〈…〉 of those 〈…〉 league 〈…〉 risen up 〈◊〉 arms in thi● Realm of France.  
⸪  
With Privilege.  
Truly translated into English according to the French copy.  
Printed at London, by john Charlewood, dwelling in Barbican at the sign of the half Eagle and the Key, 1585.   


LOò Rey & Prince Soubiran de Bearn á permetut, & permet a Joys Rabier Imprimador de son Vniuersitat d'Ortés de imprimar, been, & exposar La declaration que sa Maiestat á enbiada au Rey de Francia, country las calumnias d'cus de la Ligua, ensems la lettraque sadicta Mastat escriu audict Segnor Rey de Francia, come plus plaàes contengut en las letras de pribilegi ottrogeadas audict Joys Rabier per sadicta Maiestat dadas á Bargerac, loó xi. de Iuin 1585. Sageradas deu grand saged deudict Seignor Rey & Prince Soubiran, signadas de sa maá, & contresignadas the Mazelieres, Raportadas au counsel deudict Seignor Rey per Mr. Me. joan du Brevil Conseiller audict counsel loó xiv. deudictmes de Iuin. 1585. A Pau.   

The Abridgement in English of the King's Privilege, afore rehearsed in the Bearnois tongue.  
THe King and sovereign Prince of Bearne, hath permitted and doth permit, Lewis Rabier, Printer of his University of orts, to imprint and set forth, The declaration sent by his Majesty, to the King of France, against the slanders of those of the League, and also the letter written by his Highness to the said Lord the King of France, as more is contained in the Letters of privilege, granted by his Majestic to the said Lewis Rabier, dated at Bergerac the xi. of june 1585. Sealed with the great Seal of the said Lord the king and sovereign Prince: Signed with his band, and countresigned, De Mazelieres, exhibited to the Counsel of the said Lord the King, by Master Du Brevill, Counsellor in the same Counsel, the xiv of the said month of june. 1585. At Pau.    

To the right worshipful, Sir Philip Sidney, KNIGHT.  
SIR, for as much as this Noble and most godly Christian King, by this declaration, desireth that all Christian Princes should understand what great injury is offered to his honour, by th'enemies of the holy Church of God: I have thought good to translate this good Prince his protestation into th'english tongue, & to present the same to your worship's view: knowing that both you and all the worthy English Knights touched with like godly zeal as your worship is, will, with the balance of a ripe and sound judgement, consider & favour th'equity of the cause, as it shall please th'almighty to put into your noble and generous hearts: whom I beseech so to bless and more and more enrich and augment those gifts of grace, which he hath so liberally bestowed on you, that it may redound to his honour and glory, and to th'everlasting fame of your worship  
Your worship's most humble to command, Claudius' Hollyband.   

To the King.  
MY sovereign Lord, your Majesty shall well perceive, how they that lately, rose up in this Realm, have bend themselves against me in their protestations. And in the same have gone about by all manner of slanders, to bring me in suspicion with your Majesty, into hatred with all orders and estates, and into the great misliking of all Princes and nations of Christendom.  
Therefore, my good Lord, I thought it good to send unto your Majesty, the declaration, written and signed with mine own hand, which shall be presented unto you by monsieur Cleruaut, and De Cassincourt. The which I most humbly beseech your Ma. vouchsafe the reading from point to point, and there to set before your eyes mine actions and demenoures passed, wherein I hold myself assured that the upright and indifferent eye of your Majesty, shall perceive nothing but faithfulness and integrity. The which (my sovereign Lord) hath not been either in causes or effects, more deeply or clearlier seen by any other, then only your Majesty. And therefore, although my principal desire above all thing, be to yield satisfaction to your majesties judgement, which I doubt not but shallbe a very easy matter for me to perform: yet nevertheless (my Lord) for that the poison of these slanders is spread throughout all the veins of this Realm, and of all Christendom (as much as in them lieth) wherein my honour and reputation do suffer incredible damage: I am most humbly to beseech your Majesty to show me so much favo ur, as to think well of my sending this present declaration, to all your Courts of Parliament, and other the notable incorporate towns of this Realm, with whom most chiefly my adversaries seek to stain and diffame me. And also that it would please your majesty to vouchsafe me this honour, to command your Ambassadors to exhibit it to all Christian Princes your friends and allies, with those letters which (with your majesties licence) I purpose to write unto them. And I am certainly persuaded, your Majesty cannot but think it a thing most strange (being so near allied unto you as I am, and with the mind that I bear) that I pass in silence the great blames and slanderous reproofs wherewith they charge mine honour: which I dare say cannot be spotted without some damage to your Majesty.  
Wherefore in all humbleness and dutiful affection. I beseech your Majesty to grant these my requests: And so referring the rest of my mind to the discharge of the said monsieur de Cleruaut, and de Cassincourt, I most humbly beseech your Majesty to give credit unto them.  
Your most humble and most obedient subject and servant. Henry.   

The declaration of the king of Navarre, touching the slanders published against him, in the protestations of them of the League, which are risen up in this Realm.  
THE King of Navarre, upon the view and consideration of the protestations, and Declarations of those that this day trouble the estate of this Kingdom, under the name of the holy League, wherein they would cover their wicked intent, partly with zeal of Religion, & partly with affection and good will toward the common wealth: But particularly take his Majesty for the party against whom they are bend, as though be were an Heretic, a Relapse, a Persecutor of the Church, a disturber of the estate, & a sworn enemy against the estate, etc. hath thought it, as appertaining to his duty, to give clear evidence and manifest declaration, to all Kings, Princes, and Nations of Christendom, against these slanders: but specially to the King his sovereign Lord, and to all manner of people, of what state or degree soever they be, within this Realm, the rather, for that under his shadow, they make no conscience to attempt against the Crown of their Prince, and bring a miserable confusion upon his whole estate.  
First therefore, touching the matter of Religion, the said Lord the king of Navarre, protesteth before God (who seethe the bottom of his heart, before the King his soneraine Lord, unto whom his principal desire is to approve his actions, before all the abovesaid Princes and Nations, to whose testimony and judgement he willingly yieldeth himself) that he hopeth not for any salvation, otherwise then in the Christian faith and Religion, which he embraceth with all hearty affection, and for an infallible rule thereof, he receiveth the word contained in the old and new Testament, which it hath pleased GOD to preserve in this darkness, for the light & direction of his Church: that he believeth one Catholic and Apostelike Church, for the preservation & continual enduing whereof with all manner of graces, be daily prayeth unto to God, and would think himself most happy to shed his blood in the defence thereof against the Infidels: That he believeth the Creeds or abridgements of the Christian faith, which have been set down by the same Catholic and Apostlike Church, to serve as marks or cognisances, whereby the Christians and Rightbeleevers may be discerned from such as think amiss of the faith, and from heretics: And also be embraceth the most ancient, famous, and lawful Counsels, that have been holden against them. He rejecteth and detesteth with all his heart, all doctrines by them condemned, and for the reverence he beareth to the Church, yea, & willbe always ready to yield to her judgement, and stand to her decree, when she shallbe orderly assembled in a lawful and holy counsel.  
As touching the matter in controversy, whereof in these days there is question in the church: The said Lord the King of Navarre desireth, that consideration may be had, that he is not the only man; nor the first, that hath complained of the abuses brought into the church, and desired reformation of the same: And therefore it should be too hard, that this most true Christian desire, to see the Church reform, should be imputed unto him as heresy, or enmity against the same: In that for the space of five hundred years and above, it hath been a common complaint of all Princes, of all learned men, and of all holy personages, that the Church through all this long tract of time, hath lost much of her first purity and sincerity, for she being thus compounded of men, who without doubt, ever with themselves added & brought some what of their own inventions unto her. So that it hath been the voice of all Councils (without exception of any) which have been holden within the compass of the time aforesaid that the Church had great need of reformation, which in every age hath been long desired, yea, and vehemently sighed for, by all the best sort of men, out of whose mouths this sentence would never else have proceeded: to wit, that whosoever should affirm the Church to have need of purging, aught to be taken for an heretic, and enemy of the same, That the most Christian Kings well perceiving the same, have often for the like effect thought it to appertain to their office, and toward the discharge of their consciences, to exhort the Pope and Christian Princes to a general Council, which in the Pope's default, and in case he winked at the matter, they could very well take upon them to call together by their own authority, from whence have proceeded under their own names, most laudable ordinances, for the reformation of the french Church. So that, in the end after long complaint of many ages, when they, to whom the matter seemed to appertain, would not take in hand, but rather (as all men know) employed themselves in the affairs of the world, it came to pass, that many Princes, Peoples, and estates, with great care weighing and considering the reasons alleged unto them, and seeing the defence and maintenance of the same, by the great constancy of infinite Parsons of all degrees, in most grievous torments, even unto th'extremity of death: did remit the said reformation to a lawful Council, and upon refusal of the same, did protest against the abuses, which they pretended to be in the Church: and thereunto did lay their own helping hand to redress the same: from whence sprang the Schism, which the said Lord the King of Navarre doth now bewail to see in the Christian Church, and against the which it was not unpossible in so long time to find remedy, if the honour of God, and the salvation of men had touched us as near, as our own glory or particular profit.  
The said King of Navarre, in regard of himself, saith, that he was not only borne during this unhappy Schism, that thus hath happened in the Christian Church, (the continuance whereof, he judgeth, aught to be imputed to such, as sought not means to reunite the Church as they ought to have done) but also that he was brought up in France, while th'exercise of both the Religions was permitted by the King, in the general estates of his Realm, and after confirmed by many of his majesties Edicts: beside, he was nourished and instructed in his tender years in this belief, that there were great abuses in the doctrine of the romish Church, which 〈◊〉 great need of reformation: And after that he was confirmed in the same, all ●ell by the conference of many lenthed me; as all so by reading the holy Scriptures. So that he believeth in his hart●●●éely cof●●eth with his mouth, that he is verily persuaded that the truth is on his side: Which hath been an occasion of his falling, into very many dangers and losses, rather than to 〈◊〉 the same. By which occasion also (to his great grief) he never hand the mean to do such services, neither to be partalier of the good grace & favour of his sovereign Lord and Prince, as otherwise without doubt, he might have done, if he could (with a safe conscience) have framed himself so that profession, which his Ma●essle followeth. Yet (notwithstanding) to give knowledge to all men, that whatsoever he hath done in that respect, was not of obstinacy, but of constancy, neither by ambition, but for the only desire of his salvation: he most humbly bes●cheth his Majesty, to cause a free and lawful council to be helden, according to the promises always made by his edicts. The said King of Navarre, being always ready to receive instruction from the same, and to rule his belief according to that which there shallbe decided, concerning the controversies in religion.  
As for the counsel of Trent, it is not to be obeyed. For although the continuance thereof was prosecuted by the late king Charles, and in the end obtained at the hands of Pope Paulus the third, and after the proclaiming thereof, Ambassadores were sent from his majesty to the same counsel with Christian and Catholic instructions, agreeable to the holy decres of the romish church, and approved by the College, of Sorbonne, and the Doctors of the same, sent to the said counsel with the said Ambassadors: Yet not withstanding all their diligence used toward the Cardinals, Legates, and presidents in the said Counsel, by the space of eighteen Months and above, it was not possible to obtain any thing conformable to the said instructions, nor to reform the ecclesiastical order according to the same. When his majesty was advertised thereof, and well perceiving the harms that might grow thereby: he gave commandment to his Ambassadores, to protest against the said Counsel, and after their protestation made, to come home from thence, and so they did accordingly. And albeit great suit and entreaty was made unto them, by the Pope and the said Cardinals, and the deceased Cardinal of Lorraine, to return to the said counsel, and stay there till the end of the same: yet they would never yield so to do. So that the same counsel was continued, ended, and concluded without them, & without their signet, according to the custom of all times. Whereby also it came to pass, that for any instant pursuit that was made, for the receiving and publishing of the same counsel, in the Court of Parliament at Paris, the said Court, the Chambers being assembled, hath always withstood it, and that in the year threescore and twelve, after Bartholmeweday, when the same seemed greatly to favour their suit.  
Therefore the said King of Navarre thinketh, that men of upright judgement, cannot account him either an heretic or an obstinate person, considering the matter is yet undiscided and in respect he submitteth himself to the trial of a counsel, neither can they judge him contentious or unjust, that will yield to the decree of a Parliament, whatsoever the advocate or counsellor ●vn the one party can cavil to the contrary, ne yet deem him for a schismatic or stubborn offender, seeing he yieldeth this obedience and reverence to the assembly of the estates, to be ready to make his appearance there both to yield a reason of his opinion there, and likewise to learn there, yea and to change to better, when better shall be taught him. On the contrary side he complaineth, that hitherto for the space of many years, he hath seen these zealous persons assembled to destroy him, but not to instruct him. He complaineth of a process: beginning with execution, of a teaching, begun with excommunication, without any kind of formality that either is requisite, or may be allowed to proceed. Protesting before all Princes and estates, and above all others, before the King his Sovereign Lord, to whom he maketh his recourse for justice, & before the estate of this kingdom, unto whom he intendeth to represent his actions, against the authors and fauters of this league, of so manifest violence, precipitation, and injustice.  
The said King of Navarre also affirmeth, that the name & blame of a relapse or a backslider, cannot rightly be applied unto him, by virtue whereof, (though by a counsel he should yield to change his opinion) their pretence is to deprive him from the succession of the Crown, whereon God grant they think as little as he. And thereby he referreth the cause to all men's upright consideration, to think with what charity his adversaries proceed herein. And whereunto their devise may tend, to cut from him (as much as lieth in their power) the desire to procure his instruction in a counsel, without entering into the depth that might overthrow it, both by Cannons, and examples. In their language, they call them Relapses or backsliders, that have been heretics and abjured there heresies, and yet nevertheless after wards fall into the same again. Therefore forasmuch as the King of Navarre (as here above appeareth) hath not by the Cannons been an heretic: it is most clear that he cannot be a relapse. He further affirmeth, that though he had been, or should be an heretic, yet could he not be a relapse, considering he was never converted from the pretended heresy, and considering also, that no one ever thought to take any pain, or seek means how to persuade or convert him, but these zealous fellows have shot at no other mark, with all their drifts and endeavours, then to overthrow and destroy him.  
They allege here, that the said Lord the King of Navarre, after Bartholmewe day, sent to the Pope, and yielded to go to mass, Setting age aside, every man knoweth what kind of conversion this was, and whether he had just cause of scare or not, longer refutation would be frivolous. The truth is, if, by all laws, our actions are accounted of no force, when they proceed through fear or force: it is most certain, that never had action less will, neither ever had any action more force. The truth is also, that he had not so soon recovered his will, but he caused she same to appear by public profession, what it was, and that in the midst of the Catholics which were in his cempanie, and seemed to possess him at that time: without either dissimulation or subtly, whereby his error might appear to be altogether far from hippocrfle.  
The said Lord the King of Navarre most humbly beseecheth the King his Lord, that it would please him to take in good part, his modest answer also, to that blame which they lay to his charge, that he is a persecuter of the Catholic Church. And touching this point, he citeth the consciences of his greatest enemies to answer before God, whether this title in any respect can appertain unto him. Let every man here consider, that the civil wars sell in the tender years of the said King of Navarre, and whether there be any likelihood, that he enterprised war with a joyful heart persecute the Catholics, every man knowing their number, authority, and force in this kingdom, to be wholly without and free from persecution: Who under the kings only name were in safety, in regard of the said King of Navarre, and of all that dependeth on him, from all attempts, enterprises and injuries whatsoever. Verily there have been rigours and persecutions heard, and spoken of in France, within the space of certain years passed: But no man at any time interpreted them other wise then passively, in regard of them of the religion, and anively in regard of others. And to use any word to the contrary, would be so unantly spoken, that no man would understand it.  
It pleased King Charles, to cause the said King of Navarre repair to his Coart, and to honour him with Marriage of his sister. He came thither in the religion wherein he was brought up: ●ut that which followed may better be shadowed with silence, then to be now again fresh repeated. When he departed from thence, he went back into his own Countries. When peace was made with my Lord that is deceased, the said King of Navarre used not so much as one word by way of request, for any thing concerning himself, neither is there any one article to be red therein that toucheth him. And yet without doubt he had greater occasion than any other, either to bear some stomach for matters passed, or to be as it were recompensed for the losses he suffered. Howbeit the said King of Navarre would not, for his own particular occasion, hinder the peace and tranquility of this Realm, and the succour and comfort of the people, so much as the space of one only day. Yet it is well known, that if he had been so minded; it lay in his hands at that time, to have served his own turn with the army, of the Rutters, who every hour were ready (for default of their pay at the kings hands, according to the articles of the peace) to enter into a mutiny, and turn their heads towards Paris.  
Contrariwise, then was the time wherein the heads and masters of this league (abusing his clemency and goodness) devised this pretended holy league, against the kings edict then newly proclaimed, whereby in express words, they swoore the utter destruction of them of the religion, without any exception or acception of persons, and without respect or regard of alliance, affinity, consanguinity, kindred, or brotherhood. Such as entered thereinto, without looking into the depth of the matter, drew themselves out as soon as they knew it. And a● concerning the said King of Navarre, then wore the instructions discovered, which as this day are put in execution, concluding his death & also the death of my Lord the prince his Cousin, and all their blood, 
Note of David the advocate.  for the preparing of a more easy way to the adversaries, (as is expressly set down) to the invasion of this kingdom. Hear let all men indge, who at that time was the agent, or patient, the persecuter, or the persecuted.  
Thence issued the civil wars of the year one M. slew hundred & seventy seanen, when they had induced the assembly of Bloys, to the execution of their devise: it had been altogether against nature, if the said King of Navarre, or they that are of his profession, had not made resistance against the same. For thereby a snare was laid for his person and life: his conscience and honour were laid for by the same, and the kingdom or royal estate, (as now manifestly appeareth) was in danger. The great inconvenience and peril, which the king perceived not, did then but begin to bud forth, insomuch, that his majesty could not imagine any such thing toward them, who held all their prosperity of him. But the King of Navarre well foresaw it: yea contrariwise, the default of resisting the same, would have been the betraying of himself, the destruction of this estate, and the submission of himself to their desires, in steed of setting himself against the same.  
In the mean space, though the cruel clauses of the conspiracy were very suffcient, immediately to turn his patience into fury, and the natural mildness and mercy of them that issue of his house, into revenge: although also he saw the professors of his religion, to run to him from all parts, being rigorously persecuted, or put to their choice to departed the Realm, or recant their religion. Yet nevertheless, the said Lord the King of Navarre, in the Towns under his power, would not use the like manner of dealing toward the Catholics, nor against the Monks and Clergiemen, which indeed might be suspected, and disfavour the execution of his affairs. On the contrary side, they of Again well know (which example he allegeth, for that there was the place of his resident, having a bishopric in it, and being a town of some fame) that the Catholics there suffered no hard dealing in their persons or goods, nor discontinuance in the matter of their religion. That the Clergy applied their accustomed services. That the Monks preached freely in the greatest heat of the said troubles. That be was content the professors of his religion should make their sermons in private and borrowed houses, to the end, the professors of the Romish religion should not in any wise be troubled. That for the furnishing of necessaries for his defence, he took not above the tenths which the King was wont to levy upon the clergy. At what time all his patrimony was seized and taken out of his hands in all places: whereof my Lord the Duke of Montpencido may be witness, a prince most affectioned to the Romish religion, as all men very well know. And also monsieur the Marshal of Byron, my L. the Archbishop of Vienna, Mounsir de Villeroy, secretary of estate to his Majesty, and many others, that were beholders of it upon the places, can give testimony of the same.  
As soon as liberty of conscience was granted, albeit with very great restraint in comparison of the former edict, he unarmed himself without delay, though (as his Majesty best of all others knoweth) he could have continued the wars with greater power and means, by reason of the notable aid which he had procured from the Princes of his religion, being so far forward, that a strong Army of strangers was at the point of entering into this kingdom: thinking himself happy to have dispatched the same away, in sort, that the poor people by occasion thereof might suffer no farther inconvenience: choosing rather by succouring them, to impair his own condition, then to better it with their hindrance. Wherefore the said Lord the King of Navarre, prayeth all men freely to speak their minds, whether he hath in any respect by his demencures, describe the name of a persecutor, which his enemies attribute unto him, that would not take this resolution, to suffer them go forward with the execution of their barbarous persecutions and bloody devices, against him at the first show, but consequently against the Kings Majesty and his royal estate.  
In those Countries where the said King of Navarre, by the grace of God, hath soucraigne power and authority, he thinketh also to have as little deserved this blame in the judgement of them that have well known the nature of matters, and the order of his proceedings: And in all that remaineth to him of the kingdom of Navarre, where at his coming to his dignity, he found the exercise of the Catholic Romish religion, it is most certain, that he hath neither altered nor innovated any thing therein, in so much that the service of the same is there still used at this day, without any exercise of the reformed religion, saving in two places only.  
And as touching his country of Bearne, which is no great land, the Queen his mother in a general assembly of the estates, did there establish the said religion, whereof herself made profession, and no complaint of the change of religion followed thereupon to the said estates, in the space of many years after it had continued in the same estate, as he hath already freely declared, having always been of this opinion, that a discreet and well counseled Prince, without great necessity or evident profit, ought not to bring any change into his estate. And though commodity or necessity should require the same, yet it were expedient that it should be accomplished by the like way, whereby the constitution was before made.  
Now he had well pérceived, that after Bartholomew day, when himself, by force and violence, had yielded in the cause of religion, and sent Monsir de Mieussent for governor and Lieutenant general, into his said Country of Bearne (whom all men know to be a Catholic) with express commission there to set up again, the Catholic romish religion: Yet notwithstanding the great despair that then was of the affairs of religion in France, notwithstanding the contrary profession of himself, which might serve for an example to his subjects, and notwithstanding the authority of a governor by him expressly sent, they did all resolve to persever in their religion, and maintain the form of their estate, without receiving the said alteration in religion.  
Wherefore the said King of Navarre, thought and let all men indge whether without good reason or not) that it was a firm and well grounded resolution of his estates, forasmuch as necessity, yea & that such necessity, as giveth law to all laws, was not in any wise able to remove them from it. Also it is most true, that in the assemblies of the estaes which are from year too year holden in his said country of Bearne, there never appeared any man that required this change of religion, though, (as it is well known, there is such liberty used in those assemblies, that the least grief pretended to have been rereived from the Prince, may be propounded with request of reformation and recompense, whereby it appeareth to be afore any practice, of the enufers of the tranquility of his subjects, and not an in ward desire of them. And yet for all that, the said Lord the king of Navarre hath not ceased, to make continual payment of the pensions of the Prelates, and other Ecclesiastical persons of his said country, (for proof whereof, he will bring forth no other witnesses but themselves) and that most often with his own proper money, as the bishops of Acques and Oleron, and others well know. And that more is, of his own myere motion, for the contentation of such● of his subjects, as might continue in the Catholic romish religion, he moderated touching the cause of Religion, the ordinances of the Queen his mother ●●ceased, which were but very small amercen●entes in money. So far of was it ever in those parties from such proceeding against the Catholics, by banishment, corporal ●●nishment, death, burnings, torments, searching & sifting, as they that in these bays call themselves the protectors of the Catholic Romish religion; have counseled, practised, and brought in, against the professors of the contrary religion. And hereof the Catholics of Bearne are witnesses, who there live, in all peace and tranquillity. Of whom, many do exercise notable offices, either in the same Country, or near about the person of the said King of Navarre, and and hath the chiefest charge in his guards, and be Captains of his best houses, which it is not likely that he would ever allow, or consent unto, if he had used any evil dealing toward them, or if he kept any grudge in his heart, to be executed against them hereafter.  
By the premises, it is sufficiently answered to their affirmation, whereby they pretend him to be the sworn enemy of the Catholics. Yet nevertheless, the said Lord the King of Navarre, desirous to open his heart to all the world, will not stick, to lay open unto them, his affections, and actions. Wherefore the said King of Navarre declareth, that he● acknowledgeth and believeth, and hath always believed and acknowleged, that in case the foundation of a good conscience be laid thereon, the diversity of religion, is no empechement to a good Prince, to draw very good service indifferently from his subjects, nor any hindrance to the subjects, to yield their allegiance and bounden duties in all manner of respects, as well to their superiors as to their Princes, forasmuch as it is evident, that both the religions, equally according to the word of God, do recommend the duty of the subject toward his Prince, and of the inferior toward his superior. And therefore the said Lord the King of Navarre, hath always noted this, that he hath been as faithfully served by the one, as the other: As for example, in the distribution of the offices of his house, all men know well enough, he hath indifferently furnished them with both sorts of men. Also the said Lord, the King of Navarre, knoweth himself to be well beloved, and faithfully served by Catholic Gentlemen, and other persons of all degrees, wheme he hath accepted into his service, as on their behalfs, they will all volutarily acknowledge themselves to be loved by him. without acception of religion, and that according to the proportion of his ability, he hath bestowed goods and honours upon them, as largely, and more abundantly, yea in the very time of wars, than he did to the professors of his own religion. And further, it is not unknown to the Lords, Gentlemen, and all other Catholics, that during the time of the troubles, he spared them as much as he could in their goods and houses, never suffering any rigour of war to be used to them, no not so much as against his own Vassals that rose in Arms against him, and were present at the destroying of his proper houses, who notwithstanding, after the wars were ended, making their repair unto him, were all welcome to his presence, and never received for their disloyal doings so much as an evil word, or angry countenance at his hands. So far of hath he been from practising against them directly, or indirectly, according to the sundry means, which the Lord hath over his Vassal, any kind of stomach or revengement. Thus much also dare the King of Navarre promise of his actions, that so many of the Catholics as vouchsafed to approach to him, departed again with good contentation, without observing any thing in him, whereby they could presnnre other wise, then that he bore a natural affection, to embrace all the King's subjects and servants, of what soever religion they be: promising in like sort on their behalf, the like good will that they have always showed towards his.  
The sayve King of Navarre thinketh that the effects above specified, which he hath hither to continued, are of sufficient weight to confute the allegations proclaimed against him by his enemies. Yet nevertheless, have they affirmed, that the said Lord, the King of Navarre hath sent into England and Germany, to conclude a league, to the destruction and confusion of the Catholics, for that (as they alleuge) he foresaw the kings death, and meant whensoever the same should happen, to be in a readiness to change religion &c. to invade the possessions of the Clergy, and confiscate them of the Novititie, which would not join themselves as adherents to his in●ention. Upon the which matter, they have dispersed in all places, yea and caused to be read in Sermons in the open pulpit, a certain concord or agreement of the year a thousand, five hundred and eighty four, pretending the same to bear date the fourteenth of December: as resulting of an assembly holden (as they allege) at the instance of the said king of Navarre at Magdebourgh, & that like wise, at an assembly holden at Montanban, he had promised & sworn (whensoever the kings death should chance) to abolish the Catholic Romish religion, stripping her of all her goods 〈◊〉 possessions, and to deprive the professors thereof from all estates and dignities.  
Here shall evidently appear, how easily every slander, naturally shall open and confute herself.  
First therefore the said king of Navarre, protesteth in his conscience before God, that with all his heart, he desireth and wisheth prosperous and long life, to the King his sovereign Lord, and never entered into any conceit or opinion, to build any devise or purpose either upon his death or after. Which be thinketh were not only offences of high treason, that could not otherwise proceed, then from a disloyal and miserable des●re of the death of his Prince, which would be pursued with all speedy effect, if power served thereto. But also an offence, (in all respects,) against nature and common sense, for as much as his majesty, thanks be to God, is in the chief strength and time of his age, and full of health, and further, so small difference between both their ages, that it were a ridiculous matter, in respect of the difference of two years or there abouts, to take such advantage one over the other. So far hath the said king of Navarre always been from conceiving any imagination (as the heads of the league have done) to condemn the king as ready to die, by foreseeing the consequentes of his death, or forty years (as the said king of Navarre hopeth) before any need require, and that under colour of providing for the affairs of the Realm, although in the mean space they cast the same into most lamentable confusion.  
So far also hath he ever been from making open declarations, touching the pronouncing and forejudging of the 〈◊〉 and Queen his wife, to be barren in the flower and best strength of their age, (as the said confederates have done) being a thing never practised before in the estates of christiendome, and a thing also which the estates of England, would not require of the Queen of England's yet umnaryed, reposing themselves upon her wisdom, that she having governed them in peace during her life, will leave the same for an inheritance to their posterity. To be brief, the said king of Navarre never did see much as once require his sovereign Lord and King, to declare him to be that which naturally and lawfully he is, or to give any sign or token thereof, either by preferring and advancing him, or otherwise, although the confederates of the said pretended holy league, have enterprised the like, who have armed against him, my Lord the Cardinal of Bourbon, a Prince of the age of thréescooe and sire years, who is also a Prince without all hope both of maringe and posterity to be his heir: as though the Kings Ma. their sovereign Lord had not above a year or 2. to live to have children, and as though we should rather expect issue from an old man, having always lived in single life, then from the king's majesties flourishing marriage, in the most chief and principal age of himself, and his Queen and wife. And as though, for all that, the said Lord the King of Navarre, could not perceive the subtle devices which the same persons have a long time been in devising against him, and also the practices which they made a 'gainst him in the towns, together with the conspiracies that craftily they entered into Italy and Spain to bar him, when the K. death should happen, from the right of succession to this kingdom: for the which, his hope is, that God will grant him such grace, giving long life to the kings Majesty, as that he shall not have any matter of controversre, assuring himself, that whatsoever it be that L●●● or nature will give unto him, his onimies shall never with all their leagues & practices be able to impeach and hinder him from the obtaining of the same.  
The said Lord the king of Navarre, frankly confesseth, that by a long space he hath perceined the indirect devices of these confederates, against the King and his royal estate, And maketh most humble petition to his majesty, to call to remembrance the advertismenter, that the said him of Navarre, gave unto his royal majesty in that behalf, in the year of our Lord. M. u.c.lx. and 〈◊〉. At what time he purposely sent to his grace a gentleman with certain remembrances, concorning the very same matters, from point to point, that this day are taken in hand to be executed. When also these confederates began to lay their foundation, under colour of the name of bretherhood and holy league. That soon aster thepease concluded, in the year. M. v. c.lx. and xvii, he perceived the frame and building there of erected by the stur●●● then madoamong the estates, stir●od up by them divers provinces against the service of his Majesty, so far, that they would have enticed the very professors of the reformed religion to the same, & had entered into treaty with the most noble Prince Cazimire, County Palatine of Rhyne. Who (as he will always confess) seeing into the depth of their devices pretended against the estate, for the honour & amity, which his ancestors had always borne to the house of France, would not hearken any further to that matter. That afterward as the affairs of the enemies proceeded from step to step, the king of Navarre also made discovery of their treaties in Italy, & Spain, of the money that was received, of the matters by them propounded in those parts, and what answers they received touching the same. Whereunto the King his majesty, who in his mind could not conceive so great ingratitude to lurk in their hearts toward him, made it a hard matter to be believed, nevertheless the said King of Navarre vid expect some sudden clap of this mischief from day to day, (as a ruin thoroughly perceived by him before.) That he reme●red the taking and execution of Salcedo, who had confessed a great part of those things which are well perceived; at this day, which then were endeavoured to be obscured by craft and cunning sleights, But yet the certainty thereof, stayed in the hearts of the kings true subjects. That Mounsire (who is deceased) had not without good ground given advertisement thereof to the King, that unless Salcedo had been guilty of more than ordinary crimes, the King would never have taken so much pains, as to send two of the chiefest of his counsel of estate into the low countries, to fetch him to his presence. Neither would have been present at his examinations and repetition of his depositions etc. Whereupon it followed, that by the diff●itiue sentence of the Court of Parliament at Paris, he was pulled in pieces with four horses, as a high traitor to the king, and all the estate of France. That by their memorials, proceedings, and their assotiations, newly made in the most part of the good towns of this Realm, there was sufficient evidence given, that their colour and pretence was, to root out that religion which the King of Navarre professeth, and most specially so bestroy him if it lay in their power, in sort that the first stroke of their thunderbolt 〈◊〉 have lighted first upon his head. If his majesty in the meanespa●e saw not into the end of their practices. By occasion whereof, the said king of Navarre perceiving the king his Sovereign Lord, had given no order therein, and foreseeing their pretence, tended to destroy the protestants, was justly moved to have regard to his affairs. And therefore about the year. M. u.r.lxxx. and three, he dispatched Mounsir de Segur Pardillian, superintendant of his house, to the Queen of England, the King of Denmark, the prince's ●lectors of Almanie, the Landgrave of Hesse, and other Princes and estates. First, to exhort them, to seek means to agree the ●outrouersies in religion, which remained 〈◊〉 the reformed churches, and were abused to their common destruction. Secondly, to renew and assure a perfect amis●●e with them: without desiring or employing them any farther. thirdly, to furnish in Almanye a good some of money, therewith to prou●d (when need should require) a convenient succour against his mortal enemies. At the which Kings, Princes and estates, are straighly allied to the Crown of France, with whom the King his Sovereign Lord hath Ambassadores, with which Ambassadores, the said monsieur de Segur had express charge to confer, and so did at certain times, whom he took for witnesses of his sayings & doings, of his propositions, negotiations & conclusions. And after his return, the said King of Navarre most humbly besought his majesty to give commandment, that with a● diligence, information might be taken & brought to his Majesty of a● his legation, being fully assured, that therein they may most plainly behold, his french heart, sincere affection, & true loyalty toward his majesties person and Royal estate.  
Wherefore the said King of Navarre, requireth all the aforesaid most noble kings & princes, to give testimony to the King under their own signetts, & to his kingdom and all christendom, whether at any time, there have been on his behalf any letters or instructions delivered, 〈◊〉 communication had, either against the kings dignity, or against the wealth and felicity of his estate, or in any respect, contrary to the duty 〈◊〉 a most humble and most devout servant & subject: whether ever he moved them to make war upon the King, to renew the troubles, or destroy the Catholics: whether ever any overture hath been directly or indirectly made unto them, touching the King's death, or any matter to follow upon the same. Also the said Lord the King of Navarre most humbly beseecheth his Majesty, that he may be tolerated, to send this his declaration to the said Princes, against the aforementioned flanders: and to cause the same to be presented by his majesties own Ambassadors, to wit, by every of them in the place where he is resident, to all Christian Princes, friends, and confederates of this kingdom. To this end, that if he have treated of any like matter, than they now seeing him protest the contrary, may esteem him for a counterfeit Prince, of small faith and troth, and in all respects unworthy of their amity and fréendshyppe, which his abovesaid enemies go about to make suspected. And which for his own parts he frankly declareth, that his desire is, with all carefulness to entertain, as he thinketh, he hath most reasonably sought the same.  
As touching the concord or agreement, the adversaries allege it to bear date, the fourteenth day of December, in the year 1580. and there make the says monsieur de Segur present, as Ambassador from the King of Navarre: who had departed out of Almany, repassed into the Low Countries, and from thence into England, where he sojourned two months and above: and yet notwithstanding, the employment of all that time, was embarked to return into France, before the fourteenth day of December. In which concord they bring in the Ambassadors of the Elector Palatine, and of the Prince of Orange, the one dead above a year before, leaving his heir under years, during whose mynority, Duke Cazimir governeth the electorship: the other murbered four months before by a Je●uite, suborne● by such as are like to the confederates of this pretended holy league. And yet nevertheless, both the said pr●●es (as the adversaries allege) are bound to be present this month of May in the town of basil, concerning the concluding of some agreement in the controversies of religion. The adversaries add with all, that the King of Navarre, on the xviii. day of April than next, promised to enter into arms, at which time forsooth they themselves were resolved to enter into them, and now go about to derive the hatred thereof upon this Prince, who being on every side compassed about with their conspiracies, yet stirreth not at al. They date the said contract at Maidenbourgh, a town appertaining to the son of my Lord the elector of Brandenbourgh, and yet in the concord they remember neither father nor the son. And in truth it is no other but an imagniary assembly: For neither in that place nor any other, can there any assembly be found to have been holden. Further, the titles, 〈◊〉 so many other 〈…〉 to much 〈…〉, to 〈…〉 with so 〈…〉 ●ncte, to 〈…〉 〈…〉 for a 〈◊〉 peddlers 〈◊〉, 〈…〉 Presthers' 〈…〉, to 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 people inste●ius 〈◊〉 they● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with berry 〈…〉 〈◊〉: for what can they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 war●e 〈◊〉?  
The 〈◊〉 of Mon●anban, reser 〈◊〉 more bl●●e, for any thing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thereof, nor more 〈…〉 any thing published by them of 〈…〉, 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉. The true 〈…〉 where the king h●●de concluded prace in the year 〈…〉 five 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 seven, withful intention 〈…〉 〈…〉 should 〈…〉 〈◊〉, his Muiesty lest in the 〈…〉 of the King of Nau●r●● and the 〈◊〉 〈…〉, for the 〈◊〉 of this god 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉, very many de●●●ous of nothing more than to ●●nus the troubles, (who after fet themselves in Ar●●● with the Authors of this league) by all means possible, crossed the execution of the said evict of peace, and at all hours by sundry new enterprises gaus occasion of distrust, in sort, that the wounds which they ought to have cured, weared forer: and the edict of peace, which in time past was to take effects, flydde backwards ●●●ppe by step, and was clean cut away from the Protestants, point after point. By the continuance of which practices, it come to pass, that during the 〈◊〉 years, the peace was diversly interrupted, by surprysings, and attempts, yea and by open war, that continued the space of a whole year 〈◊〉 whence issued the conferences of N● rac & Flex, so that the 〈◊〉 years which were pre●●●ed for the rendering up of the places, ●●●●ised not to work the effect whereunto they were limited: and that by reason of the impediment which came by means of these interruptions of the execution of the edict, & of the pacifying of old grudges which were promised to be brought to pass within the times. In the mean while, the 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 persons, 〈…〉 to be yielded up, for that the 〈…〉, on the 〈…〉, the 〈…〉 of the refo●…ed 〈…〉 the causes still to continue, to wit, the ●…ons of ●…strust, and old 〈◊〉 re●…ued by the troubles, made some 〈◊〉 thereat, most humbly 〈◊〉 his M●…, not so much to regard the time per●…ed, as the harm and inconvenience happened in the mean space, and rather to have consideration of the effect that was promised during the fire years, and at the exp●…tion of the same, to wit, during th●… years, the execution and continuance of peace, and withal, the burying of distrust & grudges: & consequently at the end● of the six years, the yielding up of the places, which for the matter stood then in such hard case as is afore specified, was not agreeable to that grace and equity of his Majesty, from whence the grant of the places first proceeded, forasmuch as the condition by him expected, take no such effect as within that time 〈◊〉 hoped for. His Majesty therefore, not so much 〈◊〉 of the observation of the 〈◊〉, as to heal the fore, and reunite 〈…〉, thought it expedient, not 〈…〉 them of the religion with 〈…〉 the king of Navarre had 〈◊〉 unto his Majesty, that his said subjects of the religion, had great 〈◊〉 to be exhibited to his grace, concerning the execution of the edicts, which if they were heard and satisfied, than 〈◊〉 the yielding up of the said 〈…〉 the more easily attained unto.  
The said Lord the King, by the mouth of Mounsit de Belieure, one of the chiefest of his counsel of estate, at the request of the said Lord the king of Navarre, consented unto the assembly of Montanban: consisting of the Princes, Lords, Gentlemen, and men of good calling, of the said religion. And during all the time of the continuance of that assembly, the said Mounsir de Belioure, was present in the kings name in the ●●wne of Montanban, whom the said Lord the King of Navarre requireth to ●eare witness of his actions, and desireth to be herds and ●ited in all that be knoweth concerning the says assembly. So then this assembly of Montanban was not like unto theyr● of the league, 〈…〉, without the knowledge and 〈…〉 of the King, but by the consent and 〈◊〉 ●●ment of his Majesty, which assembly of 〈…〉 after riper deliverati●●● had upon the same, he 〈◊〉 to be pro 〈…〉 for the 〈◊〉 and tranquillity of his estate. In this assembly, there was made a 〈…〉 of all the breaches and executions of the 〈◊〉 of pears, which was presented to the King at S. Germaine in Lay, by Mounfie the County of Laual, and other Mep●ties, with 〈◊〉 humble requests, for remedy of the 〈◊〉 of his said 〈◊〉 of the religion Therein also, all●e●● promised for any particular attempt 〈◊〉 against th●, 〈◊〉 to seek their re●urpence by like injurious attempts, lest the temerity of some particular persons might cast this ●ealme in to trouble, as sometime, before was supposed to 〈◊〉 been 〈◊〉 but to make their 〈◊〉 to the King of Navarre, who would cause 〈…〉 to be● given thereof to the King, who according to his ●ation sufficiently percey●●●, 〈◊〉 the tranquillity of his subjects, knew best how to apply convenient remidyes to the 〈◊〉. And likewise the Kying of Navarre promised to embrace their cause toward his Maiesties, and carefully to present the same unto him when need should require, as he had always done in times passed, to the 〈◊〉, that they 〈◊〉 him take their cause in 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉, might the better be retained, within the 〈◊〉 of reason, 〈…〉 imagining any such extraordynarye mea●…s, as they had●… attempted in former time, for lack of recourse 〈◊〉 support else where. Here is all that 〈◊〉 be found to have 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 assembly of Montanban, and no mods then this. The fy●… purpose, 〈…〉 is most evident, to be for the staying of private attempts from r●… to a public mischief and hurts, that might trouble the peer of this Realm, like to the conference of Nerac, ●…lden with the Queen Mother of the King, where there was an express Article in that behalf. And whatsoever the ●…ies disperse more than is here expressed, is no truer than their allegations touching the pretended concord of Magden bourgh, where the Jesuits had forgot 〈◊〉 that they had caused I 〈…〉 to 〈…〉, months 〈◊〉 〈…〉 they cause to 〈◊〉 forth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉.  
〈◊〉, the King who 〈…〉 〈◊〉, of all that 〈…〉 〈…〉 fourth shair 〈◊〉 〈…〉, that of his 〈…〉 〈…〉 them 〈…〉 〈…〉 his 〈◊〉 was not so well 〈◊〉 〈…〉 thought 〈…〉 〈…〉 of the 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 of the 〈…〉 〈…〉 the King 〈…〉 〈…〉 the King's 〈◊〉 .  
〈◊〉 the King of Navarre 〈◊〉eth, that 〈…〉 will call to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 what hath 〈◊〉 within 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with● the 〈…〉 〈…〉, will 〈◊〉 think 〈◊〉 that 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 〈…〉 of 〈…〉 〈…〉 that request 〈…〉 〈…〉, when the 〈◊〉 〈…〉, the 〈◊〉 then 〈…〉 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 not 〈◊〉, that these securities might have further continuance for a certain time 〈◊〉 because 〈◊〉 danger was 〈◊〉 taken from 〈◊〉 Protestants, and for that the ed●●t of peace, whereon their life and tranquillity pe●● 〈◊〉 was not th●● s●●ne to be in 〈…〉 estate, Nevertheless the 〈…〉 of Navarre, 〈◊〉 most freely confess, th●● the principal, 〈◊〉 wherefore, 〈…〉 〈◊〉 necessity of the professors of the reform religion, he had a particular desire to make 〈…〉 petition to his 〈◊〉 to leave the said to 〈◊〉 still for 〈…〉 the cons●●●●●te of these confederates, the effect, whereof 〈◊〉 ●tinually 〈…〉, the which the 〈…〉 resounded religion, whose deaths were conspired by the said confederates had great 〈◊〉 of places of refuge, till God should grant them such ●●●e, as that the King, might have perfect intelligence of their intentions; and verily the grante●●, 〈◊〉 of them which during the peace, attempted upon the said towns of sureties, (whom the King always dissavowed) 〈◊〉 at this pay sufficiently open unto 〈◊〉, by whose 〈◊〉 and allowance, than durst 〈…〉 to trouble the peace, and enterprise vpp●n the s●●●s places and others of the religion: For 〈◊〉, they had taken arms in the service of the 〈◊〉. Now the said King of Navarre, most humbly beseecheth the King to call to his remembrance, the aduerti● 〈◊〉 which he gave to his Molestie, by the 〈◊〉 of a month before the say●● 〈◊〉 of Montanban, which were ve●y sufficient 〈◊〉 cause his Majesty at that 〈◊〉 to have regard to his affairs: and in default thereof, earnestly to admonish him, to s●●ke or retain out some place of surety for his person, against whom they manifestly pretended some mischiefs.  
If the enemies shall now allege, that they have taken Arms, and seized his Maiesti●●. Towns, to the intent to have towns 〈◊〉 security also, according to the example of them of the Contrary rel● on, as some of them have affirmed. The● the king of Navarre p●th them altogether, to make declaration to all Fraun●● what distrust hath moved them thert●● For of truth, it is hard to guess, what causes they have to distrust the King to mistrust the Catholics, to complay●● of the hatred injuries, 〈◊〉 quarrels of the professors of the reformed religion. Certainly it is to well known, that the King hath committed into their hands his forces and kingdom: If his majesty 〈◊〉 meant any ●arme toward them, they could not now have had so great mean to do har●is as they have. It is well known also, that they have as it were, de●ided this kingdom amongst their brethren, and between them of their own house, by means of the great offices, and ample governements which they have in their hands, yea some of them, to the damage of the prineth of the king's blood: That they have comm●ed over the armies: assualted Towns, given battay●, ●owed 〈◊〉, and for a full reckoning have for the space of certain years, 〈◊〉 the kings favour as they listed. That until his ●ay, whilst they ma●e a show to obey the kings commas, they have been honoured by the 〈◊〉, and the good towns, they have borne 〈…〉 in the same. They have there assured whom soever it pleased 〈◊〉. So far have they been from standing in need themselves to be either 〈…〉 warranted by others, as against any other. Further it is well known, 〈◊〉 they have 〈◊〉 their 〈…〉, by the 〈…〉 〈…〉 their 〈◊〉 at the themselves assured, w● at 〈…〉 raunces 〈◊〉 it 〈…〉 their 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉, if they 〈…〉 〈…〉 they 〈…〉 King●● clenu●●cy and 〈…〉 〈…〉 have 〈…〉 a● self. And 〈◊〉 that they 〈◊〉 not put themselves in 〈◊〉 seturity, 〈◊〉 'gainst his ma● is, except it be by 〈◊〉 self, 〈◊〉 they attempt against 〈◊〉 person, and invace his 〈◊〉. But if 〈◊〉 allege, that they 〈…〉 the pro●rs of the religion in Fra● 〈…〉 know well ●ough, that for eight 〈◊〉 which the Protestan●● retain th●se consedrentes have as● wh●●● governments within this kingdom: Who so 〈◊〉 that 〈…〉 stand this inequiditie (as there is 〈…〉 so 〈…〉 will 〈◊〉 〈…〉 that they of the 〈…〉 for 〈◊〉 places of 〈…〉 〈…〉, neither 〈…〉 that the 〈◊〉 in any 〈◊〉 to be assisted by them, that hitherto 〈…〉 cient 〈◊〉 to defend themselven, 〈◊〉 〈…〉 hurt their 〈◊〉, except t●●y, 〈…〉 by the King, 〈…〉 with his 〈…〉 〈◊〉 with his power.  
To the 〈◊〉 therefore, 〈…〉 men 〈…〉 of the said Lords the King of Navarre, 〈…〉 ●risie of hi● 〈…〉 that vnde● shadows 〈…〉 to him, 〈…〉 they shall not 〈◊〉 any necessity to demand the like 'gainst him and ●umely they which wars; always in the kings 〈…〉 lay do no hann●e, but through the 〈…〉 that hath been reposed in them, and the too great 〈…〉 hath héen dy● unto them; The said King of Navarre, offereth for the common benefit and wealth of 〈…〉, (notwithstanding the 〈…〉 in all respects, between his decree and theirs) that he is read● to 〈…〉 into the kings majesties hands; the towns a● smertie which he hath in 〈…〉, and power, without 〈…〉 for the 〈◊〉 of the two years pr●larged, wh●ffit pleased his 〈◊〉 to 〈…〉. Upon condition, that they of the league unarm themselves, and yield by into the kings han●s th●se 〈…〉 they have seasen, 〈◊〉 〈…〉 may dispose of the same 〈◊〉 his pleasure Moreover he 〈◊〉, (notwithstanding the said 〈◊〉) as well on hi● 〈…〉 Lord the Prince of Conde his 〈◊〉, for the removing of all struples from the 〈◊〉saries (〈…〉 have ●ay) and to for 〈◊〉 〈…〉: To 〈…〉 into the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the gove 〈◊〉 which it 〈◊〉 pleased his Majesty to grant unto the in this 〈…〉, to be disposed 〈…〉 to hi● majesties will and pleasure: So that the ●●der saries, will 〈…〉 up into his majesties ha●●ek, those governed which they hold. Thus far are they (from the assurance which all 〈◊〉 know to be rather new unto them) from being importunate upon the king for new securities and new governements, as their neversaries which are not 〈◊〉 to capitulate in their articles, that the governements of Normandy, Picar●y, Lionn●is, Salusse, Metz, Thou, and Verd●ur, etc. Would be distributed 〈◊〉 them of their house. To wit, to 〈◊〉 rightly, (considering what they have ●re●) the greater part of this kingdom.  
By the preni●s, the King of Navarre thinketh it clearly appeareth, whether his ●duerferies or he, do most 〈◊〉, the common w●ith of the poor people, the contentation of the kings majesty, and the rest and tranquility of this estate, verily it is too 〈◊〉, that the ser●●t of the house would be credited to his more yeal●us of the 〈◊〉 of the same, than the 〈◊〉 child of the family, That these stanngers words make us belone they 〈◊〉 or cater care of the prefernation of this estate, than those in wh●● that care is naturally borne with the 〈◊〉. These stra●●●●s (I say) whose greatness cannot be 〈◊〉 without hi●uine and dissipation, who have 〈◊〉 no conscience to publish him for an ene●ue of this estate.  
Hereupon, the said Lord the ●inge of Navarre, prayeth all orders and 〈◊〉 of this Realms, to make a comparison in this plare (although in truth they be matters uncomparable. Of the demeanours of his predecessors in this kingdom, who from the father to the same, have kept this name, that they were never authors of any appression to the people, nor of injury to the nobiti● 'tis; with the 〈◊〉 of the predecass●r● of the beads of this league, who wi●be found to have erected since they set soot in France, the sale of offices, of justice, new subsidies upon the poor people, whose juice and substance they drew out under King Henry and King Frances the second: And also consusion in offices and dignities, which they first of all transferred at their pleasures, and sold from one hand to another? To conclude, it willbe found that they have increased Simony in the Church, and brought in the sale of the temporalties for their own profit, to be revanged upon their memies, under colour of beresse.  
As touching his own person, he also, prayeth all the estates of this Realm●, to remember, or make inquiry, what charges soever he had to bear & maintaine● Whether ever be were the cause, of any surcharge of the people: Contrariwise, how he governeth that small number of subjects which God hath given unto him, who willbe f●unde not to have been purcharged with any imposts, tars, nor sub 〈◊〉, notwithstanding, the great affairs hath had a long time: whether he ever ●mitted any outrage, in word, or deed, in ●oods, or person, to any gentleman whatsoever (though he hath been strangely ●…ded by many) for any manner of occasion, either in his house, or in his countries. Whether for any rigour that he received at the hands of the professors of the Romish religion, he never did wrong to any Prelate, Curate, Monk, or any other of the Clergy, Contrariwise, whether they have not always been welcome to him, and courteously received at his hands, 〈◊〉 he more ready to forget those offences which they had committed against him, than others by whom he had been offended, were to cease from renewing their evil demeanour toward him. Whether he have not always yielded honour and respect to the Sovereign Courts, and the officers of the same, and also to all others that bear the mark of Justice. And whether he did ever either forcibly commit any violence to justice, for else denied necessary strength to justice, if it were in his power to aybe her. And as touching all other parties of this estate, he that to every of them hath not showed any thing, saving honour, friendship, and good will, neither ever displeasured or desired otherwise then to pleasure them, cannot easily be believed, nor judged for an enemy of this estate.  
Concerning the estate in general, he will not deny, but that the Civil wars have brought into this kingdom, great confusion in all things, poverty to the people, decay to the nobility, Ruin to the Clergy, Contempt to justice, men addicted to war, and above all the rest, civil war which he be waileth in his heart, and would remedy if possibly he could, yea with his own proper blood.  
But God is witness, his conscience witnesseth, France herself witnesseth, having bright eyes, and very fresh memory, by reason she saws and well remembreth all the course of that time, whether he entered into arms, except it were through the counsel of extreme necessity, though long aforehand he might have foreseen and prevented her by reason. The assembly of Bloys is witness, stirred up by this present league, where he was declared to be banished out of this realms with all the professors of his religion, except they changed their religion very quickly. Which to him peradventure were no hard change, if he had as little religion in him as the adversaries have, whether also he ever delayed the receiving of peace, for any particular occasion whatsoever, (albeit his degree is such, as that which to him is particular, might rightly be judged for public) when his conscience might be satisfied, and could see that the professors of the same religion which he professeth, might serve God according to their faith, in tranquility and quietness: Whether he ever demanded any thing gainful to himself, increase of authority, increase of pensions, or increase of offices: Whether contrariwise, he hath not rather chosen, to see himself as he is, without authority in his government which by the peace ought to be all yielded into his hands, then to prolong the war never so little, then by the space of so much as an hour, to delay the comfort and secure of the people, by the peace, or to trouble the peace after it was made, for default of enjoying that which was promised in his regard. The articles of the last peace may be for witnesses, and the conference of Flex, wherein he might fitly have served his own turn to enlarge his conditions, by reason of the great desire which Mounsir that is deceased, had to pass into the Low Countries, whether he was called by a general embassage of the estates of the country, who most instantly required and solicited him to come thither. Yet the King of Navarre, at that time rather yielded away his own intrrest to the advancement of this kingdom, than he would never so little, differ or stand to make merchandise of a benefit as might thereby come to his party. Therefore he made peace, and accepted it with such conditions as pleased his majesty to grant, to the intent too further the conquest of those countries, and to transport himself thither in person, if it might so stand with his majesties fanour and good liking. These good Frenchmen the heads of the league, to impeach the joining of Flaunders to France, when the Ambassadors of the Low Countries offered it to the King, with such conditions as that they were ready to receive law from his Majesty, and admit into their towns, such Garrisons, and governors as pleased him: To the intent to let and hinder his majesty there from, doth vex and trouble his kingdom, cause his people to rise into mutinies, and in time of full peace begin to make wars.  
What patience the King of Navarre, hath used in all that time, notwithstanding the discontentment that he might conceive by the dealing which at the suggestion, of such as be like to the adversaries, used toward him, I leave it to the consideration of all the world, being separated from the King, without authority in his government, not paid of that which was due unto him, and much less respected in his affairs, than the least Captain of the kingdom. Be it spoken without reproach.  
And to utter the plain truth of his demeanours. If he had been no more touched with the feeling and consideration of the grief and detriment of the people, and of all France, than they of the league be at this day, being that party which he is: both people and Country might have fallen into utter destruction. But he is a Frenchman, and a French Prince, a number of France, and feeleth her gréeses and wounds.  
Diminishing of authority, want of favour, particular interest, had never the power to make him rage and spite against himself, with is a thing proper to the Leaguers, who are but lightly grasted in France, and are like to wooden legs, and timber Arms, that feel nothing when the body is burned. To which kind of men, may be easily given the outward part, but not the inward affection, neither the moving or feeling of a true and natural Frenchman.  
Touching these broils and commotions, which they declare and protest to be directly against him, bending themselves against his person, his lice, his honour, his conscience, seeing them armed, and and taking Towns in the midst of his Government, being on every side compassed and encumbered by them, his patience incessantly stirred and moved: ●f he had not respected the King more than his own private danger, if he had not earnestly desired the welfare of this Realm, with hope of a public peace (if he may have any peace at these men's hands) yea and that more than his own preservation, is there any likelihood, or was there any reason, he should hold himself content as he hath done: But all is well, so the people be at quiet, he liketh all well, so the estate remain in peace, the King obeyed, the King honoured as he ought to be, yea though it were to his own evident peril with his loss unrecoverable.  
Here is the whole sum of all things, whereby the King of Navarre can be blamed with these fair tyrles of heretic, Relapse, persecutor of the Church, enemy of the Catholics, and disturber of this estate. As touching the conclusion which they draw from thence, whereby they declare him uncapable to succeed in the kingdom, and have caused my Lord the Cardinal of Bourbon his Uncle, to take upon him the name of the first Prince of the blood and Heir apparent.  
This certainly is the point that most of all others sticketh in their hearts, whereupon the said King of Navarre, hath hitherto thought least, and now last of all it is presented to him. Touching this: point, the said Lord the King of Navarre, contenteth himself, in hope that God will long preserve life to the King's Majesty, for the benefit and common wealth of this Realm, and grant him issue in due time; to the great grief of all his enemies. His confidence also is, that he hath to do with Frenchmen, notwithstanding, all the care and diligence that hath been used to corrupt them, who know the rights, are not ignorant of the discentoes, and will maintain him in the place and degree which he ought to hold. He comforteth himself in God, the defender of all right, the revenger of all violence, who ●eth both parties, whose most righteous judgement is not like to to corporal men's, whose most definitive sentence is certain, and the execution thereof invariable, in sort, that nothing is of power to resist the same.  
For conclusion, and as concerning religion, the said Lord the King of Navarre declareth to the King his sovereign Lord, to all orders and estates of this Realm, and to all Princes and estates of this Realm, and to all Princes and estates of Christendom, as well temporal, as ecclesiastical, that he is, and ever will be most ready, to submit himself to the determination of a lawful, General or natural counsel, as is expressed in his majesties edict of pacification. And as concerning this estate & the administration of the same, that he most willingly doth and will embrace and repose himself upon, whatsoever in that behalf shallbe ordained in a lawful assembly of the estates of this Realm, when it shall please his Majesty to call the same together. In the mean space, the only request and petition of the said King of Navarre is nothing else, but that be may live quietly under the benefit of the edicts. Being ready to employ his life, his means, lands and goods, and all his friends, for the defence of the King, of his majesties estate, and all the good subjects of this Realm.  
And forasmuch as they of the said league have taken the said King of Navarre, for the matter & pretence of their rising in Arms, I would have all men think, that their quarrel is only against him, & no man else, sowing divers slanders abroad against him, in their said protestations, wherein by express name, they publish him to he desirous of the kings death, a disturber of the estate, & sworn enemy of the Catholics, etc. Duer and above all the premises, which he thinketh sufficient to satisfy every man, the K. of Navarre with all reverence, most humbly beseecheth the K. his sovereign L. (to whose ears he doubteth not but these slanders are come) not to take in evil part (saving always the honour & respect due to his M.) that he affirm and pronounce in this place, in that manner and sort which presently he he doth: to wit, that all they which have sown abroad and published the said flanders, contained in the said protestations against, him have falsely and slanderously lied, excepting the said Lord Cardinal his uncle.  
And further, to give their slanders the lie, by his acttons, the said Lord the R. of Navarre, most humbly beseecheth the King his sovereign L. to vouchsafe the good liking of his most humble fidelity and devotion, in this offer which he hath thought good here to make to his majesty, to wit, that for the quietness and ease of his Majesty and people, it would please him; with good liking to decide this quarrel between them of the said league, and him the said King of Navarre, without hazarding his majesties life therein, which would be too great a loss in this kingdom: and without any further pains to be taken by his M. about the same. Hoping that God will give him grace, to find sufficient friends, and allies of his crown, to bring them to reason, & to drive them to acknowledge their most bounden duty, which they own to the said Lord the king his sovereign, and the respect and honour that under his M. ought to appertain to the said king of Navarre.  
But specially for that he can not without sighing and shedding of tears, think upon the great spoiling of the Nobileties blood, which may proceed of this war: nor upon the extreme poverty and desolation, which the poor people of this Realm shall be driven to suffer, neither upon the disorder and confusion which thereby will be brought into all estates, in steed of the great piety, mereye, and wisdom of his Majesty, in preparing, (if this commotion had not happened) as all men know to establish this estate again, in her former beauty, prosperity, dignity, and integrity in all resperts: and above all the rest, he can not without sighing and great anguish of mind, think on the execrable blasphemies which war bringeth forth against God, and the overflowing of vices which grow through the licence and liberty of the Armies. To shorten these mi series, which the said L. the King of Navarre would willingly redeem with his proper blood, he most humbly and with all dutiful affection, beseecheth his Majesty, not to think strange of the offer which presently he maketh to Mounsir de guise, seeing the adversaries have taken him the said king of Navarre, for party in their pretence, and the said Lord of guise commandeth in their Armies, to wit, that this quarrel (as well without putting all the orders and estates of this kingdom to any further damage, molestation or trouble; as also without levying or bringing in any domestical or foreign Army, touching the same, which could not choose but be the destruction of all poor people) may be decided and determined, between the said king of Navarre and the said Monsir de guise, by way of Combat in their own proper persons, either one against one, two against two, ten to ten, or twenty to twenty, more or less, in such number as the said L. of guise will appoint, with such kind of Armour & weapons as are accustomed to be used amongst Knights of honour. And concerning the place, if be desire it within this kingdom, the said K. of Navarre most humbly be●cheth his M. to vouchsafe him the honour to naminate the same. Or in case monsieur de guise shall suspect this Realm, than the King of Navarre offereth him, to be ready in such other place out of this Realm, as he the said L. of guise shall choose, so it be a place of sure access, suspected to neither party. An honour certainly, considering the difference and in equality of their persons and degrees (being such as all men know) that the said L. of guise ought by all means to embrace and purchase: a felicity also, which the said Lord the King of Navarre, and my Lord the Prince his Cousin, will most willingly buy with their own bloods, to redaeme the King their sovereign Lord, from the vocation & 〈◊〉, which the adversaries most distoyally put him to, his estate from trouble and confusion, his Nobility from destruction, and all his people from extreme misery and calamity. The said Lord the King of Navarre protesting before God, and in his conscience, that he is not moved to choose this way, through any ambition reigning in him, nor by any hatred that he beareth to his enemies, nor for any revenge that he wisheth toward them, nor yet in regard of that spiteful and malicious spoil and destruction, which they would triumph and rejoice to see executed upon him.  
But contrariwise, his resolution to take the fortune of the Combat, proceedeth as well from the great zeal & fervent desire which he hath to see God true lie served and honoured, his King free from vexation and trouble, his estate in peace, and the people at rest and quietness, as also from the great displeasure, annoyance and woe, (which every moment he setteth before his mind) not only to see God blasphemed again in this estate, being in the waves and perils of shipwreck: but also to see this poor people cast again into the extremity and miseries passed, whereinto (if they fall once again,) scant can any man relieve and deliver them from the same.  
Finally the said Lord the King of Navarre is most certainly persuaded, and reposeth all his trust and confidence in the almighty, who seeth the secrets of all hearts, and is chief precedent and the whole sway in all exploits and deeds of Arms, that he of his infinite mercy and goodness, by the event and success, will manifestly declare, and shows to all the whole world, not only the sincerity, but also the righteousness of the cause, to the intent it may serve for an example to all posterities and ages: whose wrath, vengeance, and curse, he wisheth to fall upon him, if he protest falsely, or ever imagined barm, either toward the kings person, or against his estate or subjects, of what calling, degree or religion soever they be. If ever he contrived any devise or plot to take effect upon the kings Tomb or death: Or ever compassed or cast in his mind, any violence, against either the Romish religion, or the Catholics: reposing his whole and only hope in God, to receive from his eternal Majesty his merciful blessing, gracious goodwill, and loving favour, against all them that without occasion seek his destruction, and under shadow of his name, molest the kingdom, overthrow all good order, destroy the people, and mean to strip the king out of his royal estate and diguity.  
Given at Bergerac the tenth day of june, in the year of our Lord, a thousand, five hundred, fourscore and five.  
Signed. Henry. Lallier.