A Declaration and Protestation, published by the King of Navarre, the L. Prince of Conde, and the L. Duke of Montmorency, concerning the peace concluded with the house of Lorrayn, the Captains and chief authors of the league, to the prejudice of the house of France.  
Also two Letters written by the said King of Navarre. The one to the Parliament, the other to the Masters of Sorbonne.  
More an Epistle written by Philipp de Morney to the French King:  
Hereunto, for the plainer declaration of the innocency of the said Princes, are inserted the Articles agreed upon between the King and the Lords of Guyze.  
All faithfully translated out of French,  
Imprinted at London for Edward Aggas.   

The Declaration and Protestation.  
IT is not unknown to all men, and they may soon call to mind in what estate the affairs of this Realm stood, and of what mind the King was, when the house of Lorrayn under the title of a Holy league began to raise Wars against his Majesty & to trouble the quiet estate of this Realm. For through God's grace Peace began to take root in the depth of men's hearts, and thence to expel all heart-burning and mistrust: justice under the wings thereof gathered strength by the exerci●e of laws: Religion on both parts crept into credit in men's consciences, whence the licentious liberty of wars had almost expelled it: Nobility grew into familiarity & gave over partialities and factions: The Commons after so many mischiefs and calamities, began to enjoy the fruits of their labours, and through such good order as the King had taken, were in possibility speedily to be freed from the pillage and insolency of the Soldier. To be brief, the miseries and calamities incident to wars grew into oblivion, and were almost buried under the commodities of peace, which was mightily prosecuted and daily cherished through the King's wisdom, to whom nothing was in such recommendation as the continuance and establishing of the same. For if on either side there remained any scar of the ancient miseries, which the peace (that yet had not been of so long continuance or force as the war) could not clearly deface, the King, who had both noted the mischief and found out the remedy, through that daily care that he took for the affairs of his Realm, was surely entered such a path as would not only have ended the calamities of this Realm, but also in short time have restored her to her ancient dignity, prosperity, and brightness. But this necessary path that should have led all things to wealth, quiet, and ease, is now broken up and disturbed by the house of Lorrayn, who are utterly unpatient and not able to abide the tranquility and peace of this Realm, as finding the same repugnant to their purposes, which they know themselves utterly unable to compass by the prosperity, but rather through the confusion, ruin and subertion of this estate.  
It is needless here to rehearse such their purposes as by the effects are sufficiently discovered: For it may be evidently known to all men what the pretences and practices of those of that house have been as also what means they have from time to time used, especially since the reign of Francis the second, for the contriving of their devices: which, to be brief, do tend to the extinguishing of the house of France, and intruding of themselves into the place thereof. And for the easier attaining to such their drifts and enterprises, how they have sought to set division in the Realm, to nourish troubles, to weaken the power of the Nobility by the loss and shedding of their blood, to abase under sundry pretences the credit & authority of the Princes. In the mean time themselves to take weapon in hand, to gain partakers, to overthrow all that stand in their way, and finally so far as in them lieth, to encroach the strength and power of this Realm into their own hands. This course have they ever since the reign of Frances the second taken, still gathering ground by little and little and employing every occasion. They laid to the Princes of the blood that they had practised against the person of the young Prince, and under pretence thereof procured the apprehending and detaining of the chief Princes of the blood, sequestering the rest from about his Majesty, & bringing into mislike the most ancient and faithful officers of the Crown, yea even then, had not God prevented them, they had set foot upon the very throat of this estate. This being most manifest, can not be attributed other then to their ambitious practises: For at that time no Prince in France openly did profess any other than the Catholic Romish Religion, neither was there any such question of controversy in Religion, which as yet was not much spoken of in this Realm▪ No, the quarrel which the house of Lorraine then had and yet hath against the house of France, tended under shadow of the King to reign, until fit opportunity, the while, under his authority and by his power to rid their hands of the chief Princes of the blood, who were any stumbling blocks in their way, and of the officers of the Crown, as those that could not brook their usurped authority.  
Upon these and such like beginnings we are to judge of their actions ensuing: according to these originals must we consider of the effects, that since they have endeavoured to disguise to the end diversly to procure them favour, as soon after they did, & still they endeavour to do: but the nature of water is never better known then at the Spring while it is yet pure and unmingled, as likewise all humane actions are naturally discerned at their first beginnings, before the inconveniences that we find have gathered any sleights, and learned to use any cloaked dissimulation. This also was the reason that moved them, immediately upon the decease of King Francis, under whose name they ruled, because he had married the Scottish Queen their niece, finding themselves thereby excluded from all means of government, to alter their former pretence: For when they perceived that the general estates lawfully summoned and assembled did call them to account for their administrations and dealings, they began to cloak their ambition with the veil of earnest zeal to the Catholic Romish religion. They, who but four days before had put the german Princes in such hope of joining with them in the confession of Ausbourg, beginning with the murder of many persons of all sorts, ages and kinds at Vassy, did violate the laws and infringe the peace and public tranquility of the Realm, for the continuance whereof, the said general estates had found it expedient to grant the exercise of both Religions, and to the same end had published a solemn edict verified in all the Courts of Parliament: which could not be attributed to force, fear, or other unlawful pursuit, but only to the sole consideration of the benefit & tranquility of this estate: With arms during the King's minority they seized upon his person together with the Queen his mother, who in wisdom had consented to the said edict, and through just fear of their forces, was compelled (not without manifold reclaiming the aid of the Princes of the blood against their tyranny) to yield and in the end to auctorize them for her patrons. All this they did to the end to entangle the Prince's youth in malice, hatred and wars against his own blood, thereby to weaken the Realm, and to lay it open to their invasions, & to draw to themselves both the authority and force, (which indeed they brought to pass) so living and reigning in and among arms, which, as opportunity should serve, they might abuse to their own pretences. This foundation did they lay so firm, that for the space of these 25. years this Realm hath flowed with civil wars, under the support whereof they have exercised their malice, satisfied their revenging affections, and laboured their ambition with the price of the King and his estate, yea, even with the price (through their accursed & execrable counsels) of the honour of the French nation, unto whom are imputed all the mischiefs and calamities that thorough the counsel of this fatal house of Lorraine hath been contrived, until the King now reigning by his wisdom found out that the zeal of Religion by them published as a shield, was but a pretence: that the true spirit of Religion, whereof himself hath more apprehension and feeling than they, doth not persuade or counsel the violation of public laws, the breach of oath, or the tainting of a whole estate with blood and murder: so that he perceived that undoubtedly it was but a practice to climb higher: for the preventing whereof it was requisite to end the troubles of his Realm by an equal and indifferent peace convenient for the present time, referring to God (who only reigneth in the consciences) all operation in the hearts of his subjects, for the reuniting & bringing them all to one Religion.  
Howbeit this peace being made, not by force, but of the King's mere motion and free consent, which also in respect thereof he would have called his peace: this family could not brook it, as men that could never find any peace in peace, and therefore did continually cross it by all means and subtleties possible, yea, they procured their partakers by all kind of injuries, violences and wrongful attempts to drive the professors of the Religion into despair and impatiency, & to force them to take arms, whereby the King might justly levy war against them. Again, on the other side they solicited the said professors of Religion to join with them, alleging the benefit of the Commonwealth, and promising them liberty of religion under whatsoever cautions or assurances that they could desire, leaving no device or policy unpractised, that might return this estate into trouble, as knowing that the quiet and peace of the land fighteth against & overthroweth all their devices and purposes. Finally, finding the King more and more resolved to maintain peace, and the professors of the Religion craving nothing more heartily than quietness under the benefit of the edicts. Especially my Lord the Duke of Anieowe deceased, and the King without issue, whom by an imagination, which cannot spring but out of desire, they assure themselves to out li●e, and unto whom, as all men know, they have prescribed and limited but a short time, they resolved to rise in arms and to seize upon their majesties persons (had they not been discovered) together with the most part of the Realm, so to be the better provided against the time of their imagined alteration: Also for the drawing of the greater number of partakers to this conspiracy, they have published sundry titles and pretences, as true the one as the other, thereby to accommodate themselves to the divers minds and several affections of men, still cloaking their poison and venom under a gorgeous title of a counter poison, the rather to abuse and confirm their adherents. The pretences and titles published are these. The Common wealth: The discharge of the third estate: The reintegration of the Nobility in their pristinate dignity: The re-establishing of the Church in her liberties and privileges: The suppression of certain persons Whom the King hath exalied: The restitution of such as they pretend to have been evil en 〈…〉 and hardly dealt with: The nomination of a Catholic Romish successor to the Crown, for the defence of the Romish Church: The extirpation of heresy and rooting out of those whom they pretend to be heretics.  
All these things have they promised to bring to pass before they cease, and yet how they have accomplished it, I leave to all men's consideration. The true cause yet remaineth unspoken of, & is the same that only hath already produced some effects. Viz. To be armed to the end to prescribe laws to the King under colour of rooting out of Heretics: and to make away the chief Princes of the blood, and such as are their principal stumblingblocks: that is, those that profess the religion wherein they were borne and bread up, so the easilier to attain to the rest, and this hath the King very well marked, even from the beginning of their broils hitherto: For in sundry his Letters to the King of Navarre he hath confessed, that he knoweth well enough that this their zeal of Religion is but a pretence: & that their drifts do tend against his own person, his house, and estate.  
And in the mean time, because under this pretence they had abused many of his subjects, he requireth the said king of Navarre to have patience, until he might evidently decipher the colours from the causes, and the pretences from the purposes, assuring him that he findeth the enterprise directly against himself, and so the offence to appertain properly unto him. Moreover, upon the same judgement and foresight his Majesty hath by his express Letters, commanded all governors and Lieutenants general, in their Provinces and particular charges, to assail their troops, and hath proclaimed and declared them Rebels, Traitors, perturbers of common peace, and enemies to the Estate: Upon the verfication of these his majesties commandments in all the Courts of Parliament, there have ensued many decrees, yea some have been executed, besides that the like messages have been sent to all Princes allied and confederate to the Crown, with express commandment to his majesties Ambassadors, to direct their speeches conformably thereunto, Viz. That his Majesty findeth by the effects as well past as present, and understandeth by the demeanurs and testimonies aforesaid, that the insurrection of those of this house, notwithstanding whatsoever their pretences, is one of the fruits of their first attempts, that is, of their conspiracy to root out the house of France, whereof none need to plead ignorance that list but to look back unto, and call to mind their behaviours these 25. years and more, and at once to consider well of the same.  
At the same time also that his Majesty proclaimed them Rebels, he revived the publication of his Edict of pacification throughout all parts of his Realm, as a testimony to all, but chief to those of the Religion, that he in no wise meant to incline to the demands of these men, but did rather condemn them, for that they sought to abolish the said Religion by force of arms, his Majesty knowing that to be no meet or lawful mean, as also by sundry letters he assured the King of Navarre that he would do nothing prejudicial either to the said Edict or him, whose cause he acknowledged to be his own.  
All the premises notwithstanding, it so fell out, that upon a sudden a peace was concluded with those of this family and league, whereof proceeded an Edict, whereby the former Edict of pacification, so deliberately confirmed, & so solemnly sworn unto by their Majesties: the Princes of his blood: all the Courts of Parliament: and the chief Lords & officers of the crown, which also had been so freshly reiterated and again confirmed, was now utterly revoked, all exercise of religion under pain of death prohibited: all professors thereof condemned within the term of six months to departed the realm: the towns for assurance, which likewise of his own accord, and for divers considerations concerning the wealth and quiet of his estate, he had prorogued to those of the said religion, they should now speedily habandon, to the end to buy peace at the hands of the said Rebels & traitors, so proclaimed and acknowledged by his Majesty, with the hindrance of his nearest kinsmen: and, which is worse, the weapons committed to the hands of those men, to the end to put the same in execution, a matter utterly repugnant to all laws, which do merely forbid the execution of any decree to be committed to the adverse party, nay more, that he shall not assist thereat, notwithstanding it were to maintain the execution of justice.  
Hereupon therefore doth the King of Navarre desire all good French men in France to consider what cause he hath, to to lament. In their public protestations, the conspirators opposed themselves directly against him, and yet he▪ to the end to satisfy the King's mind, and to avoid all occasion of the people's oppression, remained peaceable, and never would arm himself, although he see them in arms round about him. He see the King's mind inclined to peace, and that evil and ruin which they openly procured him, might have moved him by all means to cross them▪ & yet for the benefit of the realm he offered to the king some entry to quietness by the declaration which expressly he published, yea such as he trusteth all Christiandome will allow of, and the veriest barbarous nation would have aceapted of.  
They spoke of the rooting out of heresy, and the Christian authors fought against it with general Counsels: he submitted himself to a counsel, and declared himself to be ready to be instructed thereby and to yield thereto. They craved reformation and alteration in some matters of estate: such controversies and differents are by the ancient statutes of the land to be determined by the general estates, to the assembly whereof, whensoever it should please the King to summon them, he offered to refer, and submit himself. They requested that the King of Navarre and the professors of the Religion should immediately habandon and departed the Towns of assurance, notwithstanding the King's prorogation of the tenor of the same to them granted: for the eschewing of all mistrust he offered without delay to yield them, yea, which is more, to dispossess himself and to render into the King's hands, both he and the Lord Prince of Conde, all governments that they hold within this Realm, conditionally, that the others might do the like, notwithstanding such inequality as all men may easily perceive: for it is not meet to make strangers equal with the household children. Moreover, if there were any further controversy, the decision whereof might touch or any way concern him, for the exempting of the King (whose person would be too dear a price to this Realm) from all danger and care thereof, the said King of Navarre besought his Majesty not to mislike the determining of any such quarrel, either by his power against theirs, either else, for the preventing of public calamity, by his person against the Duke of Guyze, or by more to more, as he should think good, within the realm or without, in whatsoever place of free access: adding moreover that if his Majesty could conceive any more convenient remedy for the pacifying of the estate of the Realm, the said King of Navarre would gladly yield thereto and not to spare his life therein, most humbly withal beseeching his Majesty so far to honour him as to let him understand the same. Howbeit, nothing respecting all these his so reasonable offers, they have in the mean time proceeded to a treaty of peace, to the great prejudice of the estate and house of France, yea, of the King himself. A peace, to speak indifferently, unworthy any such title, as being to be rather accounted a summons of war, yea, & unless God of his great mercy do prevent it, such a war as will be an entry into the ruin and subversion of the whole estate. A peace made with strangers for the rooting out of the home borne children: with Traitors for the spoil of the obedient Subjects: with conspirators, to the end to commit to their hands the sword against himself, to abuse at their pleasures. A peace that hath not so much as the taste of any thing appertaining to peace; A black peace▪ A woeful and funeral peace, and of an unfortunate aspect: A peace which the King signed not but with a quaking and shivering hand: A peace whereto the Princes of his blood and Peers of this Realm, yea, the most Catholic, have refused to swear, as being the decree of their deaths and the small overthrow of the estate, which moreover procureth no comfort either to the Country or Towns, but hath filled all the good Frenchmen of this Realm with horror, and rejoiced only those that nourish themselves and feed upon their deaths. A peace to say the troth, which the said Lord King of Navarre acknowledgeth not to be imputed unto the King, a courteous and just Prince, from whose nature the same is too odious, neither to the Queen his mother, who in all her endeavours have sought no other but the tranquility of the Realm: but partly to the dastardliness of some of the King's Counsel, and partly to the treachery of other some, who are either servants or of kindred and alliance with those of this league, who also, as it is sufficiently known, in the beginning lessened and diminished the mischief, propounding it unto him to be easily appeased, lest he should have provided remedies necessary there against. But afterward even at once when they see the power of the league wax great, did so enlarge it to his view that he was easily persuaded that himself might soon be by them oppressed if speedily he satisfied not their minds: and for such persons it is well known that a number of them which under colour of her service accompanied the Queen, did advertise those of the league of her chief secrets: some h●ld their conventicles so soon as they came forth of his Chamber, what counsel they should give him: other some to the end to astonish him, deciphered unto him such armies to the succours of the league, as never appeared, nor had any other substance than air. These were the counsels whereby the King was turned from using his nearest kindred, who would not have spared the shedding of their blood for his quiet, and who had both will and opportunity, and now for recompense are sold to the stranger, and so far as may be, payment is made with their blood and lives. Upon these counsels hath he refused the offers of his princely Neighbours, the loyal confederates of the Crown, while by means of the league the Spanish coin trotted thorough out France, and found entry into the Towns, into the Counsel, yea, into the priviest part thereof. Finally, and all men know it, the King was deluded by those to whom be had as great occasion to commit himself, if benefits received might amend men's minds. And the said Lord King of Navarre fully assureth himself that though by their 〈◊〉 and violence they have been able to arm his arms against him, yet at the least his sobs, sighs, desires and vows shall fight in his quarrel, which he hath well found & cannot possibly forget to be his own.  
The said Lord King of Navarre hopeth that the most part of men of judgement in this Realm, especially such as have had nearest familiarity with their actions or been entangled therein, have been able to enter into consideration of the depth of the intents of those of the league, and therefore he will so far assure himself of them, that they will not so blemish their honours as to bear arms against the house of France, under the shadow of this edict, as also they should proceed too far against their own knowledge if they should but think to have taken them under the said pretences, yea, were it for the assurance of their Religion.  
Those of this league alleged divers pretences, as they dealt in one so it is like they do and will do in the rest.  
Of this Common wealth whereof they made so great boast and which had provoked sundry, even of the Nobility, such as were farthest from ambition, and least partakers of the corruption of these times, in this edict there is no word of it, even the first day thereof they gave it over.  
Concerning the discharge of the third estate which they promised, in this treaty there is no mention thereof, but contrariwise by this peace it hath begun to be surcharged and more and more brought into ruin. For, where in their declarations they promised that their Soldiers should live in order and pay all men, it is well known that during all the troubles of this Realm there have been none more unruly or disordered in all sorts, as likewise that which they protested that they would not attempt against the king's Towns, or therein place any Garrison without the consent or liking of the Inhabitants, hath been no whit better observed by such as have seized upon the same. For in some by force, in others that voluntarily received them, under colour of good meaning they have built Citadelles and brought in Garrisons.  
The Nobility have had no better amends: for in this treaty whom have they provided for but themselves, or those of their house? either whom have they restored to the dignities whereof they pretended them to be unworthily deprived? To be brief, all their doings have stretched only to the parting & dividing of France to those of their family according to their platform laid for the achieving thereof in time to come, causing by this peace the government of sundry Towns of importance and Provinces both upon the frontiers and in the heart of the Realm to be committed to them, whereupon the Nobility of this Realm is to consider what advancement they may expect at their hands when 24. Princes of Lorraine must be contented and satisfied before any of them may by their means attain to any dignity.  
As for the due promotions unto Ecclesiastical functions and dignities, they have in this Edict had no more respect (witness the Bishopric of Authum, whereunto the D. of maine hath by force promoted his Son in Law) then to the prerogatives, franchises and liberties thereof, notwithstanding, that seeking to take a pretence for Religion, the same should have been a principal article and of greatest recommendation. But contrariwise, entering into information of their lives, it will be found that they have ransomed the Priests & clergy, profaned the Monasteries, embeseled the Chalices & Crosses, with all other the Church goods, all have been to them Wars, even in making their peace. To the end to be paid their expenses, following the steps of the late Cardinal of Lorrayn their uncle, they have propounded and extorted a promise to alienate Rents to the value of 100000. Crowns, and to procure the Pope's consent thereto. Provided always, that the said coin may be employed in the reembursing of them: Besides it is evident to all men that in any matter touching the three Estates, without instance or pursuit they discharged themselves at the beginning of the Parley of this peace.  
Touching the great favour about the King, whereof they complain of some gentlemen whom they term in their Declaration (The bloodsuckers of the people) whom also they say they will abase and reduce into order, it is most manifest that they have most vildly in all sorts sought their amity, that they have gone about to buy the same by remitting into their hands the towns of their governments, which by Wars they had seized upon & taken away: but to their great shame those men have taught them the path to Generosity and courage, by giving them to understand that they regarded not their amity further than the commodity of this Realm did require.  
With the Cardinal of Bourbon, whom they had brought into the field upon promise of procuring him that right which they persuaded him he might pretend to the Crown, they have played the same parts according to their usual manner, which is to draw every man's interest into their own particular profit: For having him once entangled among them, they made so small account of his imagined right, that coming to parley with the Queen, they were even ashamed to open their mouths therein: But in case there were any grievous question, or any difficult or thorny point, they used him as an instrument. It was my Lord the Cordinall that motioned it, and so reserved themselves still to mollify matters, to appease parties, and to wrest all the thanks and profit of the treaty unto themselves.  
In the mean time one principal point, whereupon they laid the foundation of the Catholic Romish Religion, was to provide that the King should name a successor that professed the same, and under that pretence (as also under the former concerning the common wealth) they drew to their faction many of the Nobility, which thought they had been in earnest, but their pretence was only to achieve that point which by this peace they have obtained, which was the same only that they were so earnest for, viz. to seize upon the Frontiers and Keys of the Realm, which had been kept, even from the late monsieur, also under shadow of Religion to have weapon in hand, so to become arbitrators of the counsels▪ to prescribe Laws to the king during his life: to make away the Princes of his blood, and loyal servants of the house of France, and after his decease, which they imagine to be at hand, violently to usurp this poor estate.  
To think they either can, or do suppose themselves able to compass the rooting out of Religion, the proof that for these 25. years or more they have made is quite repugnant thereto. Our Kings have not spared themselves either by policies of peace or rigours of Wars. The authors of this league have employed both force and craft. The name League hath nothing increased their means: hath not bred up any new soldiers in the Realm, neither hath made them greater Captains than afore they were, still it is France part whereof, yea the best part will not help to spoil and destroy France. It is even the house of France which the house of Lorrayn doth assail, for their pretences are sufficiently revealed to all men. This it is that will strengthen the K. of Navarre with the ancient officers of the Crown, with the Princes of the blood. with the wishes of the King, with the sighs and sobs of all good Frenchmen without respect of Religion, and so much diminish & weaken the enemy. Besides that it is no longer to any purpose herein, as against the old Albigeois, to imagine the publication of a croysade, for there is not one Town of France that consenteth to this party. There is no member, no part of the body, no there is not scarce any one sinew but complaineth hereof. Neither is it France only that hath prosecuted this reformation in Religion, but it hath been a common motion in all Estates and nations of our Europe: Hole kingdoms have sequestered themselves from the Pope. Empire's have been more then half touched, scarce is there any estate, but have stirred herein (as all men know and do grant) and feeling it can plainly find out and eschew their own ruin by that of their neighbours.  
On the other side, there is no Prince in Europe of whatsoever Religion, but thinketh it strange to pretend the excluding of a Prince without audience or teaching, no other trespass against the laws of the Country committed, from an estate or succession unto him due. But in Histories it is evident, what the effects of an ambitious or envious passion can compass, even upon the least occasion to the urging of an heresy, as for example. Philipp the fair was denounced an heretic for that he would not hold this Realm in homage of the Pope, and so was cut off from the Church: but such Popes both before and since as have pretended more modesty, and were not led by the like passion have held an other opinion and otherwise decided it. A counsel must order all, and who so escheweth a counsel, escheweth the light, and refuseth reason, as showing himself to seek darkness, and to use the title of Religion in vain.  
In the mean time, such is the mischief, the King our Sovereign, partly through the violence and conspiracy of his enemies, and partly by the malice and collusion of some of his Counsellors hath been forced and brought to conclude a peace, whereof undoubtedly, without speedy remedy, will ensue his own overthrow, the destruction of the house of France and the subversion of this estate. Wherefore the King of Navarre, as first Prince of the blood & chief Peer of this Realm, the Lord Prince of Conde his Cousin a Prince and Peer of France, and the Lord Duke of Montmorency a Peer of France and the chief Officer of the Crown, together with the Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, Provinces, Towns and Commonalties as well of the one as of the other Religion, united for the preservation of this estate, do protest and declare as ensueth.  
First that their intent neither is, neither ever was other then to see the King well served and dutifully obeyed of all men, every one in his place according to his calling and estate, and themselves to become an example to all, which was to be seen in these late dealings. Namely, that their desire tendeth only to see the Realm peaceable and quiet, as it was in a good forwardness at the beginning of these broils, and to the same end have withal their hearts endeavoured themselves against such as sought to molest the prosperity of the King and Estate, and to the like intent will willingly employ whatsoever they are able in life or goods.  
Also because heretofore there have been sundry means propounded unto the King, whether for deciding the controversies in Religion, or of the Estate, which his enemies used for a pretence, either 〈◊〉 for ending such quarrels as particularly they pretended against the Princes of France, among whom the King of Navarre hath the peeminence: the said King of Navarre, doth most humbly desire his Majesty to call to mind the aforesaid offers contained in his declaration, bearing date the 10. of june 1585. which he sent to his Majesty, written and signed with his own hand. Also if himself have conceived, or there be to him any other motion made for the contentation of his Majesty and the wealth of the Realm, the said Lord King of Navarre would crave to understand thereof and accounteth himself happy, in case it be such as before God and man he may accommodate himself unto.  
But particularly, because these of the league, to the end to find opportunity presently to assault him, have for their argument thought good to require the delivery of the Towns of assurance, and upon refusal thereof, with open force to set upon him, he doth most humbly beseech his Majesty to remember that in December last, Anno 1584. it peased him during the full peace voluntarily to grant the prorogation therunof at the humble petitions to him made in the behalf of his subjects: that then he so thought it most convenient for the peace of the Realm▪ that since by mere force of arms and upon less occasion he hath granted greater and more Towns to those of the league, who rise against his person, against his house and against his estate, as being content not only to leave to them such as they have seized upon, but also hath given them others, yea more than in two years Wars with prosperous success they could have gotten: whereupon the said Lord King of Navarre, as also all other the good subjects and servants of this estate have occasion to desire the King to grant them new assurances against those of the league, and that the rather because those men have in their hands the chief frontiers as well on the Sea coasts as on the land, whereby to draw the stranger into the Realm. All which notwithstanding, the said Lord King of Navarre once again offereth to dispossess himself of the said Towns of assurance unto him by his majesties free consent prorogued, conditionally that the said house of Lorraine and other their adherents of the league do likewise effectually depart from those that they hold: That all weapons may be laid aside: That the strangers be returned, and themselves withdrawn into their own houses.  
That if notwithstanding so reasonable offers any forces do march against the K. of Navarre, the Lord Prince of Conde, and the Lord Duke of Montmorency, or any of them or their adherents, they do most humbly require his Majesty not to mislike that they follow the counsel both of nature and necessity, which do teach to repel force by force, either that they employ whatsoever their friends or means therein, and the rather because now they are not to fight in Guienne for Guienne, in languedoc for languedoc, in Dauphin, Province and other places for the estate of the said Lo. K. of Navarre, the Lo▪ Prince, or the Lord Duke of Montmorency, but undoubtedly for the Estate and liberty of the King himself, with the Queen his Mother: for the preservation of the laws, and for the defence of the Estate, as also they are assured (which increaseth their courage) that though the enemy hath proceeded so far as to seize upon his majesties Weapons, yet he hath kept and reserved his heart for them.  
They pray the Queen the King's Mother, to call again to mind how those of that family entreated her, when under K. Frances the second her Son, they ruled all, as also what from time to time she noted in them, touching the drifts of their ambition. Even she, who was the first that to the Kings her children displayed them for such as they are. But chief that she, who hath won to herself the name of Mother of the Realm, would not now leave an opinion in the hearts of the posterity of the leading of the same to ruin, by delivering it into the hands of strangers, by enfringing the public peace for the contenting of the particular desires of the public enemy, and forcing her nearest and most obedient subjects to incur the pain due to the Rebels and perturbers of the estate: Whereas at the least there might be some general peace concluded upon, if in her wisdom she judgeth it expedient for the peace of this estate to abolish and pardon their offences.  
The said Lo. K. of Navarre, Lord Prince of Conde, and Lord Duke of Montmorency, do adjure the Lords Princes of the blood, earnestly to consider that the same importeth their house and blood: The Peers & principal officers of this Realm, that it concerneth the oath and duty which they have taken and own to the Crown: All Parliaments, that it toucheth the foundamental laws of this estate whereof themselves are the preservers and guardians. Generally, all estates and degrees of this Realm that it tendeth to the subversion and confusion of their famelies: For who can ever assure himself of a particular quiet in a public uproar, of a calm in a tempestuous Sea, of a certain estate in an alteration of all estates, or of a private assurance in an universal spoil. Also all Princes and estates our neighbours being likewise in league and alliance with this estate to assist them in their undertaken defence, and not to suffer such a conspiracy to take effect, in respect of the consequence wherinto it might draw all estates Christian.  
They do declare before God who seethe their hearts and before men whom they chose judges of their actions, that they do bewail the King's estate, who abroad is besieged and at home entangled by and in the practices of his enemies: that their weapons are vowed only to his liberty and service, and would to GOD he had, vouchsafed to have employed their affections, for so could they soon have delivered him out of all these perplexities.  
Concerning Religion, the said lords King of Navarre and Prince of Conde, do from their hearts and on their faith and honour declare that they intend not any way to molest the Catholics or prejudice their Religion which they do profess, as being always of opinion that the conscience ought to be free, and as concerning their own that they are ready to submit themselves to a Counsel. That they do accept of all good and true Frenchmen, both temporal and spiritual, and of all 〈◊〉 without acception or exeption of Religion: equally taking into their protection and safeguard, them, their consciences, honours and dignities, their goods, lives and famelies, to the end, so far as in them shall lie, to warrant and defend them against all oppression and violence.  
They do exhort each one particularly according to his ability and calling, in token what they are, to draw to them, to secure and assist them against those of this league, whom the King hath openly declared attempters against his person, Crown and estate. To the end also to take from them all doubt and mistrust, the Lord Duke of Montmorency, whose Religion was never mistrusted, & whose wisdom as sufficiently known to be such as can well find the intents of the said lords King of Navarre and Prince of Conde, shall be their lodesman and serve them as a guide. He being a Peer of France and chief officer of the Crown, to whom belongeth the first place in leading of the armies. Besides, that through God's grace they have already the assistance and company of a good number of Catholic Lords, Knights, Captains and Gentlemen, such as have found out and perceived their good right, together with the necessity of their defence.  
As for the Captains of the league and those who to the same intent shall stick unto them, the said lords King of Navarre, Prince of Conde, and Duke of Montmorency, do declare & acknowledge them to be enemies to the King, the house of France, and the weal of this estate, even such as the King hath already declared them, and as his Courts of Parliament in the verification of his letters have advouched them. Also according to the tenor and contents of the said letters, together with the King's commandments therein contained, they will with their whole power prosecute war against them and by all means procure the rooting of them out.  
Howbeit, for as much as divers there are that by the pretences of the league may have been deceived and abused, so many of them as shall within the space of this present year depart therefrom and withdraw themselves to them, or into their own, they will admit & receive into their protection and safeguard as before, meaning that conformably to his majesties former ordinances they shall in no wise be molested or called into question for having been seduced by the persuasions of those of the league aforesaid.  
The said Lords King of Navarre, Prince of Conde, and Duke of Montmorency, do desire all those that shoot not at the same mark with the leaguers which they should sufficiently know, and yet do remain in their holds, armies or troops, to withdraw and get thence so soon as conveniently they may, least to their great grief they should not be able to discern them from the rest, for that they intent not to make such partakers of the like pain as are not comprehended in the same crime.  
Further, in as much as the said Lord King of Navarre, Lord Prince of Conde, & Lord Duke of Montmorency, do sufficiently acknowledge all War to be one of God's scourges, but especially domestical War, wherein the poor innocent people are in greatest danger, whose calamities and miseries they do even already bewail, they do withal their hearts beseech the almighty to open his merciful providence over the miserable estate of this Realm and people, to the end the mischiefs may by some means be turned away, either else prevented through some good peace: that it may also please him to touch the hearts and open the eyes of the King and of the Queen his mother, that they may conceive the necessary 〈…〉 means for the same: also to mollify the hardness & obstinaty & to suppress the ambition of those of this league, making them capable of better counsel, & such as may be more convenient to the quiet of this estate. If otherwise, and that their prayers can not avail or obtain this success▪ yet do they heartily desire every one to judge whether there were ever defence more natural, more necessary, or more just. Also to lay the blame and cast the curse upon such as have brought them into this extremity, and left them no other choice but either the rooting out of the house of France together with the subversion of the estate, or else a lawful and necessary defence. Consequently, they assure themselves that God will bless the right, and bring upon the authors of this league, the very ringleaders of our calamities, that destruction which they purpose against the King, his family and estate.  
Given at S. Paul of 〈◊〉, the 10. of August 1585. Signed Henry. Henry of Bourbon. Montmorency.   

A Letter written by the King of NAVARRE to the precedents and Members of the Court of Parliament for the French King at Paris.  
MY Masters, of all things pa●●ed sense the last broils, I crave no other judges than yourselves: For you may have seen how many ways the 〈…〉 mies of this Estate and mine have tempted my patience: neither can you be ignorant what sway the respect of the King and weal of this Estate have borne in me, whereby I have been detained in my just grief. In the mean time it hath so fallen out (and I am assured yourselves do all know what wrong I do herein sustain) that the enemies of the King and Realm are authorized and and armed against me. Whereon it must necessarily ensue that my patience and obedience must bear the penance of their rebellion, and the stranger be rewarded with the goods of the household servant, the servant with those of the home borne child. It is in truth a matter unto me very hard, but I have God for my protector, France for my judge, your selves for my witnesses and my Lord the King (for I can not doubt thereof) for the allower of my sincerity. I bewail the mishap of this estate: But God knoweth in whom the fault is, and can there lay the punishment. I moan the calamities of the people: but it is evident who, even of pleasure, broke the peace, and how necesarily I am forced to take heed to myself. It is in vain to report to you what conditions I have propounded, you have seen them and can tell whether they deserve to be looked upon. I have therefore no more to say, but to require you, even by the oath that you own unto France, with your authority to withstand the conspiracy which you see doth tend to the subversion thereof, or at the least assist not with your authority so pernicious a practice: even with your vows favour those that purpose to employ their lives for the preventing of such misery and overthrow of this Estate. I desire and crave no more of you, but the judgement of your own consciences. If my cause be just, I desire you to allow thereof, if wrongful, determine my ma●●ers what you shall think in duty for the weal of this estate. God I take to witness that I am and have been faithful to the King: that I love France: that I honour such virtuous persons as do defend it, & that I bewail the misery and calamity which I see ready to take hold of all Estates. I beseech him to assist you with his grace, you whom always I have accounted the Pillars of this Realm, to the end that in these broils you may (as many times heretofore) reap the commendation of the sustaining and underpropping of the body of this estate: and I trust that he will give me grace so to serve the King my Lord, also to be so well served of all good French men, lovers of his Crown, that shortly I may present to his view the end of his enemies and quiet of his Subjects, for the compassing whereof I will not spare either my blood or life Whereupon my masters I end, praying God to have you in his holy grace & protection.  
From Mont de Marsan this 11. of October. 1585. Your most affectionate and assured friend. Henry.   

A Letter from the King of Navarre to the Masters of the Faculty of divinity in the College of Sorbonne.  
MY Masters, unto you I have recourse for matters now in question, as unto those whose particular profession tendeth to provide that the Church incur or suffer no detriment. You have considered these late broils of those of the house of Guyze founded upon many and very divers pretences, but finally reduced and all form into one: namely, to restore the Catholic Church to her perfection, and to that end, to root out me and all other whom they pretend to be heretics: To which purpose, such hath been their force and violence, there have ensued an edict almost to their minds. Now I will not doubt but through your wisdoms you do know that they purpose an other matter than they speak of. That is, under the shadow of Religion to have weapon in hand wherewith to oppress the chief of the house of France▪ and so to prepare the way to the usurping of this estate. But I pray you even in these matters of Religion judge whether they or I have opened the better way to reunite the Church and to take away the schism which so long have troubled us.  
I have been brought up in a Religion which I think holy and true, neither need there any testimony whether in heart I do profess the same. For otherwise I could have eschewed so many mischiefs as I have been forced to suffer, wherein naturally man can conceive no great delight I could otherwise also have purchased the King's favour, and love of his people, which next after God's favour I account most profitable and requisite for me. The case being such, it is over hard and so I suppose yourselves will think, to desire that without any other form or order I should forsake my Religion & force both my conscience and soul: yea, if I should be so wretched as in such sort to offend, yourselves might justly mistrust me in all other matters. Me that should sail in that which in the judgement of my own soul I think to be my duty to God, a matter that reasonably none can require at my hands. This is it that as I think I have voluntarily offered and which daily I do still offer: Namely, to be instructed in a free & lawful Counsel, wherein the controversies of religion may be thoroughly dobated and decided, & so to yield to whatsoever shall be determined. A way, as yourselves are not ignorant, at all times practised in the Church in like cases, and that by the wisest Kings and Emperors in the world: A way, whereunto you my Masters have often counseled the King's predecessors, and whereby you have always been able to maintain the privileges and rights of the French Church against many usurpations: To be brief, such a way as the Church in her greatest force never refused for reducing into her bosom even mean persons, yea, sometimes one man only. And therefore much less ought she now to reject or flee from the same, now I say, when it standeth upon millions of souls, upon whole Towns and large Provinces, upon an infinite number of qualified persons, even of the chief Princes of the blood & nearest to the Crown, who can not easily be forced, neither rooted out without subversion of the estate, and yet being by reason persuaded to change, may be a cause of firm peace in this land, of a steadfast reunion of the Catholic church, with the forejudgement of their persons and of a more happy world, not to this Realm only, which were an inestimable gain, but also to all Christendom and Europe, which necessarily must have some feeling of the miseries and calamities of so puissant an estate. This my Masters, is the offer that I have made to the King my Lord, which now I do repeat unto you, and whereof I call you to witness among all to whom it may appertain, to the end it may be manifest both to those that now live and to the posterity, that I was not the cause of disquiet in this estate, either any hindrance that the Church was not reduced into her former union, peace and tranquility.  
Where as it is objected against me that I am an heretic, you are to show unto the world & of you have I learned it, that there is great difference betwixt heresy and error. That all that hold an heresy are not nevertheless heretics. That heretics are they who do proceed either upon ambition or obstinacy, whereof neither can have place in me whom no man ever went about to teach, and whom contrariwise they have by all means endeavoured to cast of, alleging no other reason then a strong ambition. Besides that I have renounced the large path to that greatness that by the Catholic Romish Religion lay open unto me, and have taken the contrary way, viz. the way of persecution and contempt, constantly persevering in that which usually is called and I do account reform.  
But admit it were so. It is against error and heresy that the Church calleth Consailes, and consultations are holden to cure the diseased, the Surgeon useth neither Iron nor fire, but where his plasters are to weak. It it an evident argument of passion, when they begin conversion with subversion, and instruction with destruction: With rooting out and War, when they should begin with brotherly admonition and gentleness.  
Neither is is enough to allege the holding of the Counsel of Trent, wherein was condemned the religion which I profess, and they term Heresy: you all my my Masters do know what manner of Counsel that was, neither did you ever allow thereof, yea, there against have the whole Estate, Clergy and Parliaments of this Realm often protested. You know also that in case it had been lawfully called and holden, yet had that been no prejudice to the summoning of an other. Especially sith it concerneth the salvation and re-establishment of such persons and so great an estate. Contrariwise, I am given to understand that in the general Counsel holden at basil, it was ordained that from ten year to ten year there should be a Counsel holden, to the end to cut off such errors as might spring in the church. Much more needful than were it for the rooting out such as already are grown up.  
judge now therefore my Masters which of us is in the right, whether of us in this case is most to be respected, either who propoundeth the meetest remedy for this estate. The stranger craveth that the home borne child be cast out under colour of heresy. Even the stranger who long have practised to have his room. Me, truly notwithstanding far unequal with them, upon whose behaviours they can take no hold. I neither have nor do desire but to have my cause heard: by a Counsel to be taught the best way: to do better if I be better instructed. Which then will you judge most right, either what need the whole Realm to be kindled herewith? For who doubteth whether you will sooner choose, either civil War or a Counsel? either the subversion of the one half of this estate by the other, or rather the reunion of both parts of this Realm into one, which undoubtedly will be of great consequence to all Christiandome.  
Now therefore, I do finally declare unto you that I crave and am ready to yield to a Counsel: that I am ready to harken to the Church therein. And therefore can you not account me either an Ethnic or Publican. I do moreover give you to 〈◊〉, that in default of a general Counsel for the pacifying of matters I do not refuse a national, which often hath been practised in this Realm, yea, and that by your own counsel and consent. But if notwithstanding any these my offers and request, they do contrary to all order of the Church proceed by banishments, murders, and other rigorous barbarousness, I am resolved to oppose myself in my just defence against such horrible banishments and violences. And the curse be upon those that do trouble this estate under the false pretence of the Church. You therefore do I call to witness of the reasonable conditions whereto I submit myself. Also God for my defender, who is able to debate my right against my adversaries, and I beseech him my Masters, to have you in his holy protection.  
From Mont de Marsan this 11. of October. 1585. Your affectionate and assured friend. Henry.   

An Epistle to the King.  
SIr, great Captains, Kings, and Emperors in old time sought to take their surnames of those Countries, that they conquered. And so came the surnames of African, Asian. etc. Your predecessors, who wanted no conquests whereby to be famous among the posterity, chose for themselves and you, and left as an inheritance the surname Most Christian, therein seeking to declare to all men, that the true honour of man consisteth in being truly Christian, and the very triumph of Princes whom God hath established over man resteth in the defence and advancement of Christian religion. Whereupon I agree with those that say that your majesties scope should tend to reunite the Church, a work meet for you, a labour incident to your Diadem, yea such a labour as you ought to have in no less jealousy than your estate. But it may be that in the means we may somewhat differ, wherein your majesties judgement overruling both you are to choose the most expedient.  
They propound the restoring of the Church to her perfection by arms: but who can better judge of the unprofitableness of arms in matter of Religion than your Majesty, who having so fortunately used them against those whom by all means they endeavour to overthrow, could nevertheless in the end reap no other profit thereby, then to learn that the happiest success availeth not against the conscience. Also that weapons have no more force over the soul, than the surgeons Razor over the man's understanding and affections that guideth it.  
The remedies ought to have an▪ Analogy and proportion correspondent to the mischiefs and diseases. Fear naturally overcometh the body, sound mastereth the ear, and reason ruleth the soul, but to use force against the soul, it worketh as small effect as reason over the ear, or sound over the mass of a man's body.  
Arms therefore are a means not to reunite the Church, but to subvert the state of the Realm, not to instruct or convert, but to subvert & destroy, and as nothing in this world can breed mischief, but it must also feel part thereof, so the destruction of the one side will cost the overthrow of the other. The ruin and rooting out of those of the religion (how easy so ever it be accounted) will prove to be the confusion and desolation of the whole Estate.  
These great Catholics that have endeavoured to compel you to force your subjects: who with open force have required your Majesty by force to reduce your subjects into the Romish Church, I would fain learn what they hope for, whether more power, of better success than your Majesty? They commanded over your armies, armed with your will, depending upon your authority, guided with your good hap, and favoured with your own presence, and your presence I account a great part of the strength of a mighty army. If your will be not present, as undoubtedly it can not be, who seethe not those wills that depend thereof very cold and quailing? But especially sith your person can not be safe among their armies, who doth not evidently see that the gre●● body of this army, how gross or strong soever, will shortly shrink asunder by piecemeal, in that it is not holden together with any respect of your Majesty, or kept in awe with your presence. The child naturally beareth at the father's hands, and how good soever his cause be, is nevertheless content to shun the stripes, to hold his hand before him, or to get out of the way until the choler be over. In the servant or stranger, he shall find as much stomach and force as may countervail all reverence, yea, sometime indignation will double: and that is it which naturally is to be expected of a Prince, the first of your blood, whom servants and strangers do endeavour to exclude out of your family with a million of your natural Subjects, brought up under your wing and under the clemency of your commandments, whom I say the strangers would make you root out and drive to seek foreign Countries. Whereof to be brief, such a despair may spring as may teach great indignities and indignations, and so consequently the most extreme Counsels that despair can conceive or bring forth.  
In old time the laws condemned in great fines such Carpenters as, to draw a man to enterprise a building, deceitfully persuaded him that the charges would be but small, and yet that tended to building, the greatest commodity whereof redounded to the benefit of the Master of the house, and to the ornament of the Common wealth. What pain then may be sufficient for those who to the end to stir up your Majesty to the destruction of your Realm, are not ashamed to avow the enterprise to be very easy. An enterprise whereof the loss will redound to you, the misery to us, and the benefit to themselves.  
Let us therefore here speak of reuniting, not of subverting. The mischiefs now in question are ancient, and our elders knew the remedies for the same: which remedies are the safest, so as we shall not need these practitioners corrosives, that have replenished all France with murders, mournings, funerals and lamentations, and yet the disease they cry out of, and the division that they complain of, is now in worse case than eue● before.  
Dissensions in Religion molested the Primitive Church, sundry heresies were fostered among the people: yea, even Emperors the defenders the Church were infected with them. The histories of such are plentiful. The Fathers found that heresy was an opinion, that all opinion consisted in the head, and that it was a false Image of reason which could not be defaced or razed out but with the presence of reason itself. They did therefore gather Counsels, they called a sufficient number of people out of all places, every one quietly propounded his opinion, in the end opinion gave place to knowledge, likelihood to truth, and Sophistry to reason.  
Let us not think Christian Religion so dark, but that truth may be found out, where a Counsel hath her assured principles, steadfast maximees, inviolable consequences 〈…〉 reason herself which if it be sufficiennt to decide the difficulties in laws, can well determine those in divinity, and that the better, because it is the law of one GOD which admitteth no contrarieties, neither can bear any Antinomy, but man's laws do often suffer either the inequality of the Lawmakers among themselves, or of one only.  
To be brief, it is a manifest injury to this law which is called the true light, to believe that it can not light or lead men, yea which is worse, to persuade that without fire it can not shine, that such as they pretend to be darkness, must be burned rather then produced into the daylight, either to take this light from under the Tub.  
Some will show you that there shall need no Counsel, that we must follow the Church, and she can never err.  
Books are sufficiently furnished with replications thereupon: the old and new Testament are full of the great errors of God's people: It was the Church and the Counsel of Jerusalem that condemned jesus Christ and his Apostles: It was therefore the Church that condemned her salvation. And S. Paul telleth us that Antechrist shall sit in the very Church of God. What is there then but perdition worshipped in the Church? These are but subtleties whereby to eschew a Counsel. Man is dark, & the Church an assembly of men, the Church therefore is a misty and dark body, and hath no light in it but from God, and is no farther, than it gathereth light at God's word, thence therefore take it. The Church may at every strain stumble, and therefore we see our forefathers from world to world groan after reformation, and therefore also did the counsel of basil decree, that from 10. years to 10. years a Counsel should be called, to the end to cut of such errors as might spring up in the Church.  
But some will reply and say, they have already holden one Counsel against the doctrine now in question. Admit it be so, yet were it to soon to give over well doing. The ancient fathers were not so soon weary against those of their time, against the Arrians, who were heard in their disputations with all liberty, yet being condemned in three counsels they were not debarred the forth. But if we may be weary of reiterating the self same remedies, how much rather of returning to war which so often hath been practised in vain: to war, whose best success is more dangerous and hurtful then even the worst of any Counsel: or how much more expedient were it to call an other Counsel, rather than to hazard a battle: to lose a conference to some purpose, or to shed so much blood in vain.  
The truth is, that upon the very differents now in question, there have been two Counsels holden. The first through the diligence of the Emperor Sigismond at Constance, where contrary to public faith the disputers of the one part, john Hus and Hierom of Prague were burned quick, and then followed a decree, that there was no faith to be kept with Heretics, a monstrous decree, and the cause of all disorder and excess since fallen out in Christendom.  
The other at Trent in the chief heat of the French troubles, where by the judgement of the former decree could be no safe appearance. Where also your Ambassadors might not be heard in their Christian propositions for the quietness of the Church. And where they protested nullity against the acts of the Counsel which since all your Courts of Parliament have confirmed and rejected the said acts, yea even Sorbonne itself, notwithstanding whatsoever instance the Pope hath from time to time made. Think therefore sir, whether they have cause to allege the fore judgements of these Counsels: and judge whether these two Counsels may debaries of all hope of goodness or fruit that might spring out of one free & lawful Counsel, called under your authority. The difficulty resteth only upon one point, and that is that the Pope of late days hath encroached to himself the authority of calling of Counsels, which before belonged to the Emperors: for by all histories it appeareth that they have summoned the most famous. And now because he feareth the reformation of the abuses of the Pope's Court, and especially the question so often harped at. viz. Whether the Pope be above or under the Counsel, whereof there are contrary decrees, it is manifest that he will so fair as in him lieth avoid the calling of any, but principally at the suit and request of the French Church, which always have avowed him to b● under the Counsel. And for example, for the assembling of the Counsel of Constance the Emperor, Sig●s 〈…〉 und was to travalle from state to state, to solli 〈…〉 all Princes, because the Pope's striving among themselves, would not stoop to a Counsel, and there it was decreed that the Pope should be subject to the Counsel. Since again for the calling of the Counsel of Trent, it is well known what protections were feign to be made, what practices the Pope wrought among all Christian Princes, whereby to shift it of. What ado there was to keep them together after they were assembled, & what 〈…〉 the Pope's used to the end to yield it unprofitable to the Church, but commodious to themselves▪ where also, contrary to the former, they caused it to be determined that the Pope was above the Counsel.  
Hereby they your Majesty have a bar 〈…〉 the Pope & shut up his mouth whereby he dare no more presume to solicit you to the overthrow of the estate, even he that shall have refused the lawful means to reunite & restore the Church. Besides, in such a necessity of your estate and during such the Pope's default, the Kings your predecessors by the counsel of your Clergy, yea, of your College of Sorbonne, have long since trod you a fair path: namely, by your own authority, for want of a general, to summon a national Counsel within this Realm. A course taken by the most Christian Kings, yea, even the devoutest among the most Christian, to the great benefit of the Church and estate. For national Counsels being well ordered, and proceeding of the Prince's zeal have often done more good than the general, bribed and laboured by the Church of Rome, as histories do testify. For if you tarry until the Pope provide, peradventure it will be so late, & your estate already being in combustion, that it were requisite to make more speed.  
If any man allege that this assembly will be in vain, also that in such contentions, were it but for honour, neither side will give place to reason, every one defending his part to the end: also that it will be hard to agree upon judges and such like, wherein undoubtedly I can see no great difficulty, I answer, that God will bless your majesties holy zeal and earnest affection to the peace of so many consciences: also that he will hear the sobs and cries of so much people who of such a convocation do attend their weal & the quiet of their souls, besides that God by his Prophet said not in vain that the rain never falleth from heaven without fruit, either his holy word upon earth without some notable effect: But admit matters should grow to that pass, yet dare I assure myself to motion to your Majesty a mean that shall satisfy & agree both parties, yea such a one, as any reasonable man that willingly would not be deceived, may thereby easily discern the truth from falsehood and false doctrine from true. And therefore, if the eye of your majesties reason be free from blemish, there is no doubt but yourself shall both find and know the truth: for truth will shine forth and lighten you and naturally is clear enough to spread itself abroad. Only God give us grace to leave all our passions at the threshold of the door and to enter in in a full desire to see & find the truth, as being freed from all particular▪ interest except of our souls.  
Consider Sir what contentation yourself in your life time shall reap, & what honour with the posterity you shall achieve▪ if in your days and through your wisdom and exaple, you may determine a Schism of so many years continuance, and procure throughout all Christendom the singing of that song of the Angles, Glory be to God on high, and in earth peace. When in this duty you have prevented the Pope's▪ Emperors, and Catholic Kings, yea even exeded your most Christian forerunners, therein showing yourself in deed most Christian for yourself, Christian for France & Christian for the whole church.  
God I take to witness, that from my heart I do write unto you all that I seek▪ which is, to see in our time the Church purged, and the Temple swept, to the end we may be conversant together. All men do agree and long have, that there are abuses among us. Let them be taken away and cleansed, and let us not set our selves against ourselves, neither let us search starting holes to our loss, or show ourselves skilful contrary to our salvation Way●ing for this benefit at your majesties hand, let us one bear with another in modesty & gentleness, suffering your Edicts of Peace to rule, and men's consciences to be in rest, and as for those which in the mean time do counsel to surcease or forbid the exercise of the soul, they show themselves to have no great feeling of their own, sith they suppose the souls can live without their action or food: yea, those that think it so easy a matter for others to neglect the serving of GOD according to their consciences, do by that law which they prescribe to others, sufficiently show what themselves are. viz. of themselves contemners of God, devoid of Religion and Conscience.  
Sir, your Majesty are to excuse my boldness. In great inconveniences great men have not despised the meanest voices. The barking of one Dog hath preserved many a house from spoil, and the gaggling of one Goose was sufficient to keep the Capitol. Duty and danger must justify my presumption Duty, for it were an offence in danger to hold my peace. Danger also, for it is plain deceit in seeing to seem not to see. I beseech sir, the Creator with his holy spirit to assist your Majesty, to give you the same for counsel and conduct, and after so many travails to see his Realm flourish in yours, to prosper under his, to his glory, your praise, and the peace of your people. So be it.  
Your most humble and most obedient servant and subject. P. D. M.   

A Declaration of the Articles agreed upon between the King and the house of Guyze and their adherents: commonly called. The holy League.  
THE Princes, Officers of the Crown, Lords, Gentlemen, towns, commonalties, & other the Catholics of this Realm united, being the King most humble subjects and servants, understandihg by the Queen, that his majesties intent is to embrace the cause of Religion, as being holy and just, and to root out all heresies out of this Realm, praising God for inspiring him with so good & holy a mind, do most humbly beseech him to assist them, and the Queen to continue her wont affection to whatsoever concerneth the benefit and preservation of the state, to the end to provide for the same.  
They do therefore desire his Majesty to set forth an Edict which may be perpetual and irrevocable, whereby all exercise of the new Religion may be abolished, and the Ministers expelled the Realm.  
Also, in as much as liberty of conscience tolerated among subjects may breed much contempt and 〈◊〉 against the service of God: It may be enjoined to all his subjects of whatsoever calling or condition to profess the Catholic Apostolic and Romish Religion within 〈…〉 after the publishing thereof, otherwise to depart the Realm, and no way to sell or dispose of their goods, 〈◊〉 the same to remain to their Catholic heirs in direct line, if they have any, p 〈…〉ing the just value and estimate of the ●owerth part of the said goods: But if their heirs be other then in 〈◊〉 collateral▪ the to pay the estimate of the third part, according to the valewation that shall be● made by the Commissioners thereunto appointed: and the money hereof arising to be committed into the hands of certain persons thereto deputed to be employed upon the execution of this enterprise.  
That all Heretics of whatsoever state or condition may be declared, according to the Canonical Sanctions, perpetually incapable of all public charges, offices, estates and dignities, and those that now have any to be forced to forego & resign the same unto Catholic persons such as are capable, and not to keep them, notwithstanding they would abjure their error, except for the space of three years after the said abjuration they continue in Catholic life, so as there may be no further doubt of feigned repentance or dissimulation.  
That his Majesty declare▪ all whatsoever have been done by the Catholic Princes and Lords and all other as well particular persons, as Towns and Commonalties that have taken their parts, and suc 〈◊〉 oured and favoured them, either in the seizing upon Towns, fetching of Coin out of his receits, taking up of victuals and Munition, or levying of Soldiers either within the Realm or without, and generally all whatsoever have been done, wrought or dealt in until this present touching the effect and execution of the premises, notwithstanding the same be not particularly specified or expressed, to have been done for his service, with the assurance of Religion, to the preservation whereof he acknowledgeth himself to b● bound, both as a most Christian King, and also by that solemn oath that he took at his anointing.  
To the end the Catholics may not quail or re-enter into any fear, judging the sequel hereof by others that are already past, that is, that this enterprise should be but couldly prosecuted, and finally determined by some other Edict contrary to this, by means whereof there were no other fruit to be hoped for than the common mischief and damages ensuing of War. They do most humbly beseech his Majesty to ordain that this said Edict may presently be published without any restriction or qualification upon the secret records or otherwise.  
It may also please his Majesty with the Peers and other officers of the Crown to assist the publication thereof in the Parliament of Paris, and the same being read, to declare that as a most Christian King, being bound aswell by the oath that he take at his Coronation, as also by that zeal which always he hath borne to the service of GOD, together with the request and supplication to him made by the general estates of his Realm assembled at Bloys, he hath considerately & with great deliberation by the advice of the Queen his mother, the Princes of his blood and other Peers, Princes of France, Officers of the Crown, and many other notable persons of his Counsel made the said Edict. That he sweareth and protesteth inviolably to observe and cause to be kept the same, and never to permit it to be infringed, promising hereafter in any wise not to make any other repugnant or derogatory hereunto in whole or in part, also that if any such should be made, his intent and meaning to be, that no regard be had thereof, as being directly contrary to the service of God, whereto he acknowledgeth himself and his subjects to owe the chief duty, and to be principally and especially bounden.  
That he shall likewise cause all Princes, Peers of France, officers of the Crown, Knights of the holy Ghost, counsellors of Estate, Governors, and Lieutenants general of his Provinces, Presidents and Counsellors of his sovereign Courts, all Bailiffs, Sen 〈…〉 sehals, and other his Officers, all Majors and Sheriffs, also all bodies & commonalties of towns, to swear to the same. And all the said oaths and cautions aforesaid to be set in order, and committed to the registers of the Rolls of the Courts of Parliament, to the end● to have recourse thereto as need shall require.  
Further, to the end to show forth a more evident testimony that he intendeth to keep his said Edict, and according to the tenor thereof to procure the moring out of heresies out of this Realm: It may please him, if it be not very contrary and prejudicial to his estate, to give over the protection of the Town of 〈◊〉, that to the great grief of his Catholics he hath taken upon him, because that out of that spring do slow all heresy throughout Christendom, and therefore so long as the said protection remaineth in force, his said subjects cannot but fear that this infectious disease will never be cured.  
Also because the said Edict will be to no purpose if in every point▪ without remission it be not put in execution, which cannot be brought to pass without force, because those of the new Religion do show no token that they purpose to yield their do obedience, it may please his Majesty to employ that power which they have made of people to him most affectionate, and his faithful subjects▪ such as will hazard themselves in the execution of his commandments, and thereupon do most humbly desire him to declare his intent.  
As for the means to compass the said expedition, the adversaries being weak and withdrawn into one corner of the Realm, all the rest remaining very dutiful and zealous to the Catholic Religion, they presume that his Majesty is resolved to put too his last helping hand & not to return to the former counsels, which have▪ but nourished and increased the mischiefs: that all his good Catholic subjects will assist and aid him to their abilities. That to the same effect (provided that the money be not otherwise employed) the Clergy can find in their hearts voluntarily to grant the sale of their temporalties to a reasonable value, considering what great charges aforetime they have been at. Also that our holy Father the Pope will not stick to permit and auctorize the same.  
Moreover▪ they know that his Majesty is not without other good and able means, but it is not for them more particularly to enter into the search thereof, besides that they have been so smally employed in matters of his treasury, notwithstanding some of them be honoured with the chief places and principal charges of this Realm, who are thereto mere winterlings.  
For their own parts, together with their lives which they will venture in so holy and necessary an enterprise, they do also offer whatsoever their means or abilities and upon their credits to advance the pay and entertainment of and to be content to take it up again in the space of one whole year▪ conditionally that it may please his Majesty to give them assurance thereof, also to give his word to to the Captains of the strangers that shall receive it upon their caution, that so they may be assured and have good and sufficient assignation of the said payment, and satisfaction within the time limited, as also of that which already they have advanced toward the charges of this war which is levied for his service, for it is for the preservation of the Catholic Religion, whereto his Majesty as a most Christian King hath always showed himself most affectionate.  
Moreover, as he hath testified his zeal and piety to the honour and service of of God in this enterprise, so it may please him, showing himself a good father to his subjects, to ease them. And although the effect of this good will can not be so ready by reason of those expenses whereinto through this war he shall be forced to enter, yet in the mean time that he would discharge them of the levy of the country upon the salt of the new increase and imposition of Wine, also of the imposition of Cloth, which his said Majesty had already purposed upon the petitions unto him divers times made by his subjects, to abolish and take away. moreover it may please him to cause the verbal Process of the Commissioners by him lately deputed throughout the Provinces, which do contain the complaints of every one together with the remedied for the preventing & ceasing of the mischiefs, to be perused and considered upon, so shall his subjects pray to God for his prosperity and greatness, and themselves particularly shall not tend to any other, but with heart and affection to yield to him that most humble service which they do owe.  
They do also most humbly beseech his Majesty, in consideration of those perils whereof until the execution of this Edict they shall daily be in danger by reason of former enmities which those of the new religion do bear them, and are now greatly increased through this their resolution under his majesties authority to aid and assist the Catholic Religion in this Realm, whereupon their lines do depend, and themselves are as it were miserably thereto conjoined, to grant unto them the means of assurance hereafter ensuing, whereby they may live in safety and out of danger, yielding to him all obedience as his most humble subjects.  
First, that it may be lawful for them, in eace the execution of this Edict should be given over, or those of the new Religion should work any enterprise against them, to call to their aid the Catholic Suitzers, to whom it may be lawful to do that service whereto they shall be required, touching the observation of the Edict only, and to no other purpose: so as by their so doing, they shall not infringe their alliances with the Crown, this Edict being made for the safeguard and greatness of the estate thereof.  
That all Governors & Lieutenants general of the Provinces, also all other particular governors & Captains of Towns, Holds and Fortresses that have followed this party may be maintained and defended in their governments, charges and estates, also in those Holds that presently they have and possess and not to be put from the same.  
That such Towns as have taken their parts may remain in liberty as before the wars without any Garrisons placed in them.  
Because also the Lord Cardinal of Bourbon hath no place of assurance and safety, and that he ought ordinarily to be resident at Room, that the said Town and Castle be left him, with authority to put in Captains that may be thereof provided, as also in the Town and Castle of deep depending of the demesnes of his archbishopric.  
To the Lord Duke of Mercure in his government of Britain two places, such as he shall nominate to his Majesty, with the Admiralty over all Seafaring places within the said government, according to such instructions as heretofore have unto him been made.  
In as much also as throughout all the Towns within the government of Champagne, there is never a Castle sufficient for the assurance and safeguard of the Lord Duke of Guyze, who is governor thereof, it may please his Majesty to grant unto him the Town and Citadel of Metz.  
To the Lord Duke of maine governor of Bourgondy, together with the Castle of Digeon which already he holdeth, the Castle of Beaeune or the Citadel of Chaalon.  
To the Lord Cardinal of Guyze the Town of Rheimes, together with some reasonable extent which may be to that end taken out of the government of Champagne.  
To the Lord Duke of Aumale authority to command in the Holds and government of Picardy, being of the fame party.  
To the Lord Marquis of Elboeuf the government of Anieow.  
To the Lord of Antragues the government of Orleans in chief together with whatsoever thereupon depended at the time that the late King provided him of the Lieutenancy general of the said government.  
To the Lord of O. the government of the bailiwicks of Caen and Constance according as heretofore he hath enjoyed them.  
To the Lord of Brissac the Lieutenancy general of the government of A 〈…〉 cow, also the state of Colonel general of Piedmont to enjoy as others have done before him and in time past it was accustomed.  
To the Lord County of Saux the Lieutenancy general of the government of Province during the absence of the Lord great Prior of France.  
To the Lord of Mandelot as Governor of Lions the Citadel thereof.  
To the Lord of Chastre, his government of Bourges with his company maintained upon the first levy of the receipt of Bourges.  
To the Lord of Vaillac the Capteynship of Castle Trumpet in Bourdeaux.  
Also upon the vacation of any the said Governments, Lieutenancies, or Captenships', if any happen before the full execution of the said Edict, it may please his Majesty upon the humble supplication which unto him shall be made on the behalf of the Princes and principals of the said party, to provide for the same accordingly.  
That all Garrisons necessary for the defence and keeping of the said places in his majesties assurance and to the preservation of those of the said party, may monthly be paid with the appointments by order of the Governors and Officers out of the treasury of the general receipts of every the said governments, by whose order the same shall be deducted out of the receipt at the beginning of the year.  
That the compagnies of men of arms in the Provinces, governments and general Lieutenancies of the Provinces, may in every of their governments have their pay out of the levy of the fines or amercements in their general receipts established which shall expressly be thereto reserved and not to be converted to any other use. Also the duties and pensions of the said Provinces, Governors and Lieutenants, to be raised upon other the coin of the said receipts, whereof quarterly there shall a certain be left for that use.  
The said Holds & Castles of the which, the parties to who●e his Majesty shall leave them for their safeguard, were not provided of before, they shall hold under his authority, and for his service, and of the same shall be to him accountable.  
They shall also promise jointly together and each one severally for himself, also the principal Captains of the said party in the name of all to restore the same into his majesties hands so soon as the said Edict which it shall please his Majesty to make, be put in execution and observed. And this shall they swear upon peril of their lives and honours faithfully to perform.  
FINIS.   

 depiction of dragon and crown