Certain Orations and Answers made by john Casimire County Palatine of Rhyne, Duke of Bavier etc. and his Ambassadors, unto the French King & his Ambassadors in defence of the maintenance of his Peace, and christian Religion. ‡  
¶ Translated out of French. 1579.  
❀ Imprinted at London.  
1579.   

❀ The Charge of the Lord of Villiquier as he delivered the same in wrighting unto my Lord the Duke Cassimir.  
MY Lord, as touching the request which it pleased your highness this morning to make unto me, namely that I should in writing deliver unto you the charge which I have received of my Master the most Christian King, I am not minded to deny you, 〈◊〉, for that by word of mouth, I have not opened to you any other then the truth, which his Majesty willeth, and is minded to let you know.  
His Majesty therefore being sorry to hear of the decease of my Lord the County Palatine your Father, doth nevertheless much rejoice and praise God for that so wise a Prince as my Lord, at this present Elector, hath succeeded him in the said Electoral Dignity, for the visitation of whom, his Majesty hath now sent me: commanding me by the way to see your Highness, to the end to assure the same that he desireth nothing more than to love you, as in effect he hath already, even to this time given, you to understand.  
Also the more to confirm the goodwill which he beareth you: he thought good by me to give you to understand of his news together with the estate of his affairs, which are as followeth.  
His Majesty having summoned the general Estates of his Realm unto his Town of Bloys, after many and large conferences among them holden within these three Months, they have with one general assent in full assembly, (whethery self was present) requested his Majesty no longer to permit within his Dominions any other than the exercise of the Catholic, Apostolic and Roman Religion, whereunto at my departure his Majesty was determined to condescend. First thereby to discharge the duty of his conscience, which moveth him after the example of other Kings his Predecessors so to do, whotherby have peaceably enjoyed their estates. Next by reason that hitherto he hath perceived that the diversity of Religions have with them brought into all parts of his Kingdoome where they have been cstablished new, occasions of dissension among his Subjects, yea even among the quietest of them, and have been the only means to maintain them in divisions and particular hatred: moreover that it is to manifest that they have not so much requested the exercise of their said pretended reformed Religion for any satisfying or contenting of their consciences, as for the maintenance of factions, practices, and drifts, ordinarily devised against the autotie of his said Majesty, to whom by all means they endeavour to make them selves in power equal, by daily more and more fortifying themselves, thereby upon every occasion and opportunity to disobey him, and so to shake of the Yoke of obedience where unto naturally they are bound, as the effects in each respect doth make sufficient proof, notwithstanding in words they would show themselves devoid of all such matter. As even of late their new supplying of la Charity with fresh men of war, contrary to the agreement made, to the end wholly to apropriate the same to themselves doth manifestly declare as also their seizing upon sundry towns and Castles, in the Countries of Poictou, Xantoigne, Guienne, Dauphin, and Lan guedoc, together with divers murders & cruelties practised against the Catholics do show the same. Again his Majesty on the other side, setting before his eyes one thing worthy consideration, which is, that having since the grant of the last Edict taken all order possible to 'cause the toleration of the exercise of the said pretended reformed Religion in sundry towns and places within his Dominios, he hath not been able to bring the same to pass, by reason of the oppositions of the Catholics who could not support the folly wherewith they have endeavoured to proceed.  
And indeed perceiving by all their deeds and demenures that they sought to increase and multiply themselves to the ruin and overthrow of them and their Catholic Religion, they have among themselves made Fraternities, Assotiations, and leagues one with an other for the conservation both of themselves & their said Catholic Religion, also the thereby they may the better provide for their own affairs Also where as it pleased you my Lord this morning to allege unto me, that in as much as the exercise of the afore said Religion was not freely permitted in France, it was an utter breaking, & preventing of the Edict of pacification whereunto his Majesty hath so solemnly sworn, I do answer that contrariwise for the satisfying to one of the Articles thereof this assembly of Estates was summoned, to the end that after the hearing of the complaints and grievances of his Subjects, they might be provided for as should seem requisite whereunto he could not better satisfy then in using this determination which is correspondent unto the universal request of the Deputies of the three orders of this Realm, namely the Church, the Nobility & the third Estate, agreeing also with the judgement of his own Conscience, against the which he should think himself doing otherwise to err. Wherefore to conclude, this is it which he thinketh may best serve and profit the general common wealth of his Realm and of all his Subjects.  
Thus subscribed Villiquier.   

❀ The Answer of my said Lord the Duke, unto the afore said charged.  
THe Lord Duke John Cassimire having heard of the Lord of Villiquier what so ever he had to say to him in the behalf of the King his Master, did request his Majesty to take in good part this answer from point to point, and the same to receive with as good a will as the said Lord Duke is affectionate to the advancement commodity and service of his Majesty and the Crown of France.  
First the said Lord the Duke most humbly thanketh his majesty for the grief which he seemeth to participate in for the death of his late Lord and Father, assuring his Majesty that he hath great cause so to do in respect of the zeal, care and singular afection which he always hare even to the last gasp of his life, unto the advancement and preservation of his majesties person, together with the commodity and quietness of the whole Realm of France.  
The said Lord Duke hopeth also that his Majesty shall find that my Lord the Elector his brother hath succeeded not only, in the Electoral Dignity, but also in like goodwill and affection, wherein he the said Lord Duke doth also assure his Majesty that for his part he will follow the steps of his late Lord and Father, so near as possible he may, and will alwaise by God's help profess the same, not only to his Country, but also to his Majesty with as good a will as ever he did.  
Wherefore as his Majesty doth the said Lord Duke so much honour, as by the way to 'cause the Lord of Villiquire, to visit him and to communicate unto him of his news can he not also forget as well most humbly to thank his majesty, as also plainly to declare unto him, that understanding his intent to be such as the said Lord of Villiquire hath both given him to understand and left with him in writing, is unto him news indeed.  
First because that this his majesties pleasure is utterly repugnant unto the promises, oaths, and assurances, wherewith his Majesty hath always protested both by mouth and writing, that he would maintain his Edict of Pacification, concluded, and sealed by the authority of his Majesty the Queen his mother, the Princes of his blood, and his privy counsel, at such time as his Majesty had such store of his power about him, that easily he might have done what he had pleased, and this he did to the end for ever to testify that he did conclude, swear and solemnly confirm the same, of his own pure, mere, free and liberal goodwill, for the profit, and quietness of his Kingdom, and Subjects, as not only the said Lady Queen his Mother, the Princes and other Lords have by word of mouth protested unto the said Lord Duke at the concluding of the said peace, whereunto for the greater confimation of the same they also requested the said Lord Duke to subscribe, as indeed he did: but also his Majesty himself hath both sent him word and confirmed the same.  
Moore over this his majesties intent seemeth so much the more strange to the said Lord Duke, as that to his great grief he thereby forséeth the final perdition whereunto his Majesty for the putting of his determination in execution, doth headlong cast his own person and whole Realm, whereof together with the present estate of his affairs and the general ruin to come, the said Lord with the rest of the Princes of Germany who do wish the preservation of the French Monarchy, being daily truly advertised, as the said Lord of Villiquier may by themselves understand, and shall see the writings both written and printed which the said Lord Duke trusteth willbe sufficient to revoke his said Majesty from his resolution, and whereby he shall perceive the malice of his servants hired hereunto, who usurping the title of the Estates in the name of all his subjects have made this request whereof they never received commission of his Subjects, either were by them advowed, as the said Lord of Villequier shall at his return very well understand.  
The said Lord Duke may (thanks he to God) plainly testify, that he hath of most faithful and sincere affection advertised his Majesty aswell by letters and Ambassadors as by his majesties Messenger.  
First being in France, he warnded him of the holy league, the fruits whereof, he may now evidently perceive to be utterly contrary to the faith and reputation of his Majesty and quietness of his Subjects.  
After being come, home by Prayllon himself (who is now here present) he gave his Majesty to understand of the true advertisements which he had received of the drifts and practices prepared for providing and corrupting in each part, and bringing to the devotion of those whom we do perceive, such as should enjoy the title of the Estates: that is to say, to provide that no Estates should be holden freely▪ lawfully and without respect of Religion, where at might be present (as at all times anciently they have been accustomed) the Princes of the blood, together with all such as have whereof to complain. Moreover the said Lord Duke hath truly advertised his majesty after what manner the Edict of peace hath been executed nothing is done: that the Estates have been ordered in such wise as already he hath been advertised: that the Princes of the blood have thereunto been called to the end to entrap them. How such men have been favoured, as have offered to lay hold upon their Parsons, and to surprise those Towns where the Edict is lawfully and fincéerely executed, together with the places where those of the Religion have been forced to keep themselves, and not to forsake the same by reason of the evil execution of the Edict. He hath been moreover truly advertised of the oath lately made to his Majesty, the Copy whereof was summarely delivered to the said Lord of Villequier, a matter, to say truth, horrible to be known among men, and so strange that the said Lord Duke could never have believed it, had not the continual and late contravensions against the Edict most manifestly declared the same, & the King's proposition made by the said Villequier fully confirmed it, as also the said matters do jointly 'cause the said Lord Duke to believe that his majesties determination is correspondent to the declaration of the aforesaid Lord of Villequier.  
Howbeit the said Lord Duke trusteth that in as much as it is a month since the departure of the said Lord of Villequier, God hath otherwise inspired his Majesty and caused him to smell out this poisoned counsel, together with the vanity of the offers of these pretended Estates, to the end to put his Majesty in mind, yea to cause him, even as it were with his finger to touch that which heretofore wisely and ripely, he hath had in worthy consideration, which also his faithful and truly affected Servants and Friends not only in F●aunce, but also through out Christendom, have manifested unto him, which also finally necessity itself hath given to understand, not only to his Majesty, but to his Predecessors, by so much experience when they have endeavoured (but ever in vain) to root out the reformed Religion, and all exercise of the same by wars, persecutions, and other means, even horrible to be rehearsed, which the said Lord Duke could not over pass, by reason of the sincere affection which he beareth to the conservation of the mightiness of his Majesty: And to the end to see him at peace with his Subjects, the way is, to set before his majesties eyes this little which followeth.  
First, that it may please his Majesty to call to mind the counsel of Gamaliel that against that which cometh of God, no power or practise of man can prevail: also that whatsoever is not of God: wasteth and perisheth of itself.  
Secondly that in matters of estate that is good, which is necessary, wherein his Majesty may look in the looking glass of Germany, Poland, Hungary, Boheme, Suisserland, and the low Country, not as things are cloaked: but according to the truth, as himself hath seen, for to compare a Prince of Germany with his majesty or with all France is an absurd thing, but to compare France, with all Germany: is an equal proportion.  
Thirdly, that his Majesty perceiveth that all the same countries do flourish, because they have found means to content the consciences of their subjects, by which Examples his majesty may know that not the permission of the Religion, but the hindrance of the exercise of the same, hath engendered the mischiefs and calamities which now he beholdeth through all his Realm.  
Fourthly, that his Majesty not being able to confirm the last peace without his Edict of Pacification, and not being able to keep that without maintaining the same and putting it in execution: he may plainly see that, the maintenance of his Edict is the only foundation, and means of peace, yea it is the very peace itself.  
Fiftly, like as the upholding thereof is a mean of peace and avoiding wars, so is it the only way whereby his majesty may recover the obedience of his subjects: for it is a thing most certain the a King becoming Captain of any faction among his subjects, can never be well obeyed, for it is requisite that he should show himself a common Father to all his Subjects, in endeavouring to reconcile them one to an other.  
Also sixtly to deal and swear against the upholding thereof, is the only mean to bring his majesties subjects in greater mistrust than before, and so to areare more cruel war then before time.  
Seventhly to allege the sovereign authority of a King for the doing or swearing to such matters, to bring his majesty unto a perpetual rebuke among all the world, whereby he shall be accounted a Prince voided of all faith, law, honour and virtue. For his majesty may call to mind how often he hath both by word and writing professed himself to be a true Prince, such a one as will promise' nothing but what he intendeth to perform, yea and mindeth rather to promise' nothing, so that no man of honour can otherwise conclude but that either he aught not to have made the contents of the edict: or else he aught to observe it, as his majesty in his own person hath used to say.  
For the eighth especially the Lord Duke assureth himself that his majesty may well perceive that with any man who would observe the coutents of their oath, or follow the counsel of these pretended states which is no other than the oath itself, notwithstanding it had never been sworn: it would be unpossible to have any traffic, because that neither word, promise, oath, obligation, seal, or other thing whatsoever ordinary and lawful for the assurance of faith among men, especially between the Prince and his subjects, considering the imbecility of the said subjects, would be of any more force, but contrariwise should serve only for nets and snares wherewith to entrap each other.  
Ninthly his Majesty aught to consider that neighbours and strangers cannot assure themselves of that Prince, whose subjects cannot trust him, as they of the Religion, who have overmuch been persuaded. For to show that they began not: we need no other argument than the proposition of the said Lord of Villequier, namely that the King is not minded to observe the principal point of his Edict.  
As touching the example of the Queen of England, it is sufficiently known that that ladies heart is such, as if she had among her subjects found such numbers of Princes, Lords, gentlemen and others of the Roman Religion within her dominions, who should as his majesties subjects have done, so often have requested her, rather than to have incurred such spoils, and once only falsified her faith and promise, her majesty would have permitted them the exercise of their Roomish Religion.  
Tenthly that his majesty should bear at the lest as much affection unto his own Subjects, as he hath showed unto the estates of the low Countries, in rejoicing with them for the determination that they have taken, for the recovery of their liberty, having also been a mediator to the said Estates for the restoring again of the County of Egmonde into his estates and honours, wherein he hath the more to consider of the policy of the Spaniarde, who seeketh nothing but to continued wars in France, to the end thereby to turn away the tempest from his own Countries after his good and usual manner.  
Finally, whereas his Majesty allegeth that willingly he would leave his Subjects the liberty of their consciences: that were much more to be mistrusted because it is most undoubted, that he who can live without exercise of his Religion, is utterly devoid of all conscience, so that it is as much as if his majesty should say, I will grant my subjects their lives, but in the mean time he should take from them their food, wherein the Papists do show a sufficient argument that they cannot live without Mass, so that the said Lord Duke cannot give his Majesty any better counsel, except that if he mind to remain a King, and to show himself such a Prince that a man may deal and traffic and trust to his majesty, that then he maintain his Edict, and observe his faith in procuring the abuses of these pretended Estates (whereof his majesty speaketh) to be reformed by such means as shall be thought reasonable, for the said assembly cannot be taken for true, free, and lawful Estates, but rather for traitors to his majesty & his crown, neither are they the persons promised by the Edict, for they should be kept for the maintenance and confirmation of the peace, but not for the subverting thereof, to which end they have most villainously been subbourned, as many times his Lordship hath advertised his majesty. The rehearsal of all which things the said Lord Duke could very well forbear, were he not constrained as well by the plainness of his conscience and honour which is engaged in the subscription of the peace, as also by reason of the singular affection which he beareth to the commodity, advancement and service of his majesty, in which mind he will continued all his life time, having nothing in more recommendatition then to bring to the crown of France, and the tranquillity of his majesties subjects, what so ever means or counsel God shall ever give him without sparing aught, which the said Lord Duke most humbly desireth his majesty to believe, and for such a one to accounted him, placing him in the number of his most faithful and affectionate friends and servants.  
This is all which the said Lord Duke can impart to his majesty, in aught that appertaineth to his person. But as concerning his army that was in France, the said Lord Duke, his Colonels, Reystremaisters and Captains, having heretofore thought it strange that his majesty kept not with them the promises which he had both made and so often reitreated unto them, as well at Francfort as at Strasbrough touching their payment and hostages, do now think it much more strange, and a matter almost impudent, that such a Lord as the Lord of Villequier coming into these parts as Ambassador for his majesty, hath not only not brought any assurance of the same: but also not so much as is spoken thereof saving by the way yea and which is more, that the effect of his message is utterly repugnant unto the Obligations and promises of his majesty.  
Therefore the said Lord Duke, not in his own name only: but also in the name of his whole army requireth his majesty to have regard to his honour and to keep faith and promise whereby at the next fair at Francforte aswell the said Lord Duke, as also his Colonels, Reistremaisters, and Captains, may be satisfied, who in the name of the whole army, will meet at the said City of Francforte, there to determine of their affairs, according as the Lord Beuterich and the other Captains sent with him, may more amply advertise his majesty.  
All this doth the aforesaid Lord Duke most heartily request the said Lord of Villequier to let his Majesty, fully, openly, and at large understand, together with what soever he hath answered by word of mouth, without any circumstances▪ or difficulty, with like plainness, affection, and good will, as the said Lord Duke in making this answer hath proceeded and desireth ever to proceed toward his Majesty.  
❀ Thus subscribed I Cassimire.   

The Oration of the Lord of Buterich Ambassador from the most noble Prince, john Cassimir, County Palatine of Rhine, Duke of Bavier, etc. pronounced before the King in his town of Bloys.  
SIr we have our commission on the behalf of my Lord the Duke john Cassimire, County Palatine of Rhine, Duke of Bavier etc. aswell in his own name as also in the name of all the Lords, Colonels, Rheystremaisters, & Captains, and generally of all his men of war, who in his second voyage into France accompanied him, after their most humble commendations, to beseech your majesty to fulfil that which you have promised, signed, sealed, & oftentimes confirmed, as well by mouth as letters, touching the pay and assurance of the said men of war, which is the cause of our arrival in your Court.  
Truly it would 'cause us to blush if particularly we should rehearse all that is wanting of the performance of the promises made unto us both before and after our departure out of this Realm. The place whereof we do claim ourselves, would seem to make this matter much more odious, were it not on the one part the necessity, whereunto we are bound by the commandment of them that have sent us, and on the other part the assurance which all they whom this matter concerneth have conceived, that your Majesty knowing the ground of this case, how it goeth and what dependeth thereof, will take so good and speedy order, that besides the increase of your reputation, we shall receive such satisfaction, as both we do promise' ourselves, and aught to hope for of a King of France, who hath made a solemn promise to a foreign nation, especially unto ours.  
First your majesties Obligation bearing date the 27. of july 1576, doth expressy import that at the fair of Francfort in September last passed, the third, fourth and fifth months should have been paid. That the 100000. francs which my Lord the Duke john Cassimire lent to your Majesty for the supplying of the payment of the two first months should at the same fair have been discharged.  
That your majesty before the same term should have sent Commissioners to take order for that which yet resteth due unto my said Lord the Duke john Cassimir since his first voyage, together with that also which yet is behind of the voyage of my late Lord the Duke of Deux ponts or two bridges.  
That your Majesty would with all expedition accomplish the promised number of hostages and that before our departure out of France.  
These Articles together with many others are promised and signed by your Majesty, conter-signed by one Secretary of estate, and one Secretary of your treasury and sealed with your broad seal, the effect whereof or accomplishment we have not hitherto found.  
Leaving the reserch of the bottom of these matters (as the first agreement which my Lady your Mother made at Chesteau neuf) immediately after that my Lord had received the money of your majesty showing in effect by the law of an HUNDRED thousand franks of his own for the supplying of the pay of two months, how affectionate he was unto your crown, how he departed with all speed out of France (which all Beystres would not have done) not minding by waiting for the perfect accomplishment of your promises to be grievous or trubleson to your people, so that what so ever advertisement he received, as assuredly he had many, and those from the best, that there was some hidden mystery, yet could they not so much win him, as to 'cause him to show any token of mistrust so much did he assure himself in your word.  
afterward your Majesty gave him to understand by sundry letters, that you could not according to promise' satisfy him at the fair of September, by reason of the assembly of the Estates, who (besides the confirmation of the Edict made by your own absolute and royal power) as we were promised, should entreat upon some means how to discharge your Majesty toward strangers, and so to content us, also that at Christmas this fault should be amended.  
Immediately after Christmas and before New Year's day, your majesty sent my Lord word that the Estates had put a doubt and let in the behalf of Castelas, which could not so soon be decided, also that in the mean time your Majesty would 'cause to furnish at the fair of Strasbrough which was holden at the same season, the parts of my Lord the Duke of Lorreine, and my Lord the Duke of Vaudemont.  
Sir we are sorry to say so much: but the truth is, there wanteth 250000. which is in manner the one half which yet we have not received of those two parts, and in the mean time my said Lord was personally at Strasbrough, where were also sundry Colonels, Reistremaisters, Captains, and Soldiers at the lest xv. days and more, to their great costs, charges, labour & travail, procured by the delay of the said payment.  
Now is Easter fair, which is to be holden at Francfort at hand, at the which your majesties promise should take place.  
First concerning the former debts dew unto both my Lord the Elector Palatine, next to my aforesaid Lord the Duke john Cassimire.  
Item touching the sixth and seventh months pay for the army.  
Which articles, we can if need be, specify unto your majesty. Having commission and express commandment to desire your majesty to satisfy the same at this next fair at Fancfort, which is to be holden at. Easter next, unto each and every of them, aswell for the time past, as that which is to come, which amounteth almost to 4. Millions of franks, besides costs and damages. The payment of which sum within such a term, would go hard with any flourishing estate, not indebted, turmoiled, or sacked with continual wars, for the space of xv. or xuj: years, whereas if all had been quiet and in rest all things might have abounded, so that now it cannot be but we must needs much doubt thereof. And that that most troubleth us is that before our eyes we see that you seek not the means so to do, as is evident even by practice, thereby to frustrate us of all hope of receiving any thing out of France into Germany, either at this fair or any other, or of long time hereafter, notwithstanding that by your obligation no troubles should impeach the effect of your promises, which proceedeth of I wots not what league. This (to be brief) is the final breaking of the Edict of pacification, required (say they) by them who aught to buy the firm establishment thereof with their own blood, which cannot be other then accompanied with the most cruel and lamentable war that ever was. These undoubtedly will be the last civil troubles of your Realm, we are no French men, this matter toucheth us not so near. We be men and Germans endued with humanity, which moveth us to compassion in respect of the slander that is like to enfue of this war, so far are we void of any desire to kindle the wars, neither are we much practised in matters of Estate, and yet do we assuredly know that there was never any league but hath been damageable to a Monarchy, in the estate and among Subjects.  
We have no commission (for your majesty lately sent us word, that it was not your pleasure, although oftentimes yourself have requested us) to deal in your affairs, either in the affair of your estate, as with any your means, either to examine such dealing as have past, neither have we heretofore done it without the purchase and instance of those which do touch your person very nigh, or else at the soliciting of other Kings your predecessors. Well have we both charge and express commandment to open unto you the present necessity of our affairs, and to propound the ready means to relieve the same, the which are so conjoined with the general and superficial consideration of your estate: that we cannot speak of our own matters, but we must therewithal somewhat touch yours.  
Seeing therefore that my Lord the Duke john Casimire a Prince and your neighbour, besides all ancient bonds wherewith he is bound to wish the wealth of this crown, hath in declaration of his goodness toward you, been honoured with goodly lands, a pension, a charge of a hundred men of arms, & an estate of Colonel, which dignities he yet enjoyeth, he findeth himself so much bound to your majesty that he thinketh he should do injury to his deputy, if he should dissemble the inconveniences like to ensue.  
At such time as France was replenished with foreign Soldiers, every one both great and small cried for peace, and such as supposed us not to be so attentive thereto, as in effect we have declared ourselves, said that the same was the only way to collect money for our payments, because say they that the charges of war were infinite and incredible, whereby it must needs follow that the breaking of the peace doth cut of & take away all means of our satisfaction, so as we gather that we have therein as great interest, or more than many great Lords of your subjects, and therefore that it is our duty most humbly to exhort your majesty to the entertaining and assured observing of the same, yea although neither the duty of Christian charity, the simpatie that is in one only faithful body, or our affection to the wealth and quietness of your dominions & crown, should drive us thereunto, either the desire that we have that your majesties credit might remain in his full force among all foreign Princes, and that the confidence which your Subjects aught to repose in your should in no wise be diminished. There is none but knoweth (it is so fresh in mind) what time, labour, & travail first yourself my Lord, than my Lady your mother, my Lords the Princes of your blood, my Lord the Duk john Casimire, your Counsel and others did sustain and endure, what ruin, yea and how much money it cost before you could attain to this peace.  
All good Frenchmen wished it, or judged it most profitable and necessary for your estate, your people accepted it and joyfully received it, it was signed, sealed, sworn, and published throughout all the Courts, Bailiwicks, Towns, and places of this Realm, and notified unto strangers by your Ambassadors, unto the singular contentation of such as wished the wealth of your Estate. Finally no necessary ceremony was omitted. We have, enjoy and possess the lands, commodities and honours which you have conferred unto my said L. the Duke john Casimire, for under any other title, he neither would receive than, neither accept of your hostages, we have also part of the jewels of your Crown, & which we esteem more than all, we have your royal word.  
Now that we should reap the fruits of this peace, and receive that which is promised & dew unto us, also that all men should congratulate with your majesty for the quietness that you should find, we must change such speeches into a bewailing of the miseries arising of wars.  
At the lest if the destiny of Fortune be such, either of royal and absolute authority, either for certain considerations to us unknown, as we that be Germains are to rude to understand them, and ourselves not open enough to comprehend that your majesty will not that your subject should enjoy the fruit of the Edict of pacification, then let it remain closed within the bounds of your Realm, and not be dispersed in all corners of Germany, and in most part of Switzerland, for we cannot, but must needs receive much grief and intolerable damage thereby.  
This consideration together with infinite others, which to this purpose might be alleged by such as would enter into the view of your estate, do to us seem sufficient to extinguish, or at the lest suspend this abolishment of the Edict, until we be satisfied, and then might you more justly allege that we have not to do to meddle therein, for now we deal with that that concerneth ourselves, our honour and credit, together with the reputation of our whole nation.  
Yet if it were but a matter of five or six months labour, the end whereof we might then find, and that it might so be easily compassed, then were there some hope as touching our particular interest. But we now are certain and well assured, that if we be once entered aboard this war: we be all ready over old to see the end.  
It is no small matter when a man is reduced to these extremities, that he will rather overthrow himself and others, then with his goods to lose both Country, honour, and life, when a man proceedeth so far, it is done, all respect and all duty of one side, and other vanisheth away. The politic person, and the reformed, each of them forgetteth himself, whatsoever tendeth either to the one or other end seemeth lawful. Such as have abidden these extremities the space of xv. or xuj. years, will not be daunted with such beginnings, having so many intelligences and good advertisements from all parts, we know it: for we have frequented it. There must be a whole storehouse of money, besides the shedding of the French blood. There will ensue a stiff determination of irreconsiliable war, while in the mean time what will become of our payments, the waiting for which, will be unto us as grievous & intolerable, as it will be hard to sand the same into Germany (so long as the war doth last) or easy to subdue the Huguenots.  
What will our Reystres and soldiers, who are determined to meet at the next fair of Francfort, say. I will leave to such as know what manner of men they be in matters touching payments due. What will be the general judgement of our foreign neighbours? The soberest will say that France which in all ages hath borne away the price of humanity toward strangers, is now become impatible to itself, neither able to abide peace, neither to maintain war.  
To conclude we do beseech your majesty on the part of my Lord the Duke john Casimire, who hath in his own behalf together with the behalf of the body of his army sent, us hither, to 'cause to furnish & satisfy at this next fair at Francfort, the whole contents of the Obligation which we have of your majesty, according as is afore set down,  
This Sir is (without speaking any farther in your affairs, than they concern us) the effect of all that we are commanded to show unto your majesty at this present, whom we do most humbly beseech to take the same in good part. We are Germans & therefore do want copy of French phrases. The commandment of those that have sent us, doth lay upon us the necessity of acquitting ourselves, whereto we hope your majesty will have respect, for it tendeth only to our satisfaction, & the peace which maintaineth & preserveth all estates. The hazards of war have often dispersed, wasted & subverted in one day, yea in one hour, great Monarchies, how well so ever they have been ordered or established. God for his grace, preserve yours in full perfection.  
At Bloys the 23 of February. 1577.  

¶ This being ended he proceeded on this wise.  
SIr, I am to speak for my Lord the Duke john Cassimire who gave me particular instructions to request your Majesty in his behalf, that you would not permit yourself to be led by such as do endeavour to procure you to break the peace which was so hard to be made. Also that if there be any Article contained therein which troubleth your Conscience, or that seemeth to rigorous, he wisheth that it might please you rather to procure some tolerable moderation of the same, then again to areare wars by the breaking of the said Edict.  
To which end he hath commanded me to offer unto you whatsoever credit he may have with the King of Navarre the Prince of Conde, the Marshal of anvil and the Churches, wherein he hath sufficiently authorized me to procure any thing tolerable, rather than to subvert all, namely to confer with the King of Navarre's Deputy: wherefore it is in your Majesty to consult and devise, what I may do therein whereto I do most humbly offer my Person.   

❀ To the King.  
SIr I do most humbly request your majesty not to mislike that this day may finish and cut of all such slanders as have been sown and spread throughout Germany, France, and other places against my Lord and master the Duke john Cassimire to the great prejudice of his honour and reputation. Namely that the consideration and respect of his particular profit held him so intangeled and bridled, that the same was periuditial unto the public and particular commodity of his soldiers which followed him. In respect whereof: his excellency hath charged me before my departure, to remit into your majesties hands all such lands and estates wherewith it hath pleased you of late to gratify him, which are the Duchy of Estampes, the nine Lordships situated within the Duchy of Burgundy, the pension, the Captainship over a hundred men of arms, together with the estate of Colonel over 4000 Reystres.  
The possession and enjoying of all which things and of every of them, his excellency hath and here doth renounce, not willing hereafter to pretend any right in the same, neither minding at this present to reap any commodity thereof. He doth also tender unto your majesty, all letters and deeds concerning the same, except such as are depending of the aforesaid lands situated with in the Duchy of Burgundy, the which the chamber of accounts hath detained, the arrest whereof is hereunto adjoined. Also in case his excellency hath reciprokely promised or sworn unto your Majesty any kind of duty, if he hath bound himself in any respect whatsoever, by word of mouth, letters, or proctor, his intent and purpose is by this restitution to be fully and perfectly discharged, as of matter granted in consideration of the lands & estates above mentioned, herein revoking all duty or Obligation whatsoever, except of good agreement and neighbourhood, which at all times hath been maintained between the Kings of France, and the famelies of the Palatine Princes, besides the earnest zeal which he beareth to the wealth of this Crown, from the which this restitution shall in no wise alienate his mind.  
I have no Commission otherwise to descend to the particular occasions, but to show your majesty that in case you be any thing desirous to know the same, his excellency immediately after my return will not much stick to declare it.  
In respect of ourselves, who under the assurance of public faith and the safe conduct which it pleased you to send us, are come even to your Court, I have express charge of his excellency, most humbly to request your Majesty to give leave to two of us with all speed to return into Germany, and me Buterich to depart into England according to my masters commandment about sundry his excellencies weighty affairs of importance, granting us to the same end two several Passports and safe conducts. (?)   
At Bloys the 7. of March. 1577  
FINIS,