THE French History. That is; A lamentable Discourse of three of the chief, and most famous bloody broils that have happened in France for the Gospel of jesus Christ. Namely; 1 The outrage called The winning of S. james his Street, 1557. 2 The constant martyrdom of Annas Burgaeus one of the K. Council, 1559. 3 The bloody Marriage of Margaret Sister to Charles the 9 Anno 1572. Published by A. D. All that will live godly in jesus Christ, shall suffer persecution. 1. Tim. 3. 2. Imprinted at London by Thomas Orwin for William russel, dwelling at Exeter. 1589. To the right worshipful her loving Bro-Master Pearse Edgecombe, of Mount Edgecombe in Devon. Esquire, mercy and peace from jesus Christ. RIght worshipful, and my loving Brother, I have heard it often & truly reported; That, Laws may be broken, but Nature cannot be forgotten. I find the force of this in myself: if I find not the like in you, I blame not your nature, but the contrary crossings of those politic affections that hinder the working of it. When I had ended this present Pamphlet, I saw that the simplicity of it required a Patron; & the often remembrance of your former courtesies enforced me to make bold with you. Consider not therefore the worthiness of the work, but rather the will of the worker: for though the one may justly be condemned, yet the other deserves to be accepted. This Book which proceeds under your protection, if you consider the matter, I assure you it is most excellent and well worth the reading: but if you weigh the manner, I confess it is base & scarce worth the seeing. This is therefore my desire; that the simple attire of this outward form, may not discourage you from seeking the comfortable taste of the inward substance. You shall find here many things for comfort worthy the considering, and for policy the observing. This hath been my ordinary exercise for recreation at times of leisure for a long space together: If I were sure that you would but take half so much pleasure in reading it, as I have in collecting and disposing it: I should not need any farther to commend it. If you find any thing that fits not your liking, remember I pray, that it is a woman's doing. The thing itself will sufficiently prove this to be true. Thus committing the patronage of this my recreation unto your protection, and you withmy good sister in law your wife, & all your children to the Lords tuition, I cease to trouble you: Honiton, the 25. day of julie. 1589. Your loving Sister Anne Dowriche. PEARSE EDGECOMBE. The sharpest EDGE will soon PEARSE and COME unto AN end. Yet DOUBT not, but be rich in hope, and take that I do send. A. D. P Put not your trust in fading earth puffed up with fainting stays; Possess the Lord, so shall you still persist in godly ways. E Exalt your eyes from common shapes, esteem not of this pelf; Express in deeds what faith you have, examine well yourself. A As winds disperse the wavering chaff, and toss it quite away; All worldly pomp shall so consume, and pass without delay. R Repleated oft with wandering change recount your life to be; Remember well, no blessed fruit remains on cursed tree. S So shall you trace the perfect path salvation to attain; So shall you see this glittering gloze set out to be but vain. E EXtinguish then the carnal course exempted from above; Expel the qualms of fond delights, excel in godly love. D Depart not from the living Lord, delight to read his word; Delay no time, for he doth still defend us with the sword. G Give to your God your soul & life, good gain ensues thereby; Grieve not the Spirit that warneth you great dangers for to fly. C Cast all your care on him alone, care for no other pray, Considering he your greatest griefs can quickly take away. O Of all things lent unto this life one thing account the best, Only the truth & fear of God, on which our souls must rest. M Make no account of trustless trash, molesting miser's mind; Mark how these maskers oftentimes much care & sorrow find. B Beware betimes of had I witted; be not these pleasures vain? Believe in Christ, and so you shall be sure to live again. To the Reader. AMongst many excellent precepts which Saint Paul gave unto the Church, this is to be considered; Let all things be done unto edifying. If this had been of all men well considered, many things which now fly abroad, might well have been spared. That my only purpose in collecting & framing this work, was to edify, comfort and stir up the godly minds unto care, watchfulness, Zeal, & ferventness in the cause of God's truth; you shall easily perceive by the choosing and ordering of these singular examples which hereafter ensue. In which these special circumstances are to be considered. First, The great fury and rage of Satan likely to be displaced from his Kingdom of error and blindness; the frantic madness of the ignorant possessed people, delighting in darkness, and striving to uphold the Kingdom of their Master; and the prompt facility and readiness of Satan's ministers to put in execution any kind of wickedness: all which is to be seen both in the first example of The winning of Saint james his Street, & in all the rest of the book. secondly, The power, majesty, & dignity of the Devil, possessing the chiefest States of the earth, & seeming to the outward appearance to wield the Truth unto his obedience, in suppressing the strongest that dared openly to withstand him: in the Story of Annas Burgaeus. thirdly, The policy and craft of Satan and his members in devising by subtlety to cirumvent the godly; under the shadow of trust, to exercise tyranny; under the colour of courtesy to practise cruelty; and under the vail of a sacred oath, to cover most shameful villainy. This is to be seen in the third example, of the miserable Massacre at the bloody marriage. We had need therefore to be watchful, strong, and wise: watchful in prayer, that we be not taken sleeping; strong in faith, that we be not overthrown by Satan's might; wise as serpents, that we be not deceived by the devils allurements. We are to learn also, what trust we ought to repose in the promises and oaths of professed Papists, what show so ever they make of love and friendship. Here as in a glass, you shall plainly see the picture of all the moral virtues most lively described, in the strange patience, the godly perseverance, the comfortable orations, sweet speeches, and the constant and famous endings of these sacred Martyrs. Wheresoever thou shalt find the Devil brought in Poëticallie to make any oration to the King and States of France, as in many places he is: then understand, that under those speeches are expressed all the subtleties, villainies, cruelties and policies that were devised, and by devilish means put in practice against the godly, more lively to set them down in their colours, as if it came from the devils own mouth, as no doubt it came from his spirit. Again, in all the orations of the Martyrs, & of the King, the Queen, the Guise, and all other that have speeches in this book, mark that of purpose the nature both of the person that speaks and also of the matter that is spoken, are lively set down: so that here are not bare examples of virtue and vice, but also the nature and qualities of those virtues or villainies are manifestly depainted to them that will seek for it. The noble Martyrs of England are known sufficiently almost to all; these excellent French Histories were seen but of few, being in worthiness nothing inferior unto the other. The causes why I have described it in verse are 3. First for mine own exercise, being a learner in that faculty; secondly, to restore again some credit if I can unto poetry, having been defaced of late so many ways by wanton vanities. thirdly, for the more novelty of the thing, and apt facility in disposing the matter framed to the better liking of some men's fantasies, because the same Story in effect is already translated into English prose. Many of these orations that are here fully & amply expressed, were in the French Commentaries but only in substance lightly touched, and the sum set down without amplifying the circumstance, and yet here is no more set down, than there is signified. I have also, for the more terror unto the wicked, diligently collected the great plagues and just judgements of God showed against the persecutors in every several History, & have set them down so in order, and amplified them by the like judgements against sinners out of the word and other histories, that every proud persecutor may plainly see what punishment remaineth due unto their wicked tyranny. To speak truly without vain glory, I think assuredly, that there is not in this form any thing extant which is more forcible to procure comfort to the afflicted, strength to the weak, courage to the faint hearted, and patience unto them that are persecuted, than this little work, if it be diligently read and well considered. So wishing that all the excellent and rare wits that now flourish in England, and show themselves many times in vain devices, would all learn to consecrate their singular gifts to the glory of God, the edifying of his Church, and the salvation of the souls of Gods chosen. Then would the Lord still bless their labours, and give their names a perpetual memory. So I commit thee to God's protection, and commend this my pleasant exercise to thy good liking: which, if I perceive to be accepted, thou shalt encourage me to proceed, to make thee acquainted with more excellent actions. Honiton in Devon, this xxv. of july. 1589. A: Dowriche. To the Reader that is friendly to Poetry. What so thou be that readst my Book, Let wit so weigh my will; That due regard may here supply The want of learned Skill. A: D: THE FRENCH History. AS walking on a day, the woods and forests nigh: In shrilling voice, and mournful tunes, me thought I heard one cry. Which sudden fear so dashed my blood and senses all, That as one in a trance I stayed to see what would befall. A thousand thoughts oppressed my fearful wavering brain, In musing what amid the woods that fearful voice should mean I feared least thieves had robbed and cast some man aside: Because it was the common way where men did use to ride. Among the savage beasts that in these woods remain, I doubted lest some trauler stood in danger to be slain. But casting fear apart, I ran toward the place, To see the wight that did lament, and wail his woeful case. Alone, no peril nigh, within a bushy dale, A stranger sat: I got aside to hear his doleful tale. O noble France (quoth he) that borest sometime the bell, The pitifu●… mentation 〈◊〉 godly Fre●… Exile, whi●… for persecu●…on forsook 〈◊〉 Country. And for thy pleasure and thy wealth all Nations didst excel! How art thou now of late with mischief so possessed, That all the Realms of Christendom thy falsehoods do detest? Where is thy vernant hue? thy fresh and flowering fame? " What fell unlucky spot is this, that so doth slain thy name? " Where is thy mirth become? where is thy smiling cheer? " Where is thy joyful peace, that erst did make thee shine so clear? " Where are thy youthly troops, the Nobles of thy Land? " Where is thy faith; without the which, no realm can ever stand. " Where is the mutual love that Prince and people had? " Where is the noble union, that makes the Country glad? " Where is the due regard that Princes ought to have; " From all the bands of tyranny their people for to save? " Where is thy pity gone, where is thy mercy fled; " That Lion-like in every place such Christian blood is shed? " But these of late to thee o France have bid adieu, " That rigour reigns in mercy's seat: alas, it is too true. " For having no remorse to hear thy children's groan, " Like as a widow comfortless thou shalt be left alone. " For they that fear the Lord, and have for him a care, " Have learned too late the costly wit thy treasons to beware. " Therefore thy children have their native Coasts resigned, " With better hope in foreign Lands more mercy for to find. " And that which is the worst, I see thou dost not way " The Spider's spite, that long hath wove the web of thy decay. " Therefore if thou wilt know the cause of all thy woe; " Then mark the judgements of the Lord, from which thou canst not go. " If juda now (saith he) should ask the causes why ●emie 9 12. " Their Land was like a wilderness that no man passed by; " He makes no long delay, but bids the Prophet show, " This plague doth always follow them that do despise his law. " For they that Idols serve, and from the Lord do shrink, " They shall be fed with bitter gall, & wormwood water drink. " And why at sundry times was Egypt plagued so? " But for because he would not yield to let God's people go. " Why was the Lord with Saul so wroth and full of ire, Samuel 15. " In sparing Agag and the beasts the people did desire? " For he had now accursed both Agag and his Land, " Commanding Saul without remorse to kill them out of hand: " Because this Amalek would not at all vouchsafe " Within his Land Gods chosen lock a passage for to have: " But falsely did conspire to work their open shame, Exedus 17. 4. " To snare their feet they lay in wait from Egypt as they came. Numb. 24. 20. " And thou jerusalem, what sin did file thy fall, " When Titus and Vespasian did tumble down thy wall? " Why did the Lord depart from thee that wast so brave, " And to thy foes made thee a pray, a jest, a servile slave? " Because amids thy mirth thy God thou didst forget, " And wouldst not have his prophets live, but didst them il entreat. " O France therefore be wise, learn ere it be too late " By these examples, to begin these bloody sins to hate. " For thou with juda land hast done thy God great wrong, France compared with juda, Egypt, Agipt and jerusalem. " To serve and set up other Gods to run a whoring long. " Thou hast for wooden Gods, God's lively Image spilled: " And with the streams of christian blood the streets & cannels filled " Thou hast with Egypt long God's word in prison penned▪ " And wilfully refused the light that he to thee hath sent. " The M●ses that gins this light for to unfold, " Thou seek'st to lap him presently in chains and irons cold. " Thou dost with Amalek with all thy wit assay " To lie in wait that in thy land the truth may have no way. " And thou a cruel nurse to Gods elect hast been, " To blemish thus the shining light that in thee hath been seen. " And with jerusalem God's Prophets thou hast slain, " That in thy popish ignorance thou mightest still remain. " If juda shall be fed with wormwood mixed with gall; " If wilful Egypt plagued were that kept God's Church in thrall; " If God no pity showed, and mercy none would have " Upon the land of Amalek, nor man nor beast to save; " And if the blinded pride that in jeruslem dwelled, " Can not escape Gods heavy wrath, but man & child it felt. " What shall become of thee thou blind and bloody land? " How dost thou think for to escape Gods just revenging hand? " But sith I do not doubt God will revenge our case, " And for his chosen when he list provide a dwelling place; " I will no more lament in sad and mourning style, " But thank the Lord that set me safe within this pleasant I'll. " O happy England, thou from God above art blest, " Which hast the truth established with peace and perfect rest. " God give thee therewithal a good and thankful mind, " That to thy loving God no way thou show thyself unkind. " But still thou mayst remain as thou hast been of yore, " A Nurse to God's afflicted flock, that he may bless thee more? " But now will I departed, the Lord direct my way, " And send me in this pleasant I'll some simple slender stay: " Till God grant me return, or otherwise provide. a The French pilgrim ha●●ng espied the author cometh to him. But is not that an Englishman that I have yonder spied? b The t●●●g be●eene them. Well met my friend, tell what thou art that makest this moan? And why within these desert woods art thou thyself alone? c The Pilgrim. " I am a stranger wight, and France my native soil, " From which, of late, by luckless chance, & need, am forced to toil. " Such troubles and such wars of late have there befell, " That such as fear the Lord aright no surety have to dwell " Within that woeful Land: so God me hither sent " To live with you in happy state, which he this Land hath lent. d The English●●n the Au●●or. Oh happy then am I: my friend I thee desire Come go with me, for of these wars I greatly long to hear. And if that thou wilt stay, as long as thou wilt crave My house as thine, and all therein thou shalt be sure to have. Therefore my friend I pray, thy wit and tongue prepare, The cause of all these bloody broils in verse for to declare. And first of all describe the matter, and the man, The place, the time, the manner how this Civil war began. e The Exile. " O Sir, but this request doth pierce my wounded heart, " Which gladly would forget again my woeful country's smart. " For who can well display the treasons and the guiles, " The bloody murders merciless, the snares and crafty wiles " Which France hath put in ure these thirty years and more, " The like of which in Christendom was never seen before? " But sith it is your will to know the woeful state hate. " Of Christ's afflicted Church in France, which Antichrist doth " Come rest you here a while, and mark what I shall tell, " Great wars & broils I must declare, God grant it may be well. " And first to pitch the plot that you do so desire, " I will unfold the chiefest cause that kindled first this fire. ABout the very year of Christ his Incarnation A thousand five hundred fifty seven by just computation: The French Pilgrim describeth the caus● of the Civil wars in Fr●●● Henry ware the Crown the second of that name, In whose unhappy Reign began this fearful fiery flame. For now in France began God's truth for to appear, Whose joyful beams in Germany at this time shone full clear. But as the jews sometimes God's Prophets did despise, And as the Scribes and pharisees did set their whole devise To shade the shining light, which God to them had sent: So France in fury blindly set against God's truth is bend. Which truth but lately sown, and scant appearing green, They seek by force, by fire & sword to root & raze it clean. But though proud Pharaoh did Gods chosen long oppress, Yet still amids the fiery broils his people did increase. So now amids the flame God's word a passage found, Which did increase his chosen flock by force of silver sound. Which sound in Gods elect did work such sudden change In all estates, that at the first in France it seemed strange. God's mighty Spirit did work his mercy still was priest, That some of all estates were called their blindness to detest. Though riches be a let, and noble birth some stay, That very few of these (saith Christ) do find the perfect way: Yet God to bring to pass the work he did intend, Did also raise some Noble men the poorer to defend. So now they fall at square, now here began the strife: For Satan could not bear to see a new reformed life. That prophesy is true (for Christ did speak the word) I came not to give peace to mine, but strife, debate, & sword. Matth. 10. 34. The son against the sire, Luke 12▪ 31. one friend against another, The word shall brothers part, & set the daughter 'gainst the mother. So fell it out in France, his word did now divide His chosen, from the rest of those that took the adverse side. The Land divided thus, two parts there fell at first; God's people were in number lest, the greater was the worst. Now Satan was afraid, for now he strived sore To keep the King and chiefest States in blindness as of yore. It pinched him to the quick to lose his kingdom so, It greeude him to the heart that he should let his servants go. He sits not idle now, he calls his wits in place, Some cunning knack for to contrive to help him in this case. His wily wilful craft by long experience bred Hath taught him now an ancient feat to crush the gospels head. Now summons he his men and servants to appear; The first crati●●● of the devil 〈◊〉 the king, the Queen mother ●nd Court of ●aris. Now help me at this need (quoth he) my friends & fellows dear: Now is the time to stir while matters yet be new, While blinded minds in doubting hang, not knowing what istrue. For if the word of God do once begin to shine, " Then farewell all, I shallbe feign my kingdom to resign. " But if you will agree and follow mine advise, " We shall cut off this sown word, as fast as it shall rise. " And first we must give out some vile and lewd report " Of such as do profess the truth, and such as do resort " Unto their Sermons: so this way it will be best, " To make the King and many more their dealings to detest. " And when as they shall meet in Church to serve the Lord, " we'll say they do defile themselves, to make them more abhorred. " And when in fields they join their joyful Psalms to sing, " We must give out that they conspire which way to kill the King. " So to their filled talk the King will give no heed, " But give us leave, and join with us against them to proceed. " And many that shall hear this smooth invented lie, " Will never seek the truth: but then condemn them by & by▪ " So shall we have our will, so shall we set a stay " For those that seek to know the truth to stop them in their way. " And that we may the more their dealings quite deface, " I must devise to point you all your office and your place: " For some must Captains be to lie in wait for blood, " And burn them in their temples all, to do your master good " And such must always be abroad to range the coasts, " In every place to lie in wait, and meet them at their hosts. " And some must stay at home to lie in Prince's ear, " That of these men within his sight not one may dare appear. " If force will not prevail, if Nobles take their part, " By flattery than some must attempt these Nobles to subvert. This said it was agreed, the Counsel cried, Amen. And every one to play his part did give his promise then. O poor unhappy place, o France how art thou led, Thou gleanst the sap of deadly food in steed of lively bread. The Mother Queen as chief doth promise to begin, By treason joined with flattery to trap them in her gin. And he that was ordained to watch the Prince's hall, Was bloody jews of Lorraine town that filthy Cardinal. And they that took in hand false rumours for to sow, Were Priests, & friars, with device God's truth to overthrow. The Captains that were glad to take this cause in hand, The blinded Guis●s were, which swore to lead this bloody band. Now let us see the end, how these their parts do play; And mark where all things fall not out as we have heard them say. The first outrage and horrible murder of the the Godly, called The winning of Saint james his Street. NOw at this very time when Philip King of Spain a In the reign of Henry the second, Anno 1557. Came to Sanquintines, guarded with a great and mighty train: The Constable of France to meet him made some haste, Whose power was vanquished there, and he fell b Philip King of Spain having married Marie Queen of England, gave the Constable of France a great overthrow, which afterward was called the over throw of Laurence Day. prisoner at the last. The faithful which beheld great danger nigh at hand, Which God did threaten now to fall, on them, their prince, & land. With one consent they meet, to God they cry and c The godly in danger fall to pra●er, as their best refuge. pray: Which is the only means for sin God's heavy wrath to stay. But once above the rest, as in S. james his street In Paris town they did agree great numbers for to meet, To pray unto the Lord to quench this flaming fire, They might receive his Sacraments, & eke his word to hear; d The wicked cannot abide ●nie good exercise. The spies that lay in wait such vantage for to get, In tumult armed the common sort their houses to beset. Whose folly thus abused, which fury did incense, With weapons ran, as if these men had done some great offence. The faithful closed thus, no way there was to fly, The e The violent and mad rage of Satan against the word. rage and tumult was so great, they yielded all to die. To God they did commend their bodies and their life, And with their humble suits assayed, to suage their raging strife. But all could not prevail, their words could not be heard, For fury to their just excuse did give but small regard. But God that never fails his servants at their need, By stretching out his helping hand, did stand then now in steed. For as to Peter once in prison closely penned, To lose his locks and set him free an Angel there was sent; A certain gate in this assault by the providence of God was wonderfully opened, for the safeguard of many, when the houses were on every side beset. So God now made a way a passage strange to give, By opening of a mighty door the weaker to relieve. By which the fainter sort without all danger fled, The greater sort were taken then, and strait to prison led. Among which godly troup that did their bodies yield, Were women of great parentage which were with shame revilde (Of them whom fury fed) to prison as they went, Yet for all this these noble minds their deeds did not repent. And that which was the worst, Murder with Satan's Mistress, findeth more friendship than the truth. in prison where they were, The thieves and bloody murderers did find more favour ther. For they that death deserved were taken from their clink, And in their cold & ugly pits which breathed a deadly stink These men were thrust & bound, & kept with watch & ward, That all access of worldly joy from them might quite be barred. Yet now because they had not room enough for all, In divers wards alone to pen, these captives thus in thrall; Great numbers they were feign together for to place, To comfort them God did devise to bring it so to pass. The prisons now did ring with Psalms and joyful songs, The exercise of the godly. They prayed god when he thought best to ease them of these wrongs When this was noisde abroad and some were thither sent To know the cause: Commandment was given by the King, that some meet men should be chosen to consider the causes of these captives. then this was found the sum of their intent, a The cause of this great tumult. At first when they did meet, a lecture there was red In vulgar tongue out of God's book, whereby their souls were fed. Then did the preacher show, & there he did recite The use of that most sacred feast whereof S. Paul did write, Unto the Corinth's once: In which he showed plain The use and abuse of the same, to comfort or to pain. When this was done, again they fell upon their knees, And for the King & Commons all they prayed with watery eyes: That God would yet withhold his just revenging hand, And bless with perfect truth & peace, their King, & eke their land. Then did they all receive Communion bread and wine To stay their faith in Christ his death, whereof this a sign. Now this was all the hurt which they did then procure▪ For which this raging tumult rose, & they these pains endure. But mark the creeping craft of Satan in this case, ●●thans wick●d policy, by ●is ministers to ●●●face the ●●●uth with ●●●ined lies. How he by false report doth seek the truth for to deface. His servants now he sends, and bids them ride in post, These new invented lies to spread abroad in every Coast. First how the Lutherans, ●he first lie ●●at Satan ●readeth against the god●●. (so Satan did them name) Great wickedness did put in use in places where they came. And how that in the night when other were at sleep, In darkness where no candles were, great numbers on a heap Of men and women both together did resort To match themselves; for to fulfil a stinking filthy sport. And how these godly men all sitting in a round, Upon the tables where they sat, great dainties there were found, As wine, and belly cheer, and each with others wife, In these their privy Bacchus feasts did lead a filthy life. And how among the rest to work their wicked will, Their usage was (o shameless lie!) their infants for to kill. These godly men (say they) that seem to shine so clear, Now under show of godly life most filthy do appear. The Monks as Legates lewd of Pluto's bloody mind, The devils ambassadors. Do sweat & some to blaze abroad this stinking hellish wind. As men that were most fit to spread this lying same, Which in their lives as doth appear do daily use the same. But they in open place these matters so dilate, That in the minds of blinded fools, they raise a deadly hate Against these seely souls, which never meant this ill, That eke the common sort did long these godly men to kill. And not the common sort are now deceived alone, But this assails the Noble men, and strikes the Prince's throne. Which lie no sooner came before the Prince's face, Princes are many times abused by lying Parasites. But stood in hope by Satan's means, to find assured grace. Whose mind by light belief in fury so was bend, That to destroy these hurtless men he plants his who●● intent. The chief angels of Satan which fight against Michael our Christ, are the wicked Princes & potentates of the world, Revel. 12. 7. So now he gives in charge to have their dealings tri●●▪ And chosen men he did appoint the same for to decide. These men in office put, no time could idle spend, But hard against these silly sheep their wolvish wits do bend. This poor afflicted flock that now in prison lay, In godly joy, but worldly grief did pass the time away. And they that were in faith more stronger than the rest, To comfort those that were but weak, They that of the Lord have received greater portion of knowledge and faith, are bound to comfort the weaker. their will was ever priest. And those that were at large did trudge from place to place, To ease the outward grief of such as saw this heavy case. Declaring by the word that this came not by chance: But God was he for some intent which lead this woeful dance. Perchance to show his will, The comfortable speeches of the godly one tewards another. perchance to try their faith, Perchance to plant his hidden truth by their most happy death: Perchance to be a means their foes for to confound, As once amids the floods he struck proud Pharaoh to the ground. " Perchance amidst our mirth, our God we did forget: " And youthly bent, to vain delights perchance our mind did set " So God in mercy now to call us home again, " And see ourselves: hath thought it good to let us feel some pain. Yet still amids the flame let this be all our rest, Patience a notable token of God's election, and love. That all things done to Gods elect are always for the best. Thus did they still remain; to God they did commend Themselves, Fasting and praie● the only best weapons of the godly ●n adversity. their case, content to bear what ever God should send. And now with solemn fasts & prayer put in ure, And eke by writing they assay, some favour to procure. The King they do request that truth might try their deeds, The godly captives writ to the King. That justice cycle might divide the Roses from the weeds; That fickle flying tales from credit might be barred, " Till that by just and equal proof both parties have been heard. " And if it were his will that they might now dispute, " They doubted not by written word the Sorbons to confute. Yet this could not prevail for all this good device: ●●thaa alway ●●●idie at a ●●●ch. For some stood by, that told the king, their writings all were lies The godly grieved thus, as reason did them bind, By other letters try to change the King's affected mind. 〈◊〉 earnest ●●●ters the se●●d time wr●t●●n to the king, 〈◊〉 the innocent ●●●tiues. In which they warn his Grace to look unto himself, Not to prefer before his God this wicked worldly pelf. And therewithal to view the state of that his Land, How all things prospered well which he did take in hand, " So long as to the truth he bent a willing ear, And to the godly Christian flock a faithful heart did bear. 〈◊〉 his K. Henry 〈◊〉 2 was once 〈◊〉 enemy to 〈◊〉 e Pope, and ●●●emed to fa●●●r the Gospel. But since he broke his faith he gave the German band, And to that greasy Priest of Rome again did give his hand, How all things since have gone a clean contrary way, " And nothing prospered well sith he the truth did so betray. " And now o Prince (quoth they) except thou do repent, " Assure thyself to plague this sin the Lord is fully bend. " And he that now hath lent to thee this happy Reign, " Will for thy sin most surely turn thy pleasure into pain. " The Constable of France a looking glass may be, " In whom the end of swelling pride your Grace may plainly see. " Who proudly swearing said, If he returned sound, " He would not cease till he had quashed Geneva to the ground. But God that sits above his folly did deride, ●●od for his ●●●ercie many ●●●●es giveth ●●●yrants little ●●●wer. And at Sanquintines did confound his purpose and his pride. So he that lately swore against the Lord to fight, Was taken captive by the foe, his army put to flight. " Of wicked wilful wits this is the woeful end, " When fancy ruled by witless will, their strength will strive to bend " Against the Lord. But now o King we do not care; " For whatsoever God shall send we willing are to bear. But yet of this be sure, The blood of the martyrs i● the seed of the Church. the blood that thou dost wring From us unjustly, is the seed whereby the Church doth spring. And though our bodies be consumed in the flame, Yet of our ashes God will raise that shall defend the same. Truth, the true Phoenix. To shade the shining light, no wit can well prevail: So vain, to strive to stay the truth which God doth now reveal. Thus while the Godly work their causes to defend, The wicked imps of Satan lurk to bring them to their end. But one above the rest their death did daily crave, Munerius that bloody wretch, that false and perjured knave. Who having now of late by falsehood cracked his fame, Did hope by hate of Gods elect again to win the same. Such are worthy men to be the devils ch●pions. And having now attained the Prince's bill assigned, In Paris town before the States he shows the Prince's mind: Which was, that presently (all business set aside) The King would have the prisoners called, their dealings to be tried. And that they should proceed to judge, & eke believe According to the evidence Munerius then should give. These letters being read, the Senate all agree Not to receive Munerius, He that ha● been once false for sworn is n●● to be receive a witness in a 〈◊〉 matter. nor any thing that he Should lay against the life of those that faithful were, For that himself had falsed his faith, which lately did forswear. And yet they did proclaim, that they would not refuse If any other would step forth the faithful to accuse. So, willing to perform the King's intended mind, Their cankered malice plant the plot to have the day assigned, When these afflicted souls from prison to their doom, Before the whelps of pilate's brood to judgement now should come. The day is come, and they that were before ordained To show the glory of the Lord, could not be now constrained By all their brave device the truth for to deny: The wicked make quick dispatch in 〈◊〉 demning the godly. But for the same amidst the flame they willing were to die. The bloody sentence past, (which was the King's desire) The valiant troup of godly men were drawn unto the fire, And chained to their stakes all naked as they stood: Unto the Lord their cry was heard from out amids the wood. But to the wicked troup which longed to see that day, They knowing sure their causes good, this or the like did say. NOw shall you have your will, ●he triumph 〈◊〉 the godly o●●●r their enemy's, even in 〈◊〉 midst of 〈◊〉 fire. now shall you do your worst: Now shall ye have out guiltless blood, for which ye long did thirst. We fear not of this death, we know that all must die, Yea happy are those silly souls whom thus the Lord doth try. O welcome joyful day, o welcome happy pain; " A crown immortal with this flesh, ●m. 1. 2. we shall receive again. " Now hath the Lord here brought, ●b. 5. 17. and placte us in this death, " Not for because he hates his truth, Cro. 32 31 but for to try our faith. " The counsel of the Lord hath sent what we receive, ●ct. 4. 28. " And you to us shall do no more than God shall give you leave. ●●ohes. 1. 11. 〈◊〉 " And you that are our foes, ●hil. 1. 28. beware the deadly sign, " Which shows you none of Gods elect, while thus ye do repine " Against his known truth: for which we undertake " To spend our blood in his defence, and suffer for his sake. " The blood of Abel cried for vengeance to the Lord, ●●nes. 4. 10. " Which fell on Cain & all his seed, (whom men & earth abhorred) " From which the Lord defend both you, and eke our land: " O Lord revenge not this our wrong, but stay thy furio●s hand; " And give them yet some space for to repent this thing; " And for our death we do forgive both them & eke our King. ●ct 7. 60. " Whose life the Lord preserve in health and perfect peace, " And grant that under him the truth may have some joyful ease. " And though you have some power this flesh for to destroy, " Yet cannot us your rage divide from Christ's immortal joy. " And though our breakfast seem to flesh and blood some pain, " Yet shall we sup with jesus Christ, and ease receive again. " Into thy blessed hands, o Lord our souls receive: " For of this earth and earthly trash o Lord we take our leave. Thus on the Lord they cried, which was their only trust, Till that the flame had stayed their voice, & body burnt to dust. Now we that do remain our parts are yet to play, But when o Lord our time shall come, grant us like happy day. And when our trial draws, no matter where nor when, That God will give like constant faith; let us cry all Amen. The judgements of the Lord showed upon these bloody persecutors in this first outrage, by the example of many the like out of the Scriptures. But let us here behold God's judgements just and true, Which never fail to follow them, which do his truth pursue. Genes. 4. 15. As wicked Cain did long poor Abel's blood to have, So did the Lord mark him to be a vile and vagrant slave. When Esau did intend his brother for to kill, Genes. 27. 41. The Lord did bless good jacob so, he could not have his will. When Pharaoh followed fast God's people to have slain, Exod. 14. 27. amids the floods then justly fell both he and all his train. As Miriam grudged against the truth which she did know, Nomb. 12. 20. So did her fault soon find her out a leper white as snow. When Korath and his mates good Moses did deprave, Nomb. 16. 33 The earth did gape, and they went all alive into the grave. And whilst at Bephidim God's people did remain, Exod 17. 8. The Amalecks of Esau's brood poor jacob would have slain. Deut. 25. 17. But God did not forget this foul and filthy thing, 1. Sam. 15. 33 Which after smote with fatal sword, Wisdom. 11. ● both them and eke their King. Though Saul did persecute God's chosen Prophet long, 1. Sam. 19 10. Yet did the Lord at length revenge poor David & his wrong: For now the hand that itched this David's blood to spill, 1. Sam. 31. 4. Was it that framed the deadly blade his master for to kill. That Nabal which refused his help to David send, 1 Sam. 25. 10. Was stricken so, vers. 38. that there he made a short and woeful end. And Shimei that revilde King David to his face, 2. Sam. 16. 5. It was not long but that he died in poor and woeful case. 1. King. 46. 1. And as Achitephel great mischief did intend, 2. Sam. 17. 1. So did the Lord from traitors all his chosen still defend: Whose counsel being quashed (for so the Lord assigned, He got him home & hanged himself to case his careful mind. vers. 23. So jerebeam felt God's judgements sharp and cold, 1. King. 13. 4. When he thrust out his wicked hand his Prophet for to hold. So jezabel which did Elias once pursue, 1. King. 19 3. When jehu came to jezrael, her faithful servant threw Her carcase headlong down from window high to street, 2. King. 30. Where trampled down the greedy dogs her cursed flesh did eat. 'Gainst Christ the Pilate which wrong judgement erst did give, Euse. eccl. hist. Did kill himself, 2. book 7. as one that was not worthy for to live. And when against the truth proud Herodes hand was bend, Chapter. He killed james, Ibid cap. 9 and Peter was in prison closely penned: The Angel of the Lord of pride did show the price, Acts. 11. 23. That in a while his cursed corpses was eaten all with louse. As judas was content his master to betray, Matth. 26. 47. So guilty conscience did consent to work his own decay. Acts. 1. 18. Like as in former age to rebels stout and strong, Maxentius, 〈◊〉 ●ulianus, Va●ens, being per●ecuters of the faithful, had he like end Munerius put ●o open shame and banished its country. God's justice hath been plainly seen in am of cursed wrong▪ So all this faithless troup, which lewdly did conspire This murder in S. james his street, have likewise felt his ire. For first the Praetor, which Munerius had to name, For just desert, in public view received open shame. And yet besides all this, they straightly did proclaim, That he should void his native soil, & not return again. But whilst he was in hold his conscience did confess, This plague was just; for that he sought Gods chosen to oppress A a A judge that gave sentence, was stricken with sudden death. judge that sentence gave against his known faith, An angel struck him from the Lord with sharp & sudden death. Another judge that was now sick and like to die, " Cried out; b O the deadly sting of a guilty conscience. I see my judgement just, for that vile caitiff I " By malice have been feign God's people for to kill: " Who pray, and live most godly bent according to his will. Two c Two others cruel in the former slaughter, died suddenly in the sight of all men. others being chief in murder that was past, By sudden death in view of all like vengeance now do taste. And other d Other two as they returned from the murder, fell at contention, and at last were slain one of an other. two which now of blood had drunk their fill, As they came from this murder, they did one other kill. Now let us learn by this, God's truth for to embrace, That we feel not by due desert his anger in like case. The notable, famous, and constant martyrdom of Annas Burgeus, which, being one of the King's Counsel, was burnt for the Gospel of jesus Christ. ABout this very time by force of sudden jar, The second example of the French cruelty. Between the Kings of Spain and France, was likely to be war. But Herode to agree with Pilate was content, Luk. 23. 12. And for to murder jesus Christ they both do join consent. So now there was a league, where both did give their word To root and raze Gods sown truth, by faggot, fire and sword. The * The graff that grieved Satan, was the Truth, which now in France increased daily: which was the cause of this present Persecution. graff that Satan grieves did yet begin to spring, The tree of life some joyful fruit as now did seem to bring. Whose bud enameled green, and blossom sweet to see, Enraged Satan's fiery mood with malice; so that he In fury headlong runs: he frets, he fumes, he raves, And of the King some speedy help in present danger craves. a The spea●●s of the ●●uell to K. ●enrie the ●●cond. " The fate that files my fall, o King faith he, is this; " Your Senate favours truth too much, your judges too remiss: " They are not sharp enough to shred appearing ill, " They suffer imps of Luther's sect too much to have their will. " The b The King appointed an assembly to be ●ade, to consider of the Edict of Ca●●ellobrian. King not well content, provideth out of hand " Some new assembly to be had, to have this matter scanned. " The Senate being set, the King's Attorney first c The speeches of the godly against the Papists cruelty. " Doth gravely show unto them all; how that the K. doth thirst " To have them all agree in matters touching faith, " And to consent that Luther's brood should all be put to death: The speeches of the K. Attornie ●o the Assembly. " For that some strife of late there was between them found, " Concerning this. But to their shames this jarring would redound. " Because for Heretics some first would have them tried, " And some would have them banished, & some would have them fried. " And therefore wisheth all with him to give consent, That death might end this strife, which thing the king hath alway meant. This was a d This was Satan's subtlety to bewray such of the judges, as were suspected for Religion: which after was the cause of Annas Bargaeus death. subtle slight the godly to betray; That such as spoke against the same, their conscience should bewray. But yet among the rest some freely spoke their mind; That reason for so cruel act as yet they could not find. " The King would have (say they) but Heretics to die: " And what are they but such as dare the Scriptures to deny? " If any such be found, let them be wrong to death; " Because the word is all our stay, and Author of our faith. " But if for Heretics the godly should be slain, " God would revenge their blood, and we by this should reap no gain. " And those which you do think the truth do now deny, " Their reasons, deeds & faith we see, wherein they stoutly die. " Therefore if from the Lord this counsel do proceed, Acts. 5. 39 " To strive against the same, it were a vain and sinful deed. Thus did the better sort their godly thoughts bewray; Which being crossed with counter cranks, was cause of their decay. For Satan fearing lest their sentence would prevail, Sent two in post unto the King these dealings to reveal. The limbs of Pluto which this bloody message went, Egidius and Minardus were fit hounds for such a scent. 2. Counsellors of the same Senate. Who coming to the King most falsely did declare, " That in the Senate such were found which stoutly now did " Religion to deride, The Oration of the wicked Counsellors to the K. colourea with lies, the more to move him to wrath. and speeches let to fall dare " That for his Laws and Edicts past they made no count at al. " Now therefore is the time your Grace must look about, " That springing shows of future ill your wisdom may root out. " For if you should permit these rebels thus to thrive, " Great peril is least of your crown your Grace they would deprive. The King inflamed thus, doth make no long delay, But to the Senate where they sat he takes his ready way. Where placed in his throne, and having paused a while, Thus spoke in presence of them all in high and princely style. " THe Lord that dareth all and weeldes the golden sphere " Hath sent us now a wished peace, The speech of K Him the second unto the S●nate. devoid of foreign fear. " Which peace is aye confirmed by band of solemn vow; " And plighted faith of solemn match, which none can disallow. " Yet one thing there remains to perfect this my State; " That in Religion one consent might banish all debate. " Which is the only cause that moves my pensive heart " In this your meeting for to join, and bear a careful part. " This is therefore in few our crave and eke request; " That every man do show his mind as he shall think it best. Here some that had before in words been very rife, Began to stay; and doubted much the danger of their life. Yet there were some which now a noble courage take, Annas Burgeus as the chief this doubtful silence broke. a The not a●● Oration ●f Annas Burgaus, delivered ●efore the King in the ●●at house. " Who lifting up his hands, in heart began to pray, " With thanks to God that he did live to see that happy day " Wherein the Lord had wrought such care within his grace, " That he would bend his willing ear to judge so weighty case. " The cause saith he is Christ's which we have now in hand, " For which the Lord will surely bless both you & eke your land. " This is the blessed b He setteth ●ut the po●er & ver●ue of the ●ord of god, and what a ●lessing it bringeth to them that lawfully re●●iue it. Ark that came to Edomes' hall, " For which the Lord hath blessing sent on him, his house & al. " This is the dusty book which good c 2. ●im. 6. 11. Hilkiah found: " Which read before the King, did give a sweet & silver sound, " This is the Angel which to d 〈◊〉 Crens 15. 1 & 16. 8. Gedeon did appear: " This is the dew upon the fleece, which set him void of fear. " This is the sword that made blind e 〈◊〉 2. Kings. 22 8. Balaams' Ass to speak. " This is the f judg. 6. 11 37. flame the Prophet forced his silence for to break. " This is the g Numb 22 23. 28. lively spring, which cools the thirsty heat " This is the shining lantern, which gives light unto our feet. " This is the h ●…rem. 20. 9 flame that erst by night did show the way: " This is the blessed cloud that led Gods chosen in the day. " This is i ●…sal 42 1 ●… 119 ●… 5. ●… 13. 21. Elgathes' flake that made his offering fume: " And this the k ●… Kings. 18. 31. 2. King. 1. 10. Numb. 16. 15 blast which from the Lord great rebels did consume. " This is the mighty l Psalm. 19 5, 9 voice that makes the mountains shake, " This makes the Liban cedars stoop, jerem. 20. 9 & fearful hinds to quake. " And this the pleasant m Esa. 55 1. wine to weak that comfort gives: Psal 42 1. & 119. ●05. " And this the wholesome n 1 Pet. 2 22. milk whereby the sucking Infant lives. " Now as the Lord doth bless the land that loves the same: Exod 13. 21. " So for contemners of his truth he still provides a shame. " For why came o Hoshea the King and all Israel were carried captive to Babylon by the King of the Assyrian for despising the Word and Commandments of the Lord 2. Kings 17. 4, 5, 6. Ashur up Gods chosen to molest, 1. Kings. 18. 31. " And led the King with Commons all in Babel for to rest? 2. King. 1. 10. Numb. 16. 15. " But for because they all their God did often grieve, " Which hated truth, & were content their faith to idols give. " And if he do not spare a King; o King take heed: " If people all to thraldom go; this land, o Lord had need " To weigh the cursed cause of this their final fall; " Lest for the like, the like consume our King and Commons all. " Now is the a reve. 10. 2● Angel come with open book in hand, " Which long ere this was sealed close from us & eke our land. " Now must the godly crave of this to eat their fill: " So God with plenty will not fail to love and feed them still. " Now see this Angel which to us doth offer grace, " Is jesus Christ, which by his death our sins doth quite deface. " If we b Heb. 4. 16 by lively faith of him can take good hold, " Then void of fear before the Lord to come we may be bold. " It's he that shows the c Luk. 24. 3● way the truth to entertain, " Its he that d 45 clears the blinded eyes, it's he that parteth plain " The truth from popish lies, the son from misty shades; " Its he that calls our straying steps from Satan's sinful trades. " O well is he that can this book this truth embrace; " O ill is he that shall refuse when Christ doth offer grace. " And though this book at first be sweet unto our taste; " Yet Satan's rages makes the same seem bitter at the last. " And what though Satan rage, what though the end be gall? " Shall bitter blasts make us forsake our Christ, our life, and all? " No, God forbidden, o King, that he should knock in vain: " Lest being gone we justly doubt when he will come again. " As yet he stands without, and knocketh at thy door; " O King receive that blessed guest, that he may bless thee more. " If that e Apo. 3. 2● we let him in, his promise is to stay: " But when from us he shall departed, o most unhappy day. " The f Luke 14. 1 supper is prepared, the Angels sent to call " The straying guests of this your Land unto his sacred hall. " But if by fond excuse we shun his proffered grace, " He shuts the door and will admit some others in our place. " The marriage of the Lamb, 〈◊〉 19 7. & 18. 2. that blessed Lamb is nigh; " Which makes with all her Romish tricks that whore of Babel fly. " Then happy is the man & blessed from the Lord, " That with the Lamb may have a place, & sit at sacred board. " If now we see the light that daunted Saul to ground, 〈◊〉. 9 3, 4. " If now we hear that sacred voice, that sweet & joyful sound: " Then let us now inquire, what voice it is that calls; " And let us yield unto the truth; that from our eyes the scays " Of darkness may departed. For vain it is to kick; " And labour lost for wilful colt to strive against the prick. " And if the hidden Truth the Lord will now reveal; " To daunt the same (o noble King) your force shall not prevail. " What Giant can withstand of Truth the piercing might? " What earthly force of shining Sun at noon can quench the light? " If Truth do conquer Kings; 〈◊〉. 3. 12. 〈◊〉 4. 33, 40 if Truth do conquer all? " Then leave to love these Popish lies, let whorish Babel fall. " Grieve not that blessed Spirit of life that seals the band, ●atth. 16. 18. " For which king David did request; 〈◊〉. 21. 15. by which we understand " Our calling to be sure, 〈◊〉. 6. 10. our striving not in vain; " By which we know we are ordained for Christ to suffer pain. ●●ue. 18. 2. " Now sith we have the seal from fear that makes us free, 〈◊〉 4 30. " And shining light from popish shades the Lord hath made us see: ●●al. 50. 11 " We may no longer then dissemble in this case: Pet. 1. 10 " But what we think must plainly show (o King) before your face. " We cannot (as you would) the certain Truth deny; ●ill. 1. 29 " But that defend: 〈◊〉. 8. 15. though for the same we were condemned to die. " And whereas you do thirst to suck the guiltless blood " Of them whom you name Lutherans, Cor. 13. 8 o King we think not good " To strengthen that device which Satan did invent: " Lest that with Cain our bloody fact too late we should repent. " For those whom you do hate, and push with heavy hand; " In very truth are godly men, the best in all your land. " Whose faith you do not see, whose life you do not know; " Take heed lest you in them do seek the Lord to ovethrow. " Which feat by wanton will if now your Grace assay; " Be wise in time, lest that in this, you frame your own decay. " But this we think the best, that strait way out of hand " A lawful Counsel may be called to have the matter scanned. " Till which, let godly men whom envy cannot stain, " In am of all their cursed wrong, in rest at home remain. " But if to this (o King) you stop your princely ear: " Lest God with blindness strike your heart, Rom. 1. 18. 28. your friends may justly fear. " For they that do not care aright to serve the Lord, " He leaves them to their filthy lusts to make them more abhorred. " Remember ahab fall that sold himself to death; 1. Ki. 21. 20 " Forget not those two wicked men which long withstood the faith. " Corrupted men shall fade, Exod. 7. 11. 12. jannes' & jambres. the reprobates shall die: " God will not long maintain their reign that shall his truth deny. 2 Tim 3. 8. 9 " Their madness shall be plain, their follies seen, & then " The godly shall deride the rage of sinful wicked men. " Because (saith God) you stayed to come when I did call, Prou. 1. 26 " I will be deaf when you lament, and laugh when you do fall. " Which plague the Lord withhold from you & eke your land; " The lord preserve your noble grace, & shield ye with his hand. " That long in perfect peace your Grace may rule and reign; " That in your time Gods known truth may once revive again. " And this is all we wish, and this the worst we crave; " That Christ will open once your heart, by faith your soul to save. " This said, he sat again. The King in fiery heat " Scant able to forbear so long; spoke thus from out his seat. " Indeed, The King answer v● to Burge●● wherein 〈◊〉 shows his deadly anger and malice against the Tru●● and is it so? well than we know the worst: " To speak or think as we have heard we deemed no subject durst. " But now with grief we see that this infectious seed " Hath taken rooting in our Court, whereof this is the seed. " But most we marvel why the Nobles of our land " So blinded are, that they will needs these matters take in hand? " We thought it most unlike that men so grave and wise, " Should ever stoop to give consent unto so lewd devise. " But now we must correct our mind and former thought, " And give these new religious men the guerdon they have sought " And trust us, so we will, now that we know the crew, " We doubt not but the proudest shall this day & dealings rue. " Now sith we know the good, the rest shall know our mind: " We doubt not for these bleeding wounds some healing salve to find. " Such tools we have in store to fell this rotting moot, " That quickly shall pull up and raze the branches with the root. " This seed of Luther's sect which now gins to spring, " Shall to the fields where it doth grow a woeful harvest bring. " It's time to look about, it's time to set some stay: " For if we sleep, we see there be that watch for our decay. " But they shall have their meed, they shall not lose their hire. " They shortly shall with sorrow feel the weight of Prince's ire. Thus said, in raging wise he turneth quite about; And pausing stayed a while, as one that seemed to doubt. But yet such rancour rose and boiled in his breast, That presently he gave in charge that there they should arrest Annas Burgeus as the chief, and him to prison bring: Who was, he thought the only root by whom the rest did spring. When this was said, ●urgeus sent 〈◊〉 Prison. and that the King had so decreed, Mongomerie Captain of the guard was he that did the deed. Now good Burgeus is in links and irons fast, Which sudden fall did sore appall, & make the rest aghast. The King unwilling was to have the cause deferred: But time and judges were assigned to have the matter heard. But such appointed were to judge this weighty case, The Bishop of ●●aris & De●●echaris. Which hated him, and sought the truth by falsehood to deface. Which partial minded men Burgaeus did refuse; And to the Senate did recount their old and ancient use: Which was, if any one of them did chance to slide; The order was by all the rest his dealings should be tried. Which they no sooner gave the King to understand; But letters came, which did command him answer out of hand. The letters read, he said; my Prince I will obey: But otherwise you had not heard a word of me this day. Then questions were proposed of Saints, and Popish Mass, Of Purgatory, and such trash as then in credit was. Whereof he spoke his mind, and freely did protest; That all these lewd and filthy toys in heart he did detest. a Burgaeus protestation concerning Popery, & Popish ceremonies. " I serve (said he) no Saint, but Christ my only stay; " I will not yield to any man his honour to betray. " He is the Sacrifice by death that made me free; " He is the only paschal Lamb that shed his blood for me; " He is the only b Christ ou 〈◊〉 only Purgatory. heat by faith that purgeth sin " In them that now believe, or those that heretofore have been. " Therefore I do defy your popish arifles all, Heb. 1. 3. " And thank the God that gives me grace to come when he doth call. Which answer being made, to sentence they proceed; Who was condemned then: for that the King had so decreed. The sentence being read, he had but one refudge; He did appeal to c Burgaeus appealed often from this unjust sentence: but seeing his appealations could not be admitted, he lastly appealed to jesus Christ. jesus Christ, as his supernal judge. And being sent again to place from whence he came, He was content for Christ to bear this grief, rebuke & shame, But Satan did rejoice his matters framed so well; Whose bloody mind had cast the plot Christ jesus to expel. Great troubles did he stir, and mischief still devise To shred the truth in every place so fast as it should rise. And though Burgaeus did from sentence oft appeal; Yet Satan seeking for his blood this thing could not prevail. So now from out again the prison he was brought, And then a Burgaeus 〈◊〉 his ●…ecea●…taine 〈◊〉 Or●… disgraded solemnly, which thing the Bishop sought. Which being done, he gave a sweet and smiling cheer, And being not dismayed at all, he said devoid of fear. b ●…spea●… Bur●… his ●…ding. " I thank my God that lent me life to see this day, " Wherein these badges of the Beast are taken clean away; " That Antichrist henceforth in me may claim no part; " whose's whorish art and Romish rags I hate with all my heart. " This Popish sinful oil I gladly here do leave; " For this, of God a glorious crown I know I shall receive. " If you could see the way that leadeth unto life; " If you could know the perfect truth, them ended were this strife. " But yet you are too dull, your eyes are yet too blind; " Farewell therefore you Romish rags, which here I leave behind. " For these (my God) when I before thee shall appear; " Give me (o Lord) a quiet heart, a conscience void of fear. " So shall I stouthe stand and still profess thy name; " So shall my foes be turned back, and quite be put to shame; " So shall I gladly go unto that wished place; " And in defence of this thy truth, my stake I shall embrace. " Now Satan do thy worst, I will appeal no more, " The truth (I know) which I profess is it that galls thy sore. " Now let me know (I pray) my sentence and my doom; " My blood it is which you do seek, now let my sentence come. Which being said, indeed, they did provide again The final sentence to pronounce, which should for aye remain: Which then in solemn wise with words demure and grave, By pilate's brother was pronounced, who once like sentence gave. c 〈◊〉 sentence 〈◊〉 a●… Anna's 〈◊〉 pro●…d by the ●…ris, the 〈◊〉 9 Burgaeus, I pronounce the sentence of thy death, For that thou like an Heretic hast slidden from our faith. And tied to a stake, there still remain thou must Till that thy flesh by fiery flakes be all consumed to dust. Which when Burgaeus heard he did no white repine: But cheerfully for Christ he said, my life I will resign. To a The speeches and behaviour of Burgaeus at the receiving of his sentence. God he lifted up his hands with thankful heart That he was worthy made, for Christ to feel this joyful smart. And meekly kneeling down with holy Stephen did b Burgaeus prayeth for his persecutors & forgiveth them. pray For them that had most wrongfully condemned him that day: That God in mercy would his judges all forgive, And not to lay unto their charge the sin that might them grieve. So he forgave them all, though they in fiery mood, For seeking Christ, had long devised to shed his guiltless blood. But here we may not pass, what counsel sage and grave, And to the Senate what he said, and what advice he gave. " AS thus. c The Pathet. call speeches of Burgaeus to the Senate of Paris at his condemnation. Are Pluto's Nymphs installed within your breast? " Doth dire Megara now possess the place where Christ should rest. " Hath Satan (which deceit and lies hath used long, " Enforced you against the truth and Christ to practise wrong? " And are you gone so far, that you can be content " For love ye bear to Satan's lies, to kill the innocent. " What, is there not a God that searcheth every vain? " And will he not revenge the blood of Abel spilled by Cain? " And can you now account the truth to be a lie? " And can you think within your heart that Christ can go awry? " And dare you to blaspheme that great and sacred name? " And fear you not by feigned gloze his Gospel to defame? " And will you be so bold to say that we do stray, " Which have for us the written word, & Christ our only way? " We are the sons of God whom thus you do pursue, " If you persist, you shall too soon perceive it to be true. " We know that he doth live, his voice doth show his love: " If you refuse his proffered word, your sins shall you reprove. " By him we can do all; If he do hide his face " We may not hope without his help for mercy, love, or grace. " What boldness is it then for ashes, filth, and clay, " By fond attempt for to resist the thing that he shall say? " And can you be content that Christ for to deprave; " Whose wounds have washed our sins, whose mercy doth us save? " Shall we deny our King, our Prince, our joy, our might? " Shall we consent to do him wrong, that doth defend our right? " He is our princely Guide, our Captain, and our stay; " He wakes for us when we do sleep, & keeps us from decay. " Then hear, what shall we do? Shall fear make us to fly? " Shall any earthly force make us our Captain to deny? " Shall we unconstant be our duty to forego? " Shall we repay such courtesy to him that loud us so? " No, no, we are but earth, to earth we must return; " O happy earth, if (earth) for Christ thou be content to burn. " Our time is here but short, our deadly foe but weak; " The Lord is able when he list his malice for to break. " But what would Satan have? what doth this flesh require? " But only this; that from our God and truth we should retire. " If any do blaspheme, we must them not control: " If any wily wantoness sin, we must their deeds extol. " If truth be trodden down: If we will live at ease, " We must be then with heavy hearts content to hold our peace. " Which sith we do refuse, you run with open cry; " lo these are wicked Rebels, which most worthy are to die. " And are we Rebels then? how will you prove this thing? " Yes sir; you do refuse, with us to Baal your offerings bring. " O mercy now good Lord! what wicked times are these? " How long shall these ungodly men keep these ungodly ways? " How long wilt thou forbear to bridle this their lust? " And when shall all their fleshly pride be raked in the dust? " Why dost thou wink so long? why dost thou so delay? " Why dost thou not cut off those Imps, that stir this fiery fray? " But if it be thy will that they should longer reign: " And if thou think it best for us that they should yet remain: " Restrain them yet (good Lord) lest they do go too far; " For they against thy godly Saints intent a cruel war. " And till thy pleasure be for to destroy them quite; " Withhold their cruel jaws (o Lord) with thy most mighty Bit. " Have mercy still on us (o loving Father dear; " Maintain us in defending thee, from danger, falls and fear. " And make them Lord to know, that they those Rebels are: " That from the simple (which do seek) the light & truth debar. " And while that I have breath I will declare the same; " That Satan may not with his lies thy blessed truth defame. " Is this a Rebels part when men to Princes give " Their bodies, goods, and all things else without repine & grief? " Is this a traitors prank unto the Lord to pray; " That he will keep both Prince & Land from trouble & decay: " And that he will vouchsafe to take from them the mist " Which keeps them from the knowledge of their saviour & their Christ. " Or rather is not this a most rebellious part; " To seek by all rebellious means God's glory to subvert? " To give the honour due unto the Lord alone, " To Saints that you have made: or else, to senseless stock & stone? " To use blasphemous oaths; to suffer common stews; " To justify your own device; and such like filthy use? " Your Conscience shall be judge, to you I do appeal: " Hath God delivered you the sword against his truth to deal? " If not, beware betime, and mark what I shall say; " This malice which you bear to Christ will be your own decay. " And what, are you so blind, that you perceive not this; " How in this sentence you pronounce, that you are none of his? " Recount within yourselves and call to mind at large, " Where any sin or wickedness be laid unto our charge. " If not; then judge again, and tell me if you can: " Which is the best; to serve the Lord, or follow sinful man? " Now if you love your goods, your credit, and your life; " If you prefer before your God your household, child, or wife: " Then know you are not fit with Christ to have a part; " But fear, least for your sin in hell you find a lasting smart? " But if you do not fear the judgements of the Lord: " Yet know, your deeds in foreign lands to strangers are abhorred. " How many sinful acts, and deeds devoid of wit, " That ruddy purpled Phalaris hath made you to commit? " Who for his cursed gain hath set about the King, " Such as will Prince and Commons all to deadly ruin bring. " And when that Beast doth bid, you run at every call; " You rack & tear Gods known truth, not caring what befall. " To please him, you do yield the godly to torment " With such outrage, as you are forced the same for to lament. " But what; me thinks I see the tears tril down your cheek? " What, have I spoken that which now your conscience doth misllike? " Well, then beware betime, for yet the time is well; " But if you shun this proffered grace, beware the pains of hell. " Your conscience must be known, your deeds must all appear; " Then call for grace, and so repent while yet you tarry here. " But if you quake in rest as Felix did before, " And if you fear without remorse your pain willbe the more. " You see how they rejoice whom you condemn to die; " No terror can assail the heart on Christ that doth rely. " We way not all your force, your malice, and your strife; " We do account this cruel death to us a happy life. " Why should it grieve my heart for Christ to hang or burn; " For little pain, I know the Lord great pleasure will return. " But they unhappy are, and cursed from above, " Which from themselves & others seek the truth for to remove. " But this I know from Christ nothing shall me departed, " And from assured hope in him none shall remove my heart. " For though you tear my flesh, and heart to powder grind; " Yet this shall never so prevail, as once to change my mind. " And when that you have done the worst you can devise; " We know that in the latter day with Christ we shall arise. " This death therefore to us we reckon little pain: " For we believe assuredly that we shall live again. " Now hap what may befall, to hang, to burn, to fry " I have professed Christ: and so, a Christian I will die. " Why therefore do we stay? Come hangman do thy part; " Thy fact in this, lo here I do forgive with all my heart. " And this he did repeat, Come hangman do the deed; " Till that the stoutest heart that heard, for grief began to bleed. " Put out, put out (said he) your frantic fiery brands; " That Christ may only rule & reign, set to your helping hands. " Repent your wicked thoughts forsake your filthy ways: " And if you hope to have release, then use no more delays. " But why do I so long draw this forsaken breath? " Farewell my mates; for now behold, I go unto my death. Thus having said his mind, and ready to departed; The hangman takes, and ties his hands, and lays him on a cart. In which he was conveyed unto a place fast by; Where chained to a stake, it was ordained that he should die. The streets of Paris town were kept with watch and ward, There went with him of armed men four hundred for his guard. The ways on every side that lead unto the place Were stopped up, as if they had foreseen some doubtful case. And where we plainly see these tyrants all afraid; The godly man for all this broil was not a whit dismayed. For when he was unbound, there was in him no fear: He put his clothing off himself with bold and constant cheer. Where standing naked then and stripped unto his skin, With cheerful voice he did at last this heavy speech begin. a Bur●●us ●seth but this short speech t● the People, for so he had promised before: whereupon the use of his tongue was permitted unto him, which to others was deut●● The cause why I am come (good people) to this death: Is not for murder, theft, or wrong; But for a lively faith. Which said, he held his peace: and kneeling on the ground, With sighs he prayed, till to the stake by hangman he was bound. Where he did oft repeat; a 〈◊〉 last 〈◊〉 of An●…geus ●…ied to ●…ke. O Lord forsake not me, Lest by the frailness of my flesh I hap to slide from thee. O Lord receive my soul into thy blessed rest, Give me thy strength while I do live O Lord I thee request. Thus with a quiet mind, and heart devoid of strife, For Christ amidst the fiery flame, he yielded up his life. But b ●…clusion of ●…ench pil●…: with a ●…tion of 〈◊〉 and li●…f Bur●… what a joy is this to us that do remain, That God doth give to his elect such strength to conquer pain. This is the godly end that blessed man did make, Whom life & honour could not bend his Christ for to forsake. He lived with good report, his death deserveth fame, And he hath left unto his foes a lewd and filthy shame. A rare and passing sign no doubt the Lord did give, To see that noble constancy in him while he did live. Whose constant death in France and blood did sow the seed Whereby the church did much increase, & godly yet do feed. He came of honest house, in learning spent his youth, And being placed in high degree he sought to learn the truth. Whereof when he had felt the sweet and pleasant taste, He joined himself unto the Church, & sticks to them at last. Well, he is gone before; and we that are behind: Lord grant to us in jesus Christ like faith and constant mind. Amen. The judgements of the Lord which fell upon King Henry the second after he had caused Burgaeus to be imprisoned Anno 15●9. Dilated by the examples of Ahab, Amaziah, and Zedechiah, wicked Kings, which used the like cruelty against the word. THe Lord on Elies' sons and sins, this sentence gave; They that do love and honour me, great honour still shall have: But they that do despise my word, 1. Sam. 2. 30. my law, and will; They shall be sure of every man to be abhorred still. Which sentence of the Lord for ever shall be true: As by examples we may see of such as do ensue; For when as Ahab was in fond and foolish rage To Ramoth Gilead stoutly bend, unjustly wars to wage: A Prophet from the Lord did tell him very plain, That if this war he took in hand King Ahab should be slain. But to the prison strait this Prophet then was led; The king gave charge that he should be with bread & water fed, Till he returned safe from Gilead home again: But what befell? It came to pass the King indeed was slain. So Amaziah (which by idols did offend) Unto the Prophet would not yield his willing ear to bend. But did with bitter scoffs and scorns reprove the word: Cron. 25. 16. 2 For which he was by jehu spoiled, and taken by the sword. So Zedekiah proud from sin would not return: But Rebel-like, jere. 36. 23. the word of God he did with fire burn. And jeremy by him was oft in prison penned; jere. 20. 2. 〈◊〉 32. 3. & 38 Because he said, the King and all to Babel should be sent. But let us see his end; the King of Babel came, Who took him captive with his men, 〈◊〉 9 5. & put them all to shame. And he that was content God's Prophet to disgrace, Was forced to see the murder of his sons before his face; 〈◊〉 6. His eyes that would not see God's truth and shining light, The King of Babel put them out as they deserved of right. 〈◊〉 7. So Henry King of France which all his force did bend Against the truth, 〈◊〉 se●● did from the Lord receive a fearful end. For now amidst the ruff of all their mirth and joy, When every man devised how the godly to destroy. The time appointed came, for marriage of the King, Which to the Court & Courtiers did great mirth & pleasure bring. And for the greater pomp of all this princely train, A solemn Just the youthly King by Crier did proclaim: In which he meant to show his manhood and his might. And being horsed with limber spear in armour shining bright, He chose among the rest (the challenge now begun) Mongomerie Captain of his guard against him for to run. Which he did oft refuse, and wisely did withstand, Till that the King the fatal spear put in his captains hand. Where charging with their spears, & forcing might & main, A splinter pierced the Prince's eye, and ran unto his brain. The King with sudden wound and bleeding much dismayed, Within the next adjoining house to bed he was conveyed. Where plunged with grievous pain, his conscience did lament The wrong which he had done to those whom he to prison sent. " I greatly fear (said he) lest I have done some ill " Against Burgaeus and the rest, 〈…〉 it whose blood I sought to spill. But Elimas' the witch doth spend his cursed wind, From such remorse to keep in thrall the King's afflicted mind: 〈◊〉 is ●●he Car●●f Lo●● " It is (said he) thy foe, that doth assault thy faith; " In which take heed that thou remain still constant to thy death. This heavy hap befell (as many men have told) near to the place wherein as then Burgaeus was in hold. And many did observe that he did kill the King Which was commanded to the jail Burgaeus for to bring. The King did often brag those eyes of his should see Burgaeus burnt; but lo the Lord did alter that decree. For ere Burgeus was unto the fire led, King Henry died the 100L August, an● 1559. Mongemerie had those eyes of his thrust clean out of his head. Now here we plainly see the life, and heavy end Of them which persecute the truth, which God doth often send. And let us warning take by this most fearful fate, For to return and loathe our sin, before it be too late. Amen. The bloody marriage, or butcherly murder of the Admiral of France, and divers other noble and excellent men, at the marriage of Margaret the Kings own sister, unto Prince Henry son to the Queen of Navarre, committed the 24. of August in the City of Paris Anno 1572. NOw have you heard before, of faggot, fire, and sword Inhaunst by Satan, for to quell God's truth and blessed word. But now I must begin such treason to unfold, As former times for cruelty, And ages new and old Have never seen the like in Christendom, till now When sacred faith by flattery, and oath of Princely vow By treason, did contrive to shed the guiltless blood Of them which now by peace did seek to do their country good. For when the Lord did send his truth into the land, He raised up some Noble men to take this cause in hand. Among the which, as chief and sovereign of the field, There was Prince Henry of Navarre, with such as would not yield Unto the Guisian race; the Prince of Condee next; The Admiral, 〈◊〉 Co●●rall 〈…〉. and D' Andelot, with others that were vexed By bloody Guise's band, who daily did invent How to oppress the word of truth, 〈◊〉 an●● ro●●●tine ●●terie. which Christ had thither sent. But when as Satan saw by words and dealings plain, That many Princes were in arms this truth for to maintain. It galled him to the heart, that where he did devise To choke the word, that even there the more it did arise. He summons all his mates these matters to debate, How they might choke this springing seed before it were too late. Where all within a round they come without delay, To whom this bloody captain than these words began to say; " There is a subtle vain that feeds this cankered sore: 〈…〉. " For now the deeper it is launcte it riseth still the more. " We see that fire and sword cannot at all prevail, " We see that all our bloody broils their courage cannot quail. " We see how Noble men their forces daily bend " To countercrosse our planted plots, this cause for to defend. " Two civil wars are past, the third is now in hand; " We see how stoutly they are bend our forces to withstand. " Therefore we must devise to play some other part, " Or else in vain we take in hand these Princes to subvert. " Now lend your listening ears, and mark what I shall say; " A secret thing I have bethought which here I will bewray: " You must make show, 〈◊〉 as though you loud to live at ease; " As weary of these broils, you must entreat to have a peace. " The King as chiefest man this play must first begin, " By loving letters, words, and cheer at first to bring them in. " And look what they mislike, the King must raze it out, " And yield to all things they request, to put them out of doubt. " The King must show such face to them above the rest, " As though he did unfeignedly of all men love them best. " The worst of all their band the King must entertain " With such good will, that no mistrust in any may remain. " And he must make them know, as though of late he felt " Some prick in conscience for the cause against the which he dealt. " And that he will forgive all quarrels that are past, " In hope that this their new goodwill with love might ever last " And he must make complaint, as though he did of late " Mislike the dealings of the Guise, and such as they do hate. " And than the Guises must awhile from Court retire; " For thus you shall entrap them all, and have your full desire. " The King must yield to all that they request or crave, " And he must grant for to confirm the thing that they would have. " The Mother Queen in this must also play her part, " That no suspect of treason may remain within their heart. " And here you must give out, as though you would employ " Their service in some foreign wars, which doth your State annoy. " As if you would not trust the weight of such affairs " To any man, but them alone; whose faith and watchful cares " You long have tried: and so you may your plot prepare " By these and such like feigned things, to trap them in your snare. " If this prevail not; then I stand in fearful doubt, " What practice next to put in ure to have them rooted out. " Now therefore say your mind, if thus it be not best " To cut them off, that so again we all may live in rest. The Counsel did agree, this was the only way, And every man did give his word, this sentence to obey. And that they would devise such things to put in ure, As best might fit this cursed plot, and make the same most sure. Which Satan hearing rose, and thanked them with his heart, That they to him so willing were: The King do●● presently put in practice Satan's counsel. and so they did departed. Then presently the King in post a message sent Unto the Admiral, to whom he showed his good intent. " Which was, kings 〈◊〉 and ●●ing ●●●ssage 〈◊〉 Ad●l. that he was loath more civil wars to have, " And that he greatly did desire his subjects for to save. " I will (said he) forget, yea pardon and release " All former griefs, so that you will now yield to have a peace. " Which might be now to me a cause of passing joy; " For that I mean in foreign wars your service to employ; " And first we do require, that we may join our band, " Against the man that causeth all these troubles in our land. " Our Armies being joined, we may the stronger go " Against the Duke of Alva, whom we know to be our foe. " Great matters move our mind against the King of Spain, " For he hath taken Florida, and late our sister slain. With lies of like devise the godly to betray, Requesting him most earnestly that he would come away; And that he should obtain what safety he would crave: Yea, for his surety there, that he his faith & oath should have. The message being done, the Admiral as wise, Within himself did half suspect the plot of this devise. And though that many things did some suspicion bring: Yet all things else he doubted more than falsehood in the King. He thought the promise sure, and firmly did believe, No treason could be meant, whereas the king his word did give. The Admiral as one that was devoid of fear, And willing for to hear of peace, unto the King gave ear. So now the civil broils which many did intend, By this devise were pacified and brought unto an end. It cannot be expressed what shows of friendly mind, Both in the King and Courtiers all the Admiral doth find. His friends likewise, which had the Gospel long professed As County Rouchfaucoult and eke Theligni with the rest, Like grace and favour found: which made them so rejoice, That to consent unto the King they all did give their voice. And if in former wars the Admiral had lost Either castles, houses, towns or fermes what ever it should cost; The King commanded strait for to restore them all, And all things else which he of right of any man could call. And those whom he perceiude the Admiral to love, He blinded them with great rewards, suspicion to remove. Besides, he did command out of his purse to give To him an hundred thousand pounds his losses to relieve. And when as it did chance his brother for to die, The Cardinal Chastilion: the King then presently The fruits and profits all of livings all one year, Unto the Admiral he gave his charges to forweare. Yet not content with this, one thing above the rest The King most friendly did: the which the godly liked best. He wrote to Philibert the Duke of Savoie then, That he should cease for to molest or grieve those godly men, The which in former wars the Gospel did defend; And that to such he should leave off his rigour to extend. And that the Admiral might no misliking find, He did by gentle means appease the Duke of Guise's mind: He tried to make them friends, & brought the same to pass; Although it on the Guise's part a feigned friendship was. The Cardinal likewise that was their greatest foe, To choose a Pope, made them believe to Rome that he would go. So all things being done, t'abandon all suspect, What they misliked, the King would seem the same for to reject. So that about the king they only credit win Which did defend the Gospel, & which lately were come in. But nothing did prevail to put them out of doubt So much as one thing, which as now the king did go about. Which was, that he did wish his sister for to match Unto Prince Henry of Navarre: by this in hope to catch Them all within his snare▪ for this he did conclude, Not for good will, but mere deceit the godly to delude. Which match the King would have consummate out of hand, That so it might remain (said he) a sure and perfect band Of that unfeigned love, and inward hearty care, Which we to those that love the truth & gospel now do bear. Which made them all rejoice, and quite cast off their fear, When in the King they did behold such love & friendly cheer. Yet some did here allege, that conscience did restrain The Prince to match with her, which yet did seem for to remain In love with Popish rites; to which the King replied That he to ease those scruples all such order would provide Which they should not mislike: For he would there dispense With all such rites and orders, as might breed the least offence. Which Courtiers all mislike, and openly repined; Much doubting lest unto the truth the King had been inclined. The Admiral again was much confirmed beside By other signs, not doubting now their falsehoods & their slides. The godly did rejoice to see the King so bent Not thinking of the treachery & treason that they meant. So, matters being past and parties all agreed, In Paris town to have them joined by both it was decreed. The Queen of Navarre now (a rare and virtuous dame) With others to the Prince's Court in full assurance came. Where having stayed awhile, she took her leave to ride To Paris, for this solemn feast the better to provide. The King to like effect, by message did request The Admiral that he would go to Paris there to rest. And see that nothing want for that appointed day, And that himself would after come, and make no long delay. And that he might not fear the malice and the rage That Paris men did bear to him; he said he would assuage The same himself: and so he presently did write To Marcel Provost of the town (perceiving well their spite) That he should entertain and use in friendly wise The Admiral and all his train, that nothing might arise Which might offend his mind or burst to any flame: For if there did, he swore he would most fiercely plague the same The King and Queen also unto the like effect Unto the Duke of Anjou did their letters now direct. So that the Admiral not doubting any foe Resolved himself, and did provide to Paris for to go. Where being come, he found, the king and all the rest With friendly welcomes, so as more he could not well request. But whilst that every man was busy to provide Within the court, most suddenly the Queen of Navarre died: Which afterward was known (as some have plainly said) That by a pair of gloves perfumed this treason was conveyed. Which lewd and sinful deed was now no sooner done; But that the Kingdom of Navarre descended to her son. Heere-manie did rejoice in hope of perfect rest, Yet this unequal bloody match the Guises did detest.. That dismal day is come, the marriage must begin, Where were assembled solemnly the chief of every kin. And for because the Mass their minds might grieve no more, The marriage was solemnized before the great Church door Of Paris, with such words as both were well content: Which done, into the church the Bride in solemn manner went To hear a Popish Mass, both she and all her train; Her husband walked without the door till she returned again. Then home at last they go with mirth and passing joy; They little thought this pleasant day would end with such annoy. And now gins the plays, the dance and the sport, Which were performed by Iusty youths that thither did resort. The King and Nobles all in pleasures are so mad, That for to talk of great affairs, no leisure could be had. And now the Admiral from Court had gone his way, Had not some causes of the Church enforced him to stay. Now from the wedding night, five days are come and passed: When as the King and Senate were contented at the last In counsel for to sit such matters to decide, As best might fit their feigned wars in Flanders to provide. Which ended, near about the middle of the day As every man unto his house did take his ready way, The Admiral himself, with other Nobles more Along the streets (not doubting hurt) in pleasant talk do go: A harquebus was shot from other side the street, Which charged was with bullets two the Admiral to greet. Which cursed blow did wound and strike this Noble man, That through both his valiant arms the leaden pellets ran. Which done, although the wound did touch him somewhat near, Yet nothing daunted with the stroke, he said with wont cheer From yonder house it came, go look who is within, What wild unworthy treachery is this they do begin? And therewithal he sent in haste unto the King, Such as might show unto his grace this bad & shameful thing. The message being done (the King as then did play At tennis with the Duke of Guise) he fiercely threw away His racket in a rage, as though it grieved his heart, That thus the Admiral was hurt and straight he did departed Unto his Castle, where a while he did remain Close with his brother of Navarre till he might hear again More certain news: but now the matter was too plain, That this assault was surely made by one of Guise's train. Now whilst these grievous wounds the surgeons had in cure, He sent Theligni to the King (because he was not sure Where he should live or die) for to desire his Grace, That he would now vouchsafe to come unto that simple place Where he did lie: for that he had a secret thing To tell him, which did much concern the safety of the King: Which was no sooner said, the King was well content, And with the man the message came without delay he went. They went likewise that sought the Admiral to kill, The Mother Queen, with all her mates, no doubt for great good will. Which all no sooner did within the door appear, But that the King saluted him with sweet & friendly cheer: " Alas my dearest friend, The feign words of the King to the Admiral. how camest thou to this place, " Where wounded now I see thee lie me thinks in heavy case. " What arrant villain wrought this lewd and sinful act, " Would God I knew the wicked wretch that did commit thef fact: " For though (my Admiral) the hurt be done to thee, " Yet the dishonour of the fact, and shame redounds to me. " Both which I will revenge by death of God I swear, This King was a horrible blasphemer, and used this and such other like filthy oaths. " As like in France was never seen, to make such wretch's fear. Such speeches had the King, & questions many more Concerning judges, health & grief, and how he felt his sore. To which the Admiral with mild and quiet mind Such answer gave, as moved them much such patience for to find In him that had received such cause of deadly ire: Who did request, but only that the King would strait inquire Upon the fact: which was I surely know said he Procured by the Duke of Guise, for great good will to me. Which deed the Lord revenge as he shall think it best; For if I die, I hope by faith with Christ to be in rest. The rest he did desire a while to stand away, For that he had some secret thing unto the King to say. " Which done, The secret speeches between the Admiral, & the king after the Admiral was wounded. he thus began; O King this life to save, " Is not the thing (I thank the Lord) that I do greatly crave. " For this I know is true, we all must pay a death " To God our maker, which hath lent this use of lively breath. " But to your Majesty the great good will I bore " Is it which now above the rest doth most increase my care: " To see you now beset with such as wish no good " Unto your health, your crown & life, & such as seek the blood " Of you and of your friends, to spill your noble race; " That so they may in future time your Princely stock deface. " And so at length engraff a strange Italian weed, " Which may in France most surely choke the Prince's royal seed. " This is the only mark to which they do aspire; " This is the only wood o King that doth maintain the fire " Of these your civil wars, (although they do pretend " Religion, and some other thing) this is the chiefest end " Of all their drift. Therefore o King beware by time, " Mark this Eclipse, whilst yet ye see the Moon is in her Prime. " I say the less, because I know your Grace is wise, " You shall in time most plainly see this plot of their devise " Your wisdom doth perceive (I hope) whom I do mean, " For of the same with grief before I heard you oft complain. " For though that I do lie here wounded as you see, " The chiefest treason they intent is not alone to me: " But to your noble Grace, whose death they daily crave, " Whose life by treason long ere this & now desire to have. " I know when God shall take this frail and wretched life, " Some will not stick to say, that I was cause of all the strife. " But God that is above, and you my witness be, " How dear the safeguard of my Prince, & peace hath been to me. " God grant you see in time your friends from fleering foe, " That still in safety you may reign devoid of grief and woe. " Now I can say no more, but God preserve your Grace, " And shield you from your feigned friends which bear a double face. " And this amidst your mirth I pray remember still, " That they that seek to have my life, do bear you no good wil Which said, the King did give such speech as he thought best: And then in loud and solemn words in hearing of the rest He did with friendly cheer request the Admiral Unto his Court for to remove, what ever should befall. And others spoke likewise unto the same intent: His simple meaning could not see the treason that was meant. But yet upon advise, his friends did think it best, Not knowing what may there betide, the K. he should request, That he would them assign some of his Grace's guard, Before his gates both night & day to keep their watch & ward The motion being made, the King was well content, And said; to this their good devise he gladly gave consent. And that he would provide to have it surely known, That of his life he made account no less than of his own. And that he would preserve with care more tenderly The Admiral, than he would keep the apple of his eye. For that he did admire the valour of his mind, Who little thought in mortal man such courage for to find. The Duke of Anjou then commanded out of hand One C●ssin Captain of the guard, to ward with Prince's band The gates and streets wherein the Admiral did lie; Which was no sooner said, but was performed presently. This C●ssin that was set with watch to ward the gate, Was one that did the Admiral in heart most deadly hate. And farther, for to put the matter out of doubt, They did consent that he should have his trusty friends about The place where he did lie: which came of no good will; But hoping rather all by this the easier for to kill. And this among the rest a bloody practice was, Which cloaked guile by Satan's art too soon was brought to pass. But here the Prologue ends, The Queen Mother leddy out the King the Duke of Anjou, ●onzag●●, Tan●gues, the Counde Rets' calle●, Goudin, into her guards c●●led Tegliers. and here gins the play, For bloody minds resolved quite to use no more delay. The Mother Queen appears now first upon the Stage, Where like a devilish sorceress with words demure and sage The King she calls aside, with other trusty mates Into a close and secret place, with whom she now debates The great desire she had to quit them all from care, In planting long a bloody plot, which now she must declare. " O a The Ora●…ion of the Queen mother unto the King. ●…nd other of 〈◊〉 bloody ●…unsaile. happy light (quoth she) o thrice most happy day; " Which thus hath thrust into our hands our long desired prey: " We have them all in hold, we have the chiefest fast: " And those for whom we waited long we have them all at last. " Why should we longer stay? what can we farther crave? " What are not all things come to pass which we do long to have? " Doth not our mightiest foe lie wounded in his bed, " Not able now to help himself, which others long hath led? " The captains captive are, the King of Navarre sure; " The Prince of Condee, with the rest that mischief did procure " Are close within our walls, we have them in a trap; " Good fortune (lo) hath brought them all, & laid them in our lap. " By force or flight to save their lives it is too late, " If we (to cut off future fear and cause of all debate) " Do b The queen other was good scho●… of that ●…uel of Flo●…nce, Ma●…iuel, of ●…bom she ●…rned ma●… bad les●…s, as this. take the proffered time: which time is only now; " And wisdom matched with policy our dealings doth allow. " We need not fear the spot of any c That a ●…ince must ●…t care to 〈◊〉 acomp●… cruel, so ●…at any ●…ir came ●…at. 8. The Politico. cruel fame: " So long as we may feel some ease or profit by the same. " For wisdom doth allow the Prince to play the d 〈◊〉 Lesson. 〈◊〉 Prince 〈…〉 of a Fox and a Lion: a Fox to allure and deceive, a Lion to devour without 〈…〉 occasion is offered. Fox, " And Lion-like to rage: but hates the plainness of an Ox. " What though ye do e 3. Lesson, That a Prince may not doubt to forswear, to deceive, & ●emble. forswear? what though ye break your faith? " What though ye promise life, That a ●●ince must 〈◊〉 care to Accomp●d cruel, so at any ●●sit come ●it. 8. The 〈◊〉 Politico. & yet repay it with their f This is a wholesome scholemistres for a young King. death? " Is this so great a fault? Nay, nay, no fault at all: " For this we learn we ought to do, if such occasions fall. " Our Masters do persuade a g 4 Less: That a prudent Prince is 〈◊〉 to keep faith, where any ill may grow by it. King to cog and lie, " And never keep his faith, whereas his danger grows thereby. " Cut off therefore the head of this infectious sore: " So may you well assure yourselves this bile will rise no more. 〈◊〉 Lesson. " The Captains being slain, Prince 〈…〉 the natures of a Fox and a Lion: a Fox to allure, and deceive, a Lion to devour without 〈…〉 ben occasion is offered. the soldiers will be faint; h These be the pillars, & this the fruit of Popish religion. " So shall we quickly on the rest perform our whole intent. " Pluck up therefore your spirits, and play your manly parts, " Let neither fear nor faith prevail to daunt your warlike hearts. " What shame is this that I (a woman by my kind) " Need thus to speak, or pass you men in valour of the mind? " For here I do protest, if I had been a man; " I had myself before this time this murder long began. " Why do you doubting stand, and wherefore do you stay? " If that you love your peace, or life; procure no more delay. " We have them in our hands, within our Castle gates, " Within the walls of Paris town the masters & their mates. " This is the only time this matter to dispatch; " But being fled, these birds are not so easy for to catch. " The town of Paris will most gladly give consent, " And threescore thousand fight men provide for this intent. " So shall we quickly see the end of all our strife, " And in a moment shall dispatch these rebels of their life. " But if we stand in fear, and let them scape our hand; " They will procure in time to come great trouble in our land: " For if the Admiral his strength receive again, " Can any doubt but that he will be mindful of his pain? 5. Lesson: That it is a simple thing to think, that new benefits can make old miuries to be forgot. " It is a simple thing for Princes to believe " That new goodwill an ancient hate from galled hearts can drive. " Therefore if we permit these Rebels to retire, " We soon shall see by wars again our Country set on fire. " This is a woman's mind, and thus I think it best: " Now let us likewise hear I pray the sentence of the rest. This counsel of them all was liked passing well; And in respect of present state, all others did excel. Some doubting, mused long which were the better way, The King of Navarre and the Prince of Condee for to slay; Or else to save their lives in hope they would recant: Because the proof of perfect years they both as yet did want. But a It was of ●…ost thought ●…st, partly ●…r age, partly ●…r affinity ●…ake, that the King of Na●…arre should be ●…ued. And for ●…e Prince of ●…ondee, the o●…nion of ●…on●…ague took ●…ace that he ●…ould with ●…are of death 〈◊〉 drawn frō●…eligion. here, they did prevail (as God, no doubt would have) Who thought it best in this assault these princely youths to save. Because they were in hope, that when those imps should see Their mates tormented thus, they would most willingly agree To bow where they would bind, to go where they would calls And to forswear their former faith would make no doubt at all. But all the rest remain condemned for to die Which cruel verdict must be put in practice presently The b It was de●…eed, that this ●…urder should ●…egin about ●…idnight of ●…e night next ●…llowing. night that should ensue then next without delay, Beginning ere the same were spent long time before the day. The Duke of Guise was thought the fittest of the train To take in hand this bloody plot to have the godly slain. Concluding thus, they go each one unto his place, The godly doubting nothing less than this so heavy case. Here is the first part played; and here I do lament, My slender skill wants fitted phrase the sequel to depaint. The Duke in office put gins for to prepare, So that in troops the armed men ran bustling hear and there With noise & threatening words, as though some tumult were Preparing now in every street; which made the wisest fear What would ensue. At length the Admiral did hear This tumult, and not knowing how the truth for to inquire; He sent unto the King to know the full intent, Why in the night in riot wise these armed people went Thus raging in the streets: and where it were his will? If so, he would not fear; but rest in hope of safety still. " The King returned word, and wild him not to fear: " For this was done by his advise, yet not in every where, " But in some certain ways these armed men were set: " The foolish rage of lewd attempts by this in hope to let. O lewd and filthy lie! unseemly for a King: What Turk or Devil could devise, a more unworthy thing. For when the Duke of Guise had all in order set, And nothing rested which might seem their purpose for to let: He marcel calls in haste, and wills him have a care That all the masters of the streets ere midnight did repair Unto the Counsel hall, where they should hear at large Great matters from the King himself of strange & special charge. The message being done, they all without delay Assembled were, This Carron● was made ne● Provost of t● Merchants. to know the thing the Guises had to say. Where Provost Carron rose with stomach stout and bold, And guarded with a Guisian troup, this bloody message told; " My friends (quoth he) give ear, Carrons bl●● die crati● to the Cit●●zens of P●●●ris. and mark what I shall say, " The King's intent is presently this night without delay, " Those Rebels to destroy; which now these latter years " Bore arms against his Grace: which though they be his peers, " Yet will he quite pull up, and root the lawless race " Of them, that long have sought by force his dealings to disgrace. " And what a happy time (I pray) my mates, is this; " When fast within our City walls the Captain closed is " That siercelie brewed the broil of this our doubtful strife, " And many times hath put us all in danger of our life? " Their trust by treason trained, is cause of this deceit: " Oh happy she that wrought the mould of this so cunning feat. The Que●● mother 〈◊〉 the chief deviser of this blood stratagen● " Their friends will prove their foes, sweet pleasures will have pain; " And being here they are not like to see their homes again. " Their chambers prisons are, their beds shall be their grave: " And ere the day appear we must a glorious Conquest have. " Be strong therefore my friends, make sharp the fatal knife; " For of these Rebels ere the day not one shall scape with life. " Their leader and their guide lies wounded in his bed, " And therefore as the chiefest foe, we'ill first have off his head. " And when we have dispatched the Rebels we have here, " We'ill likewise ransack all the Land of like that shall appear. " This is the King's intent, this is his Grace's mind, " To do this feat, let him in us a willing courage find: " And for a token when this murder shall begin, " The warlike trumpet shall not sound, ●cck●sein●●●as the ●reat bell of ●he Palace ●hich was accustomed ●o be rung omelie for ●reat causes nor banner shallbe seen; " But Tockeseine shallbe heard this bloody news to bring, " For then begin, when as you hear this Palace bell to ring: " The badge which you shall bear by which you shall be known, " Shallbe a Linen cloth of white, made fast about the brawn " Of left side arm; and eke, a cross upon your cap, " Of white likewise: and these keep fast what ever chance may hap. " And this is all (my friends) that I have now to say, " come follow me, and let's begin and use no more delay. This while the Duke of Guise did show his whole intent Unto the Captains of the guard, and bade them give consent With courage to perform so great and famous act; Which service as the case did stand, they might not long protract Now shortly after this, This Chevalier was the ●astard son ●f K. Henry of France. the Duke with many more (Accompanied with the Chevalier and armed men great store) * The Duke of Guise and the ●…heualier come ●…o the Amirals' ●…ouse. Came posting to the gate which C●ssin took to keep, Woe worth the time when they did trust the wolf to guard the sheep. The Admiral knew well the tumult of this rout; Yet this, nor any thing could make his valiant heart to doubt: For though he had but few, scarce ten within the place; Yet nothing could at all prevail to make him doubt his case. " For oft he would repeat the King's assured love, The Admiral advertised of this stir, comfor●eth himself & his company, with the ●●membrance of the king's ●oue & his ●aths often given for keeping the peace. " Approved by so many signs as you have heard above: " What though the Commons rise? what though the tumult rage? " When they shall see the prince's guard, their malice will assuage. " I know the King will not by treason false his faith, " Though for the same there might ensue the hazard of his death. " The oath that he hath sworn so oft to keep the peace, " No Christian conscience can assent at all for to release. " His mother gave her faith, his brothers swore likewise, " The public records of the Land do witness this devise. " What band may surer be? what more may you desire? " What can we farther wish? And yet if more you do require " The Queen of England is a witness of the same, " The Prince of Aurendge, The marriage of the King's sister was solemn●… said but six days before●… & the States that from the Germans came; " This Royal match likewise my heart doth well assure " That such a seal of perfect love for ever will endure: " Which marriage lately made with counsel grave and good, " The King will not permit to be so soon defiled with blood. " For what would strangers say if such things should befall? " But such things Lord be far from us, & Lord preserve us all? " What would the future age of imps as yet unborn; " What would all Nations think, if we by trust should be forlorn? " The stout and constant mind, & honour of the King " Will never give consent I know to do so lewd a thing. Thus whilst among the rest the case he did debate, His trusty keeper Cousin came and knocked at his gate. Who was no sooner come within the outward door, But that there came in after him of armed men great store. Then after went the Lords, the Nobles, and the rest; For to dispatch this noble man, whom they did most detest. And those whom Cousin found within to lie or stand, He slew them with a Partisan which he had in his hand. Which woeful news when as the Admiral perceiude, The Admiral●● perceiving the treason that was in tended against him, prepareth himself with comfort to receive his death, and patiently commendeth his soul to God, whilst his enemies were a breaking open the doors upon him. " Woe worth the time (quoth he) that I by trust have been deceived. " Well, now the time is come, I may no longer doubt; " Come lend your help, my friends (I pray) from bed to lift me out. " To Christ my only hope my soul I do betake, " And in this place from off my couch this life I will forsake. " Then standing on his feet his night gown on his back: " Shift for yourselves my friends (quoth he) that you go not to wrack. " And have no care for me; for I am well content " This life to yield unto the Lord, which he to me hath lent. " It grieves me not to die, Gods will is alway best; " From future fears I know with Christ my soul shallbe in rest. " This plot is not prepared alone to murder me; " But for the rasing of that truth, which they are loath to see. " The godly for to spoil which have received the word, " These tyrants seek with cruel hate by falsehood and by sword. " Which word unto my power I always did defend▪ " The malice of which godly course hath brought me to my end. " Which doth rejoice my heart & soul exceedingly; " That for his truth the Lord hath thought me worthy for to die. " For though our sins do cause these troubles in our land: " Yet shall these tyrants not escape the Lords revenging hand. " And though our God do seem from us to hide his face, " And arms our foes with cruel death his people to disgrace: " Yet if we be content, his mercy will retire. " Have mercy Lord upon thy Church, o Christ I thee desire. " And you o traitors wild that laid this trothless train, ●●e Admiral inua●●● against 〈◊〉 wicked ●ason of 〈◊〉 Queen ●ther, the ●●ng, and 〈◊〉 Duke Guise. " Against the Lord have lifted up your wicked hearts in vain. " For you are puffed up with hope that is not sure; " For these our pains, you shall receive the pains that shall endure. " And you that dare to lift your hands against the Lord, " Before your death most justly shall of all men be abhorred. " Though yet you do not feel the sentence that is due " To this your bloody traitor's act, yet know that you shall rue " Your breach of plighted faith, your deep dissembling heart; " There is a God will judge us all, that will revenge our smart. " The pain that we receive doth breed eternal joy; " But for the wrong that you have done the Lord will you destroy " O Lord confirm my faith, which now must here be tried; " Reach me thy hand (o Christ) that I from thee may never slide. " My fearful flesh is weak, my heart and will is priest: " Forsake me not my God, but now receive me to thy rest. " Let not this irksome shade, this dark and doleful night " Keep from my heart in this assault thy sweet & pleasant light: " For though the worldly Sun mine eye shall see no more, " Thy blessed Son let me enjoy, whom I by faith adore. " And whereas I despair no more to see the day, " In steed of that, thy loving face show me (my God) I pray. " lo then, a blessed chance, and happy change for me; " That from this vale of wretched life with Christ in joy shallbe. " Now let these traitors come, the fear of death is past; " And fainting flesh that did rebel, hath ye ● ded at the last. " Now doth my soul rejoice, my heart most gladly say; " Thou Son of God, my Saviour come, my Christ now come thy way? " For here again to thee my soul I do commend, " And to thy poor afflicted Church o Lord thy mercy send. " So shall they be at rest, so shall they praise thy name; " Let not these tyrant's longer Lord thy servants put to shame. " Lest they do proudly brag, and say within their heart; " Where is the God whom they do serve, that now should take their part. " Come quickly Lord therefore, & make no more delay " To end these fierce and bloody broils; Amen, Amen, I say. By this came up the stairs ere ended were his words, Three wicked, varlets broke into the Adm●●rals chamber, whose names were, Benui● a German, Cozen a Gascoine, Attin a Picard. One Benuise & two other mates with targets & with swords. The chamber broken up, this Benuise swearing came With sword drawn to the Admiral, & ask for his name; Art thou the Admiral? the man not much appalled, With quiet mind gave answer thus; Indeed so am I called. Then seeing Benuise bend his naked sword to slay, My friend (quoth he) that bloody blade I pray thee for to stay, The Admiral last words. And have respect unto my age, and weak estate To which by treason wrought by trust I have been drawn of late. But beastly Benuise would to this no answer give: But swearing, to this Noble man his pointed sword let drive, And thrust him to the heart: The cruel and ●●wardly murder of the Ad●●irall. but yet not fully dead, With force he laid a mighty blow & struck him on the head. With that came Attin in with Pistol in his hand, And shot him in the wounded breast; yet did he stoutly stand: Till Benuise came again with third repeated wound: And slashed him on the thigh: which done, he fell unto the ground Where he gave up the ghost. The bloody Guise that stayed This while within the lower court, with lifted voice now said Ho Benuise hast thou done? who straightway did reply, Yea sir this happy deed is done, and that most perfectly. Then said the Duke of Guise Come throw him down to me: That where it be the same, or not, we here may quickly see: For now our Chevalier will think it but a lie, Except at window thrown out he see him with his eye. Then Benuise, with his mates to put them out of doubt, took up this bloody corpse: & so from window cast him out. Where from his wounded head sprang out so fresh a flood, That vizard-like his face was all imbrued with gory blood. Whereby they could not well at first discern his face: Till that the Duke of Guise himself first kneeling in the place Had with his napkin wiped the clotted blood away, And searching viewed every part; he rose without delay, And crying to his crew devoid of fear and shame: It's he (my friends) I know him well, trust me it is the same. The Duke descending then from out the stately gates, With bloody heart and cursed mouth he cried unto his mates; " O happy luck that we so good beginnings have, ●e wicked ●eches of ●e bloody ●●ise after ●e murder ●he Admerall. " Lo Fortune frames her willing hand to give that we do crave. " And sith it pleased the fates at first such hap to send, " It gives me cause of future hope to see some happy end. " Come on my valiant hearts, so place your warlike bands, " That marching forward to the rest, not one may scape our hands " This is the King's decree, this hath he given out; " We do no more than he commands, to put you out of doubt; " Let pity take no place till Rebels all be rid, " Thus saith the king, fear not therefore to do what he doth bid. " Let nothing now prevail to daunt your hardy mind; " No, The right picture of bloody Tyrant. though with tears they pity crave, let them no mercy find. " Have no remorse unto the young ne yet the old; " Without regard to any one to kill them all be bold. " Now sanctify your swords, and bathe them in the blood " Of these religious Rebels, which do mean the King no good. " So shall we quickly find a path to perfect peace; " So shall we see assured means at length to live at ease: " For if we can recount the troubles that are past; " Then happy time wherein we may dispatch them all at last. Which said; he bade in haste the Tockesein for to ring, Which sounding bell appointed was the fatal news to bring When as this raging rout this murder should begin: Which they performed, as though they had no men, but monsters been. And therewithal devise a alarm for to raise Pretending with some solemn lie the people for to please. So now the trumpets sound this lie and shameful thing, That certain traitors were in arms about to kill the King. Hear, Gonzagues a Italian cut of the Admiral head, & sent it to the Pope. one among the rest from Rome that lately came, (Desirous by some valiant act perhaps to get a name) Cut off the bleeding head (imbrued with reeking blood) Of that most worthy Admiral in hope to do some good; And sent it strait to Rome as Lorraine had required, The Cardin. of Lorraine. A present welcome to the Pope, which he had long desired. His hands cut off by some, by some his secret parts, Declares what hate to shining light lies hid in blinded hearts. His hacked and mangled corpses by space of certain days Was dragged by rascals all along the streets and filthy ways. At length this rustic rage, as fury thought it meet; At common gallows of the town did hang him by the feet. Thus came this Noble man to this unworthy death, Thus do the Papists learn to break the vow of plighted faith. The Admiral being slain, they likewise murdered most cruelly not only all such friends, Physicians, Preachers, and all other that were found hidden in the Admiral's lodging, but also as many as were suspected to be of that religion within the town or any where else, were lamentably put to the sword, as here following we may plainly see. THese furies frying thus, yet thus were not content: But in the house, from place to place, like greedy hounds they went. To search the chambers all and corners of receipt; That from the wolf the sheep might save his throat by no deceit. And such as sleeping were found naked in their bed, Or gone to hide or save themselves they first cut of their head, And after fiercely pierced with wounds both great and deep; Which being done, like cruel curs they throw them on a heap. Among which woeful troup two Noble youths there were And Pages of most worthy birth which likewise died there. With these, among the rest a man of noble fame, The County Rouchfoucault was forced at length to taste the same. Whom for his pleasant wit the King did seem to love; Yet in this fury nothing might the King to mercy move. But now in haste must be to death untimely sent, To yield again unto the Lord the life that he had lent. So him at first De Nance commanded was to kill; But he most stoutly did a monsieur De Nance Captain of the guard, refuseth to kill the County Rouchfoucault. refuse this guiltless blood to spill. b His speeches used both privately to his friends, and also to the King upon the refusal. " Shall I, said he, consent to do this fearful thing " To shed this blood, because I am commanded by the King? " No, God forbidden, I know I have a soul to save; " So bloody spot, to save my life my name shall never have. " I know there is a day, a day that c Reu. 6. 10. Saints desire; " When of our deeds the king above a reckoning will require. " Obey the d Rom. 13. 1 King; that's true, 1. Pet. 2. 13 in things that honest be: " When I obey in wicked hests, Tit. 3. 1. woe worth the time to me. " For joab did not well e 2. Sam. 11 16. King David to obey, " When wickedly the King him bad Vriah for to slay. " Those Elders did offend which showed themselves too prone, " Those wicked letters to obey poor f 1. King. 21▪ 11. Naboth for to stone. " And cursed g 1. Sam. 22 18. Doeg which obeyed a wicked will, " Shall cursed stand for that he did the Lords anointed kill. " A murder to be done the King doth now request, " My God commands the contrary: now which to choose were best? " The King doth threaten death, and God doth threaten hell, " If for the King I should forsake my God, should I do well? " What others see o King, His speeches to the king. I cannot well divine, " To kill the uncondemned man it is no charge of mine. " To slay my deadly foe except there were some cause " I would not yield; much less my friend against our sacred laws. " What envy doth report, o King I cannot say; " But this my friend a faithful man to me hath been alway. " Therefore I pray your Grace your rigour to assuage, " Or bid some other whom you list to execute your rage. " In matters that be good if that you list to use " My service, you shall see that I no peril will refuse. Therefore I pray your Grace this answer for to take, ●. Sam. 22. 17. Which unto Saul his Soldiers once were not afraid to make: De Nance to kill his friend no wight shall ever see, Though for refusal he were sure beheaded for to be. Take heed (o noble King) what spirit you follow now; Let no man force you do the thing that God doth disallow. While good king David was by whoredom brought a sleep, He did the thing, which being waked did force his heart to weep While Saul in malice was against good David bend, He ran to that which afterward with tears he did lament. And whilst that jezabel great mischief did intend Against poor Naboth, she at last came to a fearful end. Look well therefore (o King) before you leap too far, Lest in the end this testy scab do breed a lasting scar. Well I can say no more, but God preserve your Grace, And grant your soul when breath is gone with him a resting place. But this could not prevail this noble man to save, When De Nance ●ad refused to ●●l the County Rouchfeucault ●ne Laberg an duernois off. For bloody Doeg did attend his office for to have. For which, an Auernois a man of cused fame Made offer there, before the King that he would do the same. The King was well content this office for to give To him, ●ed to do it, if the K. would give him his of ●ice, which was to be Captain of the horsemen so that this Noble man of life he would bereave. We see how Satan doth by glory mixed with gain, Work to procure this worthy wight the sooner to be slain. There fell in this assault (for malice to the truth) Theligni famous for his wit, The death of Theligni son in law to the Admiral. a rare and passing youth: Who for his manly heart and courage did excel: For which, the King in outward show did seem to love him well. Now when the time was come that martyred he should be. " With courage bold, The words of Theligni uttered before his death he smiling said; O welcome death to me. " It grieves me for to live since faith from Princely seat " Abandonde is, and in her place reigns falsehood and deceit. " It grieves me for to see this sad and irksome day, " Wherein so great and famous King, a traitor's part should play. " It grieves me for to hear poor souls deceived cry " Too late, The Admiral at first doubting some policy and ill meaning, staid a while, & durst not trust the King: but at length overcome with the persuasions of Theligni his son in law, & other his friends that there could be no hurt meant, they all being deceived with the King's courtesies, he yielded and came in upon trust. for that they did too much on Prince's oath rely. " Woe worth my harmless heart too soon that did believe, " And to the kings dissembling words too soon did credit give. " Woe worth the wicked time when first I did begin " To work the means, for to persuade my father to come in. " Woe worth my lying tongue which first assayed to bring " My fearful Father in the mind, that he should trust the King. " How oft did I commend the King's assured love? " How did I think that nothing might us from the same remove? " How oft did I recount the Kings repeated oath? " How many friendly signs were seen of force to bind us both? " How often did I urge there was no cause of fear, " Because for this we saw the King most willing for to swear? " But sith it is too late this error to lament, " My trusting hath deserved death; and therefore am content. " Sith I am not the first whom trust hath thus betrayed, " To suffer death for no offence I am the less dismayed. " And since my greatest hope hath wrought me most despite, " What shall I say? I say no more: but Lord receive my spirit. Thus came this noble imp untimely to his grave, For that he to a * Beware of the guileful promises of the Papists. Papists oath too great afliance gave And thus fell many more of Nobles here and there, Whose names & valiant acts, were now to long for to declare. Thus did those lawless bands go raging up and down From house to house, they sought to spoil the wealthiest of the town. So they that beggars were when first this stir began, At last with rich and flowing wealth the chiefest credit won. This while the Duke of Guise these words repeated still, With crying voice, Kill, kill the knaves, this is the princes wil And lest the soldiers should wax faint with bloody toil; " Now rid them all my friends (quoth he) & you shall have the spoil. Thus did they all a day from morning unto night With bloody swords run up and down: no doubt a heavy sight. They spared none they knew, no sex could pity find, The rueful cry of tender babes could not assuage their mind. In great triumphing joy of this their warlike feat, The bodies slain from windows hie they throw into the street. So that there was no way, no lane or passage by; Where murdered men you might not see in heaps together lie. Now whilst within the town these things a doing were; The King of Navarre and the Prince of Condee did appear Before the King. ●he King of navarre, and 〈◊〉 Prince of ●●onde● were 〈◊〉 to the king For so before it was agreed To save these youths to farther hope the counsel had decreed. For they their lodging had within the Castle wall; Which for defence is always thought the surest place of all. These Princes being gone, ●hese Princes 〈◊〉, friends, 〈◊〉, with all ●●eir ret●nue 〈◊〉 most cruelly slain. and only had away, The rest were left unto the sword to die without delay: Their servants & their friends, their tutors with the rest Can not prevail to save their lives by suit ne yet request; But thrust without the doors, and kneeling in the place, The guard of Swissers slew them all before the Prince's face. And still between the stroke they cried all amain Upon the King's fidelity; but faith was called in vain. Yet none amongst them all so much lamented was, ●he lamenta 〈◊〉 murder of ●onsieur De●uilles. As Mounsieur de Pills that he should come unto so hard a pass. Because among the rest he passed them all so far For godly zeal in truth, and eke for prowess in the war. Who lying in his bed somewhat before the day, And hearing noise of armed men leapt out to see the fray: And marking well the voice in place and time of truce, Of cries and killings every where, it made him much to muse. Which dump De Nance did break, who did this message bring That strait to void the place he was commanded by the king; And that he should departed (his weapons left behind) From out the Court and Castle gate full sore against his mind. Which was no sooner said but Pills was forced out Among the bloody weapons of that rude unruly rout. To hope for longer life he saw it was but vain: He saw such cruel rage, and eke the bodies that were slain? Where lifting up his voice, so that the King might hear, These words he spoke before them all, devoid of fainting fear. " O false unworthy King, The vehement word of Monsieur De Pills, upon the King's traitorous infidelity. o whelp of savage kind! " O traitorous heart in kingly breast! o base polluted mind! " Is this a Princely part, by treason to procure " The murder of thy chiefest friends? Is this thy Popish lure, " To train us in by trust, to thrust us thus to death? " Is this thy solemn Kingly oath? is this a Prince's faith? " Is this thy friendly cheer? Is this thy fawning face? " Is this the fruit of Romish faith? o false dissembling race! " And dost thou honour so thy sister's spousal day? " And couldst thou find no other time thy treasons to bewray? " Is this the trust that is in mother, son, and kin? " Let France then curse the man that did first bring this kindred in. " How are thy wits bewitched? what fury doth enrage " Thy tigers heart, that nothing can thy thirst but blood assuage? " And wast thou not afraid to give thy lewd consent " To murder them, which to believe thy promise were content? " Where are thy friendly words? where is thy feigned love? " What, hath thy flinty heart forgot there is a God above? " And thinkest that thou shalt shed our guiltless blood in vain? " Shall not the Lord (o wretch) of thee require the same again? " How darest thou to behold the creatures of the Lord; " When for thy false and bloody fact this place shallbe abhorred? " What answer canst thou make to this unhappy town, " Which for thy traitorous act shall lose his glory & renown? " What answer canst thou give to many a weeping child? " To many matrons husbandless what reason canst thou yield? " And deemst thou not that God will plague this sinful land " For this our blood? & fearest thou not Gods just revenging hand? " Yes though at this our grief thou proudly now do jest, " Yet God will not forget the blood of them that be oppressed. Psal. 19 12 " Did joab die in peace that had by treason slain " Two noble men? 〈◊〉 Sam. 3. 27 & 20. 10. Did not his blood requite the same again? " Did Abs●lom likewise that wrought his brother's death " By treason, 〈◊〉 Ki. 2. 34. under friendly show, and falsing plighted faith, " Thus prosper long? 〈◊〉 Sam. 13 28. No, no, for God did quickly send " To this rebellious wicked wretch a swift and fearful end. Sam 18. 9 " Be sure therefore of this, and mark what Pills hath said, " That this our blood by shedding of thy blood shallbe repaid. ●onsieur De ●lies prophe●eth the kings ●rrible death which shortly ●fter came in●ed so to pass Which said, from off his back he put a costly cloak, And to a friend among the press, the same thus saying took. Take this, and let the same a token still remain, That pills thy friend by treason was here most unjustly slain. With that he did commend his soul unto the Lord, Upon his knees with lifted eyes still waiting for the sword. Then one of Prince's guard to end this bitter strife, Monsieur De ●illes murdered 〈◊〉 one of the ●ard with a Partisan. Thrust through Pills with partisan, who yielded there his life? This was the cruel end of that most famous man; To read the same without remorse, I think no creature can. This Rout in Paris streets which posted up and down, 〈◊〉 hundredth ●●ouses in Paris ●●icked. Four hundred houses sacked have within that wicked town. The King therewith directs his letters out in post, To Cities all his message flies in haste to every coast, The king commanded all C●●●es in his land to follow the example of Paris, in murdering as many as professed the reformed religion. That they (as Paris had) with murder should oppress As many in their towns, as did the Gospel there profess. Which lewd and bloody charge, a wonder is to see, How glad and willing to obey most towns and Cities be. But one among the rest, The butcherly murder committed upon the professors of the Gospel at Lion's in France. a place of ancient fame, Did Lion-like behave herself, as Lions was her name. For though in other towns by murder many fell; Yet Lions for her cruel heart, all others did excel. Where then, unhappy then, a Lion as the chief One Mandelot was Governor a black and bloody thief, Mand●lot Governor at 〈◊〉 Who having once received these letters from the King, With greedy mind, he sets abroach this vile unworthy thing. Who caused out of hand his Crier to proclaim That all within the town which did the Gospel then maintain Should presently resort unto a certain place Where Mandelot would have them all appear before his face. This message being done, the godly do obey, And to the place appointed them they came without delay, Where Mandelot they found with visage pale and sad, Who nothing said, but bids them all to prison to be had. The godly trapped thus, and thus to thraldom sent; As sheep unto the slaughter they to prison meekly went. Where lying in the Clinke their feet and hands were bound, And by the cruel jailors were laid prostrate on the ground. Then Mandelot commands the hangman for to call, Whom he enjoins to enter in with axe to kill them all. But this so fearful fact the hangman did refuse, " And bade him for so wicked act some fit man to choose. The comm●n hangman of Lions, had more grace & honesty th●● Mandelot the Governor " For I will not defile my hands with guiltless blood, " Nor give consent (said he) to do the thing that is not good. " On such as are condemned by justice and by law, " I only am in public place my deadly blade to draw. " The man repelled thus, inventest another way; " He wills the soldiers of the town these prisoners for to slay: " But they likewise replied; The garrison soldiers also refuse to commit this wild ●●urther. that they would not distain " The glory of their martial feats, with fame that they had slain " Poor simple naked men bound prostrate at their feet, " It is a service (sir say they) for soldiers far unmeet: " And therefore if you have this murder thus decreed, " Choose out some other men that list perform so hard a deed. " Yet if in Rebel sort their banners were displayed, " To put them all unto the sword we would not be afraid. " But now sith that we know no fault that they have done, " Let them (for us) proceed herein that have the same begun. Again refused thus, the man with fury bend, For all the butchers of the town, he strait his message sent. To whom in savage sort his mind he did unfold; And had them go & kill them all whom he had laid in hold. The butchers more cruel & bloody, than ●ither hangmā●r soldiers, obey this wicked Tyrant, in committing this horrible murder. These beastly butchers than no conscience made at all▪ But with their bloody butchering knives like tigers they do fall Upon these silly souls, in murder fiercely bend, Not like to men, but rather as some furies had been sent From hell, to stop the course of God's afflicted word; So quickly did these hellhounds put these people to the sword. Here some that prostrate were, and did for mercy cry, And other some unto the Lord that lift their voices high, They killed not, but did their hands cut off at first, And after chopped in savage sort with blood to quench their thirst Such shrieks and wailing cries from prisons did rebound, That every corner of the town might hear their woeful sound. The mournful mothers wept, whom nature did compel, To see these hounds before their face their loving babes to quell The tender infant doth for help to father cry, The woeful father cannot help his child before he die. The husband to his wife, the friend to friend doth call, With heavy sighs lamenting this their most unhappy fall. And they that strongest are to weak do comfort give, That so they may be sugared words their fainting hearts relieve. Of these captived souls such was the piteous plight, That very Papists did lament to see this cruel sight. And some that loud the Pope, these dealings did detest; Who for their credit did not think this rigour to be best. And many women of the town devoid of crime With horror of this sudden fear, had child before their time. For from the common a The blood was seen to run warm & smoking through the streets of the town into the river of Some. jail in sight of shining Sun, The smoking blood from street to street with grief was seen to run. But one amongst the rest, an old & aged man Called b The valiant & constant death of Francis Collute merchant of caps with 2. young men his sons Francis Collute, for his faith a lasting credit wan. To whom with bloody axe when butchers did resort, Upon his Sons with tears he fell, and did them thus exhort; " You know (quoth c The godly & zealous oration of Francis Collute to his 2 sons, lying with them upon the ground, ready to be sacrificed. he) my Sons, what pain & tender care " Your loving Father from your youth hath had for to prepare " Your hearts to know the Lord, his truth to entertain; " Which far surmounteth fading wealth, & hope of worldly gain. " Now is our harvest in, now must our fruit appear, " Now will the Lord require account how we have lived here. " The final axe is laid to root of falling tree; " And how we have the truth embraced, the world forthwith must see. " Be strong therefore my Sons, refuse not proffered death; " Which from the Lord is sent to be a trial of our faith. " But how should we be strong, when flesh doth daily fall? " O Lord increase our faith, that we may come when thou dost call. " And from the Lord I know this butchring axe is sent, " Who Satan's sword hath loosed now no doubt for some intent. " This is no new devise which Satan puts in ure; " For they that will embrace the truth of this shall still be sure. " For unto Truth belongs both fire, sword and rack, " And naked Truth hath always tied a whip unto her back. " The ages that are passed do yet declare the same, " whose's constant death for Christ, depaints the glory of their name. " For as the silly sheep between the Lion's jaws. " And like the meek & wailing dove in goshawks greedy paws " So is the present state of Christ's afflicted flock, " Who are content with Christ to lay their head unto the block " Fear not therefore to taste this cup of joyful pain, " That with the Lord in lasting joy we all may meet again. " Let nothing force your faith from Christ to go astray, " For I your Father (as your guide) will lead you first the way. " One house hath held us all, one Christ hath been our joy; " This sweet and noble union let Satan not destroy. " And let us join in one this death for to embrace, " So joined with Christ we shallbe sure with him to have a place. " I was not he that gave your use of lively breath; " I am not he that sets the time and order of your death. " It is the Lord alone, which will restore again " A better life, if for his law by death we suffer pain. " Come, let us gladly give our throat unto the knife; " And for our Christ let us rejoice to leave this wretched life. " And say you all with me; o Lord from these our bands, " Receive (we pray) our sinful souls into thy blessed hands. " And lend us Lord thy grace and mercy to the end, Thy blessed help to come to thee, o Lord of mercy send. And this repeating oft the butchers with their blade, Their bodies then with deadly wounds a bloody present made. Then joining on the ground they clasped all in one; Where groveling lay in folded arms the father with the son Which sudden heavy chance such woeful sight did give, That just remorse of causeless death a flinty heart would grieve. Thus hath this blessed man received a happy place; The Lord grant us that be behind like portion of his grace. Amen. A cruel, cowardly, and traitorous murder, committed in Angiers in France, upon one Masson de Rivers a famous and godly preacher, by a wicked enemy called Monsorrell, who was sent by the King to Angiers in post, to commit the like murder there, as was in Paris. NOw Lions far thou well, to Angiers will I go, Wherein also the godly flock, lacked not a deadly foe. For there was dwelling then a famous learned man; Who for his pains and godly life a worthy credit won. He was the first that dared the Gospel for to preach In Paris town: He was the first that laid the foundation of the Church at Paris. where first the same to many he did teach. Masson De Rivers was this godly preachers name, Who had the Sorbons many times by learning put to shame. Now when in Paris town the murder was at most, The bloody Cur Monsorrell was to Angiers sent in post. Who was no sooner come within that woeful town, And that from off his barbed house he was descended down. But that he did inquire where Masson then did dwell, For that he had unto the man some secret thing to tell. And coming to the house, before the entry door He met with Massons wife; to whom he used then great store Of filled words, as though he meant nothing amiss, And like a Courtier courteously salutes her with a kiss: A judas kiss And where is now (I pray) your husband to be had? To see the good man ere I went, I would be very glad: For that with him I have a word or two talk. In yonder garden sir (quoth * An honest & loving wife mistrusting no hurt, betraiea●● her husband to a flattering murderer. she) my husband now doth walk. And so she did direct the traitor to the place; Where coming, he most courteously good Masson did embrace. " And canst thou tell (quoth he) why I am ●ether come? The speech●● of Mon●rrel to Masson. " It is to do the Princes will, whereof this is the sum. " The King commanded hath that now without delay, " Within this place I should not miss thy life to take away. " And that thou mayst be sure the King hath thus decreed; " Lo here are letters from his grace, which letters thou shalt read. With that he plucked forth a Pistol ready bend Full charged, and to Massons heart now ready to be sent. " My friend (said Masson) stay, The speech●● of Masson 〈◊〉 Rivers ●●ttered be●re his death on me some pity take: " And to my God, ere that I die, let me my prayers make. " I marvel why the King this murder should intend; " I know not any thing wherein his laws I did offend. " It doth become a King a Princely heart to have: " And not unjustly for to kill the people he should save. " And what are you that can the uncondemned kill? " And what are you that seek my life, which never meant you ill? " And why should you desire to suck my guiltless blood, " Which in the Lord unto my power have sought to do ye good? " But stay; I know the cause: you hate the shining light " Of God's eternal Truth, which now you think doth shine too bright. " But friend take heed how that thou welter in the dark " Take heed of God's eternal, plague & Cayns accursed mark. " The men that meat refuse with famine shallbe pined, " To satisfy their hungry souls, they shall no comfort find. " And they that known Truth do wilfully reject, " shallbe deceived by lying spirits their follies to correct. " I weigh not for to die, sith death the Lord hath sent; " But more to view thy wretched state it maketh me lament; " For after death with me I know it shall be well; " But for this murder thou mayst fear lest thou be sent to hell. " There is a fearful law, let it be rightly scanned; " The Lord himself hath truly said that blood pollutes the land. Numb. 35. 23 " The Land from bloody guilt shall not be cleansed or quit, God is so mindful of blood wrong fully shed, that he maketh dumb creatures dem. tuned vengeance thereof. " But by his blood which wrong fully the murder did commit. " Take heed therefore (good friend) and yet beware in time, " Pollute not this so famous place with this so bloody crime. " But yet if thou obey a Princes wicked word, " Know in the end that thou likewise shalt perish by the sword. " Now if my hoary hairs no mercy can procure; " Yet let the safety of thy soul to pity thee allure. " And if the wailing tears of this my woeful wife, " Can not by any means prevail with thee to save my life; " Yet see these silly babes, and weigh their woeful moan, " Which fatherless before their time should now be left alone. " If nothing yet but blood can quench thy hot desire, " Then in the end be sure to taste the Lords revenging ire. " Have mercy Lord on me, whom Satan would destroy; " Thy godly flock he seeks to quell, thy Truth for to annoy. " Let them not longer Lord exalt their pridie crown: " Let them not scape that daily seek to throw thy kingdom down. " Thy promise is my hope, thy word is all my stay: " My comfort is the living Lord, which shields me from decay. " While Christ is on my side by faith that makes me free, " By death or life I little fear what man can do to me. " To thee my living God for mercy now I call, " So in this place my promised vows shallbe performed all. " O Lord receive my soul, the force of death destroy, " That presently before thy face I may appear with joy. " O Christ thy pity send, with mercy come to me; " For from my youth & tender years my hope hath been in thee. " My heart is fixed Lord, my heart is surely set; " To save my soul (my God) let not my sins be any let. " Now to thy blessed hands whether I die or live: " My sinful soul, receive it Lord, I gladly here do give. " And thou that hither camest to play this bloody part; " lo this thy wicked deed I do forgive with all my heart: " Desiring God that this my blood now set at large, " When he doth come may not at all be laid unto thy charge. " Come stay no longer now if God shall give thee power " To take my life, them welcome thrice this sweet & happy hour; His wife he kissing bade her sorrow to repel, With her his babes he did embrace, and bade them all farewell. But Lord what rolling tears, what shrieks and piteous cries Between the wife and loving babes were sent to airy Skies. But this could not persuade the traitor to departed, Who framed his ready dagg to strike poor Masson to the heart. Then Masson kneeling down, content his life to leave; The bullet meekly to his breast from Pistol did receive. Where falling to the ground, his blessed life did yield Unto the Lord, with quiet heart as meek as any child. We see what worthy men the Papists have destroyed, God grant us grace that do remain their treasons to avoid. Amen. The judgement of the Lord against this bloody and perjured King of France, Charles the 9 Dilated by the sentence of God in the law against murder; by examples both out of the Scriptures, & other Authors, concerning the horrible end that hath fallen upon wilful murderers; and lastly, the bloody death of this bloodsucking King himself. NOw let us see the end of this perjured King, And let us weigh in future time what fearful fruit did spring From falsed faith. And first I briefly will repeat The sentence of the mighty God 'gainst murder and deceit. Then shall we plainly see how that in every land The Lord according to his law with just revenging hand The bloody tyrants strikes, with all their faithless crew; As by examples we may see of such as shall ensue. Who so saith God shall shed the blood of man in vain, Shall with the shedding of his blood requite the same again. Gen. 9 6. And he that by deceit his a Exod. 21. 14. neighbour shall betray, Or shall with guile presumptuously his brother seek to slay: Numb. 35. 20. He shall not scape, The blood of man is of so great price with the Lord that he will not only require it of men, but also of the very dumb creatures. Gen. 9 although he to the altar fly. But b joab the wi●●full murderer was taken from the altar by Solomon & slain. 1. King. 2. 31. drawn forth he justly shall without all pity die. Such cursed bloody men Gods plague doth follow still; For wicked King c Abimelech slew 70. of his brethren, & ra●gned 〈◊〉 king Iud 9 5 at last he perished by the just judgement of God. Abimelech who was content to kill His seventy brothers all the kingdom for to have: From just revenge he could not long his cursed carcase save. For from a woman's hand a millstone down was sent From off a wall: which with the weight his brain pan all to rend. And after by his Page was thrust unto the heart With sword, a edge. 9 53. 54. lest that a woman's stroke his glory should subvert. As a Triphon bee●…g Tutor and 〈◊〉 counsellor ●●to young king ●●tiochus, and ●uing deutsed ●●th himself a 〈◊〉 of conspira 〈◊〉 to kill his 〈◊〉 after, thought ●at jonathan ●ing high priest the jews, ●●uld be a hinderance unto is attempt, ●●ing a friend ●●to Antio●●us. Therefore ●●iphon fein●●g great frēd●●p unto jonaan, with flat ●●ing words so ●●ained him by ●●ust, that he ●●●rswaded him 40 thousand 〈◊〉 which Io●●● than brought ●●th him, that should send pay all sa●●ng one thousand: with which small company when he was entered into the City Ptolemais under trust of assured promise to have the City delivered unto him by Triphon: and being come within the gates, he 〈◊〉 by Triphon taken prisoner, and all his men slain. 1. Maccab. 12. 41. josephus Antiquit, jud lib. cap. 10. Triphon did entrap with face of friendly cheer Good jonathan, to whom he did a faithful friend appear: So did he quickly feel the weight of falsed word, Who shortly was by Simon b But Triphon enjoyed not this treachery long: for he was still cruelly pursued by Simon 〈◊〉 brother of jonathan, & at last in Apania was taken & put to the sword. Whose treachery was ●●ight picture of K. Charles his villainy. slain, and justly put to sword. I read also of one c Aristobolus after he had put his mother & brother to ●●ath, grieved in conscience, fell into such horrible extremity, that blood came from him both by vo●● & otherwise till it brought him to his end. Aristobolus by name, Who hath for murder left behind a black & bloody fame. For first he did consent with famine for to pine His mother, for because she would the kingdom not resign. And also was content by death to make away Antigonus his brother dear, which was his own decay. For when the deed was done, he felt a present grief In conscience for so cruel act; which then without relief Did daily so torment his sore afflicted heart, That fresh remorse did often give new cause of greater smart. At length from d The Image of K Charles his judgement. grisly corpse his blood by piecemeal came; For brother's blood from earth did call his blood to quit the same And thus in fearful wise he yielded up his breath: So was his fierce & wicked life repaid with worthy death. Our e Charles 〈◊〉 9 by the just stroke of God's revenge died of bleeding at all parts of his body where was any issue. Charles like unto this from God's revenging hand By bloody death, repaies the blood he shed within his land. From ears, from nose, from mouth, from heart that was so stout, From every part his blood was seen, where blood might issue out. The man that would not yield when men did mercy crave, For mercy cries unto the Lord but mercy none can have. For he that will not help the poor when they doth call, Shall call himself when he hath need, & not be heard at all. The heart that was so proud, now feels the bitter pain Whereat he jested when he saw his faithful subjects slain. The ears that would not hear the poor afflicted cry; But greedily to suck their blood would credit every lie, With blood are stopped up that they shall hear no more: Such heavy plagues for wicked men the Lord hath still in store. The mouth that would not speak to do his brother good, Instead of words doth vomit out the clotts of filthy blood. The nose that did detest of Truth the pleasant smell, From filthy heart doth willingly the stinking blood expel. So that we plainly see, that blood for blood doth crave, And he shall not escape that seeks his brother's blood to have. Then cursed be the mouth and a Christopher Thaune Precedent of the Parliament, with a wicked Oration commended the K. for that he had by treason and flattery now overcome them, whom by arms he could not vanquish. man that did persuade This wretched King that he was in a good and godly trade, In that he did by guile the godly so allure: And afterwards by treason did their wished death procure. Much like said he you be to b jews the 11 was wont to say, Qui nescit dissimluare. nescit regnare, he that cannot dissemble, knoweth not how to reign. jews which heretofore Said in the Latin that he knew one sentence & no more. Which was; That he which Truth in words will always bring, And not dissemble; knoweth not the skill to be a King. Nay c The riht judgement of the godly concerning this bloody act. this was rather like the red and cruel reign Of d Mithridates' caused with one letter 150000. Romans to be slain. Mithridates, who did cause of Romans to be slain A hundred fifty thousand once by message that was sent, When outwardly there did appear nothing but friendship meant. The King of e Peter of Arragon slew 8000. Frenchmen. Arragon like mate of cursed crew, By like deceit in Sicill once eight thousand Frenchmen slew. To f Philip of Macedon suffered misery by breaking often his oath. Philip once it was his ruin and his death: In that he often broke his oath, and vow of plighted faith. Then happy is the man, that timely can beware Of Popish treason, which doth seem great favour for to bear. " NOw have you heard at large the chief of bruited broil, The Conclusion of the French Pilgrim unto the English man. " That lately for the Truth hath been in France my native soil. " The Lord grant England peace and mercy from above, " That from the Truth no trouble may their fixed heart remove " With wished life and health Lord long preserve and keep " That Noble Queen Elizabeth chief Pastor of thy sheep: " And that she may find out, and hunt with perfect hate " The Popish hearts of feigned friends before it be too late: " And that in woeful France the troubles that we see, " To England for to shup the like, may now a warning be. " And where our wound is seen as yet so fresh to bleed, " Lord grant to England that they may in time take better heed. " Now sith you do perceive of France the woeful case; " Good sir I pray you give me leave to se●ke some other place. " I fear that I have stayed and charged you too long, " In warping forth these bloody broils in rude & rustic song. " Not so good friend, The Englishman to the French Pilgrim. but if with me thou wilt remain; " I shall not think it any charge, nor count it any pain " To hear and keep thee still: but if thou wilt departed, " For thy discourse take this reward, & thanks from friendly heart. " And so (my friend) farewell, Lord shield thee from annoy, " And grant us all that we may meet with Christ in perfectioy Amen. Lord jesus Christ, the praise be thine: For blessing of this work of mine. Anna Dowriche, Give God the praise. Verity portrayed by the French Pilgrim. FRom Seat supernal of celestial jove Descended Truth, devoid of worldly weed; And with the brightness of her beams she strove 'Gainst Satan, Sin, & Adam's fleshly Seed; reproving wrongs, bewailing worldlings need; Who think they swim in wealth (blinded by guile): Yet wanting Truth; are wretched, poor & vile. The World reproved; in rage attempts her wrack, Satan assists, malicious Men devise Torments for Truth, bind scourges at her back, Exclaim against her with blasphemous cries; Condemning her, exalting earthly lies: Yet no despite or pain can cause her cease; She wounded, springs; bedecked with crown of Peace. FINIS.