THE KINGS Declaration and Ordinance, CONTAINING THE cause of his war against the Duke of savoy, warning his subiects, that they carry not arms against his majesty: And a commandement to all true Frenchmen, to retire themselves to his obedience.  
According to the copy printed at Paris by james Mettayer, ordinary Printer to the King, 1600.  
aut NVNC aut NVNQVAM  printer's device, originally belonging to J. Danter (1589-99) consisting of Opportunity standing on a wheel which floats in the sea, surrounded by the motto "aut nunc aut nunquam". (McKerrow No. 281)  
LONDON. Imprinted for John Flasket. 1600.   

The Kings declaration & ordinance, containing the cause of his war against the Duke of savoy, warning his subiects, that they carry not arms against his majesty: and a commandement to all true Frenchmen, to retire themselves to his obedience.  
HIs majesty being constrained to employ his forces against the Duke of savoy, in regard of the Marquisate of Saluces, by him wrongfully in the ●ime of peace between him and his majesties predecessor henry the third of happy memory, taken, and usurped, declareth and maketh known to all to whom it shall appertain, to haue recourse to this remedy, to his great sorrow and heartes grief, for the singular desire that his majesty hath to reign in peace & good amity with all his neighbors, to avoid the which he hath done all that his honor, the duty of a good prince, a lover of public rest, and the good of his kingdom would give him leave, as it is apparent and well known to all men, as well by the treaty of peace made at Veruins 1598. between his majesty, Philip the second King of spain, & the said Duke of savoy: and with what diligence and submissions towards the Pope, his majesty hath sought the following and continuance of the said treaty, and also by the last agreement made between his majesty and the said Duke of savoy at Paris in february last past, and the patience his majesty hath had since the agreement to attend the said Dukes resolution vpon matters agreed vpon, which he promised to do before the first day of june.  
And for as much his majesty means to make war vpon the said Duke, for the recovery of the Marquisate of Saluces by him wrongfully held from him, so he declareth that he will observe and faithfully keep the treaty of peace made at Veruins with all them that shall do the like in his behalf. moreover, he meaneth not to use any hostility vpon such of the Duke of Sauoyes subiectes or vassals, as shall not carry arms in this war against his majesty or his service.  
His majesty above all other things intends to take into his protection, and defend from ruin and oppression all religious places & persons, as Churches, Codents, abbeys, and Monasteries of men and women, provided they neither favor or assist the Dukes forces.  
In regard whereof, his majesty expressly forbids vpon pain of death, all men of war, either horse or foot, of what nation soever they bee in his pay, and serving in his army, to take ransom of prisoners, or molest the subiects of the said Duke either in person, or goods, either in savoy, Bresse, Baugey, or Veronne, or other countries obedient unto him, if they declare unto him, or the chief of his army within fifteen daies after his majesties army shall bee there arrived, that they will abandon the Dukes service, and be obedient to the will and commandement of his majesty.  
His majesty in like manner ordains the same to be done to all inhabitants of towns, which open their gates unto him or his seruants, meaning onely to use hostility to those that bear arms in favor of the said Duke and his adherents against his majesty in this present war.  
Besides, his majesty forbids all sacrilege, ravishments, burning of houses, or castles, vpon pain of death.  
And for as much as his majesty is informed, that certain of his subiectes are in the service of the said Duke, both before and since the treaty at Veruins, which may think it their duty to stay, under colour of being engaged in his service, although neither words nor deeds can bind them to prejudice their faith, subiection, and vassalage, which nature binds them to owe to their Prince, in whose country they are born: His majesty willing and desiring therefore to make known his meaning, enjoineth all such his subiects of what condition or quality soever in the service of the said Duke, to return into his kingdom within fifteen daies after the publication of this present ordinance in his army, vpon pain to bee punished as well in their persons as goods, as offenders of his majesty in the highest degree.  
And to that end no man may pretend ignorance, his majesty willeth that his ordinance bee published in his army, and set vpon the posts of the principal towns of his provinces bordering vpon the Dukes country: Inioyning all his officers and subiects, to keep, observe and punish rigorously all such as sha●l not obey.  
given at lions the 11. day of August. Signed, HENRY: and underneath, DE NEVF-VILLE.