intents and complots. But when matters stirred and turned otherwise then they expected, and the estates ceased: They must needs open the closet of their hearts, whereby were revealed their fautors and assuters. And even as there was left but one tribe of the children of Israel in the house of David, in the hands of king Roboam, the lawful and natural son, and rightful successor of his father Solomon: so did the king find himself stripped of all his good towns, noble men, and an infinite number of men at arms, so that he had no sure access nor place of retreat, saving in the lesser part of his kingdom, though there were many of his side in the protestant towns, but the force was not in their hands. Seeing themselves then thus strong, they cried. God save the League, God save the League, The which word, because it seemed odious, they have changed into Union.  
The king weighing and considering this kind of proceeding, and percewing their demeanours, pride and ambition, settling & tooting in the harles of these bypocrites, the taking of his towns, boroughs, castles, and strong holds, with double assuranes of men in pay, and out of pay: it was ●●●sfarie for him to crave aid else where, and as he was always well assured of the good will of the ki●● of Navarra his brother in Law, toward him, so did ●e not stick, nor make any difficulty to call him to his aid: Whereto the said Lord would not in any respect disobey: notwithstanding the rigour of the edicts and declarations that the said king of France had made against my said Lord the king of Naurra and his alders, and had caused their goods and possessions both movable and unmovable to be sold, according to the desire of his enemies the leaguers, besides other matters which they caused the said deceased king to do by force, for the most part, and wherein most often he knew not what he did. Which matters the said Lord the king of Navarra hath sufficientite set down at large in all his protestations that he hath made to his Majesty.  
Now Satan, seeking like a roaring lion whom be may devour, perceiving this good and holy agreement and reconciliation, with the good will of the faithful protestants of the king's side, he could no longer stay himself in assurance, forasmuch as his devices went evil forward. For these of the kings side, taking courage, have brought many sheept back again to their own fold. Herewithal, he perceived how the stranger took the cause in hand, and stirred against the disturbers of the tranquillity. They could not other●i●e judge, for the behoof of the cause, but to persecute the head that the members might be that steker  
In this judgement and opinion, there be many sorts of folk. For some of them ought to beeplaine and continent in their wills: Others are hold and ignorant, led by their own affection without judgement: Other some contrary to their solitariness, are forerunners: who contrary to their profession, intermeddle to do things clean contrary to all honest conversation, which causeth them to be evil liked, of such as desire to walk plainly in their vocation. All the which kinds of folk thus put together, cannot in their particular passions, which are without all holiness and piety, rightly nor fitly give any good counsel for such matters as are to be done: for they prefer their wicked intention which is transported with pride and unsatiable convetousnes) before all good affection, and the safety of the common weal. And all of them so put together, without foresight of that which is to come, rejecting all manner of knowledge of God, cannot deliverate any other thing saving only the cutting away of the head of the tree, that the branches might whither away the sooner.  
This Counsel was holden at Paris, whereat were present at that time the principal heads of this league, in which place, Satan offered one worse than judas, for judas kissed his master after be had sold him, and acknowledged his offence afterwards. But this young man, a jacobin Friar of religion, hath made no difficulty nor sticking, to wound to death him, that so heartily loved the order above all the whole nations of religious persons, who had cherished them, as they that were welcome about his person. This will I say, it is no novelty that they begin to do evil: I will produce an Emperor that was poisoned by a hallowed ●●ast, empoisoned notwithstanding, which was presented unto him by a jacobin. This order of friars preachers have always been very desirous to be welcome amongst men of high calling, and to undertake odious offices, as to be of the inquisition of faith and others. These of the League, upon consideration thereof, provoke and stir more and more, this poor cursed wretch, within whose heart Satan lodged; to keep, him always in this cursed mind. Upon the resolution hereof, they prepared him a knife for this purpose; which they double poisoned with such kind of poison, that though the party stricken with this Instrument die not presently yet it shall not be possible for him to escape, nor live long after.  
Upon tuesday the first of August, very early in the morning, this devilish person, taketh his journey, purpesing to find his Majesty at S. Clou, two small leagnes from Paris: Attending his uprising, for fear of losing the occasion to speak with him: being well assured to have entrance to him, in respect of the ●auour that the king bore unto them: having in his hand a letter or missive to deliver liver unto him from the first precedent of Paris, as the report goeth, whom they detain prisoner.  
Assoon as he was advercised that he might conveniently speak with the king, he entereth with a bold face, as hardy as a lion, and like a bloody traitor gave him the jubé with a very low & humble courtesy, offering unto him the said pretended writing of the same Precedent, and coming near to his Majesty, he signified unto him how Bee had another secret to declare unto him. The king hearing the same, caused two Gentlemen to go out, that served him at his uprising. Then this jacobin continuing in his wicked mind, drew this knife and therewith thrust the king into the little belly as they call it: the which stroke entered not into his body, neither died he presently. The king seeing this, and being moved, laid hold of a dagger that lay near unto him, and therewith struck the said Monk, who being hurt with the stroke, and much affrighted, fell presently down for fear: Howbeit not dead, but as is commonly seen, a malefactor is never settled and assured in conscience when he goeth about to execute such a cruelty. This wretched Monk, being worse feared, then hurt, had leisure to speak.  
Upon the which noise, the said gentlemen suddenly came in again with others, who by the king's commandment, slew him not, but took him up. After the king w●s dressed, even so far that he had seven stitches with a needle, as the report goeth, he gave commandment for the examination of the said Monk, which was accomplished, and be declares who set him on, the authors, and all other informations, with his name, and vocation, & that he was not counterfeited, but of the said order. Which being finished, through impatiency he was killed, suffering above a hundred thrusts with daggers, & which is worthy the marveling at, it is reported that the said Monk's flesh became as black as a very raven, which is easy to be believed, because Satan dwelled within him, and then the judgement of god that appeareth to men in diverse sorts: behold here a pitiful tragedy.  
But as God will serve his purpose with men, by many and diverse sorts, the king being yet of good there, with the hope which he had conceived that his wound might mend, sent with speed, for his brother in law the king of Navarra, the lords of his Court. Governors, Captains that were in his army, & specially the heads of the strangers that were in his country, to the intent that if it so fell out that he died, the disorder and misrule should not be so great, that all the army should be broken up, no● an unmeasurable confusion ensue thereupon. When they were all thus assembled, God put into the king's mouth so steadfast and 〈◊〉 speech, as though he had felt no grief, and began to signify to the assembly: hat the lawful succession of the royal estate of France, fell not to any other, saving in the person of Barbon, and declaring at that time the king of Navarra first successor, he prayed and exhorted the whole company so to acknowledge him, and to be faith full unto him: and to protest all with one voice the acknowledging & taking in good part of this deed, and true obedience, as to the true and lawful heir, and to cause the like promise & acknowledgement to be made in the camp by all true and faithful Captains and soldiers that could not be present at the said assembly, aswell natural frenchmen as strangers, who all with gladness of heart (though otherwise sad and sorrowful for his majesties wound) swore to execute the kings will.  
Upon the ordering and disposing of all matters in this sort, the king sent letters into all places, where he had yet the full government, & especially to Caan to Mounsyr de la verune Governor and bailie at Caan, and to the court of parliament established at the said place, with hope, that there was no danger of death. as much was written unto them from Mounsyr de Mountpensier Governor general for his majesty in Normandy, who was then at Andely upon the river of Seyne, where becaused his whole army to take the like oath: exhorting the heads to maintain the kings will. Which was accorded unto him, with hope as the said lord governor deemed, that there should be no danger of the king's death, by God's help.  
But the next day following, the said lord governor changed that kind of language, writing to the said bailie of Caan, whereby he gave him to understand how the king died the wednesday next following the date wherein he was wounded.  
An assembly was holden at Caan upon sunday the sixth day of August, of all the Citizens and Inhabitants of the same place, in the presence of the bailie of Caan, and the Court of Parliament, the body of the town, and the gentlemen of the country, where the skilful person Mounseur de Lisores, Precedent in the said court of Parliament, did sit as Precedent, and when he had delivered and showed to all the whole company what matters had happened, with admiration of the speech of this Lord, as protesting perfect loyalty on his own behalf: publication of his majesties letters and of Mountpensiers' letters was publicly made, where all uniformally swore their acknowledgement & fidelity, every man protesting to maintain the will of Henry de Valois thus deceased, in all things that it containeth.