THE CIVIL WARS OF FRANCE, DURING THE BLOODY REIGN OF CHARLES the Ninth: Wherein is showed, The sad and bloody Murders of many thousand Protestants, dying the streets and Rivers with their blood for thirty days together, whose innocent blood cries to God for vengeance.  
And may stand as a Beacon fired to warn, and a a Landmark to pilot all Protestant Princes and States to a more secure harbour than peace with Papists.  
Faithfully collected out of the most ancient and modern Authors, by a true Protestant, and Friend to the Commonwealth of England.  
London. Printed by H.H. for W. London and are to be sold at the Sun and Bible near Py-Corner. MDCLV.   

To that flourishing Sprig of Virtue, and growing Branch of Honour; the most ingenuous T. H. of Grays-Inne, Esquire.  
SIR,  
THese first Fruits with bending humility, stoops to be plucked by your sweet hand; and tasted by the good relish of your  acceptance; and if they have but the honour to perch on the least branch of your noble mind, it is all I crave from the seat of your judicious approbation; and though I boldly knit the thread of my Labour to your noble name, yet the great affections I owe, and the greater your merits demand; emboldens me to conclude, That as your incomparable worth is my encourager, so will it as easily pardon as beget this boldness. Therefore it is, that with strong presumption of your genuine interpretation, this piece takes Sanctuary under the refreshing shelter of your noble Patronage, from the scorching heat of malicious censure. May you be directed to tread the steps of your brave Progenitors, especially to trace the Renowned walks of the Right Honourable your noble Father; whose valour for his Country, and  constancy to a good cause, may stand as a pattern of Imitation to future ages, and challenge a Room among the truly worthy: Thus noble Sir go on, that as in your younger years you have stamped your actions in the mint of virtue, thereby coining Renown as an inseparable adjunct to your great parts; so may you by continuance in the same Tract, cut out to yourself a habitation in the hearts of all that love and honour virtue. So sitting in the lap of Prosperity, it may at last be sanctified in order to eternity. And may the hopeful promises of your lively and capacious Soul inlaid with Gallantry, so fructify, that they may struggle with your years for growth, and fill the longing world with expectation. Now Sir since I have boldly begun, let me humbly end, ingeniously confessing myself in a great degree unfortunate, in having no nobler a sacrifice, to offer at the shrine of so much Honour and Virtue: All I request is, that I may march under the Banner and conduct of your favour and commands; For I am,  
Noble Sir, Your Humble Servant.   

ERRATA.  
PAge 5. line 11. for pacing read parings. p. 5. l. 21. f. check hers, r. checkmate hers. p. 25. l. 26. f. there r. her. p. 63. l. 26. f drawning r. drowning. p. 70. l. 13. f. had not r. had not tasted. p. 77. l. 8. f. but to a little belief, r. to enforce a little belief. p. 89. l. 35. f. bis brave soldiers, r. this brave Soldier. p. 101. l. 21. f. war r. way.  

Courteous Reader,  
THou art desired to pass by the unavoidable erratas of the Press.    

The Epistle to the READER.  
THIS following Narrative is a Theme so sadly copious, that if thou art a true Protestant, thou canst not but bewail the sad fate of many thousand innocent Christians whose sufferings, and their enemy's cruelty strove for pre-eminence, who died not so much like Martyrs, as murdered like sheep; being not overcome by force, but betrayed by Treachery, and perjury. Who can but from the depth of sadness turn his sorrow into tears, forcing open the bowels of his compassion, through the floodgates of his eyes; when we shall consider, so many Lords and Gallant Commanders breathe their last, by an ignominous and base death, not to be compared for cruelty, perjury and treachery, in any age or History; for indeed these sad calamities challenge the Tribute of a bleeding heart; so that if the Readers understanding be not already garrisoned with prejudice, or if the times be but patiented of hearing truth this Book may prove of some use to this Nation.  
The ruins of Truth is often enveloped in the sable clouds of Oblivion. Nimium altercando amittitur, Truth may be lost in a crowd; therefore my industry to preserve antiquity, may stand as an argument against calumny; for each Book pressed into the world, is as a Bark at Sea; the first as subject to censure, as the last to storms; therefore I cannot but expect a shower of censures; yet, as Mr. Feltham says, It is the easiest part to censure; and though men think thereby to be accounted wise, yet (says he) there is nothing discovers a Fool more; for he that knows least censures most; Ignorance gives disparagement▪ a louder tongue than knowledge; like Rats that love to eat Books they cannot read, and however I may suffer the venom of Asps, which grow on some men's tongues, yet have I done without crime, what I ought to do in conscience; and the more impetuous the storms, and rapid torrents of calumny assault and beat upon my endeavours, the more shall I, like the Traveller in the Fable, hug myself in the Cloak of my own Innocency and Integrity; that though the success of my Labour prove abortive to some, yet shall I enjoy the freedom of my own desire, and reward myself with that content, that the envious World can neither give, nor take from me.  
It is not unknown to the World that something of this nature is extant, yet may I humbly and truly say, is short of this: for the Original Structures and composure of this Narrative, fetches his Materials from sundry Authors, both Modern and Ancient; and being culled from the Relics of Antiquity, by a careful gleaning out of many into one, may therefore challenge the privilege to say, that all others want somewhat of this; being an exact Epitome of the most remarkable passages of the Civil Wars, during this King's Reign; yet as succinct as an orderly proceeding can admit. And Courteous Reader, that thou mayest be persuaded to go further than the Entrance, I do assure thee, that the body of this History is collected from the best Writers of both sides, whose tinctures of reflection according to their Byasses, is so balanced, that the Narrative stands free from the prejudicated part of either, being as impartial as pen can collect from the Original of ancient Records; and as well distanced from the gashes of a partial Pen, as the two Poles from one another, or the Antipodes from us. For I find what any Protestant writer inserts of the worst part, is no less published, than known by the Catholics themselves, for they cannot deny the act, only they excuse the manner. And this advantage will come by this collection, that whereas it was in large volumes, now it is reduced and fitted to the time, and purses of those that had no occasion, and less abilities to accomplish the perusal or purchasing of large Folio's, which I think was the grand reason of stifling the knowledge hereof to many of this age.  
Reader, thou art here presented with the most horrid Rapes, Murders, Perjury, and Treacherous Cruelty of a Prince and Court, that ever landed on European shore, for in few days all the Protestant Nobility and Gentry, with Ladies and innocent Gentlewomen and children to the number of forty thousand, were inhumanely butchered, and cut off by the King's special Commandment. Here thou mayest see a Prince besmearing himself with the Gore blood of his own Subjects, and at last wallowing in his own; we shall here see Religious Vows and Promises, no stronger ties to the King, and Court, than a Rope of sand to a wild beast; being gone so far in perjury, that the King's faith was accounted like the Greeks, whose unfaithfulness to their promises, is become Proverbial, that when one would express perjury, they termed it Greca fides, for though a Creditor had ten bonds, and as many Sureties and Seals, yet will he find it extreme hard to accomplish his debt: so when a Jew is to deal with a Genoa, he puts his finger in his eye fearing his Treachery. They resolve to have no other virtue rampant than perjury and cruelty; Abandoning that part of Religion, which ties to a strict observance of Duty. Omnia Religiosa nunc ridentur; they will wade no further in Religion than may serve their cruel ends; insomuch, that in one Town which the Protestants kept, they engraved on the gate this Motto, Roy sans foy, ville sans peur, the King had no faith, nor they no fear. And as the Roman Emperor Caligula, said of Seneca's Works, they were Arena sine calce, sand without lime, having no connexion, so was the King of France his Solemn Oaths, and Promises. It is a Christian accomplishment in Princes to govern, non per timorem, sed per amorem, as it is said of Octavus Augustus. And when any judgement befalls this Nation, let them remember, that as they made it an Acheldema, or Field of Blood, so will God the place of his Plagues, for who knows not that the Blood of so many thousand souls, cries to heaven for vengeance, upon the third and fourth Generation; and I could wish that all Protestant Princes would beware how they shake hands with such faithless People.  
Now the right use of these sad and sudden murders should be to learn us the necessity of being ready prepared for such violent deaths, and that prosperity is as diet to us, Adversity as Physic, reducing to a right taste of these mortal enjoyments; How happy will the Torments of cruelty be, when our cyes are fixed by faith on an Eternal inheritance, linking ourselves in that golden Chain of Salvation, which extends from Eternity to Eternity, Death comes not unexpected when a soul is interessed in Christ our Saviour; how necessary is it for us to live ready to die. He that too closely hugs transitories, makes a rent in his constancy, and a greater in his soul. How can a Christians Judgement but be at nonage, when he values not the true worth of Celestials, but puts them in the balance with Terrene things; He indeed hath found the Philosopher's stone, that can turn all events into a Subjection to Gods Will. It was the gracious words of Holy Greenham, having food and raiment let us take the rest as an overplus: these poor Souls had no other warning piece to die than sudden and violent deaths; that like the flying fish, reported to be in great hazard, by the Shark and Dolphin in the Sea, yet when advanced into the air to escape, he is by Birds of prey in no less danger; so were these poor Saints of God; in War hazardous, in Peace undone; What shall we say of that Religion, which perjury, cruelty, blood and the greatest cruelties, are reckoned as virtuous Jewels in the Crown of their Government, they are sweet when seasonable and parallel to their murderous Hearts, and it must needs presage ruin to that Nation, that stands on no other Pillars for their foundation, than bloody and infamous Plots, and Treachery; who will not conclude that Nation lies level to justice, and I wish the large field of Liberty allowed the Papists in England to walk in, may not insensably grow our inavoidable and swift ruin, since it is well known by all how they wait for our destruction.  
But to contract, let me entreat 〈…〉 my sincere and public intentions, (which is all I adopt to be mine) and that ex abundanti amoris, out of the surplusage of Love thou wilt waft my Endeavours to the Haven of thy kind embraces, where I cast Anchor and rest.   

Reader, these Books following are printed for, and are to be sold by Richard Tomlins, at the Sun and Bible near Py-Corner.  

THe General Practice of Physic, Folio.  
drummond's Hist. of 5. Kings of Scotl. fol.  
The Fortune Book in fol. English.  
Pleasant Notes upon Don Quixot, Fol.  
Mr Collings Cordials, 1st. 2d. & 3d. part, quarto.  
His Vindiciae Ministerii, quarto.  
His answer to Mr Sheppard, quarto.  
His answer to Fisher and Hammond, quarto.  
His answer to Boatman, Prin, & Humfries, qua.  
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Euclides Elements in quarto Eng.  
History of seven Champions, quarro.  
Packet of Letters, quarto.  
Cupid's Messengers, quarto.  
The birth of Mankind or women's book, quar.  
The perfect Pharisee under Monkish holiness, qu.  
The false Jew, quarto.  
Mr Collings 5 lessons for a Christian to learn, 8.  
His Faith and Experience, octavo.  
Mr Wincolls Poems, octava.  
Excellency of Christ, octavo.  
Erasmus Colloquies, octavo.  
Wings and Libourns Urania Practica, octavo.  
Velitationes Polemicae, octavo.  
Janua Linguarum, octavo.  
Brinsley's Cordelius, octavo.  
Mr Sidenham's Mystery of Godliness, octavo.  
Mr Sidenham's hypocrisy discovered, octavo.  
Paul Hobson's last book of Queries, octavo.  
Watson's untaught Bridegroom, twelve.    

Place this fol: i:  

Men quartered Alive.   

Roasted on a spit   

Ravishing woomen   

Burning men Alive   

Beating men's Brains out   

Ripping up woomen with Child   

Cutting Throats   

300: protestants Murdered in a Church   

Stabbing with daggers   

Men Cut in pieces    

The Civil Wars of France.  

CHAP. I.  
The Contents.  
THe Reign of Charles the ninth, A Parliament called, the Government committed to the Queen Mother during the King's minority, the names of Huguenot and Papist forbid on pain of death, Prince of Conde and King of Navarre in discontent departs the Court, the King of Nevar made Lieutenant General, and jointly interessed in the Government with the Queen Mother, the Princes desire a Toleration of Religion for the Protestants, which is privately granted, the Protestants multiply, and the Princes protect them, demanding the Queen's promise for Toleration, the Protestants that were in Prison for Religion freed by a Decree of the Council, the Duke of Guise surrenders the Keys of the Palaces to the King of Navarre, the King crowned, the Princes of the Blood, and Duke of Guise contends at the Coronation about precedency, the King gives it to the Duke of Guise, the Constable forsakes the Protestants, and cleaves to the Duke of Guise, the Queen Mother for her own advantage joins with the King of Navarre, and gives some liberty to the Protestants, which so enrages the Catholic party as presently all former Edicts in behalf of the Protestants were broken by a contrary Edict that no Religion should be suffered in the Kingdom but the Romish, the King and Queen Mother subscribes thereunto, the Protestants at their request have a Conference granted, they meet, and confer in a hot Dispute, but agree not; the Catholics murder many Protestants in Paris, the eight Parliaments of France assembles, the Duke of Guise disapproved of it, and so in a fury departs the Court, and goes for Spain; the Protestants deluded by the Queen Mother, giveth her a List of all their Forces; the King of Navarre turns Catholic; the eight Parliaments meet, and with the consent of the King and Queen Mother do decree a free and public Toleration of the Protestant Religion, but speedily a sad and cruel Massacre; the Duke of Guise furiously assaults the Protestants at a Sermon, and murders two hundred of them; the Protestants complain to the Prince of Conde of breach of Covenant and Edict; the Duke of Guise seizes on the King, and carries him to Paris; the Queen Mother writes to the Prince of Conde for aid against the Duke of Guise's Attempt; the Prince in his journey to Court suddenly retires to Orleans, and possesses it; the first Civil War gins.  

The death of King Francis, and Reign of King Charles.  FRancis second King of that name, dying the fourteenth of December, 1560. made entrance for the Reign of Charles the ninth; and as the first died of a Fever, so the last reigned in a Frenzy; the legitimate offspring of his Predecessors disease: whose short Reign was thought too much lengthened, by the train of all sorts of bloody cruelties, which filled this poor distracted Nation of France: whose wicked Reign was also attended with the sable clouds of Flagellum Dei, which swept both Field and City. The beginning of his wicked Reign had a bloody ending to the poor Kingdom, and himself; for the bodies of the murdered Protestants was a Prey to the Birds of the Air, and Beasts of the Fields; the whole Nation wearing the Pensive Weeds of a Ruinous Distraction; for through the Lords just Judgements on the Nation, they suffer nothing less than all Roberies, Rapes, and all sorts of Cruelties, with horrid Massacres for the space of twelve years. And as the Prologue of his Reign was Perjury and Treachery, so was the Epilogue Bloody to himself, and poor Nation, especially to the poor innocent Protestants.  

A Parliament sits, and the Government committed to the Queen Mother during the King's minority.  A Parliament being called, they begin the 23. of December. Now at this time in the Court of France, was Katherine de Medici's, Pope Clement's Brothers Daughter, and this King's Mother, who being born in Florence a City of Italy, had conferred upon her the Government of this Kingdom in the King's minority; for it is well known that according to the Laws of this Nation, neither the Administration nor Inheritance thereof, can justly be cast on the shoulders of a Woman; and yet against this Law, and through the negligence of the King of Navarre, the said Queen Mother was joined with him in the Office of Protectorship; the confirmation of her Regency being allowed of by the Chancellor; was afterwards confirmed by the Speakers.  
Now in this Assembly of Parliament, one John Quintin (a Doctor of the Common Law at Paris for the Clergy) pleads that none of the Religion Reform (for so they called the Protestants) should any more be tolerated or suffered, and desired that the Laws in that case provided, might be put in speedy execution; but the day following, that brave Commander and good Christian, Gasper de Coligni the Admiral of the Protestants, complained to the Queen Mother against the said Quintin, who presently excuses himself, and in his second Speech moderates his Plea to the Admiral's content.  

The Parliament a little enlarges the Protestants privileges.  Now the Estates proceeds in their consultations, making themselves and the beginning of this year somewhat happy, by some moderation in matters of Religion, whereby the reproachful names of Papist and Hugenot was forbidden upon pain of Death: which name Hugenot they fixed in disdain and derision to the Protestants, and was derived from a Gatehouse in Tours, called St. Hugh's Gate, where they met in Assemblies.  
Many good and necessary Laws were then published, but with more confusiom than advantage; for Laws though good and many, yet through want of a due execution by the Magistrate's power, makes the good intent thereof to be perverted and turned into an indirect Channel, giving the people cause to slight such wholesome Laws, and grow bad under a good Government.  
Great contentions and private animosities arose between the Princes of the Blood (that is, the Prince of Conde and King of Navarre, who were Protestant's) and Francis Duke of Guise, who was descended of the House of Lorain, and now Grand Master of the King's House; who being a strong Catholic, was no less a bitter Enemy to the poor Protestants: the Queen Mother in her affections did secretly incline to the Duke of Guise; yet to secure her own interest and power in the King's minority, carried fair to both: 
The Princes of the Blood being Protestant's in discontent absent from Court.  but the King of Navarre and Prince of Conde with the Constable, seeing themselves justled out of that power and favour in Court, which as due they did expect, and also foreseeing the event which must necessarily ensure, having only the pacing of the Duke of Guise; they absent from Court, with all their Attendants, resolving to right their wrong on the Queen Mother's Regency, and the Guisans usurpation of their unlimited power. Now the Queen Mother by her subtle and natural insight to secret affairs, judged so at their Discontent, that she politicly cast her Cards, that both might have a good hand, yet deald herself the Trumpets; checking their power, that they might not check hers.  

The King of Navarre by the Queen's policy jointly governs with her.  To which purpose she makes a new Agreement with the Navarois, concluding him in the Government, that taking the Title and Power of Regency to herself, he should be called [and but called] Lieutenant General to his Majesty. All this but in Paper and Ink, composed of a double intent: but those that can break Oaths witnessed by God and all the World, how soon can they swallow and digest the breach of such Paper-promises; like that good Actor in Smyrna, that cried, O Terram! yet pointing to the Heaven; and O Coelum! yet pointing to the earth; which when one of the Spectators saw, in anger he said to the company, This fellow has made a Solicism, spoken as it were false Greek with his hand. And indeed here it was so with the Queen Mother, too many Leagues being betwixt her heart and her mouth, for we shall ere long see these two parties, the Princes of the Blood, and Duke of Guise and Queen Mother make greater wounds in a short time, than Ages can afterwards cure.  
The Prince of Conde we must understand was now at liberty, and freed from the unjust Sentence against him in the Reign of Francis the second, which was for some pretended Fact, but indeed was for his Religion sentenced to be executed; but the King's death prevented it.  

The Protestant Princes desire a Toleration.  The Prince of Conde, and King of Navarre, with the Admiral and other principal of the Protestants, desire of the Queen Mother a Toleration for their Religion; but the Queen Mother now tottering between these two Factions of the Princes of the Blood, and Guisans, counted all things below the present danger of either parties getting power, and so thought it not fit therefore to deny their request; telling them withal, that it could not yet publckly be granted by her to the content and satisfaction of all; therefore she would secretly promise them (her best way of bargaining) that she governing by common consent with the King of Navarre, would by indirect by ways so work under hand upon emergency of occasions, which might daily occur; that at last it should incensibly, yet assuredly come to pass to their own desire; which says she suddenly proclaimed, might render you in danger and myself out of power to help you.  
These things the Queen Mother promised, being forced by necessity and dissembling policy; for her own safety and security; but it is ill making a fast Bargain with a lose Merchant; nothing by her being less intended than really promised; for she thought it fit and convenient, for preservation of her Son's and own interest, not wholly to put under hatches, nor quite to extinguish the power of the Duke of Guise, who was an apt weight to balance and counterpoise the Power of the Princes of the Blood; desiring to carry it so to both that she might displease neither, till she had a sure staff of the one, and the other no power lest to oppose hers; which at last answered her hellish Plot; so that reserving many things to the benefit of time and future industry, she left no stone unrolled to provide for time to come, and to remedy the present Distractions.  

The Protestants increase, and the Princes of the Blood protect them, and presses the Queen Mother for her promise of Toleration.  Now the goodness of God in converting many to the Protestant Religion, appears in a great and vast multiplication of the Professors thereof; the King of Navarre and Prince of Conde with the Admiral, protects and defends them; who earnestly presses the Queen Mother to perform her Promises for a free Toleration of their Religion; she finds many nice excuses, and well-spun pretences to evade the dint of their resolute desires and her absolute promise, endeavouring by most subtle arts of persuasion, to put off the performance of her Promise till a seasonable opportunity offered to ripen her Designs. But the King of Navarre daily pressed forward, and grew more and more earnest, for the speedy effecting of it; and he did so publicly reason their case, that many of the King's Council yielded to the force of his Arguments; disbanding their former Reasons on the contrary; for the King of Navarre alleged, that it pitied his soul to see so many Protestants and the King's true Subjects scattered from their peaceable habitations, for fear of death and danger; and did further profess, it did deeply penetrate his heart with an abhortency, to think of any more effusion of blood.  
Amongst those of the Religion were many of pregnant wit, and Christian courage, that with small Tracts in Print dispersed, as also with sober Petitions seasonably presented, did at last help forward their desires to a speedy Grant.  

A Decree for Release of all Protestants that were imprisoned for their Religion.  The Queen being now forced to yield, gave way by a Decree of the Council at Fontainbleau the 28. of January 1560. That the Magistrates should release all such Prisoners as stood committed for matters of Religion to their former freedom; prohibiting all Reproaches of either party, with Heretic or Papist; To search no man's house. The Protestants by this being not fully authorized by a full Toleration and free Exercise of their Religion, yet were somewhat satisfied by this seeming Inclination thereunto, at least being protected from the present violence daily threatened: The Queen Mother would not suppress their power, yet would she depress their growth.  

The King of Navarre has the Keys of the Palace delivered to him, which his great Enemy the Duke of Guise kept.  Now the King of Navarre falling short of the full Grant of the Queen's Promise, proceeds further to a full Grant, which she had secretly made to him; requiring that as he was the King's Lieutenant General the Keys of the Palace might be assigned to him, which the Duke of Guise as Grand Master always, and at this day kept. The Queen as she was loath to offend the Duke of Guise and his party, who with the Duke of Lorain upheld the Catholic Cause and Religion; so was she as careful to please the King of Navarre and Protestant Princes, till time gave a more secure season to bring about her desires; for her desire was to be firmly seated betwixt them both, by a plausible carriage to either, and keeping them both dependants to her power, and both equal in strength, that neither might have encouragement to murmur. To which purpose she is the more willing to favour the King of Navarre in his request, by reason at this time she finds the power of the Duke of Guise a Pin higher than the Princes of the Blood, and invested with more power than jumped with her purposes; she conceived this a fit opportunity to pull down the Guisans power to an equal balance with the Princes of the Blood, which suiting with her own interest she willingly executed; their growth at this time being high and insolent, and at all times of an aspiring nature, as that they could not be content to fit under the Penthouse of their present power, but must suddenly aspire to the pitch of their ambitious aim. So the Queen caused the Keys of the Palace to be delivered into the custody of the King's Lieutenant General the King of Navar.  
At this the Duke of Guise is highly enraged, whose pride finds no bounds but reserved and secret revenge, waiting for a fit opportunity to desplay his envenomed hate, so that he dissembles his inveterate anger and malice he bore to the Princes of the Blood, and Admiral, so he only makes some show of discontent for the tacit Toleration granted the Protestants; (which doubtless was as real as his malice to their persons) for the sad event will too soon and surely demonstrate; so that now the discords of these great men seemed to be enveloped in a good satisfaction of their present conditions, all discontent seeming to be vanished and laid aside in the Grave of obscure forgetfulness.  

The King of France crowned.  Now is thought the fittest time to confirm the King's authority by crowning him though in his minority, which was ordered to be done according to the usual Ceremonies accustomed to all the Kings of France in their Coronation; to which end and purpose the King journeys to Rheims, and there by the Cardinal of Lorain was solemnly crowned, and conducted to the City of Paris.  

The King at the Coronation gives the right of precedency from the Princes of the Blood to the Duke of Guise.  Now at this time of Coronation the Princes of the Blood and Duke of Guise contend about precedency; but it was ordered by the King [though against order] that the Duke of Guise should precede all the rest, which accordingly was performed; the Duke of Guise hereupon like Tinder to the Spark, took fire of Ambition, flying high with an exasperated spirit, to the Princes, Admiral, and principal of the Protestants; and to make his power greater, and to engraft himself more firmly to wrestle with opposition, and to strengthen his malicious resolution, 
The Constable turns Catholic.  he and the Constable strikes a League together for the preservation of the Catholic Religion; and to endeavour the utter extirpation of the Religion Reform.  
But the Queen Mother hearing of their intended intended purposes, presently Aprehended her own danger by the Guisans growing greatness; and what tall Cedars they would grow if this confederacy took root according to their desires; she also considered that the Princes of Lorain were unsatisfied with her late proceed in behalf of the Protestants, and would Assist and endeavour a conjunction with the Guisans faction, to deprive her of her Government, (A thing she only desired peaceable to enjoy,) she Therefore to preserve her own Interest, enters into a firm union with the King of Navarre, the better to balance the Guisans power and secure herself; so that in this juncture of time she was well pleased that the King of Navarre and his party should have some power, which she resolves should stand her instead against the Duke of Guise and his Adherents. Which indeed fitly served for her own ends; It was therefore commended to all the Parliaments, by new edicts, and Decrees, No further to molest any of the Religion; and to restore the goods, houses and possessions, of those that only for the cause of Religion were deprived of them.  

The Parliament in Paris with the assistance of King and Q. Mother dashes in pieces all former Edicts for Toleration, and passes an Edict that no Religion should be suffered but the Romish, and that all the Protestants should be expelled the Kingdom.  This gave an ill gust to the Guisans ; who being enraged with malice set on foot all their power in a strong opposition of the Government; whereupon the Cardinal of Lorain took occasion at the Council table, (the King and Queen Being present) to speak against those of the Religion, and against the Toleration, and Edicts lately passed in their behalves; whereupon it was resolved with consent of the Council, to summon A Parliament to meet at Paris! which accordingly appeared at the day appointed, the thirteenth of July and then and there in a full appearance of Palament they shown to the King their dislike of the Edict passed the 28. of January, Beseeching his Majesty to force his subjects to An open profession of the Catholic Appostolik, and Romish Religion, upon such pains as should he adjudged of in Council. Which Council brought forth an hellish brat from the bosoms of their wicked desires, for now, contrary to all former edicts, they pass an edict; That all Protestant Ministers should be expelled the Kingdom, no religion to he professed but the Romish, all Protestant Assemblies forbidden, in all places in the Kingdom; And thus was the poor Protestants banished their habitations, and condemned to seek refreshment and abode, else where; and to this edict did the King and Queen Mother subscribe: whereupon the chief of the Protestants were very much grieved, in regard they knew themselves free from any guilt that might challenge such hard measure, from the King, and Court of France to such faithful allegiance; concluding it must needs proceed from some inveterate malice or deep design; Therefore,  

The Protestants desire conference and had it granted.  The Prince of Conde and Admiral being not able to hinder this edict, presently flies to the Queen's promise which she had assuredly given them: but now as assuredly broke; so that no redress could be, found there; Whereupon they demand of the King liberty for a conference, between the Ministers of the Protestants, and the King's Prelates; To examine the Articles of their Doctrines before the King's presence: being not without hopes by this moderate way to Interpose, that if possible some liberty might be granted. At first it was not allowed of, but afrer second considerations it was thought meet to answer their desires and give a hearing.  
The Pope hearing of this meeting for a conference, and doubting some liberty might thereby follow to be granted to the Protestants, and disadvantage of his Authority: presently speeds away the Cardinal of Ferrara, his Legate, to the Court of France, withal giving in command, that the cause might be referred to the Council of Trent, which by him was published.  
The Protestant Ministers that were banished by reason of this late edict, and settled their a bodes in Geneva, now had safe conduct allowed them for there security in their journey to Poissy; five leagues from Paris, being the place appointed for the conference. Them that were at this meeting for the Protestants were Theodora Beza, 
Theodora Beza. Peter Martyr and others; with the K. Court and Prelates meet at Poissy but break up and no good done.  Peter Martyr a Florintin, John virel, Augustin, Virnmelio, Marlorat, and other Ministers to the Number of twelve, with twentytwo Deputies from the Protestant churches.  
On the Romish side came, (besides the King and Court) the Cardinals of Lorain, Tournon, Armagnac, Bourbon, Guise, and Chastillon, together with the Bishops and Prelates; many Doctors of Sorbon also; with many others sent for from most Cities and Universities in the Kingdom. This meeting began the nineth day of September in the year 1561. the Relation being at large Recorded I leave the reader to peruse at his liberty. But this conference proved not such a salve for the sad distractions of the kingdom as was expected, for the Catholics resolved to continue in force the late edict against the Protestants; so that they were in many places forced to stand upon their own guards against the violent attempts of the Catholics cruelty. This made the Papists take up courageous resolutions Mutining in divers places, 
A mutiny in Paris and many Protestants stoned and destroyed with fire and sword.  especially at Paris: where the poor Protestants through the violence of cruel and bloody men, suffered the enemy's persecution, with stones, staves, swords, and in their return they set fire on the Suburbs of St. Marceau. At St. Medard they Ring the Alarm Bell, they kill and wound many, others they take and hang; One Gabaston Knight of the warch lost his head for attempting to appease the people, so suffered some others also! The whole Kingdom being full of broils and in a civil flame of combustions; that it seemed to all spectators as if the whole Land was turned upside down; And thus were the poor Protestants at the merciless cruelty of their malicious Enemies.  
Hereupon the Queen Mother fearing this might disquiet and annoy her Regency, 
An Assembly of eight Parliaments.  and endanger the tranquillity of the Kingdom, during the King's Minority. Especially fearing the Duke of Guise should be too powerful; she therefore causes to be Issued out orders for calling and assembling of the eight Parliaments of France, with the Princes of the Blood; Noblemen, and they of the Privye Council; to consider of the estate of all the Provinces, and to consult about a way to heal these breaches to her content and lasting peace of the Kingdom: she knew this was the ready way to enjoy her power which must necessarily fall, if either party rise; if either party prevailed in a successive power, they would too soon give a pull at hers.  

the Duke of Guise in A Rage departs the Court for Spain.  The Duke of Guise and his confederate Catholics, was so swelled at the heart; That his breast the Poison of his purposes, could not be contained within the limits of moderation, But like a rapid Torrent bandies against this course, And as water cast upon lime burns inwards till it breaks without into a flame; so this cruel Duke foaming with malice and cherishing those furies that Hell would cast out, disapproves of this Assembly, and openly inveighs against the King of Navarre, the Prince of Conde, Admiral and chief of the Protestants; and so in discontent departs the Court for Spain, there to plot for effecting a tragical and more bloody effusion of Protestant blood, then by his presence could be effected in the French Court.  
Whereupon the Queen Mother still to strengthen herself betwixt these two factions, dissembles her secret intentions, and gives out publicly an inclination to cleav to the Protestants, which indeed did astonish all that heard thereof; Nay she did so hypocritically manage her secrecy, That the Admiral and all the Chief Protestants could give no other interpretation of her carriage then Reality; and she the more effectually to penetrate into their persuasions, more to confirm their credulous opinion and perfectly to blind their eyes, she declares her carriage to he the bottom of her intentions.  

the Protestants deluded by the Queen's dissembling gives her A list of all their forces.  So making her impious treachery, turn treason parent. The Protestants believing all true she said, were so far deluded into a firm belief thereof; That they gave her a list of two thousand, one hundred and fifty Protestant churches; who by their Deputies offered their Goods and persons to the King, to withstand the force of the Guisants: who had invited the Spaniards into France; And thus with this deep dissimulation covered with fair pretexts, the Protestants were drawn in to discover their strength which when she collected, her desires were satisfied with this handsome dissimulation; But none could know it but the eternal and all-seeing eye of God, for she had so carried it, that the very Catholic party thought all as real, as it was Hypocritical.  
At this time the King of Navarre being not fully fixed in the firmament of an established mind, 
the King of Navarre turns Catholic.  The Reverend servant of Christ Theodora Beza, laboured much to bring him to a right understanding of the truth; but he like a carnal politician, replies quod pellago se non ita commissurus esse quin quando libere pedem referre possit. That he would launch no further into the deeps, than he might with safety return again. And so he fully declares for the Catholics; which by a little dispondency of Spirit did weaken the Protestants, and strengthen the Guisants. But now like lightning before death, we shall see a greater part of bloody treachery then ever was acted in any Christian Nation. For,  
In this year 1561. men's Spirits were so maliciously bend, that they were ready to receive any fire of commotion: The Protestants have no security nor safety for lives or goods, there was great danger for these poor Christians that professed the name of the Lord; yet like palm the more depressed the more they grew; like trees upon high Mountains, though under the power and in the cie of the greatest storms and gusts, yet are more firmly rooted then those that grow in fruitful valies; so these poor Saints of God through their affliction did increase more and more; whereupon did arise to them great troubles and persecutions: in regard the late edict against them gave courage to the Catholics to persecute them by Authority; by which also it did frustrate their more public meeting; And,  
Here it is to be taken notice of; That formerly the custom in France of pounishing the Protestants was (besides their estates seized on for the King's use) their bodies were to be burned, at the Tyrannical request of their Lords and nobility: but now God who is rich in mercy, has freed his poor servants from the unheard of and slavish bondage, and given a little more liberty though against the will of his and their adversaries. 
The eight Parliaments meets with the King and Queen Mother   
And now according to the forementioned order of the Queen, the eight Paliaments of France, meets, where was present with them the King, and Queen Mother; and thus this great Assembly of Estates, from all the Provinces meets at St. Germane in Lay, near to the City of Paris, where with the Royal assent of Charles the ninth, Was that famous and so much celebrated edict brought forth wherein there was great Liberty to the weary Protestants, that was so tossed up and down: which indeed had proved more happy than I can express, if they might have enjoyed the benefit of performance with as much liberty as it promised.  

The eight Parliaments with the King and Queen decree A liberty for the Protestants but speedily a sad and cruel Massacre of 30. thousand Protestants.  The contents of this edict (which did Invest the Protestants with these privileges) were, A free liberty to enjoy, profess, and exercise their Religion; To have Assemblies, and public meetings, at sermons: But without the Towns, and in the Suburbs only. This Edict crossing that which was made in July last took date the seventh of January (which for the great liberty it gave; the present freedom from persecution, and hope of peace to all the Nation) was commonly called by the name of the edict of January; But Alas! alas! we shall too soon see the sad effects of this edict; for instead of bringing forth the peaceable fruits of a desired and expected tranquillity; it brought forth such a sad Perisian Massacre, as it may well be termed a monster of nature, wherein was such a slaughter of poor Protestants, as for the horidness of the fact it is not to be apparelled: For before we come to the end of this sad History, we shall see such a slaughter of Noble gentlemen, Gallant soldiers, poor Ladies and Gentlewomen, and other innocent souls; as in three days were no less slain than ten thousand: whereof 500 were Noblemen, Gentlemen, and Ladies, that were invited to Paris by the King's dissimulation and treacherous bait to their sad ruin; And in other parts of France in ten days by the Kings own commandment, were Murdered most inhumanly thirty thousand Innocent Souls; besides what the wars destroyed: Such were the sad effects of solemn engagements, as if there were no other way of keeping Covenant, then by breaking it. Nay this edict of peace was by the King's command, and so was the Masacre; Oh! that it may stand as a Pyramid to all Nations to be ware how they Make a Peace with those that know no way of Lawful keeping, but unlawful breaking their most sacred and solemn Oaths, promises, and engagements.  
This edict being proclaimed did much trouble and dismay the Principal Catholics, setting them all on fire with rage and malice; But the greatest enemies the Protestants had were the Duke of Guise, King of Navarre, the Constable, and Cardinals; the Queen also was a secret enemy and janus like had two faces: One full of the greatest dissimulation that ever was found in a female sex, taking their parts only with fair words before their faces, yet had the foulest heart & wicked inventions as could be imagined. And so to support her own power, between the indifferent state of the Princes of the blood and the Guisans.  
The Queen Mother being now returned to Fontanbleav, Assures the Prince of Conde by all the protestations of Reality that her intentions was no less resolute to preserve the Edict of pacification for their good; than it was to secure her own life: and so likewise protested to the King of Navarre and Duke of Guise that she would never forsake the Catholic party. Now what a wonderful art of dissimulation was this Queen arrived too, what depth of deceit lay hid in her breast! which she so ordered by fair pretences that the Protestants that had cause, and the Catholics that had no cause of mistrust yet both alik doutbed of her Reality.  
The Duke of Guise aforesaid being at Spain, was absent from this Assembly of estates, 
Asad Massacre of the Protestants at Vassay where the Duke of Guise blaspheming fell on them at a sermon and murdered 200. which was the beginning of the first Civil war.  and consequently affented not to this famous Edict granted, by the King, Queen, and eight Parliaments, But he no sooner heard of it, but his wont malice gins to work; it is not to be conceived or imagined how full loaden he was which malice and venomous intentions of Injury to the poor Protestants; and so boiling with incredible sorrow at this decree in their behalves, he resolves to wreak his fury on their Innocency: He therefore with the constable, Cardinal, many Gentlemen of the prime Catholics, and two squadrons of Lances, advances towads Paris: Now as they march from januile to Vassay (a little Town in (Campagne) coming near, and understanding the bell was ringing to Sermon he draws nigher, and whilst the poor Protestants were serving God in his holy Ordinances in a barn; he furiously sets upon them crying Death of God kill those Huguenots; Whereupon he murdered to the number of two hundred men and women; some had their heads cleft in two, others their hands and heads cut off; so that the walls and Galleries of the barn were died with the blood of the slain; The Duke with his sword drawn stood among them, charging his men to kill without sparing; The faithful Minister of God's Word was brought to the Duke, who cursing called for the Provost, and commands him to be hanged on a Gibbot, yet through God's mercy he was released at the request of the Prince of Portion; this sad murder we shall shortly see will produce sad effects.  

The Protestants complain to the Prince of Conde of the Breach of the Edict, and demands justice of the King.  Those that were the principal of the Protestants were Lewis of Bourbon, of the Blood Royal, commonly called Prince of Conde, after the name of a certain Town; which Prince was of great force with the King, in regard of his alliance, so that when the Duke of Guise attempted the breach of the famous Edict, endeavouring the utter ruin thereof, especially in his bloody cruelty at Vassey, which coming to the hearing of the Admiral and his Brother Francis de Andelot, Captain of the Fantery, and other Princes, Noblemen and Gentlemen, of the Protestants; they flock daily in heaps with Complaints to the Prince of Conde, of the outrageous malice, and violent attempt of the Duke of Guise, against their Brethren the Protestants; demanding also of the King, Justice for that bloody Breach of his special Edict and Command.  

The Duke of Guise to countenance his wicked intentions seizes on the King and carries him to Paris.  Presently after the Duke of Guise arrives at Paris with his bloody Train, and thought it not unfit for carrying on of his Design to get the King into his power, that what afterwards he did, might be in the King's name; well knowing what great Authority the name of the King would carry in France. Whereupon he, with the Constable, and Marshal of St. Andres, seizes on the King's person, and so carries him from Fontanbleau to Paris; and there fell a defacing and overthrowing the places where the Protestants used to assemble, which so encouraged the Romish party, that in every place they abused the Protestants, as the most cruel barbarous, would blush to act.  

The Queen Mother by Letters desires the Prince of Conde's help for the King and her assistance.  Hereupon the Queen Mother fearing the power and fierce pride of the Guisans, makes a virtue of necessity, and writes with her own hand to the Prince of Conde; which Letters were produced by the Prince, (and at the Assembly of the Princes of Germany at Frankford, holden under Ferdinand the Emperor) were openly read; the Contents were, Earnestly to entreat his speedy succour, and in so great danger and distress, not to forsake her, but to account both the Mother and the children (meaning herself, the King, and his brethren) as committed to his faith and natural kindness; desiring him that he would with all careful speed, powerfully to provide for their common safety; assuring him, that she would imprint his willing care into the King's mind, that he should never be a loser by it.  

The Prince of Conde possesses Orleans.  The Prince of Conde being on his journey to Court, news was brought him in the way how things were carried, That they had taken the King and brought him to Paris. Then presently the Admiral advances towards him, and overtaking him, they make a stand, and there consulted what to do; whereupon seeing their own danger, the Duke speedily hasted to Orleans, and possessed it. And this was the beginning of the first Civil War.   

CHAP. II.  
The Contents.  
THe Prince of Conde publishes a Manifesto, laying down the Reasons of taking Arms. Burges and Orleans are the protestants refuge. The King declares against the Prince. The Armies meet, but engage not. The Prince and Admiral dispose of their Armies into Garrisons. The King's Army takes and sacks some Towns; takes Burges on conditions. The Queen Mother unmasks herself, causing the Protestants to be proclaimed Rebels. The Prince and Admiral delivers up Rouen, Diep, and Haverdegrace to Queen Elizabeth of England. The King's Army besieges Rouen, where the King of Navarre is slain, and the City stormed and sacked for three days, together with cruel murdering. De Andelot joynswith the Admiral. The Prince of Conde and Admiral advances to the City of Paris. The King's Army advances for defence of the City: The Protestants march toward Normandy to receive Queen Elizabeth's supplies. The King's Army follows them; they join Battle, where both Generals are taken Prisoners. The Admiral with his Army marches to Normandy. The Duke of Guise with the King's Army besieges Orleans; the Duke slain before it. The Admiral returns from Normandy and enters Orleans. A Treaty is begun, and Peace concluded at Orleans, with free liberty for Religion, which is publicly proclaimed.  
THe Divisions thus increasing, made way to erect a Theatre for a sad Tragedy: for the Prince of Conde published a Manifesto, and sent Letters also to the King, Parliament of Paris, Protestant Princes of Germany, and to all other Christian Princes.  

The Prince of Conde prints a Manifesto of the grounds of his proceed.  The Reasons laid down by the Prince of Conde for his taking Arms. were these, The defence of the famous Edict of Toleration, which was made by the King, being the high Road to Peace: if duly observed, which could not but be kept without horrible breach of faith, and assured ruin of the French Nation; in regard there were so many of the Nobility, and Gentry of the Nation that were Protestants, and daily came in to the Religion. And those of Noble birth, that were in power, dignity or otherwise above others, thought it not meet to suffer the cruel punishments, and Massacres, daily inflicted on some, and threatened to others, since God had given them power to help themselves.  
And further it was declared, that the Duke of Guise a new-come Foreiner, translated from the Forests of Lorain, should usurp such power in France, such dominion and command, as the Princes of the Blood must lose their proper interests to be his slaves and vassals, against all the Laws of the Nation; further declaring, That if the King should cause an observation of the Edict for Religion already signed, and that Arms might be laid down on the King's part, they were ready to do the like, and would speedily lay down their Arms; To this he added the Queen Mother's singular care (as it was reported and as indeed she did outwardly show) for preservation of peace, and pulling down the powerful rage of the Guisans; which indeed she so dissembled that on the very account hereof it is certain, above twenty thousand Catholics joined themselves to the Protestants in defence of their cause.  

Burges & Orleans proves a Sanctuary, and hiding place in time of Gods  These flames being begun could not so easily be extinguished; mavy cruelties being committed on the bodies of the poor Protestants without mercy, & such as will no question draw out tears from the eyes of serious Christians being such sad examples of cruelty as cant be believed should have proceeded from any that had known that ever Christianity had been in the world; nothing being drunk more eagerly than the blood of the poor Saints; Yet in this calamity God provided a place of refuge for such as he pleased in mercy to preserve from their cruelty: For Bourges, and Orleans, being kept by the Protestants, 
The King declares against the prince of Conde.  did greatly administer comfort to many distressed Christians that fled theither. Hereupon the King at Paris declares against the Edict and the Prince of Conde.  
The Queen Mother now arms those she privately hugs in the bosom of their affections. The Prince of Conde desires to lay all private interests aside for preservation of the Public efusion of blood; But the King of Navarre, the Duke of Guise, the Constable, and Marshal of St. Andre, by an Edict, banishes the Protestants out of Paris, and suddenly advances towards the Prince of Conde with twelve thousand foot, and three thousand horse; They find the Prince strong enough to encounter them, contrary to their expectations; and De Andelot and Boucart, strongly urged to engage the King's Army. 
the Queen with subtlety and treacherous policy beguils the Protestants.  But the Queen Mother abuses them with her subtle treachery, telling them the hopes of agreement was too near for them to undo all by a too hasty engagement: in so much that she fed them with hopes till the Catholic Army increased in strength both with French and foreign forces.  
Thus the Queen having delayed and protracted all hopes of Issue by battle, the Prince of Conde maintains his Army about two months in such peace to the Country, as was not in the least found to be outrageous, by spoiling or robbing; such was the Christian and careful discipline of the Prince and Admiral of the Protestant Army; which in France was the greater wonder, because whoring robbing and blaspheming was the usual attendants and constant harbingers to the Catholic camp; which could not be avoided because the King could not keep to so strict a discipline as the Prince of Conde and Admiral.  

The Prince and Admiral disperse the Army into several Provinces.  The Prince of Conde, and Admiral, wisely & prudently, like valiant & careful Commanders take all ways to use their present power for future advantages and ensuing Storms; so they send out to several Provinces, men of approved fidelity to the Protestant cause, which proved (next to God's blessing) a great help to their success, in possessing many strong holds in sundry parts of France, as Rouen, Deip, Angiers, Blois, Vendosme, Tours, Poitiers, Ragency, Maus, Angoulesme, Chalon upon Soan, Maskon and the most part of Dauphin. The King's Army secures what they had, and falls upon several Towns, taking and miserably sacking them: which shall shortly in particular be related with all the sad circumstances of their cruelty. 
The Catholics take Bourges o● conditions.   
Now the King's Army sits down before Burges, the 10. of August, where they felt the valour and courage of the Protestants, by many sallies even to their trenches, but in regard they had no time to fortify the place their innate valour was forced to yield to necessity, whose law has no bounds; and so the Governor Monseiur D'Yvoy, began to capitulate, and at last on conditions yielded; but was out of favour ever after; by the Prince of Conde and Admiral. 
the Queen discovers herself agrinst Protestant's and prcolaims them Robels.   
And now the Queen shows herself in her colours; casts of her vizard, and openly appears what she was inwarly; For the Catholic cause, and against the Protestants, and so moved by her implacable malice, and inward hatred, she with the consent, of the King, caused the Principal of the Protestants to be Proclaimed Rebels; and thus made way for a more open discovery of her most secret treachery, whose close hypocrisy till now was so hid under hatches by deceitful slights, that on all hands her deep dissimulation was esteemed real: But we shall shortly perceive that the copy of men's actions are sooner read than the copy of their countenances.  

The Prince of Conde delivers up Rouen, Deip and Haverdegrace to the Queen of England.  In this mean while the Protestants had delivered up to the Queen of England the Towns of Rouen, Haverdegrace, and Deip, as pledges for her security. And now the King's Army marches toward Rouen, and on the five and twentieth of September 1562. the whole Army Lodges at Darnettel, two Leagues from the City of Rouen; where the Count Montgommery was Governor for the Protestants, and commander of the City; 
The King's Army Advances to Rouen.  having with him for defence thereof, two thousand English, and twelve hundred French foot; four troops of horse, and an hundred Gentlemen of quality, whose valour was well known to the Army of the Kings, that on all times and upon all occations felt the power of their resolutions; whose strength and provision failing, together with the Kings taking their principal fort, did much trouble and hinder their promised success; whereupon they sent to Haverdegrace for such supplies as could possibly be spared, which in part was effected, although the King's Army had planted Cannons along the River: but their great want could not be supplied with a little; although at one time, from the English, arrived with great difficulty to their greater necessity, seven hundred men, with monies, and ammunition: 
King of Navarre slain.  And here at this siege was remarkably slain the Apostate King of Navarre, who felt the reward thereof from a divine hand of puunishment.  

The City taken by storm and for three days nobus cruelties and murders.  The twenty sixth of October the King's Army storms the City, and with great loss and valour on both sides takes it, and for the cruelties they used against the poor Protestants, lying at their mercy for the space of three days, I refer the Reader to peruse in the Massaces at Rouen, which is fully, and shortly related in the following Chapter. Count Montgomery saved himself through great danger, in a galley passing to Haverdegrace, and so for England.  

The Admiral's Brother D'Andelot with 11000. horse and foot joins with the Prince of Conde and Admiral.  Lewis of Burborn, Duke of Montpenseir, took from the Protestants several Towns; whose barbarous course of cruelty, and treachery, is also contracted into a narrow compass which follows in the next chapter. Mean while D'Andelot, with five thousand foot, and four thousand horse, with great policy, and and no less danger and toil, marches through the enemy's power, and at last joyfully and seasonably arrives, and joins with the Prince of Conde, and Admiral, who with great joy, and welcome, embraces him; as much sorrow presently balances all, for the success in another place was differently carried, by the like Adventure of a Noble Commander the Baron of Duras: who having levied five thousand horse and foot in Gascoin and Provinces adjacent; endeavouring to pass through difficulties, was obstructed by a sharp encounter by the King's Horse, under Command of Monsieur de Mouluc, and Bury, and at last was defeated, yet with good part he escaped to the assistance of the Prince of Conde and Admiral, 
The Prince and Admiral advance with their Army to the walls of Paris.  who now all march against Paris, the Metropolis of the Nation; and in their March takes in Estampes, Piviers and Dordane, and so marches to Paris, where, after some skirmishes, beat back their enemies with Terror and Confusion into the City, putting them all to a stand in their councils, but the Queen by Treaties and often Messengers, did so with their subtlety treat with the Prince and Admiral, that by delays the City was strengthened, and their gallant Enterprise suprized for want of quick execution; but the truth is, the Protestants at all times were ready to embrace peace in the midst of their power, and so suffered that convenient opportunity to slip, and fall into the hands of the Queen's policy, which opportunity had the Catholics ever enjoyed, peace had not gone before their cruelties. But it falls into course here to let the world take notice of this full demonstration of the Princes and Protestants Declarations, That they sought only liberty for ●heir Estates and Lives, and therefore would to their own prejudice, wait an opportunity to effect their peaceable desires; But alas! it is to be bewailed that ever the Protestants (downright in their actions and words) should ever have to deal with such an enemy, whose treachery is their refuge, and cruelty their mercy.  
Now when they see their Enemy's Designs they begin to remember the loss of their own; yet falls on the City by a general Assault, shoots many Cannons, at last face the City to provoke and incite the Enemy to battle, all which not answering their desires, the Prince and Admiral draw off their Army.  

The King's Army advances to the defence of the City, and the Prince withdraws and marches towards Normandy.  And now the King's Army having by this time gathered a great strength from all parts, advances under the command of the Duke of Guise, and Constable, and so follows the Prince's Army, who now resolves to march into Normandy, to join with the Forces and Provisions that Queen Elizabeth of England had then, according to covenant, promised the Protestants; being six thousand men, twenty pieces of Cannon, much Ammunition, and fifteen thousand Ducats; This March being resolved on at Beauss, on December 14. they advance by the way of Chartres, and so for Normandy.  
The King's Army follows the Protestants swiftly, and the Protestant Army being very weary, and both Armies very near, they were by a manifest necessity driven, to a Battle. 
The King's Army follows, and they join battle.   
The Protestant Army under the command of the Prince of Conde, and Admiral, lodged about Dreux, being a Town twenty six Leagues from Paris, and situated on the confines of Normandy, in which place, on a Plain the 19 of December they join Battle; The King's Army was reckoned to be nineteen thousand foot, and two thousand Horse. The Prince of Conde's Army consisting of twelve thousand Foot, and four thousand Horse.  
And now the Battle of Dreux gins, where the Admiral of the Protestants with great courage leading the Van, fell upon the King's Cavalry, commanded by the Constable, and at first onset slew Gabriel de Momorancy, and laid dead on the place Count de Rochefort, the whole cavalry running away, 
The Constable taken prisoner.  the Constable himself taken Prisoner; and the Duke of Nevers, Monsieur de Giury, d'Annebault, La Bross, and his Son, with many other Gentlemen, and Cavaleirs, slain upon the place, The Duke of Aumaule, Brother to the Duke of Guise, and Beauvais, were wounded.  
Now the Prince's forces being in a too eager pursuit of the Enemy, was furiously set upon by the Duke of Guise, where, after a furious on set, and doubtful shock on both sides endured, at last the Prince of Conde was taken Prisoner, 
Prince of Conde taken prisoner.  and on the King's side was taken Monsieur d'Anvelle, being sore wounded; which the Admiral perceiving, rallies and advances, but the former encounter so wearied and weakened his men, that after a sharp conflict, he was put to the worst, and so made an honourable retreat. In this encounter was slain on the Catholic party the Marshal de St. Andre. The same night all the Army of the Protestants were met together, where the Admiral, by general consent, was chosen General of the Army instead of the Prince of Conde Prisoner.  
Both Armies leave the field, the Duke of Guise, by the speedy advance of night upon him, was forced to lodge upon the Plain at Blainville, where the Prince of Conde, and the Duke of Guise (too mortal enemies) both supped, and lay in one bed together.  
The next morning after Battle the Admiral presents himself with his Army in the field in Battalia. There was in this battle slain seven thousand, whereof on the Protestants two thousand foot, and one hundred and fifty horse, and doubtless it was a dubious engagement, for had the Protestants carefully maintained their first encounter in an orderly station, they had not been so assailed, and foiled at last, but Victory had crowned their valour without hazard of doubt; but however, the Battle proved fatal to the Catholics, and famous to both, in that both Generals were taken Prisoners. And as the Admiral was chosen General, so for the Catholics was the Duke of Guise General in lieu of the Constable prisoner. The Duke of Guise hereupon suddenly marches to lay siege ●o Orleans.  
The Admiral proceeds to the Resolution before determined, 
The Admiral marches for Normandy.  and keeps his march for Normandy, but before their March, taketh Sells in Bervy, St. Aigna, Sulli upon Loire, and Montrichard, and so leaving the care of Orleans to his Brother D'Andelot, he advances towards Normandy to meet with Queen Elizabeth's supplies, and so to come with more strength to annoy the Catholics, and assist his Friends.  

The Duke of Guise with the King's Army lays siege to Orleans.  On the fifth day of February the Duke of Guise lays siege to Orleans, where the King and Queen Mother, came in person, D'Andelot was Governor of Orleans, who was also assisted with Monsieur de St. Cyr, the Sieur de Avaret, Bussay, Duras, and Bouchavanes, under whose command were fourteen companies of foot, consisting of Germans, and Gascons, with five Troops of French Horse, that were old Soldiers, to whose valour was joined for assistance the unanimous consent of the Citizens to withstand the enemy, whose harmonious and joint resolutions for defence of Religion, and Liberty, did strive to outvie the Soldier's valour, and thus being resolved to die in pursuit of so good a cause, they encourage one another to repulse the enemies assaults The Defects of the Town-walls being supplied with Resolutions, which made weakness impregnable, and stood as a Rock against the strongest shock of the enemy's force.  
Now the Duke, with the whole strength of his Army, sets upon a Fauxburg of the City, and suddenly surprises it the first day, 
The Duke of Guise threatens to destroy men, women and children in Orleans, but is himself cut off.  which so encouraged the Catholic party, and especially the hot spirit of the Duke of Guise, whose inveterate malice could not be contained in the bounds of moderation or secrecy, but openly delivers it by word of mouth, and writes by Letters to the King, boasting that twenty four hours should not pass, so sure as he would in the same compass, force the City to his obedience. And further declared, The day should be made memorable, by destroying both men, women and children; sparing none. But behold his hellish rage was confined by a judgement from Heaven, whose death was not much unlike our late Duke of Buckingham, for the same night there was a young Gentleman, descended of a noble family, known by the name of John Poltrat, Sieur de Merebourn; who being mounted on a Spanish Jennet, and watching his own opportunity did by his proper, and private motion, shoot the Duke of Guise into the shoulder with a Pistol laden with three bullets, and so this wretched enemy of God and the poor Protestants died the four and twentieth of February, who by God's justice, was deprived of his unjust and bloody intentions; the said Poltrat being afterwards taken and executed, did freely declare at his death, that what he did in destroying the Duke, was to deliver France, and especially the City of Orleans, from his violent and bloody threaten.  

The Admiral returns from Normandy, and with his Army enters Orleans.  This accident in the King's Army stopped their furious assaults, till the seasonable advance of the Admiral from Normandy with Supplies, which made a full stop in the siege; who after he had greatly annoyed the Catholics in Normandy, came to Orleans the 17. day of March, and enters the City, where was Prisoner the Constable, General of the King's Army taken at the Battle at Dreux; and in the King's Army was the Prince of Conde Prisoner.  
Now the Kings, Queen Mother, with the Privy Counselors, and Deputies of the Court of Paris, were about to arraign the Prince of Conde, which being balanced with a fearful expectation of the like to the Constable, they let their resolutions fall.  

A Treaty begun and finished with the Edict of January for liberty granted.  The Queen Mother at this time, fearing the issue of War, and seeing success alike to both, doubted her, desired expectation would fall, by reason of the unexpected and constant supplies the Admiral had on all straits; she therefore enters on the Old Way, Her only way, making use of that Proverb, Where force will not prevail, she'll piece it with the Fox's tail. And so sets on foot a Treaty of Peace with the Admiral, and principal of the Protestants, holding an assembly in the Isle of Oxen, The Constable, though prisoner assists in Council, and at first vows he will not admit of any peace grounded on the Edict of January; The Prince of Conde prisoner with the King, desired also to have liberty to send a messenger to confer with his Council at Orleans; who gives him to understand, that the Queen nor he can in the least derogate from the famous Edict of Liberty in january, so solemnly made, and sworn at the instance of the Estates, and so great assembly of the 8 Parliaments in France. The K. & Q. Mother, let the Protestants know it should not be altered, but only to please the Catholics, and that Arms being laid down on both sides, they should by little, and little, assuredly obtain their free liberty.  
So presently the Articles of peace were drawn up in form of an Edict, containing the Articles of the Edict in january, which was as aforesaid, That the Protestants should have the free exercise of their Religion, and should have the freedom of the same in certain places, every one to live free in their conscieuces, from trouble and Molestation, That all Princes, Lords, Gentlemen, Captains, and Soldiers, should be free from all troubles, for any thing done in time of the wars and so every one, to be restored to their dignities, goods, privileges and prerogatives; which Edict, was concluded, 
The Edict for Liberty proclaimed by a Trumpet.  signed and confirmed in the King's Conncil at Amboise, verified in Parliament, and on the eighteenth day, was proclaimed throughout the Town, Camp and Court, by sound of Trumpet, and the same day the Prince of Conde and Constable, were both freed from prison, The Reiters were also conveyed to their Confines, being paid in full for their services, so returning home to their own habitations.  
The many Executions, murders, Rapes, Robberies, Massacres, general and particular, committed on the persons of the poor Protestants, during this first Civil War, from April 1562. to this present March 1563. when the peace was concluded, I have for the benefit of all Christian, sober perusers, abstracted from large volumes, and here inserted by themselves, that the judicious Reader may by a Christian sympathy taste the sad afflictions that these poor Protestants did endure, being so shamefully murdered, as to this day stands as a stain to the honour of the French Nation, when ever they please to review their predecessors cruelty, and yet all comes short of what this little book will tell thee.   

CHAP. III.  
The Contents.  
A Lamentable and sad prospect of the bloody cruelties committed on the Protestants in France, during the first civil wars, not sparing old, nor young, virgins, nor women with child; Their cruelties at Paris. At Senlis. Their murders at Les Boards. A godly Minister cruelly used; yet providentially escaped. Three Gentlemen stabbed by their own cousin, and sixteen more killed by Treachery. Sad slaughters at Nevers. La Charity yielded on conditions, yet all put to the Sword. Lamentable murders and cruelties. At Amiens Bibles burnt. The murders at Abeville. Four hundred murdered at Meaux. Virgins abused, and children dashed against the walls. The cruel murders at Troy's, the sad bloodshed at Bar upon Sein. Cutting off women's breasts, then take their hearts and eat them. At Sens a hundred of good birth murdered. The cruelties at Auxere. At Chastillon women murdered, that were ready to be delivered. The horrible and cruel murders at Maus, at Montagris, at Gyen. A child cut in two and liver eaten. The murders at Aurilac. Many hanged in Molins. At Angiers, after promise of life, all murdered. Horrible blasphemy. A Ministers eyes put out, and body burnt. At Aze a Minister, and thirty Protestants drowned. In Tours, one hundred and forty massacred, and the River died with blood. The Queen Mother's incivility. At Valongre many of Quality massacred, and a Minister blasphemously and inhumanely slain. A child roasted. Children killed in the womb. The sad murders at Bloys. One buried alive. The unheard of massacre at Tholouse, Rivers filled with bodies, and died with blood. Three thousand stand on their guard, are promised life on submission, yet are massacred. The horriblest blasphemy that ever was heard, and one hundred and twenty burnt. The Murders at Mont de Marsan, at Carcasson, at Foix, at Aurenge, where Virgins of six years old are ravished. Ninety killed after promise of life. Murders at Grenoble. At Bearne. At Revel. At Monpelleir a Captain quartered alive. One hundred murdered after promise of life. The like at March Castle. Women with child ripped and buried alive.  
THe Protestants during this sharp war had many cruelties, and sad sufferings done to their persons without any pity, or remorse, the which was not in one City, but in most parts of France, and with such bloodshed, as will make any Christian heart to bewail their said sufferings, and may serve to teach us our habitation is not in this world, and so may encourage us to look out for another, whose foundation and building is in Jesus Christ, that Rock of ages, that good and gracious anchorhold in time of Storms and Tempests; and to let us a little taste what a happiness it is that when men come with bloody resolutions to assault our innocency, then for a soul to have his eye fixed on heaven, by a firm faith of assurance in God's mercy, that though men's rage be like the lofty billows, yet our salvation, and our strength is in God, and thrice happy is that soul that can assuredly say in times of persecution, that God is my Rock and hiding place in times of Storm. 
Cruelties at Paris.   
The poor Saints of God in Paris were cruelly persecuted by the bloody papists, who being fully delighted, and set on blood, together with the help of the Parliament there, did spare none that fell into their bloody hands, either in the City of Paris, or such as by appeal or summons were brought thither.  

The bloody usage of Christians at Senlis.  Many dear and precious Saints of God at Senlis, suffered the fury of bloody and deceitful men; some murdered in a popular tumult, some beheaded, others cruelly whipped, imprisoned, and sent to the Galleys, not so much as sparing women.  

There murders at Les Boards.  At Les Boards, the Duke of Nevers being Governor of Campagn, his Lieutenant slew many men, and women, imprisoning others, and spoiling their houses.  

Their unheard of cruelty to a Godly Minister of Christ.  At Chaalons, a godly Minister of God's word, Mr. Fournier was so basely abused, as the merciless cruelty by his Enemies, and Gods merciful deliverance must crave leave to have a little remembrance, and indeed is worthy our Christian perusal and observance.  
This Godly servant of Christ, being prisoner was stripped of his , put into a Cart, and with many abusive jeers, taunts and scoffs, was often in danger of his life by the common-people. At Monchon, he was cast in prison, where a Captain and many Soldiers came and told him he should be cut in pieces, afterwards the Judges came and commanded him to be loaden with Irons; after a while, the Duke of Guise being made Governor, he was cruelly tortured, by straining his thumbs so hard, till blood issued out, they then bind his hands behind his back, and tying a Rope to his thumbs, they hoist him up, and then suddenly twitches him down five or six times, tying also great stones to his toes, and so let him hang till his vitals failed him almost to death; at last he was put into prison, and no Chirurgeon allowed to dress his wounds, although the Cords had made gashes in his flesh to the bones, insomuch that he underwent great pain, that he could not lift his hand to his mouth, but had almost lost the use of them, this did this Servant of Christ endure, like a true Soldier with invincible courage and patience, and by the special providence of God, news was brought that the Duke of Guise was dead. The very next day one Bussi had order from the Constable to let him free, which yet said, Bussi came, and told this faithful Minister of God, with all acquainting him that he should be let free, but it should be to the people's rage. But let us yet see another special providence, 
A singular token of God's care of his faithful Ones.  for at the same time came by the Prince of Portion with his Germane Horses, who sent in word to the Town, that if Mr. Fournier was not speedily delivered to him, and from their cruelties, he would not leave so much as the tokens of a foundation, but raze it to ruin as a monument of their merciless deserts. Which message so terrified the enemies of this Godly soul, that immediately he was safely conveyed to the Prince, 
he gathers a Congregation and yields his soul to God.  which faithful servant of the Lord after he had resided a little space at Ver, and gathered a Congregation, he presently after resigned up his soul to the Lord that gave it and so put a period to the miserable attendance of this life, and begun that life of glory.  

A Treacherous and base murder of Mounseir de St. Estiene, his two Brothers and 16. more all stabbed by his own Cousin .  Mounseir de St. Estiene, in his journey from Orleans, retiring himself with his two brothers and some others for Refreshment to his own house near Reims, they were not long there till the house was beset by fifteen hundred men, who being forced to yield, had liberty on their words, to go forth to speak with the Duke of Nevers, whom (as they said) desired to see him, and going out was there basely and treacherously murdered by the Baron Ceruy, his own Cousin German; so were his two Brothers also, with sixteen others basely and unworthely, stabbed and destroyed without the least composition; Their wives they spoiled of all they had, and led away prisoners.  
The Catholics of Nevers on the eleventh day of May, 
The sad slaughters at Nevers.  1562. summoned into the Town many Gentlemen of the Country, presently shut the gates, and in three days after fell on them and Murdered them without pity: The Minister's they cast into prison, one miserably perished by their cruelty; another miraculously escaped; presently after bloody Fayete arrives, ransacks their houses, rebaptize their children, & being filled with his desires of blood, and 50. thousand crowns, returns to his house of Auvergue.  

La Charity yielded on Conditions yet all were put to the sword contrary to Covenant.  The Town of La Charity, being besieged by cruel Fayetes, was to him yielded on honourable terms by the Governor Issertiux; which Conditions were signed and sealed the tenth day of June, the Grand prior entering the Town according to conditions, presently snatched the capitulation out of the Governors' hand, and then fell to spoil, and murder, so that none escaped.  

Bibles burnt and the Protestants murdered at Amiens.  At Amiens, all Bibles, Testaments, and psalms, were sought for and openly with much profanness were burned, the Guisans murdering and killing the poor Protestants, and casting their dead bodies into the River; shooting some to death, and hanging others,  

Base cruelty.  At Abbevilly; the Lord Harcourt was slain▪ and many others; one Belliart they dragged along the Streets with his face on the ground, and then drowned him.  

At Meux 400. murdered.  The Protestans at Meaux, being the stronger party, continued the exercise of their Religion for a while, but at last the Parliament at Paris gave judgement against them, whereupon a company of soldiers enters the Town, disarms the Citizens, and unworthily, and cowardly murdered above four hundred poor Protestants; and as if it were not enough, as if their blood-thirstiness could not be quenched, Mounseir De'Boysy enters with soldiers, 
Virgins a Bused in the streets children dashed against the walls.  commits unheardof, and inhuman villainies, deflowering virgins in the open streets, many massacred and drowned, children dashed against the walls, divers papist priests murdered some with their own hands. At Troy's, Bibles and Books of divinity were rend and torn in pieces, the Protestants murdered; their houses sacked, eighteen men hanged like dogs, 
Cruelties at Troy's.  and women dragged through the streets and cast into the River.  

The sad murder at Bar upon Sein.  The sad cruelties used to the Protestants at Barr upon Seine are hardly to be compared in this first civil war, although in the latter part of the book I shall let the world be acquainted with such cruelties as that the most horrid murtheres yet extant come not so near them as to bear a shadow of comparison. 
They murder women and maids and cut off their breasts and took out their hearts and eat them.  But to our purpose, this Town the Papists entered, and committed such outrages and cruelties, especially against women, as it is not fit to be related but with an utter detestation, for they spared not maids nor poor infants, some of their breasts they cut off, open their stomaches, cuts out their hearts, and in a furious manner gnawed them with their teeth; boasting that they had tasted of an Huguenots heart, and with hellish blasphemies they ravish women, and virgins. 
A Popish father murders his Protestant son A just reward.  There was one Mounseir Ralet a young Advocate, and son to the King's Proctor, who, by his fathers own procurement, was murdered, which was a sad and prodigious thing, and in January following, about fifty horse of the Garrison of Antrim surprised the Town at break of day, and took it in for the Protestants, and with their pistols caused him to expiate the death of his son. 
A gallant Gentleman murdered in his own house.   
The Peasants committed horrible murders on the poor Saints of God, Monseiur de Vigney, with his wife and servants, they murdered in his own house.  
In Sens, a hundred of good birth and quality were inhumanly and basely murdered, 
100 of good quality murdered at Sens the murder at Auxere. women read to be delivered wurthered.  and slain, being thrown into the River naked, one hundred houses spoilt and their vines pulled up.  
At Auxere, one Cousin was barbarously Massacred: they also stabed a fair young gentlewoman and cast her body into the River, with many other outrages.  
In Chastillon upon Loire, they cruelly murdered men and women, young and old, nay they spared not women with child ready to be delivered.  

The sad and horrible murders committed with geat cruelty on the Saints of Christ in Maus. 50. cast into apond to feed fishes.  At Maus, they spoiled the houses of the protestants both within and without the Town, for eight leagues compass, two hundred were cruelly put to death, not sparing women of quality, and poor innocent children, not having the least respect to their own kindred, some hanged up, some they beheaded, others being daily Massacred, they cast into the river half dead, above one hundred and twenty men and women, and children were murdered in the neighbouring Villages, a Captain most cruelly cast fifty of these poor innocent servants of God, into his fishpond, to feed his pikes: and his Lieutenant fills two trenches with fifty protestants that were slain, and many were thrown into ditches: a Godly weaver had his throat cut, 
one's mouth filled with leavs of the New Testament.  and his mouth stuffed with leaves of a New Testament, which was found about him: in Villages near and further off about sixscore persons were butchered, and many fields strewed with the bodies of the slain, whose flesh the birds and beasts had devoured.  

Murders at Montagris.  At Montagris (which was a hiding place for many poor protestant families, and which was under the command and countenance of the Lady Rene of France, Daughter to King Lewis the twelfth, and Duchess Dowager of Ferrara) To this place was sent by order of the Duke of Guise one Mallicorn, a Knight of the order, who with four companies, enters the Town, & killed an ancient man, and threw him into the River with others, committing several outrages, but the virtuous Lady with the protestants was safe in the Castle; this Mallicorn sends word to the Duchess that he would batter down the Castle, if she would not yield to deliver up the protestants into their hands: But see the Galland reply of this noble and religious Lady, to this murderous villain; 
The Christian & noble answer of a virtuous Lady to the summons of a bloody murderer.  I charge you to look what you enterprise, for no man in the Realm can command me but the King only, and if you proceed to the battery, I will stand in the breach, to try whteher you dare kill the Daughter of a King neither do I want means or power, to be revenged on your boldness even to the infants of your rebellious race, this gallant Lady's Answer, overturned the bold attempt of this fellow to a dishonourable departure.  

At Gyen a child cut in two and the liver eaten.  At Gyen, amongst other insolent cruelties and outrages these furies of hell, and children of the Devils begetting, committed such an horrible cruelty as common impiety would not foster, for they cut a young child in two pieces alive, and with a horrible fury they eat his Liver.  

Murders at Aurilac.  At Aurilac, Bresons enters the Town, murders eight men, spoils the Town and Castle, and basely ravishes wives and maidens.  

In Molins many hanged without Law.  In Molins, Monsieur de Montare gave his Troops liberty to spoil the protestants houses, and without any form or shadow of Law, hanged two Artificers and four others, drowned five more, and suffered the hangman to hang three merchants of Dauphine; besides many others they murdered.  
Near Issoudun, at a village called Lisay●n, thirteen young men of Issoudun, were beaten down in the water, 
A sad slaughter.  and at Issoudun itself Sarzay enters, and imprisons the protestants, and most of them miserably died in prison, being smothered under the ruins of a Tower.  

A promise of free liberty, yet presently all murdered.  At Angiers, Puygaillard a Gascoin Captain, sent by the Duke of Montpenseir, enters the the Town, promising the Protestants a free exercise of their Religion, but in two days after their houses were spoiled, and the prisons by his command were filled with men and women, and fourscore of both sexes were murdered by the cruelty of the Papists, with cruel torments, and inventions of inhumanity; 
80. murdered.  women of all qualities were put into sacks, and dragged through the mire of the streets, and their bodies thrown into the River, also virgins shamefully ravished, and they that resisted their lustful Villainies, were presently stabbed with daggers. And the Edict of the Parliament of Paris, was published that none should exercise the protestant Religion, whereupon many Gentlemen and others, about Angiers, lost both life and goods. A guilt Bible they hung upon a Halbeird, and in a Triumphant and blaspheming way cried, Behold truth hanged, the truth of the Huguenots, 
Horrible and unsufferable blasphemy.  the truth of all the Devils, behold the mighty God will speak, behold the everlasting God will speak, and coming to the bridge, they threw it into the River, crying louder, Behold the truth of all the Devils drowned. An aged Gentlewoman beaten to death, dragged through the Town, calling her the Mother of all the Huguenots. Two young maids ravished before their Father's face A valiant Captain after promise of life, yet contrary to faith given, was basely murdered, 
Treacherus Cruelty.  breaking his body upon a Cross, and so left him hanging in great misery till he died.  

A Ministers eyes put out and his body burned.  At Ligueul, they hanged the poor Protestants, put out a Ministers eyes, and then burned him, and thus they run up and down roving, and raging, burning both men, women and children; without any mercy or pity, they flayed a young man alive.  

A Minister at 75. years drowned, and thirty protestants.  The Village of Aze, they burn down, murder thirty Protestants, and drown a godly Minister, John de Tour, at seventy five years old.  
At Paris, in the year fifteen hundred sixty two, a decree was made by the Parliament of Paris, commanding all Catholics presently to rise in arms, 
Men encouraged by the parliament to forsake their trades to murder the protestants.  to sound the bells in every place, to destroy all of the Religion reform, without respect of quality, sex, or age, and so to root them out utterly, whereupon all Rogues, Vagabonds and Rascals, rise in arms, forsaking their callings, to help forward the murdering the poor protestants, whose rage was such for their Ruin, that they looked like Tigers and Lions, rather than men.  
In Tours, one hundred and forty were destroyed and cast into the River, 
140. murdered in Tours.  and the Precedent being suspected to favour the protestants, he was beaten with staves, stripped to his shirt and hanged up by one foot, with his head into the water downwards, and whilst he was living, they ripped his belly, 
The height of bloody cruelty and popish malice.  plucked out his guts, threw them into the River, stuck his heart on the top of a Lance, and carrying it about said, It was the heart of the precedent of the Huguenots.  

A sad slaughter.  Not long after the Duke of Montpenseir gives order that their should be erected Gibbets wheels, and stakes, whereupon many especially of the richer sort, were murdered to the number of some hundreds, 
and River died with their blood.  insomuch that the River was died with the blood of the Protestants.  
In this City was a godly Matron, who for constancy, joy in tribulation, and comfortable example may beg leave to stand in this history as a monument of God's glory, for she endured their cruel torments, scoffs and jeers, with undaunted and Christian patience, 
A Christian pattern.  whom at last they basely hanged, the particulars I refer the Reader fully to peruse in Mr. Clarks martyrology, page the 303.  
Not long after the City of Rouen, was besieged, and two Forts taken, and without mercy they put all to the Sword; but that which is most to be wondered at was this, 
Q. Mother's incivility.  the Q. Mother leads her Son the King, being then young, to show him the naked bodies of the women, weltering in their own blood, at last the City being taken, the Soldiers massacred all they could meet withal, many English and Scotch Soldiers were hanged, the sick and wounded cast into the River, 
Base cruelty.  Augustin Marlerot the Minister, with three Counselors, were condemn to death, and so the next day they with five Captains were basely and unworthily hanged. 
Many of quality murdered, and a Minister blasphemously and inhumanly slain.   
At Valongre, many of eminent quality, and repute was massacred, among the rest a Godly Minister of the Gospel they most barbarously murdered, stripped and dragged him naked up and down his house, and then spurned his body, and with blasphemous, and reproachful terms, they say, Now pray to thy God, and preach if thou canst, they stuffed his mouth with the leaves of his bible, saying, preach the truth of thy God, and call upon him to help thee.  

A child roasted. Children killed in the womb, 500 hanged.  In Again, two young children were roasted, and many slain.  
At Rein, they destroyed children in their mother's womb, keeping some women for their lust, above five hundred men were hanged upon Gibbets, amongst whom was a grave Counsellor in his Gown and Cap, they mangled one and filled his wounds with salt.  

Murders at Bloys.  At Blois, some women escaping their fury by swimming three times safe to shore, yet at last were bloodily murdered, many tied to stakes were cast into the River; Virgins and Wives ravished; 
Maids ravished.  the Protestants complain to the Duke, whose bloody answer crowns him with infamy, for says he, There is no Remedy, we have too much people in France, 
A wretched Speech of the Duke of Guise.  I will deal so, as victuals shall be good cheap. As if there were no way to make the ground fruitful, but to water the earth with the blood of the Saints. One Moluc met a Captain called La moth, stabbing him divers times with a dagger, thrusting him through, saying, Villain, 
Horrid blasphemy to be trembled at by God's people.  thou shall die in despite of God, yet this poor soul lived after, and this bloody blasphemer found one of the Devils good scholars.  
One Peter Roch was forced to dig his own grave, and then they made him lie down in it to try if it would fit his body, than they cast earth upon him, and buried him alive, 
One buried alive.  oh! Hellish cruelty.  

A proclamation to kill all Protestants.  At Tholouse, some Counsellors proclaimed that all the Protestants should be killed, for that the King and Pope had given liberty for the same, this rejoices the bloody persecutors in ringing the bells. Now this City of Tholouse was so populous, and full of Protestants, that therein was numbered to be thirty thousand, 
30000. protestants in Tholouse.  whereupon was a cruel and sad Massacre of the poor people of God; when they put any in prison whom the place could not hold, they knocked them on the heads, and so killed them at the Prison doors; 
Rivers filled with dead bodies.  the Rivers were filled with dead bodies, which in heaps were thrown in; many cast alive out of their windows into the Rivers, and if any save themselves by swimming they are presently knocked on the heads, like Dogs.  
Some of the Protestants being assembled in a body to one part of the Town, they stood upon their own defence, resolving rather to die like men, than Dogs; So that the Papists agreed and promised the 16th. day of May, 
3500. Protestants stand on their Guards, are promised life, but basely murdered.  that if they will deliver in their arms to the Townhouse they shall retire with safety, and their lives should be saved; but oh! they were miserably destroyed, as if there were no God to revenge covenant-breakers; for they fall upon them and murder all they lay hold on, to the number of three thousand and five hundred, who lost their lives by Popish treachery.  
In Limoux, the Papists used all manner of cruelties, 
Virgins deflowered.  deflowering women and maids in an abominable manner, the Minister murdered, two Gentlemen with six more were hanged. A Widow, and loving Mother, redeemed her daughter's virginity with a great sum of money for a ransom, but the villains that promised, did presently ravish her in her mother's sight and presence, 
A sad and perfidious murder.  and then killed both the mother and Daughter; nay after peace was proclaimed, fourteen coming to Town were presently murdered.  

The most sad and horrible blasphemous murder that ever was beard of.  In Nonnay, many sad cruelties were committed, for Monsieur Chaumont having surprised the place, murdered many poor Protestants, with horrible blasphemies against God himself; one was commanded to blaspheme God, who refusing it, was speedily hewed in pieces; for the same cause another was knocked on the head, with the But end of a musket; Another, because he would not give himself unto the Devil, was drawn up and down by the Ears, and at last had his brains beat out with a hammer upon his own Anvil; all manner of cruelties was used, especially to the principal of the Town, whereof many were thrown down a steep hill to make sport; some burnt in their own houses, others thrown out at windows, some stabbed in the streets; women and maids shamefully abused, and barbarously handled; a young woman that was found hid in a house, with her husband, was first ravished before her husband's face, 
A sad murder.  than was she forced to hold a Rapier in her hands, and one thrusting her arms made her kill her own husband; they send about a Drum to sell Prisoners, and none coming to buy, they there murdered them, 
120 burnt.  there was six score burnt to ashes.  

A godly Christian stoned and burned.  These cruel Papists, and bloody Brats of Fury, took a godly Christian, one Janetta Calvin, and carrying her to the City of Brignole, they shamefully stripped her, and then whipped her cruelly, they crown her with thorns, than they stone her, and afterwards burned her.  

Cruelty at S. martin's  At St. Martin's in Castillon, they took the wife of one Andrew Renand, stripped her naked, and attempted the violating of her chastity, which she resisting was with great cruelty whipped and wounded with their Swords, at last they shot her to death.  

Some there heads cut off, others buried alive.  In Moni de Marsan, six of the chief men of the Town had their heads cut off, and others, after divers ways were executed, one was buried alive; a young virgin pursued by some villains to ravish her, leapt out of a window and so died.  

Murders at Carcasson.  At Carcasson, the Protestants were hearing a sermon out of the Town, they return suspecting nothing, they find the gates shut upon them, the Papists in Town shot divers times at them, afterwards come out of the Gates and pursue them, slew many, hurt others, they beat one down to the ground, and then cut off his Nose, and pulled out his eyes, others they hanged; 
Many cruelties.  one they beheaded, one they took and made his face, hands and feet black, then said he had a Devil, then hanged him, and at last threw his body to the Dogs. 
Some have arms and legs cut off, and then beheaded. Protestants burned in Churches.   
In Foix, no sooner was the Town taken by the Lord of Pailles, but the Protestants were cast into prison, some having their arms and legs cut off, and then beheaded, some burnt, others hanged, others put to the Galleys.  
In Aurenge, they destroy, without taking notice of Sex, Age or Quality: some they stabbed, some they threw up with their Halberds; some hanged; others burnt in churches; off some they cut their Privy members, sparing neither old nor bedrid, nor the poor diseased in hospitals; women and maids are killed, others hanged out at their windows, and shot with Harquebusseirs, sucking children massacred at their Mother's breasts, 
Virgins of six years old ravished 90. killed after promise of life.  virgins of five or six years old ravished and spoilt, the wounds of the dead were filled with leaves torn out of Bibles; those in the Castle yielding upon oath and promise of safety, were all stabbed, or thrown over the walls, to the number of ninety Protestants.  

At Grenoble.  At Grenoble, they slew many, throwing them over the bridge into the River.  

At Beaun.  At Beaun, the exercise of their Religion was taken from them, all their godly Ministers put into prison, eight hundred forced out of the Town, the Soldiers spoil their houses, and all they find in them are slain.  

Their madness and horrid cruelty to a faithful Minister of Christ.  In Mascon, the bloodthirsty villains having seized on a learned and Godly Minister, called Bonnet Borachia, whose Godly conversation the more enraged these wicked bloodhounds of Hell; this Godly Soul had been Minister twenty years, and in these days of murder and cruelties had been ransomed three times, him they carried through the Town, with many jeers and abusive scoffs, beating him with their fists, then profanely they made a Proclamation, That whosoever would hear this holy man preach, they might come to the slaughter-bouse. At which place again they mocked him, and beat him for two hours together, he entreated the favour of them, that he might pray to God before his death, than one stepped out, and cut off half his nose, and one of his ears, saying, Now pray as long as thou wilt, and then we will send thee to all the Devils, whereupon the godly soul kneeled, and so fervently poured out his soul to God, that his Enemies sighed, and after prayer, directing his Speech to him that cut off his Nose, said, Friend, I am now ready to suffer what thou hast ready to inflict upon me; but I entreat thee and thy companions to remember the outrages committed by you upon this poor City, for there is a God in heaven, at whose Tribunal you must shortly give account of these your cruelties.  
In which mean while a Captain going by, cried, send that wretched man to the Devil, which one of them hearing, took him by the hand, pretending to have him to the River to wash his blood of, but when he came thither he threw him into the River, and cast stones at him till he was drowned.  

the Murders at Revel.  At Revel, hearing of the confusion and sad slaughters, and of their merciless cruelties at Tholouse, many saved themselves, flying to Castres', and elsewhere, but left their families and goods to the mercy of these hellhounds; some Protestants being apprehended by virtue of a Commission from the Parliament, were carried to Tholouse, and imprisoned, some condemned to the Galleys, some fined, and others banished.  

At Montdelleir.  In Montpeleir, they yielded on terms of life, but were slain as they came out.  
At Milan, about thirty Protestants going under the condduct of one Peigre to relieve a Protestant Village called Cooper, they were all taken by one Vessin, and were presently cut in pieces, and their Conductor Peigre was led to Tholouse, 
A Captain quartered alive. Breach of promise and 100 killed.  and at the command of the Cardinal Armagnac, he was quartered alive.  
At the Castle of Grains, one Savignac delivered up the Castle on terms of life to all within it, yet they were so base as (in their usual way of keeping covenant) they break promise, and kill about one hundred Protestants, being all in the Castle, except six or seven.  

Horrible breach of faith.  March Castle, a Castle belonging to the Signior of Peyre, a Protestant, was in the beginning of February, besieged by Coffart, who having taken it by Treason, he kept his Faith as if he had no faith at all, for he murdered all in cold blood after promise of life.  

A special providence.  The Baron of La Fare, trying all means to have a maid of excellent beauty at his wretched pleasure, besieged Florac, the place where she was, but was forced from it, so as the Gentlewoman's virginity and Citizen's blood, were both saved.  
At Cisteron, the Protestants being fled, the Papists fell bloodily upon the poor innocent women and children, 
Women with child ripped and buried alive.  and slew of them to the number of three, or four hundred, some women with child were ripped up; many buried alive; some their throats cut like sheep, and others drawn through the streets, and beaten to death with clubs.  
These and many more, Christian Reader, were cruelly committed on the poor Protestants in France, during this Civil War, they are so sad they need no comment; 
An unparralled murder.  but indeed that which follows is not to be paralleled for perfidious treachery; Breach of the faith of a King, and Court, and for hellish and unheardof cruelties, sad murders in cold blood, upon Lords, Gentlemen, poor Ladies, Rivers swimming with bodies, and died with blood; Indeed the most sad Tragedy that ever was yet acted upon the theatre of the world, by Turks, Heathens, or Christians.   

CHAP. IU.  
The Contents.  
THE King and Queen Mother lay siege to Haver de grace, which surrendered on Henourable terms; The King is declared out of his minority, and swears to observe the Edict of Pacification, but keeps not his oath nor promise; The Council of Trent meet; a League is made between the King of France, and King of Spain called the Holy League; the Cardinal of Lorain, posts to Rome, to desire the Pope to cause the French to observe the decrees of the Council of Trent; Great heart-burnings arise; The Protestants daily complain to the King of their injuries, desiring him to keep to his covenant, but to no purpose; The King and Queen Mother in progress, rides through the Nation, and secretly confer with the Pope's Messenger, and the King of Spain. They come to Lions, and forbidden the exercise of the Protestant Religion; Many Protestants cruelly and inhumanly murdered by the Catholics in several places. The King and Queen Mother treacherously leavy six thousand, Swissers to destroy the Protestants; Letters are intercepted, which discover a bloody plot against the Prince of Conde, the Admiral, and all the Protestants. The Prince, Admiral and Principal Protestants seize on Troy's, Lions, and Tholouse. The King and Queen Mother forced to ret reat to Paris. Th●● beginning of the second war; the King sends an Herald to the Prince of Conde and Admiral. Their answer. The Principal of both Parties treat, but to no purpose; The Prince and Admiral's answer to their Demands. The Protestants never embrace a more sure ruin, than a peace with the King, The Armies meet and engage; the success. The Prince of Conde, and Admiral, march to join with Prince Casimir, who had raised twelve thousand men for their aid; The Duke of Lorraine made General of the King's Army. Prince Casimirs Noble Declaration in defence of the Protestants. The Prince of Conde's Gallant speech to the Army. A gallaut Resolution in a free Contribution through the Prince's Army. Prince of Conde and Admiral join with Prince Casimirs Army. The Prince of Conde besieges Chartres; The Queen Mother's treachery and speech; a peace concluded, but full of Treason, Guile and hypocrisy. The Protestants no sooner dismiss their Armies, and deliver up their Garrisons, but are speedily filled with Soldiers of the Kings. A bloody Cabinet Council erected by the King. They plot to cut off the Protestants, but are discovered; The King's Army suddenly begirts the chief of the Protestants, but they escape with their families to Rochel. The Queen of Navarre comes to Rochel with horse and foot; Cardinal Castillon flies to England disguised. The Prince of Conde and Admiral, publish a manifesto to all Christian Princes; the Queen of Navarre declares for the Protestants. A bloody Edict is published by the King that none should profess any other Religion but the Romish, the King of France strangely declares to all the world, That he meant not what he said.  
WE concluded the latter part of the second chapter with a Peace concluded at Orleans, whereupon was publicly proclaimed a free liberty for the Protestants, according to the Edict of Pacification. Now the King and Queen Mother endeavour to reduce Haverdegrace, to their obedience, which the Protestant party had delivered up to the Queen of England, as aforesaid. 
The King's Army besieges Haverdegrace.  To which purpose they lay siege, the Town holds out a good while, till at last being sore straightened and no hopes left of relief, they come to conditions of surrenders, but before Hostages were delivered, and English Fleet of sixty brave Ships appears under sail, fleering directly to the Port, but the Earl of Warwick, like a true hearted Englishman, (scorning to dishonour his Nation with such perfidious treachery as most of the French acted) he sends word to the Admiral of the Fleet, 
Honourably surrendered.  that the Town was to be surrendered that day, being the seventeenth day of July, and so performed his Contract to his great Honour, I cannot compare this noble act to any but that brave Roman Consuls, who being taken by the Carthaginians in Africa, had liberty given to return to Rome to effect the release of some Prisoners, and in them his own in exchange, promising to return prisoner if he could not. Now when he came to the Senate, he persuades them not ●o accept of the conditions, and so according to his promise returned, and was miserably tormented to death. Oh that it might be said so of our Charles the Ninth, that he had but been regardful of his Oaths, and covenants, than had not we been partakers of such a sad spectacle of cruelty, by reading this bloody Tragedy. The Catholics now after this peace at Orleans feared the greatest visible power rested in the Prince of Conde; So the Queen Mother treads in her old paths of deceit, intending by her cunning subtlety to cut off all pretences of right to the Government by the Princes of the blood; 
The King declared out of his minority, and swears in the presence of God to olserve the Edict of Pacification.  to which purpose she causes the King (now but fourteen years old) to be declared King and past his Minority: She carries his Majesty to Rouen, and there the fifteenth day of December 1563. they went Solemnly with all the Lords of the Court, and Officers of the Crown, to the Parliament; Where in the presence of the Counselors, he received the usual Ceremonies used in France at the Coronation, the Parliament publishing the Declaration of his Majority, the King there publicly protested, and swore in the presence of Almighty God, That be would for ever after duly observe the Edict of Pacification, threatening all opposers, for such was his express will and pleasure. Thus all things seem in a peaceable way; one would now think so much blood, expenses of treasure, and a consumption of his subjects, would weary any nation, and make any King rejoice. For a peace is the more sweetened by the effects of a Civil war already felt, for two extremes illustrate each other.  

The peace not kept  But alas this peace succeeds not the hopeful expectation of his peaceable subjects, in many places it was not observed.  

The Council of Trent meets. The King of Spain, and France make a league and call it the Holy league  And now assembles that Council, known by the name of the Council of Trent; who meet for the maintenance of the Catholic Religion.  
Now the Cardinal of Lorraine, being an active Agent to forward any design that might put the Protestants backward; the Council to fit his purpose finds this expedient.  
That the King of France and Spain should make a firm and inviolable League, and that the King of Spain should assist with such forces as might be needful to the aid and secure for the King of France.  
Which League was called the Holy League. And that nothing might be wanting to break that famous Edict, the Cardinal promises his best aid to assist their commands, assuring them that the King and Queen Mother stand firmly for what they decree.  

The Cardinal posts to Rome, and endeavours all be can against the protestants.  Now as soon as this Council broke up, the Cardinal posts to Rome, and labours with Pope Pius Quartus, to send to the King and Queen Mother of France, to cause publicly the Decree of the Council to be observed throughout the Kingdom of France, presently they begin to have it put in execution, for the Ambassadors of Spain, Italy, etc. demand of the French King the Observation of the Decrees of the Council of Trent, that the Edict should be disannulled, and Heretics rooted out.  

Secret animosities in the hearts of both parties.  Now begin new firebrands to be cast again, all their design from first to last being to work out the poor Protestants, who would be glad of peace with lives, and liberty, but could have it granted no ways but in jest, in order to their more secure ruin in earnest, for they never meant to be in earnest with their most solemn promises, and protestations: When they cannot overcome by War, than a Peace most be made, and in that Peace, a damnable plot couched to destroy them: when by God's merciful providence the Plot is discovered, and they Arm for defence of Lives, and Liberty, and by God's blessing grow too potent and powerful for their treachery and Arms; then a peace again, and thus they play fast and lose till they cut the Throats of the two peaceable Protestants, who were no way to be overcome but by peace, 
The Protestants complain to the King of their daily wrongs, desire justice and the performance of his promises but to no purpose.  Insomuch that we may here insert a paradox in Divinity; that, it had been no sin in this cause to be unbelieving, nay they had no other way to be saved but by unbelief.  
And thus the Edict, that should have been the Cord of Peace, was now a breaking in pieces by all the powers of Hell and Rome; insomuch, that those that were worse affected to the Edict, and most forward to crush it, cried out; They could not endure two Religions, which seemed (say they) as prodigious, as two Suns.  
And now as just Occasion was the cause of complaints, so now the Protestants sound in the King's Ears their sad conditions, and how little the Edict was like to be kept, if such courses were nourish; but the King heard to little purpose, for it made a noise in his Ear but not in his obdurate heart; for this King instead of hearing the complaints, and redressing the wrongs, of his to good subjects; turns his Ears, forsaking the good Example of King Lewis the first of France, 
A notable example of Justice.  who used three days in a week publicly in Person to hear the complainnts of his subjects, and judge their Cause.  
A poor woman, desiring the Emperor Adrian, to hear her Complaint, and do her justice, he answered, that he was not a leisure; the poor woman than replies boldly, 
the King and Queen Mother in progress meet the Pope's Minister and King of Spain and secretly confer in person together.  that he ought not to be at leisure to be Emperor; Augustus Caesar, exceedingly rejoiced to do justice, and hear the causes of his subjects; insomuch as the night could not allay his vigorous mind to do justice; nay, when he lay sick, he would order the parties to appear at his bed side.  
But this King was so far from following the Command of God, or example of Heathens; so far from delighting to settle his own Throne in the peace of his subjects, that he seeks to overthrow his own tranquillity in his subjects ruin.  
To which purpose the King and Queen Mother make their progress through many parts of the Kingdom, and smoothly coloured their plots, and conferences with the Duke of Savoy in Dauphine, with the Pope's Minister at Avignon, and with the King of Spain, on the confines of Guienna; whereby they might better communicate their secret Counsels without the hazard of revealing their trust to French men, whom they thought by their Alliance, one way or other, might reveal their secret, hellish plots, to the Protestants. And it is to be taken notice of, that now at this time was laid a Plot, which Embasadors nor Counsels entrusted, must not know.  

The King & Q. comes to Lions forbids the exercise of Protestant Religion and fortifies the place.  In this progress, the King and Q. Mother coming to Lions, they forbidden the Protestants the exercise of their Religion, being one of the Town assigned them for freedom; the Protestants being numerous in this City, the King order a Citadel to be built, not stirring out of the Town till it was finished; Now this was an Example to other Towns and did very much exasperate and hearten the Catholics against the Protestants; who with cruel Courage seize on them in sundry Towns, and shamefully abuse them; So that,  

Many Protestants in many places murdered.  In Crevan, in Burgongue, the Catholics fall on the Protestants, and murder many, being met together for the exercise of their Religion. Curee Governor of Fendosme a Protestant, was murdered by command of Cavigni Leiutenant▪ to the Duke of Montpenseir, at Tours; they fell so furiously upon the poor Protestants, murdering some, hurting others coming from the Sermon, and with great rage came into the Town with their bloody swords in their hands, and being died with blood, 
A gallant Gentleman murdered.  they proceed further, falling on all they meet with, murdering without distinction of sex, age, or Quality; Drawning, Killing, and destroying, all they could find: many Protestants of Quality were murdered without any account given of their death, by justice on the Murderers.  
Now the daily threats against the Protestants, put them into a doubt of their security; 
The sad massacres at Tours.  for the King and Queen Mother having concluded with the King of Spain; secretly to assist one another; It now fifthly falls out to discover that treacherous part which all this while lay hid under the plauseble pretences of an Edict of Liberty, which indeed was that part of Hypocrisy, which as a Cloak, covered all their perfidious Treachery, and breach of promise: That now what was written on the word of a King, before the Eternal God, was no more kept or observed, than if it had been only written in sand; 
the King and Q. Mother Raises an Army of Swissers pretending to defend the Protestants but was a plot to cut them of.  His Oaths, being as carfully broken, as solemnly made.  
And that which gave the Protestants too sure grounds of fear, lest a storm should fall undiscovered, till unavoidable, was this: When Ferdinando Alvares de Tolleda Duke of Alva, was marching into the Low Countries with a puissant Army, to subdue the Protestants there, that embraced the reformed Religion against the King of Spain's will, and desire; the Queen Mother ordered the raising of six thousand Swissers, and brought them into France, pretending forsooeh, that they went for guarding the frontiers of the Kingdom against the attempts that might be made by the Duke of Alva's Army: But see how the light of Heaven penetrats into the dark designs of Hell; Letters are intercepted in their way, from Rome, 
Letter intercepted & the Plot discovered  and Spain, wherein was discovered a plot for the Protestants, for therein was found, That it was decreed in a secret Council, to apprehend the Prince, and Admiral, to destroy the one, and keep the other Prisoner: and therefore if the Prince, and Admiral, escaped this bloody Tragedy prepared for them, and should try it by Arms, that then on a sudden, ere they could Arm, or be provided: those six thousand Swissers were to arrive at Paris, where was to remain two thousand; as many into Orleans; and the rest into Poitiers; and thus was the six thousand Swissers pretended to be raised for defence of the Protestants against the Duke of Alva, that was indeed for their utter ruin: the King and Queen Mother concluding, that if the head were off, 
The wickedness of the Duke of Alva.  the body would fall to the ground; calm the winds and the billows will soon surcease their rage; Now this bloody Duke of Alva, carried himself against the Protestants in such an unhuman way, that he permitted his Soldiers to ravish Virgins; and one time at his Table boasted; 
the Prince and Admiral and chief Protestants take Lions, Troy's and Tholouse for their defence.  that besides private Massacres, and what the War had destroyed; he had Caused to be put to death by the Hangman, Eighteen Thousand in six years' time.  
And now the Protestants seeing so clear a Plot in the midst of Peace; nay that under pretence of safety lurked ruin, and Treachery; They prepare to defend themselves by force, and stand on their own ground, for their Lives, and Estates, because they see peace is the direct road to a murderous death, resolving rather to die in field like men, and Soldiers, than be cut off by Plots, (Oh! that they had continued and never embraced Peace may all true Protestants say ere this History ends) they therefore to the aforesaid purposes, seize on three principal Towns, Lions, Troyes, and Tholuse; The King of France as the usual Custom is, was then preparing for Meaux, 
the King forced to a disorderly retreat from Meaux to Paris.  to solemnize the day of St. Michael: the Prince of Conde, with five hundred Protestants, approach Meaux, the King and Queen Mother hearing thereof, Retire with great disorder, and fearful haste to Parson, with six thousand Swissers and other Horse; and thus gins the second War, being armed on all sides, and a general rising in the Land. Now sundry particulars which happened in this second War, for our better proceeding in this Tragical History, and for our present purpose must only be touched at, carrying along with us the most observable deeds, 
The King sends to the Prince of Conde and Admiral.  for a more clear understanding of the whole business; that we may go on in some order till we come to the rest.  
The second War thus beginning, the King sent an Herald to the Protestants, whom the Prince and Admiral received in behalf of the rest; to whose message they return this Answer: That they were resolved to continue the King's good subjects, and what they did was for the defence of their religion & liberty, granted by the Edict, which the King by Oaths, had promised faithfully to keep; that they desired nothing more than the security of their Lives, and Estates, in A peaceable enjoyment of the liberty of their Consciences, which might the better enable them to be the more firmly fixed in obedience to his Majesty's Command, 
The heads of both sides meet and treats but to no purpose.  But if they should disband, it were the most compendious way to their assured Ruin, and a plain laying of their necks to the block, and so offer their throats be to be cut by their merciless enemies, the Kingdom being full of Swisseses, Flemings, Italians, and Germans.  
Hereupon the heads of both parties meet at St. Denis, the Constable desires the Prince, and Admiral, to rely on the King's word, of whose performance he hoped they need not doubt to what ever he promised: (Oh! that the poor protestants had found is so, then had not forty thousand Innocent souls been slain basely and murdered treacherously.  

The Prince and Admiral's noble answer to the constalle.  To this, answer was returned, that it was not now time to trust in the King's word, which how little it was kept was too visibly to be read, in the bloody effects of the constant breach thereof.  
An Edict being made and sworn to by the King, was by the same King violated, which was a manifest sign of treachery, and perjury, and so perfidious, 
The Prince and Admiral's noble answer to the Constable.  as few christian Kings would sign to: so that they could no more depend upon the King's word which had hitherto been a snare, a sure trap to catch them in: and truly they that run may read, that all along this sad History, the poor Protestants were never und on but when they took the King's word, which indeed at all times proved but the umbrage, or shadow of a promise, 
The Protestants, never embraced their ruin but when they trusted to the King's word in a peace.  being always made with a resolution never to be kept, which at last proved a faithful passaage to their utter ruin; so that now this meeting brought nothing conducing to peace: for it is certain that in such a short tract of time, I could never yet hear or read of such a constant practice of covenant breaking, which all along in this King's reign was so often practised; as if it had been reckoned amongst their meritorious works, as if there were not a God to punish perjury, or treachery.  
And now the Protestants, lay their Army down before P●●is, and shortly after both Armies meet, and on the tenth of November gave battle; and the Protestants received the worst by reason de Andelot came not into the Prince's assistance till midnight, 
The two Armies give Battle.  after the battle; therefore next day they enter the field with their Army, show themselves in battalia, ready to fight the enemy, and so standing some houses before the great city of Paris, they bury their dead, 
the Constable slain.  cure their wounded, but the Catholics in Paris durst not come out to engage: in this battle was slain the Constable on the King's side.  
On the fourteenth day the Prince and Admiral with their Army, 
the Prince of Conde and Admiral with their Army march to join with the Prince Casimirs Army of 11. thousand.  marched to Campagn, and so passed into the confines of Lorraine, to join with Prince Caisimir, son to the Prince Palatine of Rhine, Elector to the Sacred Empire; whose royal worth cannot shine through the description of my pen, according to the lustre of his native, and intrinsic worth: who had now for the defence of the Protestants, raised an Army of ten or eleven thousand, who in their march took in some towns; In this mean while the Duke of Lorraine was created General of the King's Army, and the Duke of Anjon Lieutenant General, now Prince Casimir aforesaid, writ to the King, protesting that it was not any profit, or private interest of his own that prompted his resolutions, 
Prince Casimirs noble declaraton in behalf of the protestants.  but only, and really, to assist those that afflicted, and persecuted, for the same religion, had required his help, And further declared, That if yet the King would grant them free liberty, according to his promise in the last Edict, he was ready to retreat. A noble and brave resolution, of a gallant Prince, and a true friend, such friendship shall never want its reward in this or another world. Sincerity in affection, will endure the touch of affliction,  
But here succeeds a block that must be removed out of the way, which the Prince of Conde, out of a tender respect to a conscionable performance of his promises, did only surmise; which was bravely and courageously performed as follows.  
The Prince of Conde, had promised to the Prince of Casimirs Army at their approach to the confines, the sum of one hundred thousand crowns: 
the Prince of Condes Brave speech to the Army with Christian resolution to keep his covenants.  the present want of which did much perplex the Prince of Conde: but calling the Army together, he there soberly and wisely related their present condition, acquainting them, that their general welfair consisted in their particular assistance: and that in outward apearance the Prince of Casimir was the greatest pledge of their hopes, and on whose help did depend their future happiness, if God blessed their willing resolutions; and therefore it were better to hazard their. private estates for a prosperous Issue, then lose life, liberties, and estates, to a bloody cruel, and perjured enemy. and so excited them freely, to contribute what they could, and with the price of their present assistance, to redeem their lawful liberty, Estates, Lives, and Families.  

A gallant and free contribution of the Protestants Army with their noble resolutions not to be parralleld.  So there were two Ministers appointed to receive their free contribution: now though nothing could be worse spared, yet nothing was more freely given; for this brave Commander the Prince of Conde like a pious adventurer, (with a forward inclination to redeem their liberty, though with loss of estates) sets them a fair copy to imitate; for he was the first that gave all his moneys, and plate, yet not contented, gave the very rings off his fingers, and, all the valuable riches he had: the Admiral cheerfully follows this Christian, and unparralled example: then as willingly follows the chief officers of the Army, and so from the gentlemen to the private soldiers, and from them to the footmen and boys in the Camp. There was such joyful and freewill-offering even to the value of all they had, by which cheerful contribution, was made up in moneys, 
The Armies of P. Casimir & P. Conde join foreces.  Plate, chains of Gold, Rings, and Jewels, to the value of fourscore thousand Franks: which for the present satisfied Prince Casimir's Army, who doubtless would not let their resolutions stop in a vigorous prosecution of their purposes, though they had not had this rare piece of affection, and care of their prosperity: But it was more the noble prince of Condes care to perform his promise, than any promptitude in the Prince's Army, who were exceedingly pleased: Now all parties being fully satisfied, on the eleventh of January 1568. they both joined in a harmonious conjunction, 
Rochel for the Protestants.  both of force and affections. In the mean while the Pope sends aid to the King of France, being four troops of Italian Horse, six companies of Italian foot, with two French Regiments, and four thousand Swisseses, who were all joined to the King's Army under command of the Duke of Anjou.  
Whilst these things were agitating, Rochel declared for the Protestants, 
The Prote stant sn their march besieged Charteres.  which proved ever after by the wise and merciful care of God a good sanctuary for his poor people,  
Now the Prince of Conde with Prince Casimir, advance and in their way beseige Charteres, which place was now as a store-house for Paris, and the parts adjacent, for it was a plentifully filled with Corn: Now the King's Army encamped before Sein, and was loath to put all to the hazard of a battle, which did put Charteres to a great strait.  

The Queen Mother of France her treacherous Speech.  The Queen Mother perceiving which way the game was like to play, falls to trade in her old Treacherous policy, the only way for her security (who used to say) She could make three sheets of paper do more, than the power of a whole Army.  
To which purpose, she sets on foot a Peace, which indeed was no less necessary for the Catholics, than desired by the Protestants, which may admit of one necessary observation.  

The protestants in the height of their power yet always ready to embrace the least motion of peace.  That when the Protestants had the greatest advantage of the King, yet the least notice of peace was harkened too and embraced; though in the full carrier and pursuit of their unresistable power, and prevalency. Therefore it may safely be concluded, That if they had had any other intent in taking arms, but for Lives, Liberties, Estates and Families, they would never have laid down arms to embrace a peace, which at all times they found as a Snake in their bosoms, and did expose them to the greatest cruelty an enraged enemy could inflict. So that now the Catholics disadvantage in power, meeting with a peaceable, though powerful enemy, 
A peace with full liberty of conscience, but oh, treason and deceit is the sad effects.  were the wheels that moved to a conclusion of War, and so to sit down under a settlement; so that the War having continued about six Months, a Peace was concluded at Lonianieau, with the same liberty allowed to the Protestants as was expressed in the Edict of Pacification, granting liberty of Religion, That they should Really, Fully, and Publicly enjoy the liberty, and free exercise of the Religion reform, and that it should be executed according to the tenure of the Edict, notwithstanding all Restrictions, and Interpretations to the contrary.  
And thus this second war was peaceably ended, by the Protestants, and no less treacherously intended by the Catholics.  

The peace gins and ends in treason by the papists.  Now I shall show you the Treachery thereof, and the sad effects; for alas it is not to be imagined what treason is hid under this fair vizard of Peace; To see what a foul sin they make of such a fair virtue; they pretend nothing more than a firm, and durable peace, and intent nothing less. But ah! poor Protestants that you had foreseen this Fox's Snare, this storm of bloody cruelty intended: but truly their laying wait for innocent blood, could not be discerned nor penetrated into, unless by the deep wisdom and narrow search of a divine eye: so dark, and so deeply laid, was there hellish Treason; for a few days discovered their intentions to be full of deceitful treachery, and that they put only the name of peace on their most horrid and bloody designs, taking Gods holy name in vain, by all their promises, void of performances. But the poor Protestants saw not their intentions. 
The protestants dismiss their Armies, & no sooner deliver up their Holds to the K. but they are filled.   
So that the Princes and Admiral, dismiss their Armies, and the Strangers are safely conducted into Lorraine; and all the Towns that the Protestants did deliver up to the King, were presently by his command, possessed and strengthened, with Garrison Soldiers, Rochel only excepted, which place enjoyed the benefit of an ancient condition, granted two hundred years before, between the King and them, viz. Never to have a Garrison put into the Town against their desires.  
The Protestants had also by the Edict of peace these three under their command, Mentaubon, Cognac, and La Charite, to be held full two years, and no more, in the Prince of Conde's name.  

The King not trusting to his Court counsel picks a choice crew fit for his purpose, and calls them a Cabinet Council.  Now the King and Queen Mother not trusting to their present Council (some whereof being supposed to have too tender consciences to swallow the bloody plot intended) therefore erect a choice Council, picked on purpose, which his Majesty calls a Cabinet Council, consisting of such as would contrive, and carry on, any bloody design whatsoever. Insomuch that those which by their Birth and place might challenge a room in the most privy Councils, were now utterly excluded, and exempted as men not fit to impart unto the secrets of the Kings and Q. Mother's Intentions.  

A Hellish plot by the Cabinet Council.  And now let us see a little what this Brave Cabinet Council will act, what a brat of bloody resolutions they can create out of their hellish Breasts; They at last conclude, that force of arms is not the direct road to travel in for subduing of their Enemies, but Macbevil must be called to Council, and his politics put in practice; resolved they are to try what plots (the attendants of the Devils Councils, and the Legitimate son of Hellish production) will do; so at last they conclude, and vote it to be enacted, as that which must be put in practice, viz. the death of the Prince of Conde and Admiral, and so to cut off all future fears of their attempts, as also hopes from the Protestants, so that no troubles for Religion might after arise.  
But the fear of God is not before their eyes, they run swiftly to shed blood, not considering that God's vengeance can pursue them more swiftly.  
This design they commit rather to secrecy than strength, and therefore that they might have one fit for their designs, they choose one Cavagnes, to whom they impart the business, who being a man fit for blood and cruelty, was ordered to take the charge upon him, as one that could drink deep draughts of innocent blood without any regret, and with full delight, who could be full of cruelty without the least pity; now all was thought so sure, that if the Prince and Admiral did not escape, they should inevitably fall into the cruelty of their adversaries.  

The plot discovered to the Prince and Admiral.  Thus the plot being laid, they forgot that God could see, and as the Psalmist says, He shall redeem their souls from deceit and violence, and precious shall their blood be in his sight. And so it pleased the Lord of his good grace, & mercy, to discover their deceit & intentions of Blood for it was no sooner contrived in dark, but discovered in light, by one that speedily posted to the Prince and Admiral, and revealed the Plot, yet the King's Army was so quick that ere the Prince and Admiral removed from their quarters, 
They are surrounded, yet by God's mercy escape with their families to Rochel.  they were by orders of the King, Queen Mother, and the rest of the Cabinet Council, surrounded in Noyers, a Town situated on the confines of Burgundy, which they had so cunningly ordered to avoid suspicion, that lifting and removing under pretence of fresh quarters, they came at last to quarter at a small distance from them; and doubtless they had been taken and destroyed, if GOD had not surrounded them in mercy from the purposes of the King's treachery.  
The Prince and Admiral, knowing the scope and drift of their Serpentine wind, and turn, speedily advance towards Rochel, with wives, children, Servants, and two hundred Horses; where at last they safely, through many dangers, arrive, and were joyfully entertained by the Rochelois.  
The Queen of Navarre also comes to this Rendezvous at Rochel, 
Q. of Navarre joins with the protestants.  accompanied with a considerable number of horse, and foot.  
The Cardinal of Chastillon, who lived at Beauvois far remote from Rochel, did with great hazard travel in a Seaman's habit to the Sea-coast, 
The Cardinal of Chastillon escapes to England.  and so by God's good Providence embarked, and safely arrived in England; where in Queen Elizabeth's Court, he was freely welcome, and there he did faithfully negotiate with the Queen in behalf of his fellow Protestants in France.  

The Prince and Admiral with the chief protestants publish a Manifesto to all Christian Princes.  The Prince and Admiral, seeing their past danger and present safety, solved now to defend themselves, and secure their Religion, Lives, and liberty, by Power, which could not be allowed nor obtained by peace. To which purpose they publish a Manifesto to all Christian Princes in the world, wherein they briefly declare, That in the integrity of their hearts, and clear witnesses of their consciences, they had many ways peaceably endeavoured to enjoy their liberty, and lives, under a loyal obedience, and subjection to the King's commands, and that the world could not but take notice how little conditions of peace was observed by the King, that in the midst of Peace, it was not to be recounted what unsufferable injuries, and cruel murders, were daily heaped and committed, upon the poor Protestants, even to the loss of the Estates and Lives of many of their dear friends; which opposition was the greater, being done by the King's Liberty, granted contrary to Articles of peace, and Edict of Pacification, promised by Oaths and Covenants; therefore though they daily waited, yet now they saw no other way but to arm in their own defence, which was the least they could do, being tied by the laws of God and Nature, to preserve their Religion, Lives and Estates of themselves, with their poor wives, children, and families, that else would be left to the power and rage of bloody and deceitful men, and that this was their only design of taking arms. And further did declare, that if they could espy and other way to enjoy their Estates, Liberty and Lives, they would speedily lay down their arms; yet notwithstanding they desired and resolved to continue his Majesty's faithful Subjects in obedience to all lawful commands, wishing a period to their lives, the same moment their obedience ceased; if they could but herein see security for enjoyment of their Religion and Lives.  

The Q. of Navars noble Declaration in behalf of the protestants.  At the same time the Queen of Navarre with some dashes of her illustrious pen, and a full Testimony of a Christian Resolution, does, by Letters declare, That she could do no less than join with the Prince of Conde, and Protestants, which, with the life of herself, and children, as also the miserable Relics of the Kingdom of Navarre, The Cardinal of Lorraine, on the one hand, and Spaniards on the other, did jointly endeavour by force and policy to destroy, which was so discernible, that all the world was witness to her injuries.  
And indeed this Noble Queen, 
The Q. of Navars high merits in part described.  would be eclipsed of her due value by the draught of my rude pen, the highest Encomiums will but slain her virtues; but to a little belief of her high deserts, know only this, That her enemies confessed her virtues, and Christian valour, to exceed the very applause of her Friendly admirers, and therefore her deserts was concluded as much undeniable to them as unspeakable by her friends.  
Thus the very beginning of this pretended peace ends in a third Civil War, whose effects was as bloody, as sharp, and at last we shall speedily see in a Tragical Massacre of many thousand Protestants, of all degrees and sexes, so securely were the Protestants lulled asleep in their too credulous opinion of the King and Court.  
Now in this Cabinet Council of the Kings, was Charles Cardinal of Lorraine, 
The King publishes a bloody Edict that no Religion should be exercised but the Romish on pain of death, which cuts off all former promises and Edicts, as if they had never been made to be kept.  Brother to the Duke of Guise, a man of a most crafty and terrible nature, insomuch that at Rome he was no less reputed; for he was a bitter enemy to the Protestants, and for the cruelty of his nature was termed, the Firebrand of all Civil Flames, whose hands being deep in the blood of the Protestants, For by his means, and the willing mind of the King, and bloody Council, was published an Edict in his Majesty's name, levelling the famous Edict of January, and enjoining, That none should profess any Religion but the Romish, and that it was treason to embrace any other, requiring upon pain of death a general conformity to the Catholic Religion.  
Which bloody Edict was accordingly published, whereupon all the Protestant Ministers were banished all places of the Kingdom which were in the King's power.  

The King declares he meant not what be said, Oh deep deceit.  And that the King may stand amazed at this deep hypocrisy, this following Sentence was expressed in this Edict printed at Paris, And it was further then declared, that albeit the King had in many Edicts before that time, permitted the freedom of Religion, yet his meaning was to retain, and cause to be retained of all men, the only Romish or Popish Religion within his Realm.  
Which Edict and clause being so wonderfully strange to all that heard or saw it, and because it stained the King's name with the most horrid spot, of perjury, and breach of faith, it was therefore in other impressions (afterward printed) purposely omitted in the Edict.  
This Edict was published with an incredible confluence of all sorts of Catholics, and received with the highest celebrations of joy as can be imagined, and the rather, because the Catholics much doubted of the Queen Mother's intentions, in regard of her dissembling carriage to the Protestants; and now all was put out of doubt by this Edict; Which clearly demonstrates that the King and Queen Mother's intentions all along was to destroy the Protestants, root and branch, only took their best opportunity to effect their desires with the least noise of suspicion, and greatest security to drive the nail home to the head, and their bloody Swords to the hearts of the most innocent souls.  
And thus gins strong preparations for a third Civil War for Religion, the sad effects whereof we shall peruse in the next chapter.   

CHAP. V.  
The Contents.  
THe Protestants gallant Resolutions; Both party's arm; Queen Elizabeth aids the Protestants. The protestants take several towns; the Army's face one another, but engage not; the Battle at Brisac, where the Prince of Conde is slain; the Prince of Navarre, and Prince of Conde, chosen Generals of the protestant Army; the Admiral and whole Army swears subjection to these two young Princes; the Queen of Navarre coins money to pay the protestant Army; the Princes and Admiral draw their Army into Garrisons; the King's army sits down before Cognac, but are valiantly repulsed; they take Mucidan, put all to the Sword, but lost Count Brisac; the Duke Deux Pont, with 14. thousand, marches to join with the Princes, but dies himself by the way. The Pope sends Forces to aid the King; Both armies engage; the King's Army retires to Garrisons; the Princes take in Chastelrault, and Lusignan Town and Castle; they lay siege to the great City Poitiers; the King's forces besiege La Charite, but leave it after the loss of many brave Gentlemen and Commanders; the Duke of Anjou besieges Chastelrault, but after great loss leaves it; the young Duke of Guise advances to Court, and his Father's place at once; the Cabinet Council meets; the Armies engage in a bloody Battle; the King's Army besieges Angeli, but receives a gallant shock of a resolute defence by that brave Commander Monsieur de Pills, and at last yielded honourably; the King's Army disbands; the protestants increase, and are Masters of the field. The King summons his forces together and gives the command to Martial de Coss; the King, Queen Mother, and Cabinet Council, plot to link a peace, and the Protestants ruin together; the protestants at all times willing to embrace a peace; the end of the third Civil War; the K. and Queen Mother speed Messengers to the princes and Admiral to make way for a peace; they yield to embrace a treaty, the King propounds for both armies to join against a foreign Enemy; A firm peace concluded with free liberty of the Edict. Several protestant Princes congratulate the King for his happy peace; the King subscribes to keep the Edict; the Armies dismissed; the peace not fully observed; the King with the Council plot destruction; the King and Court feed the protestants with favours to make them the easier to swallow their own ruin, and his love together; the King dissembles with the Princes in showing a dislike to the Catholic party; the prince of Orange, and his Brother offer the King of France their assistance against the King of Spain, and is accepted; the Count of Nassaw. disguised goes to the King; the King invites the Admiral to Court; the Duke of Guise, and Cardinal Lorraine, depart the Court, the better to allure the Princes and Admiral to their Ruin; the Prince of Orange takes the Spaniards slips; the King propounds his Sister the Lady Margaret in marriage with the Prince of Navarre; the Pope's Ambassador arrives at the Court; the King's plot to surprise Rochel; the King pronounces the Admiral not guilty; many protestants at Rouen murdered; the Admiral persuaded of the King's Reality by a Letter under his own Hand and Seal.  

The protestants noble resolutions.  NOw gins the third bloody War, wherein the Protestants solemnly covenanted together, so to cleave fast one to another, so to knit themselves firmly together in their affections and resolutions, as no future transactions should, with the help of God ever make them to forget, or forsake, the cause of God concerned in the Protestant Religion, but resolutely to maintain it, to the loss of their lives, and all that was dear to them.  

Both sides prepare for war.  Hereupon the King arms amain, so also the Princes and Admiral, who send out a fleet of thirty sail for Provision for the Army to supply them for the ensuing Winter. The Queen of Navarre also endeavours all she can for their aid and assistance.  

Q. Eliz. aids the protestants.  Queen Elizabeth of blessed memory, sent over to their aid one hundred thousand Crowns, besides ships of Corn and Ammunition. A thing to be treasured up in the remembrance of her lasting fame.  

The protestants take in many Towns, both armies meet, but fight not.  The Prince and Admiral advance with their Army, and soon levels the force of many strong Towns to their power, in taking them in, and so become Masters of the Field. At length both Armies meet, yet no battle, in regard of the cold season: neither Army would fight, but on advantage, which would be given by neither.  
The Winter being now past, in the year 1569. the Armies engage at Battle at Brisac the 16. of March, 
The Battle at Brisac, the prince of Conde slain to his eternal honour, fight on his knees to the last.  wherein the Prince of Conde was wounded, and his horse shot under him, yet did valiantly defend himself on his knees, in the midst of his Enemies, but at last was slain. On the King's side was slain the Duke of Monsalez, whom the Andelot the Admiral's Brother, charged so furiously, that with his bridle hand, he lifted up the Beaver of his Helmet, and discharged his Pistol in his face, and so laid him dead on the ground. Great was the slaughter on both sides, of Gentry especially, wherein the Protestants were worsted by the Catholics coming upon part of their Army in full bodies, which unfortunately was scattered by their too great security, and sudden approach of the Kings, yet their demeanour in the fight was such, that the King's Army had reason to bewail their great loss, and admire their Enemy's valour; and undoubtedly in outward appearance, had the body been entire, and both encountered on equal advantatages, the day was generally believed would have been otherwise; for the Horse only was engaged, but the foot never came to any service, but secured themselves in a body. And thus died that brave Prince of Conde; exceedingly commended for virtue and valour, and as much bewailed for his loss.  

Prince of Navarre and prince of Conde Generals for the protestants  After this Battle the Protestants rally their Forces, and by a General choice of the Army, Henry Prince of Navarre, and Henry Son to the deceased Prince of Conde, were both elected Generals of the Protestant Army.  
The Prince of Navarre was of a noble and gallant Spirit, full of Urbanity and Civil courtesy; 
The Prince of Navarre shows a gallant spirit in a pithy speech.  of a Warlike courage, and being naturally given to valorous and heroic actions, he embraces this courteous invitation, and like a Soldier of a long standing (being but fifteen or sixteen years old) he lengthened their hopeful expectations by a short & pithy speech, wherein He promised to protect the true Religion, and to persevere constantly in defence of the common-cause, till death or victory proved the Issue.  
Now to balance this Royal assent, and Christian magnanimity of so tender a Sprout of virtue, 
The Admiral and whole Army profess fidelity and obedience to the princes of the blood, and the protestant cause.  the Admiral, and Count de la Roch-fou-caut, first submitted, and swore fidelity; then followed the principal Officers, and Soldiers, in joint Resolutions to order their steps after his Royal commands, and the religious ends proposed in his Speech. All of the Army protesting fidelity to the Princes of Bourbon: And thus with a volley of applause was this Gallant young Prince elected General of the Army, and Protector of the Protestants, whose years were far younger than his wise conduct of affairs, in whom it was hard to say whether his resolution, valour and wisdom, or youth was more perspicuous, for he seemed, as if nature, which accomplishes others by degrees, had finished him in a trice. He was no sooner come to his Horizon, but his deserts lifted him up to his Meridian.  
The Queen of Navarre, mother to this virtuous Prince, approved well of their choice, and his acceptance; so that she sharpened all their resolutions by her courageous assistance of the Protestants.  

The Religious and Noble Q. of Navarre coins money and inserts a christian and resolute Motto.  She was a religious Queen, in whom resided much virtue and constancy to a good cause, Wherefore she caused moneys to be coined with her picture on one side, and the Princes on the other, with these words.  
Pax Certa, Victoria Integra, Mors Honesta. A Motto becoming her noble Spirit. Thus they fall to consultation how to order the Army, with the best prudence; they resolve to divide and draw into Garrisons, so also does the King.  

The Prince's Army draws into Garrisons.  So the Princes and Admiral retire to Saint Jean D' Angeli, Brave Monsieur de Pills defended Xaintes; Montgomery and Puviant take charge of Anglolesm, jenlis commands with a strong garrison in Londun, and Monsieur d' Aciere, with seven thousand foot, and six thousand horse, remains at Cognac, where the late Battle was fought.  

The K. besieges Cognac is forced to leave it. Mucidan taken, and all put to the Sword.  Hereupon the King's Army under command of the Duke of Anjou, attempted to sit down before Cognac, but the continud valour in their often sallies, amazed the enemy to a retreat. The Army thus forced to leave Cognac, lays siege to Mucidan, where the Count of Brisac on the King's side was slain, yet the Town was taken, and not only Soldiers but all Inhabitants suffered the rage of a bloody Sword, and inveterate Enemy.  

The Noble protestant Duke of Deux-Ponts with fourteen thousand joins with the Prince's Army, be dies in his March.  To the assistance of the Princes and Admiral advances the Duke of Deux-Ponts. with an Army of fourteen thousand, in which Army my was William of Nassaw, Prince of Orange, with Lewis and Henry his Brothers; in their march it pleases God the Duke the General died by the way, and so the Charge of the Army was committed to the Lieutenant General, Count Volrade of Mansfield, Three days after the Armies meet with great joy on both sides.  
The Pope mean while assists the Catholics with four thousand foot, and eight hundred horse, 
The Pope and others aid the K.  commanded by Paulo Sforza; the Duke of Tuscany sent also to their assistance a thousand foot, and two hundred horse; The Duke of Alva sends three thousand Walloons and three hundred Flemish; but God's just judgements followed their insolent carriages, for such Miseries, wants, and sicknesses followed them, that by the way abundance died.  
On the 23. day of June 2569. both Armies approach near together, 
The Armies engage.  and next morning by break of day the Princes fell on Strozzi's quarter, who was Col General of the Infantry, who were all routed, and he taken Prisoner; there was slain S. Loup, and Rogucleauz Lieutenants to Strozzi, twenty two Captains, and 350 of their best Soldiers; on the Protestants side was slain in all 150.  

The Noble Princes of Navarre charges in the head of the Army.  The Prince of Navarre commanded the other part of the Army, and charged the Enemy to their quarter, with a great deal of manly courage, beyond expectation, himself charging in the front of his Army. Which was so much the more remarkable, in regard danger at first seems most terrible, so that they that beheld this valour, had their senses lifted up with admination, and the whole Army puffed up with expectation, that the world would be filled with the renown of his actions.  

The King's Army draws into Garrisons.  And so after a little skirmishing, they both withdrew. Hereupon the Duke of Anjou, seeing little hopes of overcoming the Invincible manhood, and great power of the Protestants, he dismisses the Nobility, and settles most part of the Army in Garrisons till the first of October, against which time all was ordered to be in readiness to appear.  

The Protestants take in Chastelrault.  The Prince and Admiral advance with their Army, and take in the Town of Castelrault, and enter in the King of Navars name, by whose authority, as first Prince of the Blood, all things were dispatched.  

The Town and Castle of Lusignan taken.  They speedily advance to Lusignan, and taking the Town, lay siege to the Castle, which though impregnable for strength, yet could not withstand the battering assaults of their valour; so was forced to yield on conditions; marching with flying colours.  
The Articles being as faithfully performed as promised, which though according to Justice, yet contrary to the Catholics constant practice; which was a great dishonour to their Army, and whole nation.  

The Strong City of Poitiers, besieged but left.  Speedily after they march and lay siege to the Strong City of Poitiers, a City of the greatest Circuit of any in France, except Paris; being the Head of the adjoining Provinces, and where all the wealth and treasure of the Catholics in the Country was brought for security. The Duke of Guise, enters with a party to defend the City, and after strong assaults, and much loss on both sides, the Admiral falls sick with continual care and pains to prosecute the siege to a conquest, so they rise with their Army, and leave the place.  

The catholics besiege Lafoy Charite, but are forced away with great loss.  Now the King's forces under the command of Monsieur de Sansat, lay siege to La Charite, and after a sharp assault, and stout resistance, with the loss of many gallant Gentlemen, they were forced to leave it, being kept by a resolute and valiant commander Monsciur de Guerchy, Cornet to the Admiral's own company of Gens d' Arms, whom we shall afterwards find basely murdered.  

The catholics besiege Castelrault, but leave it  The Duke of Anjou not able to raise the siege of Poitiers, did in the mean while lay siege to Chastelrault (a place but lately taken by the Protestants) but finding a stiff resistance by their valour, were forced to tetire with the loss of Fabiano del Monte, commander of the Tuscan Forces, with two hundred fifty Soldiers, and many Gentlemen; The Admiral advancing to their relief; the Duke was forced next day to march away, and lodge his Army at Sello.  

The Duke of Guise admitted to his Father's place and Cabinet Council.  The Duke of Guise about this time goes to Court, and for his faithfulness to the Catholic cause was admitted to his father's place, and to the Cabinet council; this Council now meets again to consult of the affairs of the Kingdom; at last concludes to draw their forces together, and fight the Prince's Army, which although the Prince was on disadvantage, yet they resolved unanimously the fight the Catholics.  

The Armies engage in a bloody and furious battle.  After sundry skirmishes and sharp encounters, the Armies both meet the beginning of October, when first the Prince of Navarre with ample and Christian Speeches, recommended to them all the cause of Religion and Liberty; now they engage first with terrible thundering of Cannons, and much slaughter, but they presently close and fall on with wonderful fury, the horse and foot being strangely mixed together in the heat of the Battle, nay such was the heat of their valour on both sides, that the very common attendants of the Armies, such as Sucklers, Boys, Pioners, were deeply engaged for either party; And herein the Admiral acted so much of his wont valour, that he shown himself a valiant Soldier, and courageous Conductor; for with a furious assault and fixed resolution in the head of his cavalry he charges the Reingrave, and though the Admiral had received a shot in the cheek with a Pistol, yet discharged his Pistol in the Reingraves face, and there lays him dead on the place, and fought valiantly, although the blood from his wound did fill his Gorget, 
the Protestant Army forced to retire.  and run down his male. At last the Protestants Army being worn out with a tedious march, was forced to retreat, and with the Prince, the Count of Nassaw, Count Volrade, all which without any disorder meet that night at Partenay.  

the K. besieges St. Jean d'Angeli, which brav Pills did keep.  After this bloody Battle, the King, Queen Mother, and Duke of Anjow, sit down before St. jean d'Angeli which was kept by that famous & renowned commander Armand Sieur de Pills, whose same spread itself throughout all France by his stout resistance of the King's power, and valorous keeping of the place, for against the continual assaults of the whole Army, 
His excesding valour.  his brave Soldiers kept it for two months, and one time in this siege a truce was made, that if in certain days relief came not, they should yield on conditions: 
Relief by a handsome policy.  the day comes, and St. Severin with forty horse deceives by policy the sentinels, and King's Army, and as friends pass all to the relief of the Place. After many bloody assaults and great loss to the King's Army, the place not able any longer to continue, did at last deliver up on honourable rearms; 
Yields on honourable terms.  To departed with their Goods, Arms, Horses, and ensigns displayed; and for four months should not carry arms in defence of the Protestant religion. But as Monseiur de Piles made his siege famous, so the Catholics made themselves infamous, 
But dishonourably kept by the King.  by his Majesty's breach of faith given; for as they advance to receive the articles of the King's promise, and their own deserts, they are spoilt of Arms, Apparel, and moneys, rob their baggage, take away their Horses, and spoil their Men.  
Nay a Regiment quartered at St. Jultan half a League off, under the command of Sarrien, falls on, Beats, Kills, Murders, and destroys many, 
They are murdered.  casts some into the River, and he that can make a safe escape to Angoulesme is happy, though he have nothing else but his shirt. Whereupon Mounseiur Piles was freed from his engagement by a non-performance of the King's promise. 
10000 men lost at the siege, and five thousand canon shot spent.  The King lost at this siege, Sebastian of Luxembourg, Duke of Martignes, and governor of Britain; five thousand cannons shot spent, ten thousand men of War lost, twenty five or thirty Commissaries of the artillery which was slain in their charge; many crept away from the Army, and such hot service, insomuch that the Camp decreased eighteen or twenty thousand men.  

The K. disbands the Army.  In the year 1570, for many reasons, and after much consultation had, the King did resolve to disband his army, which accordingly was done.  

The Prince's Army increases.  Now the Protestants labour to gather Strength, by the Industrious pains of the most incomparable Prince of Navarre, (who passing the expectation of his age) presently Arms the nobility and others in those parts, on whom his father the King of Navarre had great influence, by reason of their near alliances, and neighbour hood: whereby the Prince's Army was now again got to such a degree of strength, That they were masters of the field.  

The K. Army meets, and Martial de Coss General.  The King seeing things go contrary to his desire and expectation, summons his Army together, and in regard the Duke of Anjou was sick, the charge of the Army was delivered to Martial de Coss; the Armies never came so near as to give battle, but often skirmishing, and little likelhiood there was for the King to conquer the Protestants by force; which opinion, as it was grounded on good reason, so was it increased by news which came to the Court, that Prince Casimir was raising new forces for aid of the Protestant Princes, which indeed put the Catholics in a great doubt and fear of any success against them  

The K. & Cabinet Council meet, and plot a peace and ruin together.  Now gins the bloody game, for the King, Queen Mother, Duke of Anjon, and Cardinal of Lorraine, meets privately together, and according to their disposition, and custom, fall a ploting, holding it the best way (when they could not mend it) to think of accommodation, and giving liberty to the Protestants; Who might better have enjoyed it by war than by peace, as the Issue proved. If it had pleased the Lord to discover the inside of their treachery, which, though fatal to the poor Protestants, yet so dishonourable to the King of France, and the French Nation, that it cannot but draw down Gods just Judgements upon them.  
The secret Council thought this way of peace might be the quickest, and safest way to their designs of destroying the Protestants, better than by War; for if they could cut off the chief supporters of the Protestant cause, the rest would follow; and so they aim at an opportunity to gain a peaceable (though bloody) access to their persons, which in time of War their Sword could not reach; so by this means, hoping to cut off the Root, the Branches would whither; Indeed it had been well if it had fallen out that the branches had naturally withered; but ah! sad and doleful, we shall see a horrid and bloody Tragedy, which will astonish any heart but flint, to hear and read this sad and miserable story; and truly it makes my heart bleed to think of the sad cruelties and unparallelled massacres of God's people.  
And now they discover their Inclinations to peace, which they knew at all times would gladly be embraced, and acceptably welcome to the Protestants, if covered with Liberty and Lives, the things they only desired. For if they had delighted in any thing but Allegiance, or fought for any thing but liberty, they would not now incline to peace in the midst of their unlimited power; but poor souls, they had been far more happy if they had died like men in War, than murdered in their Bods like Dogs.  
This third war was sharp, and thought the greatest, in regard of the King's unfaithful dealing, in the breach of his promise, that he should give a free liberty for religion, and engage to keep it, binding himself thereto by Oath, yet the same King speedily after, breaks all oaths and promises, declaring that solemn engagement before God to be void, and that what he then promised was not so meant by him, and therefore proclaims it death, for any man to profess any Religion but the Romish and Catholic.  
Now the Princes and Admiral in the behalf of themselves and Protestanrs, did declare in the sincerity of their hearts, that they desired nothing more than the performance of the King's edict, and socurity to enjoy their Liberties, Lives, and Families.  
Thus having given as succinctly as possibly I can, the most remarkable passages of this War, we shall now come to the last Tragical part of the most unheardof treachery, and bloody massacre, that ever I read or heard of, 
The K. sends to desire a peace.  to take it in all its circumstances.  
After many battles and much loss of treasure and blood, a treaty was begun by the King and Q. Mother, who sends messengers to the Princes and Admiral, signifying, how desirous they were of a firm and inviolable peace.  

The Admiral yields to a treaty.  The admiral being so often deceived with fair pretences of peace, could not be so ill an observer but to learn something by transactions past, therefore was so afraid and jealous that he knew not well how to advise, seeing all their fair pretexts of peace since he could remember, was but a shorter cut to their invitable ruin: so that the  child dreads the fire, yet being desirous of a peace on good grounds (which proved as a Quagmire to swallow up all their hopes) he yielded to embrace a treaty.  
Now the King, that he might better colour and varnish over his treachery, sends messengers to the Admiral, to signify in his Majesty's name, that the King himself had now found out a sure way for a lasting peace, which way his Majesty thought so safe as none could doubt of his integrity therein, which indeed was a subtle piece of policy as follows.  

The subtle and treacherous design of the K. propounding a war against the K. of Spain as a means to a peace one with another.  That now both Armies which had so long fought against one another in the fierce flames of a Civil War, might now unanimoufly join against the Duke of Alva, as a foreign enemy; and one that had been too great an instrument of the late combustions in France. And that it might appear no French Romance in regard of the suddeness, and the aid lately received by his Majesty from the Duke of Alva against the Protestants, as also supplies from the King of Spain his Master, therefore he further signified, that his Majesty the King of France, had high cause prompting him to a War with the King of Spain, and among many this was not the smallest, 
the King's pretended reasons of war against the King of Spain.  viz: that the King of Spain, had by violence taken from his Majesty the King of France, the Island Florida in newfoundland, suddenly slaying all the French Soldiers, as also the Marquesdome of Final, the Inhabitants whereof had lately surrendered themselves under the command of the King of France. And therefore he desired in his Majesty's behalf, that the ground of this war might not be misinterpreted, but taken in a good sense, and that his Majesty's ends of propounding both Armies to join against the Duke of Alva in the Low-countries, might be looked upon as a design of his Majesty to unite all former discords in a firm bond of union, and concord, by cleaving together against a common enemy: And to set off this business the better, he further propounds, that it was now a fit opportunity to employ Count Lodovick of Nassaw, Brother to the Prince of Orange, for management of the business, that he might easily by the assistance of his Commanders and Soldiers, suddenly surprise certain Cities which mighe be of great advantage to the future hopes of success.  

the Admiral reasons the case, & could hardly be brought to believe this war real, and oh that he had never believed it.  Now this penetrated the more into the Admiral's heart, in regard, this Count of Nassaw was one that had been under his command for two years, who behaved himself with an exceeding courage, and approved valour and fidelity, in a great proof to the Admiral's knowledge, and there needed no spur to the Count, being a man banished out of his own Country for Religion, by the Duke of Alva, and was a man of much resolution and courage.  
The Admiral receiving this message was wonderfully put to understand what to do or say, for although he seemed not to suspect the King's fidelity, yet he saw strong reasons to look about him, for though he valued not his own life, yet he drew along with him the welfare of all Protestants, therefore he considered thus with himself.  
The great power of the Cardinal and Guisans in the King's Court, and was also too well known to be no less greatly in favour with the King, and Court of Spain, against whom this war should be: and therefore could not conceive how this war with Spain could really be carried on, when these men were the prime managers of the affairs of France, having also several pensions from the King of Spain, therefore could not but increase and confirm his jealousy to suspect treason and deceit, when he considered, that these men were dependants of Spain, who were of the King of France his Cabinet Council, and yet for them to wage war against the King of Spain. Oh! Treachery.  
The Admiral could not but take notice, that at the same time the Ambassador of the King of Spain, was admitted into the Privy Council of France, (which to foreign nations seemed utterly incredible) and that also one Brirragio a Lombard (reported a traitor to his own Country) being ignorant of the Law, was for his subtle wit hoisted to the honourable office of Chancellor, in the room of Michael Hospital displaced, a man well known to be a true Patriot to his own Country, and also so, learned and able, as the like could never be found in France.  
Thus the Admiral (on whom did hang all the weight of affairs) doubted what to do in this great strait, 
The Admiral in a straight what to resolve on.  he therefore considered on the contrary side what his adversaries would say against him; that they would hereby take occasion to report him backward to Peace, as one delighting to live in the fuel and fire of blood and civil wars, not knowing how to live but in troubled waters, not able to endure the sweet relish of a quiet peace; these reasons, amongst others, did perplex his wavering mind.  
Now the King's Messenger in behalf, and for defence of his Majesty, 
The King's Messengers reply to the Admiral's Objections.  did answer to all the Objections of the Admiral, and said, That the suddenness of the King of France his resolutions to war with the King of Spain, was. That he and his Mother the Queen, had been informed by one Albery come lately from Spain, That for certain King Philip a little before had poisoned his Queen, the French Kings Sister, and had basely given out through all Spain, that he had such things against her, as for the credit of many persons of honour were not fit to be published.  

The Admiral persuaded by Count Lodowick to the war with Spain.  Now all this being said, moved not the Admiral so much, as the free and cheerful resolutions of the Count of Nassaw, whose indefagitable earnestness was boundless, and persuasions to the Admiral endless till effected. The Admiral hereby persuaded, lays aside all dishonourable thoughts that might slain the King's loyalty, and so stood ready to embrace a peace, to which purpose was sent Beavois, and Teligni the Admiral's Son, and with them Monsieur de la Chossetire, the Prince of Navars Secretary, and so on the eleventh day of August 1570. was a peace concluded according to the Edict of Pacification in January, 
A peace concluded with free Liberty.  That every one should have free liberty of conscience to use and profess the Reformed Religion. Rochel and Montauban, was to be held in the Prince's name for the space of two years by the Protestants. The Articles of Peace were afterwards published and Registered in the Parliament.  
But alas! we shall see that this Sunshine of Peace (like the poor Traveller in the sable) sooner makes the Protestants cast off the cloak of their security, than all the blustering storms of the King's Warlike forces could. For by embracing a peace, they hug in their bosoms, and nourish in their hearts their own calamities and know it not, by reason it is printed and gilded with the name of peace.  

Several Protestant princes sends Ambassadors to congratulate with the King and his people's tranquillity in the peace concluded. The King olemnly gives his faith for ever to observe the Edict.  Not long after this peace thus concluded, several Princes of Germany that had respect to the Protestant Religion, among whom was the three Electors, the Palsgrave, the Duke of Saxony, and the Marquis of Brandenburg; all sent their several Ambassadors to the French King, to congratulate this happy peace, and to show their joyful resentment of the same; promising, that if any new commotion should arise, they would assist him to the uttermost against the Contrivers and authors thereof.  
To this Embassage the King replies by words, and afterwards, subscribes to a Book with his own hand, giving his faith by both, That he would for ever, most sacredly and faithfully observe the late Edict of Pacification. But alas his heart was too many leagues from his mouth, his promises are no better than if written in water with ones finger, being too far short of truth, and intention, which is sad to consider, that the King should have no way to keep his faith, but to break it, that oaths and promises which should tie devils fast, is the only way to level all faith and engagements.  
For now it is to be taken notice of, that whereas before the King's age made his Authority fit only to advise and countenance, now he manages affairs with his own Council and command, for being now come to the years of 22. he displays himself on the Theatre of the World in such a splendid equipage, that all might see him to be of a fierce resolute nature, and above all an absolute dissembler, as one of the French nation very well observed, and if he did not, yet this History will sufficiently evidence.  

The Armies dismissed, and the Princes and Admiral go to Rochel.  Now this peace being thus concluded, the Armies are dismissed, and the Strangers retire to their own Country; after which the Princes retired to Rochel: for now to effect the deep and bloody plot, nothing wanted but the Art of persuasion to entice the Princes, Q. of Navarre, the Admiral, and Principal Protestants Lords, to come to Paris; nothing more desired, for their the trap was laid for their destruction; and doubtless this mock-peace had never been embraced, if it had pleased God to have given them an insight to the bottom of this unheardof, and unimaginable depth of Treachery, and Deceit; which being hatched and brought forth in the Hellish Court of the Cabinet Council, we shall too soon see the speedy and sad effects of it, the Lord knows it will too soon come to the birth of their bloody hopes, and cruel desires, for as vengeance pursues blood at the heels, so a hideous storm of cruelties succeeds this peace.  
The Peace, though fully concluded of, between the King and Protestants, yet was not fully observed in all places according to the Edict. So that the Princes and Admiral (to give a reason why they stood at such a distance from his Majesty) send to Court Theligny, Briquemault, Beauvais, La Nocle, and Cavannes; They are no sooner come, but the King welcomes them to the Court, and professes that it is his Royal pleasure, that the full Observation of the Edict was no less than he really intended, and therefore to scatter all mists of doubt from the Princes and Admiral, he desired that they would acquaint him of his real resolutions for their good.  

The King and Cabinet Council plots the ruin of the Protestants, being desirous to get the Princes & Admiral to Paris, and so to cut them off.  And now they begin their Politic Maxim, Parvi sunt Arma foris, nisi sit consilium domi. That policy is of more force in Military affairs than valour. They now to the Trade of Politic treachery; the King and his Cabinet Council meets, and their Result is, With speed and secrecy, by Serpentine Labyrinths, and enfoldings, to bring the principal Protestants into the Not of destructior; A Wor being thought too hazardous, and weak to effect, therefore must the principle of Machevil take place in their judgements and practice, i. e. To effect their desires, though they swim through a Sea of blood. For now they have hopes that their plot might take effect, in regard that their private actings were now managed by those that were jointly concerned in the effects of their desires, and hoped to have some share in eheir bloody success.  

The King by fair carriages intends to slide into the Protestants affections, and so draw them to Paris, and cut them all off, which was the plot laid for them.  To which purpose, a good opinion of the King's sincere intentions for the Protestants good, must be fixed in the minds of the Princes of the blood, the Queen of Navarre, and the Admiral, so that all their foul actings might seem so fair, as no tincture of suspicion should enter into their thoughts, he penetrates their hearts with shows of love, but his own heart is filled with deceitful plots and treacherous Resolutions, endeavouring so to insinuate into their good natures, that he might lodge in their hearts good thoughts of his bad intents; so that all carriages must be screwed up to the highest pin of affection and love, as we shall shortly see conferred on them by an outward confluence of all favours, that the least doubt might not have any footing to the prejudice of their bloody aims; hoping by this means, to have their desires and success to lodge under one roof. All their plot being to get them to Paris (the Theatre of this most horrid and cruel Tragedy ensuing) unarmed, and then by further progress, to put in execution the practical part of their bloody plot; so marshalling their affairs, that all the Protestants shall be immediately cut off in the bloodiest war that ever was known.  
Now the plot being laid, the Gin being set, they fall to work, labouring to bring this bloody brat to the Birth; To which purpose the King and Queen Mother calls to Council the Duke of Anjou, the Cardinal of Lorraine, the Duke of Guise, and Alberti Conde Count de Retz, and speedily resolve them of their secret intentions, if by any means it could be effected, they therefore desire their best aid and assistance, together with their approbation; which needed not be doubted, for they were men ready enough at all times to act the King's pleasure.  
The King therefore gins, sending out strict orders to all the Provinces of his Kingdom, 
Now the King gins to dissemble, strictly commanding an observation of the Edict, which he intends not should be observed. The King outwardly carried it harshly to the Catholics to more to work the Protestants to their lure.  to have a high esteem and regard to the late Edict in behalf of his good Subjects the Protestants, and that it was his Majesty's express command to have it strictly observed; and to make their Hearts understand what they heard by the ear, the King gives Order to have this message proclaimed at Rochel, the Seat of the Princes and Admiral, assuring them in particular, of the King's favourable intentions, to what he had confirmed with his Royal Hand, which should be kept inviolable from all attempts of the strongest persuasion. And yet to penetrate more deep, to make one act of dissimulation outvie another, to let the world see he was a good proficient in the Art of Treachery and Bloodshed, he carries himself outwardly very harsh to the Catholics, telling the Commissioners, that the Power of the Duke of Guise, and Cardinal of Lorraine, was not to be feared, for that the Government now rested in himself, and had no dependency on any of their commands, and therefore, though they live at Court, yet needed not the Princes of the Blood, or Admiral, fear them as Adversaries, for they lived as Subjects, not as Masters; and that ere long he hoped all acts of forformer hostility, and enmity, should be by his means buried in eternal forgetfulness, and that both parties should be reconciled, to the King's desire, and their own good. All which did not only pierce the hearts of the common people, but wonderfully wrought upon the hearts of the Princes and Admiral, with the chief of the Protestants; who now begun to believe the King's intentions real, and that being now weary of the bloody Civil Wars, and Distractions, and beginning now to govern by himself, and not by his Council, might at last sincerely desire a firm peace.  
But alas they are too short sighted to espy, and too sincere to doubt, that such unparallelled deceit should lodge in the hearts of devils, much less in a King, a Christian King, not so much as in his thoughts, much less in his intentions and practice; but it is the less wonder, seeing it is so, that not only in public actions of great men, but also in our common intercourse with things of smaller moment, we all experience that the greatest hatred and malice, is covered with the greatest love and friendship; and that there is no greater knavery then that which borrows a cloak of Religion to cover it with: some men again make use of friendship, as a stepping stone to their own ends; as the For being environed with a high Wall, and hotly pursued by his Enemies, was put to great straits for his liberty, for he could not leap over the Wall; at last espying one by the Wall side stooping for a stone to throw at him, he suddenly leaps on the man's back, and by that step of advantage leaps over.  
Little did the poor Princes and Admiral, with the Queen of Navarre, and Nobles, and Gentlemen of the Religion, think their Noble blood to be so near spilling by such base and unheardof cruelties, covered under so much love; who would not pity to read that so much valour as was in these brave Commanders should be murdered, and laid in the bloody grave of a Treacherous death, which shortly we shall sadly peruse.  
The first thing the Admiral embraced by these persuasions was the War against the King of Spain, which made the way easier to the rest that followed, and yet he often said to his Son-in-Law Teligny, that he suspected the rolling wit of the Queen Mother, whom he was afraid would lead them on in this enterprise, and leave them in the midst.  

The Prince of Orange and Count Lodowick his Brother proffer their service to the King in the war of the Low Countries.  The Count of Nassaw, advising with his Brother the Prince of Orange, sends word to the King, That if it were his Majesty's pleasure to War against the King of Spain in the Low Countries, they would so order themselves under his commands, as that by their service therein, his Majesty should find them faithful and useful; and perceive their affections to him and the cause in hand; to this the King replies in loving Letters; commending their resolutions, and gave them hearty thanks for their loving Message, which tended highly to a free manifestation of their affections to his Service.  

The Emperor mediates between the Prince of Orange and the K. of Spain The King of France encourages the Prince of Orange against the persuasions of the Emperor.  Now Maximilian the Emperor pretending to pity the Estate of the Prince of Orange, had obtained by Ambassadors to the King of Spain, that the Prince should have his goods restored, conditionally that he should not settle his habitation in the Low Countries, but in some other place, and yet nevertheless should enjoy freely all his Revenues.  
As soon as the French King hears hereof, and doubting it might be a hindrance to his present design, he speedily posts Messengers to the Prince of Orange, to persuade him, that what the Emperor had done, was nothing but to hinder their progress in so good and advantageous a cause, and being only a devise to break up his levies that he had begun in Germany, letting him further understand, that if he will please to give him credit, he should not want assistance sufficient to regain his Estate from the King of Spain.  
These persuasions of the King, being not suspected to come from dissimulation, and hypocrisy, by the Prince of Orange, so did he firmly believe all to be real; insomuch as he proceeded in his Musters, resolving a while to bear the charges thereof, whilst all things else, fitting for the war, were in readiness; though the charge at that time was very heavy.  

Count Lodowick disgrised goes to Court, and treats with the King, and agrees about the War.  Now Count Lodowick his Brother, being of a resolute disposition, essayed his own fortunes, and by encouragement from the King he secretly journeys from Rochel, taking with him only two companions, giving out he was going for the Prince of Orange his Brother; but in a disguised habit he privately departs, and that night arrives at the Court which then was kept at Bloys; where the King and Queen Mother, shown great demonstrations of a joyful welcome, and at this time the King in person himself did treat with the Count without the assistance of any of his Council, which the rather was done that the Count might see and report, that now he acted by the Counsel of his own command, that so the Admiral and Princes might see and understand his promises could not be hindered or frustrated by the counsels of their adversaries about him at Court; that so also they might receive the better encouragement to come to Court, seeing their Enemies was not of his Council.  
At this meeteng of Count Lodowick and the King, it was agreed, that the War should go forward against the King of Spain, 
The Admiral desired by the K. to come to Court, and be Captain General in the War.  with all possible speed, and that the Count should go before to prepare; that the Admiral shall go Captain General, desiring further of the Count that he would signify as much to the Admiral, and to desire him in his Majesty's name to come to Court, the better to treat and confer fully thereof; whose advice should have as great power with the King as could be expected; that he should have allowed for his Guard fifty persons in Arms at Paris, 
The K. very earnest to have the admiral at Court under spetious pretences of favour.  for safety of his person; or should have any other security, that might put him out of hazard of his Enemy's Attempts, and might also bring him into a good opinion of the King's real intentions; Oh! deep dissimulation! This being done betwixt the Count of Nassaw, and the King, the Count returneth to Rochel, who poor Prince not seeing this depth of Treacherous deceit, used all Rhetorical Art of persuasions to the Princes, and Admiral, to journey to the Court; and indeed he was the only Spur to them, and much persuaded them of the King's real intentions, and how joyful the King would be of their Company and Counsel in his affairs.  
The King now returns to Paris, and takes his pleasure, that the World might see he minded only recreation; but, God knows, plotted his poor subjects ruin, who with the Cabinet Council sits close for effecting their bloody desires in the plot laid for their destruction.  

The Duk● of Guise & Cardinal of Lorraine feign a discontent, & departed the Court on purpose to allure the Princes & Admiral to Court by their absence from it.  To which purpose the Duke of Guise, and Cardinal Lorraine give out (the better to draw and allure the Protestants to Court in their absence) their high displeasure against the late proceed of the King in behalf of the Protestants by his favours conferred on them, therefore in great disdain and greater Policy, the Cardinal of Lorraine departs the French Court, and carries with him Cardinal Pelvey, Duke of Pontmenseir, and the Prince Dauphine, pretending to go to the Election of a New Pope, but indeed was only to draw the Princes and Admiral to Court by being encouraged with their adversaries absence, that they may come to Court with more confidence and less fear, but we shall shortly see that though they divide in opinion, yet they unite in Counsel and bloody cruelties.  

The Prince of Orange his Fleet takes the Spaniards Ships, and sells them as Prizes in Rochel, by the King's permission.  And that this Treachery might still be more completely freed from all suspicion, and all things seem to be carried on by the King's mind, his Majesty gives leave to the Prince of Orange his fleet to hover about Rochel, and by opportunity to set on the Spaniards Ships and portugals, which might happen to sail along that Coast, taking such as they cold; which they did, and brought them into the Haven of Rochel, where they openly sold their prizes, which the K of Spain by his Ambassador often complained of.  
But to set the world a fair copy of a Kingly treachery to his poor Subjects; to lay the Top-stone of Dissimulation in the fairest pretences of affection and desire of peace, the King ushers in one of the handsomest pieces of Hypocrisy that ever carried the face of Reality, for although the thing he pretended was really effected, yet the grounds and ends by him proposed, which was the only thing pretended by him) was clean contrary to his promise, and what he did in it was basely to defile his own actions with his ruin. And indeed it put all out of doubt of the King's integrity.  

The King propounds his Sister the Lady Margarite in marriage with the Prince of Navar.  The business was this;  
The King sends Mounseir de Byron with propositions to the Queen of Navarre, that the Lady Margarite the Kings own Sister, should be given in marriage to her Son, the Prince of Navarre, that the anticut consanguinity, and present peace, might be more confirmed and established to the liking of all parties: And indeed this did put on a great confidence in all, especially the Princes, the Queen of Navarre, and Admiral, that the King was now real in what he professed and propounded. But Oh, the bloody effects it produced, shall at last too sadly be related.  

An Ambassador from Rome arrives in the French Court.  In the midst of these transactions secretly carried on, arrives (in the depth of a most sharp winter) in the King of France his Court, the Cardinal Alexandrio, who came from Rome by the advice of Cardinal de Pelve (that went from the French Court with Cardinal Lorraine) This Pelve was sometimes a Scholar in the College of Montaigue, and during his study there was a Servant to the Cardinal of Lorraine, and afterwards was grown to be a Scullion, but now being advanced to the place of Cardinal, was so fitted for any Treason, or act of cruelty, that nothing, though never so horrid would, stick in his throat, but he was able to swallow down that which was able to damn a World for the sinfulness thereof.  
Now the Instructions that Cardinal Alexandrio brought along with him from the Pope, was to persuade the King to enter into the Society of the Council of Trent, the first and principal Article whereof was, That the Confederation should join their power, to make war upon the Turks and Heretics, meaning all Princes that suffered the use of the Protestant Religion.  
The Cardinal was honourably received and welcomed to Court, he urged how much it was against the profession of a Christian King to make peace with Heretics, and to war against the King of Spain; how it did weaken his Friends and strengthen his Enemies; treating in Leagues with Foreign Princes, that were excommunicated by the Apostolic Sea, which negotiation was so managed, as the result was not published, but it was publicly rumoured amongst the Common people, that he had not the effects of his desire; yet the Cardinal returned cheerfully to the Pope, and it was reported that he did say, he had such answer from the King and Queen Mother as was not fit to be published.  
The King for a secure mannagement of the Wars against the King of Spain, 
The King's strange plot to surprise Rochel.  gave Commission to Strozzi, and the Baron de li Guard, to rig forth ships from Burgess and Rochel, and to surprise any Vessels that were going through the English Seas to the aid of the Duke of Alva, in the Low-countrieses; the Spanish Ambassador complains hereof, but these two Captains had secretly and privately an underhand Commission to seize on Rochel, and by open or secret force, to get into their power for his Majesty, although all was carried fair on against the Duke of Alva.  
The King also gave command to the Admiral to send Spials into Peru, and Island in the New found World (which being plentiful of Gold, the Spaniard had possessed himself thereof) and there to attempt what he could against the King of Spain; which business, according to his Majesty's command, the Admiral undertook, committing it to one of his Gentlemen, who with a certain Portugal, skilful in those navigations he had joined in Commission.  

The King heaps unexpressible favours on the Admiral and Friends.  Now the King heaped unexpressable favours on the Admiral, Count Rochfoucault, and Theligni, with the rest of the principal Protestants, and chief Noblemen of the Religion; for what ever was taken from any of them in time of the Civil Wars, was now most lovingly restored by the King's command; and if any one that the King could learn was a friend to the Admiral, to him he did show singular respect, even to the height of an unimaginable dissimulaeion. He commanded one time to be given to the Admiral one hundred thousand pounds of his own treasury in recompense of his great losses.  
When the Cardinal of Chastillon (formerly fled to England disguised, and having great Revenues and Wealth) his death being known to the King, he did give to the Admiral all the fruits of the whole year, with all his rich and costly Householdstuff: and though all former Admirals in Council, and public Ceremonies, had ever given place to the Marshal of France, yet for the Admiral's greater honour, it was the Kings will and pleasure that he should sit next Monseiur de Momorancy, who was the first Marshal, and above all the rest.  

The K. desires the Duke of Savoy to favour the Protestants  The King also writes to the Duke of Savoy, that for his sake he would please to be favourable to the Protestants under his Dominion, & it should lie upon him as an acceptable favour.  
It is not to be thought what kindnesses the King shown to the Protestants, even to the great amazement of the Catholics, and rejoicing of the Protestants, 
The K. so far dissembles, that by his show of respects to the Protestants the Catholics suspect him.  who poor souls thought all true that he said; but this love proved bitter hatred, like Judas kiss, nay the King did so carry it, that the Catholics began to surmise, and say, that the King did not only favour the Protestants, but would himself turn one shortly.  
And in regard there was a mighty enmity betwixt the Duke of Guise, and the Admiral, by reason of a report fixed on the Admiral, as if he should be an instrument of his Father's death; 
The Admiral and Duke of Guise reconciled, and the Admiral declared not guilty of the Duke of Guise's death.  the King therefore to make up all breaches, and in order to a perfect peace, he prescribes a perfect form of Reconciliation (the foundations whereof was laid six years ago in the Town of Molins) where the King summoning the principal estates of his Kingdom, did on consultation and deliberation; declare and pronounce the Admiral not guilty of the death of the Duke Guise: a thing his Majesty was before bound in conscience to do, but now was acted and done as a piece of good policy; this block being taken away as an advance for the Admiral to the Court.  
But as we said before, the most solemn bond and tie for a secure peace, is the Lady Margarite, Sister to the King of France, to be given in marriage to the Prince of Navarre, who was Son to the most virtuous Queen of Navar. who also had all the last civil war been General of the Protestant Cause, and courageously defended it to his Eternal Praise; which marriage the King did declare, That he did it for the effecting and establishing a durable peace, and as a signal testimony of his loyal affections to the Protestants.  
And yet in the mean while the Papists in Rouen murdered divers Protestants, and grievously beat others as they came from a Sermon. 
Many Protestants murdered in Rouen.   
And in regard that it was objected, That the King of France his Sister was of the Roman Religion, and the Prince of Navarre a Protestant, it could not well be effected to a good purpose; To which the King answered he would free her by a Dispensation from the Pope, that no Impediment might stand in the way to so great a good, as a sure peace betwixt him and his Subjects, nothing being more delightful or desired by him.  
As soon as this was spread to the Courts of Foreign Princes, it did amaze the Popish Party, that ever the King should proceed in behalf of Heretics. But on the contrary it did exceedingly possess the hearts of the Prince, 
The K. plot takes effect  and Admiral, and all foreign Princes of the same Religion, with exceeding joy, being such a large demonstration of the King's affection, and as a Seal of fidelity to all he promised, and did also drive out of their hearts all jealousies of plots, or secret Contrivances; but the Admiral which had most reason, and was most backward to believe all real, yet he at this time was now most forward to believe, and most ready to be confirmed, not only by this, but also by a Letter which the King sent him by his Son Theligni, 
The Admiral at last persuaded and deluded by a Letter from the King.  under the Kings own hand and Seal, assuring the Admiral, That whatever he should do in the Business of the war in the Low Countries against the King of Spain, should be by his Majesty allowed of and ratified, as if done by his special command, such was his alluring baits, and pretences of good will and trust to the Admiral.  
And thus the poor Protestant Princes are too much persuaded of the King's faith, who intended their ruin without remedy; we shall shortly see them come to Paris, and embrace the mountains of treacherous pretences of faith and affection, and so be swallowed up in their Enemies malicious and unparallelled cruelty, for all the huge promises of the Kings stood but as an Earnest till their plot was ripe, and then they are more swift to shed blood, than real to what they promise, and truly such a piece of Kingly tteachery is not in any age to be parrallelled.   

CHAP. VI  
The Contents.  
THe Queen and Prince of Navarre, with the Prince of Conde, comes to Court; the Articles of the War of the Low Countries put in writing; the Marriage between the Lady Margarite and Prince of Navarre agreed on; the King heaps honours on the Admiral and friends; the King invites the Admiral to Court, and protests his own life is enveloped in his; a cross in derision of the Protestants is pulled down by his Majesty's command; the Plot almost discovered by a lively instance; the King threatens severe punishment to any that shall affront the Admiral or Protestants; the Admiral comes to Court, and welcomed; the King allows 50. for his Guard; the Count Lodowick of Nassaw, enters the Low Countries, and takes in Montz; A league offensive and defensive with Queen Elizabeth of England, but proved a deep plot; the Queen of Navarre poisoned by the King's Apothecary, by whose death the Prince is King of Navarre; the joyful and bloody marriage of the King of Navarre, and the Lady Margarite; the King's plot to take Rochel; the names of the Protestants in Lions is taken in a bloody Book; sad complaints cometh to the Admiral, and great suspicion of a bloody Massacre at hand, but he believed it not; the Admiral from a Window shot in both Arms with a Harquebuzier as he walked in Paris; the King in great rage dissembles his treachery, but publishes his hypocrisy by a show of grief and discontent; he that shot the Admiral escapes, having fresh horses waiting for him; the Admiral shows himself a true Christian, and patiented sufferer; the matter examined by Judges, and the Issue; he that shot the Admiral had commission from the King for it; the Admiral like to die requests the King's visit; the King and Queen Mother with many Attendants perform his request; they profess sorrow, and dissemble wonderfully; the King and Admiral discourse alone; the Admiral commits his injuries to the Lord; the King entreats the Admiral to lodge in the Louvre; the Admiral refuses; a great suspicion of Treason by a sudden speech of the Count de Retz in the Protestants hearing; the Admiral requested a Guard for his person, which the King grants; the Admiral and Protestants advised of their ruin, but they depended on the King's promises, carriages, marriage, and solemn Oaths for their security and safety.  
THe last Chapter concluded with the great favours of the King to the Protestants, whereby he had so won into their affections, and to persuade them all he said was true, and to embrace his cruelty for loyalty▪ now in this chapter we shall see the effects of his desires accomplished; for we shall behold all the Nobles of the Protestant Religion, and Princes, with the most of the Gentry, environed in Paris by the Treacherous baits of the King's allurements.  

The Queen of Navarre with her Son the Prince, and the Prince of Conde, with a numerous train of the Nobility & Gentry of the Protestants all come to the Court with many brave Commanders. But Oh! my heart bleeds to think of the bloody issue.  In the beginning of June, the Queen of Navarre, and Count Lodowick of Nassaw arrived at the French Court at Paris, the Count came to receive orders about the War in the Low Countries; the Queen of Navarre was courteously invited by the King to help prepare all things fitting for the Wedding, who to that purpose came, and was received with a joyful welcome, both of the King and whole Court; but as now we see their faces smiling with a good aspect, so we shall shortly see their hearts full of poison.  
Two days after arrives the Prince of Navarre, the Prince of Conde, accompanied with the Count de Rochfoucault with all the Trains of the Princes, being the chief Commanders, Cavaliers and Gentlemen of the Religion; amongst which was brave Pills, Briquemault, and Pluveault. Colonels and resolute Soldiers, who in time of the War, through their undaunted and resolute valour for the Protestant cause, may challenge a right of honour amongst the prime in France; their courage being such as their Enemies yielded to them much glory and renown, as well as felt the power thereof. Amongst the rest also, came to Court that famous Commander the Sicur de Guerchy, that defended the City Sancere, where all miseries were endured, and their enemies cruel mercy; a place which was driven to such extreme wants, as no filthy thing was left unfed upon; also came the Marquis de Revel, the Sieurs de Nove, de Collumbiere; one Lavardin a famous Commander of Horse; with many Noble Lords, and gallant young Gentlemen, all Protestants, in the Bud of their years, with a great many more ●f quality and reputation; but alas we shall see these poor innocent Gentlemen basely murdered by the King's command, and so deprived of all that Gallantry, which their sprightful valour promised to fill the World withal.  

Articles of the Low Country war put in writing.  The Count of Nassaw had with the King concluded on Articles for the Low Country war, which Articles were put in writing: So that we may say the King used the Count and the Prince of Orange in this War, as the Monkey did the Cat's foot to pull the Chessnuts out of the fire.  

Articles of the marriage.  And now to the marriage of the Lady Margaret, and Prince of Navarre, the agreement being made, That the Prince of Navarre should have with the Lady Margaret four hundred thousand Ducats, whereof three hundred thousand should be paid by the King, and security given by the Queen Mother, and the Duke of Anjou; the marriage to be in the City of Paris; and now Christian Reader the plot gins; The King advances a Gentleman of the Admirals to high Honour, his name Cavagnes, a Gentleman of great Worth and really honourable in himself, for excellent parts, and no less valour, whom the King, 
The Admiral entreated by the K. to come to Court.  the better to work his Designs, sends as Messenger to the Admiral, to entreat his presence at Paris, in order to honour the King and Court in this marriage, as also to consult about the War against the King of Spain, assuring him, that the King intends his safety in that City as much as his own; and that although the Parisians did cordially hate him by reason of their great superstition in that City, being with seditious preaching of Monks and Friars daily inflamed to cruelty, and bloodshed against the Protestants, yet his Majesty would take such care of his person, as he should be as safe as the watchful eye and command of a King would make him  

A stone Cross pulled down by the K. command at the Admiral's request.  The King finding a stone cross erected in Paris in a reproachful Triumph against the Protestants in time of the Civil Wars, did at the request of the Admiral pull it down, in regard it was a public occasion of offence. And thus the King and his Council were hid with the love-hood of secrecy, that whilst they could see others, others could not see them. But alas God can easily discover all their close contrivances when he pleases; but it must be let alone to the secret will of God, why at this time he was pleased to let his people, and the Earth be burdened and oppressed with such hellish designs, that one would think should make Devils afraid to contrive; but however, God suffered them to act their lustful rage and bloody cruelty, yet he pleased so to unmask the pretences of friendship, that in despite of Worldly secrecy, the whole Universe may perceive the plot of Popish cruelty.  
This wonderful and Tragical instance will clearly evince any Impartial Reader, and if there were no other, yet would it stand alone, as an irrefragable Argument, that there was a premeditated plot to cut off the Admiral and Protestants; which story for the strangeness of the Discovery, and the Kings more strange way of Justice to prevent the further spreading of his plot, take as followeth, and because of its use, I hope may prove no digression.  

The secret design of the K. and Council to destroy the Protestants is almost discovered in this clear and pretty Story.  There was in the Court of France at this came one Monsieur de Lignoroles, a young Gentleman of a sharp and acute wit, attended also with a high and bold Spirit, which Gentleman was the Duke of Anjou's great Familiar, which reason, together with the nearness of affection to each other, the Duke did impart to him the secret Counsels of the King, with this Plot of cutting off all the Protestants, by a fair pretence of an alluring carriage, till they were under his power and mercy.  
This young Gentleman by his great intimacy with the Duke, grew also into high favour with the King and Queen Mother, and for his wit and carriage, drew the eyes of all the Court towards him; attracting great esteem from King, Queen Mother, and Court. This unfortunate Gentleman, more happy in the employment, than wise in the improvement of his parts; who being in the high Road of Honour, wanted but few steps to a high preferment, which time, and his wise mannagement would necessarily have courted him with, and conferred on him, This Gentleman (I say) happened by his great esteem to be admitted to the presence of the King and Nobles; and once on a time when many Nobles of the Religion were present with his Majesty, through some occasion of a Treaty for a peaceable enjoyment of freedom of Religion according to the Edict.  
At this time the King was highly moved with the Protestant Nobility; this young Gentleman, seeing the King angry, presently stepped to the King, and whether to please the King, or to let his Majesty know he was thought worthy of counsel, by the great trust some had put him in, or moved by ambition to appear no stranger to the King's nearest secrecies, which sometimes in young wits many times runs before a discreet conduct of their advantages; But he (I say) whispers in the King's ear, Desiring his Majesty that he would please to silence his mind, with a patiented forbearance of anger, and to smile away their insolency and folly, for his Majesty well knew that few days would ripen their destruction, and lay them levelly to justice, which says he, by a secret policy of your Majesty's great Wisdom and complete contrivance, was almost brought to a full conclusion last meeting; and which no doubt in the end will speedily, and securely, render your Majesty in a full and ample capacity to be avenged on their haughtiness.  
The King at these words startled within himself, being touched at the quick to have such a secret imparted to one that was not of the conspiracy, whose raw retention might prove fatal to them all; wondering how, and by what means, he should come to the knowledge thereof.  
Now the King in whom lodged a knowledge beyond his years, dissembled his understanding at this time, and made no show of any thing that might tend to the understanding of his speech; but speedily retired to his chamber, with a mind full of anxity and fury, and presently without any delays examines the Count de Retz, who denies that ever he revealed any thing to any or to him; he than charged the Queen Mother, who answered she was not to learn of him to keep secrets; at last he fell to examine the Duke of Anjou, who confessed it, and fell to persuade the King, that it was as securely locked from any further discovery, as in his own breast; and like a Spring lock would shut but not open of itself; That his Majesty need not fear that any secret imparted to Ligneroles should ever come nearer his mouth than his heart; the King answers, No more it shall, and I wish it had never come there, for I shall take order that he shall not have time to do it.  
So the King calls George de Villequier, Viscount of Guerchy (whom his Majesty knew hated Ligneroles perfectly) and commanded him to use his Discretion for a speedy removal of Ligneroles out of this world, and to put off the effecting his desire no longer, and that day to bring to pass his pleasure, and command, without fear or delay, which with the Assistance of another, was accordingly done; as soon as the King heard hereof, he was seemingly angry, and commanded the Viscount, and Count Charles his assistant, to be imprisoned in the Palace, but in a Month's time, by the entreaty of Monsieur de Angolesm, as also by particular grace and favour, they were set at Liberty.  
This Story needs no Comment.  

The King charges the Magistrates of Paris, that none in the City should offer the least affront to the Admiral or Protestants.  After all the King's favours to the Protestants and pulling down the stone Cross, erected to their dishonour; the King knowing the extreme inveterate hate the Parisians bore to the Admiral and Protestants, he wrote a Letter to the Provost de marchand's, one Marcel, which is one of the highest places of advancement in Paris, giving out severe threaten against any that should give occasion of commotion, or Affront to the Admiral at his coming; So also did the Queen Mother, and Duke of Anjou writ to Marcel, and Magistrates of the City, insomuch that nothing was now left as a hindrance or objection for the Admiral's coming and safety.  

The King sends a Protestant Gentleman to invite the Admiral to Court who comes and is joyfully welcomed.  Shortly after the King sends a Noble Gentleman of the Protestants, named Briquemault, to the Admiral, being a faithful assistant of the Admirals, as also a man of singular virtue, and esteem among the Protestants, and at last proved a sad, though Christian, Sufferer for the Protestant cause, him the King sends to the Admiral, to let him know, how greatly his Majesty longed for his counsel, in so weighty a business as the War, which could not be done without his assistance, and present aid of his great Wisdom; and therefore was impatient of his delay. The Admiral at last is now persuaded and resolved to go to Paris; he comes, and no sooner arrived, but was very honourably and affectionately embraced, with a courteous and joyful show of welcome, and so was speedily conducted to the King, who under fair pretences of friendly ends, with a mouth full of courtesy; with well pleased words, and a worse tuned heart; with courteous expressions baited with Treason, he calls the Admiral Father, protesting, That in all his life he had not enjoyed a day adorned with more variety of content t'had this day was, 
The King's unheard of and devilish dissimulation.  wherein he assures himself than his real desires of peace, and the success thereof, shall for the time to come, shelter under one Penthouse, and lodge under the roof of a sweet tranquillity; and that he hopes a period will be put to all his troubles, not questioning, but all as well as himself, were no less glad in this expectation; hoping that times to come would reap the future, as the times now the present benefit, of this blessed day; wherein he wished, and as much hoped, that all former acts of civil dissensions should new be put in one grave of oblivion; in remembrance of the sad war past, and Commemoration of this Sunshine day present.  
Now what a wonderful thing it is to consider, that the King should so perfectly dissemble with one that had so often brought the power of his Crown and Kingdom to so many doubtful hazards, as to call him Father, and to make the World think his treachery to be sincerity.  
The Queen Mother and her Sons, with the rest of the great Courtiers, received him with greater demonstrations of joy and love than the Admiral expected.  

The King allows the Admiral 50. of his Friends to guard him.  The King also allowed him fifty Gentlemen to be about him in Paris, armed for the greater security and guard of his person.  
Now the King, Queen Mother, and Admiral falls on consultation about the Wars of the Low Countries.  
But however the King was in jest with the King of Spain, yet the Count Lodowick of Nassaw, was in good earnest; who with a resolution according to his Manly spirit, he enters the Frontiers of the Low Countries, 
The Count of Nassaw enters the Low Countries, and takes in Montz.  taking with him as Partners and assistants, three French Gentlemen, Saucourt, La Nove, and Genlis, men of great esteem and account with the Admiral, besides many Gentlemen that they gathered to go along in the Expedition; which the Admiral hearing, advised the Count not to be too rash, well assuring him that such strength as was requisite, would take forty days to gather; but the Count, as banished men are, being inflamed with the sight and desire of his own Country, and desirous not to depend too much on the King's changeable mind, suddenly resolved, and as speedily attempted to take in Valentiennes, but finding a repulse, speedily hasted to Montz, and though strong by nature and Art, yet took it, which coming to the ears of the Court of France, and the whole nation, did the more confirm the Protestants, that the King's mind was real.  
Now Genlis being from the Count to Paris, related the whole progress of the War to the King, desiring leave to raise certain bands of footmen and Horsemen, to strengthen Montz, which being quickly granted, he as speedily raised four thousand foot, and four hundred horse, but in his March was set upon by the Duke of Alva, and quite overthrown, which was wrought by the treacherous advice of the Duke of Guise, 
The treachery of the Duke of Guise.  by private intelligence to the Duke of Alva●, of all that was done, which thing was very ill resented by the very Catholics themselves, because many of the Romish religion were slain in the business.  

The King of France: is afraid that his war in jest, might make the King of Spain war in earnest.  These things troubled the King very much, for fear his counsels might be disclosed to the King of Spain, and so might occasion some quarrel, to the breaking forth of a War; yet he gave order to the Admiral to assist the Prince of Orange in Germany with as many horse and foot as he thought fit; which was done, and because moneys might be had for their pay, the King called for the Treasurer, and commanded him to deliver the Admiral so much money as he should desire, commanding him that the receipt should not express the cause, 
Great dissimulation by the K.  but should run thus, Paid such a Sum to the Admiral by the King's Commandment, which is for certain uses the King commands should not be written; to which the King subscribes with his own hand; the King wrote a Letter also to Monducet, to use his best endravour for the release of those taken under the conduct of Genlis, by the Duke of Alva.  
To the full effecting of their desire, 
A League with Q. Elizabeth of England, and the first Article was, the observation of the Edict, but it proves a deep plot against the Protestants, and ties the hands of the English from all assistance in their greatest need and extremity.  it was thought convenient to enter into League with Queen Elizabeth of England, which the King committed to the Admiral, which he did so diligently and industriously handle, that by his elaborate pains, in a speedy time, By faith given, by Ambassadors sent, and by Oaths it was confirmed, concerning a further procuring of other Leagues, as might most stand for the Low Country War, and of those Leagues by the Admiral's care, the principal Condition, was, That the Liberty of Religion should be continued according to the Edict, and that the King should most solemnly observe, and keep his most sacred Oath and Promise, so strictly made for Liberty to the Protestants, according to the Edict of Pacification.  
And now, 
The Religious Q. of Navarre poisoned by the K. Apothecary, a sad presage of further treachery.  Courteous Reader, I must give thee a sad Taste of what follows, like one of Jobs Messengers, for the Queen of Navarre being all this while at Court, thinking of a joyful Marriage of her hopeful Son, it pleased God to permit a sudden sickness, and as sudden a death in the forty third year of her age, who being on too good grounds suspected to be poisoned, was therefore opened by Physicians, but they would find no figures of poison, but by more narrow search in earnest, and by the advice of one A. P. it was found, That her brain was poisoned with an envenomed smell of a pair of perfumed Gloves, ordered by one Renat, an Italian, and the King's Apothecary, who kept a shop on St. Michael's bridge in Paris, near to the Palace.  
And it is well known that the same Renat, some certain years ago, gave a pair of poisoned Pomander Gloves to Lewis Prince of Conde, which the Prince leaving with one Lafoy Gross, his Chirurgeon, was by degrees poisoned and swelled so, that the wonderfully and narrowly escaped with his life.  
But these Gloves that poisoned this virtuous Queen, were ordered in such a secret sort, and just proportion, that having worn them a while, a violent Fever seized on her, which ended her life in four days.  
And thus died this Noble Queen, bewailed exceedingly by all the Protestants, for I find her Enemies say, 
The Queen of Navarre in part described.  She was a Lady of a noble Spirit, invincible courage, many degrees above most of her Sex; qualities besides her Chastity and Magnificence, worthy Eternal praise.  
She was one that dived into the deep Mysteries of Divinity, which raised her illustrious mind to a high pitch of Christianity; being also very judicious, of a ready wit, invincible in adversity, absolute in her actions, capable of Counsel, comprehending things with great vivacity of Spirit, delivering her mind with an admirable grace, either by word or writing, her comprehension of deep things was of a triple magnitude above any of her sex; neither can my pen drop her praise, but her infinite merits, and if it were possible for any pen to erect Trophies of Honour to the peerless challenges of her immortal praise, the lustre of her incomparable merits would be the truest guide in the darkest night.  
This noble Queen's Death gave way to the Prince her Son to be King of Navarre, 
The Q. death entitles her Son the P. to be K. of Navar.  to whom the Kingdom came.  
This unhappy death was looked on by many as very ominous, portending a sure prognostic of some unfortunate Catastrophe, many b'ing struck with amazement at this sudden treochery, and bloody death; concluding it to be a sad Forerunner of some mischief to come.  
But that which made many Protestants cast away all fear, was the King's loving carriage to them, insomuch that things at this time looked with a peaceable countenance throughout the Kingdom of France.  
Now the day of marriage between the Lady Margaret, and the King of Navarre was appointed; which was a great day of joyful hopes to all the Protestants, and made all things seem more serene and calm on their side; in that also the Guisans, and the rest of the chief Catholics, shown great discontent thereat; for all good men judged it an assured pledge of the King's fidelity, and of peace, in as much as he shown such outward joy, and declared, It was not so much for the wedding, as that he said it was for a strong knot of Peace, and would tend to a general satisfaction of peaceable Spirits, and for the Good of the whole Nation.  
August the 17. the King of Navarre, 
The K. of Navarre and Lady Margarite married with great joy on both sides, but greater sorrow succeeds.  and the Lady Margaret, was married with great Solemnity before the great Church of Paris, on a Scaffold, in sight of all the People; and there was a certain form of words, so ordered as agreed with both parties, which by the King's commandment was pronounced by the Cardinal of Bourbon, the King of Navars Uncle; and so was this marriage solemnised with the joy of all good men, being kept with Banquets, dancing and Masques, with a strange mixture of Papists, and Protestants together.  
Thus the poor Protestants thought with joy to welcome their own comforts, but alas their hopes are frustrate in a contrary success of their expectations, and the King's promises.  
After this the Bride with great magnificence, accompanied with a great confluence of Gallants, was led to the Church to hear mass, The Bridegroom misliking these Ceremonies, did with Henry Prince of Conde, the Admiral, and other Noblemen of the Protestants, walk, and wait without the Church door for the Bride's return.  

The Queen Mother & Dukes of Anjou & Guise plot.  But the Queen Mother, and her bloody Companions, with the Dukes of Anjou and Guise, consult about the last Tragical act; which was to kill the Admiral, and to divide the Protestants; thus-like moles, under ground, they drive on their Hellish designs in Secrecy.  
The King, to delude the more, speaks publicly, 
The K. publicly declares, that he gives his Sister in Marriage as a ty of Union and peace. The Admiral of the King's fleet endeavours to surprise Rochel.  That he gives not his Sister in marriage to the King of Navarre only, but as it were to the whole Church of the Protestants, to join with them in a undissoluble union; and as a ty to their peace and safety; Oh! painted ruin; whither at last will the fury of thy bloody Chariots drive thee?  
Now while these things proceeded thus at Paris, Strozzi as aforesaid, Admiral of the King's Fleet, rides before Rochel, and at select times sends Captains and Soldiers into the Town, under pretence of buying necessaries for their Fleet, and sometimes did come ashore himself, but the King had given him Commission to seize on the City, although, as before it was given out, that he say to entrap all the supplies going from Spain to the aid of the Duke of Alva in the Low Countries.  
The like Treachery was used in another part of France, by Gonzague Duke of Nevers, with a party of Horse near to La Charite, where a bridge passes the River Loire; which the Protestants then had; 
The protestants at Lions had their names put in a bloody Book,  this Gonzague requests Liberty of the Town to muster, showing the K. Letters, which indeed he had.  
The Governor of Lions, commanded: he names of the Protestants to be written in a Book, which in regard of their Horrid cruelties committed, and devilish Bucheries committed in this City, was justly called the bloody Book.  
The Admiral, 
The Admiral desires to departed Paris, but the K. desired his stay, which on some other grounds he did, but sad complaints, and great suspicion of treason came to his cars, but he believes it not.  after the marriage (being then the time he appointed and desired to return to his own house) did move the King about his departure; but so great was the Court revel, that the Admiral coul not have private access to his Majesty to deal in State-matters. Rochel at this time was in a manner besieged with Soldiers, arriving hourly, giving out terrible threats against the Town; which made the Protestants begin to cry to the Admiral for succour, and relief (for indeed the Admiral was as a nursing Father to them) in other Towns also was heard secret murmur, terrifying the most clear-sighted Protestants, giving too sure cause to think a bloody and terrible spectacle would be showed beyond present conception, which will shortly be seen in a horrible manner.  
The Admiral knew not what to answer to all these sad complaints, that uncessantly flowed in, as one wave on the back of another, and all to get him from the Court. He answered to all, the King had made us swear before him to be Friends; the Lady Margaret is given in marriage, and doubtless is a firm pledge of the King's fidelity, what can be done more? is not all clear from the least suspicion of fraud? yet he resolved to departed, only waited for a fit opportunity to take leave.  
But the Deputies that were sent from the Reformed Churches, complained of the cruelties still committed on the Protestants, and understanding of the Admiral's intentions to departed, they apply themselves with all speed to him, and delivering him their books and petitions, they earnestly beseech him not to absent from the Court till he had pleaded the cause of the Churches, and delivered their petitions to the King and Council. Hereupon he resolves, like a good Advocate, to stay a while and plead their cause.  
But there was another great cause of the Admiral's stay; for there was on arriers to the Ruttiers of Germany great sums of money for their service under the Admiral during the Wars; in which he laboured earnestly to effect. But oh! I tremble to enter into the ensuing narrative, so full of inhuman and cruel bloodshed; oh! that I could enough bewail the sad fate of these poor innocent souls, led as sheep to the slaughter; to consider that so many brave Commanders that scorned any other death than like Soldiers, must now suffer base murders, and bloody slaughters; oh! lamentable, and to be pitied of all Protestants, nay, and of ingenuous Papists, that so many innocent children, and women, should suffer for they know not what; for we shall shortly see all the Protestants of France in mourning, and following the Hearse of their own Ruin, in the Papists unparallelled cruelty.  

The Admiral coming from Court: with a: great train of Nobles and Gentlemen is treacherously shot in both the Arms with a Harqurbuss.  These businesses being the occasions of the Admiral's stay, he did on the 22. day of August repair to the King's Privy Council to effect his desire, which day was the fifth day after the King of Navars marriage, but about noon returning from the Council with a great number of Noblemen and Gentlemen, reading a petition as he went, was shot thorough both arms with two bullets by a Harquebuzier out of a Window, who feeling himself shot showed no alteration of countenance, saying only, through yonder window it came, what kind of treachery is this?  

It was no news to the King to know his will and command was performed.  The Admiral speedily sends to the King a Gentleman of his company to give notice of it; who being at Tennis with the Duke of Guise, shown such dislike, as that in a rage he threw away the Racket that he played withal, being exceedingly and outwardly vexed, and taking with him his Brother in Law the King of Navarre, he retires into the Castle of the Lour; the King swearing and promising to execute such severe justice upon the offenders, 
Deep hypocrisy.  that the Admiral and all his Friends should think themselves exceedingly satisfied.  

The King causes the City gates to be shut, pretending lest the Murderer should escape, but indeed was lest the Protestants should escape their cruelty.  The King therefore to delude the Admiral and Protestants, caused all the Gates of the City to be shut, except two only, which were pretended to be open for bringing in provision; yet there was careful watch kept by a strong Guard, with a colour of singular care of his Majesty to find out the Murderer, and that if he were in the City he might by no means escape, but the truth was, lest any of the Protestants should escape this cruel plot laid for their blood by getting out of the City, or net of destruction; the King swearing and blaspheming, that he would not by any means that they should escape, which had committed such a horrid act; those that durst presume to commit such a heinous crime, even at the gates of his Royal Palace. The Queen Mother also seems discontented, for says she, Who would have thought any one's impudence could arrive so high as this affront, to the great prejudice of his Majesty, and if ever the King suffer this to go unpunished, in the end the next attempt will be on his Royal person.  
But alas, alas! for a King, Queen, and Court so to dissemble, as if there were no God that could see into their hearts, and discover to the World, that this was done by the King's special command and commission, as we shall shortly see it was.  
Presently after the Admiral was shot, some Gentlemen of his retinue entered by force and violence, into the house from whence the shot was; where they find only the woman of the House, and a Boy, that was his lackey which did the deed, finding also a Harquebus lying upon the Table in the Chamber from whence it was shot, but the wretched villain they found not, for that he was fled out of the back Gate, 
Fresh horses prepared at several gates to speed away the Murderer with security.  and so mounted on a Spanish Jennet, which was waiting for him, he speedily posted to St. Anthony's Gate, where another fresh horse assisted his more swift flight, and if he had gone to Marcelles gate, there was also another waiting for him.  
Now the King to persuade the Princes, Admiral, and all the Protestants, that he was really sorry, and how much it was against his will (though God knows to his great satisfaction and inward content) he commands sundry to post out into all parts to pursue him. 
Set a thief to catch a thief.   

The Admiral shows himself a good Christian and patiented sufferer.  Now the Admiral being safely conveyed to his lodging, shown great piety, according to his Godly soul, filled with grace and prudence, most like a constant and true Christian, and faithful, holy servant of Christ. The Prince of Conde, and King of Navarre, had thought to have departed Paris; but the King's carriage leveled all suspicious thoughts, and so turned their resolutions to a longer stay at Court.  

Three Judges to examine the murder.  At request of the King of Navarre and Prince of Conde the King (to dissemble with more facility) did order three principal men of the Parliament of Paris, Thuan, Morsant, and Viol, to examine the business, whereupon it was found that the House belonged to one Villimure a Priest and Cannon of St. German, once the Duke of Guise his Schoolmaster, and now a retainer under him. That the woman that was in the house, being brought before the Judges, did acknowledge, that a few days before there came to her one Chally, once a Master de Hostel of the Duke of Guise's house, and now Steward of the King's household, commanding her to respect much the man, that had done the deed, and to lodge him in Villumures own bedchamber, in regard he was his Friend.  
Several speeches there was concerning the person that did it; some said it was one Manrevel, who in the last Civil War traitorously flew his own Captain, a most valiant Commander, and Noble Gentleman in the Admiral's Army, and thereupon immediately fled to the Kings Camp.  
Others said it was Bondot, an Archer of the King's Guard; Now when this confession of the Woman of the house aforesaid, was brought to the King, he commanded Monsieur de Nance Captain of his Guard, to apprehend and bring Chally before him, but Chally as soon as he heard the stroke of the piece, fled into the King's Castle of the Louvre, hiding himself in the Duke of Guise's chamber, but as soon as he heard of the King's command, he fled; Now De Nance, Captain of the King's guard, being informed of his escape (and no doubt was himself the Informer) answered that Chally was a Gentleman of good repute, and no doubt but on notice given of the King's mind, would appear before his Majesty or the Magistrates.  

The man that shot the Admiral, had commission from the K. to do it. Ob horrible! The Admiral in danger of death desires the K. visit.  But not to hold the Reader longer, I find it recorded by the most exact Narration, that it was Manrevel, one whom the Duke of Guise had at his request to the King, and by his Commission procured, to kill the Admiral, which at large is fully related in the Civil wars of France.  
The Admiral now wounded, and under the Chirurgeons hands, dressing his wounds, commanded his Son Teligny to go to the King, and humbly to beseech his Majesty in behalf of his Father to vouchsafe him a visit, for that the wounds lately received were likely to terminate his life, and put a short period to his days; desiring therefore to see his Majesty, and deliver something to his care that might greatly concern his Majesty's safety. 
The K. Q. Mother, & many other visit the Admiral.  To which the King in his wont strain of courtesy answered, He would perform his request, and so in the afternoon the King goes to visit the Admiral, taking along with him the Queen Mother, the Duke of Anjou, the Duke of Monpenseir, a most affectionate Servant to the Church of Rome, the Count de Retz a great familiar of the Queen Mothers, with Chavigny and Entragny, both chief Ringleaders in the bloody Butchery following: the King no sooner arrives at the Admiral's lodging, but he lovingly saluted the Admiral, demanding kindly and courteously some few questions concerning the state and health of his body, to which the Admiral answered with such a Christian, mild, and sweetly-quieted countenance with God's dealing, as all that stood by, admired at his patience. The King hereupon seemed to be so much moved, that he uttered these words, The hurt my Admiral is done to thee, but the dishonour to me; and (swearing a great Oath) says, 
The K. by a deep oath protests to revenge the Admirals Hurt,  I swear I will so sharply and severely revenge both this hurt and dishonour, that justice shall have no cause to complain, nor the World left without example of my integrity to your deserts.  
And so made many Oaths, and Protestations of the Resolutions to punish the Offender, as also of his great care he had to preserve the Protestants, and the Admiral's life, against all his Enemies; but oh! these pretences of friendship will at last prove a smiling harlot, that whilst she kisses is like Judas to betray.  
The King further demanded of the Admiral how he did approve of the Judges, who had Commission by his appointment to examine the business, who answered, that he could not dislike of his Majesty's care and choice, yet humbly entreated his Majesty to let it stand with his good pleasure, that Cavagnes might be in Council with them; but the wrong he told his Majesty he had committed to God, yet desired his Majesty would give order for a strict search, and narrow scrutiny into the fact, which the King again with his usual Protestations, vowed to do, and to revenge his wrong as much as his own.  

The K. and Admiral being alone the Admiral declares much faithfulness to the King.  The Queen Mother and her two Sons withdrew, and left the Admiral and King alone; the Admiral began to advise the King to remember, that he had often told his Majesty of the danger that hovered over his head, by some persons near to him, and although he was the mark was shot at, yet there was no less hanging over his Majesty's head, and that long ago there was treason plotted against his Life, which his Majesty might please to take notice of as friendly advice, and to beware betimes; And further declared, that now God was pleased to give large symptoms of the decay of his earthly tabernacle, and he doubted that his good name would be hoisted up to the pinnacle of envious slander by his Enemies, and that he often told his Majesty the real Authors of all the late distractions of the Civil War, faithfully opening the causes thereof, and that he took God to be his witness of his faithful and cordial heart to the King and Kingdom, and he never yet knew what was in this world dearer than his Country, and public safety; all which Discourse the Admiral before his death, declared to be spoken betwixt him and his Majesty.  

The King desires the Admiral to lodge in the Louvre for his security, but was indeed in policy to secure his life, and levelly it to his bloody will.  To all which the King after such answer as he thought fit, with a high voice desired the Admiral to take protection in his own Castle of the Louvre, wherein his security should be equally envell oped with his own; and this he wished might be embraced, for fear some sudden commotion might happen from the rabble of that mad and tumultuous people; which was a speech preparatory for the plot, and yet so much were these poor Protestants blinded in their strange belief of the King's protestations, and not suspecting what followed, that they never understood the treacherous intent of these prepared Pills of Hellish Dissimulation.  

The Admiral refused his gilded pretexts of love and care for his ruin. A great token of of treason.  The Admiral most hearty thanked his Majesty, and excusing his non-acceptance at present till advice had with his Physicians, which when he received, it was by them all concluded to be not safe, in regard the least motion would increase his pain, and so it was resolved not to stir.  
The Count de Retz, turned to some of the Admiral's Friends in the Chamber, saying, it were to be wished the Admiral would follow the King's loving invitation to lodge in the Louvre, for it was to be feared that some sudden tumult might arise, that the King might not be able to appease; which was no sooner spoken, but it deeply penetrated the Admiral and all his Friends; and though they had no proof of reason to fear, yet the Admiral desired the King to grant him the favour of a Guard.  

The King grants the Admiral a Guard, and flatters damnably.  To which the King lovingly answered, He should have as firm a guard for his person as he desired. Further saying, that in his safety consisted his own, and that he would defend the Admiral as the hall of his eye, having in admiration his fortitude and constancy, protesting, he did not believe so much valorous courage could reside within the brittle walls of mortality.  
Thus the King, Queen Mother, and the rest carried it with great signs of reality, returning to the Louvre, committing the care and custody of the Admiral to the Duke of Anjou, one of the conspiracy against him.  

The Admiral and Protestants advised to take leave of the Court, and their own ruin, but they trust more to the King's promise than their Friend's advice.  But though the Admiral and Gentlemen about him, saw not the eclipse of the King's treachery, through the deep dissimulation of affection, yet the Vidame of Charteres, a clear-sighted and wise man, through his foresight of a bloody Comet, advised the King of Navarre, the Prince of Conde, and the Admiral, with the Nobility, Gentlemen and chief of the Protestants, presently to take leave of their own ruin in time; which was both too certainly and evidently hanging over their innocent thoughts, assuring them that blow of the Admirals was but the prologue to a more bloody tragedy, which could not but speedily ensue.  
But the King of Navarre, Prince of Conde, the Admiral, with the rest of the Nobility and Gentry of the Protestants, said, That they could not but trust to the King's solemn Oaths, his sacred vows and covenants, as a secure harbour from all threatening and ensuing storms; besides the late marriage, was an evident demonstration of the King's intentions, tying at once, both affinity to the Protestant King of Navarre, and security for his promises.   

CHAP. VII.  
The Contents.  
THe King and Queen Mother by Letters, let the world know how the Admiral was hurt, to their great grief; They order a Guard for the Admiral, but is such a one as secured the Admiral, or any of his Friends, from escaping their ruin; The Gentlemen of the Admiral's Friends lodged in the same Street where the Admiral lodged, which was desired in pretence of their security also, but proved their secure destruction; The names of the Protestants in Paris, with their several Lodgings put into a Catalogue; The Nobles and Gentlemen of the Protestants meet in the Admiral's Chamber, and advises to remove for security from the threaten of an ensuing storm, yet resolve to rely on the King's Oaths, and Promises; The King and Queen Mother assembles to take order for the manner and time of the Admiral's Murder; To colour this plot they order that it must be given out, That the occasion was through the difference betwixt the house of Guise and Chastillon; On Consultation it was resolved to spare the King of Navarre, and Prince of Conde, if they would turn Papists; The Duke of Guise, and his bloody Followers force a strong report to be spread throughout all the City, of their danger by the Admiral and his Adherents, and so complain to the King, and departed the Court in show of discontent, but privately lie in Paris to prosecute his hellish Plot, and the King's command; two thousand men on Sabbath night are commanded by the King to be in arms; The King sends word to the Admiral that he needs not fear, for all was done by his command; Some Protestant Gentlemen proffer to watch all night with the Admiral, but were refused; the Officers of the City Assemble, and are commanded by the King to destroy the Protestants: The tokens to distinguish the murderers from others to be a Napkin about their arms, and a cross on their caps: Divers Lords guard the King all night: The bloody murderers approach the Admiral's Lodging: The Admiral is fearful, yet often silenced his suspicion by as often reiterating the King's Oaths, Promises, Leagues, Covenants, and Law of Nations, etc. They enter his Lodging, kill all they meet with: The Admiral rises, goes to prayer, and commands his Servants to save their lives by flight: They get on the tops of houses, but are pursued and slain: They thrust the Admiral through the body, beat him on the head, shoot him with a Pistol, and wound him the third time, whereof he dies, his body thrown out of the window, the Duke of Guise kicks him on the face with his foot: They cry out Kill, Kill, this is the King's command: The Alarm bell rings to a sad and general Massacre: The Admiral's head cut off and sent to the Pope: All in the Admiral's lodging murdered, among whom two young children of honourable birth: Brave Count Rochfoucault basely murdered: The Admiral's Son basely slain, his Lieutenant fights gallantly for his life, but is slain: many brave Noblemen and Gentlemen basely murdered: they give the plunder to the Soldiers, crying kill, this is the King's command: They spare neither young nor old, but kill women and children, and women with child, till the very streets are covered with dead bodies: nothing to be heard but sad cries and groans of the dying, with cruel shouting of the Murderers: The River died with blood: ten thousand slain this day.  
WE concluded the last chapter with the great preparations of the King, Queen Mother, and Councfl, ro effect their Plot; and yet how they coloured all with a distembling carriage of love too, and sorrow for the Admiral's condition; now in this chapter we shall see the saddest massacre that ever was acted by any Prince, or in any Place.  
Thus we leave the Admiral, basely, cowardly and bloodily wounded, and knew not how to have justice; 
The K. and Q. Mother writ Letters testifying their sorrow for the Admiral's hurt, and yet done by the K. command.  and so lay in his wounds expecting death as the inevitable issue of his Enemy's cruelty.  
Now we shall further see the King's dissimulation, and treachery; for the very same day the Admiral was thus wounded, does the King (the more neatly to colour his own act of treachery, with smooth pretences) writ Letters to Ambassadors of Foreign Princes, and Letters also to the Governors of all his Provinces, showing, How sadly he resented the Admiral's hurt. how ready he was to execute justice in the punishment of the 
a Forgetting himself.  Agent, desiring that all the world might know how much 
b How much it rejoiced his aeart, is no errata.  it did grieve him to the Soul, that any such thing should happen. And yet he ptesently after declares openly, that he was slain by his Command, for treason against his person, as by other Letters we shall show in due place.  
The Queen Mother did also write letters to the same purpose.  
But Christian Reader, when thou perusest the whole story, then wilt thou be able to judge of this deep Hypocrisy before ehe face of God, and as it were against the face of Heaven!  
But to proceed,  

The King order a Guard that the Protestants might not escape their Guard, being their Enemies, an intended for their Ruin.  The Duke of Anjou, the King's Brother, commanded Cozen Captain of the King's Guard to place a band of Soldiers to watch before the Admiral's Gate, giving strict charge that no Catholics should enter.  
Now none could be pitched on as the grand Enemy to the Admiral and Protestants, and friend to the Guisans, than was this Cousin, as we shall see by the following narrative.  

The Admiral's friends that lay scattered up and down the City, were desired under pretence of care and affection to remove their lodging into the same street with the Admiral, that they might be sure not to escape. Oh! Monstrous and Hellish Plot, covered with the King's care.  Now the Duke of Anjou, as an inheriter of his Brother's Dissimulation, strives also to colour his damnable Plot and Treason, in the lovingest and highest demonstrations and and care of the Admiral and Protestants, and therefore advises that the Admiral's friends that now lodged so far distant from his person, as the Fauxburgh, might have liberty to have their lodgings nearer to him; for says he, they being so far asunder, they might on any uproar be hurt, and no means to prevent it, which being nearer one another, they might join force to affection, and better afford one another their joint aid. And so presently commanded the lodgings in that street to be provided.  
Now this was a bait that took off all suspicion; for alas who could suspect or imagine this to be out of any treacherous intent, but rather of care and respect? but Oh sad and hellish plot under the vizard of friendship! these poor Noblemen, Gentlemen and brave Commanders that might have escaped from the calamity, are entangled and alured into a narrow street, as into a fold or narrow path of destruction; no way to escape the fury of their Enemy's rage and cruelty.  

All the names of the Protestants and place of abode is taken into a Catalogue against the day of their calamity.  The next day the Duke of Anjou and Duke of Guise, commanded the Undermasters of the streets, vulgarly termed Quartermen, to take a view of all the Inns and victual-houses, from one house to another, and to take all the names of the Protestants, and so to bring in an Account of their names, and places of abode, in writing, and to deliver them to the Duke of Anjou, and Duke of Guise; so that presently after, the Protestants begun to discover some bloody intentions, through the prospect of these preparations. Now the King had by this time set a Guard, of fifty Harquebuzeirs at the Gate of the Admiral's Lodging; and great store of Arms were carried into the Louvre, and about the evening all the people of the City were in arms.  

The Protestants meet advice given to remove from Paris, but they still resolve to depend on the K. vows & promises.  Hereupon the chief Noblemen and Gentlemen of the Protestants, assemble together again in the Admiral's lodging, where amongst the rest was the Vidame of Charteres, who as before, so now advised speedily to try if by any means the Admiral might be forthwith carried out of Paris; and that presently the rest should dislodge; yet all refused this Counsel, resolving to rely on the word of a King, sealed with so many Vows, Covenants, and Solemn protestations in the presence of God, and to the clear witness of all Princes and States.  

The K. and Q. meet and consult of their bloody cutting off the Protestants in a merciless cruelty and devilish massacre.  In the afternoon the King and Queen Mother walk forth into a Garden named Tegliers, accompanied with the Duke of Anjou, Gonzague, Tavignes, and Count de Retz, which garden being remote from Resort, was thought the fittest place for secrecy, and a silent place for privacy, and very well fitted for the present conclusion of their last and bloody consultation; Here in this bloody Council it was considered of and spoken; That the Princes, Admiral, with the Noblemen, and Gentlemen of the Religion were now securely entangled in the Fetters of their own confidence, which was so well wedged into their minds, as prisons could prove no better instruments to ripen their desires; the Admiral he was lying bedsick, and could not stir by reason of his wounds; the Prince of Conde was fast in the Castle of Louvre; the City Gates kept shut all night, and watched all day; those Gentlemen that lodged in the Suburbs, were now lodged in the same street with the Admiral, and all within the Gates of Paris; the rest of the principal Protestants in other Towns were all unarmed and unprepared, besides there was not ten Protestants to a thousand Catholics, that the Parisians were in arms, and able to make sixty thousand fight men, and that in one hour all might be slain, and if these were destroyed they would never make head again in the Kingdom; but on the contrary, if the Admiral recover, such an opportunity would never offer; therefore says the Queen Mother this season must not be lost, but taking time by the Foretop, all our desires will now come to a period in a success proportionable to all our wishes; if we let slip time it withers, like a neglected rose on a stalk with a languished head; if we shake hands with this golden opportunity, our designs will grow under the Sunshine of our desires; Thus they lie perdue under the shelter of an unmerciful and bloody Balcony; all being resolved to be so swift in execution of the King's pleasure, that no time shall be delayed between his commands and the execution but the moment of performance, for now they resolve to take journey from contemplation to action, they have learned the Theory of Treachery, perjury and cruelty, now they come to the practical part of this sad Tragedy.  
But this being a gross and downright murderous way, and no handsome Apology provided to cast over the eyes of people's understandings; it was thought fit to frame some smooth pretext, 
They study a smooth pretext for their bloody cruelty to cozen the vulgar conceptions, and honest interpretations: But oh! who can hid the greatest secrets from Gods searching eye?  to take off the force and dint of vulgar reports; and so to divert the natural current of this tragedy, into the illegitimate name of convenient necessity; whereupon they order that the common vogue of the people's tongues should be tipped with this specious pretence, that the Duke of Guise and Admiral's enmity was the cause of this Massacre.  

They resolve to spare the K. of Navarre and Prince of Conde if they will turn Papists  Now in this bloody Assembly it was moved whether the King of Navarre, and Prince of Conde, should be destroyed in this Massacre, or whether saved; the King of Navarre in regard of his affinity, was concluded to be saved; but for the Prince of Conde, it was doubtfully carred; they considered first, whether for his age it were best to spare him, or secondly whether to put him to death in revenge of his Father's protection of the Protestant cause, as also in a hatred of his Father's name; the Duke of Guise urged with a pressing forwardness to have both the Prince of Navarre, and the Prince of Conde to die amongst the rest, but all thought that too abominable (if any thing could be so indeed to such bloodthirsty wretches) that two young Princes, in the flower of their age, of the Royal Family, the one in the embraces of his dear Spouse, under the protection of such near friends, and late conjunction by marriage, that they should be so miserably destroyed; so that the opinion of Gonzague was prevalent, who pleaded, that with fear of death, and torment, they should be violently turned to the Catholic Religion. 
The plot is committed to the Duke of Guise to put in execution next day.  And so this Hellish vaux-like Council broke up with firm and fixed Resolutions, to act their several parts; and so it was appointed, that next morning about three or four a cloak, it should be put in execution, and that all things should be committed to the mannagement and care of the Duke of Guise.  
On Saturday morning it is bruited and noised throughout all the City of Paris, 
A report is spread that the Duke of Guise was in danger of the Admiral and friends.  that the House of G●ise was in danger of the Admiral and rest of the Protestants, by their great threaten; The Dukes of Guise and Aumale speed to the King, and complain of their danger, and insolent threaten of the Admiral and Adherents against their lives, protesting sorrow to his Majesty that their services were not accepted, but their persons slighted, and so desired leave of his Majesty to absent from Court, and retire to their houses, 
The King's horrible dissembling  for they were ready to departed; the King with a frowning countenance, says, Go where you please, I will have you at all times if you be found guilty of the Admirals Hurt. So with a show of discontent they mount their Horses, and bloody resolutions at once, but instead of going home they lie in Paris all night. 
Bloody treachery. The King sends the Duke of Guise to provide 2000 men in arms on Sabbath day at night.   
All things being resolved on, the 24. day of August, being Sabbath day, at twilight the Duke of Guise, with orders from the King comes to Precedent Charron, Provost des marchand's, the chief head of the People of Paris, giving him to understand, that by the Kings command he was fotthwith to provide and order in readiness two thousand armed men, which accordingly was done.  
The Admiral having word brought t'him, that there was great noise of armour, 
The Admiral at the noise of armour fears danger, and sends to the King. Oh! bloody and cruel command of a King. They refuse to let any Protestant Gentlemen to watch with the Admiral. The Officers assemble and are commanded by the King to destroy the Protestants whom he calls Rebels.  and great threaten heard in all parts of the City, and preparations of all things in order for a tumult that night; presently he sends word to the King, who gave answer, that the Admiral needed not fear, for all was done by his command, and that he had appointed in certain places of the City, a number of men in arms for fear of any tumult.  
This evening some Protestant Gentlemen proffer to watch with the Admiral, but poor Gentlemen they were refused: A sad presage of Treachery, my heart relents and bleeds to write the rest.  
When the Duke of Guise saw all things ready, he called to him one Marcel, charging him a little after midnight to assemble together the Masters of the Streets (commonly called Diziners) into the Town House, for he was to declare from his Majesty, and by his command, several things; they assemble according to the appointed time, Charron the Provost des marchand's guarded with Entrague, Puygailart, and certain other Guisans, did there declare, that the King had given him in command to destroy all the Rebels (meaning the Protestants) to cut off root and branch of that Rebellious race, letting them understand, that the business was so managed to their hands, that now with great facility his Majesty's desire might be accomplished; for the Admiral, and all the chief were securely under their power, being lodged within the walls of the City; that it was first intended they should begin with the Admiral, and the principal Protestants lodged in that street, and then with speedy alacrity to follow on, and to cut off the rest in the City, and Suburbs, and that the like should be done to the Protestants in all parts of the Kingdom, which was in the King's power; for his Majesty would take order that it should be speedily effected. 
The token given to be ringing the great Bell, and the murderers to be distinguished with a Napkin on their arms, and a cross on their caps, and to begin at the Admiral's lodging first. Orders given to be courageous in shedding blood. Divers Lords guard the King. The bloody Murders assaults the Admiral's lodging.   
Now for better order in this bloody undertaking, the token given should be with ringing the great Bell of the Palace, called Tocksein, at break of day, which said bell was only rung on great and emergent occasions, and that the distinguishing marks should be a white cross on their caps, that candles should be lighted at every window, that without confusion or disorder they might proceed from house to house to the exact execution of the King's command.  
Now the Duke of Guise, the better to prepare all things, acquaints the Captain of the King's Guard, consisting of Gascons, French and Swissers, that they would be in readiness to go on with a bold courage, exhorting them to be speedy in bloody executions: So at midnight the Provost, Sheriffs and Captains of each ward in the City had the same commission given them.  
The Duke of Montpenseir and Duke of Nevers, with many other Lords of the Court, take arms, and being accompanied with their Friends, guard the King's person, all the Guards being in Arms at the Gates of the Lour.  
At the Prefixed hour the Duke of Guise, the Duke of Aumale. and Monsieur de Angoulesm, Grand Prior of France, the King's bastard Brother, with other Commanders to the number of three hundred, went to the Admiral's house. where they found by the Duke of Anjou's order, Cousin's company with lighted maches placed for a Guard before it, and on both sides the Streets; Some of the Gentlemen and Commanders of the Protestants that was lodged in this Street, awaken with the noise of men running up and down in arms, and lighted Torches; they presently got up to inquire what was the matter, but alas poor Gentlemen it was now too late they were all dead men, no way to escape.  

The Admiral is still persuaded of the K. fidelity, & repeated his Oaths, Promises, Leagues, Public Faith, sacred respect to the Law of Nations, and credit with other Princes.  By this time the Admiral understood of the noise, and though he had but ten persons in his house able to bear arms, and in his own chamber but two Chirurgeons, one Minister, and two Servitors; yet was he so confident of the K. promise, as he could not be made afraid, trusting (as he often did repeat) upon the King's good will to him, testified by so many and ample proofs of assurance. having like confidence, that if the Parisians did but once know the King's mind to be against this tumult, they would soon cease, but especially when they saw Cozen the Kings own Captain waching at the gates for his defence.  
But alas he did little think who they were, and by whose command, or to what intent, all was done; these reasons were the Admirals Remora's, to stop the passage of any belief of treason hid in the King's heart: and it is commonly found that most suffer Shipwreck on the rocks of crudelity; and as one says, it is no heresy to affirm, That many have been saved by their infidelity.  
The Admiral recounted the Oath and Edict of Pacification, so openly and so often sworn, recorded by the King, Queen Mother and the rest. The late League with Queen Elizabeth of England. The Articles covenanted with the Prince of Orange. His faith given to the Princes of Germany. The marriage of the Lady Margaret, his own Sister with the King of Navarre; being done on no other account as the King publicly declared, but to keep his faith, and to declare his integrity to all he professed; which solemn act was but six days old, and which doubrless he would not suffer to be defiled with innocent blood; Lastly, it would slain the glory of the Nation with Foreign Princes and States; and of posterity never to be believed more; besides the great shame, as also honour and constancy of a Prince, all which the Admiral said, he could not believe would ever be forgot by the King, or buried in the grave of cruelty and blood. And thus he persuaded himself with the King's faithfulness to keep his promises, and oaths. He breathed in no other air than that which might gently fill his Sails with belief of the King's integrity; setting say I towards the cape of good hope, but alas, alas! he sails by this cape to his own ruin,  

They enter the Admiral's lodging, kill all they meet  As soon as the Duke of Guise, and bloody Noblemen drew near the Admiral's lodging, Cousin knocked at the Gate, which he was to keep (a goodly guard for the wolf to keep the Sheep) he that opened the Gate was presently stabbed, as soon as they enter with a number of armed men they kill all they find within the porch. which were a few of the King of Navars Harquebuzeirs; only one escaped to the Admiral's Chamber; crying, Sir the Lord calls us to him; when the Admiral understood it, he caused those that were in his Chamber to lift him out of his bed, and casting a nightgown upon him, he arose on his feet, and with his Minister, Mr. Merlin, in short ejaculations did commend their souls to God; 
He riseth, goes to prayer, commands his Friends & servants to shift for their lives.  the Admiral commands all his Friends and Servants to save their lives by flight if possible, and take no more care for him, For that he was willing and ready to surrender his Soul to the Lord, calling for his Spirits, which for a time was lent for his use, saying, this violent and unexpected cruelty was not only intended for his destruction alone, but for the dishonour of Christ, and the bloody persecution of so many poor Saints and Servants of God; which at the Petition of all the Godly Protestants, and the Lord good Grace he had his heart drawn out to the faithful defence of the Protestant Cause, through many hazards and dangers, The sincerity whereof he left to the Lord to Judge, and that he had no other end.  
Then Mr. Merlin the Minister with the rest, got up to the top of the House, creeping out of the Windows to the Gutters to hid themselves, but alas, most of them were sought out and slain in the next house; yet through God's mercy the Minister wonderfully escaped; as you may at large see in the reverend Author Mr. Clark his Examples, a Book worth the perusal of every Christian.  
Presently ascends up the stairs a , named Benvese, who married the Cardinal of Lorrains Daughter, with him also Cozen the Gascoin, Attin, a Piccard, a Familiar and Depender on the Duke of Aumale, (one that not long before sought to murder de Andelot by Treason) as also Hamfort an Avernois; 
These bloody Murderers break into the Admiral's chamber, and blaspheming God, thrust him through, knock him on the head shoot him with a Pistol, wound him again and so he dies.  all being prepared and armed with Swords, Targets, and Shirts of male. These break into the Admiral's Chamber, who being no so sooner entered, but Benvese advances towards him, and bending his drawn Sword at his Breast, said, Art thou the Admiral? who with a Christian countenance full of constancy and quiet satisfaction in Gods good pleasure, answered, I am so called, and withal said, young man thou oughtest to consider my age, and the weak case I am now in, but do what thou wilt, for thou canst shorten my life but a very little. But he blaspheming God thrust him through the Breast, and after struck him on the head; then Attin shot him with a pistol in the breast; the Admiral was not with these wounds quite dead therefore Benvese gave him the third wound upon the thigh, and he presently fell for dead, so lying gasping; death freeing him from misery, wafting him with speed to the Haven of rest and happiness, where all tears are wiped from his eyes.  

His body thrown out of the window, the D. of Guise with his foot kicks him on the face.  Now the Duke of Guise and rest of the Noblemen, stayed below in the Court to hear how things went; the Duke of Guise with a loud voice cried, Hast thou done Benvese? who replied, I have done, the Duke replied our Chevalier (the King's bestard Brother) will not believe it, unless he see it, throw him out of the Window; So Benvese with the help of the rest did lift his body to the window, who yet breathing laid hold with his hand on the window, but these butcherly bloodhounds and cruel Murderers (whom a hundred at once durst not in his life venture to face in the field) violently thrust him out of the window into the Court; the Duke of Guise presently draws nigh, and because his face was bloody and dirty he kneeled down the berter to know him, and with a napkin wiped his face, saying, now I know it is him, and so kicked him on the face with his Feet, whom all the Murderers in France feared so much when he was alive.  

They proceed, crying kill, this is i K. command, this is the K. command.  Presently the Duke of Guise and his ignoble Train of Nobles, goes out of the Court, crying, Armour, Armour, we have had good success, and a happy beginning, let us now proceed to the rest, for it is the King's Commandment; which words he repeated often, This is the King's command, This is his commandment, this is his Will, this is his express Pleasure.  

The Alarm bell rings to a general Massacre.  Then was caused to ring the bloody token for a General Alarm, being the great Bell of the Palace, and instantly it was bruited and published as the cause of this Murder, That the Protestants had conspired against the King, Queen, and Court; and were about to put this design into practice, being armed to that purpose.  

The Admiral's body cruelly abused, his head cut off and sont to the Pope by the King.  Then a certain Italian of Gonzagues' band, cut off the Admiral's head, which was sent to the King and Queen Mother, and by them preserved with spices, and so sent to the Pope, and Cardinal of Lorraine at Rome, as a rich Present; Others cut off his hands, others his secret parts, than the common rascally rabble for three days together dragged his dead body (which was mangled and besmered with blood and filth) through the streets, and afterwards drew it out of Town to the common Gallows, and so with a rope left his body hanging by the feet at Montfaucon. These cruelties were the badges of the King's commands, and these bloody Hellhounds wore their Master's Livery.  

All they find in the Admiral's lodging are basely murdered, among whom 2 children of honourable birth.  Now the Nobles and their cruel Murderers broke into the rest of the Admiral's chambers, and those they found in their beds, or hidden in any corners, they mangled with many bloody-wounds, and so cruelly destroyed them, amongst which number thus slain, was two young innocent babes, Pages of an honourable birth and extract; which indeed seemed to all that heard it to be too great an act of cruelty; but what was bad enough to be done was their best deeds, whereby they hoped with the help of the Pope's Bulls to prove not only pardonable, but also meritorious.  

Count Rochfoucault, a brave and noble Commander basely slain and extremely pitied.  There was basely murdered the Count Rochfoucault, which for his great wisdom, pleasant wit, and exceeding valour, was highly esteemed of by King Henry, and for the same cause this King shown the like favour; This brave Commander, Statesman and Nobleman the nance was commanded to kill, but for the true worth he knew was lodged in the heart of this brave Worthy, and for the old acquaintance he had with him, he utterly abominated it in an absolute refusal, but one Laberge an Avernois, and Limb of Hell; one that was willing to sell his Soul for a little profit, one that would receive a reward, though it were from the Devils hands; one that would enter upon any bloody service, though his pay was damnation; 
Deut. 27.25. Cursed is he that taketh are-ward to slay an innocent person, and all the people shall say Amen. The Admiral's Son, a noble and valiant Gentleman basely slain his brave speech.  This bloody unworthy fellow offered himself to the King to murder this brave nobleman, if his Majesty would grant him the Count's Captainship of Horse; and thus was this gallant Count basely murdered by men, not to be spoken of for men, when the Count will be remembered, and named with respect in the Court of honour.  
At the same time also, and in the same place, the Admiral's Son Teligny was slain; he was a young Gentleman of great accomplishments both of wit and valour, insomuch that the King by his respects and affections showed to him, did do homage to his great deserts, even to exalting him to the highest strain of Adulation; this gallant young Gentleman, I say, being designed to such a cowardly death, and base murder, cried out, That now he saw it was even grievous for him to live, in that he was the cause of his Father's confidence of the King's Love, in that he had often commended the King's faithfulness to him; and so this brave Gentleman refused not this death offered him, yielding his life as a sacrifice to their wrath and cruelty, and thus was this poor Gentleman miserably butchered.  

His Lieutenant shows great valour, and fights stoutly, but is murdered.  But his Lieutenant, a resolute and brave young Gentleman, having the advantage of his arms, lengthened out his life in a stiff and stout resistance, showing that he would do what he could not, who like a valiant Soldier, wrapping his cloak about his arm he fought for his life to the feeling and applause of his bloody and merciless enemies, but at last overpowred with number and strength, was as unworthily slain as highly applauded.  

Many brave Noblemen & Gentlemen basely bloodily and inhumanly murdered in their chambers and streets  At this time also was murdered Colonel Montaumar, and Rouray Son to the Baron Des Adretts, with all the rest of the Gentlemen that had relation to the Admiral; amongst whom were many flourishing young Noblemen, and Gentlemen, all being basely and cruelly murdered, and butchered in the prime of their youth, and so cut off from all future hopes of high attempts; who as they were the cream of the Protestnt Gallantry, so were they the But of their Enemy's cruelty. And thus fell these Noble Gentlemen, that at all times carried so much intrinsic worth as purchased immortal praise.  
After this, Cousin's Soldiers with the Nobleman's bands, 
The Soldiers encoraged to blood by having the plunder free for their reward. Men, Women and children murdered, & children taken out of the womb alive and murdered, the street strewed with dead bodies  went ransacking from House to house, tearing all away that was worth carriage, and in such a manner as is commonly done at taking a Town by storm; and so many grew rich by others poverty; For the Duke of Guise, Duke of Montpenscir, the Cavalleir King Henry's bastard, Gonzague, Tavignes, and other Principal Lords, encouraged the Soldiers to proceed to blood with promise of all the booty free for their pains, still crying out, This is the King's commandment.  
So all the day from Morning to evening, the scum of the City, the glean of all villains, did run up and down with their bloody Swords raging and glorying in their bloody Massacres, & unheard of murders; for they spared not the aged, nor the women with child, nor the poor innocent babes, some whereof being taken alive out of their Mother's wombs, without pity they cruelly and presently destroyed, and in a Triumphant joy they threw the slain bodies out of the Windows, insomuch that there was scarce a lane that was not strewed with the dead bodies of the poor Protestants.  

Nothing to be heard but the doleful cries and groans of the dying, and terrible noise of the murderers  And as the City felt the rage of these Tigers, so the Suburbs also, where was nothing but murdering, and all sorts of cruelties committed, men, women and children, rich and poor, old and young, nothing to be heard in Paris, and the Suburbs, but a horrible and terrible noise of arms, horses, and harquebuziers, with a doleful, sad, and lamentable howling, and crying of poor souls going to the slaughter, and knew not wherefore; a piteous complaint of such as cried to the villains for mercy; together with the merciless and cruel shouts of murderers, and bloody Hellhounds, crying kill, destroy, for the King commands it, mixed with the sad groans of the dying; that it seemed as if heaven and earth had met together, as if the Heavens would have rend with thunder.  
Oh! sad, Oh! wretched King, to slain thy honour with such perfidious breach of promise, to water thy Kingdom with the blood of God's people, and so to dissemble with the world, as if dissembling were further from thy thoughts than thy heart from reality.  

Streets and Rivers died with blood.  The Pavement, Market place, and Rivers, were died with blood, and it was heard say, by the murderers, that they had put an end to that quarrel, that neither pen, paper, decrees of Justice, nor open War could accomplish in twelve years. 
10000 protestants murdered, in one day by the K. command.   
About ten thousand souls makes this Lord's day famous for ever, with effusion of their precious and innocent blood, such as no age or time can parallel; for there was at this time in Paris, sixty thousand men, with Pistols, Pikes, Poinyards, Curtelaces, Knives, and such other bloody Instruments, who run up and down swearing and blaspeming the sacred Majesty of God; cruelly massacring all they meet, the streets being covered with mangled bodies, Gates and doors defiled with blood; And yet we see but in part what cruelties were committed, if we compare what we have read, and what we shall read together.  
For now having given thee a sight of such Treachery, Poison, perjuries, Cruelties, and damnable dissimulations, with the many murders committed on the Admiral and Friends in Paris, I shall endeavour in the next chapter, to give a taste of such sad Massacres, and cruelties, as will affright and astonish the heart of any true Protestant; and if thou hast any grain of true Christianity in thee, thou canst not but be touched with a fellow-feeling of these sad and unheard of murders and cruelties.   

CHAP. VIII.  
The Contents.  
THe King labours to turn the King of Navarre, and Prince of Conde, to the Catholic Religion, by threatening of death, and promises of Life; Their answers; Many Gallant and Peerless Commanders, hewn in pieces at the Louvre, crying out to the King's Oaths and Promises in the Kings hearing; That brave and unparallelled Commander Monsieur de Piles basely slain, crying out aloud to the King, protesting against his treacherous cruelty and perjury; Two hundred gallant Gentlemen slain; Count de Montgomery, and Vidame of Charteres escape to England; A Plot against Rochel, but prevented; Lafoy Charite surprised, and all the Protestants cut off; The murder at Paris renewed next day; the bodies of the dead thrown into the River Sein; In two days above ten thousand slain, whereof five hundred of Noble blood, gentlemans, with many Ladies and Gentlewomen, that came to the marriage; The King sends by Post to command all the Protestants to be cut off, following the example of Paris; Three Noble Gentlemen in the Court murdered; The strange, sad and cruel death of a brave Gentleman Monsieur de la Place; Peter Ramus, that famous Professor of Logic basely slain; A sad yet comfortable death of a Godly young Christian; A terrible and unheardof cruelty committed on a Gentlewoman with child; Merciless cruelty committed on a poor child; The most Cruel, Horrid and unheard of butchery at Lions, not to be paralleled in any age, the blood running through the streets reeking hot, to the terror of the Catholics themselves; The Bloody Massacre at Meaux; The like sad Massacre at Troy's; The bloody Murders at Orleans; The cruel butcheries at Tholouse: The cruel slaughters and bloody murdering of six thousand Protestants at Rouen. The Murders at Angiers; A Godly Minister that had laid the first foundation of a Church in Paris, is murdered by the King's command.  
WHilst these sad cruelties were executed at the Admiral's Lodging, and in the City and Suburbs of Paris, Let us now behold with pity a number of brave Commanders murdered in the King's Castle of the Louvre, by the King's commandment, and in his sight. For the King of Navarre and Prince of Conde did lodge in the Louvre, with many other brave Commanders, which came to accompany the King of Navarre and Prince of Conde.  

The K. promises pardon to the King of Navarre, & Prince of Conde, if they will turn Papists.  The first thing the King falls on after his bloody Butchery in Paris, was to deal with the King of Navarre and Prince of Conde, to whom he gave command to be brought into his presence.  
The King told them all that was done, that he had now cut off all the instruments of the late Civil Wars, and he hoped would prove a prevention of future troubles; for by his command the Admiral was slain with his Train, and that no less was done in other Cities to all the Protestants; but says he, by reason of your young and tender years, and near alliance in consanguinity and marriage, therefore it is I desire you should be pardoned; but we shall see it on sad terms to these poor tender hearts, ready to break with grief at their friend's death, and their own too sad and rigid fate. Poor Princes betrayed by the cruelty of a perfidious merciless King; The King tells them their Lives depended on the reforming their Judgements, and turning to the Catholic Religion, for he is resolved never to have any more than one Religion in his Kingdom; and if they embraced not this Snake in their bosom, they must be stung with his bloody Sword, as the deserts of their obstinacy.  

The K. of Navars answer to the K. of France.  The King of Navarre humbly beseeched his Majesty to remember his Promises, Engagements, and now the near alliance by marriage, lately contracted, and not to force him in those things, which only he must be accountable to God alone for: that he would please rather to imprison his body, than his soul, and not to force him to make shipwreck of a good conscience by a violent assault.  
Now the Prince of Conde like a resolved Christian also, 
The P. of Conde's zealom answer to the King.  did with much zeal answer the King in this manner, That he having given his Oaths, and promlses in solemn and public Protestations to all of the Religion, would not, he hoped, forget the great ty of performance, which all men are bound to observe, under pain of God's heavy Judgements, and therefore he wondered his Majesty should so soon be persuaded to break his most Solemn Vows and Protestations, which by the Law of God and Nations he was bound to keep, but know (says this noble Prince) that for my Religion it is so closely enshrined in a fixed resolution to preserve with my soul, that it is beyond the reach of Mortality, and I hope by God's grace, am so resolved, that loss of life shall not shake my steady soul to batter my conscience. And though your great threaten pierce my understanding, yet shall they not make me lose my hold of that Religion, which by God's grace is planted, and by your promises, and oaths freely granted to me the free exercise of, and as for my body and goods you may use as you please, but my unspotted soul is in the hands of God.  

Many Nobles and brave Commanders, that waited on the K. of Navarre, and Prince of Conde, by the K. order, and in his fight are cut in pieces, crying out to his Oaths and Promises. Brave Monsieur de Piles his sad death lamented and pitied by his enemies yet basely murdered in the K. fight  This notable answer of this tender young Prince, did so move his raging cruelty, that letting lose the reins of his furious indignation, he calls him Rebel, and the Son of a Rebellious person, with horrible threaten that he should lose his life, if within three days he did not obey his command, and without any more ado, he assaults him with a furious countenance, issuing out these terrible words Mass, Death, or Bastile.  
But now their poor Friends that waited upon them, being many gallant Gentlemen, as also their Servitors in their chambers, their Schoolmasters, and those that had the bringing them up, were thrust out one, by one, among the crowd of Murderers, being the K. Guard of Swissers, that stood in two ranks, prepared for blood and cruelty: These Gentlemen crying out to the King's Oaths, Promises, and fidelity, were nevertheless by the K. command, and in his own sight, unmercifully hewn and cut in pieces.  
There did die of note amongst these in the Louvre, the Marquis de Rennet, with several others of noble blood, as also many brave Gentlemen, but no man's death was so much bemoaned of many both friends and enemies as brave Monsieur de Piles, whose valour, though great, yet could not be victor over his Religious and Godly zeal, whose great courage and greater Christianity, fought for Mastery: for he had defended (as aforesaid) the little Town of St. Jean de Angeli, against the K. great Army for forty days, who at last yielded not so much to their valour as their number.  
There this brave Commander got such Renown, that of his Enemies who felt his valour he was highly honoured, and was thought to be beloved, and much esteemed of by the King. This brave de Piles, I say, with Leranne, Odou's Son, were both lodged (by the King's command) all night in a Wardrobe next the King of Navars own chamber; but this command of the Kings was looked on by the poor Gallant Gentlemen rather to be an act of special favour, then base treachery; these noble Commanders, a little before day, hearing a great noise of running of men in Armour, with doleful cry, and howl of the slain for mercy, wondered what should be the matter, and so arose; who were no sooner up, but the nance approaches their chamber; and tells them, it was the King's Commandment that they should come down into the Court, leaving their weapons behind them, and so to departed out of the Castle.  

He disclaims against the King's treachery Proclaiming his Traitorous infidelity and cruelty in the Kings hearing.  Now when this brave Monsieur de Piles saw himself disarmed, and thrust out amongst the murdering Soldiers, who stood ready to kill him, and viewing the sad spectacles of so many of so many of God's people already slain, he cries out with a loud voice to the piercing of the King's ear; protesting against the Traitorous infidelity of his bloody cruelty; that Covenants nor Oaths could not bind his lose hands and cruel heart, no more than fetters can tie the raging Ocean; but who is deaser than he that will not hear, for his words pierced the air, but not this Tyrant's heart. So having a rich Cloak, he takes it off, and gives it an acquaintance, Saying, Take here this token of Piles, and let posterity know poor Piles most shamefully, cowardly and unworthily slain, by the perfidious command of a perjured King; Oh! my good and noble Monsieur de Piles, replied he, I am none of them, I thank you for your Cloak, but I will not receive it on that condition, 
He is thrust out amongst the Murderers, & slain.  so immediately Monsieur de Piles was thrust through the body with a Partisan by one of the King's Guard, and so was there basely murdered and slain.  
And thus died this most noble and valiant Gentleman, pitied by his Enemies that knew him to be a valiant Commander; thus was he haled to a cowardly death, that never knew what compulsion meant, but when his virtues and valour, incited him to good actions; so his body was thrown into the quarry with the rest, the beholders crying out, these are the Traitors that plotted our destruction, and would have killed our King.  
Now it pleased God to dispose of Leranne otherwise, who being thrust through the Body with a sword escaped by running into the Queen of Navars chamber who preserved him from their cruelty and presently obtained his pardon: and also by the assistance of her own Doctor of Physic, he recovered and lived.  

200 Gallant Noblemen and Gentlemen basely slain by the K. command.  Amongst these Gentlemen, and at the same time, was also murdered, Pontbreton, Pluviault, Bandine, Francourt, Chancellor to the King of Navarre, Pardillan, Lavardin, and other chief Commanders Gentlemen to the number of two hundred, whose cries no more pierced the King's cruel heart, than an arrow can an Adamantine Rock.  

Count De Montgomery, and the Vidam of Charteres with some others escape to England.  Now it fell out by God's good providence otherwise with those of the Protestants that lodged in the Fauxburg, At St.  beyond the Sein, amongst whom was the Count de Montgomery, and the Vidame of Charteres; who presaging some intended mischief, having a clear foresight of this Tempest, provided for an escape, and so would by no means be drawn to lodge with the Admiral; who now hearing the noise and understanding the matter instantly fled, but were quickly pursued by their grand enemy the Duke of Guise, who as soon as the day had relieved the night, passed the water with many horse and foot, and overtaking the Protestants in their flight found some without shoes, some without arms, others without Saddles, some without bridles, all equally unable to make resistance, and so were without mercy scattered and cut off, the Count De Montgomery and Vidame of Charteres with about ten in company by the good mercy of God saved themselves, and after many dangers and difficulties got to the Sea side, and so escaped over to England, bringing sad news in their dejected countenances for the loss of their dear and precious Friends; who were also as kindly welcomed by our good Queen Elizabeth as safely escaped from the cruelty of their treacherous and perjured King.  
Whilst these bloody and unheard of cruelties were committed in Paris, 
A bloody plot against Rochel, but prevented.  Strozzi the King's Admirals lay hover at Rochel, endeavouring to surprise it, under pretence of a Banquet to be made for his Friends of the Castle of Lafoy Chain, but being discovered he retreated without the effects of his desire, or performance of the King's command.  

The Protestants murdered at La Charite. The murders at Paris is renewed next day.  But the poor Protestants of La Charite as aforesaid was entraped by the Italian horse, and were now put to the Sword.  
But to return to the bloody City of Paris, the next day the slaughter was renewed, for all that was found hidden in corners or private places of the City were all sought out, brought forth, and murdered, insomuch that the day before, and this day were massacred in Paris, above ten thousand Protestants of all degrees and sexes, the very common Labourers, Porters, and the most rascally and desperate villains of the City, did this day abuse the dead bodies by pulling off their , and throwing them naked into the River of Sein. The places of preferment which now lay empty by reason of this horrid massacre, were now by the King given to whom he pleased. The Admiral's office he gave to the Marquis de Villars etc. And so like a true Tyrant leaves nothing his poor Subjects can call their own but their miseries.  
In this butcherly Massacre at Paris were sacked above four thousand houses, and above five hundred Barons, Knights, and Gentlemen, who had held the chiefest employments in the War, with many noble and gallant young Ladies and Gentlewomen that had now purposely met together from all parts, to rejoice in honour of the King of Navars marriage with the L. Margaret, who poor Noblemen, Gentlemen & Ladies thought of nothing more than of jollity and pleasures, but now suffer the Tyrannical rage of a furious King, and bloody death to be pitied by all that shall hear this sad story; for poor Ladies they expected no such tragical welcome from a Royal King, contrary to his Oaths, and their spotless innocency: and it must needs stick as the greatest badge of inhumanity and cowardice, nay a true character of a bad cause, To murder like Devils, not fight like men.  
Immediately after these unheard of murders were acted in Paris, the King not yet glutted with blood, sends Messengers by post to all parts of the Kingdom (often shifting horses for more speed) with express command to all other Cities, to follow the example of Paris, commanding all Protestants which were amongst them to be slain; and yet at the same time the same King writes other Letters, wherein he laid the fault of the Murders upon the Admiral and the Duke of Guise. Now this command of the King to cut off all the Protestants in all Towns and Cities under his command, it cannot he expressed how cheerfully, willingly and readily they were obeyed by the greatest part of the Cities in France, for on the receipt of his Majesty Letters they fell on the Protestants at Meaux, Troy's, Orleans, and other parts, murdering them without all pity.  
And now let us a little read with melting hearts the sad affliction of God's Church, let us bring the sad ruins of a good cause to our near view, by a spiritual improvement, as a prospect draws the object nearer; for we must now relate the sad catastrophe of many thousands of poor Christians, who fell under the cruel and bloody command of the King to all his Magistrates, which indeed is not to be expressed, what sad cruelties were committed to the wonderful astonishment of all that hears or reads it; for no sooner does the King let lose his cruel commands, but speedily the bloody Papists break out with horrid Massacres, more like Devils than men.  
For now in Paris the Prisons that had any Protestants (by which reason they escaped for a time) were now brought forth, and basely slain by the multitude of murderers, in which were three gallant Gentlemen of great reputation, viz. Captain Monius, a very valorous and stout Gentleman; next Lomen, Secretary to the King, and greatly honoured and esteemed for his faithful service in his place; and lastly Chaps, an ancient Lawyer of fourscore years. And was also of great renown and fame in the Court of Paris, all three were basely murdered as cannot be expressed.  
Amongst the rest must be set forth that unparallelled bloody and treacherous death of Monsieur de la Place, Precedent of the Court of Wards; which must I say for the strangeness of the murder beg leave to have place in this history.  
Their comes a Captain armed to the Gentleman's house and acquaints him that the D. of Guise had slain the Admiral by the King's commandment, and also many other Protestants, but out of his deserts, he desired to protect him from their fury; with all desiring to see his Gold, which he might as well bestow on him for saving him, as on others for destroying him; the Lord de la Place admires at the Captains audacious and petulant demeanour, and so confidently required of him whether he thought there were a King or no; the Captain blaspheming desired him to go to the K. to know his pleasure, the Lord De la Place thinking danger too near, absented from him to a place of better secutity; the Captain hereupon plunders his house, This poor Gentleman, seeking shelter in three houses for his life, was refused, and so at last was forced to return to his own house again, where finding his wife very pensive and sad, he rebuked, and exhorted her not to be so full of dispondency of spirit, for death was the utmost, and heaven the crown of their afflictions and sufferings; and so spoke fully and sweetly of the promises of God; which jointly knit their hearts together in comfort, and so calling together his Family he sweetly exhorted them, expounding out of a chapter to them; then went again to prayer, and so resolved with the assistance of Christ to suffer all Torments of death, rather than dishonour God in the least drawing back, presently after comes the Provost Marshal to his house with many Archers. with a pretence to secure him, and conduct him to the King; who answered, that he freely desired to continue his obedience to the King, but could not see how to escape the fury of the present danger by continual massacres.  
Presently after comes the Provost des marchand's, with order to bring him to the King, but he excused it as before, but he would not have any delay or excuse, so that this Noble Lord resolves to meet death by a Christian preparation; and so embracing his wife, he desires her never to forsake the true faith, but to continue steadfast in the fear of God; and so willingly and Christianly advanced, like a true martyr of Christ; and indeed it fell out so as this Godly soul expected, for in the way the murderers waited with open mouth and bloody hearts, with their daggers, that he did no sooner approach but they stabbed him, that he fell down dead; they pillaged him, cast his body into a Stable, covering his face over with dung, and so the next day threw his body into the River.  
And thus died this blessed Servant of Christ in the height of their cruelty, and his Spirit full of Christian magnanimity.  
Amongst these many murders in Paris was Peter Ramus slain; a man famous for learning, being the King's Professor in Logic, the bloody Murderers breaking into the College of Priests, they basely massacred him, than cast him out of the chamber window, that his bowels with the fall, issued out on the ground, to a sad view of all tender hearted Spectators, than was his body dragged through the streets, and by certain young Scholars whipped, being commanded to do it by their Popish Tutors.  
On the Lord's day a Godly young man walking abroad in the morning, and hearing that the Admiral and the rest were destroyed, and seeing little hopes of life, he presently returned home, and with a Sonlike care to his loving Mother, told her of the danger, and so speedily secured her in a place of great secrecy, and so shut himself up in his study, and pouring out his Soul before the Lord in prayer, and preparation for strength to suffer for his name; presently the Murderers ascend, and with Battle-axes, and other bloody Instruments, broke into his study, and so knocked him down, this poor Soul receiving the blood in his own hands, his body they threw into the River.  
Thus died this young man and old Christian, and may stand as a pattern for our Imitation.  
Two Ministers belonging to the King of Navarre were also murdered, and thrown into the River; but all the rest of the Ministers of God's word, were by a singular and special hand of God's Providence preserved and kept from the rage of these bloody Tigers.  
There was in this City a Gentleman, whom the Murderers found a bed with his Wife, who was then nigh her time of delivery, they no sooner knock, but poor Gentlewoman she opens the door to these bloodhounds, they presently stab her husband in his bed; now the Midwife seeing them bend on blood, earnestly entreated them to spare her, at least till the Child was born, this being the twentieth child that God had given her, but their bloody minds admitted of no mercy, but presently trust a dagger up to the Hilt into her fundament, this poor soul feeling herself mortally wounded, fled into a Corn loft to see if God would please to bring the fruit of her womb to a birth, but these villains pursued her and stabbed her in the belly, whereof she presently died, than they threw her body out of the window into the Streets, which fall forced the child out of her body, with the head foremost, gaping and yawning for life, in a sad, doleful and lamentable manner, and so it died.  
One of these villains snatching up a Little child in his arms, the child began to play with his beard, but instead of compassion this base murderer had such a flinty heart, that he wounded it with his dagger, and so cast it in a gore blood into the River.  
But this bloody Massacre at Lions cannot be paralleled by any age, the bare narrative will cloy and Reader at first view; Oxen and sheep could not be destroyed with less pity and more cruelty, than those poor Protestants of all sexes and degrees, from the Cradle to the Bedrid: Indeed it's the most astonishing and horrible murder that ever Christian heard or read of. For  
No sooner arrived the King's commandment to Mandelot Governor of Lions, certifying of the Massacre at Paris, and commanding to destroy all the Protestants, but Mandelot ordered the Gates of the City to be shut, declaring it to be death for any Protestant to come out of his house, and then by a crier, and afterwards by sound of Trumpet he proclaimed that all the Protestants should speedily repair before him, they quickly obey and come, he than sends them to Prison, they poor souls submit, and so followed the officers that was appointed to lead them, but by reason of the great multitude of them, they are dispersed into several prisons; Mandelot, the bloody Governor, Commanded the common Executioner to take aid to him, and destroy them all; but he, having his conscience smit with pity, replied, He was an Executioner of the Law, but not to put to death without law; he put to death all such as the world was witness to their public condemnation, and so desired Mandelot to seek some that might better dispense with a bloody conscience.  
This cruel Governor having his desire frustrate by an honest refusal, commands the Soldiers that were garrisoned in the Castle to murder them; they reply it consisted not with their honour to destroy men in cold blood, and too cowardly to cut the throats of those that had not wherewith to defend, being a thing too far off from valour, or the part of a true Soldier to destroy men at mercy, lying suppliant before them, nor saw they any cause why death should be inflicted upon poor innocent souls.  
Dear Lord, what Protestant heart can contain to read this sad and lamentable murder without thought of revenge, who has a spark of Christianity that can read, and not wish himself able to revenge their cause, only God is the Avenger of the cause of the innocent, and doubtless God has a Scourge for this Nation.  
The Governor being refused by a conscientious Hangman, and honourable Soldiers, more fit for Alexander and Caesar than this bloody and cruel Tyrant; he I say rather than let the command of a King lie dead, gathers together the scum of wicked men, and spawn of the Devil, the legitimate offspring of a Hellish brood, the Watermen, and bloody Butchers, who being let into prison with their bloody Knives and instruments, (oh unmerciful wretches!) such as they find prostrate at their feet, holding forth their petitions in their sad requests in a bleating Oratory, crying to God's mercy and man's pity.  
These Butchers of innocent souls, instead of pity, for sport cut of their fingers, and tops of their noses, and then fell a murdering; throughout the City was such doleful noise of the dying, and lamentable howling of women and children, that all those that were zealous in the Romish Religion, abhorred their cruelties, and had their hearts so pierced with the sad groans of the dying, that they thought they were devils that only had human shape, or that they were Indian Tigers, or wild beasts only had assumed the shape of men; nay many women of the Popish Religion that were with child, and now nigh their time of Delivery, were so affrighted with these sad cruelties, that they parted with child; The murders and massacre was so great that out of one of the prisons called the Archbishops house, the blood of the slain was seen running down the streets in the day time, in great abundance to the astonishment and horror of all the Beholders, for it run warm and smoking hot through the streets and so into the River.  
Amongst them that were butchered in this Prison, was an ancient man, named Francis de Bossu, a Merchant that had to his Sons two Religious youngmen, whom he had carefully trained up in the fear of the Lord: As soon as the Murderers approached with their Axes, he exhorted his Sons, Not to fear death, for it was but a quick passage to their Father's house, for that through many tribulations we must enter into the Kingdom of God; for it has always been, and will be to the end of the World, the lot of all God's people to be as sheep among wolves; if we suffer with Christ we shall also reign with him, this short cut of ours will be, but as a Bridge for our more speedy passage to eternal life; let us joyfully follow this company that is gone before us; and so the old Christian and aged Father embraced his two young Sons, and they him, with mutual embraces, and held so fast together, that with the Murderers blows they fell all flat to the ground together, crying to the mercy of God, and thus with many wounds was the godly Soul, and his two Sons cruelly murdered, by these bloody Butchers, and which is not to be forgotten, These three bodies along time after were wonderfully knit together, which afforded a sad sight to the Spectators.  
After all these cruelties were done, Mandelot the Governonr commanded to be proclaimed, that no man should commit any more murders, and that if any one would discover any of the actors of such horrid villainyes, they should be rewarded with a hundred Crowns for their information; but alas, this was in a base, scornful and disdainful way, for from that time they ceased not to kill and murder all they knew had escaped the common destiny, and on Sabbath day morning those poor Protestants that had escaped their fury, was now by order of this base and bloody Mandelot, destroyed and hewn in pieces.  
These bloody Villains passing through the Streets with their bloody Instruments, boasted that they had died their white Doublets with the blood of the Protestants, one bragging that he had killed an hundred, some more, some less: On the first of September their dead bodies were ordered to be thrown into the River, but a great part of them Mandelot ordered to be boated over to the other side of the River, and laid on a green bank, near to an Abbey named Esne; and there the people came and abused their bodies: and one thing (for the like was never heard of) is not here to be omitted; The Apothecaries viewing the bodies said, they used to make medicines of men's grease; and being there were many fat bodies, there might be moneys got, and so wished the Butchers to procure them their grease, and they should be rewarded, the bloody fellows speedily choose out the fattest, launched them with their bloody Knives, and sold their fat for three shillings a pound. So at last their bodies were some thrown into a great pit, the rest into the River.  
The people inhabiting on the borders of the River, admired to see so many dead carcases come down, having their bodies basely mangled, some with eyes out, others their noses, hands and ears cut off, and stabbed in every part of their bodies.  
Not long after the Pope's Legate arrived at Lions, who coming out of the great Church from Mass, the bloody Murderers of so many innocent Christians kneel down before him for absolution, and as soon as the Legate was told who they were, and for what they kneeled down, he made the sign of the cross, and absolved them of their sins whether they repent or no, and doubtless these bloody Devils were canonised at Rome for Saints.  
The King's Letters and commands coming to Cosset the King's Attorney at Meaux; he forthwith ordered those of his bloody crew to come to him, who accordingly at seven a clock at night came, and received Orders to shut up the City Gates; at which time also they went through the Town doing nothing all that night but murder, kill and destroy the poor protestants; in the morning they apprehended two hundred, and committed them to prisons; Cosset comes to them, and having a Catalogue of their names, he calls them out one by one, and basely murders as many as they could, being weary they went to supper, and after a little refreshment they returned again, and now they brought quicker Instruments of death, being Axes, and so fell again to call them out by their names, and butchered them most cruelly, amongst whom was a godly Elder of a Church, who praying for his Enemies, they reviled him, and having on a buff Coat, they fearing it should be spoiled with blood, did open it before and stabbed him in the breast, whereof he died. Amongst these also thus slain was an ancient Gentleman Sheriff of the City, whom they cruelly handled, for first they cut off his nose, and privy members, than thrust him often into the body, tossing him up and down, that at last he fell down dead, crying out to God for mercy.  
As soon as the speedy post with the King's Letters came to Troy's, the poor Protestants were quickly imprisoned, the Bailiff Summons the Keeper of the Prison, who being sick sent one Martin to know his pleasure, the Bailiff told him all their Prisoners must be slain; and so commanded a pit to be digged in the Prison that the blood might not run down the Streets, now the Jailor and his bloody associates going to murder these poor innocent souls, no sooner saw them, but their consciences gave back, standing amazed at the horridness of their task, and so return, but the Bailiff got them, and filled them so full of wine and strong drink, that without any fear or danger they came again, and called them forth by their names, he that came out first had a cheerful countenance, and calling on the name of the Lord he opened his Breast and was killed presently; the next that came, being several times wounded with a Halberd, and not killed, did at last cheerfully take the Halberd by the point, and put it to his breast, saying, Here bloody Murderer, here, right at the heart, right at the heart, and so was thrust through and died. All the rest were cruelly murdered, and cast into a great pit on the back of the Prison; and although some were not quite dead, yet they cast them in, one of these poor Souls having more life than the rest, rose up in the pit above his Fellows, but was presently smothered with Earth, and although there was a pit digged in the Prison to save the blood, yet such was the effusion of Christian blood, that it run out of prison streaming down the Gutters of the streets, to the amazement of the Popish Inhabitants.  
But now at Orleans, the place of the last Treaty of peace, and the place where it was solemnly proclaimed with full command for Observation of the Edict. At this place, I say, the King's Letters came, commanding to murder all, and happened to come the same day that three hundred were met together at a Sermon, whereupon the Mayor and Officers commanded the Companies in arms to fall on, and to execute speedily the King's command, oh Tyrant, and bloody command! One of the Murderers went to a noble man's house inviting himself, and his bloody followers to Supper, where they were made welcome with good cheer, no sooner was Supper ended, but they blaspheming murdered him, and all his family, and then plundered his house.  
There were many that lived on the outside of the Town, amongst whom was heard such sad murtherings, and cruelties, that all night long was heard nothing but howl and cry of men, women and children massacred, shooting off of Guns, and Pistols, breaking doors, and rumbling of Carts that conveyed away the dead bodies, all which were mixed with the cries of the bloody Murderers, crying Kill, Kill them all, and then take the Spoil; and thus they continued all the week in these sad and bloody murders, and plundering, blasphemously singing in scorn, where is now their God.  
On Tuesday they came to a Doctor of the Civil Law, who being found in earnest prayer to God, they had not the power to kill him, only took a little plunder with them, next day they came again, and views his Library, what books they demanded he gave them, they told him he must be killed, he therefore goes to prayer again, and afterwards desired of them that if he must die to murder him there, which they refused, they take him and lead him through the Streets, and coming to the Schools he desired them to kill him where he taught so many; but they led him a little further, and so knocked him on the head. One that was forced by hunger out of a secret place where he hide himself, was presently slain. Such as for fear revolted, they forced to kill their friends or were killed themselves.  
As soon as the King's bloody Message came to the City of Tholouse, the Gates were presently shut, but it pleased the Lord of his good grace and Providence so to order it, that the Protestants were gone that morning out of the Ciry to a Sermon, and as soon as the noise of the Massacre came to their ears, many returned not again to the City! But others would venture so far as to go to order their affairs for a Return, but poor souls they never returned back, for as soon as they came to the Gates they were suffered to enter, leaving their swords at the Gates, amongst whom was many of great account, and on wednesday morning all the poor Protestants were imprisoned, with command that none should on pain of death hid any of them.  
Amongst these were six Counsellors; which like good Christians encouraged the rest: at last they were all brought into one place, and so the bloody Murderers being ready with axes and knives they were one by one destroyed, their bodies stripped naked, and lay for two days; The six Counselors being hung up in their long Gowns upon Elm Trees in the Palace yard; which would move any one to compassion there being in this City three hundred thus murdered.  
In Rouen as soon as the King's command came, there was an infinite number slain in few days, six thousand men besides women, whom they used as cruelly as can be imagined, their bodies were stripped and carried out in carts, being put into the pits in great heaps.  
At Bourdeaux, as soon as the news of the Massacre at Paris arrived, and command from the King to follow their Example. The Protestants were boating over the River to a Sermon, but orders followed them that they should be apprehended, whereupon the Gates of the City were shut, yet the Ministers through God's good mercy and grace escaped, and safely landed in England. The Governor was somewhat timorous to act the King's command in such a bloody subjection to cruelty, but the Lord Monpessat assured him, how acceptable it would be to his Majesty, and for their better encouragement he enters the house of the Lord of Obiers, and basely murdered him in his own Court.  
And then presently the froth and Scum of the Town, assembled and murdered all the rest, amongst whom was a Minister that came out of the adjacent Country, Also there was a reverend old Deacon of a church whom they dragged out of his sick bed through the Streets, and so basely and inhumanly murdered.  
As soon as the bloody Message of the King's cruel command arrives at Angiers, they fell on all the Protestants without mercy or pity, to sex or age, for no sooner were the Massacres begun at Paris, but one Monsorel a bloody and cruel Papist, posted and soon arrived with orders from the K. to destroy all; he no sooner arrives but desires a speedy conduct to one Masson de Rivers, who was a Godly and zealous Pastor of a Church; a very able and elaborate Disspenser of the Mysteries of the Gospel; and one excelling in wisdom, knowledge and learning; He it was that laid the foundation stone of the first Church of Christ in Paris: This bloody Monsorel meets Mr. Masson's wife at the Door, and kindly saluted her, demanding where her Husband was, she answered in the Garden, whither she conducted him, who as soon as he cometh to him, embraces him kindly, saying dost thou know my message, and the busmess I come to thee about, it is (said this villain) to kill thee presently, for the King commands it; and so presents a Pistol to his Breast, Master Masson replied, I know not wherein I have given his Majesty such cause; but one thing Sir I humbly beg at your hands, to give me so much space as to commend my soul to God by prayer; which as soon as he had ended, this cruel and merciless Tiger pistoled him.  
And so this faithful Servant of Christ fell dead at his feet.  
Not long after, arrives another bloody Harbinger from Paris by the King's Order, who drowned many, amongst the rest, was the virtuous wife of this Godly Minister of Christ Mr. Masson: a Christian getting into an obscure place of a Rock, the entrance being narrow, was, after he got in, covered with a Spider's web; the bloody Persecutors passing by, some of them said it was a fit place for an escape from danger, others said, can any be here and this Spider's web whole, whereupon they departed, which may very well be remarkably observed as a special Providence of God.   

CHAP. IX.  
The Contents.  
THe King prolaims pardon to all those that had escaped in Woods, and Rocks, who no sooner comes home, but treacherously destroys them all, in a most cruel manner. For thirty days nothing but killing of poor innocent Protestants. The Copy of the King's letters, laying the fault of the Admiral's death and the murders on the D. of Guise; yet the same day sends Letters to command it to be done, and caused all the murders to be done by his command, both in Paris, and all over France. The King in Parliament opens his design, and acknowledges all to be done by his own command. The King's Speech in Parliament. The true Copy of the K. Declaration, printed at Paris. The Precedent of Parliament congratulates the King for his bloody success. The Advocate advises the King to cease the murders, and to colour his crueltits with the name of Justice. A Parliament is called, and Proclamation is made that all murders should cease. Many gòes to view the body of the Admiral hanging on the common Gallows. The King and Queen Mother goes also; but his body over night was secretly taken away and buried: so they lost their journey. Judges picked out to condemn the innocent with the pretence of Justice. The Admiral dishonoured by a man of straw, and Libels printed. The King sends to surprise the Admiral's wife, but she was fled to Geneva. The Admiral a little described. Brave Caviagnes and Briquemault tortured to confess themselves and the Admiral Traitors, they show much Christianity, the Judges refuse to sit in judgement against them, new judges are chosen, they are condemned and led to the Gallows, their Speech, they are hanged in sight of King, Q. Mother, Prince and Nobles with many thousand Spectators. The Man of Straw for the Admiral, hanged with them. Some Letters collected according to the Original, which gives much light to the History, and discovers how Queen Elizabeth of England resented the Murder, with the General pity and Dislike of the whole English Court. These cruelties spotted the French Nation with a great Odium among Foreign Princes. The Duke of Guise his Letter to his Wife intercepted, and the Plot discovered. The King notwithstanding his former Edicts granted, and Oaths to keep his Promises, does now proclaim, that none should exercise any Religion on pain of Death, but the Romish. A form of Abjuration sent to those that would come in, and forsake the Protestant Religion; and when they did, they were murdered contrary to the King's proclamation: A true Copy of the Remembrances of the King to all his Lieutenants, and Governors of his Provinces, with a Copy also for Abjuration.  
NOw when all was murdered that could very well be laid hands on, and the King understanding that divers Protestants, had in many parts of the Kingdom fled, and left their Habitations for security of their Lives; He acts the second and worst part of his Devilish Treachery and cruelty; for after many sweet baits of enticing and alluring promises for them to come in, he at last published Letters, and sent Messengers;  
Wherein he shown, The great grief it was to him that so much blood should be spilt in the Nation, contrary to his will, promising to punish the Actors of such horrid villainies, with as much cruelty as Justice could inflict, and they deserve. And that if the Admiral, and his Associates. deserved the death inflicted for their treasonable practices, yet was it no reason so many innocents' should bear part of this punishment, that had no hand in the Plot.  
Now many poor Protestants that had left all, and fled into the woods, being encouraged by these enticing and fair pretexts, returned home, especially they that had fled from Diep, Rouen, and Tholouse; now we shall see the King like a Thorny Bush to the poor sheep, that in a storm they run to shelter, and instead thereof are entangled, and their wool pulled off their backs. But oh wretched Tyrant, and worse King! whose furious and bloody mind, like an impetuous Whirlwind, or Hiricane, could not be kept in bounds, but ere two days passed he imprisons them all, and appoints base fellows to murder them, with cruel Torments.  
And thus for thirty days together was nothing but horrible slaughter throughout the Kingdom of France; insomuch that there were about a hundred thousand little Babes, Widows and children wel-born that fatherless and Motherless, lived long in wandering, and beggary.  
And truly that reverend and faithful Servant of Christ, did not miss the Mark of the King's treachery and perfidious dealing, when he made this Anagram on his name;  
CHARLES VALOIS, Anagram, Chasseur disloyal, i. e. Perfidious Hunter or Persecutor.  
In this calamity many that would have saved their lives among their own friends, could not have the favour, nay their own parents refused them, others betrayed by their friends, and yet it pleased God to move the hearts of some of their Enemies, by their high detesting these cruelties, and villainies, insomuch as they hazarded their own lives to save some of the Protestants.  
Was ever such unheard of cruelties permitted and commanded by any Christian King, and Court with such delight of shedding Protestant blood; We may say of the French nation (as the case here stood) as the poor. Indian said of the Spaniards.  
The story stands recorded thus.  
A Prince of the Indians being so far wrought upon as to receive baptism at the hands of a Friar, he first questioned, whether the souls of such as were baptised went? Answer was returned, To Heaven; then says he, whether must they go too that are not baptised; They answer, To Hell; but he further demanded, To which of these two places the Spaniards went? Answer is returned, To heaven, than said the Indian, Let me go to Hell if the Spaniards go to Heaven; for I cannot believe heaven to be a good place, that is a reward for such bloody Butchers; and Masters of such unheard of cruelties. May we not say so of this sad Massacre of France? but I leave the application to the judicial reader.  
The King now fearing the Dishonour of falsehood, treachery, and perjury, and that it might not fix any reproachful blot, or slain on the King's name; This King at the same time that he sends Letters through France, giving in command to cut off and destroy the Protestants, the same King with the same hand, and at the same time, sends Letters to the Governors of his Provinces; wherein he lets the world know that the late mischief in Paris, had to his great sorrow happened by means of the Duke of Guise, who having raised the people, they tumultuously broke through the Guard, which he had appointed for the Admiral's safety, and with great Fury killed the Admiral and his Friends, and that he with the Queen Mother and Brethren, were through the danger of a furious multitude, forced to retreat for safety to the Lour, all which he said was against his mind and will, and therefore he desired the Edict of Pacification to be kept inviolable.  
The like Letters he writ to England, Switzerland and Germany; which because they bear one tenure, and penned after one manner, I have to avoid prolixity, inserted only this following Letter.  
The true Copy of the King's letter to the Governor of Burgundy.  
Cousin,  
YOu have perceived what I wrote unto you Yesterday, concerning my Cousin the Admiral's wounding, and how ready I was to do my endeavour to search out the truth of the deed, and to punish it, wherein nothing was left undone or forgottou. But it happened since, that they of the house of Guise, and other Lords and Gentlemen their Adherents, (whereof there be no small number in this City) when they certainly knew, that the Admiral's friends would proceed to the revenge of his hurt, and because they were suspected to be the Authors thereof, were so stirred up this last night, that a great and lamentable sedition arose thereof, insomuch that the Guard by me appointed for his defence about his House, was set upon, and he himself with certain of his Gentlemen slain, and havoc of others made in divers places of the City, which was handled with such rage, that I could not use the remedy I would, but had much ado to employ my Guards, and other Defence, for the safety of myself, and my brethren in the Castle of the Louvre, to give order hereafter for the appeasing of this Sedition, which is at this hour well appeased, thanks be to God, and came to pass by a particular and private quarrel of long time fostering betwixt these two houses. Whereof when I foresaw that there would succeed; some mischievous purpose, I did what I could possibly to appease it, as all men know, and yet hereby the Edict of Pacification is not broken, which I will to be kept as straight as ever it was, as I have given to understand in all places throughout my Realm, and because it is greatly to be feared that such an execution might stir up my Subjects, one against another, and cause great murders through the Cities of my Realm, whereby I should be greatly grieved, I pray you cause to be published and understood in all places of your Government that every person abide and continue in the safeguard of his own house, and to take no weapons in hand, nor one to hurt another upon pain of death; commanding them to keep and diligently to observe our Edict of Pacification, and to make the Offenders and Resisters, and such as would disobey and break our will, to be punished. You shall assemble out of hand as great force as you can, as well of your friends as of them that be appointed by me and others, advertising the Captains of Castles and Cities in your Government, to take heed to the safeguard and preservation of the said places, so that no fault ensue on their behalf, advertising me also as soon as you can, what order you have given herein, and how all things have passed within the circuit of your Government. Hereupon I pray God to keep you, Cousin, in his Holy safeguard.  
At Paris August 24. signed Charles, and underneath BRULAND.  
Now at the same time, were Orders given out by the King, for all Towns and Provinces within his Power, to follow the example of Paris, and to murder and put to death all of the Religion, and the very next month he wholly abolishes that famous Edict, giving command to root out all the Protestants both from Estates and Places, and at last as we shall see, causes a Form of Abjuration to be made, and causing it to the proclaimed, That no Religion should be exercised in the Kingdom but the Romish.  
Now we see by these Letters that the King would fain lay the blot of this foul cruelty to the ancient Quarrel of the houses of Guise and Chastillon, therefore the Guisans foreseeing the foulness of the fact, strove as much to evade the dint of the Dishonour, as the King did, though the Guisans were the Plotters and chief Agents in the practical part of this cruel Tragedy; whereupon they handled the matter so, that the King was forced to acknowledge, and avow publicly this horrid act, and indeed none more fit than the King that commanded it. And truly the sad effects of these unheardof cruelties, would make any one disown it, and gladly would the King don so, for he loved the effects, and now could neither evade the dishonour, nor Gods just Judgements. But he is not yet ripe for them; although in these many massacres he had not spared, but basely caused to be butchered, an infinite number of gallant Noblemen, and Young Ladies, with abundance of learned men, many reverend old men, many young Gentlewomen and Virgins, many honourable Matrons of good account, women with child, and little infants at their mother's breasts.  
Now the King being forced, to let the world know his perjury, and cruelty, he labours to set a good face on his cruel heart, so that the King that had the four and twentieth day of August, 1572. declared by Letters to all the Provinces and several Princes abroad, that the tumult in Paris, arose betwixt the two parties of the Guisan and Admiral; now but two days after, being the twenty sixth of the same mouth, This most mighty King (and by consent of all nations commonly called) the most Christian King, comes into the Parliament, with a great Train of his Brethren, and other Princes and Lords of his Court attending him, where in a full Assembly of his Council, he ascends the Throne, and sitting thereon, he directs his Speech to this great Assembly in manner following,  

The King's Speech in Parliament  That having been informed, that the Admiral with certain of his confederates, notwithstanding all his favours, & gracious pardons granted to their former Rebellions, yet have now plotted against my person, with my mother and Brethren, to our utter perdition, which being discovered, I was forced to prevent my own ruin, by Justice to procure theirs, and by a speedy course, have heaped on their own heads what they would have heaped on mine. For this cause therefore it was, that by my command the Admiral and his Complices, are deservedly cut off, hoping thereby, that a period is not only put to their Treason against myself, and Nobles, but also to future troubles, which would have fallen on this poor Nation, to an utter ruin thereof.  
Now although at first, he had both by words and Letters, laid the whole Business on the fury of a popular tumult, headed by the faction of the Guisans, yet now at this time, unmasking his Design, he discovers himself like his actions, and now laid down his Reasons and grounds of this manner of proceeding against these Rebels, as he calls them; and so further declared,  
That he thought it not altogether unfit to make his Magistrates acquainted with it, That what was done at Paris in the late Slaughters, was by his own commandment, for the safety of his own life, and national tranquillity, and also that they might proceed with the like severity, against such Traitors, and Rebels of such a wicked Conspiracy, and that it was a sudden thing, and not premeditated (a deep reach to take off the edge of suspicion) happening in a manner, says he, by chance, and not by any plotted contrivance.  
This Speech of the Kings, was by himself, and the Parliament commanded to be written, and entered into the Records of Parliament, proclaimed by Heralds, and published in print, a Book also was published by the King's commandment (which because it is within four days of the same date of that Letter, wherein he lays the blame of the Admiral's death, etc. on the Duke of Guise, and here takes it to himself) therefore I say I thought fit to insert that printed Book by way of Declaration, which is as followeth.  

A Declaration of the King, concerning the occasion of the Admiral's death, and his Adherents and Complices, happened in the City of Paris, August 24. 1572.  
By the King.  
HIs Majesty desiring to have all Seigniours, Gentlemen, and other Subjects understand the cause of the Murder of the Admiral and his Adherents and Complices, which lately happened in the City of Paris, the four and twentieth day of this present month of August, lest the said deed should be otherwise disguised and reported than it was indeed, His Majesty therefore declareth, that which was done was by his express commandment, and for no cause of Religion, nor breaking his Edicts of Pacification, which he always intended and still mindeth and intendeth to observe and keep, yea it was rather done to withstand and prevent a most detestable and cursed conspiracy, begun by the said Admiral, the chief Captain thereof, and his said Adherents, and Complices, against the King's person, his Estate, the Q. his Mother, and the Princes his Brethren, the King of Navarre, and other Lords about him, wherefore his Majesty by this Declaration and Ordinance, giveth to understand to all Gentlemen, and others of the Religion, which they pretend Reform, that he mindeth and purposeth that they live under his Protection, with their wives and children in their houses, in as much safeguard as they did before, following the benefit of the former Edicts of Pacification, most expressly commanding and ordaining, that all Governors, and Lieutenant's General, in every of his Countries and Provinces, and other Justices and Officers to whom it appertaineth, do not attempt, nor suffer to be attempted, any thing in what sort soever upon the persons and goods of them of the Religion, their wives, children and families, on pain of death to be inflicted on those that shall be found faulty, and culpable in this behalf. And nevertheless to withstand the troubles, slanders, suspicions and defiances, that may come by Sermons and Assemblies, as well in the houses of the said Gentlemen, as in other places, as it is suffered by the said Edicts of Pacification, it is expressly forbidden, and inhibited by his Majesty to all Gentlemen and others of the said Religion, to have no assemblies, for any cause at all till his Majesty hath provided and appointed otherwise for the Tranquillity of his Realm, upon pain of disobedience and confiscation of body and goods. It is also expressly forbidden under the pain aforesaid, that for the aforesaid accasions none shall take or retain any Prisoners, or take ransom of them, and that incontinently they certify the Governors of every Province, and the Lieutenant General, of the name and quality of every such Prisoner, whom his Majesty hath appointed shall be released and set at liberty, except they be of the late Conspiracy, or such as have made some practice or device for them, or had intelligence of, and they shall advertise his Majesty of such ro know his further pleasure. It is also ordained, that from henceforth none shall take or arrest any Prisoner for that cause, without his Majesty's commandment, or his Officers, nor that none be suffered to roave abroad in the Fields, to take up Dogs, , Beefs, Kine, or other Beasts, Goods, Fruits, Grain, or any thing else, nor to hurt the Labourers by word or deed, but to let them alone about their work or calling in peace and safety.  
At Paris August 28. 1572. signed Charles, and underneath Fizes.  
Imprinted at Paris by john Dalleir, Stationer, dwelling on Saints Michael's Bridge at the sign of the White Rose, by the King's Licence.   
There was Letters also writ by the King to the Officers of burgh's, also remembrances sent to the General Lieutenant of Burgundy, which being to the same purpose, is omitted for brevity.  
The King's Oration, in the great Assembly aforesaid, being ended; before this Assembly broke up, one Christopher Thuane, the Precedent of this Assembly in Parliament, being one of a high Spirit, and subject to admire his own parts and actions, ready to wonder what a fool he could make of Solomon, being a man reported to be notable for his light brain and cruel heart, who trusting more to a slippery tongue, than a sound cause, congratulated the King for his wise Policy and good success in a speedy conquest over his Enemies.  
But alas! how did he conquer? Only by wearing the vest of the Innocent, to conceal and cover the deformed ugliness of his perfidious perjury.  
But the Advocate of the Finanee succinctly delivered his mind to this purpose.  
That though his Majesty had just cause to punish Delinquents, yet it were more becoming the justice of a Prince, to proceed according to the Laws by himself decreed and established, and so more fit for his Majesty to command a speedy cessation of such violent slaughters, and to enter upon a judicial proceeding, according to the Laws, which was well known to be the proper and peaceable establishment of Empires and Kingdoms.  
This advice takes well, for now the King gins to do unjustly in the name of Justice; so he proceeds to dissemble a Legality for all his future Butcheries, unwilling to murder any more without a statute, and pretence of Justice for it.  
This being a brave principle of a Tyrant; and that whereas the Laws at first were known to be the legitimate daughter of judgement, it must now be made the adopted daughter of Tyranny.  
Now is an arrest of Parliament, with his Royal assent, so that immediately Heralds went about the City, and an Edict was proclaimed in the King's name, That all murders should cease; but those that he intended more immediately to have a hand in himself, by sitting in judgement and qualifying his cruelty, and bloodshed, with the name of Justice.  
And first let us see a little of this new Justice of the Kings, which now must be exercised on the dead Admiral, which being as aforesaid, hung by the heels on the common gallows of Paris, the people by flocks and multitudes gathered to see it.  
The Queen Mother, to delight herself with that sad view of her Sons and her own bloody cruelty, she takes the King and his Brethren, and so advances towards this sad sight, but his body was in the night conveyed away by two of the Marshal de Momorancies Servants, and was secretly buried at Chantilly, whose faithfulness and adventure is beyond a terrene Reward.  
And now the King gins to put in execution the advice of the Advocate; being also persuaded to it by Morvilleir, a wicked fellow, and the first that brought the Priests into the Kingdom of France, now it was thought fit to bring to public Justice, those that were taken flying and hiding themselves, and so after the usual manner of Judicial proceed, should be examined by chosen Judges culled on purpose, and so by Sentence condemned, that in view of all the world, they might receive their execution as the effects of justice, and reward of there Treasonous practices.  
The Judges thus appointed, was Birage, Thuan, Limege and Belleuxe; who presently gave order for a man of Hay made in shape of a man's body, and so to personate the Admiral, whom they had murdered; and so it was dragged through the streets by the Boreau, his memory was condemned and razed out of remembrance, his arms and Ensigns of Honour and Chivalry demolished, his Castles and Farms razed to the ground, his Children pronounced infamous, and unnoble, and all the trees in his woods to the growth of six foot to be cut down.  
And now to make way abroad in the World, in the Court of Foreign Princes and Nations for a more neat excuse to their unheardof baseness; They disperse Libels full of dishonour to the Admiral, and his Adherents, and stuffed with the Defamation of their memories, and that their Actions might not run in a Line Antarctic to their words, The King dispatches his Grand Provost with all diligence to seize upon the Admiral's wife, and Mounseir de la Vall the Son of Andelot deceased, who by God's good Providence were already fled to Genova, and the better to escape further danger, went to live among the Swissers in the Canton of Bearn, the younger Children both male and female were condemned to death in their tender years.  
They give also new charges to their Ambassadors, negotiating in Germany, Poland, England, Switzerland, and other Foreign Countries, to justify the actions of the King and Catholics, tending also to the Public reproach and shame of the Admiral and his Friends.  
But God used these things afterwards as a further mean to discover their treachery, and so proved against their expected advantage.  
For had the King and Court of France declared at first that they designed to cut of their Enemies, as the exuberous branches of the King's indulgency, and now grown his Enemies by their plotted treachery, this would have excused them from perjury and treason, but to pretend that they intended not what they really resolved to do, and nothing less than what they did, This I say was the height of dishonour to the Crown of France.  
And thus died that famous, Religious, and Noble Commander Gasper de Colligny Admiral to the Protestant Army and cause, for the space of twelve years; whose deserved Fame lived with great renown in the hearts of all the Godly, and with no less terror and amazement often filled the Kingdom of France, whose valour purchased great merit from his Enemies; He that made the King and Court afraid, in a hasty and disorderly retreat from Meaux to Paris. And that I may add one mite to the Treasure of his true worth, this is he that many praised and all admired, that through a wise conduct of his affairs, terrified his boisterous Enemies, to a submissive calm of subjection; A man so inspired with great courage, and constancy, that to take a Description by any pen, would be the highest road to lay his merits in the grave of obscurity, being a man full of the sail of valour and sound judgement, a star of the greatest magnitude in the affairs of highest importance, shining for ever in the lowest obscurity of discords, sudden dangers, and insurrections. One that cannot be enough admired, commended or honoured, being above all a man of profound judgement in point of reality. This being the least part of honour that is paid to his eternal worth by all that knew him. He, he it was that basely suffered, the unresistable shock of a perfidious, and treacherous death, cowardly murdered by those that durst never draw a Sword with a Resolution of valour against this Champion, but trembled at his Remembrance and Presence, who was never overcome by valour but by cowardice.  
Amongst the rest that were brought to a Legal murder. was one named Caviagnes Master of the Requests to the King, and one named Briquemault, both inward friends to the Admiral, and in great reputation in the Court of honour and Camp of Chivalry.  
Now this brave Commander and old Soldier Briquemault, having great renown by his service under King Francis, and King Henry, was therefore honoured by all but such as love no Rivals, nor valued any cruelty if they could but out shine others loyalty, by their own treachery. This brave Gentleman was about fourscore and ten years old, and poor Gentleman had gone through too much proof of fidelity, now to end his life under the command and protection of such a cruel Tyrant.  
Now these gallant Commanders aged with experience, and filled with innocent integrity, were like Lambs before Wolves, threatened to be torn in pieces unless without delay, they would with their own hands subscribe that they were of the Admiral's Council, to cut off the King, by an untimely death; together with the Queen his Mother and his Brethren, and promising pardon, if they would accept of it; These innocent Gentlemen cried out, That they were ready to suffer the Torments of their merciless cruelty upon their bodies, rather than pull down vengeance upon their spotless souls, so humbly beseeched the King to spare his torments, seeing none could pierce so far as force themselves to a false accusation, yet if his Majesty pleased to totment their bodies, they hoped God would so in his mercy order it, as to lessen the pain thereof by his gracious presence in their souls; in whose goodness they hoped to depend for aid, rather than perjure their own Souls by a false accusation of themselves, and others, being as full of innocency and integrity as they of cruelty and perjury; they were resolved never to accuse murdered innocency, wherein they never were guilty, nor commit such an execrable crime as the King requested; and (say they) though the King values the tranquillity of his Realm before the blood of Christians; yet we hope to embrace a peaceable conscience, in trampling underfoot the high esteem of a transitory possession; for what will it gain us to gain our lives and lose our immortal souls?  
The Judges having some remorse of conscience, began to deny the embracement of that infamy, 
The Judges touched in conscience do refuse to fit in Judgement.  which must justly fall on their unjust Sentence; for indeed their reasons were unrefistable; and these Judges understood the intent of the King by the Defendants Pleas, so they refused any more to hear, or determine, much less to give Sentence, whereupon were new Judges appointed in their room, and to them was joined a Tormenter, and Notary, as might suit with them, so at last these eminent and brave Cammanders and Gentlemen, were by a shadow of Law, and illegal Legality, condemned to die, and so the 22. of October 1572. in the fight of the King, Queen, Mother, her Sons, with many thousand gazing on them, they were led to the gallows, seated in the prime street of the City, but before execution, as Briquemault ascended the Ladder, came to him the under Provost of the Town, whom the King had commanded to insinuate into him and to proffer pardon for life, if he would confess what was laid to his charge, saying further, that his Majesty being of an easy nature, and courteous affability, would as speedily grant pardon, as he ask it, but he, like one truer to his own soul, than the K. to his promise, replied, That it was the K. duty to ask pardon of God, if the day of God's mercy had not passed upon his cruelty and perjury, and so was far from ask forgiveness for that, whereof God and his soul were witnesses of his innocency, yet to prove himself as good a Christian as the King a ernel Tyrant, he cordially desired God of his great mercy to forgive the King. And so lifting up his eyes to heaven, he uttered these Words, Oh my God, upon whose Tribunal seat I stand, and whose face I hope shortly to see, thou knowest well that I know nothing, nor did not so much as once think of any Conspiracy against the King, nor against his Estate; though I stand charged with the same in my process, but I beseech God to pardon the King, and all those that have been the cause of this my unjust death, even as I desire pardon at thy hands for my sins, and offences committed against thy Divine Majesty; so ascending another step of the Ladder, he only said, I have somewhat to utter to the King, which I would be glad to communicate unto him, but (says he) I see that I may not; and so shrunk up his shoulders, forbearing to use any further speech; so these two brave Gentlemen were at last with halters about their necks, most basely, unjustly and dishonourably thrown off the Ladder by the Hangman; whose deaths ere this are accounted for; and as Briquemaults constancy was much commended, so was his death much bewailed by many Catholics, that were spectators of this sad cruelty.  
Two things was very ill spoken of by the Catholics and Protestants; first the presence of the King, as a thing unworthy the Head of Justice, to see the Execution; Secondly, That Briquemault being a Gentleman of Good descent, was basely hanged, being a thing rare in France, but especially now in regard he was reputed of his Enemies to be free from the charge for which he died; about an hour after this unheardof Justice and execution the bloody Catholics of Paris, drew their bodies through the Streets, thrust their dead bodies through with daggers, shooting of dags at them, cutting off their ears, and omitted no other kind of cruelty, and barbarous villainy that could be imagined.  
And thus the Noble Gantlemen, by their Christian Moderation and composedness of mind, reared Trophies of Honour out of the Ruins of their own misfortunes, Et Miserias infularum loco habuere, wore their disasters like holy vestments as robes of honour, They let the world know they could not only do but suffer, and that passive fortitude is as good as active valour, Et facere & pati fortia, hoc Romanum est, L. Flo.  
And now to perfect all, they likewise with these two famous Gentlemen, cause to be hanged a man of straw made for a shadow of the Admiral.  
These barbarous cruelties, strange Treachery, and unheardof perjury in these bloody proceed against the poor Protestants of France, brought an odium and bred a Hatred from Stranger Princes, but especially in Poland; likewise did much frustrate the French Negotiations in behalf of the Duke of Anjou.  
And Courteous Reader, since the first beginning of publishing this sad Tragedy, there came in the interim a book to my hand; wherein is somewhat discovered of this History, but specially the resentment and judgement of Sir F. Walsing ham then Ambassador in France for Q. Eliz. of blessed memory, as also some orher Letters, the matter contained therein I have shortly collected for the public good, which though abstracted here, yet may more at large be read in the Author.  
In a Letter to Sir Tho. Smith, page 245.  
— And therefore I hope her Majesty will stand upon her Guard, and strengthen herself with the Amity of the Protestant Princes of Germany, who (as I hear) are awake, and marvellously stomach this late cruelty, and do think that the danger thereof will reach to themselves, if they do not seek to prevent it. One Roulart a Catholic and Canon of Nostre Dame and also a Counsellor in the Parliament, uttering certain Speeches in misliking this lawless kind of proceeding without Justice, was apprehended and committed to Prison, and in prison murdered as disorderly as any of the Rest; wherewith divers of the Catholics themselves were offended. This manner of proceeding breedeth General distrust in them of the Nobility, and every man feareth God's vengeance.  
Paris, 16. Sept. 1572. F. Walsingham.  
In a Letter to Sir Francis Walsingham, page 246.  
— The Ambassador proceeded, showing also outwardly, a marvellous inward grief of mind for this shameful fact, professing himself ashamed to be accounted a French man.— Although indeed the same informations had been true, yet the manner of the cruelty used cannot be allowed in any kingdom or Government, and least in that place where the King might by order of Justice have done due execution, both to the Admiral, and all others that should have proved offenders: for it cannot be denied, that the same forces that murdered so many, might have more easily attached them all, or the principals, and brought them to answer to Justice when the King would, etc.— whose age and knowledge ought in such case to have foreseen how Offenders ought to be justified with the Sword of the Prince, and not with the bloody Swords of Murderers, being also the mortal enemies of the party murdered, etc.— And as for the Admiral, she confesseth, that she was very sorry for his death, as for one whom she thought a good Minister to continue Amity betwixt their two Majesties, and she had cause to bewal the rest of the Noblemen for the like cause etc.— Her Majesty did greatly lament their death, and doth surely persuade herself, that if the King shall not use his power to make some amends for so much blood so horribly shed, God, who seethe the hearts of all, as well Princes as others, will show his Justice in time and place, when his honour shall therein be glorified, as the Author of all Justice, and the Revenger of all bloodshedding of the innocents', etc.  
Woodstock, Sept. 9 1572. 

W. Burleigh,  
F. Knowles,  
Rob Leicester,  
T. Smith,  
James Croft.    
In a Letter to Sir Francis Walsingham, folio 250.  
SIR,  
I See the Devil is suffered by the Almighty God for our sins, to be strong in following the persecution of Christ's Members; and therefore we are not only vigilant of our own defence against such traitorous attempts as lately have been put in ure there in France, but also to call ourselves to repentance, etc.  
— I desire to have the knowledge of as many principals as were slain, and what Protestants did escape, we are much perplexed with variety of Reports, etc.  
Woodstock 19 Sept. 1572. W. Burleigh.  
In a Letter to Sir Francis Walsingham, page 251.  
THe Lamentable Tragedy that hath been there used of late doth make all Christians look for a just revenge again at God's hand, as it hath pleased him to fear us, and so pinch us in the mean time, with the scourge of Correction by the sufferance of his people thus to be murdered, etc.— That we may see as well the fall of his and our Enemies, as the blood of his Saints to be so innocently spilt, even for his mercies let him turn it ten fold upon their heads, etc.— If he continue in confirming the fact, then must he be a Prince detested of all honest men, what Religion soever they have, for as his fact was ugly, so was it inhuman, for whom should a man trust if not his Prince's Word? and these men whom he hath put to slaughter not only had his word, but his writing, and not private but public, with open Proclamations, and all other manner of Declarations, which could be devised for their safety, which now being violated and broken, who can believe or trust him?  
Sept. 11. 1572. Rob. Leicester.  
In a Letter to Sir Francis Walsingham, page 252.  
SIR,  
THis sad accident in France seemeth to us so strange, and beyond all expectation, that we cannot tell what to say to it, the matter appeareth all manner of ways so lamentable, The King so suddenly, and in one day to have despoiled himself, and his Realm, of so many notable Captains, so many brave Soldiers, so wise and so valiant men— You would not think how much we are desirous to hear what end these troubles will have, whether it rangeth further into all France, or die, or will cease here at Paris, our Merchants are afraid to go now into France, and who can blame them? who would where such liberty is given to Soldiers, and where nec Pietas, nec Justitia, doth refrain and keep back the unruly malice of the raging popular?  
Woodstock Sep. 12. 1572. Tho. Smith.  
In a Letter to the Right Honourable his very Good Lords, the Lords of Her Majesty's most Honourable privy Council, page 253.  
— That she was not a little astonished, and perplexed, upon the hearing of the late miserable and most lamentable accident in such sort, as she knew neither what to say or Judge of the matter, seeing those murdered without pity and compassion, without regard had either of sex or age, without ordinary form of Justice, who upon assurance of the King's word, laying all suspicion aside, did misdoubt nothing less than that which happened unto them; who thought their lives then in most safety when by proof it appeared they were in most danger etc.— That though she was much astonished at the first report made of the great slaughter, and horrible murder, without regard had either to sex or age of those of the Religion, who laying aside all distrust, and reposing themselves upon his words, did most confidently throw themselves into the arms of his Protection, etc.— And as for the cruelty (saith he) exercised both here in my Town of Paris, and elsewhere, it is a thing that hath happened against my will to my great grief; of late (saith he) the like disorder hath hapenned at Rouen, for the which I am very sorry; and therefore for the redress thereof I have all this morning been devising with my counsel for exemplary Justice to be done upon those which shall be found to be offenders, etc.— The Marshal de Coss, hath Commission sent him, as I am informed, to execute as many of the Religion, within his Charge, as have been known in these late wars to have served the Princes, and born charges; If the Marshal Montmorency had been in this Town at the day of execution, both he with all his Brethren, the Duke de Bulloin, and Marshal, had been slain, as I am credibly informed.  
Paris 24. Sept. 1572.  
In a Letter to Sir Francis Walsingham page 262.  
— The cruel Murders at Rouen is now long ago written unto us, when we thought all had been done, and by the same Letters was written unto us that Deip was kept close, and the same execution of the true Christians looked for there, but as than not executed, howbeit Sigoigne did warrant all our Englishmen to be out of danger, and not to be afraid; but what warrant can the French make, now Seals and words of Princes being traps to catch innocents', and bring them to the butcheries? if the Admiral and all those murdered on that bloody Bartholomew day, were guilty, why were they not apprehended; imprisoned, interrogated, and judged, but so much made of as might be, within two hours of the assumation, is that the manner to handle men either culpable or suspected? So is the Journeyer slain by the Robber, so is the Hen of the Fox, so the Hind of the Lion, so Abel of Cain, so the innocent of the wicked, so Abner of Joab: but grant they were guilty, they dreamt Treason that night in their sleep; what did the innocent men, women and children at Lions? what did the sucking children, and their Mothers at Rouen deserve at Cane? at Rochel? what is done yet, we have not heard, but I think shortly we shall hear; will God, think you, sleep still? will not their blood ask vengeance? shall not the Earth be accursed that hath sucked up the innocent blood poured out like water upon it, etc.— I wish you were out of the Country, so contaminate with innocent blood, that the sun cannot look upon it, but to prognosticate the wrath and vengeance of God. The ruin and desolation of Jerusalem could not come till all Christians were either killed there, or expelled thence.  
Reading 26. Sept. 1572.  
In a Letter by Sir Thomas Smith, Secretary to her Majesty, p. 263.  
— The Best is we stand I thank God, upon our Guard, nor I trust shall be taken and killed asleep, as the Admiral was, etc.— It doth me good to see the Princely compassion that her Majesty doth take on the poor Vidame who is escaped by good fortune into England; her Majesty hath written for him to the King. The Copy I send you, you shall do well to press the Answer, and bring it with you; I dare say, it will do you good if you can do it, Haec est vicissitudo rerum humanarum, haec est communis casus hominum. All that be not bloody and Antichristian must needs condole, and lament the misery and inhumanity of this time, God make it short, and send his Kingdom amongst us.  
Sept. 27. Tho. Smith.  
In a Letter to Sir Francis Walsingham, page 264.  
— We have understood by report from Rouen, that on Thursday was seven-night, there was a general slaughter made of all that could be imagined Protestants, so as the very Channels of the Streets did run with blood.  
Sept. 25. 1572. W. Burleigh.  
In a Letter to the Lord of Burleigh page 269.  
— Doth well enough discern that he late cruelty here executed is void of all manner of Just defence, and therefore in God's just judgement is like to receive just punishment; and if the same do not happen so soon as we desire, our sins is the let. They here are so far imbrued in blood, as there is no end of their cruelty; for no Town escapeth where any of the Religion are found, with General murdering and sacking of them, and yet they protest all this to be done against their Will, though it be evidently known it is done by their Commandment. This manner of proceeding seemeth to all men so strange, as no man can tell what to judge of it, openly not man dare but commend it, privately few are found that do not utterly detest it.  
Paris 8. Octo. 1572. F. Walsingham.  
In a Letter to the Earl of Liecester, page 282.  
— Generally all men do cry out and say, That the Liberty of France is lost, yea and some the most vehement Catholics do wish both themselves, and that they have, out of this Country, etc.— What will be the issue of these Tragical do here, God only knoweth, but generally every man feareth that all will go to ruin.  
Paris 1. of Nou. 1572. F. Walsingham.  
In a Letter of Sir Francis Walsingham, page 304.  
— I further showed him the redoubling of her Majesty's grief, as well to see such as by no means could be privy to any conspiracy given up even to the vile and base people; whose execution was without respect of age or sex in a most barbarous sort; as also to see those that are alive forced by Edicts lately set forth, either to abjure their Religion, to fly, or else to be murdered, a kind of proceeding which showeth, that his meaning is to root out all the Professors of the Gospel within his Realm.  
Paris 25. of Decem. 1572. F. Walsingham.  
Now we may see how things were resented by blessed Queen Elizabeth, how at first the King by his Ambassador would persuade her to believe, that he had reason for what he did, although he desired to excuse it by necessity. Many other things of high concernment is couched in those excellent Letters, worthy serious perusal at large.  
Now although the King did declare it to the world, that he intended not to break the Edict of Pacification, but that liberty should be granted to their Persons, yet the allseeing God discovered their deeds of darkness, in the daylight, and that the King only deceived the World with his wont Hypocrisy, which will plainly appear by the tenure of a Letter intercepted from the Duke of Guise, at the Court in Council, being written from Paris to his Wife, the same day that noble Briquemault was ignobly hanged; the words were these,  
The King hath decreed in Council, utterly to root out this seditious vermin of the New Religion.  
And thus this King and Court, washed their bloody, and crimson hands in the blood of the Protestants.  
And that the World might see that effected, which he so often publicly proclaimed was never intended, his heart and his tongue being not Confederates, showing himselt now perjured to purpose, he causes to be proclaimed, That those that had any charge in the Nation, should for sake their Religion and their Places; insomuch that there was no small village, but the poor Protestants were compelled to hear Mass, or speedily perish by the Sword, and yet so basely bloody, and murderous did the French Nation show themselves at this time, that even those that through a sudden fear embraced by temptation, a sad Apostasy, abjuring the Protestant Religion, yet were presently murdered.  
The Remembrances of the King sent to all Governors of Provinces, and also the form of Abjuration, I have here inserted, according to the Original Copy, that the world may see the perjury of a faithless King.  

Remembrances sent by the King, to all Governors, and Lieutenants of his Provinces, to put out, and remove all those of the RELIGION from their Estates, and Charges, although they would abjure the same; saving such as have but small Estates and Offices, to whom his Majesty permitted continuance, on condition that they abjure the said Religion, according to the Form of Abjuration sent for that purpose.  
THe King, considering how much his Officers, and Magistrates of Justice, and such as have the Administration and dealing of his fines and payments which be of the New Religion, are suspect and hated, and put his Catholic Subjects in great mistrust, if they should presently exercise their Offices after these fresh commotions: Therefore lest the people should thereby be brought to a new occasion of stir, and they of the new Religion be in danger and hazard of their own persons, although they would abjure their said new Religion, and profess the Holy faith and Catholic Religion of Rome; His Majesty desiring to avoid the new mischiefs and troubles which may come, hath advised to discharge the said Officers, from the exercise of the said Offices, until he shall otherwise appoint. And yet nevertheless in the mean while, if the said Officers be obedient unto his will, and live quietly in their Houses, without attempting, practising, or taking any thing in hand against his Service, they shall receive their wages, and they that will resign their said Offices to Catholic persons, and come to his Majesty, shall be honourably provided for. And as touching other small Offices without wages, which cannot be troublesome, as Notaries, Sergeants, and such, where the Officers have none Authority, which cannot be so odious nor mistrustful to the people as the other; His Majesty is advised, that such small Officers which will abjure the said New Religion, and confess the faith Catholic, Apostolic and Romish, and therein live continually hereafter, shall continue in the exercise and enjoying of their estates: but they that will continue in their new opinion, shall departed from their Offices until his Majesty have otherwise provided. And this is for the great mischief and inconvenience that may betid them, if they should exercise their said Estates, because of the great mistrust and suspicion which the Catholics have conceived of them of the new Religion. Nevertheless his Majesty well considering, that the most part of the said Officers have none other way to live, but the exercise of their said Offices, willeth that they shall be in choice to resign to Catholic and capable persons, and then to come to him for that effect, and he will grant them the greatest favour and moderation of his Treasury that is possible. The which resolution and pleasure of his Majesty, he willeth to be declared to the said Officers of the new pretended Opinion, as well by Governors, and Lieutenant Generals of his Provinces, as by them of his Courts of Parliament, of the Chamber of his Accounts, of the Court of his aids, them of his great Council, of the Treasury of France, the Generals of his fines, His Bailiffs, Seneshals, Provosts, Judges, or their Lieutenants, and every one of them as shall appertain; and to this intent his Majesty willeth and intendeth, that every one of them in their calling shall send particularly and apart for every of the said Officers of the new Religion, which be of their incorporation, charge and jurisdiction, and shall admonish them in this behalf, to conform themselves to his Majesty's mind, and if any of them in Authority, because of their said Estates, will return to the bosom of the Catholic and Romish Church, it shall be said to them, that his Majesty liketh very well of it, and that he taketh a great and singular affection therein, and that it shall give him the greater assurance and credit of their good will, and that his Majesty will not bar them from his service hereafter, but will provide for them as their behaviour shall deserve; and notwithstanding for the reasons above said, he willeth that they shall cease from the exercise of their Estates, and Offices, until he otherwise appointeth. And because that in many places of the Realm, they have proceeded by way of seizing the Goods of them of the new Religion, which be dead or absent, or hide themselves, and sometimes of those, which be in their own Houses, although his Majesty gave to understand by his Declaration of the 28. of August last, that he would, and intended that they of the new Religion should enjoy their Goods, nevertheless to the intent there should be no doubt of his purpose, and that no mistrust might arise thereupon, he declareth, willeth, and intendeth again, that according to the Declaration of the 28. of August, they of the New Religion, which be living, whether they be present or absent, and be not culpable or charged with the last Conspiration, or to have attempted against his Majesty, or his Estate, since his Edict of Pacification, shall be restored to their Houses, and put in possession of all and singular their goods movable and , And that the Widows and Heirs of them that be dead, may and shall succeed them, and apprehend all and singular their goods, and that they shall be maintained in them, and kept under the protection and safeguard of his Majesty, so that no hurt shall be done or said unto them, in any manner of ways and sort. Willing for this purpose that all necessary surety shall be given them, and that all Officers, Magistrates, Majors, and others, which have public charge, shall maintain them in all safety, forbidding all persons of what estate, quality, or condition soever they be, not to hurt them in person or goods upon pain of death; and nevertheless his Majesty willeth that they of the New Opinion shall submit themselves, & promise upon pain to be declared Rebels and Traitors to his Majesty, that they shall hereafter live under his Obedience, without attempting any thing to the contrary, or taking their parts that do attempt against his Majesty, and estate, or things against his Ordinances, and to acknowledge none but his Majesty, or such as he shall appoint under him, to have authority to command them, and if they know any that shall enterprise against his Majesty, and service, to reveal them incontinent to him and his Officers, as good and faithful Subjects; and to take away all doubt and suspicion as well from the Nobility as others, because that in the Declaration of the twenty fourth of the last month these words are contained (except they be of the chief, which had commandment for those of the new opinion, or those which made practices or devises for them, or those which might have had intelligence of the said Conspiracy) his Majesty declareth that he meaneth not of things done and passed, during the troubles which were before the Edict of Pacification in August 1570. and that their shall be no Inquisition thereof, and none shall be troubled in goods or person therefore (but for that respect they shall enjoy the benefit of the Edict of Pacification) but that the said Words extend only to those which be found to be guilty, or accessary to the late conspiracy, done against his Majesty and Estate, and that others which are imprisoned, shall be set at liberty; and as touching them which will make profession of their faith, and return to the Catholic Religion, his Majesty desireth that his Governors and Officers shall excite and comfort them as much as they can, to that effect, and execution of that good will; and that their friends and kinsfolks should also be exhorted to do the like for their part, and if any should hurt them in goods or body, his Majesty willeth ready and speedy execution to be done on them; and to the intent that they may follow the form which hath been kept in professing the faith, which they do make that return to the Apostolic and Romish Church; there is sent herewith a memory thereof.  
From Paris the 22. day of September, 1572 signed Charles, and beneath Pinart.   

The form of Abjuration of Heresy, and Confession of Faith, which they which have swarved from the faith, and pretend to be received into the Church, aught to make.  
FIrst, they which have swarved from the Faith, and desire to return into the compass of our Holy Mother Church, aught to present themselves to their Curates or Vicars to be instructed of that which they ought to do; that done, they shall be sent unto the Reverend Bishop of the Diocese, or his Chancellor or Official, to make the said Abjuration and confession in Manner and Form following.  
I. N. born at etc. in the Diocese of etc. Acknowledging by the grace of God, the true faith Catholic and Apostolic from the which I have through my fault gone astray, and separated myself since, etc. and desirous to return to the flock of Christ's sheep-fold, which is the Catholic, Apostolic and Romish Church, confess to have abjured and cursed all the Errors and Heresy of the Lutherans, Calvinists, and Huguenots, and all other Heresy whatsoever, wherewith I have heretofore been defamed or touched. And I agree to the faith of our Holy Mother the Church, and desire you in the name of God, of his Son Jesus Christ, and of the glorious Virgin his Mother Mary, and of all the Saints of Paradise, That it would please you to receive me the Flock and Sheepfold of God's people, which live under the obedience of the Pope, Ordained by our Saviour Jesus Christ, Vicar in the said Church, submitting myself patiently to abide, and willing to do, the penance which it shall please you to enjoin me for the absolution of my faults committed whilst I was in the aforesaid Sects, whereof I ask and require pardon of God, and of his said Church, and of you (that are appointed my Pastors by God the Creator) absolution, with such penance as you shall judge to be wholesome for the satisfaction of my sins, and to the intent you should know, that I have and do make this abjuration from my heart, I confess moreover before God and you, That I believe that which is contained in the Symbol or Creed of the Apostles, and Athanasius, and other Confessions of faith made and approved by the whole Councils of the Catholic, Apostolic, and Romish Church, that is, I believe in one only God, The Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, and of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord, our Lord Jesus Christ, The only Son engendered by God the Father before the Constitution of the World, God of God, Light of Light, true God of true God, engendered not created, Consubstantial with the Father, by whom all things were made, who for us men, and for our Salvation, descended from Heaven etc. as in the belief of morning prayer; I believe likewise, acknowledge and confess all that which is contained in the books as well of the Old as of the New Testament, approved by the said Holy and Apostolic Church of Rome, according to the sense and interpretation of the holy Doctors received by the same, rejecting all other interpretation as false and erroneous. I acknowledge the seven Sacraments of the said Catholic, Apostolic and Romish Church, that they were instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ, and that they be necessary for the salvation of mankind, although that all of them are not of necessity to be confererd on all, that is to say, I confess that the said seven Sacraments are these, Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, which is the Sacrament of the Altar, Penance, Extreme Unction, Order, and Marriage. And that the said Sacraments confer grace, and that of them Baptism, Confirmation, and Order cannot be reiterated without Sacrilege. That the said Sacraments have the effect which the said Church teacheth, and that the form and usage wherewith they be ministered to Christians is holy and necessary. I acknowledge also that the holy Mass is a Sacrifice and Oblation of the very Body and Blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ, under the form of bread and Wine mingled with water, which substances of Bread and Wine under the said Forms (are in the Mass by the words which serve for consecration, said and pronounced by the Priest) transubstantiated, and transformed into the Substance of the said body and blood of Jesus Christ. Notwithstanding that the Qualities and Accidents remain in the said Forms, after the said Consecration, and that the Mass is wholesome and profitable, as well for the quick as the dead; I acknowledge the concomitance, that is to say, that in receiving the body of Jesus Christ, under the form of Bread alone, I likewise receive the blood of Jesus Christ. I confess that prayer and intercession for saints, for the quick and the dead is Holy, good and healthful for Christians, and is not contrary (for any respect) to the glory of God; That Prayers made in the Church for the faithful which are dead do profit them for the remission of their sins, and lessening of their pains incurred for the same. That there is a Purgatory, where the Souls abiding, are succoured by the prayers of the faithful. I confess that we must honour and call upon the Saints which reign with Jesus Christ, and that they make intercession for us to God, and that their Relics are to be worshipped. That the Commandments and Traditions, of the Catholic, Apostolic, and Romish Church, as well they which pertain to the form and ceremonies of Divine service, and to assist the same, which I think are to draw Christian People to Piety, and turning to their God, as Fasting, abstaining from meats, observation of Holy Days, and Ecclesiastical Policy, according to the tradition of the Apostles and Holy Fathers continued since the Primitive Church till this time, and afterwards brought into the Church by the Ordinances of Councils received in the same of long and Ancient time, or of late, be good and holy, to the which I will and aught to obey, as prescribed and appointed by the Holy Ghost, that the Author and Director of that which serveth for the keeping of Christian Religion, and of the Catholic, Apostolic and Roman Church. I believe also and accept all the Articles of original sin, and of Justification. I affirm assuredly that we ought to have and keep the Images of Jesus Christ, of his holy Mother, and all other Saints, and do honour and reverence unto them; I confess the power of Indulgence and pardons to be left in the Church by Jesus Christ, and the use of them to be very healthful, as also I acknowledge and confess the Church of Rome to be the Mother and Chief of all Churches; and conducted by the Holy Ghost, and that other pretended particular inspirations against the same, come of the suggestion of the Devil, the Prince of Dissension, which would separate the Union of the Mystical body of the Saviour of the World. Finally, I promise straight to keep all that was ordained at the last General Council of Trent, and promise to God and you never more to departed from the Catholic, Apostolic and Roman Church, and if I do (which God forbidden) I submit myself to the penalties of the Canons of the said Church made, Ordained, and appointed against them which fall into Apostasy. The which abjuration and confession I have subscribed.   
And now as the Sun shines with a glorious Splendour by its beautiful rays to all the world, so this bloody Kings. Cruelty with a Horrible Infamy, was erected to all the world; Who at the first hurt of the Admital shown an unquestionable resolution to revenge his wrong, and yet done by his special commandment.  
Then when so many thousand Protestants were cruelly murdered in Paris, with the Admiral and Nobles, Ladies, and young Gentlemen and Gentlewomen, he presently lays the sad accident to a sudden eruption, by the difference of the Guisans and House of Chastillon, and so sends Letters abroad to all his Provinces, and to foreign Nations to that purpose; yet the same day sends Letters to cut off all the Protestants according to the example of Paris, and that what was done to the Admirals, and his Adherents, was by his special command for treason plotted and intended by the Admiral and his Complices.  
Then those poor souls that were fled into Woods, Rocks and Mountains to hid themselves from his bloody Fury, he alured into a Net of Destruction by a Proclamation of Liberty, Estates and Lives, and they were not come home above two days but by his command basely and unworthily murdered.  
And whereas he publicly declared, and proclaimed liberty to the Protestants, according to the Edict of Pacification, now we see he publicly decrees no Religion to be exercised but the Romish Religion, on pain of death.  
Making as we also see a Form of Abjuration, yet those that were tempted by Satan to forsake the good way of the Lord, were notwithstanding murdered.  
So that whatsoever this King promised, was as soon, and with as much ease broke as made.  
Let us now gather together a few Observations on the most remarkable passages, and also give some notable examples of God's Justice and Severity, to such Covenant-Breakers and perfidious Tyrants, and then proceed to the end of his Reign, and the beginning of God's Just Judgements on him, and his Adherents, in a visible and wonderful demonstration thereof to all the world.   

CHAP. X.  
The Contents.  
SOme few Remarks on the perfidious Treachery in this sad Massacre; Forty thousand poor Protestants cut off in few days. The most ingenuous Papists whispered of this perjury and treachery of the Kings; Compared with other cruelties, but holds no Comparison with the vildest; These poor Protestants cut off by the Oaths and Promises of a King, enough one would think for the strongest tie of security. Examples of the like cruel Treachery and perjury, condemned by the light of Nature, and several Examples of Heathens, worth the study and perusal. The great and high esteem of an Oath amongst the Heathens in a few Examples; So few Examples of Gods just Judgements on several Princes, and others, that have broke Truce, Engagements, Promises and Oaths, which are collected out of Scripture and History. The Brave Examples of Heathens, worthy our Imitation in this Sunshine time of the Gospel; though they had but the Light of Nature, yet they soared above the present practice of many Christian Kings, nay beyond the Practice of many Professors in these latter Days. The Duties of Kings and Powers of the World, which is not inconsistent with prudent Policy and sound Christianity. The many inconveniencies of Cruelty and Oppression; The little ground of suspicion of the Admiral's Plots from sundry strong Arguments.  
LEt me a little comment on this sad History, and draw out some Christian Considerations on this Tragedy, to show what judgements God justly inflicts on such villainies, and treachery, being such heavy sins as pull down God's vengeance, not only on themselves, but the place, even to the third and fourth Generarion. And now let this sad, doleful, and unparallelled Massacre be erected in view of all the World, let it not be forgot by any tract of time; Let it stand on a hill as A beacon on fire, to all true Protestants, to take heed of peace with such faithless men, that have no way to enslave their Enemies, but a treacherous and deceitful peace. Disdain it not that it is old, I could wish every age would renew it, That it may be set as a Land mark to avoid the Distraction of such Treacherous and perjured Princes and Nations, as know no sincerity, but what is lodged in the outward behaviour, and not able to keep that neither; such as know not what is the meaning of sincerity of heart, unless it be courtesy and civility, and know not that neither, such as have no hearts but their Tongues, which they tip with peace, but intent Treason in their action's.  
To what can we parallel this unheardof Massacre, had it been amongst Heathens, Barbarians, Turks, it had been the less to be wondered at; 
Bellum Tartaricum.  I have read of many cruelties committed by the Tartars; The King once for one man's fault destroyed a whole street and killed, even men, women and children, not sparing women with child. 
Cruel Tyranny, yet short of the French.  Another time there was a whole Legion of men cut off for one man's fault; for another man's fault he caused twenty thousand to be killed. Half his Army revolting, the rest retired to him, like Jobs Messengers with the News, and tells him the reason why they went not on in a successful progress to the performance of the Design he sent them about; yet this Tyrant causes his Army to cut them all off to the number of fourteen thousand; he tied six hundred thousand by their hands and feet together, and caused them to be cut off. Now all these cruelties were not to be tainted with either perjury, or breach of promise, and if it had, it was by a Heathen; but our cruelty and bloodshed is by a Christian King, to his own Subjects, in a base Treacherous way, contrary to Oaths, and Covenants before the Eternal God, by a King and Nation that had so much of the Heathenish darkness dispersed that we cannot say but they were Christians according to profession, though not according to practice.  
Nay had their cruelty and murders reached no further than to those they say had plotted against them, and so deserved it, than had it been better excusable, but why ten thousand Innocents' in one day, and thirty thousand afterwards, all as ignorant of Treason, as the King and Nation guilty of blood and perjury; why so many poor Innocent Noblemen, Gentlemen, poor Ladies and Gentlewomen, Students, aged persons, sick, children, innocent of actual sin, all must die to quench the blood-thirstiness of this King, Oh! sade and doleful to consider.  
Nay further, had it been in a sudden, unresistable and mad outrage, of a popular Tumult, guided by the fury of their own fancies; But it was by the King's special command, they had no other light to guide their bloody zeal, but the King's Authority, which they so often mentioned, as the Echo reached Heaven, but could not pierce their pity, and done by plots and Contrivances, premeditated and resolved to be done.  
And lastly, had it been in a time of War, to cut off so many poor innocent Souls, it might also been somewhat pardonable, a raging Sword, sometimes knowing no bounds, especially when in bloody Hands. But all was done in cold blood, not in a storm, or heat of blood, nay the only time was in peace, and nothing to be seen but favours, and acts of Grace; poor Protestants they were catched in no net, but pretences of Peace, and the fullest demonstrations of affections, that might be, nay it was done also contrary to Promises, Covenants and Contracts, making a Marriage to defile it with blood, no other intent being wrapped up in that wedding but a plot for blood.  
These sad and lamentable Spectacles of man's wrath, and the Devil's policy, how can it but pierce the very hearts and Souls of all Godly Christians, nay I dare say of ingenuous Papists, who cannot but abhor the thoughts, and mourn to see such a bloody Tragedy acted upon the Theatre of a Christian Kingdom by the Treacherous plot, unheardof perjury, and downright command of a Christian King?  
When we shall consider the sad slaughters of so many of Noble blood, many gallant young Gentlemen, with many young Ladies, that came to attend and complete so seeming and promising a harmony of Reconciliation betwixt both parties, in the marriage of the Lady Margaret, and King of Navarre; to consider also how many poor innocent infants, and silly souls, were basely murdered by the hand of abject and forlorn fellows; That it's credibly written by good Authors, that there could not be so few as forty thousand souls cut off in few days by this sad cruelty and Massacre.  
I find it also recorded by good Authors, that many men of quality, who were both Religious, and the most ingenuous Papists, whispered of this cruelty and falsehood, so clearly acted by the King in his special commandment. Histories cannot be produced to parallel this cruelty; The bloody command of King Mithridates, who with a Letter and Messenger put to death one hundred and fifty thousand Roman Citizens that were all scattered in sundry parts about their Merchandise. This I say cannot reach this King's Treachery, for the reasons aforesaid.  
The Tragical Histories of the K. of Spain's Murders in Hispaniola, though they transcend in number, yet not in the nature of the offence; although it is recorded, that in seventeen years, he destroyed six Millions of poor Indians, roasting some, throwing others alive to be devoured of wild Beasts, yet cannot it come near to our sad story.  
We may compare it to Silla, who by a base Proscription, in one City cast out four thousand and seven hundred Citizens, whereof one hundred and forty were Senators; and not long after, the Triumvirs proscribed three hundred Senators, and two thousand Roman Knights, and many other crueltyes. And as Q. Catulus said of these cruelties, so may I well apply it to these sad disasters, Cum quibus tandem victuri sumus, in bello armatos, in pace● inermes occidimus? with whom at last shall we inhabit, if in war we cut off armed men, and in peace disarmed? The same Silla after he had given his Faith, for the preservation of four Legions of his Enemies, for all they implored his merciless treachery for favour and pity, yet he commanded them all to be cut off.  
Peter of Arragon which destroyed eight thousand French in the Island of Sicily, is but a fleabit to this cruelty.  
Many other examples of cruelty might be ushered in upon the Stage of Observation, but what should we do with any more, unless we could bring one to parallel it? which by the narrowest search into all History I think cannot be done.  
Indeed none of these I have named can fix on the borders of this Cruelty; they did it against their Enemies, some of them against a foreign Nation, but this King Charles against his own Subjects, and under the peaceable protection of a Loving King, as they thought. Those Tyrants owned their bloody acts, and gave reasons for it; but our King Charles hide his cruelties in the bosom of his Councils, and varnished them so with finespun pretences; that all he did looked not like what he said, till God would not let it be hid, but forced him to confess it to all the world.  
The Protestants never could be got to yield to his Power, but his faith and promises; which they depended upon, as a sure staff, and prop to lean upon in all times of disturbance and tumults; else would their force and valour never have stooped to his rotten faith, and withered promises; we see his promises and Oaths were linked together like Ropes of sand; he intended not to tie himself by the most solemn Oaths, and Engagements, but Others must be tied to their Ruin by them.  
What unworthy ways and means this King took (unbecoming the Majesty of a King) to feed his cruel and bloody heart, making use of the marriage of his own Sister, as a bait to this horrid villainy; and so abused the marriage bed with a bloody Tragedy, besprinkling her wedding Robes with blood; which indignity and dishonour, no Nation under the Sun, either of former, or of the ages since, can forget or parallel.  
It is a piece of such base Treachery, as we shall see condemned by the practice of heathens that had only the light of nature; it is such a sin as God often times repaies with his Judgements.  

The Story of Camillus.  Camillus with the Roman Army, having besieged the Falerians, a Schoolmaster of the City one day betrayed all his poor Scholars, to the Roman Army, by leading them out to play, at last brought them into the Enemy's Camp, so was carried to Camillus, and then said,  
Sir, I have here brought you all the Children of the City, and delivered them up into your hands, that so you may have the City on your own terms.  
But Noble and brave Camillus, scornfully and Christianly answered,  
That a Noble General should seek Victory rather by valour, than the Assistance of such base Treachery.  
And so worthily abhorring this base perfidiousness, he commanded the Schoolmaster to be stripped, and then to be whipped back to the City by his own Scholars; which as soon as the Citizens from off the Walls perceived, they were so taken with this Noble Act, that they presently made peace with the Romans.  
Thus is Treachery and Gallantry rewarded at once.  
When the Sabines besieged the Castle of Rome, the Governors' daughter of the Castle betrayed it to the Sabines, on condition to have all the bracelets of gold; which being promised she secretly led them in at gate in the night; and afterwards, Tacius the General bid all the Soldiers follow this Example, to perform his promise, who threw his Braselet and Buckler, also that he wore on his Arm; The Soldiers doing the like she was presently for her Treachery rewarded with death.  
Ariftomenes, King of the Messenians being expelled his own Kingdom by the Lacedæmonians, was forced to retire in flight to the King of Arcadia for succour, but being of a resolute nature, resolved to be revenged upon Sparta, whilst his own Country was spoilt by the Lacedæmonians; but the King of Arcadia most treacherously discovered it to the Lacedæmonians; for which perfidiousness his own subjests stoned him, cast him into an abject place, and set up a Pillar with this inscription.  
Difficile est hominem perjurum fallere Divos.  
Here was an exemplary punishment of an unworthy King; it is said, that the bloody and Deecitful man shall not live out half his days; which was seen by our cruel and bloody King, for few of them that had a hand in the Massacre in France, but by a Divine hand of Providence, they were selected out to their just punishment, and were deservedly slain at the siege of Sancere and Rochel.  
And the King himself died miserably at the age of five and twentieth years, his blood issuing out in all parts of his Body. Oh! the Heavy Judgements that follow breach of promise are many from the Scriptures; The Dishonour that accrues to such an Action in a King is great; and is condemned by these two or three examples not unworthy our serious perusal.  

The famous story of Attilius Regulus.  Attilius Regulus, General of the Romans, being overcome and taken Prisoner by the Carthagenians, was afterward upon his word admitted to journey to Rome with conditions of peace; which he thinking dishonourable, advised the Citizens not to accept thereof, and though he knew death would ensue, yet he to keep his Oath and promise turned back, and many others that came with him, though much entreated by wife, Parents and children, yet returned with him to their Enemies, according to their Oath; though they were sure of death. Now it happened that two of these returned not, and kept not their promises, but they were branded with such infamy, that at last they slew themselves.  
Darius' Junior, accounted nothing more sacred than keeping his Oaths and Covenants.  

Fabius Maximus.  Fabius Maximus, having contracted with Hannibal for Redemption of the Roman Captives, sent to Rome for the moneys, which the Senate refused; yet Fabius rather than break his promise, sold his Estate, and discharged his Covenant.  

Lovangus King of China.  Lovangu King of China being besieged in the City of Hangcheu by the Tartarian Army, he kneeled on the Walls, and desired that his life might satisfy for theirs of the City, in these words, Spare not me, for I will willingly be my Subject's victim. Oh rare Love of a King to his Subjects! there wanted Brave Alexander or Caesar to crown this illustrious testimony of Love to a people, by saving his willing offer of life, which the Tartars spared not.  
I shall only lay down remarkable judgements of God from Scripture, and Examples Historical, upon perjury, breach of promise and covenants, which are odious before God, good men and Heathens.  

Philip of Macedon.  It is left to posterity on record, that Philip of Macedon left such infamy behind him, through the light esteem and low reverence of a Solemn Oath, and his faith given in Leagues, that his posterity suffered great and heavy Judgements from God, as a just reward of such a great sin, himself at the age of forty six years was slain, and his family quite rooted out; his Son was killed by his Wife Olympias; another Son which he had by Cleopatra was tormented to death in a brazen Bull; the rest of his Sons died the like death; and his great son Alexander died miserably, and suspected to be poisoned.  
In the 34. chap. of Jeremiah, there is a lively instance of God's Just Judgement threatened for breach of promise, read from the tenth verse to the end of the Chapter. God will not be mocked.  
In the 17. of Ezckiel ver. 18, 19, 20. and 21. are these words; Seeing he despised the Oath by breaking the Covenant, (when lo, he had given his hand) and hath done all these things, he shall not escape. Therefore thus saith the Lord God, as I live, surely mine Oath that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head, etc.  
In the 2. of Samuel 21. ver. 1, 2. there is God's Judgements also against Covenant-breakers, a famine, year after year, for three years together, and why? but because Saul had shed the blood of the Gibeonites, against God's Commandment, and his own Engagement; and God's wrath could not be appeased till seven of saul's Sons were hanged. Oh! the Just and heavy Judgements of the Lord against this sin. 'tis a scarful thing to fall into the hands of the living God; for God is a consuming fire, and with God is terrible Majesty.  
Many are the Judgements of the Lord against this Sin, both in Princes and people; I shall only give a few more from History, and proceed to the latter part of this Tragical Massacre.  

King of Sparta.  Lisander King of Sparta used to say, Boys were deceived with dice and Cockles, but men with Oaths; for he made no conscience of them: But God punished him accordingly, for he was slain at the Walls of the Thebans, and this was him that first said, If force will not prevail, we'll piece it with the Foxes Tail.  

King of Jerusalem.  Almerick King of Jerusalem, making a League with the Calyph of Egypt, did by Oath bind himself to the performance; but contrary to his promise, warring against them, was miserably wasted, and as miserably ended his days.  
The Egyptians punished Perjury by death.  

Valdislaus King if Hungaria.  Valdislaus King of Hungaria, concluded and confirmed a Peace by Solemn Oath, with the great Turk Amurath; but the King of Hungaria, by the Pope's persuasion, breaks his Solemn Oath, and wars against the Emperor of the Turks, and proceeding to Battle, the whole day was carried dubious on both sides; But presently the great Turk Amurath takes out of his bosom the Articles agreed on, and covenanted too by Oaths, and holding up in his hand, lifting up his eyes to Heaven, uttered these words; Oh Jesus Christ! If thou art a God as these Christians say, Revenge this wrong done to thy name and me, and punish these Covenant-Breakers; which words were hardly spoken, but God shown his powerful Judgements on the King of Hungaria, and his whole Army; For presently the King Valdislaus amidst his Enemies was slain, and his whole Army routed, few escaping.  
Agesilaus, General of the Spartan Army, marching in Asia Minor, made Truce with Tissaphernes Lieutenant to the King of Persia, till he had sent to the King his Master to know his Pleasure; but instead of sending to the King for aid in advice and Counsel, he contrary to his Oath, sends for a Great Army to surprise the General of the Spartan Army; But God's Judgements followed at the Heels of this perjury; for the Army was quite overthrown, according to the prophecy of the Spartan General, who said, the Gods were angry, and no doubt would be revenged on his perjury.  
The Romans in ancient times highly reverenced faith and Oaths in case of public affairs between Prince and People, or between King and King; and to that purpose they had a Temple erected, and dedicated, where constantly they used to repair, and there solemnly promise, and swear to all the conditions of peace and Truces, and so cursed those that went about to break them first, and therefore for greater and more strict confirmation thereof, they offered Sacrifices to the Image of Faith, for the greater Testimony of the Intentions, and love to keep their Oaths, most solemnly made: How will our King Charles the Ninth be ashamed by these poor Heathens.  
The Psalmist says, A man ought not to break covenant, but stand to it though to his great hurt, yet such a bold wickedness hath possessed several Popes, that they undertake to discharge any that shall break their oaths with Heretics as they say.  
This audacious and impious practice of confronting Gods command, calls for vengeance from Heaven.  
That any man should be so boldly blasphemous, as to say they will pardon this sin, which God has denounced such fearful Judgements against.  
There was in ancient time, a people in Italy called Aequi, their Memory only now remaining. These people made League with the Romans, and give Oath to keep it; but not long after they raised an Army, and spoiled the Romans, falling on them, contrary to Covenant; the Romans send three Ambassadors to complain; but their Captain General slighted them, and bid them deliver their Embassy to an Oak-tree standing by; One of the three Ambassadors spoke to the Oak-Tree, in these words; Thou hallowed Oak, and what ever else in this place belongs to the Gods, hear and bear witness of this Disloyal perjury, and breach of Covenant, and favour our just complaints, that we may at last by the help of the Gods, be revenged on this perjured people.  
So they returned home, and presently raised an Army, set on this perjured people, and by the just Judgements of God utterly destroy them off the face of the earth.  
To omit many other Examples of this Nature, take but this one more.  

King of Lacedemonia.  The King of Lacedemonia, and the Argives being at War, Cleomenes the Lacedaemonian King, made Truce for seven days; and the third night following fell on them, and made a great slaughter; and with this excuse thought to evade the dint of the shame, and God's justice: for says he, It is true I made Truce for seven days, but I did not mention nights.  
Yet God followed this perjured King with these Judgements. The Wives of the slain Argives arm under the command of Tolesilla their Captainess; enter the City, and puts to the Sword and flight the power and forces of the perjured King Cleomenes; afterwards he was banished into Egypt, where he miserably died a desperate death, being his own Executioner.  
Thus we see what heavy Judgements God has made, and does execute, upon all such as are contemners and breakers of this holy Edict, and Law of God; The Lord is to be feared and obeyed, for in all his Judgements none greater threatened, nor heavyer and surer falls on, than on bloody and perjured men. A thing abhorred and hated by Heathens, before ever they were so far enlightened as to know the Law of God was above the Law of Nature; for though they had but the light of Nature, yet they held it a sin unpardonable, and no Punishment accounted enough, as they could invent.  
There were some that recorded these cruelties and treacheries of the Kings, and instanced the Law of the twelve Tables. Si patronus clienti fraudem facit sacer esto, if the Sovereign cheat his Subjects, let them be out of safety or Protection.  
He that in ancient time despised the keeping of Oaths, was no more to be called a King. The Right hand was called a Pledge of Faith; The Throne is established by Justice, and it is an Abomination for Kings to do wickedness: The Throne is upheld by mercy says Solomon, But this King by his Treachery, Perjury, and Cruelty, degraded himself of his people's affections, for he valued not the lives of many thousand, so his bloody cruelty could be satisfied.  
Scipio accounted it an honourable thing to save one Citizen, rather than to kill a thousand Enemies. There was no power and authority so great as the Dictator's at Rome, it was such an Assembly which met together, as had the power of War and Peace, nay they had the command of life and death at their will, and that without any Appeal; and yet it was not lawful for them to execute a Citizen, unless his cause was publicly and justly heard, and he legally committed and condemned.  
But indeed it is the manner of Murderers to bereave of life without Law, or cause of death. Nay had this horrid Massaere been a bare downright murder, it had been the less; but it was covered with fraud and deceit. The King and Court must personate a Religious habit, and pretence of a Religious vow, making Gods holy Ordinance stoop to his deceitful and tteacherous intention.  

The Duties of Kings and Powers of the World, which is not inconsistent with prudent Policy, and sound Christianity.  
A King ought by his Christian demeanour to have a rich store-house and exchequer of Affection, and allegiance in his people's hearts; and he, who takes care therein to lay such provision of love, as that it may be as a firm Rock, as a strong foundation, what is there then that he may not command, which is in their power to perform, than the arms of the people's affections open, and are spread to embrace any command; this is the way to have the key of their hearts, and to open that treasury of respect; which by the wise mannagement of his power (received from them) he hath ready laid up.  
Loving Subjects are most uniting in a harmonious consent of obedience to all his Commands; love to a Prince created by himself, will make cowards valorous, even to defend him from the shock of his Enemy's assaults: And it is seen with greatest lustre, and to his best advantage in his straits, when he hath made all his Subjects on the least notice, ready to be volunteers in the greatest dangers, and hottest attempts for the Honour of their own Prince.  
But when Kings spend too much on the stock of his People's willing minds of Subjection, and prodigally trade away that stock of Love treasured up in his people, what does he but expose himself to all assaults of fury and cruelty, without pity? as it has been the end of many Princes; nay when love is abused and turned to hatred, in what a tottering Throne does he sit?  
But whatsoever the Theory of an absolute Monarchy be, yet a Good King loves the practical part of Justice, his Power being more safe in his Laws than his Will. Though his power and his Command may claim a strong Authority to do as he pleases; yet he will not make his Power arbitrary, nor beyond the limit of equal justice to all.  
Now for Oppression, Tyranny, Cruelty, and perjury, to be seated in the heart of a King, and he in the heart of his Kingdom, Oh! how it levels his people's affections, and stems the tide and current of their allegiance, razes the very foundation of his own security, and is the most compendious way to his own utter ruin.  
It doth by a strange instinct, raise tumults, and vicissitudes, that like a rapid Torrent of confusion, falls upon his own head, as the reward of his vicious merits. What foundation can such a King have, when it is builded on a Quagmire, seated on the terrible aspect of the people's hatred, accrueing by his Treacherous Tyranny?  
An ingenuous people can no more brook oppression, than the River Danube, can mix with the muddy streams of Sava.  
But this King to establish his Throne of Cruelty, and Tyranny; Peaceable like, betroaths his People and Himself, in an indissoluble bond of Peace, never to be broke on his part, yet no sooner made before the view of heaven, and in the sight and presence of God, but he registers his falsehood, cruelty and perjury, in a sudden breach, with the blood of his own Subjects, taking the advantage of their punctual observance, to disarm them, and take their Towns, which on the peace granted were delivered; and so erects his bloody Engines of deceit upon the ruins of his own promise.  
Now Christian Reader let us a little see the small probability that the Admiral should attempt what they pretend; which reasons, for general satisfaction, I shall gather together; because it is declared by the King, that it was for a Plot against him and the Court, although it is clear, that it was resolved on by the King, Queen Mother, and Cabinet Council, to destroy the Admiral and his Friends; which by the King's Commandment is lamentably, and woefully effected, to the great dishonour of the King, and the whole French Nation, and cannot but lie as a blot to after ages; and a time there must be to satisfy God and the World for it.  
Now who can imagine, that the Admiral should think with a few Gentlemen allowed for his Guard, to attempt any thing against the King, within Paris, there being in the Court constant watch, and at the entrance to the Castle, a strong Guard of Scots, Swissers, and Gaseoins, and was then more strictly kept in regard of the number of Lords, Noblemen, and Gentlemen, met to solemnize the marriage of the King of Navarre, and the Lady Margaret, and that it is well known that in three hours' space, may be ready at command, sixty thousand men in arms.  
Besides all these Reasons, the young Noblemen and Gentlemen that came with the King of Navarre and Prince of Conde, had no other arms than their Swords and Innocency; which latter in the greatest danger would defend them best.  
And yet further to clear all doubts, the Princes and Noblemen of the Protestants, for a Pledge, and Testimony for a Solemn Engagement of their innocency, they brought with them, their Wives, Sisters, Children and Kinswomen, having no thoughts of any thing but Triumph and Recreation; The Nobles and Gentlemen intending to show their expert skill at the Tilt and Tourney.  
Now if it be said it was after the Admirals Hurt, that he studied to be revenged.  
It is answered, With what probability can any sober mind, imagine or conceive that the Admiral lying wounded on both arms, tied up, and hourly waiting when one Arm should be cut off by the Doctors advise, that the Admiral, I say, being Guarded by the Kings own Guard, should attempt with three hundred Gentlemen of his Guard, to surprise the King, etc. being so sick as few days was expected to pass over, till God would call him to himself, that any should think three hundred so resolute as to set upon a City wherein was sixty thousond in Arms by the first Alarm?  
But doubtless had such a thing been known or suspected, he would have been secured by Cousin and his men, who had by the King's commandment environed and beset him; how soon might the sick Admiral been apprehended as well as murdered?  
There was never any thing laid to his charge which could be proved by the least witness, nor what they laid to his charge, had the least mention of time, place, adherents, means, or witness; so that if it had been proved or suspected, the King should have proceeded according to Law and Justice, which are well known to be the props and Pillars on which a Kingdom's happiness stands secure.  
But suppose we that all these things had been really true, and that the manner of the Admiral's death and his Complices had been allowable by all nations, yet let us consider a little, and demand a reason of the insolent cruelty, infamous barbarism, and unheardof bloodshed, of those, that were thought by themselves altogether innocent of any plot, being ancient Matrons, many Noble young Ladies, and Gentlewomen in the flour of their Age, cut off so basely and barbarously, a number of women great with child, against the Law of nature were cast into Rivers before the time of their Delivery; many aged persons also which lay sick in Bed, Many Counselors, Advocates, Proctors, Physicians, etc. that consulted only with their books, and the rest sequestered from the conference of any Counsel, by the Sex and degrees; Why was there also so many learned Teachers and Professors of the Arts and Sciences; amongst whom was Peter Ramus, that famous man for learning through out the world, who stands in the memory of the truly learned, as really, as these bloody actors render France infamous? How many young Students, without hearing or pleading their cause, were here destroyed by this sad Decree of the King and Council?  
Lastly, what Armour was found, what weapons was found in any of the Protestants houses, by which means suspicion might grow to proof? Or why was the King's Letters sent to command the like murders at Meaux, Lions, Troy's, Tholouse, and all over his Dominions, such slaughters were committed till the very blood of God's saints made the Rivers swell, and streamed through the streets reaking hot, that at least 40000. were slain by his bloody command.  
Thus has this King and Court embrued their hands in the blood of so many thousand innocent souls, even to the great expectation of some vengeance, which in God's due time must needs break out on that land, to the third and fourth Generation; if a General repentance do not expiate this deserved punishment.  
Now Christian Reader, to bring this King's reign to a close, I shall only abstract the most notable passages together, which happened after this sad Massacre.    

CHAP. XI.  
The Contents.  
THe Protestants that escaped this sad Massacre, fled to many Places; Some set forth Books of this perjury and bloody cruelty; Others fly to divers Towns and Cities, and fortify them; Rochel strongly fortified; Forty seven Ministers fly to Rochel, and escape; The King and Court keep a day of Thanksgiving for this Victory; The Rochelois refuse a Garrison sent by the King; The French King lets the King of Spain know the War against him was in jest, as well as his Oaths and Promises. The Count's Army routed and spoilt by Treachery. Monsieur de la Nove turns to the Protestants; The unparallelled Siege of Sancerre, yet yielded on honourable terms; The unheardof siege of Rochel; Yet had honourable Conditions granted. The Protestants fortify and resolve to sell their Lives at a Dear Rate. The King takes Villars and performs not Covenant; The Protestants take in sundry Towns; The King besieges Sommiers, and with great loss leaves it, and they besiege it again, and take it on terms; The King besieges Caussade, and with great loss retires, the Protestants are encouraged by their good Success; They Protest against the King's last Edict contrary to the Edict of Pacification; Their Noble and gallant Declaration: Their demands of the King, and desire of Peace; The King terrified with their Resolutions; The King recovers of a desperate sickness. A Parliament called, and the Protestant Deputies resolve to me them, but no good done; A new Plot discoverod, Count Montgomery with his Fleet from England, is besieged at St. Lo; he escapes in person, and is besieged at Danfront; he yields on terms of life, but the King breaks Engagement, and basely beheaded him in Paris. The Conclusion of this sad History. The King dies wallowing and rolling himself in his own blood; The Duke of Anjou succeeds to the Crown, but is justly murdered. The Duke of Guise is murdered. The Queen Mother broke her Heart and died.  
AFter this sad and lamentable Butchery and bloodshed, the poor Protestants that were escaped, fled with all speed to the several Sanctuaries, which God in his mercy had decreed for their preservation. Those that inhabited upon the coast of Bretaign, Picardy, and Normandy, which were Provinces lying on the Sea over against England. They fled to Queen Elizabeth's Protection, and if occasion offered, to fight under the command of Count Montgomery, who then was in the Queen's Court.  
The poor distressed remnant of Protestants in Dauphine, Provence and Lyonois, fled into Switzerland, amongst whom was the Admiral's sons and Andelots', who by the fame of their Father's Authority, and the tenderness of their years, were joyfully welcomed from such a Land flowing with blood and vengeance.  
Some employ their time and Talents in setting forth to the World in Writing this horrid Treachery and Massacre acted in France, and to let all the Protestants in other parts of the World beware by their sad example: letting the World know the stratagem that the French Court use, is to destroy by Peace, and that to shake hands in a peace with Papists, is the ready way to destruction; the instance whereof was so fresh in their minds, that they needed no grand Jury of examples to enforce belief; their own late woeful experience being sufficient to testify this for a truth.  
The Protestants of Burgundy and Campagn fled to the Cities of Germany.  
The Protestants in the heart of the Kingdom, and towards Rochel, flocked to some strong Towns, which it pleased God of his goodness to reserve for their safety, which places they fortified with all the strength they could; They that inhabited in the Isle of France, Nivernois, and Beausse, were possessed of Sancerre. Those that lived in the Provinces of Languedoc and Gascoiny, placed themselves in Nismes and Montaubon. And the Protestants in Guienne, Poictou, Zaintonge, and Anjou, fled to Rochel; which proved a safe harbour from the cruel Birds of Prey; Henry Jaques, Maior of the City, had the Civil government thereof. To this City also resorted three thousand five hundred men, and came from sundry parts, which had been Soldiers in the Wars, and men of approved valour; also to their assistance came fifty Gentlemen of good quality from the adjoining parts about the City; there came thither also fifty seven Ministers of God's Word, which by God's mercy were preserved in this sad blow; and for Ammunition and other Provision, there wanted none to supply their necessity of a strong and lasting siege.  
Now at last the King, Queen Mother, with his Brethren and Court, orders a Day of extraordinary thanksgiving, to be returned for the good Success against the Protestants. Thus they reared up Castles of Triumph to their Eternal dishonour, which practice is condemned by a Turk, Sultan Orchan second, King of the Turks, when he had overcome the Christians in Battle, word being brought to him, advice was demanded what should be done to those Prisoners that yet alive remained in their mercy, whether they should be killed or not? who more like a Christian than a Turk replied, Oh no, it is not the part of a Soldier to drown Mercy in Cruelty, for says this brave Sultan, Mercy is the Alms of Victory, a noble saying of a Heathen.  
Now the King sends Monsieur de Byron to Rochel, to place a Garrison, the Protestants refuse it; being a privilege granted them by the King to receive no Garrisons; whereupon Byron proclaims a War against them. Poor souls, they had sadly felt the smart of the K. perfidiousness, by their too credulous opinion of these fair pretences; and therefore now thought good to preserve their lives from Treachery, or die with honour.  
And now to let the World know what little reality is sometimes found in Princes; the King of France declares to the King of Spain, that the war which he seemingly countenanced under command of Count Lodowick of Nassaw, was only a plot to bring about his ends; which as it could not be seen by all, so could it not but be believed by the King of Spain; so that the undertakers under Count Lodowick, were sharply persecuted by them that afterwards got power over them.  
Thus were these poor Soldiers betrayed out of the Kings own Treachery. Only Monsieur de la Nove was preserved secretly; who being safely conducted to the King's Court, his Majesty commands him to Rochel, to solicit the City to a Composition, Brave Monsieur de la Nove, stoutly, and like a Christian, answers the King, That it was against his Conscience to advise his fellow Protestants, to lay their throats open to them that would too readily cut them; But the King commands, and together with his secret desire to see Rochel spurs him on, so having came to Monsieur de Byron, who was at St. Jean de Angeli, and after a visit to him, delivering the King's Message, he enters Rochel; who by a joint Consent of all the City was chosen their Captain General, who willingly accepted of it, and gave a good proof of his faithful adherence to the Protestant cause.  
In January, by the King's Commandment, Monsieur de la Chastre with six thousand men, besieges Sancere; where finding a furious and resolute Enemy, which would not yield to their Summons, after the expenses of great toil and labour, discharging in two months about six thousand Cannon shot, they made an assault, but were bravely repulsed to the Eternal praise of the Sancerrois' valour and Resolution. The 18. of March by a second battery on all sides, they at last made a great breach, and so assault and attempt to scale, but the besieged (who questionless had many friends slain in the bloody Massacre) had some sparks of their Friend's blood in their minds, which then shown itself in their resolutions; that they fall on the Enemy by a strong defence, and made not only a Halt in the Catholics proceed, but made them retreat with the loss of sixty of their best Soldiers dead in the ditch, two hundred mortally wounded, and two hundred utterly lamed; all with the loss of seventeen men of the Protestants; which piece of valour so cooled the courage of the King's Army, that they resolved no more attempts to be made again such impregnable defendants. So they begird them close on all sides, no relief being able to come to them; which did so extremely straighten the besieged, that they were forced to eat their Asses, Mules, Horses, Cats, Dogs, Mice, Moles, Leather, and at last to eat parchment, and trappings of Horses, horns, wild roots, Girdles, making bread of the seeds of flax, and herbs mixed with Bran, and of straw and Nutshells, they made use of slates, Grease, Tallow, and Ointments served for pottage, frying therewith the Excrements of Horses and Men; nay the very filth in the streets also; such as went out to seek relief, were either killed by the Enemy, or lived on Sprigs of Vines, herbs, red Snails and Blackberries; they endured all miseries till famine had imprinted old age on the Visages of Children, so that the youths appeared like the Ghosts of the deceased.  
Eighty persons died by the Sword, but the famine destroyed five hundred. Some Soldiers and Townsmen, choosing to cast themselves upon the Enemy, than die by famine, adventured out; whereof some were killed, some imprisoned, and others executed: The King having sworn that he would make them devour one another, was disappointed by a special hand of Providence, and a thing no ways expected by the besieged Protestants, who indeed looked for a general Massacre according to the K. threats; who was resolved to bring their houses of a threatening height as low as their foundation, and their aspiring resolute minds, lower than them, resolving to raze the City into a solitude, and to bury his Resolution in their Ruin: but it pleased God that the Duke of Anjou, this King's Brother, being chosen K: of Poland, Ambassadors were coming for him, and by the way hearing of this siege, they earnestly solicit the Bishop of Valence to perform his promise, for the Bishop had sworn in the name of the King his Master that all Towns molested for Religion should be free. So the poor Town was saved from the fury of a bloody and cruel Enemy, and yielded on condition to departed with their arms, bag and baggage, those that stayed to be free from any further question for what was past, with a promise to preserve the Honour of women and maids.  
The King, with an Army of fifty thousand men, and sixty pieces of Artillery, besieges Rochel both by Sea and Land. The Town was fortified strongly, nothing wanting to annoy the Enemy, and encourage valour among themselves. In one months' time was shot no less than thirteen thousand cannon, and many assauls: But alas the Catholics were too weak to encounter with the Protestants strength and Courage. Till at length having endured some Months, the King, Queen Mother, Duke of Arjou, all the Nobles, with the Cavalry and all the Infantry both Swiss and French, arrive to this famous siege the beginning of February 1572. of the French Nobility, there was the Duke of Alancon, third Brother to the King, the Duke of Montpenseir; the Duke of Aumale, the Duke of Guise and Mayen, his Brother, The Duke of Nevers, Bovillon, D' Uqes, and the Duke of Longueville, the Prince Dauphine, the Count of Manleurier, Marshal de Coss, the Bastard, De Angoulesm, the Count de Retz, Monsieur de Moluc, and all the Catholic Commanders in the Civil Wars and Massacre.  
In Rochel there was a great number of Horsemen, and Gentlemen, eight Companies of Inhabitants, nine companies of Strangers, one Company of the Mayor's, one Company of Volentiers, consisting of twenty Musquetiers, twenty five armed with Costlets of Proof, and thirty Harquebuzeirs; Two thirds whereof were Gentlemen and such as had command in the late wars.  
The siege continued with great valour on both sides, and great loss to the King's Army; which in the assaults made, and often sallies, lost the Duke of Aumale, and Cozen Field-Marshal, who was the first that entered the Admiral's lodging; an infinite number of Gentlemen and Officers, with twenty thousand Soldiers, and the Duke of Anjou wounded in the Neck, side and left hand by a Harquebuzeir: but six thousand fresh Swissers coming to the siege, did much straiten the Rochellers, that at last having no hope of Relief, they grew in great want of Victuals, yet in their straits the hand of good was wonderfully seen; for in the midst of their wants, when all other provision failed, there came before the Haven an infinite number of small fishes, which proved a great Supply in their needs. Which wonderful sign of God's goodness amazed them the more, because it was never before, nor since that ever the like was seen.  
During this sharp siege, the same occasion happened now, as did at Sancerre; for the Ambassadors of Poland being come for the Duke of Anjou, proved a relief for the Rochelois, when they expected none. So Articles were agreed on both sides, That there should be a free exercise of Religion in Rochel, Montauban and Nismes, and to other Towns to be in their houses without search, That Baptism and Matrimony should be freely administered, not above ten persons meeting together: and that those that had a mind to sell their estates might do it, and live where they pleased.  
Thus ended the two famous sieges of Rochel and Sancerre. Let us now observe a little the Transactions of both parties during these Sieges.  
Whilst these sieges continued, the other Provinces which the Protestants had in their power, they fortify. The Baron of Serignac, a discreet and virtuous Protestant, and no less valorous, did with some others fortify Montauban, and afterwards they advance into the Field with their Troops, and garrison Terride, assault Buzet upon Tar, and many other Places, and strongly fortifies the Towns that they had kept during the Civil Wars; so at an Assembly held at Realmont in Albigeois, they consent to separate to their several charges apart.  
A part of Quercy towards Cadenac was the lot of the Viscount of Gourdon; the Count of Serignac, governed towards Montauban and Gasconie.  
The Viscount of Paulin had the command of Lauragais: And the County of Foix, and the Mountain Country was under the command of Viscount Cau●●ont. These Commanders resolve to defend their several charges, to secure themselves, as well as God would enable them; retiring all to their several Commands.  
The Earl of Villars, Admiral and Lieutenant to the King, gathers forces against the Protestants, takes in St. Geniz, and contrary to Articles carries the Lord of the Place away Prisoner.  
The Protestants to balance this loss, takes in Foreze, Montesquian, and other places.  
Against the Protestants does the Marshal de Anvil appear in arms, claps siege to Sommiens, the Earl of Candale brother to the Marshal arrives to his Assistance, and strengthens the Siege, who now with a resolute charge assault the Town, but meeting with a sharp encounter, were forced to as nimble a retreat, and that not without the loss of 300. of their most resolute Soldiers. After a month's time, and five thousand Cannon shot spent, the Marshal by his Brother's persuasions to revenge the loss of his Captains and Soldiers, set on a fresh assault, and having before his eyes lost many of his men, fell on himself, but was as gallantly repulsed as assaulted. The Town now being straitened, and their walls beaten down, yielded on honourable terms; after which the Marshal seeing and considering the Protestants resolutions there, and elsewhere, concludes it best for him to disband, which being done, he made seizure and sale of the estates of those Protestants, which lay within the power of his merciless cruelty.  
The King besieges Caussade, and meeting with resolution amongst the Protestants, who did so waste his Army, that the King's Admiral drew off, and pursued by the Viscount of Gourdon, in their March to the siege at Rochel.  
Wherepon the Protestants assemble in many places, & settle the County of Montauban, ordering that City to be their Principal seat, and in that County the Viscount of Paulin being chosen Governor of Nismes, it was made the principal seat in the County of Languedoc, which lay under the Government of St. Romain.  
These preparations and resolutions thus taken, strikes an arrow in the King's heart, who now too late saw that all the blood he and his Council had shed, proved not as he expected; and now the horror of so much blood fell upon his bloody and guilty conscience, insomuch as he knew not which way to turn, once he was resolved to fall on those that had persuaded him, that the cutting off the Protestants would terminate his Troubles in a quiet calm and enjoyment of one Religion, and that putting a period to the Protestant power would estate him in the throne of his full desires. Another while he would stop his brother the King of Poland, and not suffer his absence in such a pinch of occasions.  
But God will not now let blood go long unavenged, even on the prime instrument of such wicked cruelty, thus straightened on all sides, he is ready to be oppressed with anger and vexation, stranger Princes openly reproach him, for the irreparable injuries done to the poor innocent Protestants, and his too loyal Subjects, for a King, which should be a Protector of his people, to prove a Tyrant, a cruel murderer, and Butcher of his own Subjects. The King with anxity of mind falls into a desperate sickness at Vitry in Campagn, as he was setting forward his brother towards Poland, but he recovers again: in the midst of these actings, the Protestants of Languedoc fortify themselves. Now the King to give some hopes to grant the Protestants their desires, summons a Parliament to meet at Campagn; the Protestants in several Provinces prepare their Deputies with instructions, and had it given them in Commission, to speak home, against the Authors of the late unheardof cruelties, and murders; the Q. Mother, and the rest are afraid of the Touch, and so at first labour to pacify the Protestant Commissioners with fair words, but that will not do, the Protestants must not play away their lives in an equal stake of fair words, the late woeful experience of their murdered friends frighted them from putting too much trust in these words; whereupon not receiving content to their just and honest demands; they withdraw to their several charges, and endeavour their own security and safety.  
In the mean time the Count Montgomery arrived with his fleet from England in a part of France, called Le Pays de Constantine, a part of the Province of Normandy, who being safe landed had assistance from several Protestants, and seized on several Towns, as Danfront, Carentane, St. Lo, and Valognes', but the Protestants had better success in all parts than in this Province of Normandy.  
The King's Army under the command of the Field Martial lay siege to St. Lo, wherein was the Count Montgomery, and all his ships lying under the command of the Town; the Count secretly escaped from the danger of so weak a place, but Jaques Sieur de Martignon, with Villers and St. Columb, leave St. Lo, besieged with a party under command of Fervagues, and Malicorn, and so they pursue the Count with two Regiments of foot, six hundred horse, and four small field pieces, and ere they were a ware begirts them close in a small Town called Danfront, which though a weak Town, yet the Castle was well seated, insomuch that they resolved to stand, and die like Soldiers, with Swords in their hands at a breach, than be shamefully murdered, or die on a Scaffold. At this siege by the valour of the Count, and Friends, the Catholics lost St. Colomb, and a great many Gentlemen Volunteers, and two hundred of their most valiant men; but at last no longer able to continue, they yield to Martignan, with these terms, viz. to have their lives, carry away their arms; and yet it was so as they were to remain sometime in the power of Martignan and Vassey, with security for the Count's life. But was it ever read of in such a small History, and in Wars of so short time that ever there was such a common breach of faith and promise when signed and sealed for a strict observance, as a good Author says, he that is a base so, is constantly false in friendship. The Count being in his Enemy's custody, yielded to too much cruelty, on terms of mercy; who I dare say, had rather died a thousand deaths like a true Soldier, then be so basely dealt withal, for in the night he was guarded away Prisoner to Paris, and there basely executed in the sight of the King, and Q. Mother, who received much joy at his death; but the just God saw all these treacheries, and justly rewarded some according to their bloody deserts.  
And now to conclude this sad and doleful reign of a bloody Tyrant; let us see after his blood reign and flatigious life, a sad and suitable death, a spectacle of God's anger, and an emblem of his bloody dealing; who falling sick in the prime of his years, being forced to his Bed, he was sore tormented and handled with a great effusion of blood, which issued out of all parts of his body; and that which very much astonished many, he did once roll himself in hit own blood, vomiting blood through all the Conduits of his body; that it may be said as of Tiberius Caesar, Lutum Sanguine Maceratum, a lump of clay soaked in blood. So this King by the just judgement of God expired his last, the 24. year of his age, and in the year of our Lord God 1574. Julius Caesar sacrificing to the Gods, found a Beast without a heart, which was looked upon as very ominous; and surely may we not infer from this Kings bloody reign, that he Had no heart, a bloody Heart, or, A Heart, and a Heart.  
Thus this King, having lived in other men's blood, died in his own; which as it was the issue of his own deserts, so it was an immediate hand of God's justice.  
And it cannot but be taken notice of that the rest of the chief Agents of this bloody Tragedy were strangely and justly cut off. The Duke of Anjou, being then King of Poland, succeeds this King Charles, by being called from Poland to the Crown of France. Yet God follows him, for by the means of a young Jacobine Monck, named Friar Jaques Clement, the said King was stabbed in the same Chamber where he held Council for the acting the late Tragedies.  
The just hand of God pursued the Duke of Guise, who was murdered in the Kings own Chamber, five and forty waiting with Rapiers and Poinyards to do it.  
The Queen Mother with grief broke her heart, and died the first of January after.  
To conclude, it hath been observed by a good Author, that since the year of God, 1560. that of a thousand murderers which remained unpunished by men, there was not ten escaped the Divine hand of God, but came to deserved and wretched ends, suitable to their bloody and butcherly lives.   
Laus Deo.  
FINIS.