A NARRATION, BRIEFLY CONTAINING the History of the French Massacre, especially that horrible one at Paris, which happened in the year 1572.  
In the passage of which, are handled certain Questions both Politic and Ethic, properly fit for Courtiers and Statesmen.  
The condition also of this present time is discovered, by comparing it with the state of those lamentable times.  
Which in true love and sincerity are by God's grace set down, to be publicly read, and examined, by the Nobility and Gentry of England, France, Germany, and the Low-Countries.  PROV. SALOME. 24. They that say to the wicked man thou art just, the people shall curse them, and the companies shall hate them: They which rebuke him shall be praised, and upon them shall come a blessing. Ibid. Cap. ●9. A righteous King raiseth the earth, and righteous men abhor the ungodly man. 
LONDON: Printed by Thomas Snodham. 1618.   

To the RIGHT REVEREND Father in God, and most worthy Prelate, Doctor N. F. the famous Patron of Learning, and learned men, I do humbly give and dedicate (as a Monument and small Pledge of my great love and duty) this little History, touching the lamentable slaughter of godly men, throughout the Kingdom of FRANCE, which happened in the year 1572. on the Feast day of S. Bartholomew, and the next days following. * ⁎ *   

A NARRATION, CONTAINING THE History of the French Massacre, especially that horrible one at PARIS, which happened in the year 1572.  Right Reverend; 
I Think that no man is ignorant, unless he be altogether a stranger to worldly affairs, that many have written many things touching the famous persons in Learning, or War, whom this our Age hath brought forth, as also touching the sundry occurrences befallen in this blessed Kingdom of England, as also in France, Italy, and the higher and lower Germany: But in so great a number of ancient and Modern Writers, I do wonder there hath been none, that as yet hath particularly set forth that cruel butchery of good men, made in the Kingdom of France, in the year 1572. on Bartholomew day. Truly, if I knew it had been done by any (though it were but by snatches, or in parts, and pieces) I had rather be silent, after the passage of so many years, then bring forth any thing unseasonably, that might either breed offence to your Lordship, or the Reader. But (as I have formerly said) seeing I am fully persuaded, there is none that already hath purposely dealt in this Argument, I deemed it as free, and as lawful for me as for others, to run in this race, and in this Field to make trial of my slender ability.  
Let it please you therefore (my good Lord) at this time, when others out of a plentiful & rich harvest have brought to this Bartholomew Fair abundance and store enough of fruit; That I, out of my little, barren, and poor Garden, may with a pure heart and hand offer a few leaves to your liking. And I beseech you vouch safe to assist and further me with your honourable good will, and favour, in the discourse and discovery of this business, according to your accustomed piety, and your remarkable virtue and Learning so famoused both in your own Country, as also in foreign.  
Since then the whole matter is so plain and evident to all good men, and of upright judgement, it shall not be amiss, if in the beginning we seek out the cause from whence so heinous and barbarous an Act proceeded. It is certain (if we may believe Caesar in his Commentaries) that the French Nation was of old so fierce and cruel, that they did besmear even their Altars with human blood, they would hale and tear innocent and harmless men to be sacrificed: Nay more, that robberies and outrages, done out of the Walls and borders of their City, they did not account dishonest, or to be blamed. But from the time that it was once reform by laws, and worthy discipline, and that it learned to obey one King, it presently fell from that rude and barbarous kind of life to humanity, and Civility; So as at this instant we may truly, and not unfitly term France, the Mother of Civil courtesy, and that from ourselves, by our own experience. But before I wade further into other things, me thinks this one cause should be first chiefly examined, namely, from whence that Nation (once so cruel and savage, and now styled with the praise of Courtesy and Civility) should draw the matter and groundwork of this wicked and perfidious deed we now speak of? And more; what should move Charles their King, then of green and tender years, (from whom nothing but Acts of glory and Nobility were expected, both in regard of his excellent forwardness, as of his most Royal disposition both in body and mind,) that he should so favour these men, which under the pretext and counterfeit zeal of ancient Religion, bring about and compass any thing with the simple people? From hence it is that these griefs arise; by this only bait was King Charles caught; by these circumstances and by-ways was that Prince led and misled, being in his first years Noble, mild, and gentle; That he (with grief I speak it) in whom (as Buchanan the Prince of Poets in our age, saith godly and truly) the Image of the most high God ought to be, and shine, should abandon himself to wickedness and villainy, and all manner of impudence and perjury. But that Christ (the mouth of Truth) hath foretold it should be so, that Religion, which should be the bond of Peace and Society, yet often through the subtlety of Satan, and malice of men, proveth the occasion and matter of uproars, debate, and tumults. And verily, he that writ this, writ not vainly, neither did he write toys or fables when he said,—  Quod saepius limb 
Relligio peperit scelerosa atque impia facta.  
That Religion of yore hath brought.  
Forth, deeds vile, wicked and nought.  
And in another place;  
Tantum Relligio potuit suadere malorum.  
Religion hath the skill  
To persuade to much ill.  
But that we may come to the purpose, and our speech may return from whence it hath digressed, he is far out of the way that persuades himself, or imagineth, that this deed so detestable was bred or forged in any other place, then in the shop of the Bishop of Rome, the anvil of all wickedness. Nevertheless, it is not to be thought that this Pilot sat alone at the Helm in this Ship, (so fully fraught with all impiety) but that he had Mariners, and Seafaring fellows enough of that sort, carefully trained up in any villainy. For first, what parts in this Act and deed may not the Conspiracy of the Council of Trent challenge to itself? What Company in this Army doth not the encouragement of the Cardinals and Spaniards lead? What hath not the fury and rage of the cutthroat jesuits attempted in these Tents and fields of ungodliness? who make their daily vows and prayers to spill the life and blood of godly Kings and Princes, especially of those, which either in words or deeds deny to yield any duty or homage to this ravenous Wolf of Rome. And that nothing (forsooth) might be wanting, there was added to this Council, (and so holy Congregation) the Council devised and advised by that Family which long since hath so greedily thirsted after the blood of good and godly men, which when I name to be the family of Guise, I do even in one breath shut up the many, yea the infinite miseries and calamities of France: This is that family that instructed the King in all the wicked principles of Craft & Deceit, and egged him on to that foul & most abominable deed. This is that, which had rather have all France utterly to sink and perish, then see (much less endure) any great man to reside in the King's Court, who hath been either noted to be of Religion reform, or accounted famous for learning and virtue. Of this family (so praiseworthy) not any unprofitable or base and unworthy Member but the very Head was that notable and Memorable Cardinal, whom whosoever it was that matched with a certain councillor of the Emperor Decius, did him right, of whom the Ecclesiastical History writeth, that he was called The Minister of the Devil, because (far worse, and more mischienous than the Emperor himself) he stirred up and incensed as many as he could against the Christians. This is that scarlet Cardinal, whom one termed (not unfitly) The Catiline of our time, that by fraud or treacheries, by right or wrong, omitted not to invent a thousand means of doing mischief.  
He would rejoice and take a great delight,  
If he could once draw Brethren even to fight.  
All his felicity was to fill households full of battered and enmity, that purpled hinge and prop of the Roman Bishop, left nothing undone that might cut asunder the conditions of Peace, and might nourish the seeds of war, and discords, or give fuel to the fire of factions, uproars, and murders. To conclude, in that very deed, that vassal of Antichrist might show there is no mischief or attempt so fowl or hateful, which hath not issued from out the Pope's roof. There is nothing in this Clergy sound or unspotted; Nothing so holy or sanctified, which perfidious people use not to break and blemish with their perjuries. Witnesses hereof are innumerable Popes, many Cardinals, and he Principal, of whom (even now) we made mention, not to his praise or good report, but as he deserved, for his cruelty and inhuman dealings, committed against good and learned men; yea, against his own Country, to his perpetual shame and infamy. This mark hath that man (in life and conversation so impure and impudent) branded himself withal, and it will never be wiped away, or blotted out of remembrance, so long as there remains in France any relic of Virtue or Learning; Nay, the 〈◊〉 impostures, and wicked practices of this Scarlet-Prelate, shall live to the memory of Posterity, so long as the Christian world endures. This Man forsooth, and Men of the same coat (whose hearts harbour nothing but wicked thoughts and purposes) will be the light of the world, and not the spite; the band, and not the firebrand; the best, and not the beasts; These (I say) will be the Salt of the earth, who not only have that little they have unsavoury, and unfit for use, but as Sallust says of Catiline, which is worse, are of an evil and perverse disposition, impudent, undermining, and changeable: These (to be short) are those good Shepherds which endeavour not to teach & feed their flock, but are no sooner entered into holy Orders, but are given to civil wars, murders and rapines, learn to devour their sheep, and (as I may speak with Homer) to weave deceits; or as Plautus says, neatly to frame tales and entrappings for them. And this (I warrant you) gets them great praise. Let men of upright judgement censure these things, and if they be silent and will not, the very stones will speak in many Provinces of France especially, as also in the greatest part of Italy, and throughout all Spain, where the Pope's crafts are not yet discovered, but by the just judgement of God, lie still lurking, and unrevealed: Which notwithstanding, that in their due time they may be brought to light, in spite of Satan and the wicked-minded, Time, nay, God himself will bring about. Howsoever let this be thoroughly imprinted in all men's minds, that there is never any thing more cruel, or more working, then is Idolatry, or the false worship of God, which as often as it is void of Reason and Truth, seeks to maintain itself by force, fire, and sword, and by all means to bereave the true worshippers of God, of the goods and wealth they possess; of the life and breath they draw; of the light they enjoy. Neither let any wonder here, or be dismayed, that this both is and was from time to time, and is like to be still, the lot of the Church, which, as the kingly Prophet witnesseth, hath from her Youth upwards been afflicted with many distresses, vexed with injuries and revilements, and tossed with many storms and tempests: Yet let not any man be in this heresy, that he judge the true Religion, which we learn out of the Old and New Testament, to be the cause of wars, uproars, and seditions, nor that these things are to be ascribed to true - Religion, which by accident proceed against the Truth, through the malice of men, and of the Devil, God forbid. Neither, when I write this, do I write contrarieties; for here I mean the true and right Religion, peaceable and quiet, not that which out of Lucretius we have noted to be wicked, turbulent, and quarrelsome, nor that Religion so stained and disfigured with Popish infections, and with the jesuitical itch of lying & scandalising. Let them (whosoever they be) that live in the Popish blindness deny if they can, with a safe and sure conscience, whither, since through the goodness of God, the light of the Gospel, and true Religion hath clearly shined, the rage and outrage of the Popish kingdom hath not increased? whether out of the same storehouse have not come innumerable lies, menaces, & hatreds against the Churches of the Gospel? yet it was so. For (to confirm this our observation) as soon as (King Henry being dead) the Churches in France, which were neglected afflicted, and oppressed, and lay in obscurity, began to peer out, and rise; behold that Arch-work-master of all deceit and wickedness, that Factor for the Roman Bishop, the Cardinal of Lorraine, (whom a while since we have somewhat deciphered) that he might make all possible way to his impious deeds and Tyranny, and might purchase Power over the life and goods of such as were good men, began to drive all those from the King's Court, whom he thought able to cross his faction, or withstand his godless and wicked attempts, and behaved himself with such malice and insolence against the Peers, and other Nobles of France, that they consulted together how they might suppress the immeasurable ambition of this Man, and of his whole family; whereupon did arise many grievous and deadly riots and insurrections, as well at Amboyse, as elsewhere in France. Then did he hereupon scandalise the Churches, and the chief Men and Rulers of the true Religion, with inspeakable calumniations. Then did he burden them with lies, slanders and deceits; nay, that this desperate miscreant and out-cast-wretch, might not overslip any nefarious enterprise, he did then charge them with many feigned and devised offences. It is surely a thing worth the telling, to show with what wiles and tricks this Cardinal could lead and miss-lead a number of people: For even as once the jews were, in scorn, called of the Gentiles, the Sabbotheans; and the Christians, of julian the Apostata, the Galileans: Even so then, they which embraced the true Doctrine, that they might be accused as of strange errors before the Solemnity of the Cardinal's holidays, were begun to be called Hugenets; which inauspicious name, first found and invented by an unfortunate and accursed Man, stick in the memory of the people of France; Fie upon both the manner and matter of a wicked deed, and wicked seed: Nevertheless, let us see upon what groundwork this ridiculous devise is founded, and that the Cardinal, and his Associates, are busied rather in any other thing, than in reading and meditating the holy Scriptures. Thus therefore it is that this honest man would have them named Huguenots, of a certain vision, which about that time in the night near unto the Town of Tisrwin, the common people (that beast of many heads) believed to wander up and down: And now my friends can you forbear laughing? It was thought to be the Ghost of a certain Monk called Hugh, lately deceased, and because in those times the Christians, through persecutions, were compelled to keep their meetings in the night, he caused them to be named Huguenots. Whilst these things were in doing, and that not one in the whole kingdom was found that durst take in hand the cause godly men, & of the afflicted Church, our Lord God even beyond all hope & expectation endued that most honourable and valiant Nobleman Caspar Caligni, high Admiral of France, with the spirit of fortitude and incredible zeal, so as with an undaunted courage, in the very midst of the tumults and uproars, he presented a Confession of their faith to the King himself, Francis the second, in the name of the reformed Churches in France, and pleaded their cause with wonderful wisdom and stoutness, at the King's Privy Council Table, in the Tower called Callirrhoe. This deed of his, how much hatred and envy it purchased unto him, (though otherwise a man in high favour with the King) cannot easily be expressed. After this, all the rout and crew of the Popelings made him their only mark to shoot at: He was the man whom they assaulted with all their weapons: He the Prince on whom those wicked and loathed society cast all their reproaches and contumelies: Above the rest the family of the Guyses were never wearied with rolling this stone, and advancing this abominable and prodigious design, that it might glut itself with the French blood, for which it thirsted, and might alone govern all the affairs of the Kingdom. They have in very deed approved that Verse of Lucan to be no toy or idle tale, 
Nulla fides regni sociis omnisque potestas,  
Impatiens consortis erit.  
There is no trust in fellow-Kings,  
Rule, with a Rival, envy brings.   
A great power being levied and gathered at Orleans, where they ruled K. Francis as they listed, this ungodly family held a Counsel concerning the Prince of Condee, whom they had imprisoned, and concerning many other honourable Personages, either to behead them, or to punish them with the amercement of some great fine to be imposed upon them: Or if they dealt more mildly with any, to banish and outlaw them. Who may not here cry out?  Quid non impietas designat? 
Oh what will not sin and vice attempt?  
Item.  
O furor, o nimium dominandi innata cupido!  
Oh rage, oh too much inbred thirst of rule!  
Mean while, he that by his providence, as out of a watchtower, beholdeth all things did break asunder these cruel complots, and commanded King Francis, breathing out fearful slaughters, to yield and surrender his last breath▪ But what of that? Do you think that this wicked generation was any thing moved at the judgements of God, or at this example, so fresh and evident? No, nothing at all: But as the Prophet says, The brutish generation of the wicked, is stark blind in the judgements of God, and hath their breast overcast and clouded with a thick mist of ignorance: And a factious company, devoted and given over to sin, rejoice with triumph in their sin, and say in their hearts, God doth not look upon these things.  
Therefore these blind men, and leaders of the blind, these enemies of Truth, were not beaten back from their wicked hopes and sinful practices against Christ, no, not then, when (young King Francis being dead) whom they had abused to the destruction of good and godly men, the Churches began every where to take breath, and sprout out; but even presently they renewed their consultations, and went about to entangle some with pleasure and cunning devices, as Anthony King of Nanarre; some to affright with murders, and all sorts of cruelty, the foundation of which they lay in the Town of Vassien, and thrust the miserable Realm into three most bitter civil wars, for the space of ten whole years. It were a hard thing (or rather impossible for me to reckon up all their kinds of cruelty by which the Popelings in France have outstripped the very Tigers and Lions themselves; Yet can I not wink at, or over-skip the horrible deeds of the men of Orleans: These men in the year 69. in one day putting fire underneath, burnt in divers prisons above two hundred men of all degrees. Who so understandeth not, that from them, that savage and barbarous hatred against the Admiral, and the French Churches, took beginning, and increase, him I judge to see nothing in a most clear light.  
Let us in the mean while consider what we may learn from that self-same hateful peace, which once was restored and set on foot in France. And first this that the Lord doth grant certain truces for a time, lest with the continuance of mischiefs, the godly should altogether faint and grow feeble, next, in the uncertainty of that Peace, and the great alteration of things which for full ten years was in France, we may observe that no true Peace can be between the World and the true Church: which let the Low-Countries and Christian Princes mark, that we may wholly rely on that peace which God affordeth us, and always take heed to ourselves of the world, which hateth the light, and the Sons of light, and hath this resolution, if it can, to blot and raze out the very name of Truth, and the Gospel.  
But now to the purpose: When as the enemies in two full years could not by skirmishes overthrow the forces of the reformed, who wearied, did often refresh themselves; nor were able either with poison, which they often attempted, to make away, or in battle to overcome and get the victory, the Admiral being General of the host, a man for pains untyred, for dangers valorous, for practise skilful, for advice discreet and wise, they determined to try it another way; seeing by open fight they could profit nothing, that by subtleties and deceit, in which the ungodly are most experienced, and by putting on the false name of Peace, they might get the upper hand: So, when they knew the reverence of the reformed Princes, of the Admiral, and of the whole Nobility, to be great towards the King, and that little credit would be given to them if they should treat of Peace, which they had so many times broken and infringed, they make the King himself to personate and be actor of their Tragedy, who to that purpose avowed he would have nothing more holily and more religiously observed then the Peace, and thereupon in countenance and speech yielded the greatest intimation he could of rendering and wishing well to the Nobility of the Gospel, and entertained Teligni, the Son in law of the Admiral, to many his secret counsels. He did moreover by all means set forward that marriage of the King of Navarre with his Sister, as the most holy bond and pledge of Peace, and made often motion that it might be hastened. What did he more? He feigned he was far at odds with the Pope himself, and took it exceeding ill at his hands, that he should warn him by his Legate not to marry his Sister to an Heretic Prince. But oh accursed and unlucky Nuptials. Oh dismal and unhallowed Bridal. A Bridal they call it: That name they do paint on their Sin, for that was the dismal day, the first of annoy, not of joy, and the first source and spring of all mischief.  
And although that marriage might then seem to the French Nobility full of honour and concord, there were notwithstanding some politic persons, & of greater judgement than others, who thought otherwise, & were not beside the matter; for by this it came to pass that the King very earnestly sent for the Peers and Nobles of the Reformed Religion, out of all his kingdom, not so much to a Bridal, as to a Burial: At which time, had not their minds been very careless, or rather had it not been the Christians destiny (if I may so speak) that their hour of death and extreme calamity was come, many foretokens and unhappy signs might have forewarned that mischance, as the sudden and unthought-of decease of the Queen of Navarre: the bitter menaces of the Popelings throughout all the Realm, who vaunted that Peace would be slight and short; the secret conference of the Cardinal Lorraine with the Duke of Alba; his going to Rome about a Synod; great troops of Soldiers placed in Roan field, under this pretence, that a Navy must be rigged out against the Duke of Alba, and many like matters.  
But yet when the Princes of the reformed Religion had wholly prepared themselves, at their great charges, to this wedding, (as the Sons of God are more simple and less apprehensive than the sons of this world, and light belief is rather an oversight, than a fault) as to mirth, and the delight of the King, and that the King did daily either enrich them with gifts, or bewitch them with flatteries, who would not have thought here had been sure trust? But, good God, how easily doth the countenance deceive us; when as the self-same King did so entertain the Admiral himself, as if he had been the most inward partaker of his deepest secrets?  
But alas, alas, on the fourth day after this Wedding, came that last day and inevitable fate: For as that most valiant Prince, the Admiral, at dinnertime returned homewards from the Court, he was shot through both his hands with a bullet out of a Pistol: And (oh grief) what hands? Let him hear, and all France remember, even those hands which had been borne, made, and vowed for recovering the liberty and Peace of France. But when as, after this wound received, he presently fell not dead, and that the bullet had pierced his hands only, and not his heart, as that impious faction and crew had well hoped, the Conspirators and bloodsuckers thought fit, with their wondrous dissimulation, to draw our men on still, and to conceal their treason: The King upon that report, bends his eyes and countenance to sorrow, and commands that the party guilty of that act should be inquired out, promising and proclaiming rewards to him or them which should apprehend him; sends Letters by Post-horses into all the Provinces of France; in which he protests that this heavy mischance of the Admiral grieves him to the heart, and that he will revenge this deed by some notable exemplary punishment.  
To conclude, that the Nobility of the true Religion, which was grievously troubled with so heinous an act, might be secure, and all suspicion taken away, that they might at unawares and unpronided be surprised; the King himself, accompanied with his Mother, and Brethren, repairs to visit the Admiral, laid on his bed, speaks to him very kindly, and encourageth him to be of good cheer, assuring him certainly that he will thoroughly revenge so wild an offence. That virtuous Nobleman then turning himself to the King, I am not (saith he, my Sovereign Liege) careful about this my wound, nor about the punishment of the Author of this deed, for that I refer, as this my life, so all my revenge unto God, to whom I wholly make my complaint, and whose sight in Heaven will be the end of my labours, which I had been to undergo in this life, and the full fruition of my true happiness: But if it shall please my gracious and great God to call me from this my worldly station, these three things (my dread Sovereign) do I most humbly crave and entreat of your Highness;  
First, That you never will suffer the Peace now settled in your Realm to be broken.  
Next, That you fully persuade yourself, that it concerns the renown, glory, and safety of your state, to give aid and assistance to the people of the Low-Countries, most upright men, and most unworthily oppressed, against that cruel and barbarous Tyrant the Duke of Alba.  
Lastly, Let this be steadfastly believed of you, that in all my actions I accounted nothing more worthy, or more to be regarded, then to defend the authority of your majesties commands against men turbulent, enemies of their Country's liberty, and endeavouring nothing but the overthrow of their King, and the laws of God: And this assure yourself, that I always have, and will be ready for the good and safeguard of your Realm, to expose my life and blood to all kinds of danger.  
These, and such like speeches did that worthy Nobleman, full of courage and magnanimity, though at that time faint and feeble of body, pronounce constantly and sincerely. The King gone from thence, to free the Admiral and the other Peers of all fear and suspicion, commandeth some select Soldiers of his Guard, such as the Admiral himself would appoint, to be placed in that street, who should take care lest either the people of Paris, or any others should assault the Admiral's house: The King likewise commandeth, that for many of the Peers and Religions Nobles, addicted to the Admiral, which were here and there diversly dispersed through the City, there should be lodgings provided in the self same street, that so joined together they might be the safer, or rather, that coupled together in one heap, as sheep appointed for the slaughter, they might at one blow be butchered. Who then will doubt, that there are many regions between the tongue and the thoughts, many crannies and blind corners in the minds of men? who weighing these things, may doubt the speech of Truth to be simple, but feignings, craft, & lies to be full of intricate involutions, and to stand in need of many shadows, and pretences? There cannot assuredly any more plain or foul example be given of a dissembling and deceitful mind.  
Oh good God, that such things should enter into the heart of a Christian, yea, into the mind of any man, were he never so vile, much less into the heart of a most Christian king, the Majesty and dignity of whose name only, unless it withhold us, what shall we here find either kingly or commendable? But I pray you: To be changeable, subtle, thirsting after the blood of the Nobles, to be a feigner and dissembler, may you say these are virtues beseeming a Prince, and Christian king? God forbid. Let us therefore learn by this that we are oftentimes, most simple in those things wherein we should be most wise, That the favour of Court is as brittle as Glass. And let all Courtiers learn here that be honest men, and such as best deserve at their Prince's hands. That it can hardly be they should escape ENVY, HATRED, DESTRUCTIOn, imprisonments and other calamities. Let them beside mark advisedly. how changeable the course of things is in Court. I will, though I digress a little, briefly and closely express what I mean. I omit ancient matters. But is there any that knows not the example of a lamentable case which we have in Papinian, in Peter de Vineis, Moor Aluar de Luna, james Cord, & Columbus, who was most shamefully and unworthily overthrown by Bombadilla; in Cominaus also, Bussonus, Consaluns', and infinite others? Nor are there examples old, and new wanting of this, in the Courts of the German Princes. What if we think of that so late, and fresh in memory, which fell out in this your blessed Realm of England, and in the Realm of France? Doth not this Italian, so quickly raised out of the dust, without any desert of his, to such great wealth and honours, give us an apparent example hereof? unless they be stark blind, all men see it plainly. Therefore if we have any wit, let us be taught by the example of others, and not slightly pass over the remembrance of what happened to the Admiral, a most valorous Peer of happy memory. For (Oh good God) how soon, how easily, was King Charles carried from his accustomed courtesy, and mildness towards the Admiral and his followers, unto an incredible distaste, and bitterness; so as himself procured the chief Nobles of the reformed Religion, & amongst the rest that most valiant worthy, and the very Atlas of all France, to be murdered in the Court and entrance of his Palace, and out of his windows (with shame enough) called upon his guard, and animated them on to do those villainies? yet could they scarce satisfy his desire therein, it was so great, and greedy. On the same day therefore which was the four and twentieth of August, about four of the clock in the morning, when those Noblemen were all of them sound asleep, and the Admiral himself had prepared himself ready for rest: Behold, at unawares, there was a great hurly burly in the same street, a huge noise, and at the very same instant Riots and Assaults on every house. What do they then think you? The savage and unruly Soldiers break down the doors, hurry and overturn all things. Then, I beseech you, of what mind shall we think that godly and sore-wounded Peer was? Surely, not forgetting his wonted constancy when he saw his death, yea most cruel death, instantly to approach, he willed a Minister of God's Word, whom he had about him in his Chamber to say prayers, and wholly gave himself to godly and devout meditations: Afterwards sending away his Servants, that every one as well as he could might shift for himself, weakly raising himself out of his bed, he sat down on a stool, that he might, as it were, go meet death, which he knew, and did foresee would be happy for him in the Lord: And what he had formerly presaged in his mind, fell out afterwards so indeed; for without any stop or stay, a damned villain, chosen out of the whole rabble, a shameless cutter and cutthroat of the train of the Duke of Guise, after he had made himself way with his sword to the Admiral's Chamber (oh deed most wicked and accursed) driving his Lance with all his main force, he pierced through his sides and entrails. Then came another imp of Satan, who with gashes bemangled his Heroical and Peerless face. Oh desperate villains, oh Devils incarnate, oh monsters and prodigious men! Could not the revenging hand of the most powerful God (oh wicked and detestable Soldier) restrain and astonish thee? Could not the Chambers threshold, the very walls, nor the countenance of so great a Peer (whose name had always been dreadful to all wicked and hateful persons) affright or amaze thee? Could not the words of this great & godly Captain move thee to pity; who with a loud voice admonished that first cutthroat rushing into his Chamber, that he should spare him, a man now of great years, and sore wounded? Nay, which is more, this Peer more than half dead, was then thrown headlong out of his Chamber window, that the eyes of the Dukes of Annale, of Guise, and his other enemies, who in the backside of the house stood longing for that sight, might be glutted and satisfied; and that (as the Grecians did in times past to dead Hector) they might insult and triumph over him.  
O savage and barbarous men, who breaking all the bars of shame and of Nature herself, that one unpardonable sin might be heaped upon the neck of another, do furiously assault all the other Peers and Nobles; Men of all degrees are massacred; all the household of the King of Navarre, and Prince of Condee are slain; they of most name amongst the other Nobles, the Earl of Rupefueldanus, and Tel●gni, the Admiral's Son in Law, whom the King before seemed to hold so dear, that he could not be without them, were all put to the sword.  
Oh damnable and inexorable Mankillers, for whom it was not enough to slaughter and mangle their bodies, but that they run also upon their goods, which were then laid open to the will and prey of these cutthroats, who in their own estates before, having been most needy, base, & ragged, are now with other men's goods profuse and riotous: Neither had any good man any thing in his house of any ancient Monument from his Ancestors; any thing (I say) never so dear, or well-esteemed, that could scape the clutches of these rapinous thieves and burglarers. The carcase of the Admiral was haled into the streets, and abused with infinite reproaches by the rash, base, and ignoble vulgar, and a long time tumbled up and down in the kennels and dirt: At last, the head being cut off (which some say was sent to Rome was most despitefully hanged up on a public gallows without the City. Oh unworthy deed! oh madness! oh barbarous fury, and most estranged from all sense or feeling of humanity! Did it become your envy and treachery to drag a man to an ignominious execution of Nature's frame, almost divine, and of a mind altogether good and great; a man fit to have been kept for the doubtfullest and hardest times of the Commonwealth, whom his most famous deservings towards his Country, his many noble acts, and the glory of his virtue had raised up to Heaven? And yet for all this he had nothing left him, which the rage and fury of the Soldiers could deprine him of. But what could not be taken from a valiant and godly man, a steadfast faith in God, an immortal memory of his name and reputation; those, neither wounds, nor words, nor bloody cut-throats could bereave from him.  
Whilst these things are thus done at Paris, and that the King had willed the Captain of these men to stay the sight, whilst the body of the Admiral was abused in the streets with all manner of injuries; then after this began the seditious Citizens to run in heaps into the streets to assail people of every Sex, and degree, and to rush every where in the dark, making confusion of all things, as if an eternal night had overspread the kingdom: What say you to this? That very many, even well affected to the Popish Religion were slain, and extremity shown even to the very Counsellors of the Parliament, if any amongst them were of a milder temper than they. Be this known to all good men, that no light or fluency of Eloquence can be such; no man can be stored with such abundance, and facility of speech, that he may be able to deliver the deadly spoils and deaths of that day: For what degree of mischief can be added to the unbridled, and untamed licentiousness of these conspirators, seeing there is nothing so common as breathe to the living, earth to the dead? These men after they had taken away life, did either cast the very carcases to be torn and rend of dogs, or threw them into the rivers: so was a Woman, for virtue and lineage most noble, and excellently learned above her Sex, the Lady of juern, with her daughters: so were two sisters, women of Orleans, thrown into the River of Soame, because they refused to hear their sacrilegious Mass; and had rather shed their life and blood, then that they would forsake the true, and sincere Religion. After these sins so horrible, and abominable; What think you was done next? Any breast, in which there is the least drop of remorse, may hear it, and lament. The Parisians rejoice, with all merriments; they triumph openly with joy; they go on Procession, to give thanks to their Saints and Idols, as for a thing done bravely. Oh blind, and impious thoughts of men, oh trunks, oh stocks and stones! Good God, can these things enter into the hearts of Christians? But let us proceed, and with grief we shall see, that no sort of wickedness was omitted in this enterprise. They feigned, that God by a new miracle, did approve and allow of these murders, and that in the great Churchyard of Saint Innocents', as they term it, a certain Hawthorne-bush, that never before had budded, did on the sudden, in that accursed day, bud and flourish; which bush, the Duke of Anjou the King's brother, with a great train of them of Paris and Orleans, would needs see, kiss, and adore. What impiety, (I pray you) what barbarousness can be greater than this? or what more frantic part is there, then that these men should invent such a m●racle, to witness their frenzy, and make their madness more manifest to the world?  
Then forsooth did bushes flourish; it was not the bush, but deceit that flourished, wickedness flourished; & for a time the ungodly flourished, but they shall wither at the last, & be adjudged to everlasting fire; as straw, or stubble, they shall be consumed. Neither yet, after that dismal day, did the cruelty of these robbers and Assassins cease or give over; for there were then sent, even when there was weeping and wailing through the whole city, and that in all the streets thereof many were cruelly slain; either of the Nobility, or of the Counsellors and Advocates, or of the most notable Professors of the University, or of the Merchants: Some (I say) were sent, even of the King (oh deed nothing kingly!) which in every house, and inward room of the house should make diligent search, if any hidden by chance, had escaped the hands of these murderers. Hereupon a most huge slaughter is made again; neigther (as I may speak with the Poet) was then, the Host from Guest, or Guest from Host was safe. Many persons, of great and high name and estimation, were committed to the Goals; if any of them refused to hear their execrable Mass, they had strait their throats cut, and tumbled headlong into the River. For the upshot, that all in general might taste of their rage and cruelty, and that all things in the whole kingdom might be turned topsyturvy, with Letters sent by Posts, and with what means they can, they persuade the Governors of Provinces, and the Cities of the Kingdom, by their example, utterly, and without exception, to make away and root out all those that were of the reformed Religion. Nevertheless there wanted not some, even the most heavy enemies of Religion, that refused to obey these Edicts; and amongst the rest, the Governor of Burgundy, who plainly disallowed of the Kings proceedings; yet to them of Orleans, and the seditious people of Lions, this message was most welcome above all things, where beyond measure they exercised cruelty; and where Butchers were hired, as in the time of Licinius the Emperor, to bowel up the Christians; nay more (which is an horrible thing to speak) to buy the far & grease of them, which were fattest. This likewise is a doleful and lamentable case, that very few Cities at all in the Kingdom, very few Towns, very few Villages, and Rivers there are, which have not been filled with the gore of the godly Martyrs. This is more, that their inhuman cruelty was so great, as in so grievous an affliction it was not lawful for Widows to bewail their Husbands, nor Orphans their Parents; but that, at Paris, little ones and infants were found, who when they did see themselves haled from their Mother's breasts, their Mothers hurried to execution, did not forbear to cry out, till themselves likewise had their tender bloodshed: Oh more than Scythian barbarousness! for what Tyrant did ever do this in any part of Scythia? not to suffer them to mourn, to whom he gave cause of mourning. Rightly didst thou, most grave Orator and Philosopher, that didst not well endure, nor couldst abide to behold men so barbarous and mischievous.  
There remaineth nothing, that these combined enemies of the Truth have, wherewith to maintain themselves, either before God, or nature itself, or any Christian; but that they may be confounded of the very Ethnics themselves, which neither endued with the knowledge of the true God, nor instructed with holy-writ, nor puffed up with that great and glistering name of Roman Catholic, do gather these things even by the very law, and light of Nature itself, by which they are a shame to you Scribes and Pharisees. Do therefore the Law, and Prophets, (in GOD'S name) depend upon you? upon your counsels and traditions? upon the Cupboard of the Pope (father of mischief)? and upon his Messengers and Assassins? Blush you thieves and Pirates, woe to you Hypocrites, which attribute to yourselves the Supremacy of the Church, under a false and forged title; You (I say) conscript and sworn Fathers, who have forsworn Piety, and the knowledge of good things, and a sound Conscience.  
But lest any man should think we grow tasty without cause, and speak prejudicially, which useth to take away right judgement; Let us hear, and go forward with the rest, and that by the tops and chief points of the matters, lest our discourse grow to be infinite. The things already spoken of, though they were cruel and abominable, yet did they not fully satisfy the desires of these bloody butchers. They go on therefore, and at Paris in the midst of the Marketplace, they cause to be hanged up Brickmald, a most renowned man, and most skilful in warlike affairs, being almost of the age of threescore and ten years, who by chance had hid himself in the house of the English Ambassador; as also one Cavagne, a man of great wisdom, and Chancellor to the Princes both of Naturre & of Condee; then made they a laughingstock of the Picture and coat of Arms of the Admiral, which through the streets they ignominiously abused: and every day they were altogether busy in this, either how they might kill, or by fearful threatenings enforce to their impious and forbidden superstition, the professors of the true and reformed Religion, By this it appeareth more clear, even then noonday, that the cruelty of these men was in the highest degree, their Nature fierce, and savage, themselves nesarious bloodsuckers, and that never any Pirate was more barbarous.  
Antiochus was cruel, but an open enemy of the Church, and an Heathen. Nero was cruel, but for full five years most merciful, and afterwards openly evil. Domitian was cruel, but when he understood that the Kingdom of Christ was Heavenly, not earthly, he left off to persecute the Christians. In the Reign of Charles the sixth, King of France, he being young, foolish, and witless, (as the Chronicles report) France was grievously distressed: But there can nothing be repeated out of all the records of Antiquity, which comes near unto the cruelties we have rehearsed, if we well weigh the circumstances. And although these things be thus true, apparent, and approved; yet dare they charge these godly Noblemen with an idle accusation, and an imputation of forged conspiracy; when amongst them all, not one (though provoked) did unsheath his sword; when those pitiless cutthroats did likewise put to death Women and Children; when their very cousin Germans, and amongst them, some Earls, Barons, and Nobles, did not escape from them without great danger; when they banished from the Court, and kept prisoner Michael Hospitalis, the high Chancellor of France, and a most honourable person, for this cause only, That he withstood their wicked Counsels; when they enforced no small number by violence and threatenings, to their idolatrous Masses; lastly, when Christopher Thovanus the first Precedent in the Parliament, gratulating to the King that (forsooth) his famous victory, did openly amongst other things, repeat that saying of Lewis the eleventh, Who knows not how to dissemble, knows not how to rule.  
But I detain your Lordship with an Oration overlong; lest therefore I should abuse your Lordship's patience, I will make short of what remains. Let us then but look into this one thing, whether these matters which we have already uttered, do not so palpably show forth the impious combination of the Popelings, that it may be viewed even with our eyes. From hence let all Christian Kings and Princes that are wise, see, and understand this betimes, that this French calamity cannot be disjoined from theirs, when the Religion common to either is assailed, and the Tyrants enured to so many mischiefs, and greedy of good men's blood, cannot so rest and content themselves.  
Oh most renowned Princes, do you still remain in doubt? Do not so: but mark and note what (after these times which we have recounted) at another time, and not five years since, befelt that great and most Christian King Henry the fourth? Consider with how many ambushes, frauds, and deceits they belayed the most famous Queen of England, ELIZABETH of happy and blessed memory. Call to mind with how many engines they battered the poor wretches of the Low-countrieses, both publicly and privately, for the space of these forty years and upwards. Remember all you of the English Nobility, that horrible Gunpowder Treason, which enterprised at one stroke to destroy and blow up your most mighty KING, your noble QUEEN, together with their Royal Progeny, and the flower of all the Nobility of England.  
This is worth the labour to know, with how plausible and goodly a name these glozing Parasites, and Pillars of the Romish Religion, do entitle such like abominable misdeeds; marry, A stroke given from Heaven.  
Oh vows, oh words, and men of Hell! Do you, you hellhounds, bring down from Heaven the forge and fountain of your sinful actions? I speak truth (oh Christians) and yourselves know it to be so, that had not the Lord of Heaven and Earth hindered this stroke, England had not for one year only been miserable, and tormented, but stabbed and mangled with infinite wounds, injuries, violences, murders, and rapines should hardly have drawn their begged breath amidst her deadly enemies. Wherefore I pray and beseech you, you Princes and Noblemen, that the painted show of Christian Religion, and the name (Catholic) deceive you not; let this rather be your resolutions, That force by force, is to be beaten back from your bodies and lives. For this defence, Reason to the Learned, Necessity to the barbarous, Custom to all Nations, and Nature itself, hath prescribed to the bruit beasts. What need I speak more; let us have no league with this brood of Antichrist, but war rather. Let us bethink ourselves, all and every one of us, who have any care and liking of Religion, or of the safety, renown, and liberty of their Country, that we ought to beware of the Popish trains and entrappings: For sooner or later, whatsoever they now intent and cover, will they at their time effect, and bring to pass; Whosoever thinks they have given over, thinks far amiss, seeing that rule so old, true, and religious, doth never fail, There is no peace with the ungodly. Therefore let it be so far from us, to hold confederacies with these jesuited Traitors, that we rather account them conspiracies, which although they lie hid perhaps for a time, yet at last they appear, and are as easily discerned by their actions, as the Lion by his claws. What? Is there for us greater security now, then was in those French uproars, when these Jesuits, these plagues of men, have lowly insinuated themselves into very many Provinces, Cities, Towns, Castles; yea, and into the Courts of Princes, and their familiarity; for so exceedingly well do these runagate common Barrators know at first how to humilitate themselves, as also to feign Poverty, and above all things, to seem godly; that these coin-mongers have not only by their forged name gotten incredible wealth, and opinion of true Religion, but like Blood-hounds, of better scenting then ever Verres had any, they have also cunningly smelled out the purposes of Princes, and their secrecies and mysteries of State.  
All which, as soon as afterwards they have in particular been related to their fellows, and by common advise handled and discussed; then presently are sent into sundry Provinces, such men, as some call the Kings, some the Pope's Legates, others the Apostolical Nuntios, and others call them with other Titles; but as for me, by what name I may call them, I know not, unless peradventure in that they tempt and solicit some by rewards and briberies, some by hope and promises, some by fear and threatenings; they may rightly be called Traitors, and betrayers of their Country: who if in the beginning, the confines and entrance of Kingdoms and Regions had been forbidden them, and commandment to abstain hereafter, they had been delivered by the consent of all the States, either these Mountebanks had not at all brought their poison into divers Provinces, or else they had received condign payment for their pains: But after it was lawful for them to betray Kings and Princes, to effect their business either by gold or silver, to send intelligencers abroad, to retain Pensioners, and to turn and return at their pleasure, to what place soever, infinite mischiefs did presently ensue thereupon, and do daily; Let even Spain herself, the chief nurse of these Wasps and Locusts, bear witness; be Italy also witness; let France speak, and the (not mean) Cities of Germany, and Low-Countries: from my very soul I rejoice that the Island of England is blest, and free from these Flies and Locusts, (unless some that perchance lurk, and lie close in corners) and I pray God it may so remain everlastingly. Mean while, most noble (King james,) most mighty, valiant, and constant defender, and revenger of the faith, go on to chase out thy kingdom this Vipers-brood, men, mockers and contemners of God (from whose only power, all man's power is derived) which go about under the pretext of Religion, utterly to root out all just and lawful dominion. Your Majesty, according to your singular wisdom, doth see what that wicked desire of the Pope went about to do with your self, your children, your posterity, and your subjects: Hath not that Roman gulf long since devoured all the wealth, blood, and life of England? Are not these holy men, the fathers of the Society? such as strive to enter not only upon our goods, chests, and money; but upon the liberty also, and safety, and as it were, the very bones and marrow of us all? Are not these the men, that were accustomed, not only to set upon, but to sell our lives and souls, and heaven itself at a price? To these men than must we listen, of these and none other are Kings, and Princes to be judged; if they refuse, and do not of their own accord, accept of any most unequal condition, they straight cry out, that they are to be pursued and persecuted to death. Are not these those companions, that everywhere labour with tooth and nail to bring in that Spanish Inquisition? which at first was practised only against the Saracens, and Infidels? and I pray you, what good comes of it? of what use is it? Truly none, unless, as miserable wretches, we shall be constrained to look for murder upon murder, and most cruel slaughters. But God forbid, most gracious King, and you all, virtuous and great Princes, that we, who by so long and large distance of ground severed from Spain, have no community at all with the Religion, manners, and custom of that Nation, live in a well governed Kingdom & Commonwealth, should bear the same yoke, as this people doth; or that the same evil should be put upon us, or any good people, which hath in it all evils, The Spanish Inquisition. For this is that (if any man knows it not already) which not only by poisoning takes away the lives of famous men, the Country's best commoners, tears in pieces the civil laws of Commonwealths, but also breaks in sunder the very laws of nature and Nations. Listen further, and understand ye Princes; could ever yet, even Spain herself, and Arragon; could they of Granato, the Castellans, the Neapolitans, the Italians, the Frenchmen, and amongst all, the most miserable men of the Low-Countries, nourish that direful and ugly monster with so many sheddings of their blood: so cruel a wild beast, so untamed, and so unsatiable is that Spanish-roman beast; which cannot (I say) be fattened, nor so much as have her paunch filled up with Christians blood. And to this Beast, so wild and savage, will the courteous Frenchmen, the wise men of the Low-Countries, and the Gentles, and Nobles of England, refuse to yield obedience? with good reason. Set before your eyes examples, which for the most part do chiefly move; consider them, call to remembrance the late and fresh memory of the French, Germans, and Low-Country-men, and you shall have cause great enough (oh Princes) to defend your right, your privileges, and especially Christian Religion, purged from the Popish dregs and filth: All which truly, according to your faith and duty, wish to be protected by your providence, and cannot be forsaken of you, without the manifest destruction of all thats Gods, or man's: Neither is it likely that, that Stoical numbness, is so engrafted & imprinted in your minds, that the many wishes, prayers, yea, and just complaints of good men, may find in you no sense of humanity, no protection for their innocency: I beseech you (most noble Princes and Peers) that you thus fully persuade yourselves; if there be any of all men living, who ought to have care of such, and so great a cause; that you especially are they, and that to you above the rest, this cause belongs, whom the most mighty good God, hath in this rotten and festered age, placed here, the Champions of his restored Religion and salvation; that each of you, to the uttermost of his power, so far with your wisdom, temperance, faith, labour, vigilance, and (in one word) with that ancient and inborn English valour, whose glory with all Nations is immortal, do so much study to provide and advise for your Countrymen, as that our God, according to his mercy will, no doubt, aid your endeavours; and as good men, not only desire, but will also celebrate, to the memory of Posterity. But that in this one only thing, of all the most honourable, there needs agreement, both of minds and counsels, I think no man is ignorant, unless of what belongs unto man he be ignorant; for this alone is it which affords us good counsel in dangers, Constancy and valour in mischances, moderation in Prosperity, and in every fortune that gift of Discretion, without which nothing can be well thought, nothing well done: This one, and alone Concord is it (I say) which safeguards that strait knot of Charity, that yielding neither privately to Envy, nor publicly to Ambition, upholds the Tower of your happiness, which if it remain strengthened, and confirmed amongst us. There shall not be (as I hope, nay confidently trust) any cause why we should any longer doubt either of the safety of the Commonwealth, or of our reformed, and restored truly-catholic and Apostolic Religion.  
ALmighty and most high God, which governest the Heavens, Seas, Earth, Wars and Peace, which puttest Laws, and Statutes on Kings, Princes, and the universal people of the World, which orderest and decreest victories, Triumphs and Trophies, which withholdest and puttest back afflictions, dangers, injuries, make firm to us, and confirm this Concord, this Religion, in this blessed Realm of England, that is at this time the largest Theatre, and very eye of the whole earth's compass. Arise (great God) and raise thyself against the enemy of all justice and Peace, the enemy of thy praises, & glory: With thy divine providence guide the ways, and prolong the days of our Sovereign King JAMES, renowned for godliness, learning, justice, wisdom and clemency, deliver him and us thy people from the outroads and inroads of our most cruel foes, from those sacrilegious conspirators, and wicked Idolaters, which will not endure that we worship thy most holy name with godliness, and true religion; and who, as in that lamentable and miserable Massacre of France, took life from good thousands of thy dear servants, and still endeavour to take from us both life and liberty, to write and speak freely: Lastly, who hold it not lawful for any man living to discourse out of the Council, either touching the Articles of Faith, or any controversy of Religion. Restrain (oh Lord) the upbraid and attempts of such kind of men, who leave to us (being Men that only argue for our right and the Truth) neither free tongue, nor free mind. Bless the Reverend, godly, and learned Bishops of the Church of England, and the professors of Divinity in the Universities: Let those most bitter times warn them, and every Christian man, that setting apart the unseasonable contentions, invectives, and preiudices of many Divines in the Low-Countries, Germany, and elsewhere, they would rather apply their minds to the establishing and confirming of true Peace and Concord, (as once when Valens the Emperor persecuted the true Christians, Basill, and Eusebius of Caesarea did) then in wrath and spleen to seek out new matters of strife. If we have a purpose to strive and contend, let it be with mutual duties and godly emulation in the race of piety. If we have a desire to fight, go to it in God's name, let us skirmish against Pride, Covetousness, Ambition, and against our naughty and froward affections. Let us with our tears, and devout prayers, quench the fire of God's anger, which is kindled for our sins. Let us possess our Souls with Patience, Silence, and Hope. And mean while, howsoever it be, let us take courage, and sustain ourselves on this hope, that the end of Homicides, and jesuited Traitors hath always been most miserable, being such whom daily and domestic furies do torment, an ill conscience doth affright, and sudden destruction doth follow: And as Iwenall saith in his 13. Satire.  

— Diri conscia facti  
Mens habet attonites, & surdo verbere caedit,  
Occultum quatiente animo tortore flagellum  
Paena autem vehemens, & multo saevior illis,  
Nocte dieque suum gestare in pectore testem.  
Hi sunt qui trepidant, & ad omnia fulgura pallent.   

A guilty mind, whom cruel blood besmears,  
Still beats itself with deaf and unseen fears,  
The hidden scourge with dread still shakes their souls,  
And with a sharper pain the mind controls,  
To bear a self-accusing Conscience day and night;  
These thunder-fears, and lightnings do affright.   
Verily it is so indeed, and (Iwenall) thou hast (as they say) hit the nail on the head. And even Caligula, Domitian, Nero, and in our memory the Duke of Alba, and such like Monsters, would approve what thou hast affirmed, if they might return from hell again. Of these things, and such like, let good men meditate and comfort themselves, chiefly those Frenchmen, which once snatched out of those French flames, and forsaking that unhappy Kingdom, forsaking those fierce and ravenous Wolves, have arrived into this Realm of England, (that is) into the lap of Peace; not as into a banishment, or any vulgar or common Inn, but as into certain blessed and fortunate islands. And for us Low-Countrymen, if we be not unthankful, there is one most just and weighty cause why we should acknowledge the great blessing of God bestowed upon us, namely, the courtesy and hospitality of the English Nation, for (with grief I speak it) when with wringed hands, and wronged hearts we were constrained to behold the funerals, and woeful burials of out Country; when the cruel did rend and tear, and like a greedy beast did devour the body of our Commonwealth, and we (our laws, privileges, and all liberty bereft us) did as slaves, hold our lives and all our goods by entreaty: this kingdom, this Realm of England, which we may freely write, & dispute against the Popish Tyranny, crafts and superstitions, with the good leave of the most gracious Queen Elizabeth, (whose name and memory be always blessed even in that respect) was to a great many of us a safe refuge, a sure haven and a secure Sanctuary. This leave and singular favour from thence hath continued, and yet hitherto doth most graciously continue towards us, by the most mighty King of Great Britain: To whom likewise, and his Royal Progeny, for that cause be God propitious and favourable. As for us, we confess ourselves most highly bound and beholding to his Majesty.  
With a cheerful heart (most worthy Lord) pardon my passion, which now I stay, and cease to say any more of these thieves and Murderers, whom nevertheless I have but rather shadowed out, then expressed, for, how far should I then pass? what end would there be of my speech, if I had a purpose to rehearse all the misdeeds, of Popes, Jesuits, Priests, and Shavelings, clad in the religious habit? If I should utter their pestilent and deadly commands, which not being able to maintain by human justice, they use to defend by the painted show of Christian Religion, and Catholic name; if I should prove and set forth which is the greatest argument of all their wickedness, that they canonize thieves & cutthroats into their Bead-roll of Saints, and advance to titles and Cardinal-honours their Allies and kinsmen, taken from the dust and dunghill? Oh sins, oh plague, oh pestilence! O God if this be not madness and frenzy, what is?  
I cannot for anger, any more; only one thing I add, cry out, and so make an end of my speech; O excellent Interpreters of Divinity, increasers of iniquity, Correctors and reformers of Religion, and God's word, O excellent Bishop, a keeper of Sheep, as (they say) is the Wolf.  
I beseech the most great, most good God, (worthy Bishop) that he will long prosper you, sitting at the stern of the Church of England, together with the rest of the Lords Bishops, and Reverend Fathers in Christ, and guard you safe from all evil; no otherwise then the white of his eye; and at the last, that he will receive you (most worthy Lord, after that godly, good, and learned combat, which you sight, and have sought) out of this unclean world, out of this mist, or misery, and grief, into his heavenly and everlasting Kingdom, flowing with brightness and blessedness, and eternal joy without any sorrow.   

Of the Feast day of Saint BARTHOLOMEW.  
BArtholmew, why doth France each year to thee  
Make Holy that bad day? which should not be  
The cause of mischief much, was that one day,  
That only day did many good men slay:  
The good to good, the bad to bad incline,  
Then this day none more good, or bad did shine:  
Trust Popelings all, and trust you Shaved rout,  
God will at last your wicked deeds bring out.  
FINIS.