THE HISTORY OF HENRY IU.  
SURNAMED The Great, King of France and Navarre.  
Written Originally in French, By the Bishop of Rodez, once Tutor to his now most Christian Majesty; And made English by J. D▪  
LONDON: Printed by James Cottrel, for Samuel Speed, at the sign of the Rainbow near the Inner Temple-gate in Fleetstreet. 1663.   

To his Sacred Majesty, CHARLES' THE SECOND, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland.  
Dread SIR,  
WIth all that humble Reverence that becomes a Low but Loyal Subject and Servant to his Sovereign Lord and Master, cast I at Your feet this present Address. Those Stars that move in the Lowest Orb, receive their light and lustre from the Sun, as well as those that wander in a more exalted heaven; and therefore, may possibly be capable to return some grateful Influences, though not in so great a quantity, yet in a quality as pure and candid.  
However, all my courage could not have inspired me with a presumption to present any thing of mine to so glorious a Majesty, had it not born in its Frontispiece the name of HENRY THE GREAT, Your Royal and Renowned Grandfather; a Prince of so Sublime a Virtue, of so Heroic a Courage, of such Activity in War, and such Prudence in Peace, that he justly became both the love and terror of the age he lived in.  
And, Great Sir, give me leave to tell you, that never did the Life of any Prince since the Creation, bear so equal a Parallel with Your Maiesties, as that of this Renowned King. If your miseries and misfortunes have exceeded his, God hath made it by evident Demonstrances appear that he intends to make your Glories and Happiness as far surpass those of your Royal Grandfather. You both had Leaguers armed with Rebellion, Obstinacy and Ambition, under a Cloak of zeal to Religion, to oppose you; and you both, assisted by a Miraculous Providence of Heaven, overcame them. You both by Arms long struggled for your Rights: but as if God had intended you both for true Fathers of your Countries, and the Foundations whereon he would settle an absolute happiness in your Kingdoms, so long afflicted with Civil Wars, and those terrors which attend them; he brought you both to spotless Thrones, unbesmeared with blood.  
How soon was France redeemed from those plagues it so long had endured, at the entrance of the Great Henry into the Chair of Royalty, who as a Rising Sun, darted forth those Salutiferous rays which shone upon, and enriched the remotest parts of his Territories! How soon were all Factions dissipated! and how soon did he by his Prudent Conduct reconcile the most obstinate Spirits! In fine, in how short time was France, from a Den of Atheists, Thiefs, and Robbers, become the Nursery of Piety, Arts and Industry!  
England (Dread Sovereign) suffered under the same Fate her neighbouring Sister had long since been Subject to, when Heaven was graciously pleased to restore you to your Crown: And you have already made us not only hope, but see, that you have designed to restore to us such happinesses, that we cannot justly envy those which France enjoyed under her beloved HENRY. How well have you settled both our Church and State? How well have you reconciled our Dissensions? with how much too great a mercy (give me Sir leave to fear so) have you pardoned the most obstinate of your enemies? and how may we hope (if the malice of those obstinate Spirits yet disturb not our Tranquillity) to enjoy under your Government the most happy and flourishing days that ever Great Britain beheld!  
But Sir, that I may conclude, and not seem tedious to your Majesty; may the God of heaven inspire into the hearts of your people a true sense of your goodness and paternal love to them; may he correct the improbous malice of those who yet dare to be your enemies; may he incline you still to prosecute such Maxims of good Government, both in Church and State, as may make both equally Flourish; may he Augment your Glories, and raise them above those of your Grandfather, HENRY the Fourth; may he bless us all, by giving you a long and happy Reign; and when that misery (though late) arrives us of losing you, may we yet be made blessed in that Succession from your Loins that may endure for ever. Thus Prays,  
SIR, The humblest and faithfullest, though the meanest of your Majesty's Subjects and Servants, J. D.   

The Translator to the Reader.  
BEhold here a History compiled by one of the most able, and (let me testify thus much) one of the most moderate and impartial Pens of Europe. It was fitted for the hand of a King; and is the Life of one whom his own Actions will declare to have better deserved the name of Great, than that proud Macedonian, who wept that he had no more Worlds to conquer. For though he gained not such signal Victories, nor overran so many Countries; yet he was possessed of more Virtues, than the other of Cities; and Virtue is the fairest Mother of true Greatness. But, Reader, I forestall thy delight in its Reading: go on, therefore; but with Deliberation.  
J. D.   

THE AUTHOR TO THE READER.  
READER,  
THis History of Henry the Great, is only a small part of the Summary or Epitome of the general History of France, which I have composed by the command of the King, and for the instruction of his Majesty. It having been my intention only to gather together all that might serve to form a great Prince, and render him capable of Reigning well; I have not thought it convenient to enter into a particular Recital of things, or to recount at length all Wars and Affairs, as Historians do, who are to write for all sorts of persons. I have only took the Sum, and recounted those Circumstances I have judged the fairest, and the most instructive; leaving apart all the rest, to shorten matter, and to give in epitome an account of all that passed, which might inform the spirit of the King, without surcharging his memory. This hath been my design: if it hath not succeeded so well as could be wished, I hope, READER, that my Endeavour will appear praiseworthy. I doubt not but there are in this Work some Mistakes which I may not have perceived, but which cannot escape Eyes more clearsighted. The History is accompanied with so many Circumstances, that it is almost impossible not to be deceived in some: Yet I believe I have written nothing for which I have not my Warrant. And if you find in any Author the contrary of what I have said, I entreat you to consider that our Historians do in many things so differ among themselves, that who takes the judgement of one, must necessarily contradict the other. In this diversity I have followed those whom I believed the best and most assured. I acknowledge likewise that I could not refrain borrowing from them whole Paragraphs where they have pleased me, and that I have thought I could better explain myself by their Expressions, than my own. However, if this be a fault, it is but a light one, and aught to be pardoned, since ingenuously confessed. For other more remarkable ones I may have committed, I presume on your goodness, that, Reader, you will not treat me with the utmost rigour; but that you will have as much indulgence for me, as I have in this Work had Zeal for the Service of my King, and Affection for the good of France.   

THE HISTORY OF HENRY the Great, King of France and Navarre.  

To the King.  
SIR,  
THat Respect and Love which all good Frenchmen have still conserved for 〈…〉 happy Memory of King Henry the Great your Grandfather, represents itself as fresh to their remembrance, as if he still reigned; and Renown conserveses the Splendour of his fair Actions in the Hearts and Mouths of Men, as lively and entirely as in the time of his Triumphs. But we may say moreover, when we consider your Majesty, That he hath regained a new Life in your Person, and that he makes himself daily be seen under a Visage yet more August, and by Virtues which appear as redoubtable to the Enemies of France, as they are sweet and charming to its People.  
In truth, Sir, that praiseworthy Impatience which your Majesty hath testified (when I presented our History to your reading) to come to this glorious Reign, and for it to leave behind seven or eight others of Kings that preceded him, is a most certain proof that you desire him for your Model, and that you have resolved to study his Conduct, and conserve it in the Government of your Estates. Your happy Birth▪ and your Inclinations wholly Royal, lead you to it: The Hopes and Votes of your Subjects agree to it: The Necessities of your Kingdom, afflicted with the Miseries of the longest War it ever sustained, oblige you to it; and Heaven hath disposed you to it by so many Graces and eminent Qualities, that it would be difficult for you not to follow the ●air Principles of this great Monarch. I dare likew●●● say (and I may speak it with truth) that it will not be impossible for you to surpass him, if you enforce yourself to improve well all those Advantages wherewith Heaven hath endowed you above other Princes of your Age.  
Yes, Sir, he hath to you, as well as to the King your Grandfather, given a generous Soul, good and beneficent; a Spirit elevated, and capable of the greatest things; a Memory happy and facile; a Courage Heroick and Martial; a Judgement neat and solid; astrong and vigorous Health: but he hath moreover given you one Advantage this great Prince never had; that is, A Majestic Presence; an Air and Port almost Divine; a Person and Beauty worthy the Empire of the Universe, which attracts the Eyes and Respects of all the World, and which without the force of Arms, without the authority of Commands, will gain you all those by whom your Majesty shall make yourself be seen.  
I will not speak of the Prosperities of your Estates since your happy Advancement to the Crown; how you have been proclaimed Conqueror as soon as King; how by the assisting Counsels of your great Ministers, your Frontiers have been extended on all sides, and your Enemies everywhere defeated: but I ought not to forget that singular Grace which Heaven hath conferred on you, by instructing you in the Catholic Religion, and in true Piety, by the continual Diligences and Examples of the Queen your Mother; t●●● which was without doubt wanting to the Youth of our Henry.  
You cannot, Sir, with so fair Dispositions, with so many superexcelling Favours of Heaven, be confined beneath the Glory and Reputation of this great Prince. Remember, if you please, that you have done me the honour to tell me more than once, that you ardently aspire to a like Perfection, and that you have no greater Ambition. All France, who at present have their Eyes upon you, rejoice to see the Effects already second your Desires, and that you strive as pvissantly to imitate, as you have passionaaely desired to hear the Recital of so fair a Life.  
Your Majesty knows that Wills pass but for Weaknesses, when they render not themselves efficacious; and are so far from being worthy praise, that they condemn those who have them so much the more, because they see well what they ought to do, and have not the heart to attempt or enterprise it. The way of Virtue at first glance seems rude, but it conducts to the Temple of Glory; where it is certain we arrive not by simple Thoughts, and idle Discourses, but by Labour, Application and Perseverance.  
I have often taken the Liberty to represent to your Majesty, That Royalty is no Infant-Mystery; That it consists almost altogether in Action; That a King ought to make his Duty his Delights; and, That he ought to know how to Reign; that is, how to hold himself the Helm of his Estate, the better to Conduct them with Vigour, Wisdom and Justice.  
Who knows not that there is no Honour in bearing a Title, without executing the Functions of it? That it is in vain to have acquisted the best Knowledge, without labouring to reduce it into practice? That it is ridiculous to propose to ourselves a great Model, unless it be effectually imitated? And in fine, that it is nothing to understand by heart all the Maxims of Policy, if we apply them not to their right Use? Without lying, he that hath Eyes, and will not open them; who hath Arms, and will not take the pains to move them, is in a worse estate than the Blind or the Cripple.  
I cannot dissemble, Sir, that unspeakable Joy I have sometimes conceived, when I have understood from the Mouth of your Majesty, that you would choose rather never to have wore a Crown, than not yourself to govern it, but resemble those Infant-Kings of the first Race, who, as all our Historians say, served only as Idols to the Majors of their Palace; and who had had no Name, but only to mark the year in the Chronologie.  
But it will be enough to make France know how much your Majesty condemns that sleepy Lethargy, to tell them that you are at present resolved to imitate your Grandfather Henry the Great, who hath been the most active and most laborious of all our Kings; who hath dedicated himself with most Diligence to the Management of his Affairs, and who hath cherished his Estates and People with most Affection and most Tenderness. This is to declare that your Majesty hath taken a firm Resolution to put your hand to the Work; to know both the inside and outside of your Realm; to preside in your Counsels; to give feet and motion to all Resolutions; to have a continual Eye over your Revenues; to cause a true, faithful and exact Account to be given; to distribute Graces and Recompenses to those of your Creatures shall prove worthy: in fine, fully and amply to enjoy your Authority. It is thus the incomparable Henry acted, whom we are about to see reign, not only in France by right of Blood, but over all Europe by the esteem of his Virtue.  
In effect, since the first foundation of the French Monarchy, the History furnisheth us not with any Reign more memorable, by reason of the great Events, more replete with the wonders of Divine Assistance, more glorious for the Prince, and more happy for the People, than his: and it is without Flattery or Envy that all the Universe hath given him the surname of Great; not so much for the greatness of his Victories, however comparable to those of Alexander or Pompey, as for the greatness of his Soul and of his Courage: for he never bowed either under the Insults of Fortune, or under the Traverses of his Enemies, or under the Resentments of Revenge, or under the Artifices of Favourites or Ministers: he remained always in the same temper, always Master of himself. In a word, he remained always King and Sovereign, without acknowledging other Superior than God, Justice and Reason.  
Let us then proceed to write the History of 
The Life of Hen. the Great, divided into three parts.  his Life; which we shall divide into three principal Parts.  
The first shall contain what happened from 
The first.  his Birth till his coming to the Crown of France.  
The second shall speak what he did after he 
The second  came to it, until the Peace of Vervin.  
And the third shall recount his Actions after 
The third.  the Peace of Vervin, until the unhappy day of his death.  
But before all, it is necessary we speak something briefly of his Genealogy.  
He was Son to Anthony de Bourbon, Duke of 
His Genealogy.  Vendosme and King of Navarre, and of Jane of Albret, Heiress of that Kingdom.  
Anthony descended in a direct and Masculine 
Who Antho. de Bourbon his father was.  Line from Robert Count of Clermont, fifth Son to King St. Lewis.  
This Robert espoused Beatrix, Daughter and Heiress to John of Burgoyne, Baron of Bourbon, by his Wife Agnes; for which cause Robert took the Name of Bourbon, but not the Arms, still keeping those of France.  
This sage Precaution served well to his Descendants, to maintain themselves in the Degree of Princes of the Blood, which those of Courtnay 
a Peter, six Son to Lewis le gross, espoused Isabel Heiress of Courtnay, and took both Name and Arms: a fault very prejudicial to his posterity.  lost, for not having acted in the same manner. And besides the Virtue which gave a splendour to their Actions, the good management and oeconomy which they exercised to conserve and augment their Revenues, the great Alliances in which they were very diligent to match themselves, ever refusing to mingle their Noble among Vulgar Blood; and above all, their rare Piety towards God, and that singular goodness wherewith they acted towards their Inferiors, conserved them, and elevated them above Princes of elder Branches: for the People seeing them always rich, puissant, wise, and in a word, worthy to command, had imprinted in their spirits as it were a prophetic persuasion that this House would one day come to the Crown; and they on their side seemed to have conceived this hope, though it were at great distance, having taken for their Word or Device, Espoir, or Hope.  
Among the younger Branches which issued from this Branch of Bourbon 
b The branch of Bourbon produced many; among others that of Vendosme. , the most considerable and most illustrious was that of Vendosm. It carried this Name, because they possessed that great Country, which came to them in the year 1364. by the marriage of Katherine Vendosme, (Sister and Heiress to Bouchard last Count of Vendosme) with John of Bourbon Count of the Marches. At present it was but a County, but was after made a Duchy by King Francis the first, in the year 1514. in favou● of Charles, who was great grandchild to John, and father of Anthony. This Charles had seven Male-childrens; Lewis, 
Charles Duke of Vendosme had Anthony, and six other sons.  Anthony, Francis, another Lewis, Charles, John, and a third Lewis: the first Lewis and the second died in their infancy; Anthony remained the eldest; Francis, who was Count of Anguien, and gained the Battle of Cerisoles, died without being married. Charles was a Cardinal of the title of Chrysogone, and Archbishop of Roven: this is he who was named The old Cardinal of Bourbon. John lost his life at the Battle of St. Quintin. The third Lewis was called The Prince of Condé, and by two Marriages had several Male-childrens; from the first descended Henry Prince of Condé, Francis Prince of Conty, and Charles, who was Cardinal and Archbishop of Roven after the Death of the old Cardinal of Bourbon.  
There were eight Generations from Male in Male, from St. Lewis to Anthony, who was Duke of Vendosme, King of Navarre, and father to our Henry.  
As for Jane d' Albret his Wife, she was 
Who Jane d' Albret his Mother was.  Daughter and Heiress to Henry of Albret, King of Navarre, and of Margaret du Valois, Sister to King Francis the first, and Widow to the Duke of Alenzon. Henry d' Albret was son to John d' Albret, who became King of Navarre by his Wife Katherine du Foix, Sister to King Phoebus deceased without Children; for that Realm had entered into the House of Foix by marriage, as it 〈…〉 afterwards into that of Albret, and since into that of Bourbon.  
Ferdinand King of Arragon, had invaded and taken the Higher Navarre, that is, that part which is beyond the Pyraenean Hills, and the most considerable of that Realm, from King John d' Albret; so that by consequence there rested to him only the Lower, that is, that beneath the Mountains towards France: but with it he had the Countries of Bearn, of Albrett, of Foix, of Armagnac, of Bigorra, and many other great Signories coming as well by the House of Foix, as that of Albret.  
Henry his Son had only one Daughter, Jane, who was called The Minion of Kings: for King Henry her Father, and the great King Francis the first her Uncle, with Envy to each other, strove most to cherish her.  
The Emperor Charles the fifth had cast his Eyes on her, and caused her to be demanded of her Father for his Son Philip the second; proposing this as a means to pacify their Differences touching the Kingdom of Navarre: but King Francis the first, not thinking it fit to introduce so puissant an Enemy into France, 
〈◊〉. of Bourbon, Duke of Vendosme, and Jane d' Albret, married at Moulins 1547.  causing her to come to Chastellerault, affianced her to the Duke of Cleves; and after releasing her of that Contract, married her to Anthony of Bourbon, Duke of Vendosme: and the Marriage was solemnised at Moulins, in the year 1547. the same year that Francis the first died.  
The two young Spouses had in their first three or four years, two Sons; both which died at Berceau by accidents very extraordinary: the first, because its Governess being herself cold of nature, kept it so hot, that she stifled it with heat; and the second by the carelessness of the Nurse, who playing with a Gentleman, as they danced the Child from one to another, let it fall to the ground, so that it died in torment. Thus Heaven deprived them of these two little Princes, to make way for our Henry; who merited well both the Birthright, and to be an only Son.  
Let us now come to the History of his Life.   

The First PART OF THE LIFE OF HENRY the Great:  
Containing his History from his Birth, until he came to the Crown of FRANCE.  
IT hath not been precisely 
1552.  known in what place Henry 
Henry the Great conceived at la Fleche.  the Great was conceived. The common opinion holds that it was at lafoy Fleche in Anjou; there where Anthony of Bourbon his father, and the Princess of Navarre his mother, sojourned from the end of February, anno 1552, until the middle of May, in the year 1553. But it 
1553.  is certain that she first perceived her conception, and felt it move, at the Camp in Picardy, where she was with her husband, who was Governor of that Province, and who was gone from la Fleche to command an Army against Charles the fifth. It was most just, that he who was destined to be an extraordinary Prince, should begin the first motions of his life in a Camp, at the noise of Trumpets and Cannon, as a true child of Mars.  
His grandfather Henry d' Albret, who yet lived, having understood that his daughter was with child, recalled her home to him; desiring himself to take care for the conservation of this new fruit, which, by a secret pre-sentiment, he was wont to say aught to revenge him of those injuries the Spaniards had done him.  
This courageous Princess taking then leave of her husband, parted from Compeigne the fifteenth of November; traversed all France to the Pyrenaean mountains, and arrived at Pau in Bearne, where the King her father was, the fourth day of December, not having stayed above eighteen or nineteen days on her journey: and the thirtieth of the same month, she was happily brought to bed of a son.  
Before this, King Henry d' Albret had made his Will; which the Princess his daughter had a great desire to see, because it was reported that it was made to her disadvantage, in favour of a Lady that good man had loved. She durst not speak to him of it; but he being advertised of her desire, he promised to show it her, and put it in her hands, when she should show him what she carried in her womb; but on condition, that at her delivery she should sing a Song; to the end (said he) that thou bringst not into the world a weak and weeping infant. The Princess promised him; and had so much courage, that maugre the great pains she suffered, she kept her word, and sung one in the Bearnois language, so soon as 
His mother sings at her delivery of him. He cries not at his birth.  she understood he was entered into the chamber. It was observed that the infant, contrary to the common order of Nature, came into the world without weeping or crying. Nor was it fit, that a Prince who ought to be the joy of all France, should be born among tears and groans.  
So soon as he was born, his grandfather carried 
So soon as born, his grandfather carries him into his chamber: he rubs his lips with Garlic, & makes him taste wine.  him in the skirt of his Robe into his own chamber; giving his Will, which was in a box of gold, to his daughter; telling her, My daughter, see there what is for you; but this is for me. Whilst he held the infant, he rubbed his little lips with a clove of Garlic, and made him suck a draught of Wine out of a golden cup; that he might render his temperament more masculine and vigorous.  
The Spaniards had formerly said in Raillery 
The Spaniards Raillery concerning the birth of his mother  concerning the birth of the mother of our Henry; O wonder! the Cow hath brought forth an Ewe: meaning by that word Cow, Queen Margaret her mother, whom they called so; and her husband, Cowkeeper, alluding to the Arms of Bearn, which are two Cows. And King Henry resting assured of the future greatness of his little grandchild, taking him often in his arms, kissing him; and remembering the foolish Raillery of the Spaniards, spoke with joy to all those who came to visit him, and congratulate this happy birth: See (said he) how my Ewe hath now brought forth a Lion! 
Her father's Reply to it   
He was baptised the year following, on 
1554.  Twelfthday▪ being the sixth of January, 1554. 
Baptism of Hen. 4.  For this Baptism, were expressly made Fonts of silver richly gilded; in which he was baptised, in the Chapel of the Castle of Pau. His Godfathers were Henry the second King 
His godfathers and godmother.  of France, and Henry d' Albret King of Navarre; who gave him their Name: and the Godmother was Madam Claudia of France, after Duchess of Lorain. Jaques de Foix then Bishop of Lescar, and after Cardinal, held him over the Font, in the name of the Most Christian King; and Madam d' Andovins in the name of Madam Claudia of France. He was baptised by the Cardinal of Armagnac Bishop of Rhodez and Vice-Legat of Avignon.  
He was however difficult to be brought up, 
He was hard to bring up.  having seven or eight Nurses, of which the last had all the honour. At his being weaned, the King gave him for Governess Susan de 
He had for Governess Madam de Miossens.  Bourbon wife of John d' Albret Baron of Miossens, who elevated him in the Castle of Coarasse in Bearn, situated amongst the rocks and mountains.  
His grandfather would not permit him to 
His grandfather permits him not to be nourished delicately.  be nourished with that delicateness ordinarily used to persons of his quality; knowing well, that there seldom lodged other than a mean and feeble soul in a soft and tender body. He likewise denied him rich habiliments, and children's usual babies; or that he should be flattered or treated like a Prince; because all those things were only the causers of vanity, and rather raised pride in the hearts of infants, than any sentiments of generosity: but he commanded that he should be habited and nourished 
* It hath been said that he was ordinarily nourished with corpse bread, beef, cheese and garlic; and that oftentimes he was made to march with naked feet, and brre headed  like the other infants of the Country, and likewise that they should accustom him to run and mount up the rocks; that by such means he might use himself to labour, and, if we may speak so, give a temperature to that young body, to render it the more strong and vigorous: which was without doubt most necessary for a Prince who was to suffer so much to reconquer his Estate.  
King Henry d' Albret died at Hagetmau in 
The death of Henry d' Albret.  Bearn, on the five and twentieth of May, 1555. being aged about fifty three years, or thereabouts. 
1555.  He ordained by his Will, that his body should be carried to Pampelona, to be interred with his predecessors; and that in the mean time it should be laid in State in the Cathedral of Lescar in Bearn. This Prince was courageous, of a great spirit, sweet and courteous to all the world, and so nobly liberal▪ that Charles the fifth once passing thorough Navarre, was in such manner received, that he protested he had never seen a more magnificent Prince.  
After his death, Jane his daughter, and Anthony 
His daughter & son-in-law succeed him, and retire from the Court.  Duke of Vendosme his son-in-law, succeeded him. They were at present at the Court of France; and with much difficulty obtained their leave to retire to Bearn: for King Henry the second, pressed to it by ill Counsel, would have deprived them of the Lower Navarre, which yet remained to them; pretending, that all that was below the Pyrenaean Mountains, belonged to the Realm of France. They knew how justly to oppose against him the Estates of the Country; and the King durst not too much pursue this subject, for fear lest despair should force them to call the Spaniards to their assistance: but he still remained troublesome to them; and giving to Anthony the Government of Guyenne, which had been likewise held by Henry d' Albret his Father-in-law, he retrenched him of Languedoc, which he had a long time enjoyed.  
About two years after, they returned to 
1557.  the Court of France, whither they brought 
1558.  their Son, aged about four or five years; who was the most jolly and best-composed Lad in the world: but they stayed but few months, and returned again to Bearn.  
A little after, King Henry the second was 
1559.  slain with a blow of a Lance by Montgomery. 
Death of King Henry the second Francis 2. succee●s.  Francis the second, his eldest Son, succeeded him; and Messieurs de Guise, Uncles to Mary Stuart his Queen, seized themselves of the Government. The Princes of the Blood could not suffer it; and therefore Lewis, Prince of Condé, younger Brother to Anthony, called that King into the Court to oppose it.  
During these Divisions, the Hugonots contrived the Conspiration d' Amboyse against the 
Divisions at Court.  present Government: and the two Brothers, 
1560.  Anthony and Lewis, being accused for the Chiefs of it, were arrested Prisoners in the State of Orleans; and processes made so hotly against the second, that it was believed he would have been beheaded, if the Death of King Francis the second had not happened. 
Death of Francis 2.   
Charles the ninth who succeeded him, being 
Charles 9 succeeds. Queen Katherine declared Regent, and the King of Navarre Lieutenant-General of the Realm.  under age, Queen Katherine his Mother caused herself to be declared Regent of the Estates; and the King of Navarre, first Prince of the Blood, was declared Lieutenant-General of the Realm, to govern the Estate with her: so that by this means he was stayed in France, whither he caused his Queen Jane, and his young Son Prince Henry, to come. But he enjoyed not long this new Dignity; for the Troubles daily continuing, by reason of the Surprises which the new Reformers made 
1562.  of the best Cities of the Kingdom, after having retaken Bourges from them, he came to 
He is killed before Roven.  besiege Roven; where visiting one day the Trenches, as he was making water, he received a Musket-shot in his left shoulder; of which he in few days died at Andely on the Siene. Had he lived longer, the Hugonots had without doubt been but ill treated in France; for he mortally hated them, though his Brother▪ 
1562.  the Prince of Condé, were the principal Chief of their party.  
The Queen his wife, and the little Prince his son, were at present in the Court of France. 
The Queen his wife returns to Bearn, and embraces Calvinism  The mother returned to Bearn, where she publicly embraced Calvinism: but she left her son with the King, under the conduct of a wise Tutor, named lafoy Gaucherie, who endeavoured to give him some tincture of Learning, not by the Rules of Grammar, but by Discourses and Entertainments. To this effect he taught him by heart many fair Sentences like to these:  

Ou vaincre avec Justice,  
Ou Mourir avec Gloire.   

Or justly gain the Victory,  
Or learn with Glory how to die.   
And that other;  

Les Princes sur leur Peuple ont autorit● grande,  
Mais Dieu plus fortement dessus les Rois commande.   

King's rule their Subjects with a mighty hand;  
But God with greater power doth King's command.   
In the year 1566. his mother took him 
1566.  from the Court of France, and led him to 
She ta● her son from the Court, and gives him a Master instructs him in ill Doctrine.  Pau; and in the place of la Gaucherie, who was deceased, she gave him Florentius Christian, an ancient servant of the house of Vendosme; a man of a very agreeable conversation, and well versed in Learning; but however a Huguenot, and who, according to the orders of the Queen, instructed the Prince in that false Doctrine.  
In the first troubles of the Religion, Francis Duke of Guise had been assassinated by Poltrot at the Siege of Orleans, leaving his children in minority: this was in the year 1563. In the second, the Constable of Montmorency received 
1567.  a wound at the battle of St. Dennis; of 
Henry Prince of Navarre, declared chief of the Religion.  which he died at Paris, three days after the Eve of St. Martin, in the year 1567. In the third, and in the year 1569, Queen Jane rendered herself Protectoress of the Huguenot party; being for this effect come to Rochel with her son, whom she now devoted to the Defence of that new Religion.  
In this quality he was declared Chief, and 
1569.  his Uncle the Prince of Condé his Lieutenant in 
Lovys Prince of Condé his Uncle, his Lieutenant with Admiral Coligny. A judicious action, when yet an infant. b This Duke of Anjou, was King after Hen. 3  colleague with the Admiral of Coligny. These were two great Chieftains, but they committed notable errors; and this young Prince, though not exceeding thirteen years of age, had the spirit to observe them. For he judged well at the great skirmish of Loudun, that if the Duke of Anjou (b) had had troops ready to assault them, he had done it; and that not doing it, he was without doubt in an ill estate, and therefore should the rather have been assaulted by them: but they, by not doing it, gave time to all his troops to arrive.  
At the battle of Jarnac, he represented to 
Another action very judicious at the battle of Jarnac.  them yet more judiciously, that there was no means to fight, because the forces of the Princes were dispersed, and those of the Duke of Anjou firmly embodied: but they were engaged too far to be able to retreat. The Prince of Condé was killed in this battle, or rather 
Lewis Prince of Condé slain  assassinated in cold blood after the Combat, in which he had had his Leg broken.  
After that, all the authority and belief of 
After his death, the Admiral commands all.  the Party remained in the Admiral Coligny; who, to speak truth, was the greatest man of that time of the Religion he took part with, but the most unfortunate.  
This Admiral having gathered together new 
He hazards the battle of Montcontour.  forces, hazarded a second battle at Montcontour in Poictou: he had caused to come to the Army our little Prince of Navarre, and the young Prince of Condé, who was likewise named Henry; and gave them in charge to Prince Lodowick of Nassaw, who guarded them on a Hill little distant with four thousand horse.  
The young Prince burned with desire to 
Our Prince impatient to engage, but hindered.  engage in person, but they permitted him not to run so great a hazard: nevertheless when the Avantguard of the Duke of Alenzon was disordered by that of the Admiral, there had been no danger to let him fall upon the Enemies, who were much astonished. However they hindered him, and he now cried out, We shall lose our advantage, and by consequence the battle. It arrived as he had foreseen; and 
Gives marks of his judgement.  it was at that hour judged by some, that a young man of sixteen years of age, had more understanding than the old Soldiers. Thus 
1570.  he applied himself entirely to what he did; nor had he only a Body, but a Spirit and Judgement apt.  
Being saved with the remnants of his Army, he made almost a turn round the Kingdom, fight in retreat, and rallying together the Hugonots troops here and there for five or six months; during which, he suffered so much travel, that had he not been elevated in that manner he was, he could not have been able to resist it.  
This young Prince always accompanied with the Admiral, led his troops into Guyenne, and from thence through Languedoc, where he took Nismes by stratagem, forced several small places, and burned the suburbs of Toulouse in such manner, that the sparkles of that fire flew into that great City. The War being 
He with the Admiral continues the War.  thus kindled in the heart of France, he showed himself on the other bank of the Rhone with his troops, gained by storms the City of St. Julien and St. Just, and obliged St. Estienne en Forez to capitulate. From thence he descended to the banks of the Saone, and afterwards into the middle of Burgongne. Paris trembled the second time at the approach of an Army so much the more formidable, because it seemed to be reinforced by the loss of two-battles, and to have now gained some advantage over that of the Catholics which the Marshal de Coss commanded.  
The Counsel of the King fearing to hazard all by a fourth Encounter, judged it more to the purpose to plaster up a peace with that 
The peace of Arnay-le-Duc.  party: it was therefore treated of, the two Armies being near each other, and concluded in the little City of Arnay-le-Duc, on the eleventh of August.  
This Peace made every one retire home; the Prince of Navarre went to Bearn. King Charles' the ninth married with Elizabeth, Daughter to the Emperor Maximilian the second; and nothing else seemed thought of, but Feasts and rejoicings. In the mean time, the King having found that he could never compass his Desires on the Hugonots by force, resolved to make use of meáns more easy, but 
1571.  
A Resolution to entrap the Hugonots, and exterminate them.  much more wicked: he began to caress them, to feign that he would treat them favourably, to accord them the greatest part of those things they desired, and to lull them asleep with hopes of his making War against the King of Spain in the Low-Countries; a thing they passionately desired: and the better to allure them, he promised as a gage of his faith, to marry his Sister Margaret to our Henry; and by these means drew the principal Chiefs of their party to Paris.  
His mother Jane, who was come before to 
Death of Jane d' Albret.  make preparations for the marriage, died a few days after her arrival: a Princess of a Spirit and Courage above her Sex, and whose Soul wholly virile, was not subject to the weaknesses and defaults of other women; but in truth, a passionate Enemy of the Catholic Religion. Some Historians say that she was poisoned with a pair of perfumed Gloves, because they feared that she having a great spirit, would discover the design they had to massacre all the Hugonots: but if I be not deceived, this is a falsity; it being more likely which others say, that she died of a Phthisic; since those that were about her, and served her, have so testified.  
Henry her Son, who came after her, being in 
Her son takes the quality of King of Navarre. He marries the King of France his sister.  Poictou, received news of her death, and presently took the Quality of King: for hitherto he had only born that of Prince of Navarre. So soon as he came to Paris, the unhappy Nuptials were celebrated; the two parties being espoused by the Cardinal of Bourbon, on a scaffold erected for that purpose before the Church of Nostre-Dame.  
Six days after, which was the day of St. Bartholomew, 
Massacre of St. Bartholomew.  all the Hugonots which were come to the solemnity, had their throats cut; amongst others, the Admiral, and twenty other Lords of remark; twelve hundred Gentlemen; three or four thousand Soldiers and Burgesses; and through all the Cities of the Kingdom, after the example of Paris, near an hundred thousand men. Execrable action! which never had, nor ever shall again, if it please God, find its parallel.  
What grief must it needs be to our young King, to see in stead of Wine and Perfumes, 
The grief and fear of our young King.  so much Blood shed at his Nuptials, his best friends murdered; and hear their pitiful cries, which pierced his ears into the Lovure where he was lodged? And moreover, what trances and fears must needs surprise his very Person? for in effect it was consulted whether they should murder him and the Prince of Condé with the rest; and all the murderers concluded on their death: nevertheless, by a miracle, they after resolved to spare them.  
Charles the ninth caused them to be brought to his presence; and having showed them a mountain of dead bodies, with horrible 
He is constrained to turn Catholic.  threats, not harkening to their reasons, told them, Either Death or the Mass. They elected rather the last than the first, and abjured Calvinism: but because it was known they did it not heartily, they were so straight observed, that they could not escape the Court during those two years that Charles the ninth lived, nor a long time after his death.  
During this time, our Henry tightly 
1572.  dissembled his discontents, though they were very great; and notwithstanding those vexations which might trouble his spirit, he clothed his visage with a perpetual serenity, and humour wholly jolly. This was without 
His great dangers & troubles at Court.  doubt the most difficult passage of his Life: he had to do with a furious King, and with his two Brothers, to wit, the Duke of Anjou, a dissembling Prince, and who had been educated in massacres; and with the Duke of Alenzon, who was deceitful and malicious; with Queen Katherine, who mortally hated him, because her Divines had foretold his reign: and in fine, with the house of Guise, whose puissance and credit was at present almost boundless.  
He was doubtless necessitated to act with a 
His wise & prudent conduct.  marvellous prudence in the conduct of himself with all these people, that he might not create in them the least jealousy, but rather beget a great esteem of himself; make submission and gravity accord, and conserve his Dignity and Life: in the mean time he dis-engaged himself from all these difficulties, and from all these dangers, with an unparallelled address.  
He contracted a great familiarity with the 
He contracts friendship with the Duke of Guise.  Duke of Guise, who was about his own age; and they often made secret parties of pleasure together: but he agreed not so well with the Duke of Alenzon, who had a capricious spirit; nor was he overmuch troubled at his ill accord with him, because neither the King nor Queen-mother had any affection for this Duke. However, he gave no credit to the ill 
He shuns contention with Duke d' Alenzon;  counsel of that Queen's Emissaries, who endeavoured to engage his contending in Duel against him; so much the rather, because that he considering him as the brother of his King, to whom he ought respect, he knew well it would have proved his loss, and that she would not have been wanting to take so fair a pretext to ruin him.  
He shunned likewise other snares laid for him, but yet not all: for he suffered himself 
but lets himself be overcome by the beauty of Ladies:  to be overtaken with the allurements of some Ladies of the Court; whom it is said that Queen served herself expressly of, to amuse the Princes and Nobles, and to discover all their thoughts.  
From that time, (for Vices contracted in the blossom of youth, generally accompany men to their tomb) a passion for women 
which was his greatest weakness.  was the greatest feebleness and weakness of our Henry; and possibly the cause of his last misfortune: for God punisheth sooner or later those who wickedly abandon themselves to this criminal passion.  
Besides this, he contracted no other crimes 
1572.  in this Court; and it ought to be attributed 
He fell not into any other of the horrible Vices of the Court.  to a particular grace of Heaven, that he was not infected with all; for there was never any more vicious nor more corrupted. Impiety, Atheism, Witchcraft, all most horrible wickedness, black ingratitude and perfidiousness, poisoning and assassination, reigning there in a sovereign degree: yet all these abominations, in stead of infecting him, fortified him in the natural horror he had against them; and, though amongst wicked persons, he had never any thoughts to become their Companion, but many to be their Enemy.  
On St. Bartholomews-day succeeding, they 
1573.  would finish to exterminate the Hugonots; and 
The Duke of Anjou besieges Rochel, and carries the King with him.  to this purpose the Duke of Anjou went to besiege Rochel, carrying him with him; but caused him to be so well observed, that he could neither evade to the right hand nor the left. It may be judged what heart-grief it was to him to be made an instrument in the destruction 
The siege raised, by the election of Duke d' Anjou to the Kingdom of Poland.  of those which yet remained his friends and servants, and had refuged themselves in this City. After a long siege, it was relieved by the arrival of the Ambassadors of Poland, who came to seek the Duke of Anjou, whom the Estates of that Country had elected their King.  
Some months afterwards, Charles the 
1574.  ninth fell mortally sick, vomiting forth blood 
Charles 9 falls mortally sick at Bois de Vincennes.  through all the conduits of his body; so that by many it was believed he was empoisoned: but however it were, it may justly be said, (if it be permitted to judge of Kings, who ought to be judged by none but God) That it was a Divine punishment for his blasphemies.  
His extreme malady gave birth to a league 
A league made at Court, into which Henry enters.  made by the Duke of Alenson, the Marshals of Montmorency and Cossé, and some Catholics, with the Huguenot party, to deprive the Queen-mother of the Government, and drive the Guises from the Court, where they were very puissant. Our Henry entered into it, not out of any design to oblige himself with those 
The Queen-mother discovering it, causes him & the Duke Alenson, &c to be arrested;  people, but only that he might have the means to retire with security into his own Country.  
The Queen-mother having understood these practices, caused him and the Duke of Alenson to be arrested and committed to Guard. The Prince of Condé saved himself happily in Germany. She caused likewise the two Marshals of Montmorency and Cossé to be secured; and to let the world see she treated not Princes of their degree in this manner without sufficient cause, she made them be strictly examined, on many treasonable Interrogatories, but which were all false: there were only put to 
and lafoy Mole, Coconas, & Tourtray, to be put to death.  death la Mole, Coconas, and Tourtray; three Gentlemen of note, who had engaged themselves in their intrigues: and possibly this execution was necessary to calm the spirit of the Nobility and People, who began to murmur, that a son of France, and the first Prince of the blood, should be treated in this manner.  
In this affair, the Chancellor would have 
The Chancellor would examine the King of Navarre.  examined the King of Navarre: but though captive and threatened, he would not so much wrong his Dignity as to reply to him. However, to content the Queen-mother, he made a long discourse, addressing his speech to her; by which he declared many things touching the present estate of affairs, but charged no person, as the Duke of Alenson had weakly and unworthily done.  
King Charles' the ninth being near his death, 
Charles 9 near his death, sends for him.  and hating possibly not without reason both his two brothers, and his mother, sent to seek our Henry, in whom alone he acknowledged to have found faith and honour; and most affectionately recommended to him his wife and his daughter.  
Katherine de Medicis, knowing that he had sent for him, was fearful lest he should leave 
1574.  to him the Regency; and to this purpose 
Queen Katherine alarmed, would affright him.  would cast some fear into his soul, to the end he should not dare to accept it. As he went to attend the King, who was at Bois de Vincennes, she gave order he should be made pass under the Arches, between the Guards, who lay in ambush and posture to massacre him. He startled at first with fear, and recoiled two or three paces backwards: however, Nanzay le Chastre, Captain of the Life-guards, reassured him, swearing to him he should receive no prejudice; he was therefore constrained, though he trusted but little to his words, to pass through the Carabines and Halberds.  
After the death of Charles the ninth, Katherine 
After the death of Charles 9 she seizeth on the Regency.  de Medicis, partly by force, and partly by cunning, seized on the Regency, expecting the return of her dear Son the Duke of Anjou, who was named Henry the third.  
When he was returned from Poland, she 
The two Princes set at liberty.  brought the two Princes before him, to do with them what he pleased; whom after some chide and threatenings, he set at liberty.  
These two Princes making reflection on the continual dangers they had for two years passed been in, resolved with the first occasion to deliver themselves from these fears. The Prince 
The Prince of Condé was in Germany.  of Condé, who was in Germany, had raised Levies for the Huguenot party; who, about the end of the reign of Charles the ninth, had retaken Arms: and Damville, second son to du Feu Constable, and brother of the Marshal of Montmorency, who was a prisoner in the Bastile, had joined himself to their party; not taking Religion for his pretext, (because he was a Catholic) but the public Liberty, and Reformation of the State. This sort of Catholics who joined themselves in league with the Hugonots, were named The Politicians.  
Our Henry could not escape from the 
The King of Navarre cannot escape as he desires.  Court so soon as he desired: he was diligently watched, and his very Domestics were as so many spies over him. He well understood, that if he were surprised whilst he endeavoured to save himself, he should certainly be murdered; and now whilst he sought occasions to do it with security, he engaged himself in new snares; becoming passionate of la Dame de Sauves, wife to a Secretary of State, 
He falls in love with a Lady.  and at present the fairest in the whole Court.  
In the mean time the Queen-mother, who with so much diligence kept him at Court, could have been well contented he had been gone. For the King her dear Son, began to take some knowledge of his own affairs; a thing much displeasing to her, because she would have governed all: she therefore apprehending, 
The Queen-mother alluminates all the factions and civil wars.  that as he took the Authority into his own hands, hers would be diminished; believed that she ought to embroile all by factions and civil wars; of which she alone, as it may be said, had the Key, so that nothing could pass without her. See here the reason wherefore so long as she lived she did underhand nothing but suscitate troubles, and animate different parties both at Court and abroad; that in the end, after having caused the desolation of the Estate, and the subversion of all Laws and all Orders, she might herself perish in those flames which she had kindled, and supplied with so much fuel.  
Amongst these transactions, as the King went 
1575.  to Rheims to be installed, a conspiracy was discovered 
Conspiracy against Henry 3. who confides in our Henry.  against his Person; fostered by the Duke of Alenson, at the instigation of the friends of the defunct Admiral, and of de la Mole, who had been his favourite: many believed this to be a thing devised by the Queen-mother, of purpose to astonish and weaken the spirit of her Son: and the reason they had to believe it, was, because she obliged the King to pardon this crime so lightly, none either of the Complices or Instigators being punished for it. However it were, Henry the third testified in this occasion a particular confidence in our King of Navarre; who, assisted by his friends, served him as Captain of his Guards through the whole way, never stirring from the boot of his Coach: and in this appeared so much the more generous, having no reason to love him, beside the obligation of his duty, being his kinsman and his vassal.  
Henry the third being arrived at Rheims, 
Henry 3. anointed and espoused to Lovis de Lorraine.  was on the fifteenth of the month of February, installed by the Cardinal of Guise; and on the marrow espoused to Lovise de Lorraine, daughter of the Count of Vaudemont: which added yet a great lustre to the house of Guise, of which Duke Henry was chief, who was at present in favour, though after killed at Blois. This Prince, one of the bravest in all manners 
Familiarity between our Henry and the Duke of Guise.  that Age produced, had ever promised himself to govern the King by Queen Lovise his kinswoman. He had contracted a very straight familiarity with the King of Navarre, whom he called his Master▪ as that King called him his Gossip.  
Queen Margaret, who, to speak the truth, could not live without Intrigues nor Galanteries, contributed with all her power to the entertainment of this good intelligence, and essayed to make the Monsieur (who is he we call Duke d' Alenson) enter into it, whom she most passionately loved.  
But the union of Princes being the ruin of 
The Queen-mother breaks this union.  Favourites, and those that governed, the Queen-mother strait broke this design; begetting in the King a jealousy of his wife; incensing Monsieur against the Duke of Guise, by the remembrance of the massacre of the Admiral; continually confounding the King of Navarre by the intrigue of some Ladies, but particularly of the Sauves, who enjoying such person as Katherine commanded her, received the love and services of Monsieur to create a difference between them.  
The Queen-mother entertained likewise an irreconcilable hatred between the King and Monsieur: by which means there arrived an affair which as much proclaimed the greatness of Courage and Generosity of our Henry, as any action he had done in his life.  
The King being fallen sick, and in great danger 
Henry 3. falls very sick.  of death with a pain in his ear, believed himself to be poisoned, as 
a Francis 2 died of an Aposthume in his▪ ear, which was believed to come of poison.  Francis the second had been, and accused Monsieur. In this belief he sent to seek the King of Navarre, and commands him to dispatch Monsieur so soon as he was dead; enforcing himself by all reasons possible, to persuade him that that wicked one would make him perish, and all his, if he prevented it not. The favourites of the King having the same opinion with their Master, seeing Monsieur pass, sacrificed him already to their revenge, by murdering regards.  
Our Henry endeavoured to sweeten the fury 
A noble and generous action of our Henry.  of the King, and remonstrated to him the horrible consequences of this command: but the King, not content with reasons, contrary to them, imported himself in such manner, that he would he should presently execute it, for fear lest he should fail of it when he were dead.  
If the two brothers, to wit, the King and 
1575.  Monsieur, had been out of the world, the Crown appertained to him. Now one in all appearances was about to die; and he might easily find a death for the other, having the Favourites, the Officers of the King, the Guise, all their friends, and almost all the Nobility at his devotion: for Monsieur was a Prince of an ill presence, and of low inclinations, yet malign and cruel; and for all these fair qualities▪ hated by almost all the world, and sustained only by the brave Bussy d' Amboise. How few Princes are there that would have let slip so fair an occasion! I dare boldly speak it, how few are there would not seek it? and yet our Hero (for in such an action I must of force call him so) was so far from prevailing himself of it, that he conceived a horror at the furious vengeance of Henry the third. There is no nobler ambition, then to know how to moderate ambition when it is not just; and to endeavour to conserve our conscience and honour, rather than acquist a crown by wicked ways. Diadems gained by ill means, are not marks of glory to those fronts that carry them, but rather frontlets of infamy, such as are placed on Thiefs and Villains.  
Heaven, without doubt, approved the generous sentiments of our Henry, and destined to him the Sceptre of the Flower de Luce, because guiltless of an impatience to reach it before his degree. On the contrary, these brothers of the house of Valois, who endeavoured to ravish it one from the other, died all unhappily, and had him for their successor, who by a crime refused to be so.  
Henry the third being recovered, knew well that he had wrongfully accused his brother to have empoisoned him; yet he loved him never a whit the more: he daily suffered his favourites to give him a thousand affronts, and to domineer over him in the public Assemblies. He would likewise cause Bussy d' Amboise, who was his favourite and only support, to be murdered by night at the gates of the Lovure; and it was believed he had given order, if the Duke of Alenzon had gone to his assistance, (for there were people appointed to come and tell him that Bussy was assassinated) to slay him likewise. In such manner, that 
1576.  
Monsieur departs from Court and joins with the Hugonots.  getting the bridle out of his teeth, he escaped from Court, put himself in the field, gathered together some malcontents, composed an Army, and joined with that of the Hugonots, commanded by the Prince of Condé, and by Casimir, youngest son of the Count Palatine; who, in these civil wars of the Religion, twice or thrice led great levies of Germane Horse into France.  
Our Henry was pvissantly solicited to follow 
Our Henry could not soon follow him, but at length saves himself at Alenzon.  him; and Monsieur said he had promised him to do it: but they had taken from about him all those who might favour his escape, and placed in their stead people of their own hire. He was moreover promised the Lieutenant-Generalship of the King's Army; which was a strong lure to retain him; nor was the love of the fair de Sauves less powerful. However, the natural spurs of his courage, and the fear he had left Monsieur and the Prince of Condé should seize on the chief Command amongst the Huguenot party, which had been his Cradle, and was to be his Castle; the remonstrances of some of his servants, and the inventions of Queen Katherine, who expressly incensed the King against him, in the end obliged him to escape, and made him take his resolution.  
He saved himself therefore by feigning to 
Peace made with Monsieur and the Hugonots.  go on the Chase towards Senlis, and retired to Alenzon; where however he acted nothing, the peace being soon after concluded with them all. There was granted to Monsieur a great Portion in money and places; to the Hugonots many very advantageous conditions; to the Prince of Condé the Government of Picardy, and the City of Peronne, for his retreat: but to our Henry nothing else but hopes; of which being in the end disabused, he renounced the peace, reentered into the Huguenot party; and quitting the Catholic Church, returned anew to his first Religion. It is to 
1576.  be believed, that he did it because he was persuaded 
Our Henry again turns Huguenot.  it was the better: thus his fault will be worthy of excuse, nor can he be accused but for not having the true light. In the mean time it must not be forgot to observe on this, that the greatest reproach his enemies ever made him, I mean those of the League, was his having thus relapsed; and this was likewise the greatest obstacle he found at Rome, when being converted, he demanded the absolution of the Pope. 
He is received into Rochel, and after goes into Guyenne.   
The Rochellers received him into their City, but not without great Precautions, and not until he had driven from him some people, who were neither Catholics nor Hugonots, but Atheists, and horrible wicked persons. It hath been held, that they followed him against his will; that truly he had served himself of them in some intrigues, but that it was himself who by secret advice obliged the Rochellers to demand their expulsion.  
After he had so journed some months at Rochel, 
The gates of Bourdeaux shut against him.  he went to take possession of his Government of Guyenne, where he had the displeasure to see shut against him the gates of the City of Bourdeaux, under pretext that the inhabitants feared that if he became Master of it, he would banish the Catholic Religion. A very sensible injury to a young Prince full of courage; but he knew most wisely how to dissemble it at present, because he had not power to revenge it; and generously forgot it, when he had the means to do it.  
About this time the League took birth, that 
The birth of the League.  puissant faction, which for twenty years together tormented France; which thought to introduce the Spanish Domination, and which would have renversed the order of the succession of the Royal family, under the fairest pretext in the world, to wit, the maintenance of the Religion of our Ancestors.  
At other times, under the reign of Charles the ninth, there were divers Leagues and Associations made in Guyenne and Languedoc to defend the Church against the Hugonots, (I leave it to judge whether those who rendered themselves Chief of them, had most Zeal, or most Ambition) but they were not pressed so forward, nor so diligently form, and therefore became extinct. The Grandees of the 
These Leagues a fair path for the ambitious to rise by.  Realm however might by them observe, that if at any time such associations were made, it would be a fair means to elevate to a great height him who could render himself their Chief.  
Henry Duke of Guise, who had a Kinglike 
The Duke of Guise makes himself chief of the League.  heart, had in all likelihood this thought; or if he at first had it not, the favourites of Henry the third, by persecuting him, forced him to entertain it, and to apply himself to this party, to defend himself against them. There were of his house seven or eight Princes, all brave to the utmost extent. The principal of them were the Duke of Mayenne, and the Cardinal de Guise his brothers, the Duke d' Aumarle, and the Marquis d' Elbeuf his Cousins.  
Now the Evasion of Monsieur, of which we 
The War of Monsieur, & his joining with the Hugonots, the cause of the League.  have spoken, to the Hugonots, and the advantageous peace after granted them, made the League show itself, which was but little in its commencement. Those who to render themselves puissant desired a new faction in the State, took this subject, to make it be represented by their Emissaries the great danger in which the Catholic Religion was, and to remonstrate the excessive puissance of its enemies, who had on their side the two first Princes of the blood, and Monsieur who was their friend. What would it be, said they, if he should come to the Crown with such ill intentions? that therefore they ought to advise in good time, and fortify themselves against that danger which threatened the holy Church. They whispered at present these Considerations, and other like them, into men ears; and when they had disposed their spirits, published them aloud.  
Upon this, the Burgesses of Peronne, a free 
The Cities of Picardy begin it, and why.  City, and which was accustomed to have so puissant a Governor, refused to receive the Prince of Condé, because a Huguenot. He made his complaints to the King, and demanded the execution of the treaty of peace. The Picards opposed him, and were the first that made a League or Union for the defence, as they said, of the Catholic, Apostolic, and Roman Faith. The Prince of Condé could never have reason, and was constrained to retire into Guyenne.  
James Lord d' Humieres, was made Chief of this League in Picardy; and Aplincourt a young Gentleman took the Oath of the Inhabitants of Peronne; by whose example the Cities of Amiens, Corbie, St. Quintin's, and many others, did the like. Lewis de Tremoville began one likewise in Poictou. The Queen-mother secretly favoured this design, to the end she might retain her authority among these discords and disturbances. The first Model, and the Articles of this League, were brought to Paris; and there were 
Christopher de Thou hinders its procedure at Paris.  some so zealous as to carry them from house to house, endeavouring to engage the most backward: but Christopher de Thou, chief precedent, hindered for the present the progress of this conspiracy.  
Those who were the first inventors of it, had deliberated among themselves, that to the end to give it means to aggrandise itself, and to keep the spirits of the people still warm, it was necessary to continue the war with the Hugonots: for this purpose, they stirred up divers persons who surprised their places, and committed a thousand affronts against our Henry and the Prince of Condé. And much 
The Leaguers oblige the King to call the Estates. They assemble at Blois.  more, they raised so many factions and complaints on all sides, of people who demanded the summoning of the Estates, that the King was obliged to agree to it. They assembled then at Blois, and began in the month of December, in the year 1575. The Hugonots themselves were not at all troubled at this Convocation, because they imagined that the third Estate, which ordinarily is the strongest, and which hath most reason to apprehend the war, would cause the peace to be confirmed: but 
War resolved against the Hugonots.  the Juncto of those which were for war, was so strong, that it was resolved pvissantly to prosecute it.  
They judged it notwithstanding convenient to depute beforehand some persons of the Assembly to our Henry and to the Prince of Condé, to exhort them to return into the bosom of the Catholic Church. And this taking 
Henry 3. declares himself chief of the League.  no effect, the King was obliged to declare himself Chief of the League; and so from Sovereign, become Chief of a faction, and enemy to a part of his subjects.  
He raised three or four Armies, who made war against the Hugonots in the Daulphinate, in 
1577.  Guyenne, in Languedoc, and in Poictou; and reduced, 
He raises three or four Armies against the Hugonots.  and might have quite crushed them, if their ruin had been resolutely prosecuted, in that astonishment wherein he had put them. But the Queen-mother, who only desired the 
The Queen-mother obliges him to grant them peace  war, that she might have affairs in agitation, and not that they might have their issue, persuaded the King her son, for certain studied reasons, to grant them peace.  
The Treaty being concluded, the Queen-mother 
1578.  made a voyage into Guyenne: she 
She makes a voyage to Guyenne, and carries with her her daughter Margaret.  feigned that it was to cause it to be punctually executed, and to carry her Daughter Margaret to the King of Navarre her husband; but it was in effect to sow seeds of Discord among the Hugonots, to the end she might be Mistress of that party as she had been in that of the Catholics. Henry now kept his little Court at Nerac: he had before kept it at Again, where he was beloved of the people by reason of his justice and goodness: But it happened, that at a Ball 
The King of Navarre loses Again and la Reole by two follies of youth.  or Dance some young people of his own train blew out the Candles, to commit insolences; which so scandalised the inhabitants, that they delivered their City to the Marshal of Byron, whom the King had sent Governor into the Province of Guyenne.  
A little time after, Henry likewise lost lafoy Reole by another folly of his young people. He had given the Government of it to an old Huguenot Captain named d' Ussac, who had his visage horribly deformed: his deformity however hindered him not from becoming passionate of one of the Ladies attending the Queen-mother; for she had brought many of the most bewitching with her, to kindle a fire every where. The Viscount of Turenne, afterwards Duke of Bovillon, aged at present about twenty one or twenty two years, with some others of his age, would make Raillery of this business: our Henry, instead of commanding them silence, made himself of their party; and having a fluent spirit, assisted them in lancing out some mocks & jeers against this doting Lover. There is no passion renders a heart so sensible as this. Usac could not suffer this Raillery, though proceeding from his Master; but in prejudice of his Honour and Religion, he yielded and delivered up lafoy Reole to Duras; a Lord who having been in favour with our Henry, had quitted him, out of envy, because he testified less affection to him then to Roquelaire, who was without doubt one of the most honest and most pleasant men of his time.  
These two losses of Again and la Reole, gave him, and aught to give all Princes, two very necessary instructions.  
The first, that a Prince ought well to govern 
Two exquisite Reflections.  his Courtiers; the rather, because all their disorders are imputed to him: and that it is presumed when they do them, that it is himself commits them, because obliged to hinder them.  
The second, that above all things he abstain from Raillery: for there is no Vice which makes so many enemies, nor which is more dangerous, because others may be concealed. Such a word as issuing from the mouth of a particular person, would be accounted but a light jest, is like a stab of a poniard from that of a Prince; and leaves in the heart mortal resentments. Nor must great ones be flattered with this opinion, that their subjects or their inferiors ought to suffer all things from them: for where honour is concerned, the more the person that wounds is superior, the greater is the wound; as the impression of a body is deeper, the more feet it hath, and the higher it falls.  
The Queen-mother had taken with her, as 
Queen Margaret did not over-well love her husband, nor he her:  we have said, Queen Margaret to her husband. Neither the one nor the other of the two Spouses were over-well content. Margaret, who loved the splendour of the French Court, where she swum, if we may so speak, in full intrigues, believed to be in Guyenne was a kind of banishment: and Henry, knowing her humour and carriage, would rather have chose her room then her company. However, seeing it a remediless ill, he resolved to suffer it; leaving her an entire liberty: he considered her rather as a Sister of his King, then as his Wife. He likewise pretended some nullities in the Marriage, but attended time and place to make them known. In the mean time, accommodating himself to the season, and to the necessity 
but he draws advantages from her intrigues.  of his affairs, he endeavoured to draw advantages from her intrigues, and from her credit. He received no small one in the conference which he and the Deputies of the Hugonots had at Nerac with the Queen-mother: for whilst she thought to inchant them by the charms of those fair Ladies she had expressly brought with her, and by the eloquence of Pibrac; Margaret opposed the same Artifices, gained the Gentlemen who were near her Mother, by the attractions of her Ladies; and employed so well her own, that she enchanted the spirit and will of the poor Pibrac in such manner, that he acted not but by her motion, and quite contrary to the intentions of the Queen-mother, who, not distrusting that a man so wise could be capable of so great folly, was deceived in many Articles, and insensibly carried to grant much more to the Hugonots than she had resolved.  
Scarce were eight months spent since the peace, but the Queen-mother, Monsieur and 
The Queen-mother, Monsieur & the Guises▪ weary of the peace.  the Guises, began to be weary of it. The Queen-mother, because she would not have the King rest any long time without having need of her Negotiations and intermission: Monsieur, because by rekindling the War, he thought to render himself redoubtable to the King, and to make him give him forces to carry into the Low-Countries; which being revolted from Spain, demanded him for their Sovereign: And in fine, the Guises, because they feared lest the ardour of the League should by too long a calm, grow cold.  
In these wishes, they pressed the King to redemand 
1579.  the places of security granted to the 
They underhand persuade the King of Navarre to a Rupture;  Hugonots; and underhand Monsieur and the Queen-mother caused it to be told to our Henry, that he should not surrender them, but hold it out that his cause was just, and that his safety consisted in his Arms. Margaret, who knew his weakness, and who likewise wished the War, excited him by the persuasion of Ladies whom she fostered to this design; and by the same means animated alike all those braves who approached her; nor spared she herself with the Viscount of Turenne for this purpose: so that this Prince, possibly with very little justice, and certainly to very ill purpose, was carried to a rupture, and engaged the Hugonots in a new Civil War, which was named for the reasons I but now spoke of, The War of the Lovers.  
This was the most disadvantageous they ever 
which proves very disadvantageous to him.  yet made: by it they lost a great quantity of strong places; and were in such manner weakened, that had the pursuit of them been finished, they could never have regained strength. But Monsieur, who desired to transport 
Monsieur procures the peace.  all the forces both of the one and the other party into the Low-Countries, made himself Mediator of the peace, and obtained it by an Edict, which was concluded after the Conference of Fleix.  
This peace was the cause of almost as many evils to the Estate, as all the former Wars had 
Of much damage to the Estate, being the cause the two Henry's plunged themselves in pleasure  been. The two Courts of the two Kings, and the two Kings themselves, plunged themselves in their pleasures; with this difference however, that our Henry was not so absolutely lulled asleep with his delights, but he thought sometimes of his affairs, being awakened and lively reminded by the Remonstrances of the Ministers of his Religion, and by the reproaches of the old Captains of the Hugonots, who spoke to him with great liberty. But Henry the third was wholly overwhelmed with softness and feebleness; he seemed to have neither heart nor motion: and his subjects could scarce know that he was in the world, but because he daily charged them with new Imposts; all the money of which, was disposed to the benefit of his Favourites.  
He had always three or four at a time; and 
Henry 3. hath favourites, who prejudice his affairs.  at present he began to cast his graces on Joyeuse, and the two Nogarets'; to wit, Bernard and Jean-Lewis, of whom the eldest died five or six years after, and the youngest was Duke d' Espernon, one of the most memorable and most wonderful Subjects that the Court had ever seen elevated in its favour; and who certainly had qualities as eminent as his fortune. In the mean time, the excessive gifts which the King gave to all his favourites, excited the cries of the people, because they were trampled on; and their monstrous greatness displeased the Princes, because they believed themselves despised; in such manner, that they rendered themselves odious to all the world: and the hate carried to them, fell likewise upon the King, whilst that violence which they obliged him to use towards his Parliaments, to confirm his Edicts of Creation and Imposts, augmented it yet more: for if his Authority made his Wills pass as absolute, he drew the people's curses; and if the vigour of the Sovereign companies, as often happened, stopped them, he attracted their disdain.  
The people, who easily licentiate themselves to Rebellion against their Prince▪ when they have lost for him all sentiments of esteem and veneration, spoke strange things of him and his favourites. The Guises, (whom the Minions 
Dispositions to the League, & to the loss of Hen. 3.  (for so the favourites were called) opposed in all occasions, endeavouring to deprive them of their Charges and Governments, to reinvest themselves) were not wanting to blow the fire, and to increase the animosities of the people; particularly of the great Cities, whom favourites have always feared, and who have always hated favourites. These were the principal Dispositions to the aggrandizing the League, and to the loss of Henry the third.  
It is not to our purpose to recount here: all 
1584.  the intrigues of the Court during five or six years; nor the War of the Low-Countries, from which Monsieur 
a Monsieur intending to surprise Antwerp, and treating ill the people of the Low-Countries, who had called him, was driven thence.  brought nothing but disgrace. It is only necessary to tell, that in the year 1684. Monsieur died at Castle-Thierry, 
The death of the Monsieur begets thoughts of a Successor to the Crown.  without having been married; that Henry the third had likewise no Children; and that it was but too well known he was uncapable of ever having any, by reason of an uncurable disease which he contracted at Venice, in his return from Poland. See here the reason why, as soon as Monsieur was judged to death by the Physicians, the Guises and Queen-Mother began to labour each on their side to assure themselves of the Crown, as if the succession had been open to them: for neither the one nor the other accounted for any thing our Henry; so much the rather, because he was beyond the seventh degree, beyond which in ordinary successions is accounted no kindred; and because he was not of that Religion, of which all the Kings of France have been since Clovis, and by consequence incapable to wear the Crown, or bear the Title of Thrice-Christian. Add to this that he was two hundred Leagues distant from Paris, and as it were shut up in a corner of Guyenne, where it seemed to them easy to 
The Queen-Mother designs to give the Crown to the children of her daughter married to the Duke of Lorraine.  ensuare him or oppress him.  
The Queen-Mother had a design to give the Crown to the Children of her Daughter married to the Duke of Lorraine, whom she would have treated as Princes of the blood, as if the Crown of France could fall under the command of the Spindle. Nor was she carried to this only out of the love she had for them, but out of a secret hatred she had conceived against our Henry, because she saw that contrary to all her wishes, heaven opened him a way to come to the Throne.  
Besides, she was too much deceived, for so able a woman, to believe that the Duke of Guise would favour her in her design: there 
A belief that the Duke of Guise hoped to Reign himself.  was much appearance, and after affairs sufficiently testified it, that seeing himself persecuted by the Favourites, and ill treated by the King himself, for their sakes he had thoughts to assure the Crown for his own head. For ill treatments work at least no other effect then to cast into extreme despair, Souls so Noble and Elevated as that of this Prince. But he knowing well that of himself he could not arrive at so high a pitch, and that specially because it would be difficult to divert the affection which the people of France naturally have for the Princes of the Blood; he advised himself to gain the old Cardinal de Bourbon, who was Uncle of our Henry: he promised him therefore, that the death of Henry the third Arriving, he would employ all his power, and that of his Friends, to make him King: and that good man doting with age, permitting himself to be flattered with these vain hopes, made himself the Bauble of the Duke's Ambition, who by this means drew to his party a great number of Catholics, who considered the house of Bourbon.  
The Question was, if the Uncle ought to precede the Son of the Elder Brother in the Succession: and to speak truth, the business was not without some difficulty, because according to the Custom of Paris, the Capital of the Realm, and many other Customs, collateral representation hath no place. This point of right was diversely agitated by the Reverend Judges; and many treats were had, some in favour of the Uncle, and others of the Nephew: but these were but Combats of words; the sword was to decide the difference. It seemed to many great Politicians, that the Duke of Guise acted contrary to his own interests and design, by acknowledging that the Cardinal of Bourbon ought to Succeed to the Crown; this being to avow, that after his death, which could suffer no long delay, it would appertain to our Henry 
Henry 3. knew his design, or was advertized of it by his favourites. He sends the Duke d'Espernon to the King of Navarre, to oblige him to return to the Catholic Church: but he refuses.  his Nephew.  
Henry 3. knew well his design, or rather was advertised of it by his Favourites, who saw in it their certain ruin, and therefore so much desired to bring back the King of Navarre to the Catholic Church, to the end he might deprive the Leaguers of that specious Pretext they had to entertain the League: He sent therefore to him the Duke d'Espernon, who Essayed to Convert him by reasons of interest and policy. Our Henry harkened to him; but he testified that those were not motives sufficiently puissant to make him Change; and sent him back with many Civilities.  
The Hugonots were so vain, as to publish and cause to be Printed the conference of this Prince with Espernon, to show that he was unshaken in his Religion, and possibly likewise 
The Duke of Guise profits himself of it.  to engage him more strongly in it. The Duke of Guise was not wanting to profit himself of it, and to remonstrate to the Catholic people the stubbornness of this Prince; and what they might hope, if he came to the Crown with such sentiments.  
To stop therefore his way to it, he made the 
The League Established at Paris.  zealous openly renew the League; and boldly bringing it into Paris, where some new religious persons inspired this Ardour into people's souls by Confessions, held the first public Assembly at the College de Fortet, which was called the Cradle of the League. Many Burgesses, many Tradesmen, and likewise some Clerks of Paris, entered into it. They carried it to Rome, and presented it to Pope Gregory the 13. for his approbation; but he never 
The Pope disapproves it.  would give it: and continually, so long as he lived, disavowed it.  
So soon as it grew a little great and strong, those who had engendered it, made it appear that it was not only to provide for the security of Religion for the future, but that at present they might approach themselves near to the Crown; and that they not only would have it against the King of Navarre, who was 
It is turned against Henry the third.  to Succeed, but against Henry the third, who now reigned: They kept in Salary certain new Divines, who durst openly sustain, that a Prince ought to be deposed who acquits himself not well of his duty: That no power but that which is well ordered, is of God; otherwise, when it passes due bounds, it is not Authority, but Usurpation: and that it is as absurd to say that he ought to be King who knows not how to govern, or who is deprived of understanding, as to believe a blind man a fit guide, or an immovable Statue able to make living men move.  
In the mean time the Duke of Guise was retired to his Government of Champagne, feigning himself discontented; but it was to make the Duke of Lorraine sign the League, out of hopes he would cause his Son to Succeed to the Crown, to which he pretended to have right by his Mother, Daughter to Henry the Second. He held to this purpose a 
The Treaty of Joinville where the Spaniards enter into the League, & furnish money.  Treaty at Joinville, where he likewise found Agents from the King of Spain, who signed to the Treaty, and as it was reported, did by Letters of Exchange supply the Duke of Guise with great sums of money.  
At his departure thence, the Duke assembled Troops on all sides: his friends seized 
The League seize many places.  on as many places as they could, not only amongst the Hugonots, but likewise amongst the Catholics. The King might easily have dissipated these Levies, had he taken the field. But the Queen-Mother, like to self-interested Physicians, who would for their profit augment the disease, withheld and amused him in his Closet, persuading him that if he would leave to her the management of this affair, she would easily reduce the Duke to his obedience. To this purpose she 
The Queen-mother enters into conference with Guise; who breaks it when he sees himself in an Estate to fear nothing. The King astonished, grants him all he desires.  held a Conference with him at Vitry, and so gave him time to strengthen his party; and when he saw himself in an Estate to fear nothing, he broke the Conference, and made show of some resolutions to come directly to Paris.  
The King astonished, prayed his mother to conclude an accommodation upon any terms: which she did by the Treaty of Nemours, by which she granted to the Duke and other Princes of his house, the Government of several Provinces, many great sums of money, together with a most bloody Edict against the Hugonots, which forbade the profession of any other Religion than the Catholic, under Penalty of Confiscation of Goods and Estate; with Command to all Preachers and Ministers to depart the Realm within one month, and all Hugonots of what degree or quality soever within six months, or otherwise abjure their false Religion. This Edict was called the Edict of Juillet, which the League farther constrained the King to carry himself into the Parliament, and cause it to be ratified. 
1585.   
A little after arrived news from Rome that 
Pope Sixtus 5. excommunicates the King of Navarre and Prince of Conde.  Sixtus the fifth, who succeeded Gregory the eighteenth, had approved the League, and had besides fulminated out terrible Bulls against the King of Navarre and Prince of Conde, declaring them Heretics, Apostates, Chiefs, Favourers and Protectors of Heretics, and as such falling under the Censures and Pains concluded on in the Laws and Cannons, depriving them and their descendants of all Lands and Dignities, incapable to succeed to any Principality whatsoever, especially to the Kingdom of France; and not only absolving their Subjects from all Oaths of Fidelity, but absolutely forbidding them to obey them.  
It was now that our Henry had need of all 
The virtue of our Henry awakened.  the forces both of his Courage and Virtue to sustain so rude assaults. He seemed in a manner lulled asleep by his pleasures: when the noise of these great assaults awakened him, he recalled all his Virtue, and began to make it appear more vigorously than ever before. And certainly he afterwards avowed that his enemies had highly obliged him, by persecuting him in this manner: for had they left him in repose, that rest had possibly Entombed him in a corner of Guyenne, and he not have been constrained to think of his affairs; so that at the death of Henry the third, he would not have been in an Estate to attempt or entertain the Crown.  
He now did two Actions of great renown: 
He doth two noble actions.  the first, was his commanding Plessis Mornay, a Gentleman of excellent Education, and who could be reproached with nothing but being a Huguenot, to answer the Manifesto of the League by an Apology, and by a Declaration which he caused to be drawn. In this last piece, (the Chiefs of the League having spread abroad divers calumnies against his honour) he with all submission besought the King his Sovereign, that he would not be offended if he did pronounce, saving still the respect due to his Majesty, that they did falsely and maliciously lie: and moreover, that to spare the blood of his Nobles, and shun the desolation of the poor people, those infinite disorders, and above all, those blasphemies, burnings and violations which the licence of War must cause, he offered to the Duke of Guise, chief of the 
He defies the Duke of Guise to single Combat.  League, to decide this quarrel by his person against his, one to one, two to two, ten to ten, or what number he should please, with Arms generally in use by Cavaliers of honour, either in the Realm of France, or in such place as his Majesty should command, or else in such place as the Duke of Guise himself should choose.  
This Declaration had a great effect o'er people's spirit. They said, That force could not justly be employed against him, who so far submitted himself to reason: and the greatest part of the Nobility approved this generous procedure; and proclaimed aloud, that the Duke of Guise ought not to refuse so great an honour.  
That Duke wanted no courage to accept the 
Why the Duke of Guise accepted not the defiance.  Defiance; but he considered, that drawing his sword against a Prince of the blood, was in France accounted a kind of Parricide; that otherwise he could willingly have reduced the cause of Religion, and of the Public, to a particular Quarrel. He therefore prudently answered, That he esteemed the person of the King of Navarre, and would have no controversy with him; but that he only interested himself for the Catholic Religion, which was threatened; and for the tranquillity of the Kingdom, which only and absolutely depended on the unity of Religion.  
His other Action was thus. Having understood 
The other gallant Action of our Henry.  the noise of those paper-Thunder-bolts which the Pope had thrown out against him, he dispatched one to the King to make his Complaints to him; and to remonstrate to him, That this procedure concerned his Majesty nearer than himself; That he ought to judge, That if the Pope took upon him to decide concerning his succession, and should seize to himself a right to declare a Prince of the blood unable of the Crown, he might afterwards well pass further, and dethrone himself, as Zachary is reported to have formerly degraded Childeric 3.  
Upon these Remonstrances, the King hindered the publication of those Bulls in his Dominions. But our Henry, not contenting himself 
He causes to be fixed up at the corners of the chief streets of Rome, oppositions to the sentence of Sixtus 5.  there with, knowing himself to have friends at Rome, proved so hardy as to fix his and the Prince of Condé his opposition at the corners of the chiefest streets of the City: by which those Princes appealed from the sentence of Sixtus, to the Court of Peerage of France; giving the Lie to whoever accused them of the crime of Heresy; offering to prove the contrary in a general Council: and in the end, professing that they would revenge upon him, and upon all his successors, the injury done their King, the Royal Family, and all the Courts of Parliament.  
It could not but be supposed, that this opposition 
who at first is incensed, but afterwards conceives a great estèem for him.  would incense to the utmost the spirit of Sixtus the fifth; and indeed at first he testified a very furious emotion. However, when his Choler was a little assuaged, he admired the great Courage of that King, who at such a distance had known how to revenge himself, and fix the marks of his resentment even at the gates of his Palace: in such manner, that he conceived so great an esteem for him, (so true is it, that Virtue makes itself be reverenced by its very enemies) that he was often afterwards heard say, That of all those who reigued in Christendom, there was none but this Prince, and Elizabeth Queen of Enland, to whom he would have communicated those great things which agitated his spirit, if they had not been Heretics. Nor could all the prayers of the League ever oblige him to furnish any thing towards the charges of this War; which possibly overwhelmed the greatest part of their Erterprises, because their hopes in part depended on a Million which he had promised them.  
Now as on their side, the Chiefs of the League endeavoured to engage on their party all the Lords and Cities they could; our Henry on his part reunited with him all his friends 
The King of Navarre makes a League to defend himself.  both of the one and the other Religion: the Marshal of Damville-Montmorency Governor of Languedoc: the Duke of Montpensier, Prince of the blood, who was Governor of Poictou, with his Son the Prince of Dombes: the Prince of Condé, who held a part of Poictou, of Xaintonge, and of Angoumois: the Count of Soissons, and the Prince of Conty his brother. Of these five Princes of the blood, the three last were his Cousen-Germans, the two first were removed one degree further; and all professed the Catholic Religion, save only the Prince of Condé. He had likewise on his part Lesdiguieres, who, from a plain Gentleman, had by his Valour elevated himself to so high a point, that he was Master of the Daulphinate, and made the Duke of Savoy tremble: Claudius de la Trimoville, who possessed great Lands in Poictou and Britain, and was sometimes before turned Huguenot, that he might have the honour to marry his Daughter to the Prince of Condé: Henry de la Tour, Viscount of Turenne, who either out of complacency, or true persuasion, had espoused the new Religion: Chastillon, son to the Admiral of Coligny; lafoy Boulaye Lord Poitevin; Rene, chief of the house of Rohan; George de Clermont d' Amboise; Francis, Count of Rochefoucaud; the Lord de Aubetterre; James de Caumontla-force; the Signior de Pons; Saint Gelais-Lansac: with many other Lords and Gentlemen of remark, all, or most, of the new Religion. At the same time he dispatched to Elizabeth Queen of England, and to the Protestant Princes of Germany, such able Agents, that they joined all together in a strong Union, The One to maintain the Other: so that all these being united, all things arrived contrary to what the League expected; and our Henry found himself fortified in such manner, that he had no longer any apprehension of being oppressed, without having the means to defend himself.  
I shall not make here a particular Recital of the Actions either of the one or the other party during the years 1585. and 1586. because I have observed nothing very considerable.  
King Henry the third was extremely perplexed 
1586.  at this War, which was maintained at his expense, and to his great prejudice, since they disputed the succession, he yet living, and 
Henry 3. hated both the League & the Hugonots, and loved none but his favourites.  well, and already considered him as one dead. He loved neither the one nor the other party; but did so much cherish his Favourites, (strange blindness!) that he could have desired, had it been in his power, to have parted his Estate amongst them. The League on 
The Queen-mother endeavours an accommodation with the King of Navarre.  their side pretended to have power enough to carry it; and our Henry hoped to frustrate the designs both of the one and the other. The Queen-mother having other wishes for the children of her Daughter married to the Duke of Lorraine, promised the King to find means to calm all these tempests. To this purpose she procured a Truce with our Henry: during which, an Interview was agreed upon between 
The Interview and conference at St. Brix.  him and her at the Castle of St. Brix near Coignac; where both the one and the other met in the month of December.  
There was some difficulty to find security 
A noble & generous Action of our Prince.  both for the one and the other; but especially for the Queen-mother, who was wonderfully distrustful. Our Henry hereupon did an Action of great Generosity; which he managed in this manner: There had a Truce been agreed upon for the security of this Conference, in such sort, that if either party broke it, they were in fault, and might justly be arrested: now some of our Henry's followers, feigning to be Traitors, had enticed some of the Catholick-Captains, too greedy of the booty, to Fontenay, which they would have let them take: by this means the Catholics would have remained convict of perfidy, and he had had good pretence to arrest the Queen-mother: but this generous Prince, having understood the carriage of this foul play, was extremely troubled against those who contrived it, and forbade them to continue it. Was not this to have the true sentiments of honour founded in his Soul, and not only in his exterior Carriage?  
And as he testified his Generosity in that 
His constancy in the whole conference.  Rencounter, so he made known his Constancy and the power of his Spirit in all the Discourse. The Qeen demanding of him what it was he would; he answered, regarding those Ladies she had brought with her, Madam, there is nothing that I would have: as if he would have said, That he would not longer permit himself to be drawn away by such allurements. She endeavoured above all things to disunite him with the other Chiefs of his party, or to render him suspected, offering all that he demanded as to his particular: but he, knowing well her stratagem, held firmly to this point, That he could not treat any thing without communicating it to his Friends.  
After a long entertainment, she once demanding him if the pains she had taken should produce no more fruit, especially to her, who only wished for repose; he answered her, Madam, I am not the cause of it; nor is it I who hinder you from resting in your Bed: it is you that hinder me from resting in mine. That pains you take, pleaseth and nourishes you; for Repose is the greatest enemy of your life.  
He made many other Replies, very lively and full of spirit: but above all, that was observable which he made to the Duke of Nevers, of the house of Gonzague, who accompanied the Queen-mother. This Duke advancing once to tell him that he might live much more honourably near the King then among those people who had no authority; and 
A handsome answer to Duke de Nevers.  that if he should have occasion for money at Rochel, he would scarce have the credit to raise one impost; he fiercely replied, Sir, I do at Rochel all that I please, because I shall please to do nothing but what I ought.  
This Conference of St. Brix having produced 
Conference at St. Brix produceth nothing.  nothing but new Exasperations, and the Queen-mother being returned, the Guises, who endeavoured by all means possible to revenge themselves of the Favourites, made offer of their service to our Henry; and the Duke of Mayenne sent to tell him, that there might means be found for an accommodation, if he would understand them: that he would come to find him with four horse, at whatever place he pleased; and that he would give him his Wife and Children for Hostage. This Negotiation had no success, nor can I find the cause why it was interrupted.  
The rest of the Winter passed in the two 
Dances and Feasts in the Courts of the two Kings.  Courts in Feasts and Dances: for though among the miseries and troubles of the Kingdom, Queen Katherine had introduced that custom of Dancing in all places and in all seasons: 
Blaise de Monluc, Marshal of France, who writ in these times, says in his Memoires, That whatever affair there were of force, the Dancing was still to go forward.  which she did, as it was said, to amuse the great ones of the Court in those vain Divertisements; there being nothing which more dissipates the powers of the spirit, nor which is more capable, if we may speak so, to dissolve the forces of the soul, than the ravishing sound of Violins, the continual agitation of the body, and Charms of Ladies. After the Examples of the Court, Dances and Masks reigned in all the Realm: Nor could the Remonstrances of the Ministers hinder these Dances among the greatest part of the Huguenot Lords, though there were still some who could not suffer it.  
In the Spring, some Enterprises began, 
1587.  both on one part and the other; but they 
An Army of Germane Protestants enter France.  were nothing in comparison of what was done towards the end of the Summer. The Protestant Princes of Germany sent an Army to the assistance of the Hugonots, consisting of Five thousand Lansquenets or Germane Foot, Sixteen thousand Swissers, and Six thousand Reistres or Germane Horse. They traversed Lorraine and Champagne, afterwards passed the Seine, and marched towards the Loire, as if they would have passed it, or coast along it in their re-advancing. At the same time the King of Navarre had gathered his forces towards Rochel, and endeavoured to come to meet them unto the Banks of the Loire; but he was hindered by an Army of the Kings, commanded by the Duke of Joyeuse, who had order diligently to pursue him. The Duke of Guise 
It is followed by the Duke of Guise.  having likewise gathered the forces of his party; and though they were very small, followed sometimes the Germane horse, sometimes coasted them, and oftentimes mixed himself amongst them without any great danger; so much the rather, because this too weighty body of strangers could not easily move, being troubled with a great baggage, not having a Chief either of any great Credit, or sufficiently intelligent to Conduct; and all its Captains being in discord and bad intelligence one with the other.  
By reason of all these defaults, this Army 
It doth nothing to purpose.  could never take any good Resolution. The Loire was fordable in many places; for it was about the end of September: but nevertheless they would not pass it, but came to spread themselves in the Champains of Beaustre, expecting News from the King of Navarre, in stead of advancing amongst the Nivernois, and gaining Burgongne. The intention of the King 
The King of Navarre would join with them, but the Duke of Joyeuse makes head against him with an Army.  of Navarre, was to advance along Dordogna, and from thence enter into Guyenne; and after having gathered together all his Forces, to meet the Protestant Army in Burgongne, by the favour of those Provinces were his friends. But the Duke of Joyeuse obstinately pursued him; imagining he fled, because in effect he avoided fight, having no other end then a Conjunction with the Germans.  
This new Duke was much declined in his favour with the King, who had received advice that he inclined much to the League; not that he loved the Guises, but because he had permitted it to be put into his head by his flatterers, that he deserved to be Chief of that great party; and he held the destruction of the Hugonots so certain, that he had obtained from the Pope the Confiscation of all the Sovereign Territories of our Henry. Desiring▪ 
The Duke overtakes him near Coutras.  therefore to sustain his Reputation and Favour, which were then tottering, he pursued him so closely, that he overtook him near to Coutras. 
What the Army of Joyeuse was▪   
The Army of Joyeuse was, as one may say, all of Gold, shining with Silver and Gold Laces; with Damasked Arms; with Feathers in great Plumes; with Embroidered Scarves; with Velvet Coats, with which every Lord, according to the mode of the times, had furnished his Companies: but the Army of the 
What that of the King.  King of Navarre, was all of Iron, having no other than Grizzled Arms, without any Ornament, with great Belts of Buff, and labouring Habits. The first had the advantage in number, having six hundred Horse, and a thousand Foot, more than the other; the half of its Infantry, Dragoons; its Cavalry almost all Lances, and most mounted on managed Horses: it had besides for it, the Name and Authority of the King, and assurance of Rewards; but the better half of it was composed of new Troops, which wanted Order and Discipline: It had a General without Authority; an hundred Chiefs in stead of one; and all young people, elevated in the Delights of the Court; having sufficient Heart and Courage, but without any Experience.  
The other on the contrary was composed of all the choice men of its party: the old remnant of the Battles of Jarnac and Montcontour; people bred up in the mystery of War, and hardened by the continual endurance of Fights and Adversities. It had at its Head, three Princes of the Blood, the Chief of them well obeyed and reverenced as the presumptive Heir of the Crown, the love of the Soldiery, and hope of all good Frenchmen: besides, it was armed with a necessity either to overcome or die; Armour of more proof than either Steel or Brass.  
Orders being given, the King of Navarre 
His Exhortation to his Army, and to the Princes of the Blood.  called all his Chiefs; and from a little rising ground, exhorted them in few words, but such as were agreeable both to his Quality and the time; taking Heaven to witness, that he fought not against his King, but for the Defence of his Religion and Right. Afterwards addressing himself to the two Princes of the Blood, Condé and Soissons; I shall say nothing else to you, said he, but that you are of the house of Bourbon; and if God live, I will now show you that I am worthy to be the firstborn of that Family.  
His Valour that day appeared above that of all others. He had placed on his Head-piece a Plume of white Feathers, both to make himself known, and because he loved that colour: so that some putting themselves before him, out of design to shelter and defend his person, he cried out to them, To your Quarter, 
His valour & bravery.  I pray you, and do not shadow me; for I would appear. A Bravery without doubt absolutely necessary for a Conqueror, but which would be temerity and an unsupportable fault in a Prince well established. He broke the first ranks of the Enemy, and took Prisoners with his own hand, and came even to handy-gripes with one named Chasteau-Reynard, Cornet of a Company of Gens▪ Arms, saying to him, Deliver thy Colours▪  
The Battle being gained, some having seen the Flyers, who made a halt, came to tell him, that the Army of the Marshal of Matignon appeared: he received this News as a new subject of Glory; and turning bravely towards his people, Let us go, my Friends, said he; this will be a thing never before seen, two Battles in one day.  
It was not only his Valour made him worthy to be admired in this occasion; it was likewise his Justice, Moderation and Clemency: for his Justice, we may recount what follows.  
He had debauched the Daughter of an▪ Officer 
An Action of great Justice, and Christian Humility.  of Rochel; a thing which had dishonoured that Family, and very much scandalised him among the Rochellers. A Minister, as the Squadrons were almost ready to go to the charge, and that the Prayer was to be made, took the Liberty to remonstrate to him, That God could not favour his Arms, if he did not before demand pardon for that offence, repair the scandal by a public satisfaction, and restore Honour to a Family he had deprived of it. The good King humbly harkened to these Remonstrances, fell upon his Knees, demanded of God pardon for his fault; prayed all those who were present to serve as witnesses of his repentance; and to assure the Father of the Maiden, that if God gave him the grace to live, he would repair as much as possible the Honour he had deprived her of. So Christian a submission, drew tears from all the Assistants: nor was there any who would not have ventured a thousand Lives for a Prince who so cordially inclined himself to do Reason to his inferiors.  
Having thus overcome himself, God made him Conqueror over his Enemies: and who knows but that he exalted him, because he so Christianly humbled himself? The Enemy's 
The Battle of Coutras, which he gains.  Army was wholly defeated, with the loss of five thousand men: all their Cannon, baggage, Ensigns, and all their chief Commanders, were taken Prisoners, except two or three, among whom were the Duke of Joyeuse, and of 
Joyeuse slain.  St. Saviour his brother, who were found dead on the place.  
That night, our Conqueror finding his Lodgings full of Prisoners and wounded persons of the Enemy, was constrained to cause his Bed to be carried to those of Plessis Mornay: but the Body of Joyeuse being laid forth on the Table in the Hall, he was there forced to mount on high; and there, while he supped, were presented unto him the prisoners, fifty six foot-Ensignes, and twenty two Standards and Cornets.  
It was a fair and glorious Spectacle for this Prince, to have under his feet that Enemy who had obtained from the Pope the Confiscation of his Territories; to see his Table environed with so many Noble Captains, and his Chamber tapistred with Ensigns. But to speak truth, it was much more agreeable to generous Souls, to see, that amongst so many subjects of Vanity and Pride; and in so just resentments of those bloody injuries done him, (things which often transport the sweetest Souls to insolence and cruelty) there could not be observed either in his words or countenance, the least sign that might breed any suspicion, that either his Constancy or 
His moderation and admirable Clemency in his Victory.  Goodness were ever so little altered: but on the contrary, showing himself as Courteous and Humane in his victory, as he had showed himself brave and redoubtable in fight; he sent back almost all the Prisoners without ransom, restored their baggage to many, took great care of the wounded, and gave the body of Joyeuse and S. Saveur to the Viscount de Turenne, who was their Kinsman; and dispatched the next morning his Master of Requests to the King, to entreat peace of him: from whence it was judged, that so great a courage would overcome all its enemies, and that nothing would be capable to renverse his fortune, whom so great a prosperity was not able to move.  
He was however blamed, for not having 
He pursues it not, and wherefore.  hotly pursued his victory, and for having permitted that Triumphant Army to break by, not again employing them in some great exploit. It was believed, and there was much appearance for it, that he would not press things too forward, for fear of too much offending the King, with whom he desired yet to keep some measures; hoping daily that he might reconcile himself to him, and return to Court, where it was necessary he should be, that he might be in a condition to take the Crown, when Henry the third should die. In fine, were it for this reason, or other, he retired into Gascoigne, and from thence into Bearne, under pretext of some affairs; carrying with him only Five hundred horse, and the Count of Soissons, whom he kept near him, out of hopes to make him Espouse his sister. The Prince of Conde returned to Rochel, and Turenne to Perigord.  
In the mean time, that great Army of 
Defeat of the Germane horse.  Germans having received many checks in several places, but especially at Auneau in Beausse, where the Duke of Guise slew or took Prisoners Three thousand Reistres; afterward at Pont de Gien, where the Duke d' Espernon took Twelve hundred Lansquenets or Foot, and almost all the Cannon; willingly harkened to an agreement, which the King caused to be proposed to them: and afterwards retired by Burgongne, and by 
The rest of that Army retire.  the County of Montbeliard, but were still pursued farther in that County, by the Duke of Guise.  
Now began the year One thousand five 
1588.  hundred eighty eight; which all Judicial 
Prognostications of the evils of the year 1588.  Astrologers had called the wonderful year, because they foresaw so great a number of strange accidents, and such confusion in natural causes, that they were assured, that if the end of the world came not, there would happen at least an Universal Change. Their Prognostics were seconded by a a number of terrible Prodigies which arrived throughout all Europe. In France there were great Earthquakes, along the River Loire, and likewise in Normandy. The Sea was for six weeks together disturbed with continual tempests, which seemed to confound both heaven and earth. In the Air appeared divers Phantasms of fire; and on the four and twentieth of January, Paris was covered with so horrible a darkness, that those who had the best eyes, could scarce see any thing at noonday, without the help of lights. All these Prodigies seemed to signify what soon after Arrived, the death of the Prince of Conde, the Besieging of Paris, the Subversion of the whole Realm, the Murdering of Messieurs de Guise, and in fine the Parricide of Henry the third.  
As for the Prince of Conde, he died in the 
Death of the Prince of Conde.  month of March, at S. John d' Angeli, where he than made his residence. Though there had been a secret jealousy between him and the King of Navarre, even to the making of two factions in their party; yet the King resented 
The King of Navarre much afflicted.  this loss with an extreme grief; and having shut himself up in his Closet, with the Count de Soissons, he was heard to cast forth great cries, and say that he had lost his right hand: However, after his grief was a little evaporated, he recovered his Spirit; and 
But in his affliction puts his trust in God.  casting all his trust on Divine Protection, he came forth, saying with a heart full of Christian assurance: God is my refuge and my support, it is in him alone I will hope, and I shall not be confounded.  
It was truly a great loss for him: he was now alone to Support all the weight of affairs; and being denuded of this assister, remained more exposed to the attempts of the League, who had now only to give a like blow to his person, to remain Conquerors in all their affairs. He had therefore just cause to fear their attempts: However, the Duke of Guise had a heart so Noble and great▪ that whilst he lived, he would never suffer such detestable ways.  
The Confidence of the League increased 
The League rejoice.  wonderfully, by the death of this Prince; they testified extraordinary rejoicings, and published that it was an effect of the Justice of God, and of the Apostolic curses. The Hugonots on 
The Hugonots afflicted.  the contrary, were in an extreme consternation, considering that they had lost in him their most assured Chief, because they believed him firmly persuaded in their Religion; but had not the same opinion of the King of Navarre. In effect, the Confusion and Disorder was so great amongst them, that in all appearance, had they continued strongly to prosecute them, they might have soon ruined them. 
Sentiments of Hen. 3.  The King hated them mortally, and would willingly have consented; but he would manage things in such manner, that their destruction should not prove the agrandizing of the Duke of Guise, and his own loss: but this Duke knowing his intentions, pressed him 
The Duke of Guise presseth him to give him forces to exterminate the Hugonots. The Duke of Guise much loved, and Hen. 3. much ha●ed.  continually to give him forces utterly to exterminate the Hugonots, in whose ruin he infallibly hoped to involve the King of Navarre.  
He had this advantage over the King, that he had acquisted the love of the people, principally by two means; the first, by his opposing himself to the new Imposts; and the second, by continually being at variance with the Favourites, nor ever bending before them: whilst the doing of things contrary, had made the King fall into an extreme low Esteem, and had likewise taken away the heat of some of his servants love. See here an Example.  
The King had two great men in his Council, 
D' Espinac & Villeroy become friends to the Duke of Guise, and why.  Peirre d' Espinac Archbishop of Lions, and Villeroy Secretary of State: The Duke d'Espernon, who was fierce and haughty, would treat them according to his proud humour; they grew exasperated against him, and thereupon change their affection to the Duke of Guise his party, but without doubt still in their hearts remaining most faithful to the King and Crown of France, as afterward well appeared, especially in the person of Villeroy.  
In the mean time, the King lived after the 
The ill Conduct of Henry 3.  ordinary manner, in the profusions of an odious Luxury, and in the laziness of a contemptible Retreat; passing his time either in seeing Dances, or in playing with little Dogs, of which he had great numbers of all sorts; or else in Teaching Parriquitoes to speak, or in Cutting of Images, or in other Occupations more becoming an In●ant then a King.  
But the Duke of Guise lost no time: he 
The Conduct and employs of the Duke of Guise.  made daily new friends, conserved his old ones, caressed the people, testified a great zeal for the ecclesiastics, undertook their defence against all would oppress them; and every where appeared with the Splendour and Gravity of a Prince, but yet without Pride, without Arrogancy: The Parisians were intoxicated with esteem for him; the greatest part of the Parliament, and most part of the other Officers attended his motions, and testified to him the affection they ought to the service of the King.  
There were an infinite number of people who had signed the League: and in the sixteen Quarters or Wards of Paris, when they could not gain the Quarteniers or Aldermen, they chose one the most violent of the Leaguers to act in their function; by reason of which, they afterwards called at Paris the Principal of this party, and their faction, 
What the sixteen were.  the sixteen: not that they were but sixteen, for their number exceeded Ten thousand, but all dispersed through the sixteen Quarters.  
Now the King, principally incited by the 
The King would punish them.  Duke d' Espernon, resolved to punish the forwardest of these sixteen, who in all occasions showed themselves furious enemies of that Favourite. By this means he thought to overthrow the League, and absolutely ruin the Credit and Reputation of the Duke of Guise. He caused therefore some Troops secretly to enter into Paris, and gave order to seize on those persons.  
The Duke of Guise being advised of it, 
The Duke of▪ Guise hastes to defend them.  posts from Soissons, where he than was, resolving to perish rather than lose his friends. Barricadoes were raised in the month of May, even to the Gates of the Lovure, and the King's Troops were all cut in pieces or disarmed. The Queen-mother, according to her ordinary custom, became mediatrix of an Accommodation, 
The King retires to Chartres. The league becomes Mistress Paris.  but the King fearing to be enclosed; in a fright, retires to Chartres.  
The League by this becoming Mistress of Paris, take possession of the Bastille, the Hostel de Ville, and the Temple; hang the Provost of the Merchants, and the Civil Lieutenant. And at the same time they assured themselves of Orleans, Bourges, Amiens, Abbeville, Montrevil, Roven, Rheims, chaalon's, and more than twenty other Cities in several Provinces; the people every where crying, Long live Guise, Long live the Protector of the Faith.  
The King, not without much reason, was extremely affrighted. The Parisians deputed 
The Parisians send Deputies to the King  some to him to Chartres, to ask pardon: but withal, they demand the extirpation of Heresy. All the world increased his fears, none fortified his Courage. In this distress he knew no securer way to shun that danger which threatened him, then by essaying to disarm his subjects. To this effect he sends one of his Masters of the Requests to the Parliament, to 
The King pardons all; so they lay down Arms.  let them understand, that his absolute intention was to forget all that was passed; so that every one returned to his Duty, and to labour diligently for the Reformation of the Kingdom: for which end, he found it convenient to assemble the General Estates at the end of the year, where they might provide for the assuring a Catholic Successor of the Blood-Royal; protesting, that he would observe inviolably all the Resolutions of the Estates, but that he would have them free, and without Faction, and that from that day all his Subjects should lay down Arms.  
It much troubled the Duke of Guise to 
The Duke of Guise demands the expulsion of Espernon; which is in the end granted.  consent to the laying down Arms; fearing lest when he was left defenceless, he should remain at the mercy of his enemies, and particularly of the Duke d' Espernon. He therefore stirred up the Parisians by a famous deputation, to demand the continuation of the War against the Hugonots, and the expulsion of that Duke. The King, after some resistance, granted both the one and the other: for he caused to be Ratified in Parliament an Edict most advantageously favourable for the League, and most bloody against the Hugonots; and he bid Adieu to the Duke d' Espernon, who retired into his Government of Angoumois.  
After this, the Duke of Guise came to attend 
And after comes to the Court at Chartres.  the King at Chartres, having the Queen-mothers' word for his Security; and both gave great assurances of his Fidelity, and received all the testimonies he could wish, of the affection of the King; insomuch that he made him great Master of the Gens d' Arms of France.  
In the mean time the League gained the upper hand throughout all the Provinces on this ●ide the Loire, and caused Deputies for the Estates to be elected at its pleasure. In the month of November, the Estates assembled in the City of Blois. It is not necessary here to recount 
The Estates of Blois.  all their intrigues. In fine, the King persuading that they had conspired to dethrone him, caused the Duke of Guise, and the Cardinal 
The death of the Guises.  his Brother, to be slain in the Castle; and kept prisoner the Cardinal of Bourbon, the Archbishop of Lions, the Prince of Joinville, who after the Death of his Father was called Duke of Guise, and the Duke of Nemours, brother by the mother to the first Duke.  
The Queen-mother, under whose word the Guises thought to have been in security, was so touched with the reproaches made her, and with the ●lightings of the King her Son, who after this, believed he had no more need of her, that she died with grief and envy few 
Death of Queen Katherine de Medici's.  days after, lamented by no person, not so much as by her Son, and generally hated by all parties.  
In truth, if ever there were an Action ambiguous 
Different Judgements concerning the death of the Guises.  or problematical, it was this. The servants of the King said that he was constrained to it by the extreme audacity of the Guises; and that if he had not prevented them, they had shaved him, and shut him up in a Monastery. But the ill repute he had among all men, the general esteem these Princes had acquisted, and the odious circumstances of the murder, made it appear horrible even to the eyes of the very Hugonots, who said, that this much resembled the bloody Massacre of St. Bartholomew.  
Our Henry conserved a wise Mediocrity in 
Our Henry speaks very wisely.  this rencontre: he deplored their death, and gave praises to their Valour: but he said, That certainly the King had very puissant Motives to treat them in that manner: and for the rest, that the Judgements of God were great, and his Grace thrice-special towards him, having revenged him of his Enemies, and neither engaged his Conscience nor his hand in it. For certain Gentlemen having often offered themselves to him with a determinate resolution to go kill the Duke of Guise, he had always let them know, that he abhorred such a Proposition; and that he would neither esteem them his friends, nor honest men, if they conserved it in their thoughts.  
His Council being assembled upon this great 
He changeth not his Conduct.  News, found, that he ought not for it make any change in the conduct of his Affairs, because the King, though himself might be willing to it, durst not for some months speak of a Peace with him, for fear lest he should make it be believed that he had slain the Guises to favour the Hugonots; so that he continued the War, and kept several places.  
In the mean time, the progress of Affairs beat him out a path to lead him to the heart of the Kingdom, and return him to the Court, which was the post he ought most to wish for.  
Henry the third, amusing himself after the 
1589.  murder of the Guises, to examine the Acts of 
Henry 3. amusiag himself too much at Blois, the League is re-assured, and grows furious.  the Estates at Blois, in stead of mounting presently to horse, and showing himself in those places where his presence was most necessary; the League, which at first had been astonished at so great a blow, regained its spirits. The great Cities, and principally Paris, who were possessed with this madness, having had leisure to dissipate their amazement, passed from fear to pity, and from pity to fury. The Sixteen chose at Paris the Duke of Aumarle for their Governor. The Preachers and Churchmen declaimed horribly against the King; the people snatched down his Arms wherever they found them, and dragged 
The Parliament imprisoned in the Bastille by Bussy le Clerk; forced to swear to the the ●eague. A part remains at Paris, and the others go to the King, who transfers all to Tours  them through the dirt. The Parliament, who would have opposed this rage, were imprisoned in the Bastille by Bussy le Clerk, a simple Proctor, but very much esteemed among the Sixteen; and were forced, to regain their Liberty, to swear to the League. At their coming forth of the Bastille, there were many who continued to hold the Parliament at Paris; the others stole away by little and little, and went to the King, who transported the Parliament to Tours, where they kept their Session until the reducement of Paris, in the year fifteen hundred ninety four. These without doubt testified most fidelity to their King; but those who remained at Paris, rendered him afterwards much greater service, as shall be observed in its place.  
The Widow of the Duke of Guise presented 
Those of the Parliament remaining at Paris, make process against Henry 3.  her request to these, to take information of the Death of her Husband; and demanded of the Commissaries, that process might be made against those should be found convicted of it. She received favourable Conclusions from the Proctor-General; and they proceeded very far on this subject, even against the person of Henry 3. but I cannot say to what point, because the Papers were taken from the Registers of Parliament, when Henry the Great reentered into Paris.  
We cannot sufficiently detest like Revolts 
An excellent reflection for Kings.  against a Sovereign: but these Examples ought to make him know, that though he holds his power from on high, yet the Obedience depends on the Caprichio of the people, and that he ought so to carry himself as not to attract their hatred; otherwise, since men have the impudence to blaspheme God, why may they not have it to revolt against Kings?  
Whilst these things were acting, Henry the 
Henry 3. excommunicated by Pope Sixtus 5.  third understood that Pope Sixtus the fifth had excommunicated him for the murder of Cardinal de Guise. This great fire in a little time flamed quite through France. The Duke 
The Duke of Mayenne assures himself of Burgongne and Champagne, and comes to Paris.  of Mayenne, who was at Lion's making war against the Hugonots, being advertized by a Courier from Roissie● his Secretary, (who prevented the Kings) departing from that City, came into his own Government of Burgongne, assured himself of Dijon and of Province; and thence passed into Champagne, who stretched out their Arms to him; after to Orleans, which was already revolted; and so Chartres, whom his approaches made likewise rise: and in the end he came to Paris. The Sixteen, and many of his friends, would have advised him to have taken the Title of King, which they would have caused to be given him by the Council which the League had established: but he refused, contenting himself with the Title of Lord-General to the Estate and Crown 
He takes the quality of Lieutenant-General of the Estate and Crown of France: they likewise break the King's Seals.  of France; which he took, as if the Throne had been vacant. They likewise broke the Seals of the King, and made others, whereon on one side was engraven the Arms of France; and on the other, a Throne empty; and for inscription about it, the Name and Quality of the Duke of Mayenne in this manner; Charles Duke of Mayenne, Lieutenant of the Estate and Crown of France.  
All France took part in this occasion; and almost all the Cities and Provinces of the Realm ranged themselves on the Duke of Mayenne's side. The King, fearful that he should 
Henry 3. for fear, retires to Tours.  be shut up in Blois, retired to Tours. There now rested only one way for him to defend himself against so many dangers as were ready to environ him; and this was, to call to his assistance the King of Navarre, who had five or six thousand men, old Soldiers, by whom he was well beloved. Yet he durst not do it, for fear to be esteemed a Favourer of Heretics, or incur the blame of violating those Edicts against the Hugonots he had so solemnly sworn to in the Estates of Blois. He tried 
He in vain endeavours to appease the Duke of Mayenne.  therefore all sorts of ways to appease the resentment of the Duke of Mayenne; offering him very advantageous Conditions. But what assurance, said the Leaguers, can this Duke have, his Brothers being murdered in so perfidious 
He in the end calls the King of Navarre, & gives him Saumur.  a manner? So that he not harkening to any Proposition of Accommodation, Henry the third was constrained to turn his thoughts toward the King of Navarre.  
This Prince above all things would have a passage over the River Loire: the City of Saumur was given to him, where he established Governor Plessis Mornay, who fortified the Castle, and made it the head of the Hugonot-Garisons. Being afterwards from thence approached Tours, his old Captains kept him for some time in distrust, and hindered him 
The King persuaded by his friends not to trust him.  from going to see the King, whom they feared (they said) lest in a time wherein a Treason was so necessary for him, to draw him out of that Labyrinth wherein the Action of Blois had involved him, he should buy his Absolution at the price of the King of Navarre's Life.  
The Duke d' Espernon▪ who was returned to Court to serve his Master at his need, and the Marshal d' Aumont, would have engaged him to it, and given him their words: but his friends could not consent that he should expose himself to the Faith of a Prince, who as they believed, had not any. In truth their fears were just, and our Henry was without doubt possessed with them as well as they: However, after he had well considered that he 
Yet he resolves to go, arrive what will:  acted now for the safety of France, for the service of the King, and to open to himself a way to defend that Crown appertained to him, he resolved to hazard all, and to resign himself absolutely to the holy Guard of the sovereign Protector of Kings.  
The City of Tours is situated as it were in an Island, a little below the place where the River Cherseoli mingles its streams with the Loire, having coasted that great River three or four Leagues. The King of Navarre's people would 
to which purpose he passes the River Cher.  not that he should engage himself between these Rivers, but that the Conference should be held beyond the Cher. He almost alone was of opinion contrary to them all; nevertheless to content them, he was constrained to hold a Council on the Banks, and after to permit his Captains to pass first, as if to sound the Ford. He passed after them, and arrived at Plessis les Tours, about three a Clock in the Afternoon, in a Warlike Habit, all dirty, ready to be covered with his Cuira●s; himself only having a Cloak, all his people being in their Doublets, and ready to put on their Arms, that he might show he was not come to compose his Court, but to serve him well.  
He went to meet the King, who heard Vespers at the Minims. The crowd of the people was so great, that they were a long time before they could join. Our Henry being 
His interview with the King at Tours.  within three paces of the King, cast himself at his feet, endeavouring to kiss them; but the King would not permit him, but lifting him up, embraced him with great tenderness: they reiterated their embraces three or four times, the King naming him his▪ Thrice-dear Brother, and he calling him his Lord. There were now heard echo the joyful Cries of Vive le Roy, which had for a long time been silent; as if the presence of our Henry had given a new birth to the people's affections, which seemed extinct for Henry the third.  
After the two Kings had for some time entertained 
He repasses the River, and lies in the Faubo●rg;  each other, our Henry passed the River, and went to lodge at the Suburb of St. Simphorien: for he had been obliged to promise thus much to the old Hugonots, who believed snares and traps every where laid for him. But he who was pricked forward by other 
but on the morrow visits the King alone.  Motives, and who was endowed with that generous Principle, That we ought not be too sparing of our Lives when there is something to be gained which ought to be more precious than Life itself to a great Courage, departed the next morning at six of the Clock, without advertising his people; and attended only by one Page, passing the Bridge, went to give a visit to the King. They entertained one another a long time in two or three Conferences; in which our Henry gave great marks of his Capacity and Judgement. Their Resolution in sum, was to raise a puissant 
They resolve to besiege Paris.  Army to assault Paris, which was the principal head of the Hydra, and gave motion to all the rest: a thing easy for them to do, because the King expected great Levies from towards the Swissers, whither he had sent Sancy for that purpose; adding, that the design of the siege being published, it would infallibly draw a great number of Soldiers and Adventurers, out of hopes of so rich a pillage.  
The two Kings having passed two days together, he of Navarre went to Chinon, to cause the rest of his Troops to advance, who hitherto had refused to mingle themselves among the Catholics.  
During his absence, the Duke of Mayenne, 
Duke of Mayenne wants little to surprise King Hen. 3 ●● Tours.  who had taken the Field, fell upon the Suburbs of Tours, thinking to surprise the City, and the King within it, by means of some intelligence. The Combat was very bloody, and the Duke's design wanted little of taking effect; but after the first endeavours, having lost the hopes to compass it, he easily retired.  
Afterwards the King's Troops being wonderfully increased, they marched conjointly, he and the King of Navarre towards Orleans; took all the little places thereabouts, and from thence descended into Beauce, and drew together all of a sudden towards Paris. All the Posts round about it, as Poissy, Estampes, and Meulan, were either forced, or obtained Capitulation: in which they desired no other security than the word of the King of Navarre; to which they trusted more than to all the Writings of Hen. 3. So great a profession made he of keeping his word, even to the prejudice of his interests.  
Let us consider a little the different Estate to which these two Kings were reduced by their different conduct. The One, for having 
Great and profitable Reflections made on the different Conducts of Hen. ●. and the King of Navarre.  often broken his Faith, was abandoned by his Subjects, and his greatest Oaths found no belief amongst them: and the Other, for having always exactly kept it, was followed even by his greatest Enemies: in all occasions he gave marks of his Valour and Experience in point of War; but above all, of his Prudence, and of those Noble Inclinations he had to good, and to oblige all the world. He was always seen in the most dangerous places, to accelerate Labours, animate his Soldiers, sustain them in Sallies, comfort the wounded, and cause Money to be distributed amongst them. He observed all, inquired into all, and would himself with the Marshal of the Camp, order the Lodgings of his Soldiers. He observed strictly what was done in the Army of Henry 3. where though he often found faults, he concealed them, out of fear to offend those who had committed them, by discovering their ignorance; and when he believed himself oblito take notice of them, he did it with so much Circumspection, that they could not find any reason to take it in ill part. He was never niggardly of giving praises due to Noble Actions, nor of Caresses and generous Deport to those came near him: he entertained himself with them when he had time to do it; or at least so obliged them with some good word, that they still went away satisfied. He feared not at all to make himself familiar, because he was assured that the more men knew him, the more they would esteem him. In fine, the conduct of this Prince was such, that there was no heart he gained not, nor no friend he had who would not willingly have become his Martyr.  
Paris was already besieged; the King lodged 
Paris besieged.  at St. Clou, and our Henry at Meudon, keeping with his Troops all that is between Vanures to the Bridge of Charenton. Sancy was already arrived with his Levies of Swisses; and they laboured with Orders to give a general Assault, to the end they might gain the Suburbs beneath the River. The Duke of Mayenne, who was in the City with his Troops expecting those Supplies the Duke of Nemours was to bring, was in great apprehensions that he should not be able to sustain the furious shock was preparing; when a young Jacobin of the 
King Hen. 3. killed by a Jacobin.  Convent of Paris, named James Clement, spurred on by a Resolution as devilish and detestable as it was determinate, smote King Henry the third with a blow of a knife in the Belly; of which he died the morrow after. If the frantic Monk had not been slain upon the place by the King's Guards, many things might have been known, which are now concealed.  
Our Henry being advertized late in the 
Our Henry comes to visit him dying.  Evening of this mournful Accident, and of the danger in which the King was, came to his Lodging, accompanied only by five and twenty or thirty Gentlemen; and being arrived a little before he expired, he fell on his knees to kiss his hands, and received his last Embraces. The King named him many times his Good 
What the King said to him, and those present.  Brother, and Legitimate Successor; recommended the Kingdom to him; exhorted the Lords there present to acknowledge him, and not to disunite. In fine, after having conjured him to embrace the Catholic Religion, he gave up the Ghost; leaving all his Army in an astonishment and confusion which cannot be expressed, and all the Chiefs and Captains in Irresolutions and different Agitations, according to their Humours, Fancies or Interests.   

The Second PART OF THE LIFE OF Henry the Great.  
Containing what he did, from the day he came to the Crown of France, until the Peace which was made in the year 1598. by the Treaty at Vervin.  
THE Death of Henry the third 
1589  caused an entire change in 
Change caused by the Death of Hen. 3.  the face of affairs. Paris, the League, and the Duke of Mayenne, were transported from a profound Sadness, to a furious Joy; and the Servants of the Defunct King, from a Pregnant Hope to see him Revenged, to an extreme Desolation.  
This Prince, who had been the object of the people's hatred, being now no more, it seemed that that hatred should cease, and by consequence the heat of the League relent: but on the contrary, not only all those who composed that faction, but likewise many others who had held it for a Crime to League themselves against Henry the third, their Catholic and Legitimate King, believed themselves in Conscience Obliged to oppose themselves against our Henry, at least till such time as he should return into the bosom of the true Church: a qualification they believed absolutely necessary for that him should succeed Charlemain of S. Lewis. So that if the League lost that heat which hatred gave it, it gained one much more specious, from a zeal to Religion; and had likewise a most plausible pretext not to lay down Arms till Henry should Profess the Religion of his Ancestors.  
It was very difficult to judge, whether the 
Problem, if Hen. 3. died in a time favourable to Hen. 4. or not.  point of time wherein this unhappy Parricide arrived, were good or ill for him: for on one side it seemed that Providence had not drawn him from the utmost parts of the Kingdom, where he was like a banished man, and led him by the hand to the fairest Theatre in France, but only to make known his goodness and virtue, and put him in an Estate to gain that Succession, to which, had he been absent, he had never been called. But on the other side, when the multitude of his Puissant enemies, which armed themselves against him, are considered, the small Treasure, and few Forces he had, the Obstacle of his Religion, and a thousand other difficulties, it could not be certainly judged, whether the Crown was ordained for him to enjoy, or fallen upon his head to crush him in Pieces: and there might be reason to say, that if this Conjuncture Elevated him, it was upon a Throne trembling, and erected on the brink of Precipices.  
Whilst Henry the third was in his Agony, 
Henry 4. holds many Counsels.  our Henry held many Tumultuary Counsels in the same lodgings, with those whom he Esteemed his most faithful Servants. So soon as he understood he was expired, he retired to his quarter at Meudon, and attired himself in the mourning Purple: he was presently followed by a great quantity of Noblemen, who accompanied him as well for Curiosity as affection. The Hugonots with those Troops which he had led, presently swore Allegiance to him: but this number was very small. Some of the Catholics, as the Marshal 
Same Catholics acknowledge him, but most refuse.  d' Aum●nt, Giury, and Humieres, swore Service to him until death, and that willingly, without desiring any Condition of him; but the greatest part of the others, being either estranged by inclination, or exasperated by some discontent, or else believing now to have found the time to make their Services be bought, kept at a greater distance, and held several little Assemblies in divers places, where they form a number of Fantastic designs.  
Each of these proposed to make themselves 
Some design to make themselves Sovereigns  Sovereigns of some City, or some Province, as the Governors had done in the decadence of the house of Charlemain. The Marshal of Byron among others, would have 
The Marshal of Byron among others; but the King made him forgo his desire.  had the County of Perigord; and Sancy, not to reject him, spoke to the King. This Proposition was very dangerous: for if he denied it, he incensed him; and if he accorded to his demand, he opened the way to all others to make the like, and so the Kingdom would be rend in Pieces. It was only his great spirit and understanding, which could walk safely in so dangerous a path: he therefore charged Sancy to assure him on his part of his affection, of which he would willingly in time and place give him all the marks a good Subject could expect from his Sovereign; but at the same time, he furnished him with so many puissant reasons wherefore he could not accord to what he desired, that Sancy being himself first persuaded, found it not difficult to work the same effect on the spirit of Byron; whom he obliged not only to renounce that pretence, but likewise to protest that he would never suffer any piece of the Estate to be dismembered, in favour of whomsoever.  
We may without doubt conclude, that the great Henry did reason pvissantly; and that he explained his reasons in the best manner, since he could in occasions so important, persuade such able Spirits against their proper interests.  
Byron being thus gained, went with Sancy to assure themselves of those Swisses which 
Byron and Sancy assure the Catholic Suiss to the King's Service.  Sancy had brought to the deceased King, but who being of the Catholic Cantons, made some difficulty to bear Arms for a Huguenot Prince, and that without new order from their Superior. As for the French Troops of the Defunct King, it was not so easy to gain them. The Lords who Commanded them, or who had their Chiefs under their dependence, had every one divers designs; one would have one thing, and the other another, according to their several interests or Caprichio's.  
There were six Princes of the house of 
What was the disposition of the Princes of the blood towards the King.  Bourbon, to wit, the old Cardinal of Vendosme, the Count of Soissons, the Prince of Gonti, the Duke of Montpensier, and the Prince of Dombes his Son; which in stead of being his firmest Prop, gave him no little inquietude; because there was none of them which had not his particular pretence; which proved to him a continual Obstacle.  
Many of the Lords which were in the Army 
Many Lords in Camp and Court ill intended.  were not very well intentionated, particularly Henry Grand Prior of France, Natural Son to Charles the ninth, (after Count of Auvergne and Duke of Angoulesme) the Duke of Espernon, and Term's Bellegarde; who out of the fear they had formerly had, lest he should deprive them of the favour of their Master, had opposed him in divers Rencounters. For the Courtiers, as Francis d' O, and Manou his brother, Oldcastle and many others, they knowing that our Henry detested their Villainous Debaucheries, and that he would not prove a person of so ill management, as to lavish out his Revenues to supply their Luxury, had no great inclination for him. Nevertheless, hoping to find things better, they resolved to declare in his favour; but with such Conditions as should restrain and bridle him, and in some manner oblige him to depend on them.  
For this purpose there met an Assembly of 
Assembly of Noblemen at d' O's, who would have the King converted.  some Noblemen, at d' O's Palace (a man Voluptuous, Prodigal, and by consequence not very scrupulous; but who at present made Conscience a Cloak to render himself necessary) who there resolved not to acknowledge him, till he were a Catholic. Francis d' O 
d' O carries him word of it.  accompanied with some Noblemen, had the confidence to carry to the King the Resolutions of this Assembly; and added a studied discourse, to persuade him to return to the Catholic Religion: but the King, who had already past over his greatest fears, made them an answer so mixed with sweetness and 
The King answers them handsomely and courageously.  gravity, with spirit and reservedness, that Courageously repulsing them, without too severely taunting them, he testified to them that he desired to conserve them his, but that after all, he feared not much the loss of them.  
Some time after, the Nobility, after divers 
Another greater Assembly resolved to acknowledge him, provided he will permit himself to be instructed.  little Assemblies, held a great one, with Francis de Luxembourg Duke of Piney. There many Propositions being made, at last the Dukes of Montpensier and Piney subtly Matraged the Spirits, and Steered the Opinions of the most importunate to this Resolution, That they would acknowledge Henry for King, upon these Conditions: 1. Provided that he would cause himself to be instructed; for they presupposed conversion must necessarily follow instruction. 2. That he should not permit the exercise of any but the Catholic Religion. 3. That he should neither give charge nor employment to the Hugonots. 4. That he should permit the Assembly to depute Agents to the Pope, to let him understand and agree to the Causes which Obliged the Nobility to remain in the Service of a Prince separated from the Roman Church.  
The King had the knowledge of this Resolution, 
The Duke of Piney carries their resolution to the King; who agrees to it;  from the Duke of Piney: he thanked them for their zeal for the Conservation of the Estate, and the affection they had for his person; promising them, that he would sooner lose his life, than the remembrance of those good services they had rendered him; and granting them easily all the points they demanded, 
and grants a Declaration touching the exercise of the Catholic Religion through all his Territories.  only the second: In stead of which, he promised them to re-establish the exercise of the Catholic Religion through all his Territories, and to remit the ecclesiastics into the possession of their Estates: and of this he caused a Declaration to be engrossed, which after all the Lords and Gentlemen of Note had signed; he sent to be confirmed, by that part of the Parliament which was at Tours.  
There were many who signed it with some 
Many sign it with regret, and others refuse, as Vitry, who becomes a Leaguer.  regret, and others who absolutely refused it; among whom were the Duke of Espernon, and Lewis d' Hospital Vitry. This last, disturbed as it was said by a scruple of Conscience, cast himself into Paris, and gave himself for some time to the League; but first of all, he abandoned the Government of Dourdan, which the Defunct King had given him. Such were then the Maxims of persons of true honour in the Civil Wars, that in quitting one party, which ever it was, they quitted likewise those places they held, and returned them to those had conferred them.  
The Duke d' Espernon protesting, that he 
And the Duke of Espernon, who retires.  would never be either Spaniard or Leaguer, but that his Conscience would not permit him to stay with the King, demanded leave of him to retire to his Government. The King after having in vain endeavoured to retain him, gave him leave, with many Carresses and praises: but so much was he in his heart troubled at his abandoning him, that it hath been believed he conserved against him a secret resentment so long as he lived.  
The Duke of Mayenne was not a little 
The Duke of Mayenn● troubled what party to take.  troubled in Paris, what resolution he should take: he saw that all the Parisians, even those who had held of the party of the Defunct King, had fully resolved to provide for the security of Religion: But that however they would all have a King, contrary to some of the Sixteen, who imagined they might form a Republic, and turn▪ France into Cantons, like to the Swisses; but those were neither sufficiently powerful in Number, Riches, or Capacity, to Conduct such a design. So that the most part of his friends counselled him to take the title of King: but when he went about to sound this Gulf, he found that this proposition was neither agreeable to the people, nor yet to the King of Spain, from whom he received, and was to receive his Principal stay, and means of Subsistence. 
Two Counsels given him.   
Hereupon two other Counsels were given him: the one, to accord willingly with the new King, who without doubt in the conjuncture wherein things were, would grant him most advantageous conditions: The other, that he should by Declaration publish to the Catholics of the Royal Army, that all resentments remaining Extinct by the Death of Henry the third, he had no other interest then that of Religion: That that point being of Divine obligation, and regarding all good Christians; he summoned and conjured them to join with him, to exhort the King of Navarre to return to the Church; upon which, they promised to acknowledge him immediately for King: but if that he refused to do it, they protested to Substitute in his place another Prince of the blood. This advice was the best. And indeed it was proposed by Jeannin Precedent of the Parliament of Burgongne, one of the wisest and most Politic heads of his Council, and who acted in his affairs without Sleights or Stratagems; but with great judgement, and singular Honesty.  
The Duke of Mayenne equally rejected 
He rejects them, and causes to be Proclaimed the old Cardinal of Bourbon.  both these advices; and took a third, to wit, the causing the old Cardinal of Bourbon (who was at present detained prisoner by order of our Henry,) to be proclaimed King; still reserving to himself the quality of Lieutenant-General of the Crown. He published after several Declarations, one of which he sent to the Parliament, the other to the Provinces and the Nobility, inviting them to endeavour to deliver their King, and defend their Religion.  
At the same time the King tried by divers 
The King tries in vain several Treaties with the Duke.  Negotiations, and caused him to be exhorted rather to seek his advancement by his friendship, then by the troubles and miseries of France. But to this the Duke answered, that he had engaged his Father in the Public cause, and given Oath to King Charles the tenth, (for so they called the old Cardinal of Bourbon, who was named Charles) to whom, according to the sentiment of the League, the Crown appertained, as to the nearest Kinsman of the Defunct. And in the mean time, he entertained Plots and Conspiracies in the Royal Army; where his emissaries from day to day debauched many persons, even of those whom the King believed most assured. There were many Generous enough to resist the temptations of Silver: but nothing was proof against the intrigues of the Ladies of Paris, who cunningly attracted the Gentlemen and the Officers in the City, sparing nothing to engage them.  
The King knowing that there daily remained some catched in these snares, and having just reason to fear that those which returned, tempted by their Mistresses, might bring back some perditious designs; and the Duke of Nemours being upon the advance with his Troops, to join with the Duke of Mayenne; the Duke of Lorraine being likewise to send 
He raises his League from Paris, and why. He writes to the Protestant Princes, to justify himself.  his; having cause to doubt his retreat might be cut off on all sides, found it convenient to discamp▪ from before Paris.  
But before he dislodged, he writ to the Protestant Princes, to give them an account of what he did, and to assure them that nothing should be capable to shake his Constancy, or separate him from Christ: and he spoke at present according to his thoughts and Conscience, not having any desire to change: which yet the Ministers of his Religion would not believe, but watched him so close on this Subject, that they became importunate.  
It was oertainly an unspeakable trouble, 
His troubles for 4. years to content both Catholics & Hugonots.  which continually for three or four years he was forced to undergo; to hear on one side the exhortatious of those people, and on the other, the most instant Remonstrances of the Catholics: for it was necessary he should allay the distrust of the first, and entertain the second with continual hopes of making himself be instructed. How much prudence had he need of? how much patience? with how much judgement and policy must he manage such great differences? Certainly he could not do it without employing all the powers of his Spirit and experience. And he well knew how far it was necessary 
He had need of infinite prudence, address, & eloquence.  for a Prince to have his Spirit happily exercised, and to be well instructed how to Negotiate, and Speak well, to be able at his necessity to serve himself of his talon. Without falsity he might well at present praise those, who having had the care of bringing him up, had form him in his youth to the Management of affairs, to Treating with men, and to the gaining the affections of all the world.  
Those last devoirs he desired to render his Predecessor, served as a fair pretext for raising his Siege from before Paris. To put 
He carries the Corpse of Henry the third to S. Cornille de Compeigne.  his body in a place where the resentment of the Duke of Guise's creatures might not outrage it, he carried it to Compeigne, and laid it in the Abbey of S. Cornille, where he celebrated all the funebrous Ceremonies, as honourably as the confusion of the time would permit. Not able to assist himself, because of his Religion, he committed the care to Bellegarde and Espernon; the last of which accompanied him thither, and then retired into Angoumois.  
There were three advices given, concerning the place to which he ought to retire, 
Three advices touching the place to which he should retire.  when he raised his siege from Paris. The first was, to repass the Loire, and abandon to the League all the Provinces on this side it; because he could difficultly maintain them. The second, to re-advance along the Marne, and seizing those Bridges and Cities, expect an assistance from the Protestant Swisses and Germans promised to come to him. And the third, to march down into Normandy, to assure himself of some Cities, whose Governors were not yet engaged in the League; to gather the money received for Taxes; and to join with the Assistance of England, which Queen Elizabeth had promised him, and which could not be long absent.  
He concluded on the last of these advices: 
1590.  and so many of the Nobles who accompanied 
He follows the last, which was to march into Normandy.  him, desiring some time to go and refresh themselves, he gave them leave. He sent a part of his Troops into Picardy, under the Conduct of the Duke of Longueville; another into Campaine, under that of Marshal d' Aumont; and with three thousand French foot, two Regiments of Swisses, and twelve hundred horse only, which he kept with him, he descended into Normandy. 
Rolet brings him the Keys of Pont d' Arche; and Chattels of deep.   
The Duke of Montpensier, who was Governor there, came to join him with two hundred Gentlemen, and fifteen hundred Foot. Rolet Governor of Pont d' Arche, a man of Courage and Spirit, brought him the Keys of that place, demanding no other recompense but the honour to serve him. Emer de Chattels, a Commandado●e of Malta, did the same with those of deep. After which, the King approached Roven, where he believed to have some▪ intelligence.  
This Enterprise put him in extreme danger; 
He would besiege Roven: but the Duke of Mayenne coming to its suecour, drives him to deep, and invests him.  but in revenge, gave him a fair occasion to acquist Glory, in retiring himself from so great a peril. See how it passed!  
The Duke of Mayenne came to the succour of Roven with all his forces, and passed the Rivers at Vernon. The King much astonished, retires to deep, and sends to the Duke of Longueville and d' Aumont, to return to him with diligence with their forces. The Duke in the mean time takes all the little places about deep, to environ and invest himself within. In effect, he shuts him up so close, that if he had not amused himself by an untimely motion to go to Bins in Hainault to confer with the Duke of Parma, he had in that disorder dissipated the greatest part of his little Army. He had already caused a report to be 
The Duke reports he cannot escape him.  spread through France▪ and had writ with assurance to all strange Princes, That he held the King of Navarre (so he called him) shut up in a little corner, from whence he could not get, but either by yielding himself to him, or leaping into the Sea. The danger appeared so eminent, even to his most faithful servants, that the Parliament at Tours sent expressly to him a Master of Requests; proposing 
The Parliament at Tours counsel him to associate the Cardinal of Bourbon in the Royalty.  as the only expedient they saw to save the Estate▪ the associating him and the Cardinal of Bourbon his Uncle in the Royalty; giving to One the conduct of Civil Affairs, and the Other of Martial. There were likewise the greatest part of the Captains of his Army of opinion, that leaving his Forces on shore, well entrenched in their posts, he should as soon as 
Others counsel him to retire to England. He derides both one and t'other  possible embark for England or for Rochel, for fear lest if he should longer delay it, he might be shut up by Sea as well as by Land. To the Proposition of the Parliament, he made answer, That he had taken such good order, that the intrigues of the Duke of Mayenne could not deliver the Cardinal of Bourbon, as they apprehended; and the Marshal of Byron so stoutly opposed those who counselled him to embark, that they desisted.  
It appeared soon after by the proof, that 
The Duke of Mayenne besieges deep.  the Forces of the League, which were thrice as great as his, were not to be feared in proportion to their number; and that the more Commanders they had, the less their power was to be doubted. The King was lodged at the Castle d'Arques, which is seated on a little 
Battle of Arques.  Hill, to stop the passage of the Valley which goes to deep. The Duke had form a Design to take this Post by Sea, by four or five Reprises; and on divers days he essayed to assault the Suburbs of Polet, and four or five times was driven back. Our Henry daily doing wonders, and exposing himself so much, that once he thought he should have been surprised and encompassed by his Enemies. In 
The Duke raises the siege, retires, goes into Picardy, and why.  fine, the Duke, having lost eleven days time, and a thousand or twelve hundred men, raised the Siege, and retired into Picardy.  
It was believed, that he passed into this Province upon a fear▪ lest the Picards, a free and honest people, but very simple, should permit themselves to be surprised by the Artifices of the Agents of Spain, who would engage them to cast themselves under the protection of the King their Master.  
It was observed likewise, that that which 
What hindered the success of his enterprise.  hindered the success of his enterprise at deep, and which kept him two or three days without enterprizing any thing at the time he ought to have done it, was the jealousy and contentions between the Chiefs that accompanied him▪ particularly of the Marquis d● P●nt●-Mousson, Son to the Duke of Lorraine; of the Duke of Nemours, and of Cavalier d'Aumale: for they, believing the taking of the King infallible, or at least his flight assured, and disposing already of the Kingdom as of their Conquest, regarded one another with an Eye of jealousy, and each form designs in his head to have the better part of it.  
It was observed likewise, that in one of 
He knew not how to take his advantages.  these Combats of deep, the Duke of Mayenne, having at present some advantage, had gained an entire Victory if he had advanced but a quarter of an hour quicker: but marching too slowly, he let slip that opportunity he could never redeem: which made the King, who well observed his faul●, say, If he act not in another manner, I shall be assured always to gain the Field.  
I have recounted these Particularities, because 
Th●ee● auses for. 〈…〉 which the great body of the League prospered not in their designs. The distrust between the Spaniards and Duke of Mayenne.  they make known the defaults of that great Body of the League: and the true causes which hindered its progress, and reduced it to nothing, I find three principal ones.  
The first, was the distrust which the Duke of Mayenne had of the Spaniards: for though he could not be without them, yet he could not but regard them as his secret Enemies; and they assisted him not for love of himself, but out of the design they had to profit themselves out of the calamities of France. And therefore when they saw that he concurred not with them for their ends, and that he thought only of his own advantage without theirs, they afforded him but seeble succour; in such manner, that they let him fall so low, that when they would themselves have done it, they could not raise him.  
The second, was the jealousy of the Chiefs, 
The jealousy among the Chiefs of the League  who never agreed among themselves. They thought more of crossing and ruining one another, then of weakening their common Enemy; and confounded themselves in such manner by their delusions and partialities, that they were ever wanting in the greatest Erterprises: whereas in the party of the King, there was only one Chief, to whom all was reported, and by whose Orders all passed.  
The third, was the heaviness and dulness of 
The sloth and negligence of the Duke of Mayenne  the Duke of Mayenne, who at all times moved slowly. His Flatterers called this Gravity. This default proceeded principally from his nature; and was augmented not only by the mass of his Body, great and fat beyond all proportion, and which by consequence required a great deal of nourishment, and much sleep; but likewise from a coldness and numbness, which a certain malady he had contracted at Paris a little after the death of Henry the third, had reduced to a habitude in his Body; of which, say some, he would very unhandsomely rejoice.  
King Henry the fourth was not of the same 
Great activity and vigilance of Henry 4.  temper: for though he very much loved feasting, and to divert himself with his familiars when he had leisure; nevertheless when he had Affairs of War, or any other nature, he never sat at Table above a quarter of an hour, and never slept above two or three hours together: so that Pope Sixtus the fifth being well informed of his manner of living, and that of the Duke of Mayenne, confidently prognosticated, That the Bearnois (for so he called him, as all the Leaguers did) could not fail to have the better of it, since he lay no longer time a-bed then the Duke of Mayenne sat at Table. 
Officers & servants resemble their masters.   
Officers and Servants form themselves after the example of their Masters: those of the King were ready, cheerful, vigilant; who executed his Commands so soon as they came out of his mouth; who took care of all, and gave him advice of all. On the contrary, those of the Duke were slow, negligent, idle; and who, upon whatever pressing occasion, would not lose any thing of their Ease and Divertisements.  
It seemed to me that, for the better understanding our History, it was necessary to observe these Circumstances, which are absolutely essential, and very instructive.  
We have particularised about the end of 
This History recounts only the chief affairs  our first Part, who were the Chiefs of the League, and how that they held all the best Cities and richest Provinces of the Realm. I should never end, should I recount all the Factions, Fights, Erterprises and Changes which happened in every Province for five or six years' time. We shall follow only the gross of Affairs, and behold how the Providence of God, and the incomparable Virtue of our Henry, drew France out of its Labyrinth of Miseries, in such manner, that the Estate and Religion which should have been destroyed by an irrecoverable War, were both the one and the other miraculously saved, and reflourished with as much happiness and glory as ever.  
Though the Duke of Mayenne was retired 
The Parisians made believe the King was taken.  from before deep, yet the people were entirely persuaded that the King could not escape him; particularly the Parisians, whom the Duchess of Montpensier made believe by Courriers on purpose, which she caused to arrive from day to day, Now that he demanded to yield himself, Now that he was taken; and in fine, that he was conducting to Paris: insomuch that there were many Ladies who hired windows in the street of St. Denis to see him pass by.  
Whilst they amused themselves with th●se 
They ar● much astonished to understand him marching towards them▪  false Reports, they were much astonished ●o understand, that having received a Re-inforcement of four thousand English, he was now upon his march, and came directly to Pa●i●. He had some Intelligences which promised him, that if he could gain the Suburbs, they would open him a way into the City. He assaulted 
He takes the Faubourgs of St. german▪ etc.  therefore those of St. german, St. Michael, St. James, St. Marceau, and St. Victor, and carried them at unawares: but he could not gain the Quarter of the University, as he hoped, because his Cannon was not brought in time. About eight a Clock in the morning, on All-Saints-day, he entered the Suburbs of St. James, where he found the people to have no aversion for him: for he saw them not affrighted, nor despairingly fleeing; but looking out of their windows to regard him, and crying, Vivele Roy. And he used his advantage with a great Moderation; he forbade all sorts of Violences or Plunders, and gave o●der 
His moderation in this rencontre.  that Divine Service should be continued▪ in such manner, that his people peaceably assisted a● it with the Burgesses, whilst he having mounted the Steeple of St. german, attentively considered what was done in the City.  
That Evening the Duke of Nemours having 
The Dukes of Nemours & Mayenne post thither The King retires to Montlehery.  posted thither with the Cavalry, and the Duke of Mayenne following on the morrow after with his Infantry, the King retired to Montlehery; but beforehand he drew up his Army in Battalia in the sight of Paris, and kept them four hours at their Arms, to make known to the Parisians the weakness of their Chiefs.  
After this, Estampes, Vendosme, le Mans, 
He takes Estampes, Vendosm, le Mans, & Alenzon.  and Alenzon, not able to sustain his presence and Arms, surrendered to him: and in the manner things went, and as the Chiefs of the League defended themselves, he had without doubt reconquered the whole Realm in less than fifteen months, if he had not wanted 
Want of money stops his progress.  money: this only default, retarded the course of his Prosperities. The Ransoms imposed on Cities reduced by force, all that he could borrow, and the money he could raise by Taxes, did not half suffice to keep his Troops in a Body. For this reason he was 
In what manner he made his Troops subsist.  constrained for four or five years' space, to make War in an extraordinary manner. When his Troops had served some months, and consumed beside their pay all they had foraged in their Quarters, he sent them home, as well to refresh them, as to preserve their Country from the invasions of the League. In like manner, when the voluntier-Gentlemen had spent that money they brought from other houses, he gave them leave to return, to endeavour to furnish themselves for another voyage; inviting them by his Example, to retrench the superfluous expense of clothes and Equipage; & otherwise treating them with so much Civility and Courtesy, that he never wanted them in the most pressing occasions; for they returned the soon possible, serving him, if we may so say, each his Quarter. 
He reduces almost all Normandy, and besiegeth Dreux.   
In the mean time, he fell all of a sudden upon Normandy, and almost wholly reduced it; took the Cities of Dompfort, Falaise, Lisieux, Bayeux, Honfleur; this last by a very bloody Siege: after his return from thence, he took likewise Meulan on the Seine, seven leagues off Paris, and laid Siege before Dreux.  
At the noise of these Conquests, the Duke of Mayenne was obliged in reputation, to come forth of Paris, to assemble his Troops, and to receive, contrary to his inclination, fifteen hundred Lanciers, and five hundred Carabines, from the Duke of Parma Governor of the Low-Countries: these forces were Commanded by the Count d' Egmont.  
After this Duke had regained several little 
The Duke marches to succour Dreux.  places which incommodated Paris and the Country adjacent, he passed the Seine o'er the Bridges of Nantes, to go succour Dreux; imagining he might do it without hazarding any thing. The King, so soon as he had advice 
The King advances to fight him.  of his advance, raises his siege, but with an intent to fight him; and came to this effect to lodge at Non●ncourt, on the passage of the River of Eure.  
Two things principally obliged him to that 
Two reasons oblige him to it.  resolution of giving him battle: the one, because wanting money, he could not long keep his Troops in the body of an Army; and had he led them into Normandy, he should unprofitably have spent all the revenue of that Province, which alone he valued above all others he held. The other, because he perceived so great a rejoicing throughout all his Army, who seemed to leap for joy, when they were told they should go to find out their enemy; demonstrating by their outward appearances, that a day of fight should be unto them as a day of feasting.  
The Duke of Mayenne was not of opinion that he ought to engage his fortune and honour to the hazard of one day, especially considering the valour of the King's forces, in comparison of his; the great experience, and incomparable virtue of that Prince: and with all this, his great fortune, which had already gained so great an ascendant over his, that he believed he could no better overcome him, then by avoiding encounters with him. But the reproaches of the Parisians, the instances of the Legate, which the Pope had sent to support the interests of the League; the 
What causes engage the Duke of Mayenne to the Battle.  Spanish Cabal, which on which side soever fortune turned itself, promised themselves great advantages from this battle; and in fine, the shame to have lost more than forty places in six months, without having endeavoured to succour any of them; led him as it were perforce to the relief of Dreux: and when he was so near it, the false advice he had, that the King retired towards the City of Vernevil au Perche, and the Bravadoes of the Count of Egmont, who boasted himself capable with his Troops alone to defeat the Army of the King, engaged him with an extraordinary diligence to pass the River of Ewer, over the Bridge of Yury.  
To speak truth, both the King and he were equally surprised: the King, to understand that he had so soon passed; and the Duke, to see that the King, whom he believed to have taken the way towards Vernevil, came directly towards him: but now though they would, they could neither withdraw; but of force 
Battle of Yury, March 14▪  must come to a battle, which happened on the fourteenth of March, near the Bourg of Yury.  
The Histories do at large declare the description of the field of the battle; the order of both Armies, the Charges which the Battalions and Squadrons both on the one and the other side made, and the faults of the Chiefs of the League: We shall therefore speak nothing, but what concerns the person of our Prince.  
His rare intelligence, his wonderful genius, 
Wonderful intelligence of Henry the fourth.  and his indefatigable activity in the Mystery of War, were all admired. It was wondered how he knew how to give orders without perplexing his intellectuals, but with as little Confusion as if he had been in his Closet; how he could know so perfectly to range his Troops; and how, having observed the enemy's design, he could in a quarter of an hour change the whole order of his Army: How during the fight, he could be every where, take notice of every thing, and himself give orders, as if he had had a hundred eyes, and as many arms: The noise, confusion, dust and smoke, augmenting rather then troubling his judgement and knowledge.  
The Armies being ready to join, he lifted up his eyes to heaven; and joining his hands, called God to witness of his intention, invoking 
His prayers to God.  his assistance, and praying that he would reduce the Rebels to an acknowledgement of him whom the order of Succession had given them for Legitimate Sovereign: But Lord, said he, if it pleaseth thee to dispose otherwise, or that I should be of the number of those Kings whom thou dedicatest to thy anger, deprive me of my life with my Crown; consent that I may this day fall a victim to thy holy will: let my death deliver France from the Calamities of War, and my blood be the last that shall be shed in this quarrel.  
Immediately after, he caused to be given him his Habiliment for his head, on the top of which he had a plume of three white feathers; and having put it on, before he pulled 
His exhortation to his Sould●ers.  down his Viziere, he told his Squadrons, My Companions, if you this day run my fortune, I shall likewise run yours: I will overcome, or die with you: let me only conjure you to keep your ranks; and if the heat of the Combat make you quit them, think as soon of rallying; it will be the gain of the Battle: you may do it between those three trees which you see there on high, on your right hand (they were three Pear-trees) and if you lose your Ensigns, Cornets, or Banners, lose not the sight of my white Feather, which you shall always find in the Road to Honour and Victory. 
The battle won by the King.   
The Decision of the Battle having been a long time uncertain, was in the end favourable to him. The Principal glory being due to himself alone, so much the more, because he Charged most impetuously on that formidable body commanded by the Count of Egmont; and that having entered that forest of Lances with his sword in his hand▪ rendered them useless, and constrained them to come to their short Arms; at which his had a great advantage, because the French are more agile and active than the Flemings: so that in less than a quarter of an hour, he pierced them, dissipated them, and put them to rout; the cause of the entire gain of the Battle.  
Of sixteen thousand men which the Duke 
Great loss of the Leaguers.  had, there were scarce four thousand saved. There remained above a thousand horse on the place with the Count of Egmont, four hundred prisoners of Note, and all the Infantry; for the Lansquenets were all cut in pieces. They took all his Baggage, Cannon, Ensigns and Cornets; to wit, twenty Cornets of Cavalry, the white Cornet of the Duke, the Colonel of his Reistres or Germane horse, the great Standard of Count Egmont, and sixty Colours of foot.  
The Duke of Mayenne behaved himself as 
The Duke of Mayenne escapes to Nantes, and thence to Paris.  valiantly as he ought, and many times endeavoured to make some rally; but in the end, for fear of being encompassed, he retired toward the Bridge of Yury; and having passed it, caused it to be broken down, to stop those pursued him; and so escaped to Nantes, and thence to S. Denis, and after to Paris. A part of the flyers took the same way with him, others took that of the Plain, and gained the City of Chartres.  
The King having engaged himself, during 
The King too much exposes his person, which Byron freely remonstrates to him.  the defeat, among a Squadron of Waloons, was in great danger of his person; so that his Army for sometime believed him dead: upon which the Marshal of Byron, accustomed to speak freely to him, and who had not at all fought, but had kept his quarter with a body of reserve, to hinder the rallying of the enemies, could not refrain from telling him; Ah Sir, this is not just; you have this day done what Byron ought to do, and he only what the King ought to have done.  
This Remonstrance was approved by all those that heard it; and the Principal Chiefs took the liberty to entreat the King, not to expose any more his person; but to consider, that God had not destined him to be a Musketeer, but to be King of France: that all the arms of his subjects ought to fight for him; but that they would all become lame and benumbed, should they lose their head, which gave them motion.  
His Valour this day out-shone that of the 
His Clemency a● Generosi ● after the Victory.  greatest of his Chieftains; but besides that, his Clemency, his Generosity, and his Courtesy, added a wonderful Splendour to his fair actions: and the manner with which he used his victory, was a certain proof that he gained it by his Conduct rather than fortune.  
He chose rather to receive the Battalions of the Swisses on Composition, then to cut them in pieces, as he might have done: he restored them their Ensigns, and caused them to be reconducted into their Country, by his Commissaries; by which he gained the affection of five little Catholic Cantons.  
He had nothing more in his heart, then to make his Subjects know, that he desired to spare their blood, and that they had to do with a mild and merciful King, and not with a cruel and implacable enemy: he caused to be proclaimed in the rout, Save the French, and let your blows fall on the stranger. He took to mercy all those which demanded quarter, and saved them as much as he could from the hands of the Soldiers fleshed in the slaughter. He treated the Prisoners, particularly the Gentlemen, not only with humanity, but likewise with courtesy: and he loaded with honour, praises and thanks, all the Nobility which had fought for him; sharing with them 
His Acknowledgements and Justice.  the glory of the day, and giving them embraces, as earnests of those recompenses they might expect from him when he should be in power.  
I cannot forget one Action which he did, of 
A Noble Action he did.  wonderful goodness, and which was of wonderful efficacy to assure to him the hearts of his Officers and Gentlemen. Colonel Thische, or Theodoric of Schomberg, commanding some Troops of Reisters', had been enforced the evening before the Battle, by the clamours of those Brutes, to demand of him those Musters were due to them; and to represent to him, that upon less Conditions they would not fight. The Swisses and Allemen of that time, used often to act so; of which Histories furnish us with an hundred Examples. The King, much incensed at such a demand, answered him, How, Colonel Thische! is this done like a Man of Honour, to demand money when you ought to receive Orders for the Battle? The Colonel retired much confused, without replying any thing. On the morrow, the King, having arranged his Troops, remembered that he had ill treated him; and thereupon, pressed forward by a motion which could find no place but in a generous Soul, went to seek him, and told him, Colonel, you see we are engaged in an occasion which obliges us to no long stay; but it is not just I should take away the Honour of so brave a Gentleman as yourself: I declare therefore that I acknowledge you for an honest Man, and one incapable of committing any thing unworthy.  
This said, he cordially embraced him; and the Colonel having the tears standing in his Eyes, with tenderness answered him, Ah, Sir, by restoring me that Honour you had deprived me of, you deprive me of my Life; for I should be unworthy if I should not this day lay it down for your service: if I had a thousand, I would willingly spend them all at your feet. In short, he was slain in this occasion, as were many other brave Gentlemen.  
I will yet recount another worthy Action, 
Another worthy Action.  which may admirably demonstrate how our Henry spared neither Civilities nor Caresses to Gentlemen who served him well: At night, when he supped at the Castle of Rosny, being advertized that the Marshal d' Aumont came to render him an account of what he had done, he went forth to meet him; and having straight embraced him, carried him in to supper, and made him sit at the Table, with these obliging words, That there was great reason he should be at the feast, since he had so well served at his Nuptials.  
The terror was so great in Paris after the 
What hindered the King to go directly to Paris.  loss of this Battle, that if the King had gone directly thither, there could no doubt have been made but they had received him without much difficulty. Some said, that it was the Marshal of Byron who diverted him; fearing lest afterwards, not having more need of him, he should consider him less. Others thought that it was the Hugonot-Ministers and Captains dissuaded him, because they feared lest he should accommodate with the Parisians for Religion; and therefore they counselled him 
Devilish counsel.  rather to gain this great City by famine: which the Marquis d' O, at present Superintendant, pressed very strongly; to the end the King taking it by this way, might treat it as a conquered City, draw thence great Treasuries, seize the Rents of the Hostel de Ville, making Bankrupt of the Burgesses for the Debts of the King, which were very great.  
The Widow of Montpensier, one of the principal 
The widow of Montpensier amuses the people.  Organs of the League, who was accustomed to amuse the people with false News; could not plaster the mischief of the loss of this Battle, but by saying, That truly the Duke had lost it, but that the Bearnois was dead. The Burgesses believed it for five or six days; and this was enough to restrain their first fears, and to gain time to give Orders, and send to levy Succours on all sides.  
After the Battle, the King, having stayed 
The King departs from Nantes, takes some Cities, and goes to block up Paris.  some days at Nantes by reason of the great Rains, retook the Field, takes Lagni, Provins, Motereau and Melun, without permitting himself to be amused by the Propositions of Truce made him by Villeroy. After having in his passage attempted the City of Sens with little success, he came to block up Paris, and took all the Posts and Castles about it, where he lodged Garrisons of Horse to beat the Champagne.  
The Duke of Mayenne was not within; he had left the Duke of Nemours for Governor, 
The Duke of Mayenne was gone to meet the Duke of Parma, and had left the Duke of Nemours at Paris.  and was gone to meet the Duke of Parma at Conde on the Escaut, to demand of him some assistance in his necessity. He was in a great trouble, and in a just fear to loose Paris, whether he relieved it, or whether he permitted it to be taken; and that the rather, because that he saw well that if he brought in the Spanish Assistance, the Sixteen would serve themselves of that advantage again to raise up themselves, and possibly would out of despite to him, engage Paris under the Spanish Yoke. For these Sixteen loved him not at all, because he had broken up their Council of Forty, which bridled his Authority; and that to show himself absolutely averse to a Republican Government, which they would have introduced, he had created another Council, a Keeper of the Seals, and four Secretaries of State; with which he governed Affairs, without calling them, except when he had need of money.  
Besides this trouble, there happened to him 
The death of the old Cardinal of Bourbon troubles him.  another subject of inquietude, which was the decease of the old Cardinal of Bourbon, who died at Fontenay, where he was guarded by the Lord de la Boulay. He had reason to fear, lest his death should give occasion to the Spaniards and to the Sixteen to demand the Creation of a King; and that they should press him so much, that in the necessity he had of their aid, he should be constrained to suffer it. In effect, this was the first Condition which the Agents of Spain proposed in the Treaty they 
The Spaniards & the Sixteen ●●●●s him to make a King▪ he assigns the Estates to Paris.  held with him to give him Assistance: and he, out of fear to displease them, testified that he ardently wished the Convocation of the Estates to elect a King; and transferred the place of their assembly from the City of Melun, where he had assigned it; to that of Paris; that is to say, from a City which he had lost, to one which was besieged. In the mean time he employed 
He keeps to himself the Title of Lieutenant-General.  his Friends with the Parliament and at the Hostel de Ville, to keep to himself the quality of Lord-General: which being continued to him, he demonstrated that he feared nothing so much as the Estates, and endeavoured by all his power to hinder them; that which, to speak truth, completed the ruin of his party.  
Paris being blocked up, the Legate and the Sixteen forgot nothing to encourage their people. They consulted their faculty of Theology, and obtained what Resolutions they pleased against him they named the Bearnois. They caused many, both general and particular, Processions to be made; and the Officers received their Oath of Fidelity to the Holy Union: so it was they called the League.  
At the same time the Duke of Nemours 
Nemours takes order for the defence of Paris.  took great Order to put the City in a posture of Defence; and the Burgesses being for the most part persuaded, that if the King took it, he would establish Preaching, and abolish the Mass, were possessed with an extreme ardour, and contributed all that was demanded, either of their Purse or Labour, towards its Fortification.  
There is no finer passage in the Histories of that time, than the Relation of this Siege, the Orders which Nemours gave in the City, the Garrisons he established in divers quarters, the Sallies he made for the first month, the Inventions he used to animate the people, the Endeavours and divers Practices of the King's Friends to bring him into the City, the Negotiations held in one part and the other to essay a Treaty of Accommodation; how Provisions diminished, how they sought means to make them last, how notwithstanding all their oeconomy, the Famine was extreme; and how in the end, that great City being within three or four days of utter perishing, was delivered by the Duke of Parma.  
I shall observe only some Particularities 
Number of the inhabitants of Paris.  very memorable. There were in Paris when it was blocked up, only two hundred thousand persons; and there were of them near thirty thousand of the Countrypeople thereabouts, who had there refuged themselves; and there were retired near one hundred thousand of the natural Inhabitants: so that in those times there were no more than three hundred thousand Souls in Paris; whereas it is now believed, that there are twice as many.  
The King was made hope, that so soon as 
It proves not so easy to take it by famine.  the Parisians had for seven or eight days seen the Granaries and Markets without Bread, the Butcheries without Meat, the Ports without Corn, Wine, and other Commodities with which the River is accustomed to be covered, they would go take their Chiefs by the throat, and constrain them to treat with them: or at least if a seditious humour did not so soon prompt them to it, Famine would force them in fifteen days. In effect, they had but five week's Victuals, but they managed them carefully; and those who had said that, knew not well the people of Paris, for they are wonderfully patient: nor is there any extremity they are not capable to suffer, provided they have those know how to conduct them; and principally when they act for their Religion. It cannot be read without astonishment, how blind was the Obedience, and how constant the Union of that fierce and indocile people, for four whole months of horrible Losses and Miseries. The Famine was so great, that the People eat even the Herbs that grew in the Ditches: Dogs, Cats, and Hides of Leather, were Food; and some have reported, that the Lansquenets, or Foot-soldiers, fed upon such Children as they could entrap.  
The Hugonots, ravished with delight to 
The Hugonots would have it taken by force, but the King will not.  hold that City blocked up which had done them so much mischief, insisted strongly in the King's Council; and not only cried it there themselves, but made it be cried aloud among the Soldiers, That it should be assaulted by lively force; and that in six hours it would so become a desolate thing. But the good and wise King took no heed to follow those passionate counsels: he knew well, that they would take parts by force, that they might murder all, in revenge of the Massacres of St. Bartholomew. And moreover, he considered that he should lay desolate a City, the ruin of which, like a wound struck in the heart, might possibly prove mortal to all France: That he should in one day dissipate the richest, and almost the only Treasure of his Estate; and that no person would be benefited by it, but only the simple Soldiery; who, becoming insolent by so rich a booty, would either overwhelm themselves in their Delights, or as soon abandon him.  
Those who within had taken the care of the 
Useless mouths starve Paris.  Politic part, had committed a great fault in not putting forth the poor, populary and useless mouths. The scarcity augmenting, they sought too late means to remedy it: but not finding any, they deputed some to the King, to gain permission of him to let a certain number depart; who, hoping for this grace, were already assembled near the Gate of St. Victor, and had taken leave of their Friends and Neighbours with those Regrets which even rend asunder the Hearts of the most insensible.  
The King was so good and merciful, that he permitted himself easily to yield to grant them his Favour: but those of his Council opposed it so strongly, that for fear to disgust them, he was at first constrained to send back those miserable People. His Clemency nevertheless 
Great Clemency of the King, to let the miserable people go forth.  could not for any long time suffer their violence: for having understood by many, who fearing death less than Famine, had leapt from the Walls, the pitiful estate of the City, and they having truly represented unto him what they had beheld of their horrible necessities, with the incredible obstinacy of the Leaguers; his heart was in such manner overburthened with grief, that the tears start out of his eyes; and having a little turned himself away, to conceal that emotion, he cast forth a great sigh, with these words: O Lord, thou knowest who are the causes of this: 
His generous words.  but give me the means to save those, whom the obstinate malice of my enemies would make perish.  
In vain did the most averse of his Council, and especially the Hugonots, represent to him that these Rebels merited no favour; he resolved to open a passage to the innocent. I wonder not at all, said he, if the Chiefs of the League, or if the Spaniard have so little compassion on those poor people: they are only Tyrants; but for myself, who am their Father and their King, I cannot bear the recital of these calamities, without being touched to the bottom of my soul, or without ardently desiring to remedy them. I cannot hinder those whom the fury of the League possesses, from perishing with it; but for those who implore my clemeney, and who are only guilty of the Crimes of others, I will stretch forth my arms to them. This said, he commanded that they should permit those miserable people to depart. There were some who crawled, and others were fain to be carried. There came out at this time more than four thousand, who all with great and unanimous shouts, cried out, Long live the King.  
After that day, since they knew it offended 
Those of the Army send victuals into Paris.  him not, the Captains that kept the Guards let daily great bands escape, and likewise took the boldness to send victuals and refreshments to their friends, and to their ancient hosts, and particularly to the Ladies. For Paris being the common Country of the French, there are few people who love it not, and who have not there some gage of friendship, which forbids them from procuring its loss and utter ruin.  
After the example of the Captains, the Soldiers licenced themselves to convey to them meat, bread, and barrels of wine over the walls; receiving in Exchange some rich goods at a vile price, and making themselves brave at the expenses of the Merchants: that which these were in some manner constrained to tolerate, because the others had no money wherewith to pay them. This made Paris 
Which makes them subsist.  subsist near a month longer than it would have done: but it is almost impossible but this should always happen in like occasions, as hath been seen not long time since. God be pleased for ever hereafter to preserve France from so great ills.  
After all, the King knew certainly that that great City could not long subsist; and he desired to gain absolutely their hearts, to the end he might undermine the very foundations of the League. For this reason he combated their Obstinacy with an excess of Indulgence. He gave Passports to the Scholars, not able to refuse them to their Parents who were with him; after, to the Ladies and to the ecclesiastics; and in the end, to those who had showed themselves his most cruel enemies.  
In the mean time, to hasten a little the 
The King takes all the Suburbs in one night.  Chiefs of the League to come to a Capitulation, it was agreed in his Council that he should render himself master of the Suburbs. The evening of the 27. of July, he caused them all to be assaulted at once. They were forced in less than an hour, and all the gates blocked up; his Soldiers having first fortified their quarters, and thrown down the houses nearest the ditch.  
By this last action he took the Parisians by the throats, and pressed them in such sort, that they could scarce breathe: for which cause their Chiefs apprehending that neither their defences, exhortations, or fear of punishments would be longer capable to retain them, concluded after ten or twelve deliberations, to enter into conference with the King; not out of a cordial intention to treat with him, but only to spin out things to a length, that they might give time to the Duke of Mayenne to make an attempt to succour them.  
They received intelligence from that Duke twice every week, and each time he promised 
The Duke of Mayenne advances to Meaux, but dares not relieve Paris.  them that he would be with them with a puissant Army in five or six days. Having fed them with these hopes for five or six weeks, he advanced in the end to Meaux, where Vitry was Governor, and from thence gave them some greater hopes of relief: however, he was too weak to hazard it.  
The Duke of Parma, who had order from Spain to go join with him, and not to spare any thing for the relief of Paris, came with great unwillingness. He feared lest during his absence the Council or Cabinet should appoint a Successor in his Government; and that he should lose more in the Low-Countries, than he should gain in France: Notwithstanding he received Commands so express, that he was constrained to obey. He parted therefore 
The Duke of Parma comes to join with him with an Army from the Low-countries.  from Valencienne on the sixth of August, and arrived at Meaux on the two and twentieth. He brought along with him only twelve thousand Foot, and three thousand Horse; but Artillery and Ammunition, for an Army thrice as great; and fifteen hundred Wagons of Provisions to refresh Paris.  
He was without doubt the greatest Captain 
He had so well contrived all things, that he was assured to raise the siege of Paris.  amongst strangers of the Age he lived, for all Exploits which depend on profound Reason, and judicious Conduct: he had so well laid the Model of his Design in his Head, so well taken his Measures by the exactest Maps of the Country, and so well meditated on all that could arrive him, and all that he could do, that he held himself assured of success.  
Those who were about the King, had always 
The King never believed he would quit the Low-Countries.  made him believe, that this Duke would not leave the Low-Countries; and said, That if he did either, that he could not raise so great a power as to dare engage in the heart of France: or that if he raised any great Army, he would not arrive time enough to deliver Paris. The King suffered himself to be a little carried away with these false Reasons: but when he understood he marched in this manner, he began already to fear that which arrived; and the danger appeared so much more, because he had less foreseen it. In these Apprehensions he was well content to renew the Negotiation with the Duke of Mayenne, 
He renews the Negotiation with the Duke of Mayenne, who feigns to entertain it, to amuse him.  who on his side feigned to desire an Accommodation more than ever; to the end he might amuse him, for fear he should assault Paris by plain force; and to entertain the Parisians with the pregnant hopes of their Delivery: for the Famine made them despair in such manner, that it was no longer in his power, with all his inventions, to retain them from surrendry for more than five or six days at most.  
When the Duke of Parma was within two days Journey of Meaux, he caused it to be signified to the King, That the Duke of Mayenne could no longer treat but conjointly with him. At present the Council of the King was 
The King's Council mech ironbled.  much astonished, and in a great irresolution, not knowing what to do. It was without doubt a great shame for the King, and a notable diminishing of the Reputation of his Arms, to raise a Siege which had endured four months; and it must needs be a most sensible displeasure to this Prince, who was brave and glorious, to raise it on the Eve of the taking of that great City, the reduction of which had been a mortal wound to the League.  
He had therefore but one course to take, 
The King would take a place of battle, and not raise the siege.  but which was without doubt very hazardous; nevertheless the King resolved it: this was, to leave a part of his Troops in the Suburbs, and choose a place of Battle, where the rest of the Army might make head against the Duke of Parma, and not raise the Siege. To this effect, the King, confirmed in it by the advice of la Nove, Guitry, and Plessis Mornay, left only three thousand men on the side of the University, and put the rest of his Army in Battalia, in the Plain of Bondy, which was between Paris and the Duke of Parma.  
But the Marshal of Byron, disannulling absolutely 
Byron advises to raise the siege, and carries it.  that counsel, wrought so far, that it was resolved to advance as far as Chelles with intention to give Battle. It was not known whether he was carried to this advice either out of jealousy, because he had not given the first counsel, or because it seemed to him too dangerous to remain so near Paris, from whence there might sally fifteen or sixteen thousand men on the day of battle to charge them behind. However it were, his Authority was so great among the Men of War, and it was so dangerous in this Conjuncture to contract that hot spirit, that they were forced to believe him, and absolutely raise the Siege to go encamp at Chelles.  
The Duke of Parma seeing that, and judging it not convenient to fight, retrenched himself readily in a Marish so well, that he feared not to be forced: he boasted likewise that the King should not in that Post know how to force him to discharge one Pistol; and yet that he would take a City in his sight, and open a passage on the Rivers to send Provisions into Paris. In sum, he executed punctually what he 
The Duke of Parma takes Lagny in the sight of the King, & relieves Paris.  had said. It was not in the power of the King to oblige him to fight; and he took Lagny on the Marne, whilst he was not able to relieve it. Thus Paris was absolutely delivered, receiving on the morrow a very great quantity of Boats, 
Abundance of Victuals carried to Paris.  laden with all forts of Provisions. Yet their Joy was not equal to their Comfort: for their too long Misery had in such manner weakened their Bodies, and suppressed their Courages, that they were not capable of any sentiments of rejoicing.  
The Troops of the Duke of Nemours having regained heart by this refreshment, sallied daily with the most courageous of the Burgeffes, and cut off all Provisions from the King's Camp, in such manner, that a little Scarcity being got amongst them, Sicknesses began to multiply; and the Gentlemen who had flocked thither out of the hopes of a Battle, began to grow impatient; which the King seeing, assembled his Council to seek some remedy to these inconveniences. He found, that throughout his whole Army there were very ill dispositions; and that he had better make a Retreat, then expose himself to greater Affronts: but being loath to quit the Enterprise of Paris, he tried in passing to carry it by storm on the University-sides, between the Gates of St. James and St. Marceau: which having done in vain, he retired to Senlis, and thence to Creil. In the end, not able to do better, he took Clermont in Beauvoisis, which incommodated Senlis and Compeigne. Afterwards he put a 
The Army of the King constrained to separate.  part of his Troops in the Cities about Paris; sent another into the Provinces, to re-assure them in their Obedience; and kept only with himself a flying Army.  
So soon as he was retired, the Dukes of Parma 
Duke of. Parma besieges Corbeil, and takes it.  and Mayenne enlarged themselves in the Brie. Parma, instantly solicited by the Leaguers, besieged Corbeil: he thought to take it in four or five days, but he lay before it a whole month, through the Duke of Mayenne's fault; who either out of neglect or jealousy furnished him with Ammunition but by little and little. So that seeing his Army much diminished, and the rest to licentiate themselves to all Disorders, after the Example of the 
He returns to Flanders.  French Soldiers, he returned to Flanders, much discontented with the Conduct of the French Nation, whom he had found (as he said) inconstant and volatile; full of Jealousies and Divisions; insatiable and ingrateful. His vexatious Melancholy sure made him say so.  
Before his departure, he had the displeasure 
Corbeil regained by storm.  to hear of the loss of Corbeil, which had cost him so much. Giury, Governor of Brie for the King, regained it in one night by storm: and the League, whatever instances they made to him, could not oblige the Duke of Parma to stay in France till they had retaken it. He left them only eight thousand Men of his, promising to return at the Spring with a greater Army, and counselling them in the mean time to amuse the King by Treaties of Peace until the next Campagne: a Counsel which the Duke of Mayenne was not wanting to follow; which kept many Cities to his party, were ready to abandon him.  
The expedition of the Duke of Parma into France, retarded much the Affairs of the King, but advanced not at all those of the Duke of Mayenne: on the contrary, it embroiled them, and begat those dispositions which in the end ruined them. For the Duke of Parma, knowing the defaults of the Duke of Mayenne, represented to the Council of Spain, That he was very improper for the advancement of their interests, being both too weak, and having 
The Duke of Parma counsels the King of Spain to become chief Master of the League.  too little Authority to keep in Unity so great a Party; too jealous, too slow, and too idle to give order in all things: that therefore it was necessary that the King of Spain should take care of the League, and become absolute Master of it. That to this effect he should gain the ecclesiastics; and the people of the great Cities; who having a great desire to see the Estate of the Government changed, because under the last Kings it had been very oppressive to the people, would be easily induced either to join the Cities together in form of Cantons, or make a King, whose power should be so limited, that he could never weaken them, either by Taxes or by Arms, as the two last Kings had done.  
In effect, the King of Spain, finding this way 
The King of Spain no longer considers the Duke of Mayenne, but thinks to render himself Master of the great Cities by factions.  most commodious to his designs, and thinking by it to change France into a Republic, or make a King who should only subsist by him, considered no longer the Duke of Mayenne so much as he had done, and assisted him but weakly, and endeavoured to create factions among the great Cities, and particularly that of the Sixteen at Paris, not sparing any money: so that many believed he expended such great sums in this way, that had he laid them out in raising Armies, he had conquered a good part of the Realm. 
The King endeavours to regain the Duke.   
Now our Henry considering his designs, laboured on his part to frustrate them. And first, as to the Duke of Mayenne, he flattered him with Kindnesses and many good Treatments; which he did for two ends; to wit, to essay to gain him, and likewise to render him more suspected to the Spaniards. To the same effect he endeavoured to augment in him the disgust he already had for that Nation; and withal, promised him great Advantages if he would accommodate with him. By these means he daily a little restrained him, cooled his ardour, and hindered him from carrying things to exreamities. And as for the people, knowing 
He endeavours likewise to regain the people.  that it was the ill Government of his Predecessor which had altered their Affections, and had furnished them with the pretext and occasion of the League to cause their emportments, he omitted no diligence nor no goodness which might reduce them sweetly to their Duty.  
This good King considered, that to the recovery of a disease, it is necessary that the causes be taken away; and that to this purpose he was to correct and sweeten the ill humours which had put the Estate into this extremity. His sight of it had likewise made him know, that three things principally had rendered his Predecessor odious and contemptible.  
The first, was his softness and saint-heartedness; 
Three means by which Henry 3. lost the affection of his subjects. His negligence and inapplication.  which made him, in stead of employing those fair Talents which God had given him to rule in his Estate and act in the functions of a King, to neglect to apply himself, and not take sufficiently to heart the conduct of his Affairs, but addict himself wholly to his pleasures. As if Royalty, which is the greatest and most eminent of all things here below, were only a vain divertisement▪ or as if God had made Kings only for the love of themselves, and not for his glory, and the common good of men.  
The second, was his ill management, and the wasting his Revenues; which obliged 
The wasting his Revenues.  him to seek extraordinary and oppressive ways to exact money. Now he had not only consumed his Revenues by his own extreme profuseness, and by the immense Gifts he made to his Favourites; a thing which made the people desperate: but much more by his negligence, because he would not give himself the trouble to take knowledge of, or watch over those to whom he trusted their Administration: who, forgetting that they were only his dispensers, became prodigal in a thousand foolish expenses; and distributed them to their Creatures, as if they had been their proper Goods.  
The third, was the little belief they had in 
His ill keeping his word.  his Faith; and his manner of acting with his subjects too subtle, too fine, and too clouded; in such manner, that he had always this misfortune, they were in continual distrust of him; insomuch that all his words and actions seemed falsities, and they thought they did prudently in believing quite contrary to all he would have them believe.  
Now our Henry, having known that these ill ways had conducted his Predecessor to a Precipice, resolved, as well out of the inclination he had to good, as out of good Policy, to follow paths quite contrary. 
Three other ways quite contrary, by which Henry 4. gained the esteem and affection of his subjects   
First, he would show to the League, who disputed the Sceptre with him, that he was worthy to carry it. And for this effect, he acted continually not only in the Field, and in matters of War, but in his Cabinet by his deliberations of important Affairs, by his Negotiations, by the order and distribution of his Revenues, by his dispensation of his Charges and Employments, by his knowledge of the principal Laws, the order and policy of his Realm; and in fine, in all his Actions, like one who contents himself not with the name of a King, but would be one in effect. He would have faithful Ministers, 
His activity and greatness of soul.  but would have no Companions. He committed to them the care of his Affairs in such manner, that he still remained the absolute Master, and they the servants. He loved them tenderly, as it was just, and used a great familiarity with them; but yet permitted them not to be wanting either in submission or respect. If he took their counsel, it was by form of advice; and he obliged them much oftener by reason to follow his, than he followed theirs. He honoured them with his Graces and with Benefits, but in proportion and measure: he gave them not all to one alone, or to two or three; but like a common Father, distributed his recompenses to all those he judged worthy: and he would that they should receive them from his hands, and not from others; for he knew that to give and do good is the most glorious Attribute of Sovereignty, which ought not to be communicated to any person.  
In the second place, he took a most particular care to cause his Revenues to be 
His care of his Revenues.  well administered: to which, four motives obliged him. The first, because he was naturally, though not covetous, yet a good husband, and one who hated profuseness. The second, because he loved his people, and would spare them the most he could possibly; for he made conscience of drawing money out of their purses, except upon most necessary occasions; and therefore he never kept near him any of those bloodsuckers of the Court, who draw all to their Coffers, and who never care from whence it comes, so that they have it. The third, because the necessity he had often been in, had made him know the value and need of money; and that it was good to manage it well, because hard to recover it. And the fourth, because not having been bred up ignorant in affairs, as too often Princes are, he had been well informed that the greatest part of those ills which had afflicted France, proceeded from the ill administration of public moneys. And therefore among all the cares he took to govern well his Estates, he had none greater nor more continual, then that of ordering well his Revenues, and to clear this matter. The Superintendants had embroiled and perplexed them with an hundred thousand knots, so that they could neither be loosened nor distinguished; and they had acted in such manner, that this management, as a Treasurer of that time said, was a kind of Black Art, where nothing could be seen; so that thus the goods of the Prince and the blood of the poor people remained ever at their discretion.  
He who at present had care of the Revenues, 
Francis d' O Superintendant of the Revenues, a great expender.  was a Norman Gentleman, named Francis d' O, who had been Superintendant since the time of Henry the third. This man, to speak the truth, was horribly prodigal in all sorts of Expenses: his profuseness rendered him more ingenious and more subtle to find out new inventions to grasp the substance of the people, even to their very marrow; and to perplex more and more the order of the Revenues, to the end it might not be discovered what spoil he made. Now though 
The King constrained to suffer him in this charge, but pares his nails.  the King knew him well for such as he was, nevertheless, because he had a strong Cabal with the Minions and Servants of the Defunct Henry the third, who acted the parts of zealous Catholics, he was constrained to suffer him in that charge, expecting while his affairs were in a better Estate. In the mean time, to give a check to his insatiable Covetousness; he by little and little himself took knowledge of the management of his moneys; and sweetly introduced some orders, now by one means, and then by another, so that he knew in time how to bridle him; and reduced things in such manner, that he could take but little in comparison of what he had done before.  
It will be superfluous to tell with what Nobleness and what freedom our Henry acted 
His constant keeping his word, and freedom.  with all the world. We may see through the whole course of his life, that his very enemies had more confidence in his word alone, then in the writings of all others. He used much prudence in all his conduct; but he used no deceit, cunning, or artifice. The Prudent man never walks, but by ways straight and virtuous; and the cunning man, on the contrary, by paths oblique and wicked. The Prudent cannot but be generous and good; whilst the other cannot but be base, deceitful, and unworthy. Now it is certain, that all the life of this great King was nothing but generosity, goodness, sweetness, and clemency; having a wonderful inclination to oblige all sorts of persons; at least with kindnesses, embraces, and sweet words, when he had no other means: he acknowledged the least services, when he could do it: he showed himself easy and affable to all the world, familiar 
His goodness.  to his Soldiers, pitiful to the Countrypeople; so that he would often excuse himself to them when occasion presented, for the evils they suffered; protesting, that he was not the cause of them, but desired ardently that peace which Jesus Christ recommended to Christians; and that it was his enemies which forced him to make that War, which of himself he detested, as the source and fountain of all crimes and miseries. There appeared in his countenance a certain alacrity, in his discourse a vivacity and particular Grace of Spirit, in all his actions a resolution and promptitude which contented the most difficult, and animated the most frozen. Though he were yet a Huguenot, he spoke with respect of the Pope and of the ecclesiastics, treated the Great ones and Gentlemen as his Companions, and flattered them with the glory of being the right hand of his Estate, and the upholders of the Crown on his head. He scarce knew what vengeance 
He pardoned injuries, and never knew vengeance.  was; his great heart was without any gall: he pardoned injuries, and likewise easily forgot them, so as he knew those that had committed them did repent, and were disposed to do good, or at least to do no more ill. It was with these Arms, rather than 
This reconquered his kingdom, rather than his sword.  with his Sword, that he vanquished his cruelest enemies, that he forced the most obstinate and envenomed hearts to love him, and that of the most passionate Leaguers, he made his most faithful servants; esteeming it a procedure agreeing with the grandeur and goodness of a Sovereign, not to lose▪ those he might gain; and to withdraw men from their faults, rather than ruin them in them. See here how he followed ways quite contrary to those his predecessor had taken.  
After the departure of the Duke of Parma▪ 
1591.  the two parties, that of the King, and that of 
Divisions and Jealousies in the party of the League, and that of the King.  the League, remained some time in great weakness; and both were equally tormented with that mischief of Divisions and Jealousies: but with this difference, that those on the King's party were extinguished by his good conduct, and those of the League daily increased.  
There was a furious jealousy between the Duke of Nemours and the Duke of Mayenne, brothers by the mother's side. Nor was it less between the Duke of Mayenne and the Duke of Lorraine; and greater much between the same and the Spaniards, who raised a thousand traverses against him, by means of the Sixteen: for as he could not suffer them for Companions, they could not suffer him as Master; but desired above all things, that the League had another Chief then he.  
In the party of the King, there was likewise 
In the party of the King, three factions of Hugonots, Catholics, and Servants of Henry the third.  three or four factions. The first, of the rigid and obstinate Hugonots, who would not that the King should speak of permitting himself to be instructed; threatening to abandon him, if he thought of it; and to this effect, observing him continually, and as it were counting all his footsteps. The second, that of the Catholics, who were zealous, or who feigned to be so; these endeavoured to draw him from the Hugonots, and murmured when he either gave them charges or employments, or entertained them particularly. The third was that of the Servants and Courtiers of Henry the third, whom the humour of our Henry displeased, because he gave them not all they would, and permitted himself not to be led by their fancy. These were for the most part Atheists, and Libertines; nevertheless communicated with the Catholics, and caused much inquietude to the King.  
Of these two last factions joined together, was a third party form. Charles' Cardinal of Bourbon, who was called Cardinal of Vendosme, whilst the old Cardinal of Bourbon lived, was the Chief of it: This Prince, vain and ambitious, imagining that the Crown would be conferred on him, if his Cousin Henry the fourth should be excluded, stirred up the Catholics to press his Conversion, out of the belief he had that the Conscience of that King, and his affairs not being yet disposed, he could not hearken to it; and would by consequent, by these heedless shifts, be taken for an obstinate Heretic, and oblige the Catholics to abandon him, and after turn on his side. This faction was the most dangerous affair that ever our Henry had to deal with, though he seemed to despise it, and called those who were of it, les Tiercelets, or the Thirdlings. It shone not out with an unmasked face, nor did ever openly separate itself from the other; yet for that itself it was the more to be feared: but it produced in the end that good, that he was constrained to let himself be instructed, and wrought to his Conversion.  
As for the Hugonots, when they saw that he 
The Hugonots solicit the Protestants to send Henry 4. powerful assistance to hinder him from turning Catholic.  lent an ear to the Catholic Doctors, they advised with themselves, to the end they might entangle him so that he could not escape them, that they ought pvissantly to solicit Queen Elizabeth and the Protestant Princes of Germany, to send him great forces; by whose help they believed they might overcome the League, after which there was no need of his Conversion, and in the mean time they would continually keep him as it were besieged by those stranger's forces. In effect, Elizabeth, who had zeal for the Protestant religion, interested herself very strongly in the cause of this King, daily generously assisted him, and strenuously solicited the Germane Princes to concur with her.  
At the same time the Hugonots pressed with all their force, that he would grant them an Edict for the Free exercise of their Religion: they pursued it so strongly, that he was forced 
An Edict granted to the Hugonots.  to accord it them; and they sent it to the Parliament sitting at Tours, but they could never obtain it to be confirmed by them, but with these words, by proviso only: showing themselves as much enemies to this false Religion, as they were to the factions of the League.  
During this time, Pope Sixtus 5. died, 
Death of Pope Sixtus 5.  leaving in the Treasury of the Church Five Millions of gold, which he had heaped up. He was much disgusted at the League, and stretched forth his arms as much as he could to our Henry, to recall him into the Church; whilst the League endeavoured to shut the gates against him, that they might exclude him from his Royalty. To Sixtus succeeded Urban 7. who held the Seat only thirteen 
Election of Gregory 14.  days: and to that Urban, Gregory the 14. who being of a violent spirit, and a Spaniard by inclination, zealously embraced the party of the League, as we shall see hereafter.  
I silently pass over divers erterprises made 
Enterprise of the League. on S. Denis, where the Cavalier d' Aumale is killed.  both by one party and the other. The Parisians made one upon St. Denis. The Cavalier d' Aumale, one of their Chiefs, whom they called, the Lion Rampant of the League, was killed in the midst of the City, when he had made himself almost master of it. The King on his side, made an other attempt upon Paris. It was called the battle of the Flour, 
Enterprise of the King on Paris, called the battle of the Flour.  because he was to surprise the City, under pretext of a Convoy of Flour or Meal carried thither: but it was discovered, and obliged the Duke of Mayenne, upon the vehement cries of the Sixteen, to receive four thousand Spaniards into the Garrison; which retarded for more than a year the reduction of Paris.  
It is convenient to understand, that neither the one nor the other party having any foundation to keep continually their Armies on foot, they only (as we may say) made War by intervals. When they had been three months together, they retired, and then reassembled again; and according as they were stronger or weaker, made their enterprises.  
The King having Rendezvouzed his, besieged 
Chartres besieged and taken by the King.  the City of Chartres, where la Bourdaisiere commanded. There was but a small Garrison within; yet however, the siege was long, difficult and bloody. It's length gave subject to the third party to continue many dangerous intrigues: but the taking of that place repressed them for some time. He restored the Government to Chiverni Chancellor of France, who had had it before the League seized it.  
After this, the Duke of Mayenne, who beheld himself in no very good Estate, following the Counsel of the Duke of Parma, renewed a Conference for peace; which ending without doing any thing, the Prince's Lorrains, and the Principal Chiefs of the League, held a general Assembly at Reims. It was resolved that they being altogether too weak to resist the King, and wanting money, it was absolutely necessary to unite themselves more firmly with Spain than they had formerly done: and to this Effect, they dispatched the 
Precedent Janin sent to Spain on the part of the League The Spaniards design to profit themselves by the ruin of France.  Precedent Janin to Philip the second. This Precedent was a man of a strong brain, and a good Frenchman, who laboured for the League, and for the Duke of Mayenne; but who would save the Estate by saving the Religion: so that he well endeavoured to serve himself of the Spaniard; but he would not serve them, or procure their advancement. Yet we cannot doubt, but as he had his ends, they had likewise theirs; and that they designed to make good their expenses laid out for the League, on the Kingdom of France.  
The Spaniard had for Aid and Second in his design, the new Pope Gregory the 14. who yet went on more swiftly, and with more heat than he: for without having regard either to the Letters which Monsieur de Luxembourg, after Duke of Piney, writ to him on the part of the Princes and Catholic Lords which were in the King's party; or to the submissions, and three humble Remonstrances made him by the Marquis of Pisany, who was there at Rome, deputed from them; he strenuously embraced 
Gregory 14. sends an Army to the League.  the party of the League, entertained correspondence with the Sixteen, receiving Letters from them, and writing to them; and which is more, he prodigally wasted that treasure which Sixtus 5. had heaped up, to raise an Army of twelve thousand men, giving the Command to Count Hercules Sfondrato his Nephew, whom he made expressly Duke of Montmarcian, to authorise him the more 
And a Bull of Excommunication against those Prelates follow the King, and money to the Sixteen.  by this new title. He accompanied this Army with a Monitory or Bull of Excommunication against the Prelates which followed the King, and sent it by Marcelin Landriano his Nuntio, with great quantity of Silver to the Sixteen of Paris, to be distributed among them, and the Chiefs of the Cabals in the great Cities.  
The Parliament at Tours having had advice of this Monitory, caused it to be torn by the hand of the Common Scavenger, and decreed an Arrest against the Nuntio. That at Paris, on the contrary, annulled that Arrest, as being, said they, by persons without power; and commanded that the holy Father and his Nuntio should be obeyed.  
After all, these Bulls produced no great effect at present; and the Cardinal of Bourbon tormented himself in vain, to make the assembly of the Clergy which was held at Chartres, declare against the Arrest at Tours. Nor did the Army of the Pope do any great exploits, but was almost quite dispersed, ere it came to render any Service.  
The same arrived not to those Troops the 
O●r Henry well served by the Count of Turenne.  King had caused to be raised in Germany, by the Viscount of Turenne. They served the King well in his affairs, and gained him notable advantages. In recompense, he honoured this Lord with the Staff of Marshal of France; to render him the more capable to Espouse Charlotta de la Mark, Duchess of Bovillon, and Sovereign Lady of Sedan: who though a Huguenot, had been pvissantly sought to, both by friendship and force, by the Duke of Lorraine, who desired to marry her to his Eldest Son the Marquis du Pont. The King made this Match, to oppose a man to the Duke of Lorraine, who helped to sustain the League. Of which the new Marshal acquitted himself, having among other fair exploits surprised Stenay the night preceding his Nuptials. 
And by the Duke Lesdiguieres.   
The King had another great Captain in the Daulphinate, which was Lesdiguieres; who held that Country, having reduced the City of Grenoble; and who saved Provence for him, of which the Duke of Savoy thought to seize himself, and dismember that piece from the Crown. This Duke being Son-in-law to Philip the second, King of Spain, the puissance of his Father-in-law had raised his Ambition and Courage, and made him forget that constant affection which his Predecessors have almost continually had for France, insomuch that they have held themselves much honoured to be Pensioners to our Kings. But the Conduct and Valour of Lesdiguieres made him repent all his high, designs, especially by the battles of Esparon de Palieres, and of Pont-Charra, where that Duke received as much loss as confusion.  
About this time, our Henry conceived a 
He becomes passionate of the fair Gabriella.  passion for the Fair Gabriella d' Estrees; who was of a very noble house: and that passion by degrees grew so strong, that whilst she lived, she held the Principal place in his heart: so that after having had by her three or four Children, he had almost resolved to marry her, though he knew not how to do it, but by hazarding great troubles, and very dangerous difficulties. Having taken the City of Noyon, he gave the Government to Count d' Estrees, Father of this fair one; and a little after, gave him likewise the charge of Great Master of the Artillery, which had formerly been held by John d' Estrees, in the year 1550.  
Not long after the Siege of Noyon, he understood the escape of the Duke of Guise, who 
The Duke of Guise escapes from prison  after many other attempts, had got at high-noon out of the Castle of Tours, where he had been in prison since his father's death. The News at first no less touched the King, than it surprised him: he feared this great Name of Guise, which had given him so much trouble; and he doubted lest this young Prince should re-ingross the love of the people, which his father had possessed to so high a pitch: he was troubled to have lost such a Gage, which 
The judicious reasoning of Hen. 4. on his escape.  might serve him in many things. However, after he had a little meditated, he diminished his apprehensions, and told those who were about him, That he had more reason to rejoice then be troubled: for of force it must happen, that either the Duke of Guise must take his party; and that if he did so, he would treat him as his Parent and Kinsman: or that he must cast himself into the League; and than it would be impossible that the Duke of Mayenne and he could continue any long time without contending and becoming enemies.  
This Prognostic was very true. The Duke of Mayenne having seen those rejoicings which all the League testified at this News; the Bonfires made in the great Cities, those Actions of thanks which the Pope caused publicly to be rendered to God, and the hopes which the Sixteen conceived to see revived in this Prince the Protection and Qualities of his Father, which they had idolatrized: the Duke of Mayenne, I say, seeing all this, was struck 
The Duke of Mayenne becomes jealous of his nephew  with a very strong Jealousy: and though he sent him moneys, with entreaties that they might have an Interview; yet notwithstanding he looked not upon him as a new renforce, but as a new subject of inquietude and trouble to him.  
In effect, this young Prince immediately 
The Sixteen lean to the Duke of Guise, and would lose Mayenne.  knit himself in firm bond with the Sixteen, and promised to take their protection. By this means, and by the help of the Spaniards, they emboldened themselves in such manner, that they resolved to lose the Duke of Mayenne, not ceasing to cry down his Conduct among the people. I have been assured, that 
They write to the King of Spain.  there was some amongst them who writ a Letter to the King of Spain; by which they cast themselves into his Arms, and entreated him, if he would not reign over them, to give them a King of his Race, or to choose a Son-in-law for his Daughter, whom they would receive with all Obedience and Fidelity. They advised themselves besides this, to make a new form of Oath for the League, which excluded the Princes of the Blood; to the end they might oblige all suspected persons, who would not swear a thing so contrary to their thoughts, to depart out of the City, and to abandon their Goods to them. By this artifice, 
They drive the Cardinal of Gonderino. & many others, from Paris.  they drove away many persons; among others, the Cardinal of Gonderino, Bishop of Paris, whom they had begun to hate, because that with some Clerks of the City, he honestly endeavoured to dispose the people in favour of the King.  
There remained nothing now but to dissolve the Parliament, who watched them day and night, and stopped their Erterprises. They had pursued the Condemnation of one named Brigard, because he had Correspondence with the Royalists; and the Parliament having pardoned him, they were so incensed, that the most passionate, by conspiracy amongst 
By a horrible attempt they cause to be hanged the Precedent of Brisson, and two Counselors.  them, and by their private Authority having caused those of their faction to take arms, went to seize on the persons of the Precedent de Brisson, and of de Larcher, and de Tardiff, Counselors, whom they carried prisoners to the Castelet; and after some formalities, one of them pronounced against them the sentence of death: in execution of which, they caused them all three to be hanged at the window of the Chamber, and on the morrow to be carried to the 
* The public place of execution in Paris.  Greve, to the end they might move the people in their favour: but the greatest part abhorred so damnable an attempt; and even the most zealous of the party remained mute, not knowing whether they ought to approve or blame it.  
Yet there were some of these Sixteen found 
Some would likewise kill the Duke of Mayenne, but want heart to do it.  so determinate as to pass farther: they said, They must finish the Tragedy, and rid themselves of the Duke of Mayenne, if he came to Paris, he being at present at Laon: That after that, they might assure to themselves the City, elect a Chief who should depend of them, re-establish the Council of Forty which that Duke had abolished, and demand the Union of the great Cities. And certainly there was some appearance, that having the Bastille, of which Bussy was Governor, the common people and the Garrison of Spaniards for them, that they might render themselves Masters of Paris, and afterwards treat at their pleasure, either with the King, or with the Duke of Guise, or with the Spaniards: but they wanted Resolution. In the mean time, the Duke 
Upon this, the Duke comes to Paris, and hangs four; which quite quells the faction of the Sixteen.  of Mayenne having been in two days doubt whether he should come to Paris, because he feared they would shut the Gates against him, at length comes with a warlike attendance; and seeing that the Parliament durst not attempt to make process against these people, he resolved, whatever might arrive, to chastise them himself; and thereupon, without form of Process, in his Cabinet, condemns nine to death. They could catch but four, whom he caused to be hanged in the Lovure; the other five saved themselves in Flanders. The most remarkable of these five, was Bussy le Clerke, who had been constrained to yield the Bastille to the Duke's people. He was seen to lead a miserable life in the City of Brussels; yet still to conserve his hatred against the French, even to the last gasp, which he breathed forth a little before the last Declaration of War between the two Crowns.  
This terrible blow having quite quelled the faction of the Sixteen, the Duke made four Precedents of Parliament, there being now 
He makes four Precedents of Parliament  none at all; for Brisson was remaining alone, the rest being gone to Tours. But he demonstrated by this, that he did not well understand his own interests: for in my opinion, it is impossible that the Parliament and the Nobility should remain any long time separate from the King: nor can the force of a Party contrary to Royalty consist but only in two things, to wit, the People or the Soldiery.  
So soon as the King had received the aid of 
1592.  England, and that of the Protestant Princes 
The King besieges Roven, where Villars was Governour  of Germany, he besieged the City of Roven. This was one of the most memorable Sieges of that time. Villars, a Provincial Gentleman who was Governor, did wonderful Actions. The Duke of Parma came to his assistance, having for that purpose joined with the Duke of Mayenne: but Villars, who feared that they would not come in time, and likewise that the Duke of Mayenne would deprive him of his Government if he entered the stronger into his place, endeavoured to relieve himself; and by a Sally, which we may almost call a Battle, 
Great and memorable Sally.  drove the Besiegers a good distance from the Walls. The Duke's seeing that, and that he was no more pressed, retired; and Parma lodged his Troops about the Rue in Ponthieu. But two months after, Villars wanting Victuals, and the Courage of the Burgesses slackening, he was constrained to write to them, that they should make haste to come and relieve him. The Dukes on so hot an advice, 
The City pressed, Parma comes to relieve it.  reassembled their Troops in one day, repassed the Soame; and marching without Baggage, came more than thirty Leagues in four days, though there were on their way four Rivers to pass.  
Being arrived within a League of Roven, 
The King raises his Siege, and retires to Pont de l' Arch.  they drew into Battalia, in a Valley on the side of Dernetal. The King, who was gone to deep, finding at his return his Army too much weakened to resist those within and without, raised the Siege, to his great discontent; and having at a League's distance attended them for twelve month's space in Battail-array, he after retired to Pont de l' Arch. It was held by many, that had they pursued him, he could difficulty have shunned either the fight of a Battle, or the losing of it: but the Duke of Mayenne, either out of the jealousy he had of the Duke of Parma, or for other Reasons, was obstinately of opinion, that it was necessary to take Caudebec, to open the mouth of the Seine, and bring provisions to Roven. The 
The Duke of Parma takes Caudebec, and is wounded; and the Duke of Mayenne falls sick.  Duke of Parma was forced to yield to yield to his advice. They took Caudebec in four and twenty hours: but Parma was wounded in the Arm with a Musquet-shot; and some days after, the Duke of Mayenne fell sick; so that both Generals were both at one time in their Litters.  
In the mean time, in five or six days, the 
The Army of the King increases, and the pursues the two Dukes.  Army of the King increased by three thousand Horse, and six thousand Infantry, which flocked to his assistance from the adjacent Provinces; so that he was stronger than his enemies by near five thousand men. Now Fortune turned, he went to search them, and shut them up near to Yvetot, and cut off all provisions from them; so that they were constrained to dislodge by night, and go encamp near Caudebec. The two Generals being yet in bed, and 
Byron beats up one quarter, but will not quite defeat them.  their Troops very much amazed, the Marshal of Byron beat up one Quarter; and in the end, defeated their light-Horse. The King's Infantry prepared at the same time to charge the Walloon-foot; which without doubt, in the fear they were in, would have demanded quarter: but Byron called them back, for fear, said he, lest they should engage themselves between two quarters of the Enemies. It was believed he did thus, that he might not finish the War where he had the principal Command. And see here a sufficient proof of it at another time. The Baron of Byron his Son, who was likewise afterwards Marshal, having demanded of him five hundred Horse, and as many Dragoons, to go and invest the Duke of Mayenne, who was as it were in a trap; the Father seeing 
He would continue the War.  in effect that this enterprise was infallible, regarding him with an angry look, told him swearing, 
* A French Proverb, a● if he should say, Wouldst thou have me ruin my own Fortune?  How now, Villain, wouldst thou have us send to plant Cabbages for Byron? From hence we may know how Wars come to be of such continuance; it being for the interest of their Chiefs to prolong them, because they find in them their advantage, in the same manner as Lawyers do theirs in retarding a Process.  
Some days after, the Duke of Parma, being recovered, re-called to mind all those inventions and all those stratagems which he had learned by a long experience, and by profound meditation, to retire himself from so ill a condition. He found in the end no other way then to pass the River, and retreat in all haste towards Paris. He to this effect caused to be 
Wonderful retreat of the Duke of Parma, which the King cannot hinder  built two Forts, directly opposite to each other, on the banks of the Seine, with Redoubts which commanded on the Water, and greater ones on the outside, which looked towards the Army of the King. By the favour of these Forts, he passed in an obscure night both his Baggage, Cavalry, Infantry and Artillery, over Bridges of Boats, covered with Planks which he had made to descend from Roven; whilst the King, who in effect had perceived it too late, could not hinder him. So soon as he had passed, he took his march by the plains of Neuf-bourg, and made such haste, that in four days he arrived at Pont de Charenton, not having been able to sleep (as himself avowed afterwards) till he was come into Brie.  
Afterwards he led back his Troops to the Low-Countries, covered with glory, for having the second time made a great King raise his Siege when there was least appearance; and having in his sight, deceiving his Vigilance and Diligence, passed a great River, or rather an arm of the Sea, without his being able to assault him.  
This action was so gallant, that our Henry 
The King admires the action.  could not refrain from wondering at it; esteeming it more glorious than the gain of two battles. Acknowledging that the chief work of a great Captain, was not so much to fight or overcome, as to do what he enterprises without hazarding a combat.  
We ought not forget how that the first time that the Duke of Parma advanced to the relief of Roven, the King went to meet him with a part of his Army as far as Aumale, as well to hinder him from passing that little River, as to take notice of him; and how with four or five hundred Carabines only he stopped for a long time all the enemy's Army, by three or four vigorous Charges. The Duke of Parma believed not that the King was there; not judging that he would hazard his person in so dangerous a post, and with so few forces: but so soon as he knew that himself 
A noble and dangerous action of the King at Aumale, where he saved his Rereguard.  was present, he caused all his Carabines to give the Charge, sustained by his light-horsemen. The King seeing his men so pressed, gave two vigorous Charges, during which they drew forth the greatest part of the Baggage out of the Bourg: but all the body of the Duke's Cavalry coming on, the King lost many of his men, and himself ran great danger of being slain, or taken prisoner; but God permitted that he was only wounded with a Pistol-shot, on the Reins, which had been mortal if the Bullet had had more force; but it pierced only his clothes and his shirt, and somewhat razed the skin. His valour and his good fortune, both equally contributed to draw him out of this peril, and to bring, after so sharp a check, both his person, and what remained of his Troops, into safety.  
The Duke of Parma admired this action; 
Grave answer of the Duke of Parma's concerning the King's action.  but praised the Courage which our Henry had testified, more than his Prudence: for when he was demanded what he thought of this Retreat, he answered, That in effect it was very gallant; but for his part, he would never bring himself into a place where he should be forced to retire. This was tacitly to say, that a Prince and a General ought to secure themselves better. And so all the Kings faithful servants came the same evening to entreat him that he would spare his person, on which the safety of France depended. And the Queen of England, his most faithful friend, prayed him that he would preserve himself, and at least keep within the terms of a great Captain, who ought not to come to handy-strokes, but in the last extremity.  
After the raising the siege of Roven, the greatest part of the King's Army passed into Champagne, in pursuit of the Duke of Parma, and laid siege before the City of Espernay, and 
Byron killed at Espernay.  took it. The Marshal of Byron was killed by a Faulcon-shot, which carried away his head as he was viewing the place. His eldest Son, who was named the Baron of Byron, as great a Captain as the Father, and much loved by the King, was a little after honoured with the same Charge of Marshal of France: but he lost his Head somewhat less gloriously than his Father.  
The Duke of Mayenne and the Duke of Parma being parted ill satisfied one with the other, it was not difficult to renew the Conferences between the first and the Royalists: 
Conferences renewed.  however, things were not yet ripe; there were some seeds sown, which some time after brought forth fruit: for the King consented that he would within six months permit himself to be instructed by those means which might not wrong either his Honour or his Conscience. He gave leave likewise to the Catholic Lords of his party, to depute some towards the Pope, to let him understand the duties he applied himself to, and to entreat him to add his Authority; and that in the mean time, Peace should be daily treated of.  
The Duke of Mayenne and his party demanded Conditions so advantageous, that they were ill resented; and, to speak truth, many things in this Conjuncture did much trouble our Henry: that which most of all perplexed 
The Duke of Mayenne calls the Estates to Paris to elect a King.  him, was, that the Duke of Mayenne violently pressed by the instances of the Pope, and the King of Spain, by the remonstrances of those great Cities which took his party, and likewise by the necessity of his Affairs, had called the Estates-General to Paris to proceed to the Nomination of a King.  
Now this Nomination had been the indubitable 
The election of a King would have been the ruin of Henry 4. and France.  ruin of France, and possibly caused the absolute expulsion of our Henry. For there was much appearance and likelihood that all the Catholic Potentates of Christendom would have acknowledged that King whom the States should have elected; that the Clergy would have done the like; and that the Nobility and people, who followed not our Henry but because he had the Title of King, would not have made conscience to have quitted him, for another to whom the Estates had granted it.  
To the end therefore he might hinder this 
Expedient which the King finds to hinder this election.  mortal blow, he wisely advised with himself to propose a Conference of the Lords of his Party, with these pretended Estates. The Duke of▪ Mayenne was well content with this Expedient, because he saw well that the King of Spain desired that he who should be elected, should espouse his Daughter Isabella-Clara-Eugenia; and thus the Election could not regard him, since he was married, and had Children: but likewise out of fear lest they should hearken to an acknowledgement of our Henry, he under hand stirred up some Doctors to say, That this Conference with a Heretic was unlawful; and by virtue of this advice, he wrought in such manner, that the Estates agreed they would not confer with him, neither directly nor indirectly, touching his Establishment, nor touching the Doctrine of the Faith; but that they would confer with the Catholics holding his party, for the good of Religion, and the public Repose.  
The Legate knowing well what this would come to, endeavoured with all his power to hinder the effect of this Deliberation of the Estates: but in the end, he was constrained to lend his hand to it. The Conference was then concluded; and the Deputies of one part 
Confeence of Surene.  and the other assembled at the Borough of Surene, near Paris.  
The Estates were assembled in the month of 
1593.  
Estates of the League assemble at Paris.  January, in the year 1593. and sat in the great Hall of the Lovure. There were few Noblemen, a great number of Prelates, and a sufficient quantity of Deputies of the third Estate; but the most part Creatures of the Duke of Mayenne, or paid by the King of Spain. This Prince, desiring at any price soever to have the Crown for his Daughter, had destined to send a puissant Army into France, which should hasten the Resolutions of the Estates: but happily for our Henry, the incomparable Duke of Parma was dead, and the Spaniard had not in the Low-Countries any 
Mansfield comes with a Spanish Army, taketh Noyon, afterwards his Army dissipates.  Captain's capable of great things. The Count of Mansfield had order to lead his Troops; the Duke of Mayenne went to meet him. They retook Noyon, but that was all: afterward they melted away, and became so weak, that not daring to pass any farther, they returned into Flanders, where Prince Maurice of Nassaw found them sufficient employment.  
During the Siege of Noyon, the young Byron, 
Byron raises the siege of Selles to relieve Noyon, but dares not attempt it:  to whom the King had newly given the charge of Admiral, yielded up by the Duke of Espernon in change for the Government of Provence, had besieged Selles in Berry, to take that Thorn out of the foot of the City of Tours. The King, perceiving that this paltry Town held him too long time, had called him thence to go and relieve Noyon; which notwithstanding he durst not enterprise. These little disgraces wonderfully puffed up the 
which puffs up the King's enemies.  hearts of the King's enemies, cooled his friends, and emboldened the faction. The third party, who had kept under a covert, now began to move; and likewise a report ran, that there were some Catholics who had conspired to 
Conspiracy to surprise his person.  seize the person of the King in Nantes, under colour of snatching him out of the hands of the Hugonots; and would carry him to Mass whether he would or not. He was so much affrighted at it, or feigned to be so, that he took the Field, gathered together his surest friends, and caused the English Forces to come and lodge in the Suburbs of Limay.  
At the same time the Duke de Feria, Ambassador 
The Duke of Feria brings a Letter to the States-General from the King of Spain.  from the King of Spain to the States-General, arrived at Paris: he presented to them a very civil Letter on the part of his Master, and made them a large Speech, by which he exhorted them to expedite the naming of a King; offering them all assistance both of men and moneys. In effect, the King of Spain passionately desired the choosing of one, because, as we have said, he would give him in marriage his Daughter Isabel, whom he singularly loved.  
It was therefore now time that our Henry 
It was time for the King to convert.  should either publish to the world that he would persevere in his Religion without wavering, in which case he must resolve on a War, of which possibly he might never see the end; or return into the bosom of the Catholic Church.  
The Spaniolized Leaguers feared above all things this change, which would take from them all pretext: the good Catholics ardently wished it; they only feared lest his Conversion should be feigned: the rigid Hugonots endeavoured to divert him; threatening him with the Judgements of God if he abandoned, said they, the Evangelical Truth. But all Politicians, both of the one and the other Religion, counselled him not to delay it. They told him, that of all Canons, the Canon of the Mass would prove best to reduce the Cities of his Kingdom▪ they besought him that he would serve himself of it; and to their Prayers, they added Threats to abandon him, and to retire themselves, being wearied with consuming themselves in his service for the Capricio of some obstinate Preaching-Ministers, who hindered him from embracing the Religion of his Predecessors.  
Besides these humane Motives, God, who is never wanting to those who seek him with 
In fine, God touches him, and he is converted.  submission, cleared his understanding with his holy Lights, and rendered him capable to receive the saving instructions of the Catholic Prelates. This resolution taken, he immediately gives advice of it to the Deputies of the League in the Conference of Surene. It cannot be imagined how great was their astonishment, nor how the Duke of Mayenne was surprised: for they least of all expected to hear this News.  
The Spaniards and the Legate having advice 
The Spaniards and Legat press the Estates to choose a King.  that he was about to convert, pressed the Estates more vehemently to elect a King: and seeing that the French would not accept of any but one of their own Nation, they proposed that their King should name a French Prince, who should reign wholly and individually with the Infanta Isabel.  
When the Parliament understood this, and 
Grand arrest of the Parliament at Paris for the Salic Law.  that the Estates were not averse to this Proposition; that great Body, though captive and dismembered, remembering its ancient Vigour, ordained, That Remonstrances should be made to the Duke of Mayenne, that he should maintain the Fundamental Laws of the Estate, and that he should hinder the Crown, the Lieutenancy of which was committed to him, from being transferred to Strangers: moreover, declaring null all Treaties made or that should be made, which should be contrary to that Law of the Estate.  
It was suspected that this Arrest was made by Collusion with the Duke of Mayenne: but 
Advantageous testimony of Villeroy in favour of the Parliament.  Villeroy, the greatest Statesman of the Kingdom, gave this Testimony for the Parliament, that it took the counsel from himself: Having no▪ other Motives than those of Honour and Duty, as persons who would choose rather to lose their lives then be wanting either of the one or the other, by conniving at the renversement of the Laws of the Realm, of which by their institution they are Protectors, and obliged to maintain them by the Oath given them at their Reception. These words are all very memorable.  
The Vigour of this Arrest, made all those 
The King takes Dreux  good Frenchmen which were in Paris, and in the Estates, take heart; and at the same time the taking of Dreux, which the King's Army forced, caused a great astonishment among the most passionate Leaguers. Nevertheless the Spaniards ceased not to pursue their design. The Duke of Mayenne, thinking to stop their course, made excessive Demands before any proceed should be made to the election of a King: but that they might come to their point, they granted him all; and in the end, they declared that their King 
The Spaniards propose to the Estates to elect the Duke of Guise and their Infanta.  would name to the Estates the Duke of Guise, to whom he would give his Daughter in marriage, and all forces necessary to assure him the Crown, if they found it convenient to give him their Suffrages, and elect him.  
Never was man more astonished than the Duke of Mayenne, when he saw that he should 
The Duke of Mayenne enraged, & his Wife more.  be constrained to obey his Nephew, and that his Authority must end. His Wife yet more impatient than he, could not refrain from making appear her despite and jealousy; and rather than suffer that they should confer the Crown on this young Prince, she counselled her Husband to make peace with the King at any price whatsoever. He was in effect resolved to do all things rather than raise his Nephew above himself; and therefore he employed all sorts of means to hinder him; and to this purpose he concluded a Truce with 
He makes truce with the King.  the King, notwithstanding the oppositions of the Legate and Spaniards.  
In pursuance of this Truce, the King came to St. Denis; where there met many Prelates and Doctors, by whose care he caused himself to be instructed. An Historian reports, that the King causing a Conference to be held before him between the Doctors of the one and the other Church, and hearing a Minister grant that one might be saved in the Religion of the Catholics, his Majesty breaking silence, and speaking to the Minister, How! said he, do you agree that one may be saved in the Religion of these Gentlemen? The Minister answering that he doubted it not, so that they lived well; the King very judiciously replied; Prudence 
His subtle Argument against the Minister.  will that I should be of their Religion, and not of yours; because being of theirs, I may be saved both according to their opinion and yours; but being of yours, I can be saved only according to your opinion, but not according to theirs: Prudence therefore teaches me to follow the most assured. And thus after long instructions, in which he would amply be cleared in all his Doubts, he abjured his Error, made profession 
He abjures his Error, and becomes a Catholic.  of the Catholic Faith, and received Absolution in the Abby-Church of St. Denis, in the month of July, by the Ministry of Renaud de Beaune, Archbishop of Bourges.  
That Evening the whole Champaign between Paris and Pointoise was made shine with fires of Joy; and great number of Parisians, who had flocked to St. Denis to see this Ceremony, brought back an entire satisfaction, and filled the whole City with esteem and affection for the King; insomuch that they called him no longer Bearnois, but absolutely King.  
The Estates of Paris sat no long time after. 
The Duke of Mayenne dismisses the Estates  The Duke of Mayenne dismissed the Deputies, who the most part returned ill satisfied into their Provinces; where they served not a little to dispose them to reduce themselves under the Obedience of their Legitimate Sovereign.  
There rested now no other pretext to the League, except that the King had not received Absolution from St. Peter's Chair; that therefore he was not yet in the bounds of the Church, and that they could not acknowledge him until he was entered at the great Gate. He had sent the Duke of Nevers to Rome, to Negotiate this affair with the Pope; who was 
The King sends the Duke of Nevers to Rome, to have absolution of the Pope.  very much incensed, that the Prelates of France had enterprised to absolve him, though they had not absolved him, but by provision, ad Cautelam only: for he said, that he alone had authority to restore a relapsed person, as having the only Sovereign power to bind and to lose; and for this cause, he 
The Pope shows himself very difficult  appeared so difficult, nor could ever be bended, till he saw the party of the League quite overthrown.  
Now since the life and actions of the King 
1594.  made it appear that his conversion was not feigned, the League having no other valuable pretext, was dug up, as we may so say, by the very foundation; so that before the end of 
The League falls in less than a year.  the year, it fell to the ground, and there remained to it only a very small number of places in the utmost parts of the Realm, the other Chiefs not being willing to run to the end the fortune of the Duke of Mayenne. This Prince was very irresolute, and knew not what he ought to do, as well because of his natural slowness, as out of the regret he had to quit the Sovereign authority which he had in his hands, and out of fear likewise not to find safety with the King.  
In the mean time, Vitry desiring to be the 
Meaux, Aix, Lions, Orleans & Bourges, surrender to the King.  first should re-enter under his obedience, as he had been the first had separated from it, brought back the City of Meaux. The Count of Carces delivered that of Aix in Provence. Lions surrendered of itself; of which the Duke of Mayenne was in part cause, by having endeavoured to make himself master of that City, and snatch it from the Duke of Nemours, his brother by the mother's side, who intended to establish a small Sovereignty in that Country. That he might compass his design, he had by secret contrivances made the Burgesses rise against that young Prince; so that they having seized of his person, had made him a prisoner in the Castle of Pierre-Encise. But he found that in this he more laboured for the King then for himself: for the Burgesses, who had made prisoners the Duke of Nemours, fearing lest the brothers should agree among themselves to their prejudice, treated secretly with Colonel Alfonso d' Ornano, Lieutenant-General for the King in the Daulphinate, and being well fortified, took the White-scarfe, and cried, Vive le Roy. The Castle likewise returned to its duty, with the Cities of Orleans and Bourges. The reduction of Paris happened on the two 
Reduction of Paris.  and twentieth day of March. The Parliament, the Provost of the Merchants, and the Sheriffs, having disposed this great City, received the King, maugre the vain endeavours of some remnant of the faction of the Sixteen. The Duke of Mayenne was gone into Picardy; and Brissac, to whom he had confided the Government of Paris for some months past, having taken it from the Count of Belin, broke his faith with him; believing he ought it rather to the King then him.  
The King had a little before caused himself 
The King anointed at Chartres.  to be anointed at Chartres, with the Cruse of St. Martin of Tours. The City of Reims was yet in the hands of the League; but he would not longer defer his Coronation, because he knew that that Ceremony was absolutely necessary, to confirm to him the affection and respect of his people.  
It was almost a miracle, how that there 
It was almost a wonder how he became master of Paris.  being four or five thousand Spaniards Engarisoned in Paris, and ten or twelve thousand factious persons remaining of the Cabal of the Sixteen, who all cruelly hated the King, he could nevertheless render himself master of it, without striking stroke, or without shedding blood, except that of five or six Mutineers, who came into the streets to cry to Arms. His Troops having by intelligence seized on the gates, ramparts, and public places, he entered triumphantly into the City by the new gate, by which Henry the third had unhappily fled six years before, and went directly to Notre dame, to hear Mass, and cause Te Deum to be sung: afterward he returned to the Lo●vre, where he found his Officers, and his Dinner ready; as if he had always remained there.  
After Dinner he gave the Spanish Garrison a safe-conduct, and a good Convoy, to conduct them as far as the tree of Guise in all security: for so those had desired, who brought them into the City. The Garrison departed about three a Clock, the same day of his entrance, with twenty or thirty of the most obstinate Leaguers; who chose rather to follow strangers, then obey their Natural Prince. He would needs see them depart, 
He sees the Spanish Garrison depart; and what he says to them.  and regarded them passing from a window by St. Denis gate: they all saluted him with their hats very low, and with a profound inclination: he returned the salutes to their Chiefs with great courtesy; adding these words, Recommend me to your Master; go in a good hour, but return no more.  
The same day that he entered into Paris, the Cardinal de Pelleve Archbishop of Sens, a passionate Leaguer, expired in his Palace of Sens. The Cardinal of Placentia, Legat from the Pope, had safe-Conduct to retire home; but he died by the way. Brissac, for recompense had the Staff of Marshal, and a place of Honourable Counsellor to the Parliament: a favour very rare in that time. D' O was replaced in his government of Paris, which he had had under Henry the third: but he enjoyed it not long, dying 
Parliament at Tours recalled to Paris.  soon after. That part of the Parliament which was at Tours was recalled, and that which was at Paris re-enabled (for it had been interdicted) and both reunited to serve conjointly the King.  
By noon of that day on which our Henry 
The City rejoice, and are peaceable.  entered Paris, the City was every where peaceable; the Burgesses in a moment grew familiar with the Soldiers, the Artificers worked in their shops: In a word, the Calm was so profound, that nothing interrupted it, but the Ringing of the bells, the Bonfires▪ and the Dances which were made through all the streets, even till midnight. It is certain, that that which caused this joy and wonderful tranquillity, was the great opinion which the people had conceived of the generous goodness of this Prince, and the Commands he gave for the orderly government of his Soldiers.  
There were two actions which he did the 
Two worthy actions of the King.  same day he entered Paris, worthy observation, proceeding from an admirable Justice, Goodness, and Policy.  
The first was, that he suffered the Baggage 
The one of Justice.  of la Nove, one of his principal Chiefs, to be Arrested at his entering into Paris, by the Sergeants, for the debts of his Father contracted in his service: and when la Nove went to complain to him of this insolence, he answered publicly: Lafoy Nove, you must pay his debts, for I pay likewise those of mine. But after that, he took him apart, and gave him some precious stones, to engage to his creditors, in stead of the Baggage which they had seized. Was there ever a more wonderful goodness, or more exact Justice?  
The second is, that the same evening he 
The other of Policy.  played at Cards with the Duchess of Montpensier, who was of the house of Guise, and the most vehement Leaguess of the Party. What could be seen of more Policy?  
After this reduction of Paris, the other Cities and their Governors hastened likewise 
Reduction of Roven, Abbeville, Troyes, Sens, etc.  to conclude their Treaties. Villars made his for Roven; so gaining to himself the Government in chief of this City and Bailiwick, and that of the Country of Caux, with the charge of Admiral, which he was to take out of the hands of Byron, for that of Marshal of France, twelve hundred thousand Livres of present money, and sixty thousand Livres of pension. At the same time, or little after, Montrevil and Abbeville in Picardy, Troyes in Champagne, Sens and Riom in Auvergne, Again, Marmande, and Villeneuve d' Agenois rendered themselves obedient; and their Governors had all they could demand of the King. The City of Poitiers, and the Country thereabouts, treated likewise by means of its principal Magistrates; and the Marquis of Elbeuf, Governor for the League, seeing he could not hinder the Revolution, permitted himself to be drawn in with them, and composed with the King, who left him the Government of that Province.  
In the mean time, the Count Mansfield entered 
La Capelle taken by Mansfield, and Laon by the King.  into Picardy, to endeavour to sustain the League, which was in a very low condition, and took la Capelle. The King in revenge laid siege to Laon, and took it by capitulation, notwithstanding all the endeavours of the Duke of Mayenne to relieve it.  
Balagny with his City of Cambray, renounced 
Balagny turns to the King's party with his City of Cambray.  likewise the League, and promised service to the King. He had called himself Sovereign of this City, and had held it from the time that Henry the thirds brother, (the Duke of Alenzon) had usurped it from the Baron of Inchi, who in the great Rebellion of the Low-Countries, had quitted the obedience of Spain, to embrace his party. In like 
Reduction of Amiens, Beauvais, & Peronne.  manner, the Cities of Beauvais and Peronne renounced the League, as did likewise that of Amiens, shaking off the yoke of the Duke of Aumale: There resting to that party in all Picardy, only Soissons, lafoy Fere and Ham. And 
The Duke of Guise compounds with the King.  which was much more, the Duke of Guise shook off the Duke of Mayenne, and brought the Cities of Reims, Vitry, and Mezieres under the King's obedience; who in recompense of it, gave him the Government of Provence, from which he was obliged to withdraw the Duke of Espernon, because the People, the Parliament, and the Nobility, had taken Arms against him.  
The Duke of Lorraine likewise, who negotiated 
And likewise the Duke of Lorraine.  his peace by the intermission of Bassompierre, concluded it the twenty sixth of November. But neither the example of this Duke, chief of the house of Lorraine, nor the general revolution of that party, could 
The Duke of Mayenne remains alone, and retires into Bourgongne.  oblige the Duke of Mayenne to withdraw himself from that danger, wherein he was ready to be overwhelmed: he could not abandon that fair title of Lieutenant-General of the Crown, but flattered himself with the hopes that the assistance of Spain might again give his affairs the upper hand. He was retired into his Government of Bourgongne, because that remained yet most entire to him; though to keep to himself Dijon, he was forced to make use of an odious cruelty, in cutting off the head of the Mayor, and another, who laboured to reduce it to the King's service.  
Now since it was the Spaniards who maintained 
1595.  him in his obstinacy, and who made 
The King declares war against the Spaniards.  War against the King in his name; it was proposed and agreed in the Council, to assault them with an open War; to the end that being employed at their own homes, they might lose the desire and leisure of coming to disquiet the King in his. For they not only assaulted him by force of Arms, and by practices which encouraged the people in Rebellion; but moreover they would have had his life, and endeavoured to murder him, by base and execrable ways. They contrived or favoured many conspiracies against his Sacred person, 
Two artempts on his person.  which were well discovered. Those two which made most noise, was that of one Peter Barriere, and that of John castle.  
The first was a Soldier aged about twenty 
Of Peter Barriere,  seven years, who being discovered at Melun, in the year one thousand five hundred ninety three, as he sought the execution of his detestable blow, was condemned to have his right hand burned, holding the Knife with which he should have struck the King; after to have his flesh torn off with burning Pincers, and to be broken on the wheel alive.  
The second was a young Scholar aged about 
and of John castle.  eighteen years, son of a Merchant-Draper of Paris, keeping Shop before the Palace: this villain about the end of the year fifteen hundred ninety four, having thrust himself with the Courtiers into the Chamber of the fair Gabriella, where the King was, would have struck him with a Knife into the belly; but by good fortune the King then bowing to salute some one, the blow chanced on his face only, piercing his upper lip, and breaking a Tooth. It was not known for the present who had struck it: but the Count of Soissons seeing this young man affrighted, stopped him by the arm. He impudently confessed that he had given the blow, and maintained that he ought to do it. The Parliament condemned him to have his right hand burned, his flesh torn off with red-hot Pincers, and after to be torn in pieces by four horses: This detestable Parricide not showing any sign of pain; so much had they imprinted in his spirit, that he would offer a Sacrifice acceptable to God, by taking out of the world a Prince relapsed and Excommunicate. The Father of this miserable villain was banished, his house before the Palace demolished, and a Pyramid erected in its place.  
The Jesuits under whom this Miscreant 
Jesuits exiled the kingdom.  had studied, were likewise accused for having instructed him with this pernicious Doctrine; and they having many enemies, the Parliament banished the whole Society out of the Kingdom by the same Arrest of their Scholar. Yet these Fathers were not wanting, notwithstanding that the times were contrary to them, to labour to sustain their honour; but writ many things to justify themselves against their charge. And truly those who were not their enemies, did not at all believe the Society culpable: so that some years after the King revoked the decree of Parliament, and recalled them, as we shall mention hereafter.  
The success of the War declared against Spain, was much different from that which the King maintained against the League; and made it apparent, That it is another thing to assault a stranger equal in puissance, over whom nothing is to be gained but by force of Arms, then to have to do with rebellious Subjects, and in ones proper Country, where intrigues and intelligences make more than one half of the erterprises. 
Reduct on of Beaune, Auxerre, and Dijon▪ etc.   
This year the Cities of Beaune, of Auton, and of Aussonne reduced themselves under the King's obedience. Those of Mascon and Auxerre were returned the year before. The City of Dijon followed their example, and fortified itself against the Castle which Byron went to besiege. But in the mean time the Constable of Castille descended with a great Army of Milanese into Bourgongne by the French County, and passed the Saone at Grace with the Duke of Mayenne.  
The King who was gone into that Country, 
The King goes into Bourgongne against the Spanish Army.  had the assurance to advance as far as Fountain-Franzoise: it was there that with only fifteen hundred men, he made head against that great Army, and did an exploit of War scarce imaginable. Villars-Oudan and Sanson, two of the Principal Chiefs of 
Battle of Fountain-Franzoise,  the enemy's Army, charged furiously on his Troops: Villars charged a body commanded by the Marshal of Byron, and Sanson another on the side of it: they made them both give ground and retreat, flying within sight of that of the King. It was reported that Villars knowing he was there, so puissant is the name of a King, durst not assault him, but retired on the left hand: but Sanson 
where the King shows his valour; but is in danger of his life.  was not so happy; for the King having with him but one hundred horse, but all chosen Gentlemen of note, and mounted to advantage, with his sword in his hand mingled amongst them and cut them in pieces. Sanson endeavouring to rally his people lost his life, by acquitting no small honour.  
The King was in so great danger in this fight, that he said himself, That in other occasions wherein he had been engaged, he had fought for Victory, but that in this he had fought for his Life.  
Having therefore made the Constable by 
The Spanish Army retire.  this occasion see in what manner he was to act, he so much abashed his courage, that he durst enterprise nothing; but a little after, retired. The Duke of Mayenne likewise despairing at 
The Duke of Mayenne despairing, would retire into Savoy.  such ill success, and not knowing longer where to hide his head, had resolved to retire to Sommerive in Savoy; from whence he would send to demand safe-conduct into Spain, to give an account of his Actions to King Philip the second. But the goodness of the King 
The King hath pity of him, and offers him an accommodation, and place of retreat.  took care to divert him from this Precipice, and to lay open to him ways of accommodation. He to this effect sent to seek Lignerac his Confident; entertained him of the good will he always had for that Duke; testified to him, that he pitied him; and assured him, that he would be always disposed to receive him into his favour; permitting him to retire in all safety to Chalons on the Saone, till they could finish a Treaty of Accord.  
The Duke accepts this favour; and having understood that the Pope was disposed to receive the King into the Church, he demanded a general Truce for the rest of his party.  
The greatest part of the King's Council, who considered the Delays and Artifices which he had for six years used, having begun fifty Treaties without ever concluding any, advised that the King should grant him no intermission, but pursue him to the utmost. But the prudence and goodness of the King conformed not with this Sentiment, because he was not ignorant of two Maxims, which are most true ones: the one, That Kings may always when they please reduce the most rebellious to their duty; the other, That it is very dangerous to make great persons despair, especially persons of the quality of the Duke of Mayenne. And for these Reasons, of his proper motion, contrary 
He grants him a truce  to the advice of his Council, he granted him a Truce. That which followed after, demonstrated well that this sage Prince had more knowledge than all his Ministers; and how prejudicial it would have been to his interests to do the contrary.  
In the mean time, of those three Cities 
La Fere & Ham delivered to the Spaniards;  which we have said remained to the League in Picardy, to wit, lafoy Fere, Ham and Soissons, the Governor of the first, named Colas, had delivered it to the Spaniards; and d'Orvilliers had done the same with Ham. However, this last remained not theirs: Humieres, one of the bravest Gentlemen of those times, came; and at the same hour so hotly assaulted it, that after a long and bloody defence, they were 
who are cut in pieces at Ham. Humieres killed. Many Leaguers despairing, cast themselves into the Spaniards arms: Amongst others, Rosny, who causeth the taking of Dourlens.  hewn in pieces: but Humieres was killed▪ and more than two hundred brave Gentlemen with him.  
This loss did in such manner excite the indignation of the Loyal French against▪ the Leaguers, that the greatest part of them despairing, fled into the Low-Countries, and into Spain, where they found at first a favourable Reception, and good Employments; by which they did very great mischief to France. Amongst others was a valiant Captain named Rosny; who, imagining that they would extend their utmost rigour upon such, who not being Governors, had no places to buy their peace with, resolved to make the War so well, that the Spaniards should have cause to recompense him, or the King to redeem him.  
This was he who inspired the Count of Fuentes with the design to besiege Cambray after he had forced Cattelet, and who persuaded him to facilitate this great Enterprise to take Dourlens first, to the end the French might not bring an Army to relieve it. It was likewise by his counsel that Fuentes went to meet the Duke of Nevers, the Marshal of Bovillon, and the Admiral Villars, who came to the relief 
Battle of Dourlens.  of Dourlens: that he fought them, and defeated them with a great slaughter of the of the French Nobility, and caused Villars to 
Villars slain  be slain in cold blood; one of the bravest men of his time. Afterwards returning to Cambray, 
Cambray taken by the Spaniards.  he took it by Famine, and despoiled Balagny of his pretended Principality.  
But News most important and long time expected, comforted the King for these two great losses of Dourlens and Cambray: which was, that he received advice, that the 
The Pope absolves the King.  holy Father, passing by all those difficulties which the Spaniards form, had granted his Absolution on the sixteenth of September, by the Negotiation and pursuits of d'Ossat and du Perron, his Procurers in the Court of Rome; who were afterwards, upon his Recommendation, honoured with Cardinal Caps. 
The Duke of Mayenne in the end makes his Treaty with King.   
After this, the Duke of Mayenne, having no more Excuses, nor more Hopes longer to subsist, resolved to treat. It was very late; and he could not well expect other than an utmost rigour, if the Generosity of the King had not been greater than his obstinacy. It is most true, that the fair Gabriella, very officious to those who sued for his favour, and being at present in hopes to create herself friends and supports to come to the marriage of the King, to which she aspired, did not a little assist to obtain a most favourable Accommodation. Certainly the terms of the Edict which the King granted him, and the Conditions, are so 
Hath advantageous Conditions  honourable, that never Subject had greater Advantages from any King of France: but they had been greater, if that before his party had been so much ruined, he had treated for those great Cities who yet held him as their Chief, and whom by this means he might still have kept firm to his interests.  
Some time after, he came to Monceaux to 
He comes to Monceaux to salute the King.  salute the King; who seeing him coming along an Alley where he was walking, advanced some paces towards him with all Alacrity and good Countenance possible; and thrice straight embracing him, assured him, that he esteemed him so absolute a man of Honour, that he doubted not of his word; treating him with as much freedom, as if he had always been his most faithful servant. The Duke surprised with his goodness, said at his departure, That it was now only that the King had completely vanquished him. And he ever after as well remained in the duty of a most faithful Subject, as the King showed himself a good Prince, and exact Observer of his word.  
At the same time that this Duke had concluded his Treaty, and obtained an Edict from the King which confirmed it; the Duke of Nemours 
The Duke of Nemours reconciled likewise.  his Brother by the Mother's side, and who was called Marquis of St. Sorlin whilst the brave Duke of Nemours his elder Brother was living, by the means of his Mother, reconciled himself likewise to the King, and brought under his Obedience some little places which he yet held in Lyonnois and in Forez. 
His elder Brother died of a strange disease.   
His elder Brother, one of the most noble and generous Courages was ever known, died the year before of a strange malady, which made him vomit through the mouth, and through all his pores, even to the last drop of his blood. Were it that this malady happened to him out of his extreme grief when he was shut up in the Castle of Pierre-Encise, to hear of the surrendry of Vienne, which was his surest retreat; or were it caused by a sharp and scalding poison, reported to be given him by those who feared his resentment; he died without being married; and his younger Brother, of whom we speak, was Father to those Messieurs de Nemours, whose deaths we beheld in the years last passed.  
The Duke of Joyeuse, who after the death 
1596.  of his younger Brother slain in the Battle of 
The Duke of Joyeuse makes his Treaty with the King.  Villemur near Mountauban, had quitted his habit of Capuchin to make himself chief of the League in Languedoc, and had maintained the City of Tolouse and the Neighbouring Countries on his party, took likewise this time to make his Accommodation, and obtained very favourable Conditions, by the means of Cardinal de Joyeuse his other Brother: among other things, he had the Staff of Marshal of France. The Lord of Boisdaufin had the same 
And the Lord of Boisdaufia.  recompense, though he had no more than two little places in maine and Anjou; to wit, Sable and Castle-Gontier: the King granting him this good Treatment, rather in Consideration of his Person then his Places.  
There were now no more to reduce, besides 
Reduction of Marseilles  the Duke of Merceur and Marseilles. This City was governed by Charles de Casaux Consul▪ and by Lewis d' Aix the Viguier or Judge. As these two men were upon the point to deliver it to the Spaniards, a Burgess named Libertat, with a Band of his friends, caused the Inhabitants to rise against them; and having killed Casaux, and driven out Lewis d' Aix, put it in full Liberty under the Obedience of the King.  
As for the Duke of Merceur, the King 
The King grants a truce to the Duke of Merceur.  granted him a prolongation of the Truce, because he was not in capacity at present to go so soon to dispossess him of the rest of Britain, being much hindered by the Siege of la Fere, where he was in person, and where he had made little progress in three or four months. 
Archduke Albert takes Calais.  Moreover, it happened when he least thought of it, that the Archduke Albert, who commanded the Spanish Army, incited by the counsels of that Rosny of whom we have spoke, came to fall upon Calais; and that Rosny, who was a great Captain, having at first took the Forts of Risban and Nieule, the Spaniards forced the place on the 24 of April, and put 
Taking of lafoy Fere by the King.  all to the sword. A little after, the King took lafoy Fere, which surrendered for want of Victuals. The Spaniards having made the Treaty, would have no Hostages from him; saying, That they knew he was a generous Prince, and of good credit: a Testimony so much the more glorious for him, because coming from the mouth of his enemies.  
The grief which he had for the loss of Calais, 
The Archduke takes likewise Guines and Ardres.  was redoubled by that of the Cities of Guines and Ardres; which were likewise taken by the industry and valour of Rosny, who had done many such other exploits, if some months after he had not been killed, happily for France at the Siege of H●lst near to Gaunt.  
Now the noise of these four or five great losses received one upon another, cast some terror into the hearts of the people; and the Emissaries of Spain excited as much as they could new seeds of division in their spirits; serving themselves to that purpose of all sorts of pretexts, but above all, of that of the oppression of the people. Truly it was great; but it was caused by the pillages of War, and by the necessity of Affairs, rather than the King's fault; who had no greater desire then to procure the ease of his Subjects, as we shall see.  
This cast him into a great affliction and trouble, because he had no Treasure to continue the War; and he foresaw by the murmurs already excited, that if he crushed the people more, he should raise against himself a new tempest. In this trouble, he had recourse to that great Remedy accustomed to be practised when France is in danger; which is, the Convocation of the Estates: but because the pressing 
The King to have money, calls an assembly of the Chiefs to Roven.  necessity gave him not time to assemble them in a full body, he called only the chiefs of the Peers of his Estate, of the Prelates, and of the Nobility, with the Officers of Justice, and of the Revenues.  
He desired that the Assembly should be held 
The manner of their sitting.  at Roven, in the great Hall of the Abbey of St. Oven: in the midst of which, he was seated in a Chair elevated in form of a Throne, with a Cloth and Canopy of Estate. On his sides, were the Prelates and Lords; behind, the four Secretaries of Estate; beneath him, the first Precedents of the sovereign Courts, and the Deputies of the Officers of Justice, and of the Revenues. He made his Overtures to them by a Speech worthy a true King; who ought to believe that his Greatness and Authority consists not only in an absolute power, but in the good of his Estate, and the safety of his people.  
If I should account it a glory (said he to them) 
His Speech  to pass for an excellent Orator, I should have brought hither rather good words then good will: but my ambition tends to something higher than well-speaking; I aspire to those glorious Titles of Redeemer and Restorer of France. Already, by the favours of Heaven, by the counsels of my faithful Servants, and by the sword of my brave and generous Nobility, (from which I distinguish not my Princes, the Quality of Gentleman being the fairest Title we possess) I have delivered it from Slavery and Ruin. I desire at present to restore it to its former force, and to its ancient splendour. Participate, my Subjects, in this second glory, as you have participated in the first. I have not called you hither as my Predecessors have done, to oblige you blindly to approve my will: I have caused you to be assembled to receive your counsels, to believe them, to follow them; and, in a word, to put myself in Guardianship under your hands. This is a desire which seldom possesses Kings grey-haired and victorious like myself: but the love I bear my Subjects, and the extreme desire I have to conserve my Estate, makes me find all things facile and honourable.  
The Assembly, moved even to the bottom 
The Assembly grant money for the War.  of their hearts by such tender words, laboured with affection to find wherewith to continue the War: and to this effect they ordained should be gathered one years' payment of all Officers Salaries; and that for two years only there should be be imposed one Sol per liure on all which entered into walled Cities, except only for Corn, which is the nourishment of the poor. This last means caused much trouble in the Provinces beyond the Loire. But Rosny, whom the King had some months before made Superintendant, no less able than faithful, as we shall speak otherwhere, joined to this stock a great sum of money which the Receivers had diverted, and which he made return to the King's Coffers.  
In the mean time, the King of Spain finding 
King of Spain desires the peace.  the forces both of his body and mind to diminish by a languor, which after degenerated into a horrible malady, feared lest his weakness should cause Revolts in his Countries so distant one from the other. Moreover, he had expended his Revenues, and passionately desired to give the Low-Countries to his dearest Daughter Isabel: and for these Reasons had made known to the holy Father, that he desired peace; and his Holiness had sent the General of the Cordeliers to dispose him more particularly to it.  
But now when some progress was made in 
Surprisal of Amiens by the Spaniards, retards the peace.  it, there happened an accident, which retarded it for more than a year. Hernand▪ Teillo Governor of Dourlens for the Spaniard, being advertized of the evil order which the Burgesses of Amiens kept in the Guard of their City, surprised it one morning about nine of the Clock when they were at Sermon, it being Lent-time, having caused the Gate to be pestered with a Cart laden with Nuts, of which a sack was purposely spilt, to amuse the Soldiers of the Guard. So troublesome news astonished the King so much the more, because he was at present rejoicing and divertizing himself at Paris. He had given order that all important packets should be brought directly to him, and not to others; and that they should bring him them at what hours soever: so that being in a profound sleep after dancing a Ball, a Currier came to waken him, to tell him this accident.  
He immediately leapt out of bed, and sent for three or four of his greatest confidents, to consult with them. They all judged that it arrived in a very unhappy conjuncture, because the Duke of Merceur was powerful in Britain, the rest of the factions being yet concealed under their ashes, the Hugonots making Cabals or secret Counsels; the consternation of Paris being very great, 
1597.  which beheld itself by this means become a Frontier. But this Heroic courage whom so many perils could not affright, was not startled by this; on the contrary, he resolved 
The King resolves to besiege Amiens.  to encounter it at first, and go immediately to invest Amiens, before the Spaniards were longer settled in it.  
His greatest Captains were not of this advice: but notwithstanding that, he, who had greater knowledge and more constancy than them all, enterprised it courageously; not so much, said he, out of opinion of humane means, as out of the confidence he had in God, who had always done him the grace to assist him. And in truth it may be said, that he assisted him more visibly in this occasion than he had ever done.  
For he discovered many conspiracies against 
Many conspiracies discovered.  his person, amongst the rest, of one under Religious orders, whom an agent of the King of Spain, as it was said, would have induced to kill him; and very dangerous Cabals which the money of the same King upheld at Paris, which observed all his motions, and had designed one day to seize his person at his Castle of St. German in Say.  
Moreover, his people answered as they 
The people contribute willingly, and the Leaguers serve him well.  ought, to his Paternal affection, not denying him any thing that he demanded to hasten the siege; and all the Leaguers desiring to testify to him their resentments for all his goodnesses, served him so faithfully and vigorously in this occasion, whilst others wavered, and kept their stations, that he was obliged to say, that he acknowledged that the greatest part of that people hated not his person, but only the Huguenot Religion.  
The siege was long difficult and doubtful; and if the King of Spain would have employed all his power, the King could never have succeeded in it: but he was become very Melancholy; he desired only repose, and cared no more for Conquests; so that he gave not any of those assistances which the Archduke 
The Archduke comes to relieve Amiens.  demanded. The Archduke ceased not however to use the greatest endeavour he could to raise the siege. He presented himself before the Quarter of Long-Pre with very great forces, on a day when he was not expected; 
His arrival & assaults put the King's Army in disorder.  which put the French into so great a fear and disorder, that had he known how to serve himself of the occasion, and had not lost time in consultation, he had put those three thousand men into the City, which he had destined for it.  
The King returning from Hunting, whither he was gone, found a general fear throughout his Army, and likewise some of his principal Chiefs quite daunted. In so great a danger, neither his heart nor his head failed him; he dissembled his fear, gave orders without passion, and showed himself every where with a cheerful countenance, and with discourses 
The King re-assures them.  as resolute as after a victory. He made his forces nimbly draw into the field of battle, which he had chosen three days before, eight hundred paces from the lines. From this place having considered the excellent order of the Spanish Army, the little assurance of his, and the weakness of his Posts, where he had not had leisure to fortify himself, he was a little moved, and doubted of the success of the day. When leaning on the Pummel of his Saddle, with his hat in his hand, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he uttered these words with a loud voice: Oh! Lord, if it be to day thou wilt punish me as my sins 
Words worthy a good and Christian King▪  deserve, I offer my head to thy Justice; spare not the Culpable: but Lord, for thy holy mercy's sake, take pity of the poor Kingdom; and smite not the flock for the offence of the shepherd.  
It cannot be expressed of what efficacy these words were: they were in a moment carried through the whole Army, and it seemed as if some virtue from heaven had given courage to the French.  
The Archduke therefore finding them 
The Archduke retires to Flanders.  resolved, and in good Countenance, durst not pass farther. Some other attempts he afterwards made, which did not succeed; and he retired by night into the Country of Artois, where he dismissed his Army. In fine, Hernand Teillo being slain by a Musquet-shot, the besieged capitulated, and the King established Governor in the City the Seigneur 
The King retakes Amiens.  de Vic, a man of great order and exact discipline, who by his command began to build a Citadel there.  
At his departure from Amiens, the King 
The King marches to the gates of Arras, and dares the Spaniards.  led his Army to the very Gates of Arras to visit the Archduke; he remained three days in battalia, and saluted the City with some Volleys of Cannon. Afterward seeing that nothing appeared, he retired towards France ill satisfied, said he gallantly, with the courtesy of the Spaniards, who would not advance so much as one pace to receive him, but had with an ill grace refused the honour he did them.  
The Marshal of Byron served him extraordinarily at this siege: and the King, when he was returned to Paris, and that those of the City gave him a reception truly Royal, he told them, showing them the Marshal; Gentlemen, see there the Marshal de Byron, whom I do willingly present both to my friends and to my enemies.  
There rested now no appearance of the League in France, but only the Duke of Merceur, yet keeping a corner of Britain. The King had often granted him Truces, and offered him great Conditions; but he was so intoxicated with an ambition to make himself 
The Duke of Merceur daily delays concluding his Treaty.  Duke of that Country, that he found out daily new fancies to delay the concluding one; imagining that time might afford him some favourable revolution, and flattering himself with I know not what prophecies, which assured him that the King should die in two years.  
In fine, the King wearied with so many 
The King goes into Britain, resolved to chastise him.  protractions, turns his head that way, resolving to chastise his obstinacy as it deserved. He had been lost without remedy, if he had not been advised to save himself, by offering his only daughter to the eldest son of the Fair Gabriella Duchess of Beaufort; who is at this day Duke of Vendosme.  
His Deputies could at first obtain nothing else, but that he should immediately depart out of Britain, and deliver those places which he held; which done, his Majesty would grant him oblivion for all past, and receive him into his favour. But the King being of a tender heart, and desiring to advance his natural son by so rich and noble a 
He gives his daughter to the King's natural son, and by this means makes his agreement.  marriage, granted him a very advantageous Edict, which was verified in the Parliament, as all those of the Chiefs of the League were. This accommodation was made at Angiers, the Contract of marriage passed at Chasteau, and the affiances celebrated with the same Magnificence, as if he had been a Legitimate son of France. He was four years old, and the Virgin six.  
The King made gift to him of the Duchy 
By reason of this marriage, the King gives his son the Dukedom of Vendosme.  of Vendosme, by the same right that other Dukes hold them: which the Parliament verified, not without great repugnancy; and with this condition, that it should be no precedent for the other goods of the King's patrimony, which by the Laws of the Realm were esteemed reunited to the Crown from the time of his coming to it.  
From Angiers the King would pass into 
1598.  
He goes to Nantes and Rennes.  Britain. He stayed some time at Nantes; from thence he went to Rennes, where the Estates were held: he passed about two months in this City in feasts, joys, and divertisements; but yet ceasing not seriously to employ himself to hasten the expedition of many affairs. For it is to be observed, that this great Prince employed himself all the mornings in serious things, and dedicated the rest of the day to his divertisements; yet not in such manner, that he would not readily quit his greatest pleasures, when there was any thing of importance to be acted; and he still gave express order, not to defer the advertising him of such things. 
He puts good order in the Province.   
He took away a great many superfluous Garrisons in this Country, suppressed many imposts, which the Tyranny of many particular persons had introduced during the War; disbanded all those pilfering Troops, which laid waste the plain Country; sent forth the Provosts into the Campagne, against the thiefs which were in great number; restored Justice to its authority, which Licence had weakened; and gathered four Millions, of which the Estates of the Country, of their own free will, levied eight hundred thousand crowns. So he laboured profitably for these two ends, which he ought most to intend, to wit, the ease of his people, and the increase of his treasures. Two things which are incompatible when a Prince is not Just and a good manager, or lets his money be managed by others without taking diligent care of his accounts.  
Thus was a calm of Peace restored to France within itself, after ten years Civil Wars, by a particular grace of God on this Kingdom; by the labour, diligence, goodness, and valour of the best King that ever 
Endeavours for a general peace, and the two Kings wish it.  was. And in the mean time a peace was seriously endeavoured between the two Crowns of France and Spain. The two Kings equally wished it: our Henry, because he passionately desired to ease his people, and to let them regain their forces, after so many bloody and violent agitations; and Philip, because he found himself incline to the end of his days, and that his Son Philip the third was not able to sustain the burden of a War against so great a King.  
The Deputies of one part and the other 
The Deputies met at Vervin.  had been assembled for three months in the little City of Veruins, with the Pope's Nuntio. Those of France, were Pompone of Belieure, and Nicholas Bruslard, both Counselors of State, and the last likewise Precedent of the Parliament; who acting agreeably, and without jealousies, determined on the most difficult Articles in very little time; and according to the order they received from the King, signed the peace on the second of May. The 12. of the same month it was published at Vervin.  
It would be too long to insert here all the 
Substance of the Treaty of Vervin.  Articles of the Treaty: I shall say only, that it was agreed, that the Spaniards should surrender all the places they had taken in Picardy, and Blavet which they yet held in Britain: That the Duke of Savoy should be comprehended in this Treaty; provided he delivered to the King the City of Berry, which he held in Provence. And for the Marquisate of Saluces, which that Duke had taken from France, towards the latter end of the Reign of Henry the third, that it should be remitted to the judgement of the holy Father, who was to decide that controversy in a year.  
The Publication of the Peace was made on the same day through all the Cities of 
The peace published.  France, and the Low-Countries, with those rejoicings, whose rumour spread to the utmost bounds of Christendom: but none so truly resented a joy for it, as our Henry, who was accustomed to say, That it being a thing Barbarous, and contrary to the laws of Nature and Christianity, to make War for the love of War, a Christian Prince ought never refuse peace, if it were not absolutely disadvantageous to him.   

The Third PART OF THE LIFE OF Henry the Great.  
Briefly containing what he did after the Peace of Vervin, made in the year 1598. unto his death, which happened in the year 1610.  
HItherto we have followed the 
1598.  Fortune of our Henry through 
The third part of the Life of Henry the great, more calm and more peaceable than the others.  ways craggy and intricate, over Rocks and Precipices, during times very troublesome and full of storms and tempests: at present we are about to trace it through paths more easy and fair, in the sweetnesses of calm and quiet peace; where however his Virtue slept not in his repose, but appeared always active; where his great Soul was employed without ceasing in the true functions of Royalty; and where, in fine, among his Divertisements, he made his most necessary and most important employs, his principal pleasures.  
In the two first parts of his Life which we 
He was a Soldier by constraint, but a Politician by inclinaon.  have seen, he was by constraint a Man of War and of the Field; in this last, a Man of Counsel and a great Politician: but in both, invincible and indefatigable.  
The true duty of a Sovereign, consists principally in protecting his Subjects: he must both defend them against Strangers, and repress the Factions and Attempts of Rebels. It is for this purpose that he hath the power of 
It is necessary a King should know War; but besides that, there are other functions of Royalty. What those functions are.  Arms in his hands, and that it is advantageous to him perfectly to understand the mystery of War. But that comprehends but a part of his Functions; and we may truly say, that it is neither the most necessary nor the most satisfactory. For besides that he may manage his Wars by his Lieutenants, who doubts him to be the most happy Prince, that governs his▪ Affairs in such a manner, that he hath no need of his Sword, but is powerful enough to distribute Justice, punish the wicked, and to honour and reward deserving men? to confer graces and recompenses, to keep good order, and conserve the Laws? to maintain his Provinces in tranquillity, sustain his Reputation and greatness by his good Conduct, inform himself often and diligently of all that passes, make himself to be feared by his Enemies, and esteemed by his Allies; and, like a Sovereign, himself preside in his Councils, receive Ambassadors, and answer them; dispatch great Affairs by Treaties and Negotiations; prevent all ill, and deprive wicked persons and enemies of their power to hurt; encourage Traffic and the Studies of Sciences and Noble Arts; to make his Kingdom rich, flourishing and abundant; to fetch wealth from all the corners of the earth; but above all, to procure the glory and service of God, so that his Kingdom may be as a Paradise of Delights, and a Harbour of Felicity. These are, in my opinion, Employs worthy a potent King, a Christian and wise King; who, being the Shepherd of his people, (as Homer often calls the great King Agamemnon) ought not only know how to drive away the Wolves, I mean, make War; but likewise understand how to manage his Flock, preserve them from Diseases, fatten and multiply them.  
The Peace being published with an incredible 
The Peace sworn by the King and Archduke Albertus.  joy of the French, Flemins and Spaniards, it was solemnly sworn by the King on the one and twentieth of June, in the Church of Nostre-Dame, on the Cross and the holy Evangelists, in the presence of the Duke of Arscot and the Admiral of Arragon, Ambassasadors from the King of Spain for that purpose: and afterwards Cardinal-Arch-Duke Albert, Governor of the Low-Countries for that King, swore it on the six and twentieth of the same month, in the City of Brussels, the Marshal of Byron assisting; whom our Henry 
Byron made Duke and Peer, goes to swear the peace in the Netherlands.  had newly honoured with the Quality of Duke and Peer, confirmed in Parliament, as well to give more splendour to that Embassy, as to recompense those great services that Lord had rendered him in his Wars.  
In this Voyage the Spaniards spared neither 
The Spaniards possess him with pride and presumption.  Caresses nor Prayers to this new Duke, to inspire him with Pride and Vanity, and intoxicated him in such manner with a good opinion of himself, that it put a fancy in his head, that the King ought him more than he would ever know how to give him; and that if his virtue were not sufficiently honoured in France, he would find other places where it should be set at a higher price. That which afterwards produced very ill effects.  
Many among the French, who knew not 
What the French and what the Spaniards said of the peace.  truly the pitiful estate wherein the King of Spain and his Affairs were, could not comprehend why this Prince should buy the peace at so dear a rate as the surrendry of six or seven strong places; and amongst others, Calais and Blavet, which might be called the Keys of France. On the contrary, the Spaniards, who beheld their King as it were dying, his Treasury wasted, the Low-Countries shattered in pieces, Portugal and his Lands in Italy on the point to revolt, the Son which he left a good Prince in truth, but who loved repose, were astonished that the French, having so bravely retaken Amiens, and reunited all their Forces after the Treaty of the Duke of Merceur, had not pressed farther into the Low-Countries, seeing that in all appearance they might either have carried them, or at least sorely shaken them. The King answered, 
Why the King desired peace. Excellent words.  That if he had desired peace, it was not because he was weary of the incommodities of War, but to give leave to afflicted Christendom to breath. That he knew well that from the Conjuncture wherein things were, he might have drawn great advantages; but that God often overturns Princes in their greatest Prosperities; and that a wife man ought never, out of the opinion of some favourable event, be averse to a good accord, nor trust himself too much on the appearance of his present happiness, which may change by a thousand unexpected Accidents: it having often happened, that a man thrown down and wounded, hath killed him who would make him demand his life.  
It was known in a little time, that King Philip 
Strange sickness & death of Philip 2. of Spain.  the second had more need of the peace than France; for his sickness was more than redoubled: he had for twenty six days continually a perpetual flux of blood through all the conduits of his body: and a little before his death, he had four Aposthumes broke in his Groin; from whence there tumbled a continual multitude of Vermin, which all the diligence of his Officers could not drain.  
In this strange sickness, his constancy was wonderful; nor did he ever abandon the reins of his Estate, until the last gasp of his Life: for he took care before his death to treat of the 
Before his death, he takes care to marry his son and daughter.  marriage of his Son with Margaret Daughter to the Archduke of Grats; and that of his dear Daughter Isabel, with the Cardinal-Arch-Duke Albert, of the same blood with her; and gave him for Dowry the Low-Countries, and County of Bourgongne, on Condition of its Reversion if she died without issue.  
He had already signed the Articles of the 
His sickness hinders his swearing to the peace.  peace: but this mortal sickness permitted him not to give Oath to it with the same solemnities as the King and Archduke had done. Philip the third his Son and Successor acquitted 
His son Philip the 2. doth it after his death.  himself of this Obligation on the one and twentieth of May, in the year 1601. in the City of Vallidolid, and presence of the Count of Rochepot Ambassodour of France.  
The licence of the War having for many years permitted mischiefs with impunity, there were yet found a great number of Vagabonds, who believed it still permitted them to take the Goods of others at pleasure: and others there were, who thought they had right to do themselves justice by their arms, not acknowledging any Laws but force. This obliged our wise King to begin the Reformation of the Estate by the Re-establishment of public Security. To this effect, he forbade all carrying 
The King forbids the carrying of arms.  of Fire-arms to all persons of what quality soever, upon pain of the Confiscation of their Arms and Horses, and a Fine of two hundred Crowns for the first fault, and of Life without remission for the second: permitting all the world to arrest any who carried them, except his light-horsemen, his Gens d' Arms, and the Guards of his body, which might bear them only when they were in service.  
To the same purpose, and to ease the Country 
He dismisses his Troops.  of the multitudes of his Soldiers, he dismissed not only the greatest part of his new Troops, but likewise reduced the one half of his old. He reduced the Companies of the Ordinance to a very little number, and took off the Guards of the Governors of the Provinces, and Lieutenants of the King; not willing to suffer any whatsoever besides himself to have that glorious mark of Sovereignty about their persons.  
The Wars had spoiled all Commerce, reduced Cities into Villages, Villages to small Cots, and Lands to Deserts: nevertheless the Receivers constrained the poor Husbandmen to pay Taxes for those Fruits they had never gathered. The Cries of these miserable people who had nothing but their Tongues to lament with, touched in such manner the very Entrails of so just and so good a King, that he made an Edict, by which he released them of 
He remits the arrears of Taxes.  all they owed him for the time past, and gave them hopes to ease them more for the future.  
Moreover, having understood that during the Troubles there were made a great quantity of false Nobles, who were exempted from the Tax, he commanded that they should be 
He commands the false Nobles to be sought out, and taxes re-imposed on them.  sought forth: nor did he confirm their Usurpation for a piece of money, as hath been sometimes done, to the great prejudice of other taxed people; but he would that the Tax should be re-imposed upon them, to the end that by this means they might assist the poor people to bear a good part of the burden, as being the richer.  
He desired with much affection to do good to his true Nobility, and repay them those Expenses they had been at in his service; but his Coffers were empty: and moreover, all the Gold in Peru had not been sufficient to satisfy the Appetite and Luxury of so many people. For King Henry the third had by his example, and that of his Minions, raised expenses so high, that Lords lived like Princes, and Gentlemen like Lords: for which purposes they were forced to alienate the Possessions of their Ancestors, and change those old Castles, the illustrious marks of their Nobility, into Silver-lace, Gilt-coaches, train and horses. Afterwards, when they were indebted beyond their credit, they fell either upon the King's Coffers, demanding Pensions; or on the backs 
He retrenches theluxury of the Nobility, and sends them all to their houses in the Country.  of the people, oppressing them with a thousand Thieveries. The King, willing to remedy this disorder, declared very resolvedly to his Nobility, That he would they should accustom themselves to live every man on his Estate; and to this effect he should be well content that to enjoy themselves of the peace, they should go see their Country houses, and give order for the improvement of their Lands. Thus he eased them of the great expenses of the Court; and made them understand, that the best treasure they could have, was that of good management. Moreover, knowing that the French Nobility would 
He shows them by his example the modesty of his habits.  strive to imitate the King in all things, he showed them by his own example, how to abridge their superfluity in Clothing. For he ordinarily wore grey Cloth, with a Doublet of Satin or Taffeta, without slashing, Lace, or Embroidery. He praised those who were clad in this sort, and chid the others, who carried, said he, their Mills, and their Woods and Forests on their backs.  
About the end of the year, he was seized 
He falls dangerously sick.  with a sudden and violent sickness at Monceaux; of which it was thought he would die. All France was affrighted; and the rumours which ran of it, seemed to re-kindle some factions: but in ten or twelve days, he was on foot again; as if God had only sent him this sickness to discover to him what ill wills there were yet in the Kingdom, and to give him the satisfaction to feel by the sorrows of his people, the pleasures of being loved.  
In the strength of his Disease, he spoke to 
Words of a good King.  his friends these excellent words: I do not at all fear death; I have affronted it in the greatest dangers: but I avow that I should unwillingly leave this Life, till I have put this Kingdom into that splendour I have proposed to myself; and till I have testified to my people, by governing them well, and easing them of their many Taxes, that I love them as if they were my Children.  
After his recovery, continuing in his praiseworthy 
He gives the Estates an account of his expenses.  designs of putting his Affairs in order, he came to St. german in Laya, to resolve the Estates of the expense as well of his House, as for the Guard of Frontiers and Garrisons, entertainment of Forces, Artillery, Sea-Affairs, and many other Charges. He had then in his Council (as we may say we have at present) very great men, and most experienced in all sorts of Matters; but he still showed himself more able and more understanding than they. He examined and discussed all the particulars of his expense with a judgement and with a clearness of spirit truly admirable; retrenched and cut off all that was possible, allowing only what was necessary. Amongst 
Cuts off the superfluous expenses of his Tables.  other things, he abridged the superfluous expenses of the Tables in his house; not so much that he might spare himself, as to oblige his subjects to moderate their liquorish prodigality, and hinder them from ruining their whole houses by keeping too great Kitchens. In sum, by the example of the King, which hath always more force than Laws, or then Correction, Luxury was soon converted into a Frugality very necessary for the State.  
He had chosen for his Council very able and 
Who were his Counselors & Ministers.  faithful Ministers; as, Chiverny, Bellieure, Sillery, Sancy, Janin, Villeroy and Rosny. I speak not here at all of his gallant Men for War, as the Marshal of Byron, Lesdiguieres Governor of the Daulphinate, the Duke of Mayenne, the Constable of Montmorency, the Marshal de la Chastre, the Marshal d' Aumont, Guitry, la Nove, and many others; of whom he served not himself in the Administration of State-affairs, though he often entertained himself with them; and for their honour sometimes communicated to them things of consequence, demanding their advice.  
The Chancellor of Chiverny, who had been 
Chiverny.  raised to this charge under the reign of Henry the third, was a man cold, dissembled, and considerate: but, as his Enemies said, he was a much better Pleader than Counsellor of State.  
He died the year following; and in his place the King constituted Pompone de Bellieure, a 
Bellieure.  man perfectly accomplished in the knowledge of the Rights and Interests of France, and a most expert Negotiator, as he well showed in the Treaty of Vervin. He was old when the King gave him this Charge; and therefore said himself, That he only entered into it, to go out of it. He counselled the King to make a severe Act against Duels: He established a very good Order in the Council; and ordained, That none should be received Master of the Requests, but who had been ten whole years in one of the Sovereign Companies, or sixteen in other of the Subalternate Seats.  
Nicholas Bruslard de Sillery, Precedent of the 
Sillery.  Cap to the Parliament of Paris, who was his Son-in-law, and who had been his Companion at Vervin, was of a spirit sweet, facile and circumspect. It hath been said, that the Public never beheld any passion either in his Countenance or Discourse.  
Harlay-Sancy was a man free, bold and 
Sancy.  dauntless, who feared no person when he acted for the service of the King: but he was a little rugged, and spoke to him too freely; witness what he said concerning Madam Gabriella, who knew how to return it to him.  
As for Janin Precedent of the Parliament of Bourgongne, and Villeroy chief Secretary of State, they had both taken part with the League; and yet very profitably served both the King and France, having in what they acted endeavoured only for the defence of the Catholic Religion, and not been moved out of a spirit of faction. They had hindered the Spaniards from planting themselves in this Realm, and the Duke of Mayenne from absolutely casting himself upon them, as his despair had often persuaded him to do. They agreed both in this point, that they loved the Estate and Royalty with passion, and that they had great judgement: but for the rest of their humours, they were very much different.  
Janin was an old Gaul, who would manage 
Janin.  his Affairs by the ancient forms, according to the Laws and Ordinances; a good Lawyer, firm and resolute, who went directly towards his end, and who knew no subtle turnings and windings, but entirely loved the public good.  
Villeroy was one of the wisest and most exact 
Villeroy.  Courtiers that was ever seen: he had a spirit clear and neat, which would unravel with an incredible facility the most embroiled Affairs; explain them so agreeably and intelligibly as nothing more, and who turned them as himself pleased. He was wonderfully active withal, and most excellent at finding Expedients; taking his business by so sure hold, that it was difficult to escape him.  
The King often conferred with these Counselors: 
The King confers often with his Counselors, & how.  for they were now so called, and not Ministers, as they had been for above thirty years before. He spoke to them of his Affairs, sometimes to be instructed, and sometimes to instruct them; which he did either in the Council-chamber, or walking in the Gardens of the Tuilleries, Monceaux, St. german, and Fontainbleau. He discoursed often with them apart, calling them one after another; and he did so, either to oblige them to speak to him with more liberty, or not to tell them all together what he would only tell to some particularly; or for some other reason which he without doubt deduced from good policy. He said, That he found none amongst them who satisfied him like Villeroy; and that he could dispatch more business with him in an hour, then with the others in a whole day.  
As for Maximilian de Bethune Baron of 
Rosny, after Duke of Sully.  Rosny, and after Duke of Sully, he had been bred up with the King in the Huguenot Religion, and the King had known his capacity and affection in divers affairs of consequence; but above all, that his genius carried him to the good management of Revenues, and that he had all qualities requisite for that purpose. In effect, he was a man of good order, exact, a good husband, a keeper of his word; not prodigal nor proud, nor carried away by vain follies or expenses, or play, or women, or any other things not convenient for a man entrusted with such an Employment. Moreover, he was vigilant, laborious, expeditious, and one who dedicated almost his whole time to his affairs, and little to his pleasure: and withal, he had the gift of piercing into the very bottom of matters, and unravelling those twist and knots with which Treasurers, when they are not trusty and faithful, endeavour to conceal their deceits.  
We have already said how the King desired 
After the death of Francis d' O, he commits his Revenues to five or six, who acquit themselves ill.  above all things to provide for a good Government in his Revenues; and the reasons for which he had been obliged to leave Francis d' O, in the charge of Superintendant. After this man was dead, he gave that charge to five or six persons, whom he believed both capable and honest men: he was persuaded that he should be better served by them, then by one alone, imagining that they would serve as checks and controulers to one another. But the quite contrary happened: every one discharged himself on his Companion, nothing was advanced; and if any would act, the others were not wanting to cross him by their jealousies: so that they only agreed in this point, that every one looked that his Salary was well paid him; which cost the King six times more, then if he had had only one Superintendent, whilst he drew no profit from this multitude.  
Knowing then that so many people did 
Seeing that, he makes Sancy alone Superintendent:  only imbroil his Revenues, he returned them again into the hands of one, and this was Sancy. But a short time after, finding him more proper for other Employments then that, he gave him Rosny for a Companion, 
And very little time after, Rosny,  and after made Rosny alone Superintendent.  
Rosny before he entered into this Charge, 
who knows perfectly the Revenues.  was provided with all necessary knowledges to acquit himself well of it; he knew perfectly all the Revenues of the Kingdom, and all the expenses which were necessary. He communicated 
Which the King knows also so well, that he could not be cheated.  all he knew to the King, who on his part had likewise studied all these things, so that an hundred Crowns could not be laid out, but he would know whether it were well or ill employed. As it is the advantage of an unfaithful Steward that his Master be ignorant, and make no inspection into his affairs: so it is of a true and faithful Servant, that he be well instructed, and that he clearly see them, to the end he may know how worthily to esteem his Services.  
For the rest of his humour, it agreed perfectly 
He desires Rosny to take no Presents without advertising him.  well with that of the Kings. When he trusted him with his Revenues, he desired him that he would never take a bottle of wine, or any the least present without advertising him. And when Rosny did advertise him of it, he consented presently to it: and likewise was so willing that in serving him well he might find his benefit, that oftentimes he added gifts of his own, to give him courage to serve him still better and better. But Rosny never received them till they were duly ratified in the Chamber of Accounts: to the end all the world might know the liberality of his Prince towards him, and that he might not be reproached that he made use of his favour to load his own Coffers.  
Under the Administration of this Superintendent, 
He begins to establish a constant order in the Revenues.  the first Law which the King made concerning affairs of this nature, was the immutable constancy of their ordering; which was never to alter, after it was once agreed and concluded on. For as the most desperate things are by good order redressed under a firm and constant Conduct: so the best established and most assured become dispersed under a light head, which does, undoes, and redoes without ceasing; and 
Effects of this good management of Rosny.  which on the morrow revokes, what it to day commanded.  
Rosny soon gave indubitable proofs of his capacity: for having visited only four 
* A general place for receipt of Revenues, whereof▪ there be 20. in France, viz. Paris, Roven, Caen, Nantes, Tours, Bourges, Poitiers, Again, Tholouse, Montpellier, Aix, Grenoble, Lions, Dijon, chaalon's, Amiens, Orleans, Lymoges, Soissons & Moulin.  Generalities, he in little time got in a Million and half of money, which was in Arrear. And after the Surprisal of Amiens by the Spaniards, he readily found moneys to raise a great Army, and furnish the expense of the siege: so that he was one of the Principal instruments in the Recovery of that great City.  
It is convenient, since it may prove necessary 
Expedients to hinder those of the Council to share with the Farmers  in all times, to take notice of an Expedient which amongst others he found to hinder the cousenages of the Tax-gatherers. He knew that there were some persons in the King's Council, who held part with the Renters and Farmers, and who caused them to be adjudged to the Council at a low price, and often made be given great Diminutions. To hinder therefore these people from eating the Cake amongst them, he stopped the hands of the general Farmers, forbidding the under-farmers' longer to pay them any thing, but themselves to bring the money of their under-Farms into the Exchequer. He doubled by this means the Revenues of the King: for the under-Farms and under-Rents were found to surmount almost two thirds the 
The Collectors exclaim against Rosny, but he derides them.  General Rents and Farms.  
Those of the Council and the Collectors at first exclaimed highly against his Conduct; they laid snares every where for him, and begat him a thousand troubles; but with time he brought them to reason. Likewise all those who had no right to demand any thing of him, and who ceased not to importune him, when they could get nothing from him, stormed against his hardness: but he cared not for their fury; he regarded only legally to pay the debts of the King, and readily to pay what was ordained for good ends: for he knew not how to let that be an hundred times demanded, which was truly due.  
We have stayed somewhat the longer on this point of the Revenues, because it is the most important of all; that by which all things are done, and without which nothing can be done; on which depends either the ease or the oppression of the people, and the good or ill success of all designs or erterprises. 
1599   
Our Henry much desired at the same time 
The King cannot yet provide for the Reformation of the Clergy.  to take care for the Reformation of the Clergy, which in truth was in great disorder, as well in temporals, its goods having been usurped during the Wars by the Hugonots and wicked Catholics; as in spirituals, the greatest part of both Prelates and Pastors being as ignorant as depraved: but he could not yet apply convenient remedies. The necessity to which he was driven to recompense those who had well served him, constraining him to tolerate abuses, and likewise to commit 
His abuse of Benefices.  them, disposing Benefices as formerly Charles' Martell had done. For he gave them to people incapable, to Married men, to men of the Sword, to Children, and likewise to Women, to recompense the loss of their husbands killed or ruined in his Service.  
I have not attempted to excuse this fault; for there can never be any lawful reason given for the prostitution of the goods of the Sanctuary to profane uses, or employing the treasures of the Cross in other Services then that of the Altar. I know well that many ecclesiastics themselves act otherwise; but who doubteth these people to be worse than those Jews, who played at Dice upon the holy Robe of Jesus Christ?  
About the end of this year, the general 
Remonstrance of the general Assembly of the Clergy to the King.  Assembly of the Clergy was held at Paris, who drew up a Remonstrance to the King; by which the Prelates prayed him to cause the Council of Trent to be published in France: Not to charge his conscience with the nomination of Bishops, Abbots, and other Benefices having the charge of souls; not to give any persons of the Laity Pensions over Benefices; not to permit Churches and holy places to be profaned as they then were; but to take some order for their reparation, and the re-establishment of Divine Service.  
For what concerned the Council of Trent, it is to be understood that it was received in France, as to those Articles concerned the Faith; but not generally for those which concerned Policy and Discipline, because it seemed to many, that these last were for the most part contrary to the liberty of the gallic Church, and the rights of the King. For which reasons, whatever endeavours the zealous have used, they could never compass its reception, the Parliaments having always strongly opposed it. 
The King's answer.   
To the Harangue of the Clergy, the King eloquently answered, but in few words: That he acknowledged what they had said concerning the nomination of Benefices was true; but that he was not the author of that abuse. That being come to the Crown during the flames of a Civil War, he had ran where ever he had beheld the greatest fire to extinguish it. That now he had peace, he would endeavour again to raise up those two Pillars of France, to wit, Piety and Justice. That God willing he would restore the Church to as good an Estate as it was in the time of Lewis xii. But, said he, contribute I pray you on your side; let your good Examples as much incite the people to do good, as they have been heretofore diverted: you have exhorted me to my duty, and I exhort you to yours; let us act in this with envy one to another. My Predecessors have given you fair words, but I with my Grey Jacket will give you 
He had need of great Prudence to conduct himself with the Pope and with the Hugonots.  good effects. I am all Grey without, but you shall find me Gold within. I will see your desires, and answer them the most favourably I can possible.  
All his Prudence and all his Address were not too much to teach him to govern himself so that both the Catholics and Pope might be content with his Conduct, and the Hugonots have no cause to be alarmed, or cantonize themselves. His Duty and his Conscience carried him to the assistance of the first; but Reason of State, and the great Obligations he had to the last, permitted him not to make them despair. To keep therefore a necessary temperature, he granted them an Edict more ample than the precedent. It was called, The Edict of Nantes, because it was concluded the 
Edict of Nantes granted to the Hugonots.  year before in that City whilst he was there: by this he granted them all liberty for the exercise of their Religion; and likewise licence to be admitted to Charges, to Hospitals, to Colleges, and to have Schools in certain places, and preaching every where; and many other things, of which they are since deprived, by reason of their Rebellions and divers Erterprises.  
The Parliament strongly opposed it for 
The Parliament with great difficulty confirm it.  more than a year: but in the end, when they were made understand that not to accord that security to the Hugonots, who were both powerful and quarrelsome, were to rekindle new War in the Kingdom, they confirmed it.  
On the other side, to sweeten the Pope, 
The King shows all respect ●o the Pope.  who might be troubled at this Edict, the King showed him all possible manner of respect, and strenuously embraced his interests, as appeared in the action of Ferrara, in the years 1597. and 1598.  
This Duchy is a Fief Male of the holy Seat, 
'Cause of the Duchy of Ferrara.  of which the Popes had formerly invested the Lords of the house of Est, in charge of its reversion in default of legitimate Males. Alphonso d' Est, second of that name, and last Duke, died in the year 1597. without Children, and had left great Treasures to Caesar 
Caesar bastard of Ferrara, would maintain it.  d' Est, Bastard to Alphonso the first his Kinsman. He had done what possibly he could to obtain the Investiture of the Duchy on this Bastard; who not able to obtain it, yet ceased not to take possession of it after the death of Alphonso the second; resolving to maintain it by force of Arms. Clement the eighth was obliged to 
The Pope makes war against him.  make War against him, to dispossess him: the Princes of Italy took part in the Quarrel; and the Dukes of Guise and Nemours were upon the point to undertake the defence of Caesar, whose near Kinsmen they were, being the issues of Anne d' Est, Daughter of Hercules the second, Duke of Ferrara, and of Madam Renee de France: for that Anne in her first marriage had espoused Francis Duke of Guise; and in her second, James Duke of Nemours. The King of Spain likewise favoured him underhand, not desiring that the Pope should grow greater in Italy by the reunion of that Duchy. But Henry the great was not wanting to 
The King offers his sword to the Pope. Caesar quits Ferrara, & remains Duke of Modena.  take this occasion to offer his Sword and his Forces to the holy Father. The Allies knowing it, were extremely disheartened, and he constrained to treat with the Pope, to whom he surrendered all the Duchy of Ferrara. There remained to him only the Cities of Modena and Regia, which the Emperor maintained to be Fief of the Empire, and of which he gave him the Investiture. From whence came the present Dukes of Modena.  
If the heat which the King testified in this occasion for the interests of the holy Seat, sensibly obliged the Pope; that care which he made daily appear to bring back the Hugonots into the bosom of the Church, was no less agreeable to him. He acted to this purpose in 
Many Hugonots converts.  such a manner, that from day to day many of the most understanding and of the best quality were converted. But that which was more important, was, his taking the young Prince 
The King takes the young Prince of Conde from the Hugonots, and causes him to be instructed in the Catholic Religion.  of Conde from the hands of the Hugonots, who had kept him diligently at St. John d' Angely ever since the death of his Father, which happened in the year 1587. and brought him up in the false Religion, with great hope to make him one day their Chief and Protector. The King, considering how it would be both prejudicial to the safety of the young Prince, and to his own interests, to leave him longer there, knew so well how to gain the principal of the party, that they suffered him to be brought to Court; and he gave him for Governor John, Marquess of Pisani, a Lord of a rare merit, and of a wisdom without reproach, who forgot not to instruct him well in the Catholic Religion, and in the truest sentiments of Honour and Virtue. He was yet but seven or eight years old: when he came to nine, the King gave him the Government of Guyenne; loving him tenderly, and cherishing him as his presumptive Successor.  
During this calm of the peace, nothing was spoken of but rejoicings, feasts and marriages. 
Marriage of the Infanta of Spain, and Ratherine sister to the King.  That of the Infanta of Spain, Isabella-Clara-Eugenia, and of the Archduke Albert, was solemnised in the Low-Countries: and that of Madam Katherine, sister of the King, with Henry Duke of Bar, eldest son to Charles the second Duke of Lorraine at Paris. 
Qualities of Katherine, & why the King married her to the Duke of Bar.   
Katherine was forty years of age; more agreeable than fair, having one Leg a little short. She was very spiritual, loved Learning, and knew much for a woman; but was an obstinate Huguenot. The King feared lest she should marry some Protestant Prince, who by this means might become Protector of the Hugonots, and be like another King in France: by reason of which, he gave her to the Duke of Bar; thinking moreover to gain more belief among the Catholics, by allying himself with the house of Lorraine. Before this, he had used all possible means to convert her, even to the employing of threats: but not being able to do it, he said one day to the Duke of Bar, My Brother, it is you must vanquish her.  
There was some difficulty about the place and the Ceremony of Celebration of this marriage: the Duke would have it done at the Church, and the Princess by a Hugonot-Minister. The King found a mean: he caused it 
The marriage made in the King's Closet.  to be done in his Closet, whither he led his Sister by the hand; and commanded his natural Brother, who had for about two years been Archbishop of Roven, to marry them. This new Archbishop at first made some refusal of it; alleging the Canons: but the King representing to him that his Closet was a consecrated place, and that his presence supplied the default of all solemnities, the poor Archbishop had no longer power to resist him.  
This Marriage being made for the good of the Catholic Religion, it seemed that the Pope should have been content. Nevertheless, not willing to suffer an ill that a good 
The Pope troubled at the Duke of Bar for this marriage.  might come of it, he declared that the Duke of Bar had incurred Excommunication, for having without the dispensation of the Church contracted with an Heretic: nor ever could the Duke, what submission soever he made, obtain Absolution. It was necessary for God to lend his hand. This Princess died three 
Death of the Duchess of Bar.  years after with sadness and melancholy to see herself live in a discontented manner with her Husband, who daily pressed her to turn Catholic.  
Besides the solemnities of these Marriages, many other things entertained the Court. Two notable Changes, one of the Duke of Joyeuse, the other of the Marchioness of Bel' Isle, caused its astonishment.  
The Duke of Joyeuse, who had quitted the 
The Duke of Joyeuse retakes the habit of Capuchin.  habit of Capuchin to become chief of the League in Languedoc, on a fair day, without saying any thing to any body, went and cast himself into his Convent at Paris, and retook the habit. Few days after, there was much astonishment to see him with that habit of penitence preach in the Pulpit, whom they had seen the week before dancing of Balls, as one of the most Gallant. It was said, that the holy Exhortations of his Mother, who from time to time put him in remembrance of his Vow, and some ambiguous words which the King had thrown out in converse with him, made him think that he could no longer live in the world either with safety of Conscience, or with Honour.  
The Marchioness of Bell' Isle, sister to the 
The Marchioness of Bell' Isle turns Fevillantine.  Duke of Longueville, and Widow of the Marquis of Bell' Isle, eldest son of the Marshal de Retz, having received some secret displeasure, renounced likewise the world, and went and shut herself up in the Convent of the Fevillantines at Tolouse, where she took the veil, and finished her days. 
Duel of the Crequy, and Phillipin bastard of Savoy.   
After this, came News to the Court, that Phillipin, Bastard to the Duke of Savoy, was killed in a Duel by the Seigneur de Crequy: of whom it might be without flattery said, That he was one of the most gallant and bravest men of his time. The History of this Combat may be found written in so many places, and is yet so firm in the memory of all that wear swords, that it would be superfluous to recount the particularities.  
The Chase was now the King's ordinary divertisement. It is recounted, that Hunting in the Forest of Fountain-bleau, accompanied by many Lords, he heard a great noise of Horns, Hunters and Dogs, which seemed to be a great way distant; but all of an instant approached them. Some of his company who 
The Apparition of the great Hunter to the King hunting at Fountainbleau.  were twenty paces before him, saw a great black man among the Bushes, who affrighted them in such manner, that they could not tell what became of him: but they heard him cry out to them with a rank and affrightful voice, MY attendez-vous, or my entendez-vous, or amendez-vous: that is, Do you hear me; or, Do you understand me; or else, Amend yourselves. The Woodmen and Countrypeople thereabouts, said, That it was no extraordinary thing: for they had often seen this black man, whom they named the Great Hunter, with a pack of Hounds which hunted at full cry; but never did harm to any.  
Infinite account is made in all Countries in the world of like illusions in Hunting. If we may give any credit to them, we may believe 
What these phantasms may be.  them either to be the tricks of Sorcerers, or of some evil spirits, to whom God gives permission to convince the incredulous, and make them see that there are substances separated, and a being above man.  
Now if Prodigies are signs, as some have said of some great and dire Events, it may be believed that this presaged the strange death of the fair Gabriella, which happened some days after. The love which the King had for her, instead of being extinguished by enjoyment, was come to such a point, that she had dared to demand of him, that he should acknowledge 
The fair Gabriella demands the King to espouse her, and legitimate his Children. He feeds her with hope.  his fault, and legitimate his Children by a subsequent marriage: nor durst he absolutely refuse her this grace, but entertained her still with hopes.  
Those who love the glory of this great King, can difficultly believe that he would have done such an action which had without doubt begot a low opinion of him, and again thrown him under his people's hatred. However, it was to be feared that the allurements of this woman, who had found his weakness, with the flattery of the Courtiers whom she had almost all gained, either by presents or kindnesses, might engage this poor Prince to a dishonour. And without dissembling, he had his soul too tender towards Ladies. He was Master of all his other passions, but he was a Slave to this: nor can his memory be justified from this reproach: for though he were admirable in all other parts of his life, he ought not to be imitated in this. 
She in the end obliges the King to demand Commissioners of the Pope to judge of the divorce of Margaret.   
In the mean time, Gabriella, flattering herself with a hope to be ere long his Wife, deduced from those hopes himself had given her, acted so well, that she obliged him to demand of the Pope Commissioners to judge of the Divorce between him and Queen Margaret. And the King, that he might find favour with the holy Father, and render him more facile to his intentions, caused to be said underhand, that he would marry Maria de Medici's his Niece, Sister to the Duke of Florence: for whom nevertheless it was believed that he had not then any desire.  
And the Pope, were it that he disinherited his intention, or that he saw that Queen Margaret lent not her hand to it, protracted the business, and returned only ambiguous Answers. It was likewise said, that being one day much pressed by the Cardinal d'Ossat and by Sillery to give content to their Master, for want of which, said they, he may pass further, and espouse the Duchess; he was so astonished at this discourse, that he immediately remitted the conduct of this Affair to the hand of God, commanded a Fast through all the City of Rome, and went himself to Prayers, to demand of God to inspire him with what should be best for his glory. That at the end of his Prayer he cried out as if he had been revived from an Ecstasy, God hath provided; and that in few days after, there arrived a Courier at Rome, bringing News of the death of the Duchess.  
In the mean time the King grew impatient at these delays; and it was to be feared lest a disdain to be neglected should cast him into the same inconveniencies it had formerly done Henry the eighth, King of England; or by the counsel of some flatterers, forcing the goodness of his nature, be persuaded to rid himself of Queen Margaret in any manner soever. 
The King remains at Fontainbleau to do his Easter-devotions, and sends the fair Gabriella to Paris.   
Gabriella was at present great with her fourth Child, when the feast of Easter approaching, the King desiring to do his Devotions for that holy time far from all object of scandal, sent her to Paris, accompanying her just half way. She with no small grief parted from him, recommending to him her Children with tears in her eyes, as if she had some secret presentiment; telling him that she should never more see him.  
Being at Paris, lodged in the house of Zamet, that famous Treasurer, after having dined with him, and heard 
* A service in the Roman Church used three days before Easter, which are called, Les t●ois Jours de tenebres  Tenebres at little St. Anthony's, (being holy Thursday) as she returned to her Lodging, and being walking in the Garden, she felt herself struck with an Apoplexy in the brain. The first fury of it being passed, she would no longer stay in that house, but caused herself to be carried to that of Madam de Sourdis her Aunt, near St. german of the Auxerrois. And all the rest of that day, and the morrow, she was perplexed with 
She dies in a strange manner.  Swoonding and Convulsions, of which she died on the Saturday-morning.  
The causes of her death were diversely spoken of: but however, it was a happiness to France, since it deprived the King of an object for which he was about to loose both himself and his Estate. His grief was as great as his love had been: yet he, not being of those feeble 
The King comforts himself, & conserveses an extreme tenderness for her Children.  souls who please themselves in perpetuating their sorrows, and in bathing themselves in their tears, received not only those comforts he sought, but still conserved for the Children, and particularly for the Duke of Vendosm, that affection he had born the Mother.  
All good Frenchmen passionately desired that so good a King might leave legitimate Children. They durst not press him to take a Wife capable to bring him forth such, so long as Gabriella lived, for fear lest he should espouse her: and out of the same fear, Queen Margaret would not give her consent to dissolve his marriage. But when Gabriella was dead, she willingly lent her hand to it; and herself addressed a Request to the holy Father 
Queen Margaret presents a request to the Pope to dissolve her marriage.  to demand the dissolution, founding it principally on two causes of nullity. The first was the want of consent: for she alleged she had been forced to it by King Charles the ix. her Brother. The second, the Proximity of Kindred found between them in the third degree: for which she said there had never been any valuable Dispensation.  
In like manner the Lords of the Kingdom 
The Lords and Parliament beseech the King to take a wife.  and the Parliament besought his Majesty by solemn Deputations, that he would think of taking a Wife: representing to him the inconveniencies and the danger wherein France would be found, if he should die without Children. These Deputations will not seem strange to those who know our ancient History; where it may be seen, that neither the King nor his Children married but by the advice of his Barons: and this passed in that time for almost a Fundamental Law of the Estate.  
The King touched with these just supplications of his subjects, addressed his request to 
He presents his request to the Pope, as well as Queen Margaret.  the Pope, containing the same reasons as that of Queen Margaret; and charged the Cardinal d'Ossat, and Sillery his extraordinal Ambassador, whom he had sent to Rome, to pursue the judgement of the Pope concerning the restitution of the Marquisate of Saluces, to solicit instantly this Affair.  
The cause reported to the Consistory, the 
The Pope appoints Commissioners, who pronounce the dissolution of the marriage.  Pope gave Commission to the Prelates to judge it on the place, according to the rights of that Crown; which suffers not Frenchmen to be transported for Affairs of the like nature beyond the Mountains, whither it would be almost impossible to bring the necessary proofs and witnesses. These Prelates were the Cardinal of Joyeuse, the Pope's Nuntio, and the Archbishop of Arles; who having examined both Parties, seen the Proofs produced on one and the other, and the Request of the three Estates of the Kingdom, declared this marriage null, and permitted them to marry whom they should think fit.  
Queen Margaret, who for many years had 
After which, Queen Margaret comes to Paris.  deserted the King, and voluntarily shut herself up in the strong Castle of Usson in Auvergne, had now permission to come to Paris, money given her to pay her debts, great Pensions, the possession of the Duchy of Valois, with some other Lands, and right to bear still the Title of Queen. She lived yet fifteen years, and built a Palace▪ near du Pre-aux-Clercs: which was after sold to pay his debts, and demolished to build other houses. She loved 
Her inclination.  extremely good Musicians, having a delicate Ear, and knowing and eloquent Men, because she was of a spirit clear and very agreeable in her discourse. For the rest, she was liberal even to prodigality; pompous and magnificent; but she knew not what it was to pay her debts. Which is without doubt the greatest of all a Prince's fault, because there is nothing so much against Justice, of which he ought to be the Protector and Defender.  
This marriage being dissolved, Bellieure and 
1600.  Villeroy, fearing lest the King should engage himself in new loves, and be taken in some of those snares which the fairest of the Court stretched out for him, persuaded him by many great Reasons of State to fix his thoughts on Maria de Medicis, who was daughter to 
Maria de Medicis demanded for Hen. 4.  Francis, and Niece to Ferdinand, great Dukes of Toscany.  
The Cardinal d' Ossat and Sillery made known his intention to the great Duke Ferdinand her Uncle: and Alincour, son to Villeroy, whom he had sent to thank the holy Father for his good and brief Justice touching the aforesaid dissolution of his marriage, had order to testify to him, that the King having cast his eyes on all the Daughters of the Sovereign Houses of Christendom, had found no Princess more agreeable to him. The business was managed with so much activeness and vigilancy by the diligence of those which had enterprised it, that the King found himself absolutely engaged. The contract of the marriage was 
The contract of the marriage at Florence, and the Nuptials Solemnised by Proxy.  signed at Florence by his Ambassadors the fourth of April, in the year one thousand six hundred. And Alincour in seven days brought him the news to Fountain-bleau. He assisted at present at that famous Conference or Dispute between James David du Perron Bishop of Eureux, afterwards Cardinal, and Philip du Plessis Mornay; where truth nobly triumphed over falsehood.  
There are particular relations of the solemnities made at Florence, the Magnificences of the great Duke, the Ceremonies of the Affiancing and Marriage of this Queen, of her Embarking, her being convoyed by the Galleys of Malta and Florence, and her reception at Marseilles, at Avignon, and at Lions, and therefore I shall speak nothing of it.  
Whilst the Marriage of Florence was treating, 
The King falls into the snares of Madam d'Entragues afterwards March ioness of Vernevil.  the King having a heart which could for no long time keep his liberty, became enslaved to a new object.  
It is to be understood that▪ Marry Touchet, who had been Mistress to Charles the ninth, from whom came Issue the Count d' Auvergne, had been Married to the Lord d' Entragues, and had by him many children, amongst the rest a very fair daughter named Henrietta, who by consequent was sister by the mother's side to the Count of Auvergne. This Count was about the age of thirty years, and she about eighteen.  
It is but too well known, that Flatterers and wicked Sycophants ruin all in the Courts of great Men, and corrupt likewise their persons. These are they which sweeten 
A good reflection concerning flatterers.  the poison, which embolden the Prince to do ill, which make him familiar with vice, which seek and facilitate occasions for it; and who act, as we may say, the mystery of Satan and of the Tempter. It is impossible to purge Courts from these plagues; they insinuate, maugre the utmost endeavours, into the Palaces of great ones; they render themselves agreeable by new divertisements; gain the ear by flattering praises, by pleasant and well-devised Fables and Stories: and when they have gained their entrance, they make their venom slide into the heart, and impoison the souls of the most innocent.  
Our Henry, though so great a Prince as he was, had these people near him, who knowing his weakness as to women, in stead of fortifying him against it, and restraining him like true friends, they spurred him (as it were) forward in his wickedness, and made their fortunes from his faults. It was these, who by commending the Beauties, the Carriage, the Spirit, and the divertizing and pleasant discourse of Madamoiselle d' Entragues, made him first have a desire to see and to love her. They could never have done a worse Service for their Master then this. She had certainly many Charms, nor had she less spirit and cunning. Her refusals and modesty did more and more provoke the King's Passion. Though 
The King gives an hundred thousand crowns to Madamoiselle d' Entragues.  he was not prodigal, he caused an hundred thousand crowns to be carried her at once. She refused them not, and reciprocally testified much love and impatience for so great a King: but she cunningly caused her Father and Mother to observe her so near, that she could not give him a full conveniency to speak to her.  
Hereupon she let him understand, that she even dispaired that she could not keep her word with him; that it was necessary to have the consent of her Father and Mother, for which on her part she would labour. Afterwards, after many delays and put offs, she told him, that they could not be brought to so delicate a point, except, were it only to secure their consciences towards God, and their honour towards the world, his Majesty would make her a promise of Marriage: That she had no desire to serve herself of such a 
Her cunning to bring him to her designs.  writing; and that if she would do it, she knew well there was no Officer who durst cite a Man who had fifty thousand men of war at his command: but that these good people desired it should be so; and that he need make no difficulty to please their fancy, since he did but give her a little bit of paper in Exchange of the most precious thing she had in the world. In fine, she knew so well how 
She gets a promise of marriage from him.  to work his spirit, that he gave her a promise under his hand, by which he obliged himself to espouse her in a year, so that in that time she brought forth a Male-child.  
All this intrigue may be seen in the Memoires 
Sully tears it, but the King makes another.  of Sully, where he says, that the King having led him alone into the first Gallery of Fountain-bleau, showed him this promise written under his hand, and demanded his advice: That in stead of formally answering him concerning it, he tore it in two pieces: That the King remained quite astonished, and speaking angrily, How! now I believe that you are a fool: and that he answered, It is true Sir that I am a fool, and could wish I were more so, so that I alone in France were one. That at his departing from the Gallery, the King entered into his Closet, and demanded a pen and ink, and that he believed it was to write another. However it were, this promise caused much trouble afterward: for the Lady would have made it valid, as we shall speak.  
At the same time that the King pusued the 
He pursues at Rome the decision of the Marquisate of Saluces.  dissolution of his first marriage at Rome, he made likewise instance to the holy Father, that he would decide the difference concerning the restitution of the Marquisate of Saluces, the Decision of which had been referred to him by the Treaty of Vervin.  
To understand this well, it must be known 
How that Marquisate appertained to him.  that this Marquisate was a Fief dependant of the Daulphinate, of which King Francis the first had seized himself by right of reversion, for default of heirs Males in the Succession of the Lords that held it. Now in 1588. during the Estates of Blois, the Duke of Savoy having advice that the League became very strong in France, and that apparently 
How the Duke of Savoy seized it.  that Monarchy would dismember, snatched this Marquisate, without having any subject of quarrel: he cloaked only this unjust usurpation with this fair pretext, that he seized it out of fear lest Lesdiguieres should possess himself of it, and by this means establish Hugonotism in the midst of his Territories.  
Seven years after, to wit, in the year 1595. the King being gone to Lions, after the battle of Fountain-franzoise, the Duke, who foresaw 
An accommodation spoke of.  well he would again have this Marquisate, proposed to him some accommodation for it. The King offered to give it to one of his Sons, 
He offers it to be held at faith & homage.  to hold it at faith and homage, with some other conditions; but the Duke demanded it without any dependence, and so this Negotiation was broken.  
Our Ambassadors treating the general 
By the Treaty of Vervin the business is remitted to the Pope's Arbitration  peace at Vervin, were not wanting instantly to demand the restitution of that Fief. Those of the Duke who assisted, alleged in favour of their Master, that piece appertained to him as being a Fief dependant of Savoy, and that he had more essential titles to prove that dependency, which it was necessary to see, to decide the difference with knowledge of the cause. Now it would have taken up too much time to cause them to come from Savoy: And the Pope's Nuntio pressed the peace, for fear lest during these delays some accident might happen to break it quite: so that not to retard it, it was judged convenient to refer to the Pope the decision of this affair, on condition that he should terminate it in a year.  
The French during that time solicited strongly at Rome to have it decided. The Savoyards defended it only at extremity, and that for fear to lose their cause by default. Both the one and the other produced their Titles: Those of the French were the best, and moreover, they had had a peaceable possession of more than sixty years, which was more than sufficient to gain prescription. The year being expired, the Pope demands of the King the prolongation of two months, to give in his sentence of Arbitration, and that in the mean time the Marquisate should be sequestered in his hands. The King willingly consents: 
The Pope refuses farther meddling with the Arbitration, & why.  but the Duke enters into a mistrust that the Pope would have it for one of his Nephews: so that his Ambassador having testified this mistrust, the Pope refuses to meddle any farther, either with the Gage or with the Arbitration.  
The Duke imagined that his best way was 
The Duke of Savoy strives to gain time.  to use delays, since it might happen that either the French King would grow weary of following of this business, or that some other more important affair might divert his thoughts otherwhere. Moreover, knowing that there were many melancholy spirits, who could not be recovered out of that opinion that the King was still in his heart a Huguenot, and with them many concealed and dangerous enemies, so that no year passed but with many conspiracies against his person, he hoped that in the end some of them might succeed. In effect, that year there had been three discovered, of which that which made most noise was of a woman, who offered to the Count of Soissons to poison him; but the Count discovered it, and she was buried alive in the Greve.  
To the end therefore to gain time, he desired 
He would come to France to confer with the King.  to come himself into France, having so good an▪ opinion of his own cunning and slights, that he assured himself he should obtain of the King the gift of this Marquisate; or at least he pretended to make such propositions, and to employ so many artifices, that there should pass more than a year before he should untangle them. He said that his Ambassador had sent him word, that he had heard the King say, that if they were together, they would decide this difference like friends; and that it was this good word had set him on his voyage. But many suspected, and that with some appearance, that he had a design to gain some people in the King's Council, to sound the affections, and observe and watch the discontented; to cast abroad seeds of corruption and division, and▪ renew that intelligence might be useful to him at Court. Others imagined that he was discontented with Spain, because Philip the second having given the 
What might be the motives of his voyage.  Low-Countries in Dower to his youngest Daughter, he had left to the eldest, wife of this Duke, only a Crucifix and an Image of our Lady. Moreover, he had indeed received some displeasures from the Ministers of Spain; and he spread a report abroad, were it true or not, that he had undertaken this voyage without communicating any thing to Philip the third his Brother-in-law. In fine, every one judged according to his fancy; and possibly none divined the secrets of his thoughts, there being never any Prince more close or less penetrable than he. And some said his Heart was covered with mountains, as well as his Country; that is, because that he was Hulch-backed, as Savoy was mountainous.  
He brought with him a Train which well 
His Train.  set forth his degree: for he had with him twelve hundred horse: but all his Officers were clad in mourning, by reason of the death of his Wife; which many took as an ill presage. 
The King causes him to be well received every where. He passes Lions.  The King desiring to receive him according to his dignity, commanded all the Cities and the Governors to render him the same honour as if he were there in person.  
He came to Lions by the River of Rouen, and was received by la Guiche Governor of that City. But the Chapter of St. John would not give him the place of Canon and Count of that Church, because he no longer possessed the County of Villars, by virtue of which the Counts of Savoy had been at other times received. Adding to this, that he had not his Titles, nor would give time to make proof of his Nobility; of which the Chapter dispenses not with any whatsoever beside our Kings.  
From Lions he came to Roanna, descended 
Arrives at Fontainbleau where the King is  by water to Orleans, and after came post to Fontain-bleau, where the King was. He arrived the twentieth of December, accompanied with seventy horse: and presently to acquist 
His address to gain confidence with the King,  confidence with him, he lamented highly against the Spaniards; discovered, or feigned to discover to him his most secret thoughts, and a design he had to drive them out of Italy. He told him his friends, his ways, and his intelligences for that: he would make him believe that he would open his heart to him; that he was an absolute Frenchman, and desired to fix himself to the interests of France without reserve. The King harkened to him 
who is as subtle as himself;  with attention, and thanked him for his good thoughts: but after all, he finished with this: I am of opinion that we should decide first those affairs between us, and then talk of others. Three days after, the King went to Paris, 
and carries him to Paris.  where they were to discourse more amply on the subject had brought him into France.  
Now was the beginning of the last year of 
Overture of the Centenary Jubilee at Rome.  the fifteenth Age, which is counted the One thousand six hundredth, celebrated for the Centenary Jubilee, which was opened at Rome. There were found there four and twenty thousand French; some moved by devotion, others by curiosity: among which, there was a good number of Hugonots, who went to see the great Ceremony. They might do it with all security: for during the great Jubilee, the Inquisition ceases at Rome; where at other times it is much less rigorous than in Spain. The Duke of Bar was in a concealed habit at this Jubilee: he went to demand absolution of the holy Father; but his submission, how great soever, could not obtain it; nor had he it till the death of Madam Katherine his Wife.  
The beginning of this year beheld the King 
Great Demonstrations of friendship between the King and Duke.  and the Duke of Savoy live with so much familiarity, and so many proofs of friendship, that it was believed that they had both but the same heart. The French Courtesy and Civility obliged the King to give the Duke all sorts of good Treatments; and the desire which the Duke had to obtain from him the Marquisate, moved him to a great Complacency, and to seek all means to render himself agreeable to so great a King. The Court of France avowed it had never seen a more perfect Courtier; the Ladies, a more pleasing Gallant; and the Officers of the King and the great ones, a Prince more liberal. He knew how to govern himself in such manner with the 
How the Duke lived in the King's Court.  King, that he neither acted his Companion nor his Servant: and if he would appear inferior to him in Grandeur, he endeavoured to be superior to him in Generosity and Liberality: he gave with full hands, especially to the principal men of the Court. The King permitted them to accept his presents, and on his side gave very great ones to the Duke: he treated him, and made the Chiefs of the Court treat him; every day showing him some new subject of divertisement. Among other things, he desired that he should see his Parliament; 
The King shows him his Parliament.  which our Kings have usually shown to strange Princes, as a Compendium of their greatness, and the place where their Majesty sits with the greatest splendour. They went together into the 
* A place I suppose so called, which looked into the Parliament-House, and where they might see and not be seen.  Lantern of the great Chamber, where they with great delight heard pleaded a very singular Cause, chosen of purpose; and the sentence or agreement pronounced by Harlay first Precedent; a Personage so grave and so eloquent, that all which came from his mouth seemed to come from that of Justice herself.  
There was no Civility or Courtesy which the King showed not to the Duke: but after all, he released not to him the Marquisate. 
Yet the King releases not to him the Marquisate  The Duke tried the business all ways possible: sometimes he offered to hold it in homage from the Crown; sometimes he proposed to the King his great Designs on the Milanois, and on the Empire; sometimes he laid before him the platform of a puissant League to destroy the Spaniard in Italy. But the King was too wise 
* The French hath it, Prendre le Change, which is taken for flying out at a wrong Deer like hounds of Riot.  to be gulled by gilded shadows: he answered, That he had no ambition to conquer the Estate of another, but only to recover his own: That he would not speak of this Affair to the Duke, but that they ought refer that to their Council. In effect, they named some persons, who conferred together: but those of the King insisting daily on its restitution, and the Duke endeavouring to free it to himself, nothing was concluded.  
Yet though all hopes were wanting to the Duke of obtaining any thing, he lost not at all his Courage, but trusted to the secret intelligences he had renewed with some great ones of the Court, and particularly with the Duke of Byron. Many believe that he began now 
The Duke not succeeding, it is believed he endeavoured to debauch Byron by the means of Laffin.  to debauch him; and that to this effect he served himself of one named Laffin, a Gentleman of Bourgongne, of the house of Beauvais la Nocle; but the most pernicious and most traitorous Fellow that could be found in France; he making a Trade of carrying Tales from one to another. The King knew him well; and often seeing him very familiar with Byron, he had the goodness to tell the Marshal more than once, Let not that man approach you; he is a plague; be will ruin you.  
The Duke knew that Byron loved the King, because he had raised him to the greatest Dignities of his Realm; and that the Prince likewise honoured him with his goodwill. It was therefore necessary to make him lose this affection, to render him capable of any evil design.  
Byron was without doubt brave and valiant to the utmost; but so puffed up with his Gallantry, 
The vanities of Byron become insupportable  that he could not suffer any person to equal him. After the peace of Vervin, not having any thing more to do, he continually boasted of his great Actions: according to his own words, he had done all: and he intoxicated himself in such manner with his own praise, that he raised his own Valour above 
He esteems himself more than the King,  the Kings. He believed that he ought him his Crown, that he could refuse him nothing, and that he should govern him absolutely. These Bravadoe's pleased not the King; he was troubled 
who takes disgust at it.  that his Subject should think that he equalled him in Valour; but much more, that he should have the presumption to hope to govern him, who had ten times more brains and good judgement than the Marshal.  
It is certainly a noble Ambition, and not 
A good and important Reflection.  only well placed, but absolutely necessary for a King, to believe none of his Subjects more worthy than himself. When he hath not this good opinion of himself, he lets himself be governed by him whom he believes a more able man then himself; and by this means soon falls into Captivity: therefore though he may be deceived, he ought still to esteem himself the most capable person to govern in his whole Realm. I may say rather, that he cannot deceive himself in this, because there is no person more proper than himself, however ignorant he be to rule his Estate, God having destined this Function to him, and not to others; and the people being always disposed to receive Commands when they come out of a sacred Mouth.  
Henry the Great had therefore taken some disgust against the Marshal of Byron by reason of his vanity; so that the Duke of Savoy, praising one day the Noble Actions and great Services of Byron, both Father and Son, the King answered, That it was true, they had served him well, but that he had taken great pains to moderate the drunkenness of the Father, and the violent passions of the Son. The Duke remembered these words, and caused 
The Duke causes to be carried to Byron some disadvantageous words of the Kings.  them to be carried by Laffin to Byron, who, touched in his most sensible part, was transported to a thousand extravagancies; and having lost all respect, lost likewise that affection he had left for the King. It hath been suspected that he at present abandoned himself to all manner of wicked designs, and that he promised to enter into a League which the Savoyard was to make with the King of Spain, on condition that he gave him his Daughter in marriage, and assisted him to make himself Duke of Bourgongne.  
After that the Duke of Savoy had remained more than two months in the Court of France, showing, as the Proverb says, A merry Countenance at an ill game; and shadowing his discontent with an apparent joy, but not knowing how to return without shame, nor how to stay longer without any fruit: The King, who would not give him subject to say that he had treated him with the utmost rigour, gave him to understand, that if the 
The King proposes to the Duke the exchange of the Marquisate for la Bresse.  Marquisate was so commodious to him, and that he could not restore it without a notable inconveniency, he would be content to take la Bresse in exchange. This Condition seemed no less hard to the Duke than that of the restitution of the Marquisate: however, that he might have some pretext to retire with honour, he seemed not averse to it; and there 
The Duke seems not a verse, but takes three months to consider.  were some Articles drawn up, which he professed were not disagreeable to him: But he demanded time to consider of the Alternative of the Restitution or Change, and to take advice of the Grandees of his Estate on so important a thing. There were granted him to this purpose three entire months, which was to the end of February in the year sixteen hundred.  
A little after he took leave of the King, who 
He takes leave of the King, who accompanies him to Charenton.  conducted him to Pont de Charenton; and gave order to the Baron of Lux, and to Praslin, to accompany him to the Frontier. He returned by Champagne and Bourgongne, from which he entered lafoy Bresse, and went to the Bourg. They had great joy to see him arrived, because they feared lest he should be arrested in France. Indeed some there were would have 
Some had counselled the King to arrest him. The King's noble Answer.  counselled the King to have kept him till such time as he should restore the Marquisate: but the King, much offended at this Proposition, answered in anger, That they studied to dishonour him; but that he should choose rather to lose his Crown, then to incur the least suspicion of having falsified his Faith, even to the greatest of his enemies.  
The three months being expired, and the 
The three months expired, the King presses the Duke to choose either the change or the restitution.  Duke not having satisfied his promise, the King was troubled, and pressed him to resolve either on the one or the other interchange. The Duke finds new delays, but promises him daily that he will satisfy him. In the mean time he remonstrates to the Council of Spain the danger in which he was; that the loss of the Marquisate would put him in such an estate, 
The Duke presses the Council of Spain to help him.  that he should not have the power to serve the Spaniards: that it would open a door to the French to go trouble Italy; and that this tempest, after having laid waste his Country, would fall upon Milan. The Council of Spain apprehended well the importance; but acting very slowly, were a long time before 
The Count of Fuentes comes to this purpose to Milan, but too late  they resolved. In fine, the Count of Fuentes, Governor of Milan, had order, but two month's later than was necessary pvissantly to assist this Prince. He came to this effect to Milan, but too late; where, with two Millions of Gold which were ready, he begins to make great preparations.  
After that the Duke had by divers Artifices drawn out the Negotiation almost two months longer, the King, wearied with these delays, prepared himself to bind this Proteus, who changed himself into all sorts of forms; and to force him to give a certain answer. He advanced to Lions, whither he had before sent his Council. The Duke, knowing 
The King again presses the Duke to choose the change or restitution  that he approached, had recourse to other cunnings: he sent to him three Ambassadors, who conjointly proposed an Act, by which they declared that their Master was ready to accomplish the Treaty made at Paris; and that he promised to restore the Marquisate: but he of the three who had the secret, refused to sign the Articles till first the Duke had showed them to his Council, and signed them. By this trick the Duke yet gained seven or eight days time: but the King resolved to press him to a conclusion, still followed his 
He promises positively to surrender the Marquisate.  trace, discovered his deceits, and left him no further subterfuge: he was forced therefore to answer positively; and he promised to surrender the Marquisate by the sixteenth of August.  
Upon this assurance, the King caused to advance 
But when the King sends his forces, he takes off his mask, and refuses  le Bourg-l ' Espinasse, an old Colonel of Infantry, with the Troops of the Swisses, to take possession of the Marquisate. As he approached, the Duke took off his Mask, and answered clearly, That according to the Conditions proposed, War was less sharp to him then Peace. Wherefore the King was obliged to come to that point to which he had long foreseen he should come, to wit, an open War: he declared it therefore on the 
The King declares war against him.  eleventh of the month of August; but with these express terms, That he did it only for the Marquisate, and without prejudice to the Treaty of Vervin, which he desired to observe inviolably.  
At the same time he gave advice of this 
He gives advice of it to the neighbouring Princes  rupture to all the neighbouring Princes, and made them understand the just reasons he had. This great King knew well, that among Christians the breach of peace is extremely odious; and that without reasons, which strongly convince our spirits, we ought never to trouble the public tranquillity.  
He was at present at Grenoble, where he had to begin this War only three or four Companies of Ordinance. Some proposed to him, to cause his Regiment of Guards to advance: he answered, that he would not send them from him; that they were the tenth Legion, which never fought without 
* Julius Caesar would never let the tenth Legion fight but with him.  Caesar. But in a little time the French Nobility and the Adventurers flocked to him on all sides, as as if they had come to a Marriage or a Ball.  
The Marshal of Byron, though already disgusted, 
Byron conquers all la Bresse.  having gathered some Troops, spoiled the Country of Bresse in many places: with his Canon he forced the City of Bourg; but the Citadel defended itself better, and proved indeed the only difficulty in this War. Crequy entering into Savoy, gained the City of Montmelian about midnight, but not the Castle.  
The Pope Alarmed by the first sparkles of 
The Pope Alarmed at this War sends to the King.  this fire, and fearing lest it should inflame all Italy▪ employed himself immediately to extinguish it: he dispatched a Prelate, who bore the title of Patriarch of Constantinople, to remonstrate unto him the inconveniences of this rupture, and to conjure him in the name of God not to pass farther. The King assured him that he had no design to trouble 
The King's good and Christian answer.  the peace of Italy; that he was a Christian and just Prince; that God had given him a Kingdom sufficient to content him, but that he desired to have what belonged to his Crown; that if he had had other more vast designs, he had made greater preparations.  
Few days after he departed, and entered 
The King enters Savoy.  himself into Savoy. His presence so much astonished the City of Chamberry, that they made the Garrison depart by a quick Capitulation. He made himself after master of Tarentaise and la Morienne, by taking in two or three days the City of Conflans, and that of la Charbonniere; which till then had passed for impregnable.  
Yet the Duke of Savoy moved not: he 
Yet the Duke stirs not.  was so little concerned, that he Hunted and Danced whilst his Provinces were despoiling: he seemed not to be the adversary but the spectator: his subjects likewise seemed not much astonished at the King's Progress; they said, that if he took any places in Savoy, their Duke would take others in France. It could not be divined from whence this great security proceeded: some believed that the Duke 
He trusts some vain predictions of Astrologers.  assured himself on I know not what Prognostications of Astrologers, who had foretold, that in the month of August there should be no King in France: that which happened to be very true, for at that time he was victorious in the midst of Savoy. Others believed 
or to Byron, much incensed against the King.  that the Duke yet trusted to the intelligences he had with the Marshal of Byron, whose fidelity much shaken by his artifices while he was in France, was now near entirely debauched by those grand Subjects of discontent this Marshal had received since this War. For the King testified, that he put not so much trust in him, nor treated him with the same freedom he had done before; and he committed the principal direction of this Conquest to Lesdiguieres, who indeed better knew the Country, and the manner of making War in those Mountains than he. This Preference furiously incensed such a high spirit, who believed nothing either could or ought to be done without him. Afterwards the refusals of the King to give him the Government of the City of Bourg, put him quite out of his senses. From this time he had none but extravagant and criminal thoughts, and began, as it was said, to treat a League with the Savoyard, for the rekindling a new Civil War in France. I cannot relate the particulars of this design, because they were never well known.  
The Duke of Savoy believed his Fortresses of Montmelian in Savoy, and of Bourg in Bresse impregnable, reposing the security of his Country upon them. He was much surprised to understand that the Marquis of Brandis Governor of the first, had capitulated to surrender it in a certain time. Upon it, he put himself in the field, and used 
In fine, the Duke takes the field, but does nothing.  all his endeavours to get into an estate to relieve it. He had recourse to the assistance of the Spaniards; but the Count of Fuentes, who desired to engage affairs farther, refused him forces in his need, and in the mean time the term of the capitulation being finished, he lost Montmelian, to the great astonishment 
The Citadel of Montmelian taken,  of his Subjects, and no less shame to Brandis. Want of Victuals and Ammunition, made him likewise in some weeks lose the Citadel of Bourg, which the Governor 
and that of Bourg,  held out to the last extremity.  
The King passing by the side of Geneva, submitted the Country of the Chablais and the Faussigni. The inhabitants of Geneva took 
and fort St. Katherine.  the Fort of St. Katherine, which the Savoyards had built to annoy them, and demolished it. After the taking of this, the King would 
The King visits Geneva.  visit Geneva, so famous for being one of the Ramparts of the Protestant Religion. Theodorus Beza the chief as well in age as in Doctrine of all the Huguenot Ministers, made him a Speech in few words. The Marshal de Byron having considered the place which the inhabitants had been forty years fortifying, with great care and expense, whether to make himself esteemed a great Captain, or to show the great zeal he had for the Catholic Religion, boasted he could take it in twenty days. A speech the King was not pleased with, because France had taken it unde● its Protection, since the Reign of Francis the first; and was obliged to defend it against the Duke of Savoy, who pretended that signory belonged to him.  
In the meantime, the Pope desiring above 
The Pope endeavours a peace, and sends to that purpose his Nephew Legat.  all things to extinguish the fire of this War, had dispatched towards the King and towards the Duke, his Nephew the Cardinal Aldobrandin, who incessantly laboured to make a peace. His greatest difficulty was to find knots strong and sure enough to hold the Duke of Savoy; for those of his promises and his faith▪ were so uncertain and so slippery, that he could not trust them. 
The King comes to Lions, where his Queen expected him.   
At the same time the King, whose thoughts of his marriage the War had not interrupted, embarked on the Rhone, and went down to Lions; where the Queen his new Spouse was arrived, and expected him.  
The Legate would not discontinue the Treaty 
The Legate likewise comes, and the Ambassadors of Savoy.  of peace, he followed him to Lions for that purpose; where he made his entrance fifteen days after the Queen. The Ambassadors of Savoy followed him: but their power was given in such terms, that the Duke might find ways to disavow it. However, when they saw the Citadel of Bourg reduced to extremity, they instantly solicited the Legate to renew the first earnests of the Treaty. But he would do nothing till they had given it him in writing, that they besought it for the good of their Master's affairs.  
When the Articles were drawn up and agreed, 
1610.  they were signed on the one part and 
The peace agreed, signed and published at Lions.  the other; and the peace was published at Lions the seventeenth of January 1601. by which the Duke yielded to the King, and to his Successors Kings of France, the Country and Seignories of Bresse, Bugey, and Veromey, and generally all that appertained to him lying along the River Rhone, from the egress of Geneva; as likewise the Bailiwick and Barony of Gex: and that in exchange of the Marquisate of Saluces, which the King absolutely left to him, both for himself and his. The Treaty agreed likewise, that all the places taken by the King from the Duke of Savoy, should be restored; but all the King's pretended rights against the said Duke, should be reserved to him; according as was contained in the Treaties of Cateau in Cambresis, and of Vervin.  
By this exchange, both the one and the other 
They both gain by the exchange.  equally gained. The King for a Marquisate of little extent, distant from all his Territories, and encompassed by those of Savoy, and which he could not keep but by great Garrisons, which would consume twice more than the Revenue it yielded; gained a Country of more than twenty five Leagues extent, which was bounding upon his, which enlarged his Frontier, in which he had eight hundred Gentlemen, and which was very fertile and abundant, principally in pastures to nourish cattle. The Duke appropriating to himself the Marquisate, took a troublesome Thorn out of his foot, or rather a Sword which pierced through his body; and put himself in security. For whilst the French held it, he durst not go out of Turin but with three or four hundred horse for his Convoy; and he was forced to maintain great Garrisons in the middle of his Country.  
The Treaty being signed, the King departed from Lions by Post, to return to Paris; 
After, the King goes to Paris followed by the Queen. He carries her to see his buildings.  whither the Queen followed him by little journeys. Some time after her arrival, he led her to see his buildings of St. german in Say. This was one of his delights, and certainly a very innocent one, and which agrees well with a powerful Prince, after he hath paid his great debts, and eased his people of their heavy load of oppressive Impositions. For by raising these proud Edifices, he leaves the fair marks of his greatness and riches to posterity; he embellishes his Kingdom, attracts the admiration of his people, makes strangers know that his Coffers swell with Treasure, gives life and bread to a great number of poor handy-crafts-men, labours profitably for his own conveniency and for that of his Successors; and in fine, makes Architecture, Sculpture, and painting flourish, which have ever been infinitely esteemed by all the most Polite nations of the world.  
Our Henry took not this divertisement, but 
He divertised, but never employed himself about buildings. An excellent reflection.  to recreate his spirit after labours, and not to employ it. For he had his soul too great, and his genius too elevated, to dedicate itself wholly to such mean things, much less to fix it on vain amusements. It is true, that he built, that he hunted, that he was merry; but this was without diverting himself too much from his affairs, without abandoning the helm of his estate, which he held as firmly and diligently during the Calm, as during the Tempest.  
Moreover, he had a care not to grow sleepy whilst it was fair weather, which is often deceitful: for besides that a good King ought to labour within his Estate during peace, as well as without during war; he knew that the Spaniard and the Savoyard still grumbled, and contrived in their hearts some enterprise against him. The Count of Fuentes having raised a great army to assist the Savoyard, was troubled that the peace had deprived him of the occasion to employ them. Some places he had taken in Picardy during the War between the two Crowns, had created a vanity in him, and made him believe that he should always gain the advantage over the French. At the same time the King of Spain had put to sea a Naval Army, commanded by one Doria; which had without doubt some design on 
Count Fuentes would surprise Marseilles to break the peace.  Provence, if the peace had not been made. And though it was concluded, Fuentes ceased not to make an attempt of an enterprise upon Marseilles, to cause a rupture. Those with whom he held intelligence to this purpose▪ offered the King to draw fix or seven hundred men into the snare, and keep them prisoners, 
His people might be entrapped by counter-intelligence; but the King will not.  or cut them in pieces. But the King judged not so little advantage to countervail the giving subject to the enemies to break the peace, and to re-enter into a War; which might have proved very dangerous, they being so powerfully Armed. Moreover, he feared lest there were still in his Estate some fire concealed under the embers; which on the noise of a War, might more facilely make their attempts upon his person. For to tell the truth, he had more reason to fear their Knives and Daggers then their Swords. He therefore wisely dissembled this enterprise, and answered the Marseillians: That he knew not how to steal a victory; that ambuscadoes were not honest, but only during War; and that it was necessary for his honour to take hee● that he did not in any manner contribute to that rupture, the enemies had a design to make. 
The Spaniards turn their Arms against the Infidels.   
In fine, the Spaniards having found that this wise Argus had too many eyes, and too much vigilance to be surprised on any side; resolved to employ their Arms in pious and honourable erterprises. A part of their Land-Army passed into Hungary, which was at that present assaulted by the Turks. The Duke 
The Duke of Merceur commands the Emperors' forces and dies.  of Merceur being gone to seek in that Country a juster glory, then in the Civil-wars of France, commanded the Emperor's forces. He made known to the Infidels, by many gallant exploits, particularly by the memorable retreat of Canise, that the French valour was chosen by God to sustain the Christian Religion. Nor was there any doubt made, but that he would have quite chased them out of that Kingdom, of which they had invaded more than one half, if he had not died the year following of a burning fever, which seized him at Nurembourg, as he was about to go pay his devotions at the Shrine of the Lady of Loretto.  
There arrived some time after an accident by which the King took occasion to let the Spaniards know, that he could not suffer any thing against his honour, nor against the dignity of his estate. Rochepot was his Ambassador 
Gentlemen of the Ambassador of France in Spain, kill some Spaniards.  in Spain. Some Gentlemen of his train, of which one was his Nephew, washing in the River chanced to have a quarrel with some Spaniards; and killing two, saved themselves in the Ambassador's house. The friends of the slain so much excited the people, that they besieged the house, and were ready to 
The Magistrate violates the freedom of the Ambassadors house, and takes them out.  put fire to it. The Magistrate, to prevent the Tragic effects of this fury, was constrained to do an injustice, and to violate the freedom of the Ambassadors house; for he seized by force, and led the accused to prison. The King of Spain being troubled that he had violated the right of Nations, sent him to demand pardon of the Ambassador; yet the French men still remained prisoners.  
There were made many discourses and writings concerning the rights and privileges 
Discourse of the freedom of Ambassadors Palaces.  of Ambassadors. It is true, said they, that an Ambassador hath alone right of Sovereign Justice in his Palace; but the people of his train are subject to the Justice of the estate in which they are, for those faults they commit out of his Palace; and so if they be taken out of it, their Process may be made: and though it be known that this rigour is not generally observed, and that the respect born to the Ambassadors person, extends to all those that follow him; yet however this is a courtesy, and not a right. But notwithstanding it is not permitted to go seek the Criminal in the Palace of the Ambassador, which is a sacred place, and a certain Sanctuary for his people; yet ought it not however to be abused, or made a retreat for wicked persons, nor give Sanctuary to the Subjects of a Prince against the Laws and Justice of his Realm: for in such cases, on complaint to his Master, he is obliged to do reason. 
The King being offended, recals his Ambassador.   
Now the King being offended, as he ought to be, at the injury done to France in the person of his Ambassador, and not judging the satisfaction the Magistrate had given him sufficient; commands him immediately to return; which he did, without taking leave of the King of Spain. He forbade likewise at the same time, all Commerce with Spaniards: and foreseeing that in these beginnings of the rupture, they might enterprise somewhat on the Towns of Picardy, he with great diligence 
And goes in haste to Calais to visit his Frontier.  departed from Paris to visit that Frontier, and came to Calais.  
The people, who began to taste the sweetness of repose, and to Till their lands with patience, trembled for fear lest a new War should expose them once more to the Licence of the Soldiers. But God had pity 
The Pope undertakes to accommodate the difference, and doth it.  of these poor people: The Pope becoming mediator to remedy those mischiefs which threatened Christendom, happily accommodated the difference. The Spaniard remitted the Process and the Prisoners; whom his Holiness consigned some days after into the hands of the Count of Bethune, Ambassador for France at Rome; and the King afterwards sent an Ambassador into Spain, which was the Count of Barraut.  
Whilst the King was at Calais, whither as 
The Archduke besieging Ostend, sends to compliment the King.  we have said he went, the Archduke who was before Ostend, where he continued that Siege 
* This siege lasted three years, three months, and three days.  the most famous that ever was since that of Troy, feared with some reason, lest the King's approach should retard the progress of his enterprise, in which he had already lost so many men, so much time spent, so many Cannot shot, so much money, and such stores of Ammunition: he sent therefore to compliment him, promising him on the part of Spain satisfaction for the violence done to the Lodgings of his Ambassador; but entreating him, that the besieged might not prevail themselves of this Conjuncture. The King who never let himself be overcome by Courtesy no more then by Arms, 
The King returns the civility to the Archduke.  sent the Duke of Aiguillon, eldest Son of the Duke of Mayenne, to assure him that he desired to maintain the peace; that he was not advanced on the Frontiers but to dissipate some designs which were contriving, and that he hoped in the equity of the King of Spain, which he doubted not would do him reason.  
Whilst he was at Calais, Queen Elizabeth 
The Queen of England sends likewise to compliment him: and he answers it by Byron.  sent likewise to visit him, by my Lord edmond's her principal Confident. For answer to which obliging civility, he caused the Marshal of Byron to pass into England, accompanied by the Count d' Auvergne, and the choice of all the Nobility of the Court, to represent to her the displeasure the King had, finding himself so near her, that he could not enjoy the sight of her.  
This Queen endeavoured by all means possible, to make known to the French her greatness and power. One day holding 
To whom she shows the Earl of Essex head  Byron by the hand, she showed him a great number of heads planted on the Tower of London, telling him that in that manner they punished Rebels in England, and recounting to him the reasons she had to put to death the Earl of Essex, whom she had once so tenderly loved. Those who heard the discourse, remembered it afterwards, when they saw the Marshal Byron fallen into the same misfortune, and lose his head, after having lost the favour of his King.  
We must not forget, how that before the King made his voyage to Calais, he had led the Queen with him to enjoy the Jubilee in 
The King & Queen enjoy the Jubilee at Orleans.  the City of Orleans, where the holy Father had ordained the Stations for France to begin. His piety which was sincere and unfeigned, gave a fair Example to his people, who see him go to Processions with great devotion, and pray to God with no less attention; his heart agreeing with his lips. He laid the first stone to the foundation of the Church of the holy Cross at Orleans, which the Hugonots had miserably thrown down, forty years before; and gave a considerable sum of money to rebuild it.  
All France during this holy Jubilee, had instantly demanded of Heaven that it would be pleased to give them a Dauphin, to deliver them from those misfortunes wherein they should be plunged, if the King should die 
The Queen brought to bed of a Dauphin, who is named Lewis, after surnamed The Just.  without Male-childrens. Their vows were heard, and the Queen happily brought to bed of a Son at Fontainbleau, on the day of St. Cosmo, being the twenty seventh of September. They gave him at his Baptism the Name of Lewis, so sweet and dear to France for the memory of the great St. Lewis, and of the good King Lewis xii. Father of the people. Afterwards was appropriated to him the surname of Just; and we at present believe his having been the Father of Lewis the wise and victorious, none of the least worthy of his Titles. His Birth was preceded by a great Earthquake, which happened some days before. The Birth was very hard, and the infant laboured till he was all of a purple-colour; which possibly ruined within the principal Organs of Health and good Constitution. The King invoking on him the Benediction of Heaven, 
The King gives him his blessing, and puts his sword in his hand.  gave him likewise his, and put his Sword in his hand, praying to God, That he would give him the grace to use it only for his glory, and for the defence of the people. The Princes of the Blood which were with him in the Chamber of the Queen, all of them saluted the Dauphin one after another. I omit how express Curriers carried this News into all the Provinces, the public rejoicings throughout the whole Kingdom, particularly in the great City of Paris, who as much loved Henry the great, as they had hated his Predecessor; the Compliments the King received on his part from all the Potentates of Europe; and the accustomed Present of the holy Father in like occasions, to wit, the blessed swaddling bands, which he sent by Seigneur Barbarino, who was afterwards Cardinal and Pope, named Urban the viij.  
Five days before, the Queen of Spain was 
Birth of the Infanta of Spain, named Anne; who after espoused King Lewis xiii.  brought to bed of her first Child, which was a Daughter, whom at the Font of Baptism they named Anne. The Spaniards rejoiced no less than if it had been a Son: for in that Country the Females succeed to the Crown. Those amongst the French who penetrated farthest into things to come, took likewise part in this joy, but for another reason, which was, that this Princess being of the same age with the Dauphin, it seemed that Heaven had made the one be born for the other, and that she ought one day be his Spouse; as in effect Lewis xiii. had this happiness, and France still possesses it; admiring in all occasions the rare Wisdom, the exemplary Piety, and heroic Constancy of this great Princess.  
In acknowledgement of the grace which 
The King makes divers Orders for the good of the Estate.  God had done to the King in giving him a Dauphin, which was the sum of his wishes, he redoubled his care and diligence to acquit himself well of what he ought to his Estate, to better, as he said, the succession of his Son. We will here recount some Establishments and Orders he made to that purpose.  
Need of moneys having obliged him during 
He suppresses the Triennial Officers for Revenues.  the Siege of Amiens to create Triennial Officers in his Revenues; when it was passed, he knew that there was no need of so many people to rifle his purse; and that it was impossible but some little should every day remain in the hands of every one of these: and therefore he suppressed these new Officers, and commanded that the ancient and Alternative ones should re-imburse the Triennial. From this suppression were excepted the Treasurers of the Exchequer, and those of casual Forfeitures or Fines.  
Rosny had so well bridled both the Gatherers and the Farmers, that they could no longer devour those great Morsels they did heretofore. But this was not yet enough: they were in such manner gorged before he was Superintendent, that the King with infinite 
He establisheth a Chamber of Justice to call Treasurers and Collectors to account.  justice ordained a Tribunal, composed of a certain number of Judges chosen out of the Sovereign Courts, and called it, The Chamber-Royal; whom he charged to make an exact search of the misdemeanours of those who had managed the King's moneys. This Chamber made a great many disembogue: however, a great part found the means to escape them; some out of a Consideration of their Alliances, others by force of money, gaining those who were near the King, principally his Mistress', and corrupting the Judges themselves. So much is it true that Gold pierces every where, and that nothing is proof against this pernicious Metal. We need not then wonder if those people filled their Coffers as full as they could, since the fuller they heaped them, the more facile was their justification.  
I have already said it, and I say it again, (for it cannot be too often nor too much observed) that there is no remedy to hinder this disorder, 
The only remedy against their thefts.  which is the greatest of all disorders in the Estate, and the cause of all others, save only the vigilance and exactness of the King. He must himself hold the strings of his purse, have his eye still upon his Coffers, know punctually what is in them, what comes out of them; what ways his moneys accrue, to what uses they are employed, who are they that manage them: and above all, he must make them give a good account, as our Henry did, that if they be honest men, they cannot be corrupted; and if they are knaves, not have the means to act their knavery.  
He was made to know, that there were two other disorders in his Realm which extremely impoverished it, and drew from it all the Gold and Silver. The one was the transportation of it to strange Countries, into Italy, Germany, and Switzerland, where the little Potentates melted it, and made money of a ●aser Alloy. The other, was the Luxury which consumed likewise a great quantity in Embroideries, Silver and Gold Lace on clothes, and no less in the gild of Wainscots' and Chimneys, and divers Movables.  
He made two severe Edicts, which prohibited 
The King prohibits the transport of gold or silver out of his Kingdom,  these two abuses. For the first, he renewed the ancient Orders concerning the transport of Gold and Silver; adding the punishment of the Halter to the Transgressor's; and commanding all Governors to watch diligently the Observation of these his Prohibitions, and not to give any Passports to the contrary; otherwise he declared them partakers in such Transports.  
By the second, he prohibited under the penalty 
and wearing gold and silver lace, or gildings.  of great Fines for the first time, and of imprisonment for the second, the wearing of Gold and Silver upon clothes, or employing it in Gildings. This Edict was rigorously observed, because it excepted no person; the King himself submitting to the Law he made, and having looked with an ill Countenance on a Prince of the Blood who obeyed not this Reformation.  
There was likewise expended a prodigious quantity of money in Silks; by the buying of which, all our money was gotten into stranger's hands. The King seeing that, and considering 
Introduces the manufacture of silk into France.  that the use of these Stuffs was very good and commodious, thought it best to introduce the Manufacture into France; to the end the French might gain what was now gained by the strangers. To this purpose he gave order for the planting of a great number of white Mulberry-trees in those Countries where they would best thrive, and particularly in Touraine, to nourish Silkworms; and that people should be provided who understood how to prepare the Webs, and put to work the labour of these precious Caterpillars.  
If care had been taken ●●ter his death to maintain this Order, and to extend it to other Provinces, it might have spared France more than five Millions, which it every year sends out to provide silk Stuffs: besides, a Million of persons, useless for other labours, as are old people, Maids and Children, might have gained a living by it, and the Employers more easily have afforded to pay the Imposts and Taxes out of the profit they had made of their industry.  
There was yet a much greater mischief, which, as we may say, dried up the very Entrails of the Kingdom; this was the excessive 
The usury excessive in France, which caused  Usury. The ill Husbands, that is to say, the greatest part of the Nobility, borrowed money at ten or twelve in the hundred. In which there was two great inconveniences. The first, That the Interests undermining by little and little in seven or eight years, dug up 
the ruin of the best families,  the foundations of the richest and most ancient Houses, which are, as we may say, the Props and Pillars that uphold the State. The second, That the Merchants finding this conveniency 
and the Merchants to abandon all traffic.  of laying out their money to so great profit, and without any hazard, absolutely abandoned all Commerce; the streams of which once dried up, there must needs follow a famine of Gold and Silver in the Kingdom: for France hath no other Mines than its Traffic, and the distribution of its Merchandizes.  
These Considerations obliged the King not 
The King reduces interests to six in the hundred.  only to prohibit all Usuries, but lay a penalty of the Confiscation of the sum lent, and great Fines beside. Afterwards the Parliament deputed some Counselors in all Provinces to make inquisition after Usurers, and to reduce all Interests or Hypothecated Rents to six and a half in the hundred. They were before at ten or twelve, as we have said. The reason of which was, because when they were constituted, money was much more scarce: now since it was extremely multiplied, since the discovery of the Indies, it was just to abate its interests: And it was for this reason that it was afterwards put at six, and may possibly one day be reduced lower.  
Out of the same design to enrich his people, 
His great care to enrich his Kingdom.  and to bring abundance and plenty into his Kingdom, the King continually received all Proposals which might serve to enlarge Commerce, to bring Commodity to his people, and to till and make fruitful the most sterile places. He endeavoured as much as was possible to make Rivers Navigable. He caused to be repaired all Bridges and Causways, and the great Roads to be paved; knowing that whilst they are not well kept, Carriages find but a difficult passage, and Commerce is by that means interrupted. From whence happen the same disorders in the oeconomy of an Estate, as doth in that of a man's▪ body, when it finds Obstructions, and when the passage of the blood and spirits are not free.  
When he passed through the Countries, he curiously regarded all things, took notice of the necessities and disorders, and immediately remedied all with a great diligence. Under his favour and protection were established in 
He favours the establishment of manufactures. After his example, all labour▪ for their benefit.  many places of the Kingdom Manufactures of Linen and Woollen clothes, Laces, Iron-ware, and many other things.  
After his example, the Burgesses repaired their houses which the War had ruined. The Gentlemen having laid by their Arms with only a switch in their hand, dedicated themselves to manage their Estates, and augment their Revenues. All the people were attentive to their work: and it was a wonder to see this Kingdom, which five or six years before had been, as we may say, a Den of Serpents and venomous Beasts, being filled with Thiefs, Robbers, Vagrants, Rake-hells and Beggars, changed by the diligence of the King into a Hive of innocent Bees; who strove, as it were, with envy to each other, to give proofs of their industry, and to gather Wax and Honey. Idleness was a shame, and a kind of Crime; and indeed it is, as the Proverb says, the Mother of all Vices. That spirit which takes no care to employ itself seriously in something, is unprofitable to itself, and pernicious to the public. And for these Reasons did the Provosts in that 
Idleness punished.  time make diligent search after Loiterers, Vagabonds, and idle persons, and sent them to serve the King in his Galleys, to oblige them perforce to work.  
There is no happiness so stable and assured, 
1602.  but it may be easily troubled: there arrived 
The King remedies two things capable to overthrow France.  this year two things which might have overturned all France, had not the King in a good hour subverted them.  
The Assembly of the Notables or Chiefs at Roven, which was held in the year 1596. to raise money for the King to continue the War and pay his debts, had granted him, as we have said, the imposition of a Sol pour liure on all Merchandizes carried into walled Cities. The Estate (says Tacitus, the greatest Politician among Historians) cannot be maintained without Forces, nor the Forces without Payment, nor they paid without Impositions: by consequence therefore they are necessary; and it is just that every one should contribute to the expenses of an Estate of which he makes a part, as well as partake of those Conveniences and that protection it enjoys. But these impositions ought to be moderate, proportionate to the power of every one; and every one ought to bear his part. Moreover, it should be easy to perceive that the expense of raising them exceed not the principal; that they be not laid so, as to appear odious, as on Merchandizes which nourish the poor: and that, in fine, they be blood drawn gently from the veins, and not marrow forced from the bones. Now the imposition of a Sol pour liure was of this nature. It was very oppressive: 
The tax of a Sol pour liure burdensome.  for in every City they searched the Merchant's Goods, opened their Bales, and saw what every one brought: so that liberty was quite lost in the Kingdom. Moreover, it was excessive: for any Merchandise being ten or twelve times sold, it was found that it paid as much Impost as it was worth. Moreover, there was great expense in the sale of it: for men were forced to employ as many Factors as would have composed an Army; who desiring all to make themselves rich as well as their Masters, were so vexatious to the Merchants, that they became desperate. And that was most strange, was, that there were in the King's Council Pensioners to these Farmers, who supported them in their violences, and upheld them against all Complaints made of their misdemeanours.  
The people are always subject to this Criminal 
It causes commotions in the Provinces.  Error, That when Justice is denied them, they may do it themselves; and have recourse to force, when their prayers cannot prevail. This is the cause of almost all seditions; and this is it which made all those beyond the Loire, incensed at this imposition, drive away the Factors, and, which is more, kill some of them. The Farmers on the other side sharpened the mischief by their furious threats, that they would dismantle the rebellious Cities, that they would build Citadels to keep them in awe. And I believe that these Gentlemen did desire it should be so, not out of love to the King's Authority, which they had still in their mouths, but for their proper revenge, and particular advantage.  
The King having advice of these Commotions, 
The King to appease them, goes to Poitiers.  fearing left they were raised by the Emissaries of the faction of the Duke of Byron, which he had then newly discovered, a little after Easter departed from Fontainblean, came from Blois, and from thence to Poitiers. There he favourably harkened to the complaints 
His wise and just remonstrance to the Deputies of Guyenne▪  of his people, and remonstrated to the Deputies of the Cities of Guyenne, That the Imposts raised were not to enrich his Ministers and Favourites, as his Predecessor had done; but to support the necessary charges of his Estate: That if his demeans had been sufficient for it, be would not have taken any thing out of his Subjects purses; but since he had first employed all his 
* He had sold the Lands of his Patrimony.  own, it was just they should contribute some of theirs: That he passionately desired the ease of his Subjects; and that none of his Predecessors▪ had so much desired their prayers to God as he, to bless the increase of his Realm: That those Alarms given them that he had a design to build Castles in the Cities, were false and seditious; for he desired to have no other Forts then in the hearts of his Subjects.  
By these sweet Remonstrances, he calmed 
He calms the seditions, and revokes the Sol pour liure.  all the seditions, without having need of chastising them, save only that the Consuls of Lymoges were deposed, and the Pancarte (for so it was they called the Sol pour liure) established. But this was only for the honour of the Royal Authority: for soon after, this Prince, the most just and best that ever was, knowing the extreme Vexations it caused, revoked and utterly abolished it.  
The second thing which gave him yet more trouble, and which was capable to overthrow his Kingdom if it were not remedied, was, The Conspiracy of Marshal Byron. It is to be 
Conspiracy of the Marshal Byron.  understood, that Laffin had been the principal Instrument of intelligence between the Marshal and the Duke of Savoy: he had carried and recarried Letters, and had had some Conferences with the Duke and with the Count of Fuentes; so that he understood the whole intrigue. But seeing that there was no assurance in the words of the Savoyard, and that Byron began to shake, he resolved to discover the 
Laffin discovers it to the King.  whole plot to the King; were it that he feared lest if he should too long delay it, it might be discovered other ways; or that he hoped by this service to gain a great recompense, and restore himself to the King's favour, with whom he stood on very ill terms.  
Having laid this design, he employed the 
* Vidame is a Lord who holds his Lordship in Fief of a Bishop.  Vidame of Chartres his Nephew, to obtain from the King his Grace and Oblivion of all passed, on condition that he discovered to him the Complices of the Conspiracy, and furnished him with proofs. He had preserved several Letters committed to his keeping; but they said not enough, nor spoke so clearly as to make a Conviction. But to pass an absolute one, see what he did.  
Byron had some Notes written with his own 
How he got the Notes written with Byron's own hand.  hand, wherein the Conspiracy was laid down in Articles. Laffin remonstrated to him, that it was an imprudence to keep them, and to communicate them, because his writing was too well known: that it would be more secure to make a Copy, and burn the Original. Byron approving his counsel, gives them him to transcribe. He indeed transcribes them whilst Byron lay on his Bed: afterwards giving him the Copy, and ruffling up the Original, he makes show of casting it into the fire; but by a premeditated cunning, he casts in some other Papers, and keeps them. A thing of this importance deserved well the care of Byron himself in its burning: but he not taking it, because God so permitted, that negligence cost him his life, as we shall see.  
After this, Laffin continuing still his devices to endeavour yet to gather some more particular secrets, he went disguised to Milan, and conferred with the Count Fuentes: but this close and able Spaniard, finding well that he would betray them, showed himself more reserved. It hath been reported, that Laffin having knowledge of this distrust, was fearful lest he should make him away, and therefore returned by the unusual and unfrequented ways: of which the Duke of Savoy being advertized 
The Duke of Savoy keeps Renaze Laffin's Secretary.  by Fuentes, kept prisoner the Secretary of Laffin named Renaze, for fear lest he should go serve as a witness against Byron.  
In their Conferences they had proposed to dismember the Kingdom of France: That the 
Propositions betwixt Byron, the Duke of Savoy, and the Count Fuentes.  Duke of Savoy should have Provence and the Daulphinate; Byron, Bourgongne and la Bresse, with the third Daughter of the Duke in marriage, and fifty thousand Crowns for Dower: some others should be Lords of other Provinces, with the quality of Peers: That all these little Sovereigns should hold their right from the King of Spain: That to compass this design, the Spaniards should with a puissant Army enter the Kingdom, and the Savoyard with another: That they should cause the Hugonots to stir, and at the same time revive many discontents in several places, and animate the people, already much incensed by the Pancarte, or Tax of a Sol pour liure.  
All these propositions, say some, were made 
Byron had demanded pardon of the King, but after fell again.  in the time of the war against Savoy; and the Marshal of Byron grown outrageous, at the King's refusal to give him the Citadel of Bourg, had not only lent his ear, but had engaged himself very far in these damnable designs. However, he seemed to have repent himself: for he had confessed them to the King walking with him in the Cloister of the Cordiliers at Lions, and had demanded pardon of him; but he had neglected to take an abolition or script of indemnity, contrary to the advice of the Duke d' Espernon, who was more wise and considerate than he.  
But a little after, repenting himself for having repent, he was returned to his first fault, and yet entertained correspondence with strangers. Moreover, he spoke of the 
He speaks ill of the King, and boasts excessively of himself.  King with little respect, abasing the splendour of his worthy actions, glorifying his own, and boasting that he had put the Crown on his head, and preserved France. In fine, all his discourses were only Bravadoes, Rhodomontadoes, and Threats.  
All this was reported to the King: It was told him that he undervalved his great acts, extolled the power of the King of Spain, praised the wisdom of that Prince's Council, his liberality in recompensing all good services, and his zeal to defend the true Religion. The King answered plainly and prudently to those that made him these reports: That he knew the heart of Byron, that it was faithful and affectionate: that in truth his tongue was intemperate; but that in favour of those good actions he had done, he could pardon his ill discourses.  
Now two things completed his loss, and obliged 
Two things complete his loss.  the King to search into the very bottom of his wicked designs. The first was the too great number of his friends, and the affection of the Soldiery, which he made boast of, as if they had been absolute dependants on his Command, and capable to do whatever he would. The second, the most particular friendship he had with the Count d' Auvergne, brother by the Mother's side to Madamoiselle d' Entragues, who was called the Marchioness of Vernevil. For by the one he begat a jealousy in the King, and made himself be feared; and by the other he rendered himself odious to the Queen, who imagined, and possibly not without cause, that he would make a party in the Kingdom to maintain that Rival and her Children, to her prejudice.  
Now the King desiring to search the farthest 
Laffin comes to Court, and reveals all to the King.  he could into this affair, sends for Laffin, who comes to Fountain-bleau, more than a month before the King departed towards Poictou. He had at first some very secret entertainments with him, afterwards very public ones; and gave him great quantities of Papers; amongst other, those Memoires or Notes written by Byron's own hand, of which we have before spoken. That which Laffin revealed to the King, begat great inquietudes in his spirit; so that in all the voyage of Poitiers he was observed extremely pensive; and the Court after his example was plunged in a sad astonishment; though none could divine the cause of it.  
At his return from Poitiers to Fountainbleau, 
The King sends for Byron to Court, who at first excuses himself.  he sent for the Duke of Byron to come to him. The Duke at first doubted to go, and excused himself with many weak reasons. He presses him, and sends to him some of his Esquires; afterwards the Precedent Janin brought him word that he should receive no harm; which was, provided he put himself into an estate to receive grace, and aggravated not his crime, by his pride and by his impenitence.  
Byron knew that Laffin had made a voyage to Court; but he was more assured of that man then of himself. Moreover the Baron of Lux his confident, who was then there, had told him that Laffin had without doubt kept his Counsel, and not revealed any thing which might hurt him. De Lux believed so, because the King after having entertained Laffin, had told him with a merry countenance, I am glad I have seen this man; he hath eased me of many distrusts and suspicions of spirit.  
In the mean time the friends of Byron writ to him, that he should not be such a fool as to bring his head to the Court; that it would be more secure for him to justify himself by Attorney then in person. But notwithstanding this advice, and against biting of his own conscience, after having some time deliberated, he took post and came to Fountain-bleau, 
In the end Byron comes.  now when the King no longer expected him, but prepared to go seek him.  
The Histories of that time, and many other relations, recount exactly all the circumstances of the imprisonment, process, and death of that Marshal. I shall content myself to relate only the chief.  
The insolence and blindness of this unhappy man cannot be sufficiently admired at, nor on the contrary the goodness and clemency of the King be enough praised, who endeavoured to overcome his obstinacy. Confession of a fault is the first mark of repentance. The King taking him in private, 
The King conjures ●im the first time to confess the truth.  instantly conjured him to declare all those intelligences and Treaties he had made with the Duke of Savoy; engaging his faith that he would bury all in an eternal oblivion: That he knew well enough all the particulars, but desired to understand them from his mouth; swearing to him, that though his fault should be greater than the worst of crimes, his confession should be followed by an absolute pardon. Byron in stead of acknowledging it, or at least excusing himself with modesty, as speaking to his King who was offended; insolently answered 
He insolently vindicates himself.  him, that he was innocent, and that he was not come to justify himself, but to understand the names of his backbiters, and demand justice, which otherwise he would do himself. Though this too haughty answer aggravated much his offence, the King ceased not sweetly to tell him, that he should think farther of it, and that he hoped he would take better counsel. 
The King prays the Count of Soissons to exhort him to confess his crime. But he is more obstinate.   
The same day after supper, the Count of Soissons exhorted him likewise, on the part of the King, to confess the truth; concluding his Remonstrance with that sentence of the Wiseman; Sir, know that the anger of the King is as the Messenger of Death. But he answered him with more fierceness than he had done the King.  
On the morrow morning the King walking 
The King speaks to him the second time, but in vain.  in his Gardens, conjured him the second time to confess the Conspiracy: but he could draw nothing from him, but protestations of innocency, and threatenings of his accusers.  
Upon this the King felt himself agitated even at the bottom of his soul with divers thoughts, not knowing what he ought to do. The affection he had born him and his great services, withheld his just anger: on the other side, 
He is troubled what to resolve on.  the blackness of his crime, his pride and obstinacy gave reins to his justice, and obliged him to punish the criminal. Besides that the danger with which both his Estate and Person were threatened, seemed impossible to be prevented, but by cutting off the head of a conspiracy, whose bottom was scarce visible.  
In this trouble of spirit he retired into his Closet, and falling on his knees, prayed to God with all his heart to inspire him with a good resolution. He was accustomed to do thus in all his great affairs; esteeming God as his surest Counsellor, and most faithful assistance. At his coming from prayers, as he said afterwards, he found himself delivered from the trouble wherein he was, and resolved to cast Byron into the hands of Justice, 
He resolves to leave him to Justice.  if his Council found that the proofs they had by writing were so strong, that there need no doubt be made of his Condemnation. He chose for this purpose four persons of those which composed it; to wit, Bellieure, Villeroy, Rosny and Sillery, and showed them the proofs. They all told him with one voice, that they were more than sufficient.  
Yet after this he would make a third trial 
Yet tries the third time to draw truth from him.  on this proud heart. He employed this last time Remonstrances, Prayers, Conjurations, and assurances of pardon, to oblige him to acknowledge his crime: but he answered still in the same manner; adding, that if he knew his accusers, he would break their heads.  
In fine, the King wearied with his Rhodomontadoes 
He finds it in vain, & leaves him.  and obstinacy, left him, giving him these for his last words; Well then, we must learn the truth in another place. Farewell Baron of Byron. This word was as lightning, the Vant-Courier of the Thunderbolt he was about to throw: the King by it degrading him of so many eminent dignities with which he had honoured him, showed that he was about to abase him much more than ever he had raised him.  
At his coming forth of the Queen's Chamber, where he played at Primero, Vitry Captain 
By on and the Count of Auvergne Arrested prisoners.  of the King's Lifeguard demanded his Sword, and Arrested him as his prisoner. Praslin likewise Captain of the Guards secured the Count of Auvergne; and on the morrow putting them in Boats on the Seine, conducted them with a good Convoy by water to the Bastille.  
Byron had a very great number of friends: 
His kindred intercede for him.  but on this occasion wherein he was accused to have conspired against the person of the King, they were all mute and struck dumb. His kindred which were found at the Court, went to cast themselves on their knees before the King, not to demand Justice of him, but to implore his mercy. The Lord de la Force, afterward Marshal of France, spoke for them all. If Byron had at first spoke with so much humility and submission as they did, he had without doubt obtained his grace: but it was now too late; there was now no more room for Clemency, it had given place to Justice. 
The Parliament make his Process.   
The King commanded his Parliament to make his Process, and sent particular Commission to the chief Precedent, and to the Precedent Potier Blan-Mesnil, and two Counselors, to draw up the instructions at the request of the Attorney-general.  
The proofs were very strong, and the defence 
He defends himself weakly.  of Byron very weak. He made it plainly appear in a business wherein he acted for his Life, that he had less brains than heart. For he presently acknowledged his writing; which he might have denied, and have gained some time to have made it be proved. This piece had been written in the time of the War of Savoy. He pretended that the King being at Lions, had pardoned him all his rebellious Motions. But the King sent Letters under his 
Letters of the King revoking the pardon granted him at Lions.  Great Seal to the Parliament, by which herevoked that grace. And no great consideration was had upon it: for first, that grace he had granted him, was but verbal; and in the second place, the Parliament held it for a Maxim, That there are Crimes the King cannot pardon; as those of Laesae Majestatis, Divine and Humane; and those which are of a horrible scandal, and great prejudice to the Public. When they came to the re-examination and confronting of Witnesses, and presented Laffin to Byron, in stead of reproaching him, as a man whom an hundred reproaches might have rendered incapable of bearing witness, he acknowledged him for an honest Man, and a 
He reproacheth not Laffin.  brave Gentleman: but afterwards when he heard his Deposition read, he began to charge him with injuries, to call him Traitor, Magician, and Devilish Fellow. But the time was past, nor were his reproaches any more valuable.  
He believed that Renaze was still a Prisoner 
Renaze appears before him, at which he is much astonished.  in Piedmont: but he had escaped some time before, and was now presented to him. He believed that he saw a Phantasm or Ghost; he remained astonished and dumb; and without making any exception against him, heard his Deposition, which agreed with that of Laffin. They deposed, besides what we have already said, That he had complotted with the Governor of Fort St. Katherine to kill the King when he went to receive that place: That Byron was to march a little before him clad in a certain fashion, to the end he might be known. They said likewise, that he had another design to take away the King when he should be hunting, or other where ill accompanied, and carry him into Spain.  
The Charge of the Impeachment thus made 
He is conducted to the Parliament, and heard.  in the Bastille by four Commissioners, he was conducted to the Palace down the River, guarded on both sides by the Regiment of Guards. He was heard in Parliament seated on the Footstool, all the Chambers of the Assemblies, but the Peers, being present, though they had been likewise called; and afterwards reconducted to the Bastille.  
On the morrow, being the last of July, it 
Sentence of death voted against him.  was put to the Vote: of one hundred and fifty Judges, there was not one who concluded not of his death. He was declared Attainted and convicted of the crime of Laesae Majestatis, for the Conspiracies made by him against the person of the King, Designs upon his Estate, Treasons and Treaties with his Enemies, being Marshal of the Armies of the said King. And for reparation of his Crimes, deprived of all his Estates, Honours and Dignities, and condemned to have his head cut off in the place of the Greve; his Goods, movable and immovable, taken and confiscated to the King; his Lands of Byron for ever deprived of the title of Peerage; and those and all his other Lands reunited to the Demains of the Crown.  
The King under pretext of doing a favour 
The King removes the execution to the Bastille.  to his Kindred, but fearing indeed some tumult, because he was much loved of the Soldiery, and had a great number of friends in Court, removed the place of his execution, and would have it done in the Bastille. The Chancellor going with the chief Precedent, caused him to be led to the Chapel, where about ten of the Clock in the morning he 
Sentence pronounced.  pronounced his Sentence, which he heard with one Knee on the ground, with a great deal of patience: only when they came to these words, Conspiracies against the person of the King, he rise up, and cried out, There is no such thing; that is false; blot out that. In fine, the Chancellor, according to form, redemanded of him the Choler of his Order, his Ducal Crown, and his Marshals Staff. He had not the two last with him, but only the first, which he drew out of his pocket, and gave.  
It will be needless to recount all his Discourses, his Reproaches, his Passions, his Laments, his Exclamations, and a hundred other Extravagancies, (for so we may call them) with which he was transported.  
About five a Clock that Evening, he was 
His head cut off.  led to the Scaffold, where he had his head cut off. It was observed that it bounded three times, forced by the impetuosity of his spirits, which were transported; and that there issued more blood out of it, than out of the trunk of his body. He was carried to the Church of St. Paul, where he was buried without any Ceremony, but with a great concourse of people, who had all tears in their eyes, and lamented that brave Courage which a detestable Ambition, and a too boundless Pride, had brought to so unhappy an end.  
It is convenient to understand, that this 
He was very ignorant, but a great lover of predictions.  Marshal was very ignorant, but extremely curious in the Predictions of Astrologers, Diviners, Necromancers, and other Deceivers. It was held likewise, that Laffin had gained his favour by making him believe that he talked with the Devil, and that he had assured him that he should be a Sovereign. It was said likewise, that being young, he went one day disguised to see a Teller of Good-fortune, who foretold that he should be a very great Lord, but that he should have his head cut off: at which being troubled, he outrageously beat him. That another Diviner told him he should be King, if a blow of a sword behind hindered it not. And another, that he should die by the hand of a Burgonian; and it was found, that the Executioner who cut off his head, was a Native of Bourgongne.  
Divers others were reported: but to speak the truth, the most of these Predictions are ordinarily known after the Events; and though they do effectually precede the event, it must be believed by chance, and not by knowledge; the Prognosticators telling so many stories, that it is impossible but some should happen. It is therefore a great wisdom to disabuse our 
A reflection very necessary for great men.  spirits of these sorts of curiosities: for besides that they have no foundation in Reason, we offend God by believing them, and give money to let ourselves be fooled and led by the Noses: nor do ever wise men give any faith to them, though sometimes they serve to deceive the simple.  
Laffin and Renaze had their full pardon. 
Laffin and Renaze pardoned.  One named Hebert, Secretary to Marshal Byron, suffered the ordinary and 
* That is, the Rack.  extraordinary Question, without confessing any thing; yet he was condemned to perpetual imprisonment: but a little after, the King gave him his liberty; yet the resentment of what he had suffered, having more power over him then the favour, he fled into Spain, where he finished his days.  
The Baron of Lux, Byron's chief Confident, 
So is the Baron of Lux, and confirmed in his Charges.  came to Court on the King's word. He told him all that he knew, and possibly more: by which means he obtained his pardon in what form he pleased, and was confirmed in his Charges, and in the Government of the Castle of Dijon, and the City of Beaune. The King kept the Government of Bourgongne for Monseur le Dauphine, and gave the Lieutenancy to Bellegarde, who afterwards was Governor in chief.  
Montbarot Lord Breston was put into the Bastille upon some suspicions had of him; but 
Montbarot imprisoned, and soon released.  being found innocent, the Gates were soon opened to him.  
The Baron of Fontanelles, a Gentleman of a very good house, had not the same fortune: 
Fontanelles broke on the wheel.  for for having a hand in the conspiracy, and besides that, treating of his own accord with the Spaniards to deliver to them a little Island on the Coast of Bretany, he was broke on the Wheel in the Greve, by sentence of the great Council. The King in consideration of his house, which was very illustrious, granted to his Kindred that in the sentence he should not be called by his proper Name: but History could not be silent in it.  
The Duke of Bovillon finding himself likewise 
Duke of Bovillon had a hand in the conspiracy.  somewhat involved in Byron's business, judged it convenient to retire into his Viscounty of Turenne; where the King, being advised that he yet plotted something, sent for 
The King sends for him to Court; but he presents himself to the Chamber of Castres'.  him to come and justify himself. In stead of coming, he writ to him a very eloquent Letter, by which he represented to him, That having understood that his Accusers were both extremely wicked, and very cunning, he entreated him to dispense with his coming to Court; and think fit, that to satisfy his Majesty, all France, and his own Honour, his Process should be made at the Chamber of Castres', by virtue of the privilege he had granted to those of the pretended Religion; and that he would send thither his Accusers and Accusations. In pursuance of which, he came to Castres', presented himself to the Chamber, and took an Act of his appearance. The King was not at all pleased with this Answer; blamed the Judges of Castres' for having given him that Act, and sent to tell him that there was yet no question of leaving him over to Justice, and that therefore he should the rather come.  
Being advertized by those friends he had at 
After, he retires to Geneva, & thence to Heidelberg to the Prince Palatine his Kinsman.  Court of the King's resolution, who had sent to him the Precedent Commartin to let him understand his will, he departed from Castres', went to Orange, passed by Geneva, and so retired to Heidelberg to the Prince Palatine: saying like a sage Politician, as he was, That he ought neither to Capitulate with his King, nor yet go near him whilst his anger lasted. This business lay a breeding some years; we shall see in its place how it terminated.  
It must here be acknowledged, that the favour 
The favour of Rosny a pretext to the discontents of the great ones.  of Rosny served in this time for a pretext to almost all the discontents and all the conspiracies of the great ones. The King had truly raised him by four or five great Charges, because he believed he could not sufficiently recompense those services he had rendered him. And in that this Prince merits only praise: for a good Master cannot do too much for a good and faithful servant. But though the troublesome and discontented Spirits might complain 
Yet the King gave him not too much power;  that the King gave him too many Charges and Employments; yet they could not lament his giving him too much power, or that he gave it to him alone: for we may with truth say●, that Rosny had not the liberty to do the least grace of his own accord. He was forced in all things to address himself directly to the King; who would himself distribute his favours 
but keeps it to himself.  and recompenses to those he knew worthy, that they might acknowledge the whole Obligation and dependence from him. This great Prince knew well, That he who gives 
An important truth.  all, may do all; and that he who gives nothing, is nothing, but what it shall please him who gives all. He had too much Honour, and too much Glory, to suffer that another should act in the most noble Function of his Royal Authority. Whatever favour or whatever familiarity any had with him, if they were wanting to conserve it with a profound respect, or should speak or act with him otherwise then with their Master and with their King, they would doubtless as soon fall into disgrace: and this was, as we have observed, one of the causes of Byron's loss. Judge then, if he who would not that any should in any thing in the world act the Companion with him, would have endured that they should act the Sovereign. Judge, if he would have been contented that his Ministers should simply have taken his consent in a business, or that they should speak to him of things in manner of discharge, after having themselves resolved them. No, without doubt: He would that all Resolutions should come from his own Head, and from his own Motion: that the choice should be his: that he alone should have the power to raise and throw down; and that none but himself should be Arbitrator in the Fortunes of his Subjects. Not but that he considered, as it was just, the Recommendations of the great ones of his Estate, and of his Ministers, in the conferring of his Favours, Employments and Charges; but it was still in such a manner, that he made them to whom he gave them know, that they ought only to hold them from him: which the following Example well demonstrates.  
The Bishopric of Poitiers becoming vacant, 
A memorable example, that a King ought not to yield too much to his Ministers.  Rosny very instantly besought him to consider in this occasion one named Frenovillet, reputed a knowing man, and a great Preacher. The King notwithstanding this Recommendation, gives it to the Abbot of Rochepozay; who, besides his own particular good Qualities, was Son to a Father who had served him well with his Sword in his Wars, and with his knowledge and spirit in Embassies. Some time after, the Bishopric of Montpellier became vacant: the King out of his own proper motion sent to seek Frenovillet, and told him, that he would give it him; but on this condition, that he should acknowledge no Obligation but to himself. By which it may be seen, how he in some sort considered the Recommendation of Rosny: but it may likewise be perceived, that the power of that Favourite, who caused so much jealousy in the world, was bounded. I call him Favourite, by reason that he had the most splendent Employments; though to speak truth he had no pre-eminence over others of the Council: for Villeroy and Janin were more considered than he in Negotiations and Foreign Affairs; Bellieure and Sillery for Justice and Policy within the Kingdom: and it is not to be imagined that those people did in any manner depend on him. There was only one head in the Estate, which was the King, who alone made all his Members, and from whom only they received spirits and vigour. 
Erterprises of the Duke of Savoy on Geneva.   
About the end of this year, the Duke of Savoy thinking to revenge himself, and repair the loss of his County of Bresse on the City of Geneva, attempted to take it by storm. The Enterprise was form by the Counsels of the Lord of Albigny; and the Duke having passed the Mountains, believed it infallible. D' Albigny conducted two thousand men for this purpose within half a League of the City; yet was not so rash as to engage himself, but left the conduct to others. More than two hundred men mounted the Ladders, gained the Ramparts, and ran through all the City without being perceived. In the mean time, the Burgesses were awakened by the cries of some that fled from a Guard, which had discovered the Enterprizers, and as soon beheld themselves charged by them. The Gunner, who was to have broken a Gate within, to cause those without to enter, was unhappily slain: after which, they were weakened on all sides. The greatest part endeavoured to regain their Ladders: but the Cannons on the Flankers having broken them in pieces, they were almost all slain, or broke their necks by leaping into the Ditch. There was thirteen taken alive, almost all Gentlemen: amongst the others, Attignac, who had served as second to Don Phillipin bastard of Savoy. They yielded upon assurance given them, that they should be treated as prisoners of War: But the furious cries of the common people, who represented the danger wherein their City was of Massacres, Violation, universal Destruction, or perpetual Slavery, forced the Council of this little Republic to condemn them to the infamous death of the Gibbet, like to Thiefs. 
Thirteen of the Enterprizers ●anged.  Their heads, with fifty four others of those that were killed, were stuck on Poles, and their bodies cast into the Rhone.  
The Duke of Savoy, confused with such ill 
The Duke of Savoy excuses himself to the Swisses.  success, and much more with the reproaches of all Christendom, for having endeavoured such an Enterprise in time of absolute peace, repassed the Mountains in haste, leaving his Troops near to Geneva, and endeavoured to excuse himself to the Swisses, under whose protection that City was, as well as under that of France, for having attempted to surprise it; saying, That he had not done it to trouble the repose of the Confederacy, but to hinder Lesdiguieres from seizing it for the King. 
From whom the City of Geneva was held.   
The Dukes of Savoy have for a long time pretended that this City appertained to their Sovereignty; and that the Bishops who bore the title of Earls, and were for some time Lords of it, held it from them: which is however a thing that the Bishops▪ never acknowledged; always maintaining, that they depended immediately on the Empire. The City on their part sustained that it was a free City, and not subject in temporal things, neither to their Bishops, whom they quite drove out in the year 1533. when they unhappily renounced the Roman Catholic Religion; nor to the Duke of Savoy, but only to the Empire: for which reason they always bore the Eagle planted on their Gates. Both one and the other have very specious Titles to show their rights: 
It was an Ally of the Swisses, and under protection of France.  but for the present the City of Geneva enjoyed full liberty, and had for above sixty years, being become an Ally of the Cantons of Switzerland. Now the Swisses were comprehended in the Treaty of Vervin as Allies of France, and by consequence so was the City of Geneva; and the King had sufficiently declared it to the Duke of Savoy: notwithstanding which, he ceased not to attempt this Enterprise; hoping that if it succeeded, the King of Spain and the Pope would sustain him in it, and that the King for so small a thing would not break the peace.  
The Genevans furiously incensed against 
The Genevans make War on Savoy.  him, began to make War courageously; entered his Country, and took some little Towns. They hoped that the King and the Swisses would second these motions of their resentment; and that all the Princes of Germany would likewise come to their assistance. But the King desired to keep the peace; and was too wise to kindle a War in which he could not make Religion and Policy agree; or unite the Honour and Interests of France, obliged to protect its Allies, with the good favour of the Pope moved by his duty to the ruin of the Hugonots. He therefore sent the Vic to assure them of his protection: but with order to let them know, that Peace was necessary for them, 
But the King obliges them to peace.  and War ruinous; and that they ought to embrace the one, and shun the other. And they having little power for so much anger, and not being able to do any thing without his assistance, were constrained to consent, and enter into a Treaty with the Savoyard: by which it was said, that they were comprised in the Treaty of Vervin, and that the Duke could not build any Fortress within four Leagues of their City.  
It happened almost in the same time, that 
The inhabitants of Mets rise against Sobole their Governor.  the City of Mets rose against the Governor of that Citadel. He was called Sobole; who having been made Lieutenant by the Duke of Espernon, to whom Henry the third had given the Government in chief, had deserted this Duke, I know not for what consideration, and had taken provision of the King. He had a Brother who seconded him in the Charge of this Government.  
During the last War against Spain, these two Brothers had accused the principal inhabitants of Mets for having conspired to deliver the City to the Spaniards. There were many imprisoned, some put to the rack; but none found culpable: so that all the Burgesses believing with reason that this was a Calumny, conceived a hatred against these Soboles, and drew up several Petitions of complaint against them, accusing them of a great number of Exactions and Cruelties. The Duke d' Espernon, who without doubt sustained these Burgesses at the Court, was sent by the King to accommodate this difference. The Soboles who had offended him, no longer trusted him; they would not permit him to enter into the strongest Citadel, nor let the Garrison go out to meet him: so that being justly incensed, 
The Duke d' Espernon kindles the fire more.  he envenomed the plague instead of healing it, and animated the inhabitants in such a manner, that they Barricadoed themselves against them. The King who knew that the least sparkles were capable to kindle a great fire, was not content to send La Varenne, but went 
The King goes in person.  himself; being moreover willing to visit that Frontier. Sobole gave the place into his hands; and he gave it to Arquien, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Regiment of Guards, with the Quality of Lieutenant of the King, to command in the absence of the Duke d' Espernon Governor, who had no great power 
The Jesuits present their request to the King, for their reestablishment.  so long as the King lived.  
The King passed the Feast of Easter at Mets. Whilst he was there, he harkened to the request which the Jesuits made for their re-establishment. He referred the doing them Justice till he should come to Paris; and gave leave to Father Ignatius Armand, and Father Coton, to come to solicit their cause. They were not wanting to do it; and Father Coton, being of a sharp and witty discourse, and a very famous Preacher, gained so soon the favour of all the Court, and pleased the King so well, that he obtained from his Majesty the recalling of the Society into the Kingdom, contrary to the opinion and advice of some of his Council. He then reestablished them by an 
He re-establisheth them gloriously.  Act, which he caused to be confirmed in Parliament; and caused to be thrown down that Pyramid, which had been erected before the Palace, in the place of the house of John castle, where there were many writings in Verse and Prose very bloody against these Fathers. Thus was their banishment gloriously repaired; and after all, the King kept with him Father Coton as his Chaplain in Ordinary, and Confessor and Director of his Conscience. This was not accomplished till the year 1604.  
In these two years of 1602, and 1603. we 
1602, & 1603.  have yet three or four important things to observe. The first, that the King at his departure from Mets went to Nancy to visit his 
He visits his sister at Nancy. Renews his alliance with the Swisses and Grisons.  Sister, the Duchess of Bar; who died the year following without Children. The second, that he renewed the Alliance with the Swisses, and some months after with the Grisons; notwithstanding those Obstacles by which the Count of Fuentes endeavoured to oppose it. The third was, that in returning to Paris, he received news of the Death of 
Hears of the death of Queen Elizabeth of England.  Elizabeth Queen of England, one of the most Illustrious and most Heroic Princesses that ever Reigned; and who Governed her Estate with more Prudence and Power, than any of her Predecessors had ever done.  
She was Daughter to King Henry the eighth, and to that Anne of Bullen, for whose love he had left Katherine of Arragon, Aunt to Charles the fifth Emperor, his first wife. There was nothing wanting to the happiness of her Kingdom save the Catholic Religion, which she banished out of England. And we might give her the name of good as well as great, if she had not dealt so inhumanely as 
She beheaded Mary Queen of Scots.  she did with her Cousin-German Mary Stuart Queen of Scotland; whom she kept eighteen years' prisoner, and after beheaded; induced to it by some conspiracies which the Servants and Friends of that poor Princess had made against her person. 
James 6. King of Scotland and Son of Mary, succeeded to the Kingdom of England. He was James the first of that name among▪ the Kings of England.   
The Son of that Mary named James the sixth King of Scotland, being the nearest of the blood-Royal of England, as Grandchild to Margaret of England, Daughter to King Henry the seventh, and Sister to Henry the eighth, married to James the fourth King of Scotland, succeeded Elizbeth, who had put his Mother to death. He caused himself to be called King of Great Britain, to unite under the same title the two Crowns of England and Scotland; which indeed are but one Island, formerly called by the Romans Magna Britania.  
The Alliance of so powerful a King might make the balance incline to which side soever it were turned, either of France or Spain: For which reason both the one and 
Ambassadors go from France and Spain to desire his friendship.  the other immediately sent Magnificent Ambassadors to salute him, each endeavouring to draw him to his side. It was Rosny who went on the part of Henry the Great: he obtained all the favourable Audience he desired, and the confirmation of the ancient Treaties between France and England. The Ambassador of Spain found not such facility in his Negotiation; the English appeared resolute. The Spaniards were forced to yield, that the place of the Treaty should be appointed in England, and to grant the English free Taffick in all their Territories, even in the Indies, and 
Piety yields to Interest.  give them liberty of Conscience in Spain; so that they should not be subject to the Inquisition, nor obliged to salute the holy Sacrament in the streets, but only turn from it.  
France was in a profound peace, as well without by the renewing of the Alliances with the Swisses and with England as within, by the discovery of the Conspiracies which were quite dissipated; the King enjoyed a repose worthy his labours, and his past travail made his pleasure more sweet. However, he was 
The King labours to conserve peace.  not idle, but was seen daily employed: for he endeavoured with as much diligence to conserve peace, that divine daughter of heaven, as he had used courage and valour in making War.  
He was often heard say, That though 
Excellent speeches of a good King.  he could make the house of France as powerful in Europe, as that of the Ottomans was in Asia, and conquer in a moment all the Estates of his neighbours; yet he would not do so great a dishonour to his word, by which he was obliged to the keeping of the Peace.  
His most ordinary divertisements during 
His divertisements.  this time, were Hunting and Building. He at the same time maintained workmen at the Church of the holy Cross at Orleans, at St. german in Say, at the Lovure, and at the Place Royal.  
The Nobility of France during this peace, 
Employs of the Nobility.  could not live out of action: some passed their time in Hunting, others with Ladies; some in Studies of Learning and the Mathematics, others in travelling into Foreign Countries; and others continued the Exercise of War under Prince Maurice in Holland. But the greatest part, whose hands as it were itched, and who sought to signalise their valour without departing from their Countries, became punctilious, and for the least word, or for a wry look, put their hands to their swords. Thus that madness of Duels entered into the 
Duels too frequent.  hearts of the Gentlemen; and these Combats were so frequent, that the Nobility shed as much blood in the Meadows with their own hands, as their enemies had made them lose in Battles.  
The King therefore made a second and a 
The King makes an Edict against this madness.  most severe Edict, which prohibited Duels, confiscating the bodies and goods of those who went thus into the field. For the present, this prohibition made the ardour of the most violent a little relent: but because he often pardoned this crime, not being able to refuse it to those who had faithfully served him in his need; it happened that in a little time this mischief regained its course, almost as strong as before.  
His receiving from all persons all advices 
He makes Acts for working the Gold, Silver▪ and Copper Mines.  that might accommodate and in rich his Kingdom, made him understand that there were in divers places of France very good Mines both of Gold and Silver, Copper and Lead; and that if they were wrought, there would be no need to buy of strangers: That likewise though there should accrue no great profit in digging them, yet by them many idle persons might be employed; and likewise those criminals who deserved not death, might be condemned for so many years to work in them. He made therefore an Act which renewed the ancient orders concerning the Officers, Directors, and Workers of Mines. And they began to work in the Pyrenees, where it is most certain that formerly there hath been Gold, and that there still is. In such manner, that had they continued this labour, they might in all appearance have gained notable advantages; but either through the negligence of the Overseers, or through the little intelligence, or rather impatience of the French, who cast by any thing that presently seconds not their desires, this work was discontinued. 
An enterprise to join the Seine and Loire.   
Another very great conveniency for Paris was enterprised, which was the joining of the River Loire to the Seine, by the Channel of Briare. Rosny laboured in this with much expense, employing in it near three hundred thousand crowns: but the work was interrupted, I know not wherefore. It was renewed again in the Reign of Lewis the thirteenth, and brought to perfection.  
There was proposed likewise another, 
Another design to join the two Seas.  which was to make a conjunction of the two Seas, the Ocean and the Mediterranean, by uniting together the Garonne which runs into the Ocean, and the Aude which falls into the Mediterranean Sea below Narbonne, by Channels which were to be drawn along little Rivers, which run between these great ones. The Country of Languedoc offered to contribute; but there were difficulties found which hindered this enterprise.  
Navigation was established by the good order which the King had taken to keep his Coasts in security, and to punish Pirates severely when they catcht them. Our ships were not content to Traffic to the ordinary places, but enterprised likewise to go to the new world; which they had almost forgot since the time of Admiral Coligny. A Gentleman of Xaintonge named du Gas, began with the King's Commission the voyage of 
Navigation to Canada.  Canada, where afterwards was established the Commerce of Castor's or beaver's, which are the skins of a certain amphibious creature, much like the Otters of this Country.  
Among all these establishments, we must 
Establishment of Religious Orders at Paris.  not forget a great quantity of new Religious Companies, which were made in Paris. There was first seen the Recollects, which were a branch of the Order of St. Francis of a new Reformation: Capuchins and Fevillantines; Carmelites, who were brought from Spain; Barefooted Carmes, who came likewise from that Country: of the Brothers of Charity, vulgarly called the ignorant brothers, who came out of Italy; and all had soon built them Convents out of the Alms and Charity of Devout persons.  
In the midst of this fair Calm, at which the King rejoiced, and during all these fair occupations which were worthy of him, he was not left without troubles and vexations, which perplexed his Spirit. He had none more piercing, nor more continual, than those which came on the part of his Wife and his Mistresses.  
We have already said how Mademoiselle 
The King gives Vernevil to Madamoiselle d' Entragues.  d' Entragues had engaged him. He had given her the land of Vernevil near Senlis, and for the love of her had made it a Marquisate. After that he was married, he ceased not to have the same passion for her, and to carry her with him in his Progresses, and lodge her at Fontain-bleau. 
She despises and offends the Queen.   
These scandalous disorders extremely offended the Queen; and the Pride of the Marchioness more furiously incensed her: for she spoke always of her in terms either injurious or disdainful; sometimes not forbearing to say, that if she had Justice she should hold the place of that fat 
* Alluding I suppose to the Dukes of Florence, who are all Merchants.  Banker.  
The Queen likewise on her side was with 
The Queen on her part troublesome to the King.  reason transported against her, and made her complaints to all the world. But this was not the way to gain the spirit of the King: she had done better, had she wisely dissembled her displeasure, and by her kindnesses made herself master of that heart, which of right belonged to her. The King loved to be flattered; he loved sweet and compliant discourse, and was to be gained by tenderness and affection. The band of love is love itself: this was that she ought to employ with him, and not grumble, disdains, and ill countenances, which serve only more and more to disgust a husband, and make him find more pleasure in the allurements of a Mistress who takes care to be always agreeable and always complacent. But in stead of holding this way, she was always in contention with the King; she exasperated him continually by her complaints, and by her reproaches: and when he thought to find with her some sweetness to ease the great labours of his spirit, he encountered nothing but Gall and Bitterness.  
She had belonging to her Chamber a Florentine woman Daughter of her Nurse, named Leonora Galigay, a creature extreme ugly, but very spiritual, and who knew so perfectly how to insinuate into her heart, that she had in such manner seized on it, that she absolutely commanded her. It hath been said, that this woman fearing that the Queen her Mistress would love her less, if she perfectly loved the King her husband, kept her from it as much as she could, that she might possess her with more ease. Afterwards, to the end she might have a second in her designs, she Married and Espoused herself to a Florentine 
Leonora & Conchini her husband, foster the Queen in ill humours.  a domestic of the Queens, named Conchini, of a little better Extraction than herself, being grandchild to Baptista Conchini, who had been Secretary to Cosmo Duke of Florence.  
The Common opinion was that these two persons conjointly laboured so long as the King lived, to conserve a spleen in the spirit of the Queen, and to make her always troublesome and humoursome towards him; in such manner, that for seven or eight years together, if he had one day of peace and quiet with her, he had ten of discontent and vexation. In this truly the King's fault was the greatest, because he gave the occasion of these troubles; and the husband being, as St. Paul saith, the head of the wife, aught to give her example, and keep a more strict union with her.  
We have observed this once for all. But we cannot too often make this Reflection, 
1604.  That sin is the cause of all disorder; and that for a little pleasure it causes a thousand troubles and a thousand mischiefs, even in this world itself. The King being now 
The King's debaucheries cause the Gout.  but just fifty years of age, began this year to have some small feelings of the Gout; which possibly were the doleful effects of his excessive voluptuousness, as well as of his labours.  
To return to the Marchioness; it happened 
The Queen threatens the Marchioness.  one day that the Queen being very much offended at her discourse, threatened her that she should know how to bridle her wicked tongue. The Marchioness upon this seemed sad and grieved; shunned the King, and let him understand that she desired that he 
Who prays the King to see her no more.  would no more demand any thing of her, because she feared that the continuation of his favours would be too prejudicial both to her and her children. Her design was to inflame more his passion, by showing herself more difficult. But when she saw that her cunning had not all the effect she hoped, and that the Queen's anger was increased to such a point, that indeed there was some danger for her and hers; she advised herself of another thing. D' Entragues her Father demanded permission 
And her Father demands leave to retire with her out of France.  of the King to carry her out of the Kingdom, to avoid the vengeance of the Queen. The King granted her demand easier than she thought he would; wherewith being excessively enraged, her Father and the Count d' Auvergne her Brother by the Mother's side, began to Treat secretly with the 
They treat with the Ambassador of Spain.  Ambassador of Spain, to have some retreat in the Territories of his King, casting themselves absolutely they and their children into his Arms.  
The Ambassador believed that this business would be very advantageous to his Master, and that in time and place he might serve himself of that promise of marriage which the King had given to the Marchioness: he therefore easily granted them all that they demanded, and added all the fair promises with which weak and feeble spirits might be entoxicated.  
The King had granted them permission to retire themselves out of France, but yet without the Children, out of a belief he had that they would go into England to the Duke of Lenox and the Earl of Aubigny of the house of the Stuarts, who were their near kinsmen; but when he understood that they consulted 
The King resolves to hinder them. To this end he sends for Auvergne, who is at Clermont, and refuses to come.  of a retreat into Spain, he resolved to hinder them, but to employ fair means to do it. He sends therefore for the Count d' Auvergne, who was then at Clermont, so much beloved in the Province, that he believed he might securely stay there. He refused to come before he had his Pardon Sealed in good form, for all that he might have done. This was a kind of new crime, to capitulate with his King: however he sends it him, but with this Clause, That he should make his immediate appearance.  
His distrust permitted him not to obey on this condition: he stayed still in the Province, where he kept himself on his Guard, with all precautions imaginable. Nevertheless he was not so cunning, but the King could entrap him, and by an Artifice very gross. He being Colonel of the French Cavalry, was desired to go see a Muster made of a Company of the Duke of Vendosmes. He went well mounted, keeping himself at a good distance, that he might not be encompassed: Nevertheless, d' E●●●re Lieutenant of that Company, & Nerestan approaching him to salute him, mounted on little Hobbies for fear of giving him suspicion, but with three Soldiers disguised like Lackeys, cast him from his horse, and made him 
He is Arrested prisoner, and carried to the Bastille.  prisoner. They led him presently to the Bastille, where he was seized with a great fear, when he saw himself lodged in the same Chamber where the Marshal of Byron his great friend had been.  
Immediately after the King caused d' Entragues 
D' Entragues and the Marchioness likewise Arrested.  to be Arrested, who was carried to the 
* The Common Goal of Paris.  conciergery; and the Marchioness, who was left in her lodgings under the Guard of the Cavalier de Guet. After desiring to make known by public proofs the ill intention of the Spaniards, who seduced his subjects, and excited and fomented conspiracies in his Estate, he remitted the prisoners into the hands of the Parliament; who having convicted them of having complotted with the Spaniard, declared by a sentence of the first of 
Sentence of Parliament against them.  February, the Count of Auvergne, d' Entragues, and an English man named Morgan, who had been the Agent of this fair Negotiation, guilty of Treason; and as such, condemned them to have their heads cut off: The Marchioness to be conducted with a good Guard into the Abbey of Nuns at Beaumond near to Tours, to be there shut up; and that in the mean time there should be more ample information made against her, at the request of the Attorney-general.  
The Queen spared no solicitations for the giving of this sentence; believing that the Execution would satisfy her resentment: but the goodness of the King surpassed her passion▪ The love which he had for the Marchioness was not so far extinct, that he could resolve to Sacrifice what he had adored: he would not permit them to pronounce the Sentence; and two months and a half afterward, to wit, on the fifteenth of April, he by Letters under his Great Seal changed the penalty of Death on the Count of Auvergne and the 
The King pardons them, and justifies the Marchioness.  Lord d' Entragues, into perpetual Imprisonment. Some time after he had likewise changed the prison of Entragues into a Confinement to his house of Malles-herbes in Beausse. He likewise permitted the Marchioness to retire to Vernevil; and seven months being passed, without the Attorneys-general procuring any proof against her, he caused her to be declared absolutely innocent of the crime whereof she was accused.  
There rested only the Count of Auvergne, 
But the Count of Auvergne remained at the Bastille, and is despoiled of his County.  who being the most to be feared, was the worst treated: for the King not only kept him prisoner at the Bastille, where he lay for twelve whole years, but likewise deprived him of his propriety in the County of Auvergne. He had boar the title, and enjoyed it by virtue of the Donation of King Henry the third.  
Queen Margaret newly come to the Court, sustained that this▪ Donation could not be valuable, because the contract of the Marriage of Katherine de Medicis her Mother, to whom that County appertained, allowing Substitution of her goods, and that Substitution, said she, extending to Daughters in default of Males, that County was to come to her after the death of Henry the third, nor could he give it to her prejudice.  
The Parliament having harkened to her 
Which is adjudged to Queen Margaret, who gives her Estates to the Dauphin.  reasons, and seen her proofs, annulled the Donation made by Henry the third, and adjudged her this County. In recompense of which obligation, and many others she had received from the King, she made a Donation of all her Estates after death to the Dauphin, reserving to herself only the fruits of them during life.  
The Count of Auvergne thus despoiled, remained in the Bastille until the year one thousand six hundred and sixteen; when Queen Mary de Medicis having need of him during the troubles, delivered him from thence, and caused him to be justified. She caused likewise the Registers of Parliament and of the Notaries to be taken off the File, with all informations which might conserve the memory of his Crime. By this see an example how time causes a mutability in all things, and how it changeth the greatest hatreds into the greatest affections; and on the contrary, transmutes the strongest affections into mortal hatreds.  
By searching into the plot of the Marchioness 
The designs of the Duke of Bovillon discovered.  her Father, to deliver her with her Children to the Spaniards, the designs of the Duke of Bovillon were likewise discovered, who at present was the only person could give the King any trouble in his own Kingdom. It is most certain, that this Prince had conferred 
The King had done him many favours, and he had as well served the King:  on him very considerable Favours, having given him the Staff of Marshal of France, and procured him the marriage of the Heiress of Sedan: and this Lord had likewise very well served him in his greatest necessities. But after he saw him converted to the Catholic Faith, he diminished much of his affection; and moved partly by Zeal for his false Religion, and partly by Ambition, he conceived vast designs of making himself Chief and Protector of the Huguenot party; and under that pretext, make himself Master of the Provinces beneath the Loire. It was believed that for this effect he had much assisted to exasperate the spirit of the Marshal of Byron; and that he had made a Treaty with the Spaniard, who was to furnish him with what money he desired; but not with forces, for fear of rendering himself odious to the Protestants.  
It was but too visible, that after the conversion 
But after the King's conversion, he excites the Hugonots against him, and would make himself chief of their party.  of the King, he had instantly laboured to beget distrusts and discontents in the spirits of the Hugonots, and to unite and Rally them together, that they might make a body: persuading himself, that that body must necessarily have a head, and that they could choose no other but himself. And for these Reasons, so many Assemblies were made, and so many particular and general Synods of those of this Religion held, wherein nothing was heard but complaints and murmurs against the King, whom they continually wearied with new Requests and Demands.  
Moreover, it was found that this Duke had 
His Emissary's endeavour to form a party in Guyenne.  Emissaries and Servants in Guyenne, and particularly in Limosin and Quercy, who held private Councils among the Nobility, distributed money, and took oath of those who promised him service, and had form designs against ten or twelve Catholic Cities.  
The King judging that he ought to dig up 
The King goes to prevent them.  the root of this mischief before it extended farther, and not knowing indeed to what it might extend, resolved himself to go and remedy it. He departed from Fontainbleau in the month of December, having sent before Jean-Jacques de Mesmes, Lord of Rossy, to make process against those that were culpable.  
Immediately all this conspiracy flew into 
All the Conspiracy dissipated.  smoke: The best advised came to the King to cast themselves at his feet. The chief Agent of the Duke of Bovillon being advertized that there was order given to arrest him, brought his head to the King, and told him both all he knew before, and all that he did not know. The others either fled out of the Kingdom, or else hid themselves. Five or six unfortunate persons being taken, were beheaded at Lymoges, and their heads planted on the tops of the Gates, their bodies burnt, and the ashes thrown into the Air. Three or four others suffered the same punishment at Perigord. There were ten or twelve condemned for Contumacy, and their Effigies hanged up; amongst others, Chappelle-Byron, and Giversac of the house of Cugnac. But in all these procedures, there were found no proofs by writing, nor yet by any formal deposition against the Duke of Bovillon; so cautiously and subtly had he carried his business.  
Before these executions, the King having 
The King returns to Paris.  made his entrance into Lymoges, returned to Paris. He passionately wished, that after this the Duke of Bovillon would acknowledge and 
He in vain endeavours to make the Duke of Bovillon humble himself.  humble himself. For if he remained impenitent, he was obliged to prosecute him to the utmost; and if he did prosecute him, he offended all that great body of Protestants, which were his faithful Allies. He employed therefore underhand all means which he could devise, to induce him to have recourse to his Clemency, rather than to the intercession of strangers; which a Sovereign could not agree to in the case of his Officer and Subject. The Duke desired as much as he to draw himself out of this trouble: but he believed he could not find security at Court, because Rosny, who was not his friend, and who had conceived some jealousy to see him more authorized then himself in the Huguenot party, had so great credit with the King. So that after many 
He resolves to besiege Sedan.  Treaties and Negotiations, the King resolved to go seek him at Sedan with an Army.  
Rosny laboured with great Zeal to make 
Rosny makes all necessary preparations.  preparation for this Expedition. The King confided much in him; and by honouring him, desired to testify to the Hugonots, that if he assaulted the Duke of Bovillon, it was not against their Religion, but the Rebellion he made War. For this purpose he erected the 
The King makes him Duke of Sully.  Land of Sully into a Duchy and Peerage; wherefore we shall henceforward call him Duke of Sully. His thoughts were, that the King should pursue the Duke of Bovillon to the utmost. Villeroy and the rest of the Council were of a contrary judgement: they would not have the Siege of Sedan hazarded, because 
Inconveniences in the siege of Sedan.  the length of that Enterprise might possibly revive divers factions in the other corners of the Kingdom, give time to the Spaniard to assault the Frontiers of Picaray, to the discontented Savoyard to cast himself with the Forces of the Milanois on disarmed Provence, and to the Hugonots and Protestants of Germany to come to the assistance of their friends.  
The King well foresaw all these inconveniences; 
The King chooses rather to receive the Duke into favour.  and therefore having advanced to Donchery, during the absence of Sully, who was gone to provide Artillery, he treated with the Duke of Bovillon, and received him into grace; on condition that he humbled himself before 
On what conditions.  his Majesty, and received him into the City of Sedan, and delivered up the Castle to him, to keep it with what Garrison he should think fit for fo●h years.  
These were the public Conditions: but by the secret Articles the King promised the Duke to stay but five days in Sedan, nor to put but fifty men in the Castle, which should immediately depart upon humble supplication made by the Duke. All these things were faithfully executed, and without the least distrust either on the one side or the other. The Duke came to meet the King at Donchery, where 
The Duke demands pardon of of the King, who enters Sedan, and thence goes to Paris.  he besought his pardon. The King received him as if he had never been faulty; and five or six days after, entered into Sedan; where he stayed only three days, and then returned to Paris. The Duke accompanied him as far as Mouson, passing then no further: but some days after, when he understood that the Parliament had confirmed his pardon, in which were likewise comprehended his friends that had been condemned for the default of Lymoges, he came to Court, where he received more Hovours and Kindnesses then ever. This was the custom of that great King: He had 
A great example of generosity in our Prince.  a heart like a Lion against the Proud, and against Rebels; but he was pleased to relieve with an unparallelled goodness those he had overcome, when by their submissions they rendered themselves worthy to receive his grace. And the Duke of Bovillon, who perfectly knew his Nature, (for they had lived and made War a long time together) was not wanting in this Conjuncture to comport himself with all that Prudence and Compliancy which an understanding man, as he was, could be capable of.  
Notwithstanding this great generosity and 
Notwithstanding which, there are many conspiracies.  goodness of the King, his Kingdom was no less turmoiled with incredible infidelities and conspiracies: such were the treason of l' Host, the attempt on the City of Marseilles by Merargues, and another on Narbonne and Leucate by the Luquisses.  
L' Host was Clerk to Villeroy, and his Godson: 
Treason of l' Oste.  the employment he had under him, was to copy out the dispatches. This unfortunate man revealed all the secrets of the King's Affairs to some of the Council of Spain; who had corrupted him with twelve hundred Crowns of Pension, which they promised him whilst he was in that Country with the Ambassador Rochepot. His treachery being discovered, he fled; and as he was pursued by the Provosts of the Marshal, he drowned himself in the River of Marne, near the Ferry of Fay. It may easily be judged, that Villeroy, whose fidelity by this means remained exposed to the King's just suspicions, and to the calumnies of his enemies, was sensibly troubled. He had had without doubt some difficulty to clear himself of this business, if the King, who saw him in an extraordinary affliction, had not had the goodness to go visit him himself; and by that honour brought him the comfort of justifying him against all calumnies the Envious might sow against him.  
Merargues was a Provincial Gentleman, of 
1605.  a very good House; who having assurance that 
Treason of Merargues.  he should the following year be Viguier or Sheriff of Marseilles, had promised to deliver that City to the Spaniard during his Sheriffalty. He was so imprudent and so foolish as to discover his design to a Slave of the Galleys of Marseilles; who gave advice of it to the Court, to the end possibly that he might gain his liberty.  
Upon this advice, Merargues, who was 
He is surprised talking with the Spanish Ambassador's Secretary.  then at Paris, was watched so diligently, that they found him conferring with the Secretary of the Ambassador of Spain; and speaking so loud, that almost all they said was heard. They searched him, and found in the fold of his Garter a Note containing the model of his Enterprise. He was arrested, and had his 
His punishment.  head cut off by sentence of the Parliament of Paris, on the nineteenth of December. His body was quartered, and his Quarters fixed before the City-gates: his head carried to Marseilles, to be planted on a Pole on a Tower of one of the principal Gates. The Secretary 
The Ambassador's Secretary arrested.  of the Ambassador was arrested as well as he; and had been in great danger, if the King had been as furious as those counselled him, who desired a rupture with Spain.  
This Rencounter gave subject to the Politicians 
Several discourses concerning Ambassadors privileges.  to discourse diversely concerning the Rights of Ambassadors and their people: but Henry the Great decided himself the Question in this manner: The Ambassadors (said he) are sacred by the right of Nations: now they first break them, when they contrive any treason against the State, or against the Prince to whom their Master sent them; and therefore by consequence this right ought not secure them from being sought out and punished. Moreover, it is not to be presumed that they are either Ambassadors, or that they represent the Sovereign who sends them, when they commit those treacheries and infidelities which their Masters would neither act nor avow. However, there is more generosity in not using in this point the utmost rigour, but reserving the advantage to chastise them without doing it. And to this purpose, being well read in History, he alleged that example of the Roman Senate, who having discovered that the Ambassadors of the Allobroges were concerned in the Conspiracy of Catiline, contented themselves with commanding them to depart the City. This was his Opinion: and as he always followed the most generous 
The King forbids any process against the Secretary.  Maxims, he forbade that any process should be made against the Secretary, to whom the Judges were about to give the Question.  
In the mean time, the Ambassador thinking 
The Ambassador makes a great noise, and threatens his King's resentment.  to cloak this perfidy by his Exclamations, came to complain to him that the rights of Nations were violated, and in them the Dignity of Ambassadors; and that the King his Master would have that resentment of it, which became a great Prince when offended. The King answering him with a wise coldness, represented unto him what his Secretary had acted with Mirargues. The Ambassador not willing either to own the Man, or approve his Action, turned the business another way, and complained that the King had made the first breach of the peace of Vervin, by assisting the Hollanders both with men and money. The King replied, that for the men, they went not by his Orders; and that there were Frenchmen in the service of the Archduke, as well as in the Hollanders: but for his money, that it was in his power to do with it what he pleased, and to lend it or give it without offending any. The Ambassador was very hot, and there past some high words both on one part and the other. In fine, the King returned him his Secretary, as he had resolved to do before he spoke.  
As for the Luquisses, they were two Brothers 
Treason of the Luquisses.  Genoese by extraction, who had made agreement with the Governor of Perpignan to deliver to him Narbonne and Lucate. It is certain, that it was not in their power to execute this design; and that there was more ill will in them, than danger that the thing should succeed: Nevertheless they were taken, and carried to Tholouse, where the Parliament sent both the one and the other to the Gibbet.  
It seemed that not only the malice of men, but even folly itself conspired now against France: for the same day that Merargues was 
A fool makes an attempt on the King's person.  executed, an unhappy Fool made an attempt on the sacred person of the King; throwing himself upon him with a Dagger in his hand, as he passed on horseback over the Pontneuf, returning from hunting. The Footmen of the King running in, made him lose his aim; and had killed him on the place, if the King had not forbade it, who caused him to be carried Prisoner to For-l ' Evesque. He was called John de l' Isle, Native of Vineux near Senlis. He was presently examined by the Precedent Janin, who could get no reasonable answer from him: for he was indeed quite out of his senses. He believed himself-King of all the world, and said that Henry the fourth having usurped and taken France from him, he would chastise him for his temerity. Upon which, the King judging that he was sufficiently punished by his folly, commanded that he should only be kept in prison; where he died not▪ long after.  
Those who desired War, lost not the occasion to incense the King's spirit upon all these 
Those who desire war, whet the King's spirit upon these Conspiracies.  Conspiracies and Erterprises of the Spaniards. They remonstrated to him, That he ought not to expect other from his perpetual Enemies: That having used all their endeavours to hinder him from coming to his Crown, they continued daily to attempt something against his Repose and Life: That their Ambushes were more to be feared in Peace, then in War: That it were better to break with them, because they would have less means to hurt him, being no longer in the Entrails of his Estate: That he had more advantage to act against them by open force, then to counterplot all their treacherous devices, which they held under the cloak of Peace and Friendship. They moreover presented to him the ill estate of the Affairs of Spain; that having expended all their Treasure in the Low-Country-Wars, they were said to have recourse to extraordinary ways to recover it. But above all, they forgot not to lay before him the great and advantageous Qualities that he had above Philip the third his Adversary, that he might be the easier induced to assault a man whom they taught him to despise and esteem feeble.  
● may say to this purpose of this King, that 
Character of Philip 3. of Spair.  though he had his spirit very clear, and that the diligences of Philip the second his Father had given him all knowledge necessary to govern; nevertheless out of a certain timidity and distrust of himself, too ordinary in many great men, shunning labour and pains, he had absolutely discharged himself of the Government on the Marquis of Denia, whom he made soon after Duke of Lerma. It will be difficult to express how this man rendered himself odious, and how the other was little esteemed so long as he endured: but in fine, God of his grace opened the eyes of this young Prince: he broke his chains; and he who was become as it were his Master, believed himself no better able to divert all those disgraces which might happen, then by becoming a Churchman and a Cardinal.  
We may in passing make some reflection of 
A good & profitable reflection.  the pitiful estate to which a Sovereign reduces himself, who for not comporting himself as he ought, necessarily falls into the disdain and aversion of his Subjects. Without doubt the greatest misfortune can arrive him, is to be regarded as inferior and subject to another; to have his Ears continually filled with that voice of his people, crying on all sides, Govern us; and to permit himself to be guided rather by five or six wicked Flatterers, who make him believe that he is Master, though he exercises no one Function, then by the truth or judgement of his whole Kingdom. For if he desire to know whether he be truly Sovereign or no, he need only regard himself without flattery, If it be he that gives Charges of his proper motion; if it be he that chooses the persons; if the Officers about him are of his own making; if he have ever said, I will have it so, in any affair of importance; if he see himself always followed and accompanied by Grandees; if those who have business, who seek employments, and who have need of his favour, are in his Antichamber: in fine, that none in his Realm hath more respect and more assiduity; and then he shall clearly know who it is that reigns. But it is not enough for him to know who it is; he must, after the example of Philip the third, of whom we were now speaking, endeavour to put himself in possession of his Authority. It is in 
In what the courage of a Sovereign principally consists.  that the Courage of a Prince principally consists: for in what can he better make known his Resolution and Valour, then in taking upon him that degree and power which God hath given him? Is there a truer point of honour for a King, then in maintaining in his person the rights of his Royalty? Without dissembling, it is more weakness and shame for a Sovereign to submit himself to him who ought to be submitted to his will, then to flee in the day of battle before his enemies: for the bravest are sometimes put to the worst; and the courage of a King consists much less in fight with his hands, then governing with his head. What would it be for him to overcome his enemies, if he sees himself beneath his own subject, who under pretext to serve him, reduces him and his Estate into fetters; and who dares invest himself with all the glory and all the advantage of command, making him believe that it is to ease him of the burden?  
Our Henry was not of this temper: his 
The goodness of Henry the Great.  goodness was extreme, but it was neither weak nor timid: his knowledge and understanding were not useless, but always laborious and active: nothing was above him, but God himself; nothing on any side of him, but Justice and Clemency, his two faithful Counselors. The most hardy of his Ministers trembled when he but bend his brow: all familiarities immediately ceased, and none durst be other then silent, when he was pleased to take the tone of Master.  
Now this great King conserving still the splendour of his Majesty, we cannot wonder if he were esteemed above Philip the third; who for the present suffered himself to be absolutely governed. And therefore because they knew he understood his fault, they believed that he would be more easily persuaded to make War against him. Indeed he was sufficiently resolute; and after so many injuries as he had received from the Spaniard, his resentment had no great need of a spur. However, before he would engage himself in so great an Enterprise, he would manage all his Affairs so exactly, gather together so much Money, Artillery and Ammunitions, fortify so well his Frontiers, take such good order within his 
But the King hastens not the War.  Kingdom, assure himself of so many Friends and Allies, raise such powerful Armies; and in fine, make his Party so strong, that the success should not at all be doubtful; and that assaulting that ambitious power, he might be assured to overthrow it: and therefore he judged it not to the purpose too much to hasten.  
In the mean time, he neglected not other means to acquire reputation; not thinking it less glorious to blazon forth his name by the repute of his wisdom in Counsels, then by the power of his Arms. By the last, he had been victorious over the Rebels and the Spaniards; 
He makes himself Arbitrator of the differences of Christendom  by the other, he rendered himself Arbitrator of the great differences of Christendom, and acquired a superiority so much more noble, because given him without constraint.  
Pope Clement viij. being dead about the 
1606.  end of the year 1605. he would employ his 
After the death of Clement 8. he causes to be chosen Leo xi. who soon dies, and Paul 5. succeeds.  credit to make a Pope of his Friends. The Cardinal of Joyeuse his Ambassador, and his other Agents, laboured so well, that they made the Votes fall on Alexander de Medicis, who was named the Cardinal of Florence. He took the name of Leo xi. but he died at the end of sixteen days: so the business was to begin again. The King would not that they should take pains in the choice of another; and declared, That France took no other interest then that an honest man should be chosen. The Conclave in the end chose the Cardinal Bourghese, who was named Paul 5. 
A great difference between Paul 5. and the Venetians.   
In the first years of his Papacy, there was rekindled a great difference which was begun under his Predecessors, which had set on fire all the corners of Italy, and possibly all Christendom, if our Henry had not taken care to extinguish it. I am about to tell the subject of it.  
The Signory of Venice had formerly made 
The Venetians had made a law to bond the Acquisitions of the Clergy.  an Ordinance or Decree, which prohibited the Monks from purchasing Lands in their Dominions above the value of twenty thousand ducats; and enjoining every one that had purchased above that value, to remit it to the Signory, who would re-imburse them the purchase and the improvements they had made on it. And following the footsteps of this ancient Decree, they made another, which forbade the founding or building of new Churches, Convents and Monasteries, without express permission of the Signory, upon pain of banishment, and confiscation of such Foundations and Buildings.  
It was indeed part of the function and charge of Bishops to hinder this multiplication of Convents; but either through negligence, or too much facility, they gave to all as much permission as they demanded: insomuch that the Commonwealth seeing the default of the Prelates, found themselves constrained to take notice of it: otherwise it would soon have happened that all their Cities would have been nothing else but Convents and Churches; and all their Revenues, which ought to bear the charge of their Estate, and serve for the nourishment of married people, who furnish it with Soldiers, Merchants and Labourers, would have been expended only in the maintenance of Nuns and Friars.  
The Senate therefore made another Decree, 
They make other Decrees.  which prohibited ecclesiastics from purchasing any immovable Goods, except by the permission of the Senate. And at the same time it happened that an Abbot and a Cannon, accused of very horrid Crimes committed in the Territories of the Signory, were imprisoned by the Authority of the Secular Justice; which passed for a strange attempt on the other side the Mountains, where the ecclesiastics are not at all subject to Secular Justice.  
Now Paul the fifth coming to the Pontificial 
Paul 5. offended at these Decrees.  Chair, not able to pass by, said he, all these attempts of the Secular Estate on the ecclesiastics, dispatched at the same time two Briefs to his Nuntio of Venice: One containing the 
He sends Briefs to revoke them.  revocation of the Decrees made by the Signory touching the purchasing of temporal Estates; and the other commanding the sending back the Abbot and the Canon to the Court of the Church. The Nuntio signified these Briefs to the Signory; who answered boldly, That their Authority was born with them; That no person but they had to do with it; and, That they should know how to maintain it against any would enterprise to oppose it. Both the one and the other employed the best Pens of the time to defend their Rights, and confute the Defences of their Adversaries. There were spread abroad every where great quantities of Manifesto's and Treaties, full of reasons of Right, passages of holy Scripture, Authorities of Fathers and Councils, and Examples drawn from History.  
In the mean time the Pope extremely offended 
He Excommunicates the Senate.  at this answer, thunders out an Excommunication against the Duke and the Senate, if within four and twenty days they revoked not their Decrees, and consigned the prisoners into the hands of the Nuntio. The 
They declare his sentence of Excommunication null and abusive.  Signory was not at all moved at it, but boldly declared the sentence of Excommunication Null and abusive; nor was there any Ecclesiastic in their whole Territories who would attempt the publishing it, or durst observe the Interdict, or make Divine Service cease. There were only the Capuchins and the Jesuits, who resolved to depart, and demand leave of the Signory. They granted it to the Capuchins, with liberty to return when they pleased; and to the Jesuits, with prohibitions of ever re-entering their Dominions.  
Things being thus embroiled to the utmost 
1607.  between these two powers, the Spaniards looked out with a sharp eye, to make their profit of these divisions; and underhand cast oil into the fire, though openly they made show of extinguishing it. For on the one side they encouraged the Venetians, and heartened them up to maintain their rights; and on the other, they commanded their Governors of Naples and Milan to serve the holy Father with all their powers. Henry the Great more sincere and more disinterested, embraced this 
Henry the great undertakes to accommodate the difference.  occasion, to establish his power in Italy, in a more fair and just manner. He assured the Pope, that as the true Eldest Son of the Church, he would always sustain its Interests; and that in case of rupture, he would go himself in person with an Army of forty thousand men: but he entreated him that before it came to that, he would grant that he should try all means possible for an accommodation.  
He answered likewise to the Ambassador of Venice, who demanded his assistance, that he ought it to the holy Father in prejudice of all others: And therefore he exhorted the Signory to give him content; which that they might do without wounding their honour or rights, he desired to be Mediator.  
Both parties having accepted his Mediation, 
He sends to this purpose Cardinal Joyeuse, who concludes an accommodation.  he dispatched the Cardinal Joyeuse into Italy; who, to speak all in two words, managed this Negotiation with so much Prudence, that in the end he concluded an accord. The Treaty contained four Principal Articles. 1. That the Signory should consign the two prisoners into the hands of the Ambassador of France, to remit them to his Holiness. 2. That they should revoke the Manifesto and Declaration they had made against the Apostolic Censures. 3. That they should re-establish all ecclesiastics in their goods. 4. That the Pope should give them absolution; and that in requital, they should send to thank him by a Noble Embassy, and assure him of their filial obedience.  
On the morrow the Cardinal de Joyeuse 
The Pope absolves the Signory.  coming to the place assigned by the Senate, the doors being shut, in the presence of the Duke and five and twenty Senators, and the Ambassador of France, revoked the Excommunication, and gave Absolution to the Signory. All these things passed without the Spaniards having the least participation, though they endeavoured to make themselves of the Feast. Thus had both parties some sort of contentment, by the intermission of Henry the Great.  
There was only the business of the Jesuits, 
There was nothing but the reestablishment of the Jesuits not obtained.  which for some months retarded the Treaty, and which some thought would have quite broke it; because the Pope considering that they were driven away for his sake, absolutely resolved that the Signory should re-establish them in their houses and in their goods: and they were as obstinate, rather to hazard all then to consent to it. In fine, the Pope persuaded by the Eloquence of Cardinal Perron, who was then at Rome, thought it better to release this point, then hazard the putting Christendom in a flame; so that they remained banished out of the lands of the Signory. The present Pope, Alexander the seventh, hath by his intercession reestablished them.  
If the accommodation of the differences between the Pope and the Venetians added 
1608.  much to the renown and reputation of our Henry, reviving the credit of France beyond the mountains, where it seemed dead, and depressing as much that of the Spaniards, which before seemed Paramount; the 
The King endeavours an accommodation between the Hollander and Spaniard.  Treaty which he managed between the King of Spain and the Estates of the United Provinces, purchased him no less fame among the Protestants and the people of the North. I will recount the History in few words.  
The United Provinces, vulgarly called Holland, from the name of the most considerable of the Seven Provinces which compose this body, had some reason to complain, that the King had made the Treaty at Veruins without their consent; and that he had obliged himself not to assist them, neither directly nor indirectly. However he had not ceased 
He underhand assists the Hollander with men and money.  to supply them daily with money, and to cause to go to their Service a great quantity of Nobility and Volunteers, in such manner that there were many entire French Regiments. So that it was not without apparent reason that the Spaniards cried out, that he visibly infringed the Treaty at Veruins: but these reproaches were not just; for they had broke it first by an hundred attempts, of which we have before mentioned some.  
In the mean time, the King who was a 
Janin sent for this accommodation.  good husband of his money, was weary of furnishing the Hollander with so much, and did greatly wish them in an Estate that they might not put him to so much charge. There was only one way to effect it, which was procuring their peace from the Spaniard. He resolved then to labour in it; and chose the Precedent Janin, a man of great knowledge, to manage this Negotiation. 
They come presently to an eight months' truce.   
The two parties presently consented to a Treaty of eight months; during which the Estates, to the end they might Treat with more reputation and security, prayed the 
The King makes an offensive and defensive League with the Hollander.  King to grant them an offensive and defensive League. He willingly granted it them: of which these were the Principal Articles.  
He promised them faithfully to assist and ●id them in all he could, to obtain from the King of Spain a good and assured peace. That if it pleased God they did obtain it, he would cause it to be observed with all his power; and would defend them against all who would infringe it; and to this effect he would maintain in their Service ten thousand Footmen at his own charges, so long as they should have need of them. Reciprocally the States obliged, that if he were assaulted in his Kingdom by whosoever it were, they would immediately assist him with five thousand Footmen at their own Expense: and they would leave it to the King's choice, to take this assistance in Soldiers, or in Ships fitted and furnished at all points to fight at Sea. 
The Spaniards Alarmed at this League.   
The Spaniards were extremely Alarmed at this League. Don Pedro de Toledo, one of the greatest Lords of Spain, passing through France to go to the Low-Countries, made great complaints to the King: Nevertheless, 
Don Pedro▪ de Toledo makes great complaints to the King.  many imagined that all the ●oyse he made, tended only to oblige him the rather to prosecute the peace for the Hollanders: for Spain was even to extremity awearied with a war so long, so tiresome and so bloody, with so great Expenses and so little progress.  
This Don Pedro according to the humour of the Spanish Nobility, was of an austere and grave countenance, high and magnificent in his words, when he spoke of the honour and glory of his Nation, and the power of his King: but out of that, courteous and civil, submissive and respectful where ●e should be so, gallant, witty and spriteful. There passed between the King and him, things very remarkable, which we must not forget.  
The King believing that he brought him 
Things very curious which passed betwixt the King and Don Pedro  threats of War, and knowing that the Spaniards had spread abroad a report that he was quite l●me with the Gout, and unable to mount on horseback; he would make him know that his strength and activity was not at all diminished. He received him in the great Gallery at Fontain-bleau, and made him take twenty or thirty turns at so great a pace, that he put him out of breath; and after told him, You see now, Sir, how well I am.  
At this first Audience Don Pedro brought his Beads in his hand. He represented to the King the general interest that all Catholic Princes had in the ruin or conversion of Heretics, and the great Wars which his Master had made for this purpose. Afterward changing his discourse, he told him, that the 
Their entertainments.  Catholic King earnestly desired to Ally himself more strictly with him, and to make marriages between their children, Provided that the King would renounce the Alliance and Protection of the Low-Countries. The King freely answered, that his children were of so good a house as might well be accepted; that he desired no constrained friendship's no● conditions; that he could not abandon his friends; but that those who would not be so, might repent them of being his enemies.  
Don Pedro upon this exalted the greatness and power of Spain. The King without being moved let him know that it was the Statue of Nabuchadnezzar, composed of several sorts of matters, and which had its feet of Clay. Don Pedro came to reproaches and threats. The King soon gave him his change, and told him, That if the King of Spain continued his attempts, 
Lively and quick replies.  he would carry flames even into the Escurial; and that if he once mounted on horseback, he would soon be at Madrid. The Spaniard arrogantly answered him, King Francis was there indeed. It was therefore, replied the King, that I would go to revenge his injuries, those of France, and my own.  
After some words a little high, the King with a more still voice told him: My Lord Ambassador, you are a Spaniard, and I a Gascon, let not us grow passionate. They returned then to terms of sweetness and civility.  
Another time the King showing him his Buildings at Fontain-bleau, and demanding of him what he thought of them? he replied, that in his opinion he had lodged God very narrowly. There was then but two Chapels, which were in the Court, made in oval, and which were truly very little. The King could not endure to have his piety accused; and therefore answered him very sharply: You Spaniards know not how to give God other then Material Temples; we French- mwn lodge God not only in stones, we lodge him in our hearts: but though he should be lodged in yours▪ I fear it would be in stone still.  
From Fontain-bleau they came to Paris, where the King one day showing him his Gallery of the Lovure, and demanding his opinion of it; The Escurial is much another thing, said Don Pedro. I believe it, replied the King; but has it a Paris about it like my Gallery?  
One day Don Pedro seeing at the Lovure the King's Sword in the hands of one of his followers, advanced to it, and putting one knee on 
Don Pedro kisses the Kings Sword.  the ground, kissed it; rendering this honour, said he, to the most glorious Sword in Christendom.  
During the truce of eight months, of which we have spoken, the Precedent Janin incessantly laboured for a Treaty. There were two great difficulties; one, that the King of Spain would not treat with the United Provinces, 
Two obstacles in the Treaty of the Hollanders surmounted by the King.  but as with Subjects; and they would have him acknowledge them to be free and independent: the other, that the Prince of Orange, whose power and authority would be extremely weakened by the Peace, opposed it by a thousand Artifices, being sustained in it by the Province of Zealand, who ever desired War, and by some Cities of its faction.  
These two obstacles were in the end surmounted. The Spaniard yielded to the first, and acknowledged that he owned the States for Free States, Provinces, and Countries: and about the second, the King spoke so high to the Prince of Orange, that he durst not stop the course of the Treaty. It ended no longer 
The Treaty ends in a twelve years' Truce.  however in a Peace, but only in a Truce of twelve years, which was free and assured Commerce on one part and on the other.  
The renown of this accommodation carried the King's glory throughout all Europe. The Duke of Venice told our Ambassador in 
Great praise given by the republic of Venice to our Henry.  the Senate, That that Signory entered into new admiration of the prudent conduct of our King, who never deceived himself in his undertaking, nor never gave blow in vain: that he was the true upholder of the repose and felicity of Christendom; and that it had nothing of happiness to desire, but that he might reign for ever. An Elegy so much the more worthy and glorious, because we may say with truth, that Venice hath still been the Seat of Politic wisdom, and that the praises which came from that Senate, are as so many Oracles.  
The Friendship and Protection of this great 
All desire his friendship and protection.  King was sought on all sides; all was referred to his Arbitration, and all implored his assistance. And as he was equally powerful as wise, feared as loved; there was none who durst contradict his judgement, or assault those whom he protected. But he was so just, that he would not enterprise any thing upon 
He will not protect Subjects against their Sovereign.  the Rights of another, nor maintain the Rebellions of Subjects against their Sovereign: A certain proof of which he gave to the Maurisques.  
It is known how heretofore the Moors or Saracens invaded all Spain, towards the year 725. The Christians with the aid of the French, had regained it from them by little and little; so that there remained no more than the Kingdom of Granada, which was little in Extent, but very rich, and extremely populous, because all the remnants 
What the Maurisques were.  of that infidel Nation were retired into that little space. Ferdinand King of Arragon, and Isabella Queen of Castille, finished the Conquest of that Kingdom, in the year 1492. and so put an end to the Government of the Moors, and to the Mahometan Religion in Spain; constraining the Infidels to take Baptism, or to retire into Africa.  
Now as those who had thus professed the Christian Religion had done it perforce, they for the most part remained Mahumetans in their hearts, or Jews (for there were many Jews amongst them) and secretly brought up their children in their incredulity. To which likewise the Spanish Rigour did much contribute, putting great distinction between the new Christians and the old: For they received not the new ones either to Charges or 
The Spaniards treat them ill.  Sacred Orders; they allied not themselves with them, and, which is worse, made a thousand 
* An avanie is, when by a false accusation money is forced from any person.  avanies upon them, and oppressed them with excessive ●mposts. So that these unfortunate people seeing themselves thus trampled on, and being too weak of themselves to loosen themselves from their Yoke, they resolved to address themselves to some strange power, but which should be Christian; because that of the King of Morrocco, or the other Princes of Africa, would have 
They demand assistance of Henry the Great.  appeared too odious. To this effect they had secret recourse by Deputies to our Henry▪ when he was then but King of Navarre. Afterwards in the year 1595. when they saw that he had overcome the League, and had got the upper hand in his affairs, they again implored his Protection. He harkened favourably to their propositions; sent disguised Agents into Spain, to see the Estate of their affairs; and made them hope that he would assist them. And truly he might have done it, since than he was in War with the King of Spain; and it is lawful to make use of all sorts of Arms, to defend ourselves against our enemies. But now being returned this year 1608. to solicit him instantly to accept their propositions and offers, and to hear the answer from his own mouth; he plainly let them know, that the quality of thrice-Christian King which he bore, permitted him not 
He refuses it.  to undertake their defence, so long as the peace of Vervin lasted; but that if the Spaniard should first openly infringe it, he should have just cause to receive them into his Protection.  
Their Deputies having lost all hopes on this side, addressed themselves to the King of England, whom they found yet less disposed than he, to lend them assistance. In the mean time their plots having taken wind in the Court of Spain, caused both fear and astonishment: for they were near a million of souls, and were possessed of almost all the Traffic, particularly that of Oils, which is very great in that Country.  
King Philip the third found no other secure 
The King of Spain banisheth them all.  way to hinder the dangerous effects of their conspiracies, but banishing them quite out of his Territories; which he did by an Edict of the tenth of January, in the year 1610. which was executed with much cruelty, 
They are horribly ill Treated by the Spaniards,  Inhumanity and Treachery. For in Transporting these unfortunate people into Africa as they had demanded, part were drowned in the Sea, others despoiled of all they had: so that those who remained to depart, perceiving the ill Treatment of their Companions, fled towards France: one part by land to St. John de Lussurioso, to the number of one hundred and fifty thousand; others in French Vessels, who brought them into divers ports of the Kingdom. But to speak truth, those who came by land were not much better treated by the French, than the others had 
and by the French.  been by the Spaniards: for in crossing the Countries, they were almost all robbed and stripped, and their Wives and Daughters ravished: so that finding so little safety in a Country wherein they believed they might find refuge, they embarked by the King's permission in the Ports of Languedoc, and crossed over into Africa, where they are become implacable 
They are carried into Africa, but some stay in France.  and most cruel enemies to all Christians. There remained some families in the Maritime Cities of the Kingdom, as in Bourdeaux and Roven; where it is suspected there is yet some of their Children, who privately follow the obstinacy of their Fathers.  
Much contrary to the taking the protection 
The great design of Henry 4. for the extent of the Christian Religion in the Levant.  of these Infidels, the King was about very great designs for the glory and extent of the Christian Religion towards the Levant. But he would not declare himself, till he had so ordered the Affairs of Christendom, that there should be no fear of any trouble or division, and that it might make use of all its forces against so powerful an enemy as the Grand Signior. Out of these thoughts, he had sent three 
He sends some to spy the Country.  or four Gentlemen into the Levant, who under the pretext of travelling and visiting the holy places, might take notice of the Country, the disposition of the people, the estate of their Forces, the Garrisons and Government of the Turks. Which having well considered, he promised himself, that after having composed the interests, and procured the union of the Christian Princes, he might in three or four years at most ruin this power esteemed so terrible; and that with an Army of five and thirty thousand footmen, and twelve thousand horse only: Alexander the Great not having had more Forces to destroy the Empire of the Persians, which without doubt was greater and more powerful than that of the Turks.  
I shall declare what his great design for the reunion of Christendom was, when I shall in brief have observed some important things which passed in the three or four last years of his Life.  
As he laboured diligently to heap up money, 
He seeks means to raise money without burdening his people.  the Nerves of War, so he harkened to all Propositions made for the gaining it; so much the more willingly, because his design was to abolish all Taxes and Impositions. The first could not be done without much diminishing his Revenue; so it was necessary to find some 
He would disengage his demain,  other foundation in its place. Now this stock or foundation was the Demains of the Crown, which he would entirely disengage & increase by a great quantity of new rights, and particularly by that of the 
* The Greffes is a due to the King of 63 ●. 9 d. Tours upon the sale of wood in several places.  griefs, which had been quite withdrawn for five or six years, but had brought him fifteen Millions a year. But when he was dead, Queen Marry de Medi●is re-engaged it f●rther than it was before.  
It is certainly worth our wishing, that this sacred Patrimony of the Crown might be regained; and that care were taken to re-gather this Mass, which the Law of the Realm, and the diligences of so many wise Heads, have made and composed for the space of so many Ages, to maintain our Kings with splendour and magnificence, without being a charge to their Kingdom, except in great and urgent necessities.  
As for the Impost, our Henry had a desire 
and take off the Impost by buying the Salt-Marishes.  to buy from the particular Owners all the Salt-Marishes of Poictou and Britanny; and then when he had them in his hand, sell the Salt upon the place at what price he pleased to the Merchant, who should again retail it through the whole Kingdom, as they do Corn, without any constraint or imposition. In this manner there had been no need of so many Officers, Overseers, Controulers, Factors, and a hundred other people, which without fallacy amounted to near twenty thousand, all fed and paid at the expense of the King and Public, and against whom he had often very great complaints. Thus the poor Countrypeople would not be burdened by them with imposed Salt; constraining them, will they, nill they, to take yearly a certain quantity: and it is certain the people would have had it four times better cheap than they have, and the King have raised much more money than he doth, without expense, without pains, and without the vexation of his subjects.  
Now the King seeking means to fill his Coffers, and to find some other way then Taxes, it must be acknowledged that he made some Imposts, and likewise some creation of Officers; but that he removed many things which gave cause of complaint to many persons. And moreover, to pay his ancient Debts, and acquit 
He is constrained to acquit himself of old scores, to make some new imposts & creations.  himself of the recompenses and pensions due to those which had served him in his Wars against the League, he was constrained to pass for their profit the advice of several things which they proposed: so that he loaded himself with that envy and those reproaches, which ought more justly have fallen upon those people then on himself. But those who knew his intentions, blamed him not as did the others: for they called that good husbandry and wise oeconomy, which some termed avarice and insatiable covetousness.  
Moreover, though the will of this Prince was very good for the ease of his people, and for the grandeur of his Estate; nevertheless it cannot 
He makes not always use of innocent means.  be denied but he was sometimes deceived in the choice of the means; and that all those whereby he furnished himself, were not always as innocent as his intentions. He had two particularly, of which the one made some noise, 
Inquisition of the rents of the City-house cause disturbance.  but never succeeded; and the other was of very dangerous consequence.  
The first, was an inquisition of the Rents of the 
* Hostel de Ville is the same at Paris, as Guildhall at London.  Hostel de Ville, by which he pretended to make those lose them, who had ill gained them; and this in itself was very just: but most part of the Rents having changed Owners, or been parted, he must of force trouble an infinite number of Families: so that all Paris was moved at it, and the Landlords had recourse to their Provost of the Merchants. This was Miron, who was likewise Civil Lieutenant; a man very zealous for the service of the King, as he had demonstrated in several occasions: but withal, a very honest Man, and one whom no interest in the world could bribe against the people's, whose Magistrate he was. In sum, he sustained it stoutly, he spoke in the 
Miron, Provost of the Merchants, sustains the interest of the people.  Assemblies of the Hostel de Ville, acted with the Superintendent with like vigour, and made Remonstrances to the King. But in these Remonstrances, too much heat transported him to make some odious Comparisons, not of the King's person, but of some people of his Council.  
The Lovure stormed; the people of the 
Some would incense the King against him.  Court cried out, that he had blasphemed those whom he had taken notice of in his speeches. And those who were interested in this inquisition after Rents, used all their endeavours to incense the King, and to persuade him to punish rigorously this boldness. On the other side, the people having understood 
The people rise to defend him.  that their Magistrate was threatened, took fire sooner than it was believed: the Burgesses came in troops about his house to defend it. Miron instantly entreated them to retire, and not to make him Criminal. He remonstrated to them, that he feared nothing; that they had to do with a King as sweet and just as he was great and wise, and who would not let himself be carried away by the persuasions of ill Counsellors.  
Upon this, those who wished him ill, employed 
The King counselled to take him by force.  all their endeavours to engage the King to take him by force, and to make valid his supreme Authority: but he wisely answered these people, That Authority doth not always 
The King's wise answer worthy a great Politician.  consist in prosecuting things to the utmost extremity: That the time, the persons, and the cause, aught to be regarded: That having been ten years extinguishing the fire of civil War, he feared even the least sparkles: That Paris had cost him too much, to hazard the least danger of losing it; which seemed to him insallible, if he followed their counsel, because he should be obliged to make terrible examples, which would in few days deprive him of the glory of his Clemency, and the love of his people, which he prized as much as, nay above, his Crown: That he had in an hundred other occasions made proof the fidelity and honesty of Miron, who had no ill intention; but without doubt he believed himself obliged by the duty of his Charge, to do what he did: That if some inconsiderate words had escaped him, he might well pardon them for his past services: That after all, if this man affected to be the Martyr of the people, he would not give him that glory, nor attract to himself the name of Persecutor or Tyrant: And that in fine, he would not prosecute a man whom he would resolve to lose, in so advantageous occasions.  
Thus this wise King knew how prudently to 
He will not pursue this business of the Rents.  dissemble a little fault: nor would he understand what passed, for fear of being obliged to some blow of Authority, which might possibly have had dangerous Consequences. He received therefore very favourably the excuses and humble submissions of Miron, and after prohibited the farther pursuing the inquisitions of Rents, which had caused so much trouble.  
The second means of which he served himself 
Establishment of the Paulete.  to raise money, and which was of very dangerous consequence, was the Paulete, or Annual Right. To understand this business well, we must make some recital of things farther off.  
The Offices of Judicature, of Policy and of 
Justice formerly administered in France by Gentlemen.  the Revenues, had formerly been exercised in France under the first and second Race of our Kings, by Gentlemen: for the Nobility was obliged to study and understand the Laws of the Kingdom. They were chosen for the maturity of their Age and Judgement: they were changed from time to time, from one seat to another: nor took they any Fees from Parties, but only a Salary very moderate, which the Public paid them rather for honour then recompense. Afterwards in the end of the second Race, and the beginning of the third, the Nobility becoming ignorant and weak together, the Plebeians and Burgesses having learned the knowledge of the Laws, raised 
How it fell into the hands, of the Plebeians, who made profit of it.  themselves by little and little to these Charges, and began to make them better worth, because they drew all their Honour and all their Dignity thence, not having any other by their birth, as the Gentlemen had. Yet they had not overmuch employment; for the Churchmen possessed almost all the Jurisdiction, and had their Officers which administered Justice.  
In the mean time, the Parliament, which 
The Parliament of France meddle with particular affairs, and is made sedentary at Paris.  before was as the Council of Estate of the Kingdom, and an Epitome of the general Estates, taking upon them to trouble themselves with the knowledge of differences between particular persons, whereas before they only treated of great Affairs of Policy; Philip the fair, or according to some others, Lewis Hutin his son, made it sedentary at Paris. Now this Company of Judges being most illustrious, because the King often took seat amongst them, the Dukes, Peers and Prelates of the Realm made a part of them, and that the most able people for Law were chosen to fill places there; they made depend upon them all the 
They make all other Judges subalternate to them.  power of other Judges-Royal; to wit, the Bailiffs and Seneschals, who though before Sovereign Judges, became now Subalternate to them.  
Long time after, our other Kings created likewise at divers times many other Parliaments, but out of a sole intention the better to distribute Justice without any pecuniary interest: for by it they charged their Coffers with new Wages, to be paid these new Officers.  
At this time the number of the Officers of 
The number of the Officers of Parliament small.  Justice was very small; and the order which was observed to fill the vacancies in Parliament, perfectly good. The custom was, to keep a Register of all the able Advocates and Lawyers; and when any Office came to be vacant, they chose three, whose Names they carried to the King, who preferred him he pleased. But the Favourites and the Courtiers soon corrupted this Order: they persuaded the Kings not to confine themselves to those presented, but to name one of their proper motion: which those people did, to draw some present from him who should be named by their recommendation. And the abuse was so great, that oftentimes the Charges were filled with ignorant People and Porters; by reason of which, people of merit held the condition of an Advocate much more honourable than that of a Counsellor.  
The mischief daily increasing, and the rich people becoming extremely liquorish of these Charges for lucre, and their Wives out of vanity, those who governed began to make a Merchandise of them, and to draw money from them. Thus under Lewis the xii. his Coffers being exhausted by the long Wars of Italy, the Offices of the Revenue began to become 
How Offices became vendible under Francis 1.  vendible. However, that good King having soon foreseen the dangerous consequence, resolved to re-imburse those who had bought them: but dying in that good design, Francis the first, of whom he had well predicted that he would 
* He had often said, that fat Boy would spoil all.  spoil all, sold likewise those of Judicature: afterwards new ones were at several times created, only of purpose to raise money.  
Afterward Henry the second his Son created 
and Henry 2.  the Precedents; and Charles the ninth, and Henry the third heaping ill upon ill, and ruin upon ruin, made a great number of other Creations of all sorts, to have these Wares to sell. And moreover, they sold Offices when they were vacant, either by death or forfeiture.  
Hitherto the ill was great, but not incurable: a part of these Offices need only have been suppressed, when they became vacant; and the rest when so, filled with persons of capacity and merit. Thus in twenty years, this Ants-nest of Officers might have been reduced to a very little number, and those as honest people.  
But the business was not in this manner 
How this might be remedied.  made known to Henry the Great: they represented it to him in another sense. They let him understand, that since he drew no profit from vacant Offices, being almost always obliged to give them, he would do well to find the means to discharge that way his Coffers of a part of the Wages he paid his Officers; which he might do, by granting them their Offices for their Heirs; reserving a moderate sum of money which they should yearly pay, yet without 
But on the contrary is made incurable by the Paulete.  constraining any person▪ so that it should be a favour, and not an oppression. This was named the Annual Right, otherwise the Paulete, from the name of the proposer, named Paulete, who gave the Counsel, and was the first Farmer. All the Officers were not wanting to pay this Right, to assure their Offices to their heirs.  
We need not here tell the mischiefs and 
Which causes great abuses.  inconveniencies which this wicked invention hath caused, and doth daily cause. The most stupid may easily know them, and see well that it is a disease whose remedy at present is difficult.  
I will not charge this History with all the Ceremonies and rejoicings made at the Birth and Baptism of all the Children of Henry the Great; nor at divers Marriages of the Princes and Grandees of the Court, amongst others of the Prince of Conde, and the Duke of Vendosme, which were made in the Month of July, 1609.  
The Prince of Conde Espoused C●anlatta 
1609.  Margarita of Montmorency, Daughter of the 
Marriage of the Prince of Conde.  Constable; who was wonderfully fair, and had a presence absolutely noble: which the King having considered, was more lively struck with her, than he had ever been with any other; which caused a little after, the retreat of the Prince of Conde▪ who carried her into Flanders, and thence retired to Milan: Not without the King's extreme displeasure, to see the first Prince of his blood cast himself into his enemy's hands.  
The Duke of Vendosme Espoused Mademoiselle 
And of the Duke of Vendosme.  de Merceur, to whom he had been affianced since the year one thousand six hundred ninety seven, as we have said before; however, the Mother of the Lady standing upon high punctilios of honour, brought many troubles to the accomplishment of this Marriage; so that it had never been made, had not the King highly concerned himself in it. This was none of the least difficulties of his life: for he had a high and obstinate spirit to bend; however, he employed only ways of sweetness and persuasion; acting in this business, only as a Father who loved his Son, and not as a King who would be obeyed.  
Now will I speak of his ordinary divertisements, 
What were the King's divertisements.  Hunting, Building, Feasts, Play, and Walking. I will add only, That in Feasts and Merriments he would appear as good a Companion, and as Jovial as another: That he was of a merry humour when he had the glass in his hand, though very sober: That his Mirth and good Discourses were the delicatest part of the good Cheer: That he witnessed no less Agility and Strength in Combats at the Barriers, Courses at the Ring, and all sorts of Gallantries, than the youngest Lords: That he took delight in Balls, and Danced sometimes; but to speak the truth, with more affection then good grace. Some carped that so great a Prince should abase himself to such follies, and that a Greybeard should please to act the young man. It may be said for his excuse, that the great toils of his spirit had need of these divertisements. But 
He loved Play too much.  I know not what to answer to those who reproach him with too great a love to playing at Cards and Dice, little befitting a great King; and that withal he was no fair Gamester, but greedy of Coin, fearful at great Stakes, and humorous upon a loss. To this I must acknowledge, that it was a fault in this great King, who was no more exempt from Blots, than the Sun from Beams.  
It might be wished for the honour of his memory, that he had been only guilty of this; 
He was extremely given to women.  but that continual weakness he had for fair Ladies' was another much more blamable in a Christian Prince, in a of his age, who was married; to whom God had showed so many graces, and who had conceived such great designs in his spirit. Sometimes he had desires which were passant, and only fixed for a night: but when he met with beauties which struck him to the heart, he loved even to folly; and in these transports appeared nothing less than Henry the Great.  
The Fable says that Hercules took the Spindle and Spungius, for the love of the fair Omphale. Henry did something more mean 
This passion made him do shameful things.  for his Mistresses. He once disguised himself like a Countryman, with a Wallet of straw on his back, to come to the fair Gabriella. And it hath been reported, that the Marchioness of Vernevil hath seen him more than once at her feet, weeping his disdains and injuries.  
Twenty Romances might be made of the intrigues of his several loves with the Countess 
Three or four of his Mistresses.  of Guiche, when he was yet but King of Navarre; with Jacqueline of Bueil, whom he made Countess of Moret; and with Charlotta d' Essards, without counting many other Ladies, who held it a glory to have some Charm for so great a King.  
The high esteem and affection which the French had for him, hindered them from being 
This causes often contentions with his wife.  offended at so scandalous a liberty: but the Queen his wife was extremely perplexed at it; which hourly caused controversies between them, and carried her to disdains and troublesome humours. The King, who was in fault, endured it very patiently, and employed his greatest Confidents, and sometimes his Confessor, to appease his spirit. So that he had continually a reconciliation to make. And these contentions were so ordinary, that the Court which at first were astonished at them, in the end took no more notice.  
Conjugal duty without doubt obliged the King not to violate his faith to his Legitimate Spouse, at least not to keep his Mistresses in her sight: but if he in this point ought to have been a good husband, so he ought to be likewise in that of Authority, and in accustoming his wife to obey him with more submission, and not perplex him as she did with hourly complaints, reproaches, and sometimes threats.  
The trouble and displeasure of these domestic broils, certainly retarded the Execution 
And hinders his great design.  of that great design which he had form for the good and perpetual repose of Christendom, and in fine for the destruction of the Ottoman power.  
Many have spoken diversely; but see here 
What that was.  what I find in the Memoires or Notes of the Duke of Sully; who certainly must know something, being as he was, so great a Confident of this Kings: which makes me report it from him.  
The King (said he) desiring to put in Execution 
The means with which he served himself, to put it in Execution.  those projects he had conceived after the Peace of Vervin, believed that he ought first to establish in his Kingdom an unshaken Peace, by reconciling all spirits both to him and among themselves, and taking away all causes of bitterness. And that moreover it was necessary for him to choose people capable and faithful; who might see in what his Revenue or Estate might be bettered, and instruct him so well in all his Affairs, that he might of himself take Counsels, and discern the good from the ill, feasible from impossible erterprises, and such as were proportionate to his Revenues. For an expense made beyond them, draws the people's curses, 
To this purpose he grants an Edict to the Hugonots, and pays his debts.  and those are ordinarily followed by Gods.  
He granted an Edict to the Hugonots, that the two Religions might live in Peace. Afterwards he made a certain and fixed Order to pay his debts, and those of the Kingdom contracted by the disorders of the times, the profusions of his Ancestors, and by the payments and purchases of men and places which he was forced to make during the League. Sully showed him an account in the year 1607. by which appeared Acquittances 
Which regains the reputation and credit of France.  for eighty seven Millions: which established the reputation and credit of France among strangers, by whom it was before much cried out upon.  
That done, he continually laboured to 
He joins to him all Christian Princes by promising his conquests.  join in his great design all Christian Princes, offering to give them all the fruit of his Erterprises against the Infidels, without reserving any thing for himself: for he would not, said he, have other Estates than France.  
He likewise proposed to himself the 
He reunites them, by accommodating their differences.  seeking of all occasions to extinguish disorders, and to pacify differences among the Christian Princes, so soon as they should see them conceived; and that without any other interest, then that of the Reputation of a Prince Generous, disinterested, wise and just.  
He began to make his Friends and Associates 
The Princes he made his friends.  the Princes and Estates which seemed best disposed towards France, and the least indisposed to its interests; as the Estates of Holland, or the United Provinces; the Venetians, the Swisses, and the Grisons. After having bound them to him by very strong ties, he endeavoured to negotiate with the three puissant Kingdoms of the North, England, Denmark and Swedeland; to discuss and decide their differences, and likewise to endeavour 
How he would have accommodated the Protestant Princes with the Pope.  to reconcile them to the Pope, or at least to obtain a cessation of that hatred and enmity by some formulary, in such manner as they might live together: so that it had been advantageous to the Pope, in that they had acknowledged him for the first Prince of Christendom▪ as to Temporals, and in that case rendered him all respect. He endeavoured in fine to do the same thing among the Electors▪ 
He treats with the Electors.  the Estates and Cities Imperial; being obliged particularly, said he, to take care of an Empire had been founded by his Predecessors. Afterwards he sounded the Lords of Bohemia, 
With the Lords of Bohemia, Hungary & Poland.  Hungary, Transylvania and Poland, to know if they would concur with him in the design of taking away and rooting up for ever all causes of trouble and division in Christendom. He treated 
With the Pope.  after that with the Pope, who approved and praised his Enterprise, and desired to contribute on his part all that should be possible.  
These were the dispositions of his great design, of which I shall now show you the platform and model.  
He desired perfectly to unite all Christendom, 
Model of the design of Hen. 4.  so that it should be one body, which had been and should be called the Christian Commonwealth: for which effect he had determined to 
He would part Christendom into fifteen equal Dominions.  part it into fifteen Dominions or Estates; which was the most he could do to make them of equal power and strength, and whose limits should be so well specified by the universal consent of the whole fifteen, that none could pass beyond them. These fifteen Dominations were the Pontificate or Papacy, the Empire of Germany, France, Spain, Great Britain, Hungary, Bohemia, Poland, Danemark, Swedeland, Savoy, or the Kingdom of Lombardy, the Signory of Venice, the Italian Commonwealth, or of the little Princes and Cities of Italy, the Belgians or Low-Countries, and the Swisses.  
Of these Estates, there had been five successive; 
To wit, eleven Kingdoms, and four Republics.  France, Spain, Great Britain, Swedeland and Lombary: six elective; the Papacy, the Empire, Hungary, Bohemia, Poland and Danemark: four Republics; two of which had been Democratical, to wit, the Belgians and the Swisses; and two Aristocratical or Signories, that of Venice, and that of the little Princes and Cities of Italy.  
The Pope had had besides those Lands he 
What the Pope had had.  possesses, the whole Kingdom of Naples, and Homages as well of the Italian Commonwealth, as for the Island of Sicily.  
The Signory of Venice had had Sicily in faith 
The Signory of Venice.  and homage of the holy Seat, without other rights than a simple kissing of feet, and a Crucifix of gold, from twenty years to twenty years.  
The Italian Commonwealth had been composed 
The Italian Commonwealth.  of the Estates of Florence, Genova, Lucca, Mantova, Parma, Modena, Monacho, and other little Princes and Lords; and had likewise held of the holy Seat, paying only for all by advance of a Crucifix of gold worth ten thousand Franks.  
The Duke of Savoy besides those Lands he possessed, should likewise have Milan; and all 
Duke of Savoy.  should be erected into a Kingdom by the Pope, under the title of the Kingdom of Lombardy: from which should have been taken Cremona in exchange of Mo●tferrat, which should be joined.  
There should have been incorporated with 
Republic of the Swisses.  the Helvetian or Republic of the Swisses, the French County, Alsatia, Tirol, the Country of Trent and their dependences; and it had done a simple homage to the Emperor of Germany, from five and twenty to five and twenty years.  
All the seventeen Provinces of the Low-Countries, 
The Low-Countries.  as well Protestants as Catholics, should have been established into a free and sovereign Republic, save only a like homage to the Empire: and this Dominion should have been increased by the Duchy of Cleves, of Juliers, of Berghe, de la Mark, and Ravenstein, and other little neighbouring Signories.  
To the Kingdom of Hungary had been 
Kingdom of Hungary.  joined the Estates of Transylvania, Moldavia and Valachia.  
The Emperor had for ever renounced aggrandizing 
The Empire with free election.  himself or his by any confiscation, disinheritance or reversion of Fiefs Masculine; but had disposed vacant Fiefs in favour of persons out of his Kindred, by the consent of the Electors and Princes of the Empire. It should likewise have been held of accord that the Empire should never upon any occasion whatsoever be held successively by two Princes of one house, for fear of its perpetuating, as it hath for a long time in that of Austria.  
The Kingdom of Hungary and of Bohemia 
Bohemia & Hungary elective.  had been likewise elective by the voice of seven Electors; to wit, 1. that of the Nobles, Clergy, and Cities of that Country: 2. of the Pope: 3. of the Emperor: 4. of the King of France: 5. of the King of Spain: 6. of the King of England: 7. of the Kings of Swedeland, Denmark and Poland, who all three had made but one voice.  
Besides, to regulate the differences which 
A general Council of sixty persons.  might arise between the Confederates, and to decide them without sight of Fact, there should have been established an Order and Form of Procedure by a general Council, composed of sixty persons, four on the part of every Dominion, which should have been placed in some City in the midst of Europe, as Mets, Nancy, Collen, or others. There 
Three others, of each twenty.  should likewise have been established three others in three several places, every one of twenty men, which should all three make report to the grand Council.  
Moreover, by the consent of the general 
Order to hinder tyranny and rebellion,  Council, which should be called the Senate of the Christian Commonwealth, there should be established an Order and Regulation between Sovereigns and Subjects; to hinder on one side the Oppression and Tyranny of Princes; and on the other side, the Tumults and Rebellions of Subjects. There should likewise be raised and assured a stock of money and men, to which every Dominion should 
and to assist the Provinces adjoining to Infidels.  contribute according to the Assessment of the great Council, for the assistance of the Dominions bordering upon Infidels from their Assaults, to wit, Hungary and Poland against those of the Turks; and Swedeland and Poland against the Muscovites and Tartars.  
After when all these fifteen Dominions had 
Three general Captains, two by Land, and one by Sea, to war against the Turks.  been well established with their rights, their Governors and Limits; which he hoped might be done in less than three years: they should together of their own accord have chosen three general Captains, two by Land, and one by Sea, who should all at once have assaulted the Ottoman-house; to which each Dominion should have contributed a certain quantity of Men, Ships, Artillery and Money, according to the Tax imposed. The sum in 
What forces & what train.  gross which they should furnish out, should amount to two hundred sixty five thousand footmen, fifty thousand horse, a train of two hundred and seventeen pieces of Cannon, with Wagons, Officers, and Ammunition proportionable, and one hundred and seventeen great Ships, without counting Vessels of less force, Fireships, or Ships of burden.  
This establishment would have been advantageous 
None but the house of Austria had suffered by this establishment.  to all the Princes and Estates of Europe: There was only the house of Austria which would suffer any loss, and which was to be despoiled to accommodate others. But the project was laid to make them either willingly or by force consent, in this manner. First, it is to be supposed, that on the part of 
In Italy the Pope, Venetians and Savoyard, would consent:  Italy, the Pope, the Venetians, and the Duke of Savoy; were well informed of the King's designs, and that they ought to assist with all their forces; especially the Savoyard, who was moreover extremely animated, because the King gave his Daughter in marriage to his 
In Germany many Electors; and had chosen the Duke of Bavaria Emperor.  son Victor Amadeo: In Germany four Electors; to wit, the Palatine, Brandebourg, Colen, and Ments were likewise to know it, and favour it: and the Duke of Bavaria had their word, and that of the King, to raise him to the Empire: and many Imperial Cities had already addressed themselves to the King, to beseech him to honour them with his protection, and to maintain them in their Privileges, which had been abolished by the house 
In Bohemia and Hungary, the Lords and Nobility.  of Austria: In Bohemia and Hungaria there was intelligence held with the Lords and Nobility; and that the people, desperate with the weight of that yoke, were ready to shake it off, and to relieve themselves on the first proffered occasion.  
All these dispositions being so favourable to 
The business of Cleves happens to give a beginning to the great design.  him, the business of Cleves happened, of which we at present shall speak, which furnished him with a fair occasion to begin the execution of his projects: which he was to do in this manner.  
Having raised an Army of forty thousand men, as he did, he was in his march to dispatch towards all the Princes of Christendom, to give them the knowledge of his just and holy intentions. After, under the pretext of going to Cleves, he was to seize all the passages of la Mensae, and all at once assault Charlemont, Mastrich, and Namur, which were but ill fortified. At the same time the Cities of the Low-Countries had cried out for liberty, and the Lords put themselves in the Field for the same purpose, and had blazoned the Belgic 
The Cities of Flanders should revolt.  Lion with the Flowers de Lis. The Hollanders had infested the Coasts with their Ships in very great number, to hinder the Traffic of the Flemins by Sea, as it was shut up by the French by Land: which should have been done of purpose to hasten the people to shake off the Spanish Rule, and to address themselves to the King and to the Princes his Associates, to pray the King of Spain to put them in liberty, and out of his goodness to restore peace to them, which they could never hope so long as they were under his Dominion.  
In all probable appearance, at the approach of so great an Army, by reason of the intelligences of the principal Lords, by the insurrection of the great Cities, and of the love which these people have still had for liberty, Flanders would all have risen: especially when they had 
The King's Army should have lived in great order.  seen the wonderful order and exact discipline of his soldiers, who should have lived like good Guests, paying for all, and not doing the least outrage upon pain of death; and when it should be known that he laboured for the safety of the people, not reserving any thing of all his Conquests, but the glory and the satisfaction 
The King would have reserved nothing of his Conquests.  of having restored those Provinces to themselves, without keeping so much as a Castle or Village to himself.  
At the same time that he had put Flanders into a free state, and accommodated the difference of the succession of Cleves, all the Princes interested in this business, the Electors we have named, and the Deputies of many great Cities, were to come and thank him, and entreat him that he would join his Prayers and his Authority to the supplications they 
He had with other Princes prayed the Emperor to rerestore the Cities of the Empire to liberty.  had to make to the Emperor, to dispose him to restore the Estates and Cities of the Empire to their ancient Rights and Immunities; above all, in the free Election of a King of the Romans, without using any practices, constraints, promises and threats: And that for this effect it should be from that moment resolved, that they should elect one of another house than that of Austria. They had agreed among themselves, that it should be the Duke of Bavaria. The Pope had joined with them in this request; which had been made with such instance, that it had been difficult for the Emperor, being unarmed as he was, to have refused it.  
The like request had been made to the 
Bohemia, Hungary, & Austria, had made the same request.  King and his Associates, by the people of Bohemia, Hungary, Austria, Stiria, and Carinthia: above all, for the right they had themselves to make choice of their Prince, and to put themselves under that form of Government they should think best, by the advice of their friends and allies. To which the King condescending, had used all sorts of fair means, prayers and supplications, even below his dignity; that it might be seen he intended not so much to serve himself of power, as of equity and reason.  
After this the Duke of Savoy by the same 
The Duke of Savoy had demanded the Dower of his wife from the Spaniard.  way had demanded of the King of Spain, with all sorts of civility, and in the name of his children, that he would be pleased to give them a Dower for their Mother, as good and advantageous as he had to their Aunt Isabel; and in case of refusal, the King was to permit Lesdiguieres to assist him with fifteen thousand Footmen, and two thousand Horse, for the Conquest of Milan, or the Country of Lombardy: in which he would have been favoured by the greatest part of the Princes of Italy.  
This done, he with his Associates were to 
The Pope and Venetians to become mediators of the difference of Navarre, Naples, Savoy, etc.  beseech the Pope and the Venetians to become Arbitrators between him and the King of Spain, to terminate friendly these differences, which were ready to break forth between them, by reason of Naples, Sicily, Navarre, and Roussillon. And then to show that he had no thought to aggrandise himself, nor other ambition then to settle the repose of Christendom; he had showed himself ready 
And the King had yielded his right.  to yield to the Spaniard Navarre and Roussillon, so that he restored Naples and Sicily; not for himself, for he would have no other Estate than France; but for the Pope, and for the Venetians, to whom he yielded his right over those Countries.  
In fine, by a Legate Apostolic, and by the Remonstrances of all his Associates, he had let the King of Spain understand his design, together with the Princes of his house, and had conjured them by the blood of Jesus Christ to consent to it; as being Holy, Pious, Charitable, Glorious, and Profitable to all Christendom. They had withal laid before him 
They had persuaded the King of Spain, or else forced him.  the advantages which would have come to himself; and endeavoured to make him comprehend that he would be more rich, less disturbed, and more peaceable: That in twenty years Spain, which was almost desert, would be repeopled, and become the most flourishing Estate of Europe. I believe it would have been difficult to persuade him to it: for unlimited and ill designing ambition embraces rather Chimeras then solid things, and chooses rather to possess vast and desert Countries, than a reasonable extent well cultivated and well peopled: but possibly Arms might have convinced him, had reason failed.  
For the rest, the King had resolved to renounce 
The great Prudence and moderation intended by the King in the pursuit of his design.  all pretention; not to keep any thing of what he Conquered; not to enterprise any thing, which should not be approved by his Allies, and which he saw not them disposed to contribute to; not to begin in many distant places at a time, but to pursue his expeditions by degrees, still attending the success of the first, before he engaged in others: To show himself to be without Ambition, without Covetousness or Pride in the distribution of Quarters, Victuals, Spoils and Conquests: To favour weak and necessitated Estates: To send always some honourable and profitable acknowledgement to Captains or Soldiers who had done some fair Exploit: Never to enter into those partialities often conceived between friends and Allies, but to appear always an equal, just, and common friend: To treat honourably the men of War, with praises or reproofs when they deserved it, and to maintain exactly discipline, prohibiting Spoils, Violation and Burnings; that he might be received as the restorer of Nations, and he who brought Peace and Liberty, and not Rnine and Desolation.  
He had laid his designs, made his preparations, 
The preparations he made.  and fitted all his Engines to come to this end, with all diligence imaginable, for the space of eight or nine years: he had made Friends and Allies on all sides, entertained intelligences every where, had gained the College of Cardinals by great pensions, had drawn to his service all the good Captains in Germany and Switzerland, and had likewise gained all the good Pens in Christendom: for indeed he would have chosen rather to persuade then force people, and instruct them so well in his intentions, that they should have regarded his Arms only as Tutelar Succours.  
See here the platform of his design; which without dissembling was so great, that it may be said, it was conceived by an intelligence more than humane. But how high soever it was, it was not above his power: To which if Prince's proportionate not their Erterprises, it happens that they ruin their Estates, just as a man who undertakes a suit at Law, or makes greater bargains than his purse is able to bear out, is constrained in the end to sell his stock, and drown himself in a Sea of debts and troubles.  
Besides his forces, which were great in 
The forces he had.  number, but ten times greater in valour, being all chosen men, and having amongst them four thousand Gentlemen, daring all things in the sight of their King; the Prince 
The Prince of Orange's Army.  of Orange was to put himself in the field with fifteen thousand Foot, and two thousand Horse: The Prince of Anhalt in Germany 
That of the Electors & Germane Princes.  had appeared with ten thousand: The Electors and Duke of Bavaria had in a readiness twice as many, who would have met at several Rendezvous, at the first Sound of the Trumpet: The Venetians and Duke of Savoy 
That of the Venetians and Savoyard.  would each have declared with a considerable Army, at the first signal given. For the Swisses, besides a levy of six thousand chosen men which came to the King, he might have had 
His Exchequer for defraying this great design.  as many more as he would. As for his stock of moneys, all his Troops were paid for three months; his Garrisons well furnished, all his Storehouses on the Frontiers full; his Captains honoured with great presents which he had made them: he had fourteen Millions of Livres in the Bastille, seven Millions in the hands of the Treasurer of the Exchequer, of the Revenue of the preceding year; two Millions in other hands: Moreover, the accrueing Revenue, which was more than twenty seven Millions: and besides all this, Sully his chief Treasurer assured him of forty Millions extraordinary for three years; so that he might maintain a four years' War without burdening his subjects with new charges. But he would do it so hotly, that it should last but a short time: for he held it for a Maxim, That a wise Prince when he is obliged to it, 
He would make the War powerfully, that it might be short.  aught to make it powerful and short, and at first astonish the world with formidable preparations, because by this means it returns to good husbandry; and the Conquests made through fear of his Arms, reach farther than those made by his Arms themselves.  
I have told you what was his design: none 
Great appearance it might have succeeded, having no Princes to oppose it but the Dukes of Saxony and Florence  but God knows what would have been the success. We may say however, judging according to appearances, that it could not but be happy; for there appeared no Prince nor Estate in Christendom, who would not have favoured it, or who would have taken the part of the house of Austria, except the Duke of Saxony in Germany, and the Duke of Florence in Italy. But the King might have made them both consent: The first, by assisting against him the heirs of that Duke William, who had formerly been despoiled of the Electorate by the Emperor Charles the fifth. The second, by stirring up Pisa, Sienna and Florence to cry for liberty, and shake off their yoke under the Medicis.  
But it is time that I tell you what was▪ the 
What was the business of Cleves and Juliers.  business of Cleves and Juliers, which had furnished him with an occasion to take Arms, and opened ways to him to begin his great design. John-Guillaume Duke of Juliers, Cleves and Berghes, Earl of the Mark and Ravensbourg, Son of Duke Guillaume, and Mary of Austria Sister to the Emperor Charles the fifth, and Grandchild to Duke 
Death of John Duke of Juliers without issue.  John, being dead without children, on the five and twentieth of March, in the year one thousand six hundred and nine; his Succession bred a Combustion in the neighbouring States. He had four Sisters; the first married 
His succession disputed by many, particularly by Brandenbourg and Newbourg.  to the Marquis of Brandenbourg; the second to the Count Palatine of Newbourg; the third to the Duke of Deux-ponts; and the fourth to the Marquis of Burgaw. The children issued from these marriages, pretended to this Succession, the nearest excluding the farthest off, and the Sons the Daughters. The Duke of Saxony, descended from an Elder Daughter of Duke John Grandfather of Duke William, said likewise that it preferably appertained to him, because it was concluded in the contract of the marriage of that Lady, that in case an issue Male were wanting to the house of Juliers, the Succession should return to him and his descendants: Now that arriving, it necessarily followed that the Succession was open to him. The Duke of Nevers pretended likewise to the Duchy of Cleves, as he alone carrying the Name and Arms of Cleves: and the Count of Mauleurier for the same reason demanded the County de la Mark, for he was the Eldest de la Mark; and in this quality he pretended likewise to the Duchy of Bovillon and the Signory of Sedan, which were held by the Viscount of Turenne Marshal de Bovillon. The Emperor said that all the pretensions of those concurrents 
The Emperor said it was devolved to the Empire.  were ill founded, for that those Lands being Fiefs Masculine, could not fall to Daughters; but in default of Males, were devolved to the Empire, and therefore he to have the disposal of them. And upon this right 
He invests Leopold of Austria,  he secretly gave the investiture to Leopold of Austria Bishop of Strasbourg, and sent his forces to seize those lands under pretext of Right, and in the mean time assigned the parties to appear before his Imperial Majesty, to give in their reasons.  
The pursuits of the Duke of Nevers and the Count of Mauleurier were not very hot, because they were made understand that the Fiefs they demanded were united, and could not be dismembered. The Right of the Marquis of Brandenbourg, and that of Newbourg, being most apparent, the greatest contestation was between them. The Landgrave of Hesse, their common friend, became Mediator for them, and made them pass a transaction to decide their difference friendly, without employing their forces, except against Usurpers; the administration of the Succession remaining equal and common amongst 
who whilst Brandenbourg and Newbourg dispute, seizes Juliers.  them, saving the Rights of the Emperor. But in the mean time Leopold of Austria arrives with his forces, and seizeth Juliers.  
The two Princes resolved to drive him out, sought assistance on all sides, and particularly 
They implore the King's assistance,  implored the Kings: to whom they sent the Prince of Anhalt with the Letters of the Electors Palatine and of the Duke of Wirtenbourg, who assured him that his Arms would be just, powerful, and by the grace of God victorious. The Prince of Anhalt without doubt discoursed with him of many other things touching the great design. The King gave his person a most gracious reception, and received his propositions with an unparallelled joy: he answered him in terms as obliging 
who promises to march in person:  as he could, that he would march in person to the assistance of his good Allies; and that till such time as he could mount on horseback with an Equipage befitting a King of France, he would daily make some Troops advance; which he did about the end of the year 1609. But moreover he prayed him to 
But tells him he intended to conserve the Catholic Religion in that Country.  let the Confederate Princes understand, that they would do him great wrong, if they thought that he intended any prejudice to the Catholic Religion in that Country: for he desired above all things that the Exercise of it should be conserved in the same estate it was before the death of Duke William, who was a Catholic; but Brandenbourg and Newbourg were Protestants.  
The Emperor likewise sent to him Ambassadors, 
Answer made to the Ambassador of the Empire.  one of his chiefest Confidents, entreating him not to favour the rebellion and injustice of these Princes; and to consider, that he could not assist them without doing wrong to the Catholic Religion. Henry the Great answered him, That being the Thrice-Christian King, he should know well how to maintain and amplify it: but that he acted not to that intent; that the question was only about succouring his friends, in which he should never be wanting so long as he had life.  
During the whole Winter, he gave order 
He establishes good order in the Kingdom before his departure.  for all preparations for this Expedition, which was only the cover to a greater. Being resolved to pursue himself the success, he had deliberated before his departure from the Kingdom, to establish so good an Order for the Government of it, that no trouble could arrive. For this effect, he believed that the best way was to leave the Regency to the Queen: 
Leaves the Regency to the Queen, but gives her a good Council.  but because he knew that she was governed by Conchini, whom he did not at all love, he would have her assisted by a Council composed of fifteen persons; to wit, the Cardinals of Joyeuse and du Peronne; the Dukes of Mayenne, Montmorency, and Montbazon; the Marshals of Brissac and de Fervaques, Chasteau-Neauf, who should have been Keeper of the Seals of the Regency, for the King would take his Chancellor with him; Achilles de Harlay first Precedent of Parliament; Nicholas first Precedent of the Chamber of Accounts; the Count of Chasteauvieux, and the Lord of Liancourt, two wise Gentlemen; Pontcarre, Counsellor of Parliament; Gesures, Secretary of State; and Maupeou, controuler of the Revenues.  
Moreover, he would establish a little Council 
He establishes little Councils in the Provinces, who refer to the great one.  of five persons in every one of the twelve Provinces of France; to wit, one person for the Clergy, one for the Nobility, one for Justice, one for the Revenues, and one for the Body of the Cities: and these twelve little Councils should have correspondence with, and dependence on the great one; which should have taken its resolutions from the plurality of voices, the Queen having only hers. Nor could it indeed take any, but according to the general Instructions form by the King, or without his Majesty's being informed of it, if it were a thing which his Instructions did not clearly enough explain. Thus, though absent, he kept the Reins of his Government, and tied up the hands of the Queen, for fear lest she should take too much Authority, or have been induced to abuse her Command.  
Whilst he applied his spirit to these things, 
1610.  some persons, amongst others Conchini and his 
Some put it into the spirit of the Queen, that she should be installed before the King's departure.  wife, put it into the spirit of the Queen, that she should, to acquire more dignity and splendour in the eyes of the people, and more advantageously to authorise her Regency, be installed and crowned before the departure of the King. For the same Reasons that she desired it, the King found it not agreeable to him; besides that this Ceremony could not be made without a great deal of expense, and without losing much time, which would keep him at Paris, and retard his designs. He had an extreme impatience to depart from that City; I know not what secret instinct pressed him to be gone as soon as possible: but for this reason the Instalment troubled him; yet 
He, though unwillingly, consents.  he could not refuse this mark of his affection to the Queen, who passionately desired it.  
Sully recounts that he heard him say more than once, My Friend, this Instalment presages me some misfortune: they will kill me. I shall never depart from this City. My Enemies have no other remedy but my death: they have told me that I should be killed at the first great Magnificence that I make, and that I should die in a Coach: this makes me often times when I am in one, be assaulted with tremble, and be fearful in despite of myself.  
They counselled him, to shun these ill Prophecies, to depart on the morrow, and leave the Instalment to be done without him: but the Queen was extremely offended; and he good and obliging, remained only to content her. The Instalment was made at St. Denis 
The instalment of the Queen.  on the 13 of May; and the Queen on the 16 of the same month was to make her entrance into Paris, where there were erected Magnificent Preparations to honour this Feast.  
Already had the forces of the King met at their Rendezvouz on the Frontiers of Champagne. Already had the Nobility, who were come from all parts, sent their Equipages: The Duke of Rohan was gone to gather together the six thousand Swisses; and there were gone fifty piece of Cannon out of the Arsenal. Already had the King sent to demand of the Archduke and the Infanta in what manner they would that he should pass their Country, either as a Friend, or an Enemy. Every hour of delay seemed to him a year, as if he had presaged some misfortune to himself: and certainly both Heaven and Earth had given but too many Prognostics of what arrived. A very 
Many Prognostics, which seemed to presage the death of Henry 4.  great Eclipse of the whole body of the Sun, which happened in the year 1608: A terrible Comet, which appeared the year preceding: Earthquakes in several places: Monsters born in divers Countries of France: Rains of blood, which fell in several places: A great Plague, which afflicted Paris in the year 1606: Apparitions of Fantosms, and many other Prodigies kept men in fear of some horrible event.  
His Enemies were at present in a profound silence: which possibly was not caused only by their Consternation, and by the fear of the success of his Arms, but out of the expectation they had to see succeed some great blow, in which lay all their hopes. It must needs be that there were many conspiracies against the Life of this good King; since from twenty places advice was given of it; since both in Spain and Milan a report was spread of his death by 
Advice from several places that his life should be attempted.  a printed Paper; since there passed a 〈◊〉 eight days before he was assassinated, through the City of Liege, that said that he carried News to the Princes of Germany that he was killed; since at Montargis there was found a Billet upon the Altar, containing the prediction of his approaching death by a determinate blow; since in fine, the report ran through all Prance, that he would not outlive that year, and that he would die a tragic death in the fifty seventh year of his Age. Himself, who was 
He seems to believe them, and fear.  not over-credulous, gave some faith to these Prognostics, and seemed as one condemned to death: So sad and cast down he was, though naturally he was neither melancholy nor fearful.  
There had been at Paris for about two years, 
Who Ravaillac was.  a certain wicked Rogue, named Francis Ravaillac, a Native of the Country of Angoumois; red haired, down-looked, and melancholy, who had been a Monk; but after having quitted the Frock he before professed, was turned Solicitor of businesses, and come to Paris. It 
He is induced to kill the King, but it is not known by whom.  was not known whether he was brought hither to give this blow, or whether being come out of some other design, he had been induced to this execrable enterprise by those people, who knowing that he had yet in his heart some leven of the League, and that false persuasion that the King was about to overturn the Catholic Religion in Germany, judged him proper for the blow.  
If it be demanded who were the Devils and Furies who inspired him with so damnable a th●●ght, and who spurred him forward to effect his wicked disposition; the History answers that it knows nothing; and that in a thing so important, it is not permitted to make pass suspicions and conjectures for assured truths. The Judges themselves who examined him, durst not open their mouths, nor ever spoke but covertly.  
But see here how he executed his wicked design! On the morrow after the Instalment, 
The King departs the Lovure to go to the Arsenal.  being the 14 of May, the King went forth of the Lovure about four a Clock in the Evening, to go to the Arsenal to visit Sully, who was indisposed, and to see as he passed the preparations made at the Bridge of Notre dame and the Hostel de Ville for the reception of the Queen. He was at the bottom of his Coach, 
What persons were with him.  having the Duke of Espernon by his side: the Duke of Montbazon, the Marshal of Lavardin, Roquelaure, La force, Mirebeau, and Liancour chief Esquire, were before, and in the Boots. His Coach entering out of the street of St. Honorio 
His Coach stopped in the street of the Ferronnerie.  into that of the Ferronnerie, or Ironmongers, found on the right hand a Cart laden with Wine, and on the left another laden with Hay; which causing some trouble, he was constrained to stop: for the street is very narrow by reason of the shops builded against the wall of the Churchyard of St. Innocents'. King Henry the second had formerly commanded them to be beaten down, to render that passage more free: but it was not executed. Alas, that one half of Paris had not rather been beaten down, than it have seen this great misfortune, which hath been the cause of so many infinite other miseries! The Footmen being passed through the Churchyard of St. Innocents' to avoid the trouble, and no person being near the Coach, this wicked person, who for a long time had obstinately followed the King to give his blow, observing the side on which he sat, thrust himself between the shops and the Coach; and setting one foot on one 
Ravaillac killeth him.  of the spokes of the wheel, 〈◊〉 the other against a stall, with an enraged res●●●tion gave him a stab with a knife between the second and third Rib, a little beneath the heart. At this blow the King cried out, I am wounded. But the Villain, without being affrighted, redoubled it, and struck him in the heart; of which he died immediately, without so much as casting forth a sigh. The Murderer was so assured, that he yet gave a third blow, which light only in the sleeve of the Duke of Montbazon. Afterwards he neither took care to flee, nor to conceal his knife; but stood still, as if to make himself be seen, and to glorify or boast in so fair an exploit.  
He was taken on the place, examined by the 
He is torn with burning pincers, and drawn in pieces by four horses.  Commissioners of Parliament, judged by the Chamber of Assemblies, and by sentence drawn by four horses in the Greve, after having had the flesh of his breasts, his arms and thighs, drawn off with burning Pincers, without his testifying the least emotion of fear or grief at so strange tortures. Which strongly confirmed the suspicion had, that certain Emissaries under the mask of Piety and Religion had instructed and enchanted him with false assurances that he should die a Martyr, if he killed him whom they made believe was the sworn enemy of the Church.  
The Duke d'Espernon seeing the King speechless 
The King's body opened, and found that he might yet live 30 years.  and dead, caused the Coach to turn, and carried his body to the Lovure, where he caused it to be opened in the presence of twenty six Physicians a●● Surgeons; who found all parts so soun●, ●hat in the course of Nature he might yet have lived thirty years.  
His Entrails were the same hour sent to St. Denis, and interred without any Ceremony. The Fathers Jesuits demanded the heart, and carried it to their Church de la Fleche, where this great King had given them his house to build that fair College at present seen. The Corpse embalmed in a sheet of Lead, covered with a Coffin of Wood, and a cloth of Gold over it, was placed in the King's Chamber under a Canopy, with two Altars on each side, on which Mass was said for eighteen days continuance. Afterwards it was conducted to St. 
He is buried at St. Denis.  Denis, where it was buried with the ordinary Ceremonies, eight days after that of Henry the third his Predecessor. For it is to be understood, that the body of Henry the third remained till then in the Church of St. Cornille in Compeigne, from whence the Duke of Espernon, and Bellegarde great Esquire, formerly his favourites, brought it to St. Denis, and caused his funerals to be celebrated; Civility obliging that he should be buried before his Successor.  
The King's death was concealed from the City all the rest of that day, and a good part 
The Queen made Regent.  of the morrow; whilst the Queen disposed the Grandees and the Parliament to give her the Regency. She obtained it without much difficulty, having led the young King her Son to the Parliament; and the Prince of Conde, and the Count of Soissons, who alone could have opposed it, being absent. The first was at Milan, as we have said before; and the second at his house at Blandy, whither he was retired discontented, some days before the Instalment of the Queen.  
When the fame of this Tragical accident 
The great desolation in Paris, when they knew of the King's death.  was spread through Paris, and that they knew assuredly that the King whom they believed only wounded, was dead; that mixture of hope and fear which kept this great City in suspense, broke forth on a sudden into extravagant cries, and furious groans. Some through grief became immovable & Statue-like; others ran through the streets like mad men; others embraced their friends, without saying any thing, but, Oh what misfortune! some shut themselves up in their houses; others threw themselves upon the ground: women were seen with their dishevelled hair run about howling and lamenting: Fathers told their Children, What will become of you, my Children? you have lost your Father. Those who had most apprehension of the time to come▪ and who remembered the horrible calamities of the past Wars, lamented the misfortune of France, and said, that that accursed blow which had pierced the heart of the King, cut the throat of all true Frenchmen. It is reported that many were so lively touched that they died, some upon the place, and others a few days after. In fine, this seemed not to be mourning for the death of one man alone, but for the one half of all men: It might have been said, that every one had lost his whole family, all his goods, and all his hopes, by the death of this great King.  
He died at the age of fifty seven years and 
His age, and the time of of his reign.  five months, the thirty eighth of his reign of Navarre, and the one and twentieth of that of France.  
He was married twice, as we have said before: 
His two wives, Margaret and Mary.  First with Margaret of France, by whom he had no children: The second time with Mary of Medicis. Margaret was Daughter to King Henry the second, and Sister to the Kings Francis the second, Charles' the ninth, and Henry the third; from whom he was divorced by sentence of the Prelates deputed for that purpose from the Pope. Marry of Medicis was Daughter to Francis, and Niece to Ferdinand Dukes of Florence. She had three Sons and three Daughters. 
He had three Sons by Mary,   
The Sons were all born at Fontain-bleau. The first named Lovis, came into the world on the 27 September, in the year 1601. at Eleven a Clock at night. He was King after him, and had the Surname of Just. The second was born on the 16 of April 1607. he had the title of Duke of Orleans; but no name, because he died before the Ceremony of his Baptism was celebrated, in the year 1611. The third took birth on the 25 of April 1608. and was named John Baptista Gaston, and had title Duke of Anjou: but the second Son being dead, that of Duke of Orleans was given him, which he bore to his death, which happened two years ago.  
The eldest of the Daughters was born at 
and three Daughters.  Fontain-bleau, the 22 of November 1602. she was the second child, and was named Elizabeth, or Isabel: she was married to Philip the fourth King of Spain, and died some years past. She was a Princess of a great heart, and had a spirit and brain above her Sex: the Spaniards therefore said, that she was truly Daughter to Henry the Great. The second was born at the Lovure at Paris the 10. of February 1606. There was given to her the name of Christina; and she Espoused Victor Amadeo, than Prince of Piedmont, and after Duke of Savoy; a Prince of the greatest virtue and capacity in the world. The third was born in the same place, on the 25. of November, being the Feast of St. Katherine, in the year 1609. and had name Henrietta-Maria. This is the present Queen-Mother of England, widow of the unfortunate King Charles Stuart, whom his Subjects cruelly despoiled of his Royalty and Life: but heaven, the protector of Sovereigns, hath gloriously reestablished his Son Charles the second.  
Besides these six Legitimate children, he 
He had eight Natural children of divers Mistresses. Two Sons and a Daughter of Gabriella.  had likewise eight Natural ones, of four different Mistresses, without counting those whom he did not own.  
Of Gabriella d'▪ Estrees Marchioness of Monceaux and Duchess of Beaufort, he had Caesar Duke of Vendosme, who yet lives, and was born in the month of June in the year 1594; Alexander great Prior of France, who died prisoner of Estate; and Henrietta, married to Charles of Lorraine Duke of Elbeuf. 
A Son and a Daughter of the Marchioness of Vernevil.   
Of Henrietta de Balsac d' Entragues, whom he made Marchioness of Vernevil, he had Henry Bishop of Mets, who yet lives; and Gabriella, who Espoused Bernard of Nogaret Duke of Valette, at present Duke of Espernon, by whom she had the Duke of Candale, dead some time since; and a Daughter at present a Religious Carmilite: after which she died.  
Of Jacqueline de Bueil, to whom he gave 
Of the Countess of Moret one Son.  the County of Moret, was born Anthony Count of Moret, who was killed in the Service of the Duke of Orleans, in the Battle of Castlenaudary, where the Duke of Montmorency was taken. This was a young Prince, whose Spirit and Courage promised much. The Marquis of Vardes Espoused afterward this Jacqueline de Bueil.  
Of Charlotta d' Essards, to whom he gave 
Of Madam d' Essards two daughters.  the land of Romorantin, came two Daughters; Jane, who is Abbess of Fonteurault; and Mary-Henrietta, who was of Chelles. He loved all his children Legitimate and Natural with a like affection, but with different consideration. He would not that they should call him Monsieur, or Sir; a name which seemed to render Children strangers to their Fathers, and which denoted servitude and subjection; 
He loved all his children, and would have them call him Papa.  but that they should call him Papa, a name of tenderness and love. And certainly in the Old Testament, God took the names of Lord, the Mighty God, the God of Hosts, and others, to set forth his greatness and power: but in the Christian Law, which is a Law of Grace and Charity, he commanded us to make our Prayers as his Children, by those sweet words, Our Father which art in Heaven.  
There remains at present that we put here a Summary recapitulation of the Life of this 
Summary recital of the Life of Henry the Great.  great King, and after er●ct an Eternal Monument to his glory, in the name of all France, which can never sufficiently acknowledge its Immortal obligations to his Heroic virtue.  
He began the first motions of his life in the Camp, at the Sound of Trumpets; his Mother brought him into the world with a wonderful courage; his Grandfather inspired strength into him the first day he saw him; and he was brought up to labour from his tenderest infancy.  
The first knowledge that age gave him, was to resent the death of his Father killed at the siege of Roven, and to see himself encompassed with dangers on all sides, distant from Court, his friend's dis-favoured, his servants persecuted, and his ruin conjured by his enemies.  
His Mother, a generous and able woman, gave him excellent instructions for Morality and Policy; but very ill ones for Religion; so that he was a Huguenot by Engagement, and not by Election. And he often professed that he was not prepossessed, that he should be ready to clear and ●ay himself open, and that if they could make him see a better way than that he followed, he willingly and faithfully would walk in it; but that till than he was to be tolerated, and not persecuted.  
At the age of fifteen years he became chief of the Huguenot party, and gave such sensible advices, that the greatest Captains had cause to admire him, and to repent that they had not followed him. He passed the first flowers of his youth, part in Arms, and a part in his Lands of Gascoin, where he remained till the age of nineteen years. He was then enticed to come to Court, by a Marriage as illegitimate as cruel: for we may say, that the present Nuptial was the sudden death of his Mother; the Feast, the general Massacre of his friends; and the Morrow of his Marriage, his Captivity, which endured almost four years, at the mercy of his most cruel enemies, and in a Court the most wicked and most corrupted that ever was known. His courage was not at all weakened by this servitude, nor could his soul be infected among so many corruptions: But the Charms of the Ladies which Queen Katherine made use of to retain him, begat in him that weakness and vice which endured all his life, not to refuse any of those desires their beauty inspired.  
To withdraw himself from the servitude of the Court, he cast himself into the snare of his ancient party, and of the Huguenot Religion. He received all those troubles, and all those perplexities which the Chiefs of a Civil War make proof of; his dignity of General not dispensing with the pains and dangers of a simple Soldier. Thrice did he oblige the Court to grant him Peace and Privileges to his party: but thrice they violated them; and he several times beheld seven or eight Royal Armies make head against him.  
His valour, which had already appeared in many occasions, signalised itself with great Renown at the Battle of Coutras. This was the first important blow that he struck on the head of the League. A little after it, having assembled the Estates at Blois, to Arm the whole Kingdom against him, and exclude him from the Crown of France; the Guises, who were believed the Authors of this Tragedy, were themselves made the terrible Catastrophe; but which filled all with flame, blood and confusion. The Duke of Mayenne Armed himself to Revenge the Death of his Brothers; and the King almost quite abandoned and shut up in Tours, was enforced to call him to his aid. Our Hero passed by all distrusts and all fears some would have infused into him, to take the part of his Sovereign.  
They marched to Paris and besieged it: but upon the point to enter, Henry the third is Assassinated by a Monk. The right of Succession calling our Henry to the Throne, he found the way crossed with a thousand terrible difficulties; the League in head against him, the servants of the defunct King little affected to him, the Grandees every one for his particular ends. The whole Catholic Religion Leagued against him; without, the Spaniard, the Pope, the Savoyard, the Lorrainer; within, on one side the people and the great Cities, on the other the Hugonots, who tormented him with their continual distrusts. He could not advance one pace without finding some obstacle; so many days, so many battles. His subjects endeavoured to overthrow him as a public enemy, and he endeavoured to regain them like a good Father. In his Closet, and in his Council, there were only displeasures and bitternesses, caused by an infinity of discontents, treasons and pernicious designs, which were from moment to moment discovered against his Person and against his Estate. Every day a double Combat, a double Victory; the one against his enemies, the other against his followers: using Prudence and Cunning, where Generosity would not serve.  
At Arques he made it appear he could not be overcome; and at Yury, that he knew how to vanquish. Every where, where he appeared, all yielded to his Arms: The League daily lost places and Provinces: It was beaten by his Lieutenants in other places, as by himself in the heart of his Kingdom. He had forced Paris, if he could have resolved to lose it; but by sparing it, he absolutely gained not only its walls, but its hearts.  
The Duke of Parma stopped a little the progress of his successes; but he could not change their course. Vertne and Fortune, or rather Divine Providence, seemed linked together to crown him with Glory. God visibly assisted him in all his designs, and preserved him from an infinite number of treasons and horrid attempts which were daily form against his Life. In fine, he overthrew the intentions of the Thirdlings, and prevented the resolutions of the Estates of the League, by causing himself to be instructed in the Catholic Religion, and re-entering into the bosom of the holy Church.  
When that pretext of Religion was wanting to his enemies, all the party of the League mouldered away; Paris, and all the great Cities, acknowledged him; the Duke of Mayenne, though very late, was constrained to become his subject, and return to his duty; and all the Chiefs of the League treated separately. This showed a great deal of prudence and cunning in the King, to receive them thus disjoyntly: for if they had all together made a treaty of common accord, the party had by this means conserved its bonds together, and not been overthrown, but appeased.  
When he had got the upperhand in his Affairs, and was reconciled to the Pope, and that his subjects were reconciled with him, the ill counsel of the Hugonots, who desired always to see him in trouble, persuaded him to declare a War against Spain. It was now that he thought he should fall into a worse Estate than ever. They took from him Dourlens after the gain of one battle; Calais and Ardres by storm, and Amiens by surprise. The rest of the League which lay hid under the cinders, began to rekindle; the discontents of the great ones, to be discovered; Conspiracies were form on all sides; his servants were amazed, his enemies emboldened. But his Virtue, which seemed to sleep in prosperity, roused itself in adversity: he encouraged his friends, retook Amiens, and forced the Spaniard to make peace by the treaty of Vervin.  
The Duke of Savoy, thinking to deceive him in the restitution of the Marquisate of Saluces, and to raise factions in his Realm which should hinder the King from demanding reason of him, found that he had to do with a Prince who knew as well how to over▪ reach him in his designs, as to conquer his forces: for he forced him among those rocks where he boasted he had nothing to fear but the thunderbolts of Heaven, and made him shamefully restore what he had unjustly usurped.  
At the same time the King had thoughts, as well for the security and tranquillity of France, as for his own, to generate Children of a lawful marriage. Heaven gave him six, and with them a peace of ten years, which was only lightly troubled by the conspiracy of Byron, by the devices of the Duke of Bovillon, and by some popular risings against the Pancarte, or Sol pour liure.  
During all this, he laboured principally for two things: the one, his great design, of which we have spoken; for which he made friends and allies on all sides, cleared his revenues, paid his debts with as good credit as if he had been a Merchant, gathered moneys, and pacified all differences which were between those Princes with whom he would associate. The other was to repair the damages and ruins of France, which a forty years civil War had caused; remove those causes which imbittered and divided spirits; reform those disorders which disfigured the face of the Estate; make it flourishing and rich, to the end his subjects might live happily under the wings of his protection and his justice.  
In the mean time himself was not free from troubles, perplexities and disgusts: his Mistresses caused him a thousand vexations in the midst of his pleasures: he found thorns even in his Nuptial-bed, and in the ill humour of his wife; and Conchini was causer of griefs to him: just as a little but vexatious Mouse may furiously trouble and turmoil the noble Lyon.  
As he was ready to mount on horseback to begin his great design by the assistance of his Allies, he lost his Life by the most detestable Parricide was ever known. Thus he whom so many Pikes, so many Muskets and Cannons, so many Squadrons and Battalions of men, could not hurt in the trenches and in the field of battle, was killed with a Knife by a wicked and traitorous Rogue, in the midst of his capital City, in a Coach, and on a day of public Joy. Unhappy blow, which put an end to all the joys of France, and which opened a wound which to this day hath left its scar.  
Henry was of a middle stature, disposed and active, hardened to labour and travel. His body was well form, his temperament able and strong, and his health perfect; only about the age of fifty years, he had some light assaults of the Gout, but which soon passed away, and left behind them no weakness. He had his forehead high, his eyes lively and assured, his nose Aquiline, his complexion ruddy, his countenance sweet and noble; and yet withal, his presence Warlike and Martial, his hair brown, and very thin. He wore his beard large, and his hair very short. He began to grow grey at the age of thirty five years: upon which he was accustomed to say to those who wondered at it, It is the wind of my adversities hath blown me this.  
Indeed to consider well all his life from his very birth, few Princes will be found who have suffered so much as he; and it will be difficult to tell if he had more crosses or more 
Parallel of his adversities and prosperities.  prosperities. He was born the Son of a King, but of a King despoiled of his Estates. He had a Mother generous, and of a great courage; but a Huguenot, and an enemy of the Court. He gained the battle of Coutras; but he lost a little after the Prince of Conde his Cousin, and his right hand. The League stirred up his virtue, and made him know it; but it thought to overthrow him. It was the cause that the King having called him to his assistance, he found himself at the gates of Paris, as if God had led him by the hand: but Paris armed itself against him, and all his hopes were almost dissipated by the scattering of the Army which besieged that City. It was without doubt a great happiness that the Crown of France fell to him, there having never been a succession more distant in any hereditary Estate: for there were ten or eleven degrees between Henry the third and him; and when he was born, there was nine Princes of the blood before him: to wit, King Henry 2. and his five sons; King Anthony of Navarre his father, and two sons of that Anthony, eldest brothers of our Henry. All these Princes died to make room for his succession: But he found it so embroiled, that we may say he suffered an infinity of labours, pains and hazards, before he could gather the fair flowers of this Crown. Young he espoused the sister of King Charles, which seemed a match very advantageous for him: but this marriage was a snare to entrap both him and his friends. Afterwards, that Lady, in stead of being his Consort, became his trouble; and in stead of being his honour, became his shame. His second Wife brought him forth fair children, to his no little joy: but her grumble and disdains were the causers of a thousand discontents. He triumphed over all his enemies, and became Arbitrator of Christendom: but the more powerful he made himself, the more was their hatred envenomed, and the more means used they to destroy him; so that after having plotted an infinite number of conspiracies against his life, they found in the end a Ravaillac, who executed in the end what so many 
* There are more than fifty conspiracies against his person.  others had failed in.  
Now it must be acknowledged that all these adversities which he suffered, aught to whet his spirit and his courage; and that in fine he should be the greatest of Kings, because he came to the Crown through so many difficulties, 
His adversities whet his spirit and courage. Why Princes who come young to the Crown, seldom learn to govern well.  and in an age very mature.  
And certainly it is difficult and very rare for those who are born to a Crown, and bred up to a near hope to mount into a Throne after the death of their father, or who find themselves too soon raised to it, ever to learn well the Art of reigning; be it their not being so happy as to be educated under the care of a Mother so virtuous and so affectionate as that great Queen, who hath so diligently caused to be instructed King Lewis the 14 her son in all good Rules, and in all Maxims of Christian Policy; or so happy as to be blessed with a Minister so wise and so interested for their good, as that young Monarch hath found in the person of Cardinal Mazarine.  
The reasons of this are, that ordinarily those persons into whose hands they fall in their infancy, desiring to conserve to themselves the Authority and the Government, in stead of obliging or indeed constraining them to apply their spirits to things solid and necessary, act so cunningly, that they employ them only in trifles unworthy of them, and amuse them with so much subtlety, that it is impossible that a young Prince can know it. In stead of laying incessantly before their eyes the true Grandeur of Kings, which consists in the exercise of their Authority, they feed them only with appearances and images of that greatness, as are exterior pomps and magnificences, wherein there is only pride and vanity. In fine, in stead of instructing them diligently in what they ought to know, and in what they ought to do, (for all the knowledge of Kings ought to be reduced into practice) they keep them in a profound ignorance of all their Affairs, that they may always be Masters, and that they may never be able to be without them. From whence it happens that a Prince, though he be great, knowing his own weakness, judges himself incapable to govern; and from that moment wherein he is possessed with this opinion, he must needs renounce the conduct of his Estate, if that he have not indeed extraordinary natural qualities, and a heart truly Royal. Moreover, these persons would seize themselves of all Avenues, and hinder ●onest men from approaching those tender ears: or if they cannot hinder their approaches, they are not wanting to render them suspected, or to deprive them of all belief in the spirit of these young Princes, making them pass with them either for their enemies, or people ill affected, or else for ridiculous or impertinent. Moreover, they have some Emissaries who infatuate them with flatteries, with excessive praises and adorations; who never let them know any thing but what shall be to their ends; who improve their defaults by continual complacences; who make them believe they have a perfect intelligence of all things, when they know nothing; who make them conceive that Royalty is only a Sovereign Bauble, that travel befits not a King, and that the functions of Royalty being laborious, are by consequence base and servile. In this manner they soon disgust them with their own Command: they accustom them to have Masters, because they have yet neither so much knowledge nor so much courage as to be Masters. And thus these poor Princes, being not at all contradicted, but always adored; nor having any experience of themselves, or ever suffered pain or necessity, become often presumptuous and absolute in their fancies, and believing their puissance to have Peerage with that of Gods: they begin to consider nothing but their passion, their pleasure and humour, as if Mankind were created for them, whilst they were created wisely to order and govern Mankind; who let profusion and waste be made of the life and goods of their subjects; and who with an unparallelled insensibility, harken no more to their Laments and Groans, then to the Lowing of a slaughtered Ox.  
On the contrary, those who come to the 
Those who come to a Crown at greater distance and a more ripe age, are more capable and better.  Crown at a greater distance, and in a riper age, are almost always better instructed in their affairs: they apply themselves more strongly to Govern their Estates; they will always hold the Rudder; they are juster, more tender, and more merciful; they know better how to manage their Revenues; they conserve with more care the blood and the goods of their subjects; they more willingly hear their complaints, and do better Justice; they do not with so much vigour use their absolute power, which ofttimes makes the people despair, and causes strange revolutions.  
If the reasons why they are so be sought, 
The reasons of it.  they are because they have been in a Post or place, where they have often heard truth: where they have understood what ignominy it is for a Prince not to enjoy his own personal power, but to leave it to another: where though they have had some flatterers, they have likewise had open enemies, who by censuring their faults have induced a Reformation: where they have heard blamed the faults of that Government under which they were, and have blamed them themselves; so that they are obliged to do better, and not to follow what they have condemned: where they have studied to govern themselves wisely, because they were dependants, and fearful of punishment: where they have often heard the complaints of particular persons, and seen the miseries of the people: in fine, where they have understood by suffering, what evil is; and to have pity of those who suffer injustice, because they themselves have proved the rigour of a too high and severe Government. We have two fair Examples in Lewis the twelfth, surnamed the Father of the people, and in our Henry, two of the best Kings who in the last ages have born the Sceptre of the Flowers de Lis.  
Now who would gather together and worthily 
A mystic Crown to the glory of Henry the Great.  compose all the Heroic virtues, the Noble actions and Eminent qualities of Henry the Great, would make him a Crown much more precious and resplendent then that wherewith his head was adorned on the day of his Coronation. That treasure of freedom and sincerity, free and exempt from malice, from gall and bitterness, should be the matter more precious then Gold. His Renown and his Glory, which will never have end, should be the Circle. His Victories of Coutras, of Arques, of Yury, of Fontaine-Franzoise; his Negotiations of the peace of Vervin, of his accommodations between the Venetians and the Pope, of the Truce between the Spaniard and the Hollander, and that great League with all the Princes of Christendom, for execution of the design of which we have spoken, should be the branches. Then his war like valour, his generosity, his constancy, his credit, his wisdom, his prudence, his activity, his vigilance, his oeconomy, his justice, and a hundred other virtues, should be the precious stones. Amongst which, that Paternal and Cordial love he had for his people, would cast a fire more lively and bright than the Carbuncle: The firmness of his courage, always invincible in dangers, would bear the Price and Beauty of a Diamond: And his unparallelled Clemency, which raised up those enemies he had overthrown, would appear like an Emerald, which sends forth enlivenings and joy into the eyes of all that behold it. To continue the Metamorphosis; I will yet say, that so many wise Laws which he made for Justice, for Policy, and for his Revenues; so many good and useful Establishments of all sorts of Manufactures, which produced to France the yearly profit of many Millions; so many proud buildings, as the Galleries of the Lovure, the Pontneuf, the Place Royal, the College Royal, the Keys for Merchants of the River Seine, Fontain-bleau, Monceaux, St. german; so many public works, Bridges, Causwaies, Highways repaired; so many Churches rebuilded in many places of the Realm, should be as the Ingravements and Embellishments.  
Let us Crown then with a thousand praises the immortal memory of that great King, the love of the French, and the terror of the Spaniards; the Honour of his age, and the Admiration of Posterity: Let us make him live in our hearts and in our affections, in despite of the rage of those wicked persons deprived him of life: Let us shout forth as many Acclamations to his glory, as he hath done benefits to France. He was a Hereules, who cut off the Head of the Hydra, by overturning the League. He was greater than Alexander, and greater than Pompey, because he was as Valiant; but he was more Just: he gained as many victories, but he gained more hearts. He conquered the Gauls, as well as Julius Caesar; but he conquered them to give them liberty, and Caesar subjugated them to enslave them. Let his Name then be raised above that of the Hercules, the Alexanders, the Pompey's, and the Gaesars: Let his Reign be the Model of good Kings, and his Examples the clear Lights to illuminate the eyes of other Princes: Let his Posterity be Eternally Crowned with the Flowers de Lis: Let them be always happy, always Triumphant. And to complete our wishes, let Lewis the Victorious his Grandchild, Resemble, or if it be possible, Surpass him.   
FINIS.