» 
 
 OF THE 
 
 U N I VERS ITY 
 or ILLINOIS 
 
 8S.3 
 
 cezc 
 
 1848 
 
CATHERINE DE MEDICIS; 
 
 THE QtJEEN-MOTHEE. 
 
London ; 
 
 Si’OTTiswooDE and Sh ^ 
 N ew-street- Square. 
 
STANDARD 
 
 NOVELS. 
 N“ CXIL 
 
 No kind of literature is so generally attractive as Fiction. Pictures of 
 Xife and manners, and Stories of adventure, are more eagerly received by 
 the many than graver productions, however important these latter may be. 
 Apuleiits is better remembered by his fable of Cupid and Psyche than by 
 his abstruser Platonic writings ; and the Decameron of Boccaccio has out- 
 lived the Latin Treatises, and other learned works of that author.” 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS. 
 
 COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 RICHAED BENTLEY, NEW BURLINGTON STREET 
 
 AND BELL & BRADFUTE, EDINBURGH. 
 
 1848. 
 
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CATHERINE DE MEDICIS; 
 
 OE, 
 
 THE aUEEN-MOTHER. 
 ^ 3^lomance. 
 
 BY 
 
 LOUISA STUAET COSTELLO, 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 “ A SUMMER AMONGST THE BOCAGES AND THE VINES,” 
 “ MEMOIRS OF JACQUES CGEUR,” 
 
 &C. &C. &C, 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 RICHARD BENTLEY, NEW BURLINGTON STREET j 
 
 AND BELL & BRADFUTE, EDINBURGH. , 
 
 1848. 
 
JAN 2 9 1954 SEARCY 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 lUS 
 
 TO THE THIRD EDITION, 
 
 Since the first appearance of this work, many and 
 great changes have taken place in the aspect of afiairs 
 in that important country, in whose capital the prin-^ 
 cipal scenes are laid ; but they merely tend to show 
 Hiat the character of the people has never altered, 
 and that the same mixture of frivolity and cruelty, 
 generosity and savage ferocity, exists now as in former 
 ages. Though little is left of the bigotry and super- 
 stition which led to the fearful outrages of St, 
 Bartholomew, and though all religions are now sup- 
 posed to be tolerated in France, just the same spirit 
 of persecution, violence, turbulence, and love of 
 novelty remains, prompting that most unstable of all 
 nations now to exalt their rulers into deities, and to 
 pay them blind homage, and then to oppress and 
 degrade them, and pursue them with the most bitter 
 hatred. 
 
 Henry IV., whom they adored, met with the same 
 fate as Henry III., whom they detested, and from the 
 time when assassination deprived them of the most 
 .worthy of their monarchs, the attachment to royalty, 
 weakened during a series of years by the vices of 
 some of the worst of kings, has declined, until, even 
 the glories of their military idol effaced, the French 
 
viii 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 people have resolved to wipe from the tablet of their 
 memory every recollection of history, and begin a new 
 career independent of all that has gone before. 
 
 The wheel, however, will still turn round, and that 
 which has been will be reproduced : the same discon- 
 tents amongst the working classes, the same restless- 
 ness amongst the army, the same turbulence amongst 
 the students, and frivolity and recklessness amongst 
 the great, will always characterise the most uncertain 
 and vacillating people under the sun. 
 
 Their republican fancies will vanish like their 
 imperial dreams, and some new political plaything 
 will succeed the favourite pastime of the hour, but 
 the late occurrences seem to forbid their best friends 
 to hope that time will ever teach them stability. 
 
 Eemorse has generally followed rapidly upon their 
 crimes, as in the case of the reign of massacre which 
 characterised the time of the Valois ; but, alas ! the 
 recollection of that disgraceful page of their history 
 did not deter them from acting scenes of even worse 
 barbarity at a later period, nor has it checked them 
 in the wilful career which they have now chosen as 
 wisest, virtuousest, discreetest, best.” 
 
 It is to be hoped that the line of conduct they have 
 now adopted will not cause them to retrograde to the 
 times of anarchy and civil war, of which these pages 
 are a record. 
 
 London^ June 22. 1848. 
 
CATHERINE HE MEDICIS; 
 
 OR, 
 
 THE QUEEN-MOTHEE. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 LA PAIX BOITEUSE. 
 
 “ Gone to be married — gone to swear a peace ! ” 
 
 Shakspeare. 
 
 Full, bright and sparkling in the brilliant sun of early 
 June, the waters of the Loire rolled majestically along 
 beneath the high-arched bridge of Blois, on which stood 
 an almost countless multitude of people, gazing with eager 
 curiosity, evidently in expectation of some interesting 
 spectacle. The river was covered with gaily-ornamented 
 barges, filled with eager spectators. The royal banner 
 of France waved from the highest tower of the castle ; 
 and from the heights, where rose the spires of the cathe- 
 dral and the palace of the bishop, streamed in the breeze, 
 gay pennons, emblazoned with the arms of the church and 
 of the town. The broad quays, shaded with enormous 
 trees, were swarming with people, who pressed and 
 crushed their neighbours in their endeavours to obtain 
 the most advantageous position from whence to view the 
 spectacle, for which they had waited for hours in patient 
 anticipation. It appeared that some event of absorbing 
 interest was about to take place, and the same eager 
 curiosity seemed to animate every individual in that 
 immense mass of human beings. From the river side to 
 
 B 
 
2 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 the embattled hills above^ the antique streets of Blois rise 
 almost precipitously : many of them are cut in steps to 
 afford an easier assent to foot passengers^ no horse_, nor 
 vehicle of any kind being able to attempt to mount the 
 stony way, which seems a part of the rock ; from distance 
 to distance, where a turn of the street afforded a glimpse 
 of the town and river below, every roof and window was 
 crowded with heads, thrust forward with anxious desire to 
 behold what all sought. 
 
 It was easy to detect that the havoc of recent war had 
 left its traces on many of the houses and walls ; but the 
 greatest care had been taken to conceal any such appear- 
 ances by gorgeous draperies of tapestry hung in all direc- 
 tions. Where breaches still remained unrepaired, temporary 
 scaffolding had been erected for musicians, gaily and fan- 
 tastically attired, whose loud instruments joined the swell- 
 ing echoes of the trumpets, which at intervals announced 
 the nearer approach of welcome and honoured guests to 
 the royal party, who awaited with the same anxiety as the 
 populace the last peal of cannon from the ramparts, pro- 
 claiming that the young King of Navarre, and his illus- 
 trious mother, had entered the gates of Blois, attended by 
 King Charles the Ninth in person, and a gallant train of 
 nobles, all vying with each other in attentions to their 
 long-sought visitors. 
 
 Greeted by the admiring shouts of the excited multitude, 
 the royal cavalcade wound slowly up the steep hill which 
 conducts to the castle : fresh peals of artillery announced 
 their arrival before its gates, and fresh bursts of music 
 heralded their entrance through the venerable arch, which 
 leads to the court of Stephen. 
 
 They reached the foot of the beautiful winding staircase, 
 whose carved ornaments glittered like alabaster in the 
 dancing sunbeams, and through every loophole of whose 
 elegantly wreathed and twisted tower looked forth richly- 
 dressed ladies of the court and cavaliers in splendid cos- 
 tumes, studding the whole surface at rising distances, till, 
 at the dome-shaped summit, groups appeared, waving 
 scarfs and flags, embroidered with glittering devices in 
 honour of the day. Here King Charles alighted from his 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 S 
 
 richly adorned charger, and his example was followed by 
 all his courtiers, who approached the Queen of Navarre 
 and her son and daughter, and assisted them to dismount. 
 
 Above the elaborately ornamented gateway, where stand 
 in high relief the statues of the Father of his People and 
 his beloved Duchess Anne, in a projecting balcony, about 
 the centre of the facade of the palace, a party of magni- 
 ficently-attired ladies were stationed. Conspicuous amongst 
 them, was the majestic and commanding figure of the 
 Queen- mother, Catherine de Medicis, and great was the 
 beauty displayed by the distinguished females who sur- 
 rounded her. As the stunning sound of the cannon told the 
 arrival of the royal cortege, a shower of garlands descended 
 from the balcony of the Queen-mother, at the feet of 
 Jeanne de Navarre. 
 
 The countenance of Catherine had hitherto worn an 
 expression of anxious suspense almost painful, as from 
 time to time she bent over the heavy stone parapet on 
 which she was leaning ; and her eye wandered with uneasy 
 glances around, as she occasionally turned to some of her 
 attendant ladies, and inquired hastily : Is the Princess 
 
 Marguerite not yet arrived } ” The reply in the negative, 
 which had been several times given, seemed to cause her 
 considerable annoyance; her dark brows contracted, and 
 her lips became compressed with emotions which she 
 seemed desirous of concealing. When, however, she be- 
 held the Queen of Navarre alighting from her horse, her 
 stirrup held by Charles, whose face was irradiated with 
 smiles, and when she marked the happy, frank and grate- 
 ful expression on the face of the noble-minded mother of 
 the young Bearnois, a load seemed removed from her 
 heart, and with a long, deep-drawn breath, she murmured 
 to herself, ^‘^All is secured!'’ — and turning from the 
 balcony, entered the chamber of state, into which her 
 guests were shortly afterwards conducted by their courteous 
 and gallant host. 
 
 Nothing could exceed the cordiality of meeting extended 
 to the unsuspicious and open-hearted Jeanne, whose eyes 
 filled with tears of pleasure, as she presented to the 
 Queen-mother her blushing and beautiful daughter Cathe- 
 
 B 2 
 
4 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 rine^ and her young son, whose bashfulness kept him con- 
 stantly in the rear, close to her. Embraces, congratula- 
 tions, protestations of eternal friendship, entreaties that the 
 past should be buried in oblivion, and vows and prayers 
 that the future might be all sunshine throughout the 
 united kingdoms of France and Navarre, with assurances 
 of the delight and gratification derived from the present, — 
 all this greeted the ears and charmed the hearts of the 
 single-minded and guileless pair whom it was intended to 
 deceive, and who had, in an evil hour, placed themselves 
 and their cause in the hands of an enemy unscrupulous in 
 guilt, undaunted in crime, and unmatched in cunning. 
 
 A magnificent entertainment followed, when every device 
 that ingenuity could contrive was employed to delight the 
 senses and engage the minds of the unsophisticated moun- 
 taineers, whom this display of splendour was calculated 
 to astonish. In the retirement of her chamber, that night. 
 Queen Jeanne threw herself into the arms of her son, and 
 exclaimed, Oh, my beloved Henry ! what have I now to 
 wish. The bloodshed and cruelty which have so long dis- 
 graced and desolated these fair realms, are at an end, and 
 peace is now as undoubted as dearly welcome.” 
 
 Heaven grant it, dearest mother ! ” answered Henry. 
 
 We are indeed fortunate. But I should like to see my 
 bride elect, for all this is nothing without her.” 
 
 Queen Jeanne’s countenance was instantly overcast. 
 She had observed the absence of the principal person con- 
 cerned in their visit, and she had noticed likewise the 
 agitated expression of Catherine’s face, as she replied to 
 her inquiries after the Princess. 
 
 Jeanne’s thoughts in a moment ran back over a series 
 of years. She recalled the time when her warm-hearted 
 and confiding husband had journeyed to Paris, on the 
 death of Henry II. ; and no welcome greeted him, no one 
 met him on his road, no feasts were prepared for him, no 
 palaces decorated to receive him ; but his very baggage 
 was allowed to remain unsheltered in the court-yard of the 
 house he entered, and this same Queen Catherine had re- 
 ceived him almost as an alien. She reverted to the schemes 
 and plots laid to entrap and to annoy him ; the endeavours 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 ,5 
 
 to withhold from him his dues ; the injuries^ the vexations, 
 the deceptions that had driven him from the court of the 
 infant King ; the enmities of the Guises and Lorraines ; 
 and, above all, she remembered with a shudder, Anthony 
 of Navarre's last injunctions to herself, never to trust in 
 Catherine. 
 
 All this a flash of thought brought before her, but she 
 shook off the feeling it conjured up, and conversed with 
 her son on the probable results of their present negotia- 
 tions, and the marriage which must inevitably seal a bond 
 of union, which it ’would be the mutual interest of each 
 party to keep inviolate. 
 
 Henry and his mother, therefore, separated, full of 
 anticipations, which the lately concluded peace, afterwards 
 justly called La Paix Boiteuse,** seemed to promise them. 
 
 Catherine de Medicis had also sought the retirement of 
 her private apartments, fatigued, more than was her wont, 
 with the demonstrations she had found it necessary to 
 make of her friendliness and hospitality. A few only of 
 her confidential ladies attended her : her step was dis- 
 ordered, and her brow lowering, as she paced backwards 
 and forwards in uncontrolled agitation. 
 
 Is it possible," she exclaimed, passionately, that 
 the plans I have arranged with such care, are to be ruined 
 by the wilfulness of a headstrong girl ? This slight must 
 be instantly repaired. Did any of you observe when Mar- 
 guerite quitted our company on the road from Paris ? 
 
 There was some hesitation amongst the ladies, before 
 an answer was returned by Madame Claude de Lorraine, 
 that the horses, litters and caches of the Queen-mother being 
 before those of the Princess and her suite, her having 
 suddenly quitted them, instead of pursuing with them the 
 road to Blois, had been unobserved. 
 
 I can trust nobody but Bianco,'’ said the Queen pet- 
 tishly ; send for him instantly. His wit must find a 
 remedy for this business. Rene," she continued, ad- 
 dressing, as he entered, a remarkably handsome man, 
 whose complexion told that he was her countryman, — 
 ^^go, instantly, to Chenonceau, — I cannot trust myself 
 to write to Marguerite : 1 cannot send any of my gentle- 
 B S 
 
6 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 men^ for I would not have it known that she has acted 
 from caprice, but it is most important that she should 
 delay no further. You can do much — remember, she is 
 impetuous, proud, and self-willed ; be careful not to irri- 
 tate her : humour her as you can, hut gain her promise to 
 come instantly to Blois, — nay, leave her not till she enters 
 this chamber, and when once here I will take care that 
 she escapes me not again. The night has not far waned, 
 you will doubless find her dreaming over childish plea- 
 sures, — literature, poetry ! — when a kingdom is at stake ! 
 draw her from them, use every means, hut let me hear 
 that she has entered these gates by morning’s dawn.” 
 
 He to whom the Queen-mother addressed these words 
 in a hurried and passionate accent, bowed low, but replied 
 not by words. The bright glance of his significant eye, 
 however, expressed determination and promptitude. Ca- 
 therine paused before him for one moment, and then with 
 a smile of peculiar, satisfied meaning, waved her hand, 
 and her messenger had quitted her presence. And now,’* 
 said the Queen, let the King my son know that I await 
 his visit. Every one may retire ; and while his Grace is 
 here, he careful that I have no interruption.” 
 
 Charles was shortly afterwards announced, and entered, 
 his pale countenance lighted up with unusual gaiety. His 
 step was light, and his eye full of mirth, as, hastening to 
 his mother, he kissed her hand, and then casting himself 
 on a couch, gave way to an uncontrollable fit of merri- 
 ment. Catherine took a seat beside him and watched this 
 ebullition, while a slight smile curled her lip. When he 
 was in some degree recovered, he said, — Well, madam, 
 tell me candidly, do you not think I have acted my part 
 to admiration ? ” 
 
 Yes, Charles,” said his mother, your conduct has 
 been faultless ; it remains only to be followed up.” 
 
 Oh ! ” cried the King, with renewed laughter, leave 
 that to me • you will see with what skill I will draw them 
 into the net. I have sent letters already to every part of 
 the kingdom, granting these foolish Huguenots more than 
 they demanded. I shall do precisely what my falconer 
 does when he sends his hawks in search of prey. It is 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 7 
 
 beyond measure ridiculous how they all come to the call, 
 and how thoroughly deceived the mother-bird and her half- 
 fledged birdling are. We had a most satisfactory and con- 
 fidential interview before we parted for the night/’ 
 
 And to what subject did you chiefly lead?” asked 
 Catherine anxiously. 
 
 We talked of Marguerite,” said Charles. — The Queen 
 frowned. That young haggard, by the way, had nearly 
 destroyed all to-day by her absence, but I expatiated on 
 her modesty, ha, ha! — on her timidity, — and Jeanne 
 seemed satisfied. It amused me not a little that she could 
 picture to herself Margot such an awkward frightened 
 thing as her own daughter, who but for that, would be 
 handsome, as De Soissons observed. The credulous mother 
 of our affianced bridegroom suggested that the Pope’s 
 dispensation might be long to obtain. ^ No, no,’ said I, 
 ^ my own dearest aunt, my darling friend, I honour you 
 more than pope or cardinal ; and as for my sister, I love 
 her better than I fear the power of Rome. If the Pope 
 is fool enough to oppose my will, I here declare to you 
 that I will take Margot by the hand and lead her to the 
 altar in despite of the whole conclave.’ She laughed at 
 this. ‘ I am not a Protestant, as you know, dear aunt,’ 
 I continued with a sigh, which had great effect, ^ but I am 
 no bigot : I have given my promise, and my word is sacred.’ 
 I then took occasion to praise her son, who looks like a 
 young bear from his own mountains, scared by hunters ; 
 and, in short, I have left her and our Marguerite’s hus- 
 band elect thoroughly satisfied with all things.” 
 
 I trust so, my son,” said Catherine. To-morrow 
 we shall have Marguerite here : we must amuse and 
 humour her for the time, but I fear some outburst of 
 thoughtless folly on her part. I dread the ridicule she 
 will probably cast on this young Bearnois, who is certainly 
 quite unworthy of her.” 
 
 Oh she has plenty of lovers to amuse her ; what can 
 her husband signify ? ” said Charles, carelessly. As for 
 him, it is clear he is a fool whom we can mould at will. 
 We need not waste a thought on him, at all events.” 
 
 The mother and son on this parted with mutual con- 
 B 4 
 
8 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 gratulations, and retired to concoct fresh schemes of 
 deception, which should render the escape of their unsus- 
 pecting victims impossible. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 LA LUNE. 
 
 “ J’aurai toujours au cceur ecrite 
 Sur toutes fleurs la Marguerite ! ” 
 
 Le Blason de la Marguerite, 
 
 Marguerite de Valois was at this period in the very 
 zenith of that beauty which was the theme of admiration 
 throughout France, and the inspiration of all the poets of 
 the time : her influence was felt and acknowledged 
 wherever she appeared, and, where she chose to exert it, 
 rarely resisted. She was totally without her mother's 
 ambition, — to her were unknown her mother’s cruelty 
 and harshness ; all she seemed to have inherited from her 
 was her power of fascination. She possessed warmth of 
 heart, generosity and tenderness, with a fund of good- 
 humour, and a carelessness beyond bounds. Like her aunt 
 and namesake, the accomplished sister of Francis the 
 First, she delighted in the society of the learned and dis- 
 tinguished, spent much of her time in elegant literary 
 pursuits, and was a munificent patroness of genius and 
 talent. Witty, spirited, full of observation and humour, 
 ever pleased with novelty, ever seeking fresh objects of 
 admiration, instructed even beyond her period, acute and 
 rapid in her conclusions — all her bright qualities were 
 dimmed by an inordinate love of admiration, and a vanity 
 which carried her into every kind of imprudence. Self- 
 gratification was the end and aim of her existence, and 
 this weakness had been fostered by her mother, who 
 dreaded the appearance of talent in all her children, 
 jealously alive to the possibility of their interfering with 
 her ambitious projects. 
 
 Never had Marguerite been hitherto known to allow 
 serious thoughts or duties to interfere with her enjoy- 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 9 
 
 merits ; and if they were forced upon her she dismissed 
 them as soon as possible^ resolving that they should not 
 cloud the bright sky of the paradise she endeavoured to 
 create for herself. Too exalted in station to care for the 
 cavilling of the vulgar — ■ too thoughtless by nature to 
 be impressed by the world's censure — independent of 
 every one — brought up in an atmosphere of luxury and 
 dissipation, she was the slave or the empress of pleasure. 
 
 Her manners were seducing to a degree that surpassed 
 belief; her smile was a spell, her beauty dazzling, and 
 her power of fascination unquestioned. The court over 
 which she presided, and which was one exclusively her 
 own, seemed to combine all that can be imagined of en- 
 chantment, ease, happiness and liberty. This fairy court 
 was now held at the beautiful palace of Chenonceau, on 
 the Cher, which, though the Queen-mother loved fre- 
 quently to reside there, she had given up for the present 
 to the Princess, — her views and occupations making it 
 desirable that she should always be near the King, who 
 had on more occasions than one evinced a desire to eman- 
 cipate himself from the thraldom of her presence, and to 
 act for himself. 
 
 The reminiscences of her father’s celebrated and lovely 
 mistress, Diana, which might have been unpleasing to a 
 daughter of a different frame of mind, only served as an 
 example to confirm her in her resolution to lead a life of 
 uninterrupted enjoyment; and the halls of Chenonceau, 
 never in the time of the fair favourite herself, could vie 
 with the glories and enchantments with which its present 
 deity loved to invest them. 
 
 Marguerite had consented to the union proposed to her 
 by her ambitious and designing mother, because she was 
 aware that her birth entailed upon her the penalty of 
 being sacrificed to secure some supposed political good. 
 Although, to a certain extent, indiflPerent as to who might 
 he the husband chosen for her, she was particularly averse 
 from becoming the wife of one whom she looked upon as 
 her inferior in breeding, in manners, and in education. 
 Refined to fastidiousness, outward seeming was to her a 
 chief recommendation ; and the accounts she had heard 
 
10 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEHICIS j 
 
 of the young mountaineer were not calculated to excite 
 any desire in her mind to hasten the fulfilment of their 
 contract. When therefore she^ in obedience to her 
 mother’s injunctions, set out with the royal party from 
 Paris to Blois, it was with extreme reluctance ; and as 
 she felt the fresh air of the country breathe on her brow, 
 the thought occurred- to her that never could the romantic 
 retreat of Chenonceau be more enticing than at this 
 moment, when the groves must be full of nightingales and 
 the gardens blazing with countless flowers, all wooing her 
 visit and reproaching her absence. Accordingly she pro- 
 posed to the gay party, as thoughtless and fond of excite- 
 ment as herself, all devoted to her wishes and glad to 
 escape the formalities which they anticipated at Blois, that 
 they should turn aside from the road they had intended 
 to take, and shape their course to the palace on the Cher. 
 
 Thither the joyous cavalcade pursued their way ; and 
 while at the castle of Blois the gorgeous preparations were 
 in full vigour for the reception of her intended husband, 
 she left the care of all to others more interested in the 
 event, and, to the inexpressible mortification of her 
 mother, betook herself to her shades, surrounded by all 
 that wit, talent, and mirth could furnish to render her 
 sojourn a terrestrial paradise. 
 
 The night was far spent, the glories of the moon in its 
 height of splendour irradiated the gardens of the famous 
 bower of Diana ; an atmosphere of perfume rose from the 
 surrounding flowers and shrubs ; and the chequered light 
 which streamed through the foliage of the young trees was 
 reflected from the bosom of a transparent lake, in the 
 midst of which rose a fountain of delicately carved white 
 marble, whose jets formed themselves into the semblance 
 of feathers and flowers, and caught rainbow hues from the 
 rays that glimmered above and around. Lighi arcades of 
 Moorish architecture, formed of various-coloured marbles, 
 supported innumerable small lamps depending from slender 
 silver chains, which, waved to and fro by the gentle 
 night-breeze, seemed like so many fire-flies in motion. 
 At the extremity of the lake a pile of natural rocks had 
 been taken advantage of by art, and the waters of a stream 
 
OR, THE QUEEN -MOTHER. 
 
 11 
 
 had been guided to fall over them in numerous cascades. 
 Here and there, in the hollows of the grey and moss- 
 grown stone, lamps had been introduced, and, as the 
 waters came tumbling over the dark masses, their glow- 
 worm light shimmered and glittered through the dancing 
 spray. A hundred nightingales sang and answered each 
 other in the neighbouring woods, and were heard in the 
 pauses of the lute, which accompanied some voice as soft 
 as their own, while their rapturous chorus acknowledged 
 the skill of the musician which they strove to excel by 
 louder and more persevering melody. The weather was 
 such as is sometimes met with at the close of spring, in- 
 tensely, yet deliciously warm, and the sky so clear that 
 it seemed as though no clouds could ever be known in 
 a region so bright and blest. 
 
 The beautiful Marguerite and her ladies were formed to 
 enjoy such a scene, and they gave themselves entirely up 
 to its charm, banishing all thoughts foreign to its en- 
 chanting influence, and forgetting for the time that there 
 existed a world beyond. Ronsard, the king of poets and 
 the favourite of kings, the adored of the Muses and the 
 pride of France, the glory of his native Loire, and the 
 deity of La Lune^ was there. He sang his own verses in 
 a voice all passion. What he wanted in science and in 
 power was amply made up in exquisite feeling and ex- 
 pression, and none who heard him with breathless and 
 spell-bound attention, but wondered they could ever listen 
 to other strains. 
 
 His quick transitions from pathetic to cheerful pleased 
 every heart, and found admirers in every listener. Now 
 he addressed extemporary verses to the goddess of the 
 place, then alluded with quick thought to passing events 
 of the day, poured forth soft compliments to each fair one 
 in turn, and proved himself as good a courtier as a poet. 
 Nor was the learning forgotten for which he had attained 
 so high a reputation, and which was at that period so 
 highly prized, though its display has since justly caused 
 his works to be considered pedantic. But who should 
 venture to criticise the master minstrel, who had purified 
 the language, and introduced so many classical graces ? 
 
12 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ! 
 
 So far from it, his delighted auditors were intoxicated with 
 enthusiasm, and the enjoyment of the night was at its 
 height, when an attendant approached the Princess, and 
 whispered in her ear. 
 
 She started. ^^Not now,” she said ; it is impossible : 
 were it the King himself, or my mother in person, I would 
 not admit them. — Say, I will give audience to-morrow 
 to any one from Blois, but not to-night. Oh ! divine 
 Ronsard, sing again ; — why should anything of the world 
 without intrude to break the spell you have cast over our 
 souls 
 
 No, madam,’' said the poet ; if my songs deserve 
 the praises you have showered upon them, the poet merits 
 a reward ; and mine shall be to hear you sing, to listen to 
 accents such as we only have the privilege of hearing, and 
 such as never even bless the dreams of those beyond our 
 paradise.” 
 
 Give me a lute,” said IMarguerite, and let me try, if 
 the fearful thought of the chain preparing for me have not 
 altogether scared away my powers. But the verse, dear 
 Ronsard, shall be thy own, and must delight, even if my 
 voice should fail. How can it fail when 1 sing the lays 
 of him whose natural bed was of flowers, and over whom 
 the Muses themselves poured from enchanted urns the 
 rosy water of inspiration ! ” 
 
 The delighted poet acknowledged this complimentary 
 allusion to the legend attached to his infancy with emotion. 
 It had been said of him, that when a child, as his nurse 
 was carrying him across a meadow, he fell from her arms 
 into the midst of the flowers which grew there in pro- 
 fusion, and that a damsel who was passing by, bearing a 
 vase of rosewater, as she stooped to lift up the smiling 
 infant, deluged him with the contents. This was con- 
 sidered a presage of his future fame and excellence, and 
 was frequently irientioned by his admirers. 
 
 The Princess, with a fervour and delicacy which ex- 
 cited in her hearers all the enthusiasm which she herself 
 felt, then sang a celebrated song from the ‘^Amours” of 
 the great poet. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 13 
 
 “ Fifteen lovely childish springs, 
 
 Hair of gold in crisped rings, 
 
 Cheek and lips with roses spread, 
 
 Smile, that to the stars can lead ; 
 
 Grace, whose every turn can please j 
 Virtue, worthy charms like these ; 
 
 Breast, within whose virgin snows 
 Lies a gentle heart that glows 
 ’Mid the sparkling thoughts of youth. 
 
 All divine, with steady truth ; 
 
 Eyes, that make a day of night ; 
 
 Hands, whose touch so soft and light 
 Hold my soul a prisoner long ; 
 
 Voice, whose soft, entrancing song. 
 
 Now a smile, and now a sigh. 
 
 Interrupts melodiously ! — 
 
 These are charms, within whose spell 
 All my peace and reason dwell.” * 
 
 After the applause had died away with which this poem 
 had been received, Etienne Jodelle, the accomplished poet, 
 painter, sculptor and architect, whose devotion to the 
 mighty master kept pace with that of his warmest ad- 
 mirers, recited some of his own compositions, and was 
 followed by Baif, also a poet of the school and a worthy 
 pupil of Ronsard. Jodelle soon after begged to introduce 
 to the company a young minstrel, destined afterwards to 
 become celebrated, but who was at this period not more 
 than sixteen, — handsome, elegant, and full of genius. He 
 was named to the gratified Princess as a new candidate 
 for her favour, and some jests were circulated when it was 
 remarked that the young Du Perron was a Calvinist ; and 
 the coincidence of his arrival at the present moment might 
 be considered propitious, as the Protestant bridegroom 
 of his patroness could not object to him on the score of 
 religion, 
 
 “ Alas !” said Marguerite, with feigned gravity, “ I fear 
 the Muses will forswear me in future — the snows of Bearn 
 will chill them, and they will forsake me. Can any tell 
 me in what semblance my tyrant appears — has any seen 
 him ? — what says he — what does he, besides hunt, and 
 eat, and fight? — Has he any quality to fit him for our 
 world, or must we bar its entrance to him at once ? 
 
 A soft voice near the Princess whispered, “If your 
 Highness would really like to know, you have only to ad- 
 mit Bianco, the Italian, who waits without with some 
 * See “ Specimens of the Early Poetry of France.” — 1835. 
 
14 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 message from Blois : he is not a bad painter^ nor does he 
 want wit to set off his colouring/^ 
 
 She who spoke^ and while she did so, blushed deeply, 
 was the young and lovely Marie de Cleves, about the age, 
 and nearly answering to the description which the poet 
 had given in the lines they had just heard, and in which 
 he probably sought to paint her. She had approached 
 softly from a grove of orange trees, where she had been 
 apparently occupied in attending to the animated com- 
 munication of a young page of the Duke of Anjou, who, 
 on leaving her, retired quickly, and was lost amidst the 
 surrounding shades. She held in her hand a billet, which 
 bore a seal, the device on which was a vessel and star, with 
 the words Te duce, at which she hastily glanced, not unob- 
 served, but unnoticed, and thrust it into her bosom. 
 
 The advice given by the beautiful Marie, for which she 
 doubtless had her reasons, was listened to at once by the 
 volatile Princess. 
 
 Bianco, did you say?” exclaimed she, — why did I 
 refuse him admittance ? He has talents beyond his station, 
 and his powers of jesting are of no ordinary character. 
 He shall describe to us all that we have missed seeing by 
 OUT escapade ; he shall speak of our lords and masters ; 
 you, Marie, and I, who are fellow victims, must hear him 
 with attention. You must chide Anjou, that he has de- 
 serted us for our enemies; — or will you depute that 
 office to the expectant Prince de Conde?” The face of 
 Marie became so pale as to alarm her friend, — What 
 folly have I said ? ” she whispered softly. — Alas ! I 
 forget that all have not their hearts unscathed, as I have ! 
 Ah ! my friend, you are preparing for yourself a future of 
 care. Believe me, it is well to adorn the heart with 
 painted pictures of love, but not to engrave them upon it ; 
 — but I speak as one who never loved, and one, I feel, 
 who never can.” 
 
 How ! ” said Marie ; is there not one amongst all 
 those who adore you who claims one thought ? ” 
 
 ‘‘Yes,” answered Marguerite, gaily, “many; nay, per- 
 haps all in turn, but the vision passes away as quickly as a 
 shadow on a mirror : my heart is so transparent, that it 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 15 
 
 takes all impressions and retains none. But^ we are 
 serious, — let us all return to the river gallery where our 
 repast awaits us : we will summon Rene, and add another 
 amusement to the night.” 
 
 The gay party immediately obeyed her signal; and 
 some, in laughing groups, strolled leisurely along the per- 
 fumed banks of the chateau, while others entered the 
 glittering skiffs which were moored along the shore for 
 their accommodation, and glided down the stream to the 
 marble steps that conducted them to the singularly beautiful 
 apartment which Catherine de Medicis had constructed 
 above the arches of the bridge which spanned the Cher. 
 Its windows now shone with innumerable lights, and 
 within was displayed a splendid banquet. When the party 
 were all assembled, a concert of soft music rose from boats 
 stationed beneath, and auhades and serenades, for the hour 
 suited either night or morning, accompanied by instru- 
 ments of various sorts, continued at intervals during the 
 repast. Bianco, the messenger of the Queen-mother, 
 was introduced, and with infinite tact avoided betraying 
 the extreme anxiety of his mistress, who, he represented, 
 merely asked her daughter's presence, as she was sure the 
 novelty of the scene, and the variety of characters she 
 would behold, would interest her extremely. He then 
 touched on peculiar traits of several of the distinguished 
 persons who accompanied Queen Jeanne, seizing the 
 ridiculous, and making the eccentric so prominent, that he 
 convulsed his inconsiderate hearers with laughter. He 
 was too politic, however, to say anything about the prin- 
 cipal actors in the drama, but contrived so artfully to ex- 
 cite curiosity, that Marguerite was completely won ; and 
 before they separated, she had agreed, that with all her 
 suite she would repair early on the following morning to 
 Blois. 
 
16 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 CAJOLERY. 
 
 “ Oh ! dark deceit, with painted face for show, 
 
 Oh ! feigned friend, deceiving people so !” 
 
 Thos. Churchyard. 
 
 Queen Jeanne was seated near one of the carved windows 
 of the chateau, which overlooked a huge round tower and 
 the bastioned walls of that portion of the building whose 
 severe architecture proclaimed their Roman origin, and 
 whose solid and unornamented extent formed a remarkable 
 contrast with the light and elaborately adorned facade op- 
 posite, on which all the taste of Francis I. and his suc- 
 cessors had been lavished ; where, from stage to stage, the 
 art of the builder was displayed in gorgeous tracery, more 
 remarkable for its variety than congruous effect. Here a 
 range of windows was connected by gracefully twisted and 
 fluted pillars, whose richly foliaged capitals supported 
 tablets filled with classical figures in bold relief ; beyond, 
 the character changed, and the hand of an earlier architect 
 was perceptible ; grotesque heads peeped from the cornices, 
 and extravagant forms wreathed themselves into harmony, 
 to form a graceful termination to some spire or tourelle. 
 
 An immense court beneath was adorned with gardens, 
 laid out with taste and filled with choice flowers : over- 
 topping the outer walls rose the towers of the church of 
 the Jesuits, frowning, as it were, on the regal splendour 
 which it commanded. A shade of melancholy reflection 
 was on the fine features of Jeanne de Navarre, as she 
 marked the pleased interest with which her son and his 
 young companion, the Prince de Conde, were watching 
 the manoeuvres of some troops in the great square oppo- 
 site ; and as she withdrew her glance it fell on the form of 
 her daughter Catherine, who, seated on a low stool at her 
 feet, was gazing up in her face. 
 
 Are you thinking of our mountains, too } ” said Jeanne, 
 half smiling. Your face seems a reflection of my own, 
 and so perhaps are your thoughts.” 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 17 
 
 Dear mother,” answered the young Princess, I shall 
 never love any place so well. Yet how beautiful and rich 
 is every thing about us, and how kind are the Queen- 
 mother and her ladies ! ” 
 
 And the young cavaliers, Catherine ? ” said her 
 brother ; you say nothing of them. I wonder which 
 amongst them will be so fortunate as to please my pretty 
 sister ? ” 
 
 They are very agreeable, no doubt,” said Catherine, 
 blushing ; but I do not like their air of condescension 
 and superiority.” 
 
 What think you of the Count de Soissons, with whom 
 you danced last night } ” asked Henry. 
 
 Catherine blushed still more, and turned away as she 
 said, Oh, least of all I like him ; he spoke to me as if it 
 were necessary to lower the tone of his conversation to 
 -suit my ignorance.” 
 
 You are singular, Catherine,” said her mother; 
 for he is thought one of the most attractive gallants at 
 court.” 
 
 There are many others equally so, I think,^’ replied 
 the Princess, and less supercilious.” 
 
 You are severe, little critic,” cried Henry, and have 
 already made progress in court manners, which I fear I 
 never shall do. I am far more at home in camp : never- 
 theless one may amuse one’s self here.” He whispered to 
 Conde, who smiled gaily at his remarks, and at that 
 moment a messenger from the Queen-mother was an- 
 nounced, and the doors being thrown open the envoy 
 himself appeared, who approached and knelt at the feet of 
 the Queen of Navarre. 
 
 This personage was Rene Bianco, the Florentine, whose 
 offices with his royal mistress were so many and various, 
 that it was almost impossible positively to pronounce what 
 position he held. Now little more than a menial, and 
 now little less than an ambassador, Catherine employed him 
 in negotiations of importance to the state, and in trivial 
 messages to her favourites and her ladies. His insinuating 
 address and remarkably handsome exterior rendered him, 
 if not welcome, at least tolerated, more especially in the 
 c 
 
18 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS ! 
 
 latter capacity. It was more than whispered that his 
 science as a chemist was that which chiefly recommended 
 him to his royal mistress^ who^ in common with most per- 
 sons of all ranks in that age, sought diligently after the 
 hidden secrets of nature, and left no means unemployed to 
 discover her mysteries. A certain degree of suspicion and 
 some feeling of awe attended him, though it was rather in 
 his absence than his presence, for his ready wit and fluent 
 conversation were not calculated to inspire other than 
 agreeable thoughts. It was only in the occasional glance 
 of his dark, sparkling, and deeply-set eye that might he 
 detected a sinister character, and a searching and eager 
 expression at variance with his frank and joyous manner. 
 
 Bianco was the bearer to Queen Jeanne of a token from 
 his mistress of a pair of perfumed and richly embroidered 
 gloves, then an article of great luxury, and a bouquet of 
 choice flowers, arranged so that the delicate blossoms ap- 
 peared like a star in the centre, and round it sprang leaves 
 of the olive, the laurel, and the cypress : a silver riband 
 bound the whole, on which was embroidered, in letters of 
 precious stones, the motto which Jeanne had adopted, in 
 allusion to the state of her affairs, — Safe peace, vic- 
 tory, OR honourable death.” 
 
 Bianco respectfully presented this, at the same time 
 expressing the compliments with which he was charged 
 by Catherine. My mistress,” he said, orders me to 
 say that she sends your Grace these flowers in token of the 
 love that springs from the centre of her heart for you and 
 yours, and which will be her guiding star in time to come. 
 You have granted her Peace, and she sends you the Olive; 
 you have gained the victory over civil war, and she sends 
 you the Laurel ; you have put to death every hatred and 
 malice, and she sends you the Cypress.” 
 
 Queen Jeanne received the present most graciously, and 
 a blush passed over her face as she remembered the 
 thoughts she could not entirely banish. 
 
 And to your Grace,” continued Rene, kneeling to 
 young Henry, I am charged to deliver a sealed packet, 
 which will explain itself ; only venturing to add, that — 
 as she who sends it bade me say, that — as the daisy looks 
 
OR, THE QUEEN- MOTHER. 19 
 
 up towards the god of morning for life and joy, so she 
 looks towards you.” 
 
 Henry, not without emotion, broke the seal, and dis- 
 covered a bunch of enamelled marguerites, which he 
 immediately transferred to his bosom with a gallant 
 gesture, and thanked the messenger with a frank smile. 
 
 As Rene rose from his knee, an attendant entered the 
 apartment, and proclaimed the approach of King Charles, 
 who, advancing hastily and without ceremony to Queen 
 Jeanne, saluted her with all the apparent natural enthu- 
 siasm of youth, throwing his arms about her, and uttering 
 the tenderest expressions of affection, — calling her, with 
 almost infantine playfulness, his own aunt, his all, his 
 beloved, — till, overcome with his kindness, the good Queen 
 could not suppress her tears, and a feeling of faintness crept 
 over her, as the bouquet of Catherine, to which she had 
 been smelling, dropped from her hand, and she leant back 
 in his arms for support. Her daughter and her son were 
 instantly at her side. Bianco removed the flowers, and 
 presented to Charles an essence which instantly revived 
 her : then, bowing low, he retired. As he left the chamber, 
 charged with the grateful acknowledgments of the Queen 
 of Navarre to Catherine, young Henry, still occupied with 
 his mother, looked suddenly up, and was struck with the 
 reflection in an opposite mirror of a countenance in which 
 gratified malevolence and hatred were so strongly depicted, 
 that it appeared as if the face of a fiend had looked upon 
 him. He started with a thrill of horror, but before he 
 could account in any way for the apparition, it was gone ; 
 and as he had not noticed the departure of Bianco, he was 
 not aware that the glass gave back his features. 
 
 Dearest aunt, we have excited and worn your spirits 
 too much,” tenderly exclaimed Charles; ^^1 would my 
 good nurse Mabille were here to tend you. We will send 
 instantly to Paris for her ; she is the kindest and best of 
 women, and will nurse you as she does her own child, for 
 such she calls me. But surely you must know Mabille; 
 she is your countrywoman, it was from you my mother 
 had her first.” 
 
 Oh yes, my dear cousin ! ” answered Jeanne with 
 c 2 
 
20 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 animation, if it be Mabille Rolland, she is indeed a 
 worthy creature; but many years have passed since 1 
 have seen her. It was but lately that I sent a young 
 man, an orphan whom I protect, to Paris, and recom-r 
 mended him to her care while in your dangerous city.” 
 Ah, my own sweet aunt ! ” exclaimed Charles laugh- 
 ing, — you country people have such strange ideas of 
 our Paris. But we are harmless, depend upon it, or will 
 prove, at least to you, how happy we can be in the midst 
 of our wickedness, and how well the air of my Catholic 
 capital can agree with my beloved heretics. My good 
 cousin,” he continued, addressing Henry, ^^you will, I 
 fear, seduce us from our duties ; for my own part, I do 
 not mean to fast for a month to come, — and as to con- 
 fession,” he added in a lower tone, all the confession we 
 will think of shall be that of love. To-night we have a 
 masque, where your courage, young knight, will be severely 
 tried ; and I must tell you at once Margot is arrived, and 
 expiring till she sees you at her feet. It is time that I 
 introduce you ; my mother waits her Grace’s pleasure to 
 present a daughter to her.” 
 
 As he spoke, music was heard without ; the broad 
 curtains of the tapestry which adorned the lower part of 
 the chamber were drawn aside, and two long lines of 
 attendant nobles and ladies were discovered on each side 
 of a spacious gallery, from the upper end of which ad- 
 vanced, through a richly-decorated hall, the Queen -mother 
 and the Princess Marguerite, led by the Duke of Anjou, 
 and followed by a train of ladies all gorgeously attired 
 except the Princess herself, who wore a remarkably plain 
 riding-dress, and whose countenance was clouded with 
 discontent. 
 
 The long-desired meeting now took place ; but to those 
 who looked on, it was evident that there was neither 
 pleasure nor cordiality in the salute given and received by 
 the beautiful and haughty bride elect, who, in the coldest 
 and briefest manner, replied to the kind address of Queen 
 Jeanne and the frank but timid compliment of her son, 
 whom she scarcely appeared to notice, and, as soon as 
 possible, turned from them and busied herself in conver- 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 21 
 
 sation with the nobles and ladies round her. To Henry’s 
 inexperienced eye the carelessness of Marguerite’s toilet was 
 indifferent ; not so to that of Queen Jeanne, whose quick 
 apprehension saw in it studied neglect, a circumstance 
 which instantly alarmed her pride. 
 
 From day to day, as fete succeeded fete, and every 
 demonstration of attachment was exhibited to lull sus- 
 picion and create confidence, the feelings of Queen Jeanne 
 experienced a change, till at length, instead of beholding 
 in this display the friendship which was professed, her 
 doubts grew into strength, and her mind became a prey 
 to terrors and regret, which she could not overcome. 
 Catherine’s experience soon told her that she had overacted 
 the part she had undertaken, and was suspected. 
 
 Charles, whose mind was excited in a manner which 
 bordered on delirium, by the stirring future which he 
 pictured to himself, was restlessly desirous of removing 
 from Blois to the scene of some glorious action, which he 
 felt was on the eve of being accomplished. He, therefore, 
 readily agreed to his mother’s proposition, and prepara- 
 tions were instantly made to remove the court to the 
 Louvre, where a series of entertainments was preparing, 
 superior to any which had yet been given, in honour of 
 the approaching nuptials of Henry and Marguerite. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 THE PROTEGE. 
 
 Mine was a proud dejection, and an unquiet weariness, — that is, sinking 
 down the more by how much the more my pride aspired to raise me up.” 
 
 St. Augustin. 
 
 The young orphan whom Jeanne of Navarre had men- 
 tioned to King Charles as being under her protection, and 
 whom she had lately sent to Paris, was called Claude 
 Emars. His childhood had been passed at the simple 
 court of Navarre. Only a few years older than the young 
 c 3 
 
22 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 prince, Claude had been chosen by Jeanne as one of his 
 companions, and in all the daring adventures in which 
 Henry delighted to engage he was at his side. To both, 
 the haunts of the eagle and the bear were known, and 
 neither shrank from the ravine or the torrent which must 
 be passed in order to pursue their mountain sport. The 
 noble and generous-hearted Prince was beloved by all his 
 associates, and he had frequently distinguished Claude 
 from the rest, not only on account of the resolution and 
 bravery he displayed on all occasions, but because there 
 hung over his birth an obscurity which excited his com- 
 passion and sympathy. 
 
 A few years before the events occurred with which this 
 narrative opens, Claude Emars entered the college of 
 Navarre, and, his studies concluded, his kind protectress 
 had arranged that he should become secretary to Bailly, 
 the President of the Chamber of Accounts. 
 
 It was with feelings of delight, such as youth alone 
 experiences, that Claude one morning received a summons 
 from Madame Mabille Rolland, the King’s nurse, the 
 only person who in the great city of Paris had any interest 
 in him, and whose motherly attentions, while he had been 
 at college, had attached him to her with tender gratitude. 
 On his way to the apartments which were allotted to her 
 in the palace of the Louvre, as he passed along the 
 crowded streets, gay with preparation for approaching 
 festivities, he was lost in admiration of every thing he saw. 
 
 Having but rarely quitted his studious abode since he 
 first left the mountains which had become native to him, 
 every object that met his view appeared fraught with 
 wonder and beauty. He paused frequently on his way to 
 gaze on the sumptuous buildings which the magic wands 
 of Delorme and Brillant had called into being, and was 
 greatly struck with the extent of the enormous structure 
 of the arsenal, then newly completed ; but his admiration 
 was at its height when he reached the magnificent pile of 
 the Louvre, rising in gorgeous majesty beside the river, 
 whose tide proudly reflected its towers. The lately erected 
 palace of the Tuileries, on which the Queen-mother had 
 bestowed so much care and pains, and where she now 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 23 
 
 feared to reside in consequence of a prophecy which 
 threatened danger to her from St, Germain^ in which 
 parish it was situated, excited his amazement at so much 
 cost and splendour. 
 
 By degrees, as he became accustomed to the brilliant 
 scene, his thoughts, hitherto absorbed in wondering ad- 
 miration, were led into a train of sad reflection as they 
 fell back upon himself ; and when he stopped at the door 
 of Mabi lie’s apartments his eyes were filled with tears. 
 
 She was instantly struck with the difference in his de- 
 meanour from what she had been accustomed to observe, 
 and with the quick apprehension of affectionate regard, 
 questioned him as to the cause of his evident depression. 
 
 I fear I am selfish, dear Mabille,” said he, that 
 instead of my heart bounding with joy and delight at all 
 the splendour I behold, I am thinking of myself. What 
 am I in this pageant of the world? — an orphan — a 
 nameless and insignificant being, ignorant of myself and 
 of my birth ; a worthless atom in the great scale ! 
 
 Claude,” said Mabille gravely but kindly, you speak 
 inconsiderately: no one is worthless in the eyes of heaven; 
 the accident of birth does not always secure distinction ; 
 and we have all much more to be grateful for than to re- 
 pine at in our destiny. You are protected by a generous 
 and good princess ; you have open before you a career of 
 learning, — perhaps of fame. Would that the fate of all 
 those of our religion were as secure as you may be in the 
 insignificance which you deplore ! ” 
 
 Mabille,” answered Claude, suddenly shaking off the 
 sadness which hung upon him, I should indeed have 
 thought of others. — Tell me of the King and of good 
 Queen Jeanne.” 
 
 You shall see them in a few moments,” said Mabille, 
 for it is by the Queen herself that you are sent for.” 
 
 ^^Oh, my dear Mabille,” replied Claude, again relapsing 
 into melancholy, think me not ungrateful while I con- 
 ceal from you no part of my feelings. I had hoped to be 
 permitted to embrace the career of arms, rather than to 
 lead a life of quiet and inactivity,” 
 c 4 
 
24 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 But^ Claude,’* said the nurse, remember that the 
 sword is sheathed ; — and Heaven grant it may long be so ! *' 
 Their conversation was here interrupted by a summons 
 to attend the Queen of Navarre, and Claude, in the delight 
 of again beholding his benefactress, soon forgot every thing 
 beside. It was arranged by that considerate and indulgent 
 princess that her young protege should remain in her esta- 
 blishment till the period fixed for his admission to the 
 family of the President Bailly, in order that he might be 
 a witness of and partaker in all the gaieties which were 
 now the sole occupation of the entire population of the 
 pleasure-loving city of Paris. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 THE ACCIDENT. 
 
 “ I was requesting you to come no more 
 And mock me with your service. ’Tis not well.” 
 
 Beaumont and Fletcher. 
 
 Though it was always the policy of Catherine de Medicis 
 to encourage every kind of amusement in the capital, and 
 continual fetes, even in the midst of the civil contests 
 which raged without, enlivened the stately halls of the 
 regal palace, yet at this moment mirth and gaiety seemed 
 altogether to have taken up their abode in the brilliant city. 
 Night after night, galas, public and private, made the air 
 ring with music and festivity ; the gardens were a perpetual 
 illumination, and to be gloomy appeared the only crime in 
 that happy place. The near approach of the nuptials 
 which were to unite the contending parties in blissful ac- 
 cord, was the theme of all discourse, the object of all cele- 
 bration ; — the names of Henry and Marguerite were sung 
 in concert, and wreathed in garlands, wherever a voice or 
 hand could be heard or employed. The grateful and well- 
 pleased citizens, happy in the anticipation of tranquillity, 
 readily contributed the sums levied upon them, and a 
 general feeling of contentment seemed to pervade all 
 classes. 
 
OBj THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 25 
 
 It was on one of the most gorgeous of these festive en- 
 tertainments that Claude found himself amongst the gay 
 crowd in the gardens of the new palace of the Tuileries. 
 The whole extent of the wide avenues was one blaze of 
 rainbow light ; gleaming from amidst orange and myrtle 
 and pomegranate groves, were numerous groups of marble 
 statues, selected by the refined taste of the Queen, and 
 brought from her native Italy at great cost. Columns of 
 sparkling water shot up in spiral lines towards the sky, 
 and fell back with gentle murmurs into richly-carved 
 basins, round which bloomed a profusion of the choicest 
 flowers. Fireworks of rare beauty sent up their tongues 
 and stars of flame far above the trees, and each burst was 
 greeted by the delighted multitude with shouts of admira- 
 tion. In different parts of the gardens were stationed con- 
 cealed musicians, who attracted enthusiastic attention ; and 
 the feats of a party of rope-dancers were hailed with the 
 most rapturous applause. But while the vaulters were in 
 the midst of their performance, a cry arose that a stiU 
 greater attraction awaited the curious, for it was rumoured 
 that the royal party from the Louvre were entering that 
 part of the gardens which had been portioned off to enable 
 them to walk in procession before the eyes of their gratified 
 subjects. In a few moments the loud acclamations of. 
 
 The King! the Queen! — the bride!” proclaimed that 
 the eager wishes of the assembled multitude might be 
 gratified by beholding all the regal hosts, with their dis- 
 tinguished guests, as they paced with stately steps along 
 the alley of flowering shrubs which had been arranged for 
 the display. 
 
 A burst of music, and a sudden discharge of fireworks, 
 more brilliant than any which had preceded them, indi- 
 cated the arrival of the party ; and loud was the outcry, 
 and violent the struggle to obtain situations most favour- 
 able for a view of the objects of so much curiosity. Some 
 of the most anxious of the spectators mounted on scaffolds 
 and stools piled on each other, while some earnest gazers 
 clung to the depending branches of the trees, and raised 
 themselves amongst the boughs. Claude had adopted the 
 latter method, and was enjoying the sight of the splendid 
 
26 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ! 
 
 coruscations of fire that whirled above him, and blazed on the 
 path of the jewelled party who were passing, when shrieks 
 were uttered from amongst the crowd, and it was discovered 
 that a large temporary building, representing the temple 
 of Hymen, was on fire, and the flames were seen mounting 
 above the trees, borne by the breeze amongst the multitude, 
 threatening destruction to all within their reach. Great 
 was the confusion which instantly prevailed ; a rush was 
 made by some towards, and by others from, the spot, and 
 screams and exclamations filled the air. Claude leaped 
 from his exalted station, and, borne along by the crowd, 
 was hurried he scarce knew whither, when he perceived a 
 party of people surrounding the body of a man who lay 
 extended on the ground, having been dragged from under 
 a mingled mass of planks and fallen bodies : by his side 
 knelt a young girl, whose gestures bespoke extreme terror ; 
 she was calhng distractedly on her father, and entreating 
 assistance from those around. But the confusion had by 
 this time become appalling, and those who had assisted the 
 fallen man were driven away by alarm, which magnified 
 their own danger, and each new account added to the 
 general panic. Claude, with much labour, succeeded in 
 defending the young female and her apparently lifeless 
 companion from the pressure of the crowd, and was nearly 
 exhausted with exertion, when, having cleared a small 
 space, he contrived to raise him in his arms, and calling to 
 the daughter to cling closely to him, he bore along his 
 senseless burthen to an open part of the gardens, and, lay- 
 ing him by the side of a fountain, proceeded, with the 
 help of his young companion, to administer remedies for 
 his relief. 
 
 At length, to the great joy of both, the injured man 
 gave signs of recovery, and, heaving a deep sigh, half 
 opened his eyes : the first words he uttered struck Claude 
 with surprise, and he felt a shudder creep over him as these 
 sentences were indistinctly articulated ; Down with the 
 Huguenots ! — leave none alive of the infidel race! — give 
 me the sword — never heed their cries!*' Other words 
 died away upon his lips, while his daughter, regardless of 
 all but the certainty that he still lived, embraced him with 
 
OB, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 27 
 
 transport, and Claude began to consider the best means of 
 removing him. 
 
 *^^The litter in which we came to this unfortunate 
 place,” said the young lady, when her agitation would 
 permit her to reply to his questions, was to await us at 
 the south gate of the gardens ; but how shall we reach it, 
 with my father in this state ? ” 
 
 Have you courage to remain here with him while I 
 seek it?” asked Claude. 
 
 Oh, yes, yes,’’ cried she ; go instantly, I entreat.” 
 
 Claude was hurrying away, when he suddenly recollected 
 that he was ignorant of the names of those whom he had 
 assisted, and he returned to make so necessary an inquiry. 
 
 The President Bailly,” said the young lady ; and 
 Claude, with an exclamation of surprise, darted away 
 towards the south gate. 
 
 Many amongst the crowd were still pressing to escape 
 from the gardens ; others, finding that the accident had 
 been exaggerated, were returning to the scene of the late 
 festivity in the more haste, as they feared to have lost the 
 sights for which they were so anxious, so that he was some 
 time before he found it possible to reach the desired spot. 
 As he was gazing round him in much perplexity, he heard 
 his name pronounced, by Rene Bianco, with whom he had 
 become acquainted during his stay in the hotel of the 
 Queen of Navarre. 
 
 Bianco was one of those persons who seem to possess a 
 fascinating power without any moral virtue in their minds 
 giving cause for the dominion which they exercise ; on the 
 contrary, there was an occasional hardihood in his senti- 
 ments, and a licence in his conversation, which at times 
 startled the pure nature of Claude, and made him draw 
 back from his offered friendship : he had always therefore 
 experienced in his society a mixed feeling ; he was amused 
 by his wit and gaiety, pleased with his superior knowledge 
 of the world, and his sarcasm and unexpected remarks on 
 passing events ; but he was conscious, nevertheless, of a 
 degree of mistrust, bordering on alarm, when he looked in 
 his face, and vainly endeavoured to catch the real meaning 
 of his bright, but wandering eye, or to explain the pe- 
 culiar smile which curled around his well-formed mouth. 
 
28 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 He could not help feeling gratified and flattered^ that a 
 person^ standing in the position that Ren6 did, and en- 
 joying the confidence of the Queen-mother, should take 
 pains to conciliate his friendship. Yet, at times, the pride 
 of the unfriended orphan rose against a certain familiarity 
 which he imagined spoke of superiority : he banished, 
 however, this impression as quickly as it was made, re- 
 proaching himself with ingratitude and misplaced reserve. 
 All this, however, appeared unnoticed by Rene, who con- 
 tinued the same tone of civility, in whatever mood he 
 might find his young acquaintance. 
 
 What seek you so earnestly ? said Bianco, as he took 
 the arm of Claude. 
 
 I seek a litter belonging to the President Bailly,” 
 answered Claude ; he lies in the gardens dangerously 
 hurt from this accident.’’ 
 
 St. Mary forbid ! ” exclaimed Rene, you may look 
 in vain for his litter ; hut we can place him in one be- 
 longing to some of the Queen’s ladies, which waits close 
 at hand.” 
 
 A thousand thanks,” replied Claude ; come with 
 me and assist in bearing him thither, his daughter will be 
 overjoyed.” 
 
 ‘‘How! — is Alix with her father?” inquired the 
 Italian, in a tone of anxiety. — “ Let us not lose a 
 moment.” 
 
 They accordingly hastened on, and soon arrived at the 
 fountain, where they found the President a little recovered, 
 though unable to walk : they bore him between them to 
 the litter, and his daughter followed with trembling steps. 
 As he was placed carefully in the vehicle, Rene extended 
 his hand to assist the young lady to ascend, and, for the 
 first time, as the light fell on his face, she saw who offered 
 her his support ; she started and shrunk back. 
 
 “Is it you. Signor Rene?” faltered she. “Was it 
 you who saved my father ? ” 
 
 Claude, in anxiety to place the wounded man at ease, 
 heard not the answer given by Rene. 
 
 “ I have been so fortunate,” said he, in a low tone ; 
 “ and if my assistance has any merit in the eyes of the 
 lovely Mademoiselle Alix, I am indeed repaid.” . , 
 
6 R^ the queen-mother. 29 
 
 I thank you, Signor. We are most grateful^*’ said 
 Alix, as she threw herself into the seat, and, overcome by 
 the emotion she had experienced, burst into a passion 
 of tears. 
 
 In a few minutes Claude saw the litter move off, accom- 
 panied by Bianco, and he could not but feel a momentary 
 pang of disappointment, as he lost sight of those whom he 
 had so materially served, without having exchanged with 
 them a word of greeting: 
 
 He returned home, through the streets glittering with 
 light and gay with illuminated garlands, and was entering 
 the Rue de Grenelle, in which street, at the hotel of the 
 Bishop of Chartres, the Queen of Navarre had resided 
 since her arrival in Paris, when a poor woman thrust into 
 his hand some pamphlets, at the same time entreating him 
 to purchase them for the sake of the blessed Virgin. He 
 threw her a few pieces and hastened to his apartments, 
 where, exhausted with the fatigue and agitation of the 
 evening, he cast himself upon a couch. The singular 
 manner of his meeting with the President, haunted his 
 imagination, and he tried to form a less vague idea of his 
 daughter. The occasional flashes of light which had fallen 
 on her, had discovered to him a slight and graceful figure, 
 and delicate and peculiarly small white hands; but the 
 tresses of her long dark hair had fallen so entirely over her 
 face, as she bent beside her father, that he had only im- 
 perfectly seen her countenance. He now vainly regretted 
 having been so soon separated by the crowd from them. 
 
 However,” he thought, in a few days I am to be under 
 the same roof with her, and my wish will be gratified. 
 Bianco, it seems, is known to them. I will ask him to 
 describe her to me minutely.” 
 
 He was indulging in a variety of reveries, all tending to 
 the same point, when a quick step in the corridor recalled 
 him to himself, and the next moment the Italian entered. 
 
 I have seen the President and his daughter to their 
 hotel,” said he, and now come to ascertain how fares 
 their champion, as I return from an embassy to Queen 
 Jeanne, from my Donna Catarina.” 
 
 Claude instantly loaded him with inquiries, and heard 
 
so 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ! 
 
 in answer a description of Mademoiselle Alix, coloured 
 with all the vividness of Italian painting. Beware how 
 you behold her, ‘ de la regarder vous gardens ; * but above 
 all beware how you love her,” said Rene, for I, myself, 
 pretend to the honour of serving this divinity.’’ 
 
 Oh !” said Claude, you jest ; neither of us have a 
 right to cast our eyes so high : the fair Alix would not 
 condescend to regard me, a poor secretary, nor you, a rich 
 perfumer.” 
 
 This was said carelessly, without any intention of 
 offending, but Rene bit his lip in mortification, as he 
 replied, My friend, Claude, you mistake — the house of 
 Medicis itself sprang from one of my calling, — a dealer 
 in drugs ; and the favourite of such a mistress as Cathe- 
 rine is not so powerless nor so mean as you seem to ima- 
 gine.” 
 
 Well,” said Claude, I give you joy ; for myself, I 
 have not so bright a star.” 
 
 Had you ever your nativity calculated ? ” asked 
 Bianco. 
 
 Not that I know of,” answered Claude. 
 
 But I have,” said the Italian, gravely ; and I my- 
 self have studied the art.” 
 
 “ You cannot really consider it one ?” replied the young 
 man. 
 
 Not consider it so ! ” exclaimed Rene, with enthu- 
 siasm. I look upon it as a sublime science, difficult of 
 attainment, but worthy of any toil to become master of.” 
 
 If you credit prediction,” returned Claude, that 
 delivered at the birth of your Queen Catherine, is scarcel|r 
 pleasing to record, for it is said the stars threatened evil 
 to the place where she should take up her abode.” 
 
 True,” said Rene, in an absent tone, his mind 
 evidently absorbed in the subject; Basilio declared that 
 she should be raised to the highest dignity the world can 
 bestow.” 
 
 Ay, but he added,” said Claude, — for I heard it 
 but yesterday discussed in the public streets, while the 
 Queen was passing in her chariot, — that she would cause 
 the ruin of the country, and of the House into which she 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER, 3 1 
 
 married ; but we, of Bearn, pay little attention to the 
 dreams of astrology — had we done so, we should never 
 have left our mountains, for many and great were the 
 evils threatened to our good Queen, if she undertook this 
 journey, which has turned out so happily for her and for 
 France/* 
 
 While he spoke. Bianco bent his head to conceal a lurk- 
 ing sneer, and busied himself in turning over the leaves of 
 the pamphlets which Claude had received from the poor 
 woman. Ha ! *' cried he, suddenly, what have we 
 here ? some of the centuries of the great Michel Nostro- 
 damus, the mathematician. I see, though you profess to 
 despise the noble art, you sometimes amuse yourself with 
 its revelations ; and, behold I is there not proof in the 
 first page I take up of the truth of prophecy ? Does he 
 not expressly foretel the manner of King Henry the 
 Second’s death ? Ay, and here is the same predicted by 
 Luc Gauric, who promised the King long life if he es- 
 caped the danger that threatened him in the sixty-third 
 and sixty-fourth years of his age. Did not Jerome Cardin 
 say the same, though none dared report it to his Majesty ? 
 besides the Jew, who warned him to beware of combat 
 between man and man. My Donna Catarina endeavoured 
 to persuade him not to enter the lists, and to discontinue 
 the jousts after the third day, but in vain.** 
 
 What became of the unfortunate Count de Mont- 
 gomery ? ** asked Claude. I heard that Queen Catherine 
 could not forgive his unintentional crime.” 
 
 She will never forgive it,** said Bianco: ^^he fled to 
 England, where he was protected, and has since been in 
 arms with your party, — he is in Paris now.** As he 
 uttered the last w^ords a gloom passed over the brow of 
 Rene, and he was silent for a few moments. 
 
 Claude continued : “ I hold all these predictions as 
 mere visions, adapted but as the event occurs ; otherwise 
 they had been entirely forgotten, as they deserve to be.” 
 But, how say you ? ” exclaimed his friend ; here is 
 the prophecy of one of your own Huguenots.** — He went 
 on reading the title ; ‘ Words uttered a Twelvemonth 
 
 since by a Dying Man^ — ‘ Peace is made suddenly, and 
 
32 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ] 
 
 in our la jur : new alliances, treaties, and a marriage. 
 She will go to Paris and die there. All the nobles will 
 assemble. Events crowd on each other. Oh ! what a 
 change ! — what treachery ! — what cruelty ! ’ By Hea- 
 ven ! muttered Rene, drawing his dark brows close over 
 his eyes, — there is meaning in this.'’ 
 
 Why,” said Claude, laughing, I was just thinking 
 there was none : who can find meaning in such raving ? ” 
 
 Give me these papers,” said Bianco, rising suddenly. 
 
 Willingly,” said Claude, they are entirely useless to 
 me, or to any one, I should imagine.’^ 
 
 As he spoke, Claude stooped to collect the pamphlets 
 together, and was handing them to Bianco, when he was 
 struck with the fixed look of intense interest with which 
 he was regarding him. 
 
 You have served, it seems, my young friend,” said 
 he ; or do the students at the college of Navarre amuse 
 themselves with war after the fashion of those at St, Ger- 
 main des Pres ? ” 
 
 What mean you ? ” asked Claude, with surprise. 
 
 I allude," answered Rene, bringing his eye close to 
 his listener’s face, to the broad scar which you bear on 
 your forehead ; how came you by it.^” 
 
 The tone in which the question was asked was so 
 hollow and deep that Claude could not but remark it. — 
 What,” said he, “ are you one of those whom wounds 
 afiright.^ I should not have thought it. I never felt the 
 pain of this, for 1 was an infant when I received it, from 
 a ruffian who, no doubt, intended that the blow should be 
 mortal." 
 
 Strange ! ” said Rene ; — how did this happen ? ” 
 
 Oh ! ” answered Claude, sadly, it is a melancholy 
 story ; when I first heard it I learnt I was an orphan, — 
 my father was murdered by the same hand that aimed at 
 my life.” 
 
 ^‘^And did Anthony of Navarre adopt you then?” 
 asked Rene, hurriedly. 
 
 Oh, you have heard my history, I see,” said Claude. 
 
 Partially,” answered the Italian, turning away, as 
 Claude went on to relate some passages of his early life. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 33 
 
 This chain,” he said, taking from his bosom one 
 which he wore, and kissing it, is all that is left me of a 
 father I never knew.” 
 
 Bianco bent forward eagerly to examine it, and as he 
 did so touched a spring which Claude had never perceived, 
 and displayed beneath the clasp a wreath of gold flowers, 
 within which was minutely engraved an altar, with the 
 words ardo y adorOy^ and the initials G, A. entwined. 
 Claude uttered an exclamation of surprise, and Bianco, in 
 some confusion, closed the clasp. All these chains have 
 a secret spring,’’ he said ; I am surprised that you never 
 found this before. But,” he added hastily, in the ex- 
 treme interest I take in your history I am forgetting my 
 duty. Queen Catherine will he asking for me. Adieu, 
 therefore, my dear Claude, and be not depressed ; the time 
 is coming for great events, and in them, depend on it, 
 fortune will not forget you.” With these words he quitted 
 the chamber, leaving his companion full of thought and a 
 prey to anxious musings. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 THE MIRROR. 
 
 Come like shadows — so depart.” — 
 
 It was in a small tower chamber in the Hotel d’Albret, 
 lately finished for her residence, that the Queen-mother 
 was seated alone, after having retired from the gaieties 
 with which she loaded her guests. Here she felt that 
 intrusion was impossible : that here she might allow full 
 scope to the workings of her mind ; here, even as her tower 
 commanded Paris, could she command the destinies of its 
 inhabitants and mature her plans of policy and ambition. 
 
 The roof of the room was low, its fbrm was octagon, 
 and it was faintly lighted by two extremely narrow pointed 
 windows, from which a wide extent of buildings could be 
 discerned on either side ; a small staircase led from the 
 
 D 
 
34 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 chamber to the platform above^ which, open on all sides, was 
 covered by the dome before mentioned, supported by 
 slender pillars. 
 
 The cornices were moulded into forms of great beauty : 
 amidst garlands of grapes, ivy, and fruits, birds, and other 
 smaU animals were introduced in the manner of an earlier 
 age, and heads of chimeras terminated the projecting edges 
 and pendants. In the centre stood a large table of carved 
 wood, whose supports represented grotesque figures ; on 
 this was placed a candelabrum of wrought iron of peculiar 
 construction, from the middle of which rose a large double 
 crucifix ; round this were arranged numerous small wax 
 lights, and beneath them were placed tablets of polished 
 wood engraved with astronomical characters, and records 
 of historical dates. Two carved chairs answered to the 
 ornaments of the table, and seemed to indicate that only 
 one guest at a time was admitted into this mysterious 
 apartment. A book of Heures’’ lay beside the chande- 
 lier, and the light that fell on it displayed its elaborate 
 binding, encrusted with figures representing scenes of 
 human life, minutely executed, and the same subject con- 
 tinued even on the small iron clasps which confined the 
 exquisitely printed pages from the hand of the celebrated 
 Simon Vostre ; near this lay a thin volume bound in 
 gilded copper : it was open, and within might be seen 
 figures which spoke a mysterious language, and presented 
 the horoscopes of several personages; — in fact, it was 
 evidently a manual of astrology, and had been recently 
 studied with attention. Opposite to the windows depended 
 from the wall a mirror of Venetian manufacture in an 
 ebony frame, also curiously sculptured, and beneath it 
 hung a large enamelled watch with four dials. 
 
 The Queen was dressed in the black robes always worn 
 by widows, and which, as if in contempt of all the gran- 
 deur which surrounded her, she had retained from the 
 time of her husband's death. Her hair was concealed 
 beneath the angular white cap of the period, and a grey 
 gauze veil, partly shaded her features, which were harsh 
 and strongly marked, with but little appearance of former 
 beauty. Her eyebrows were powerful and dark, and the 
 
ORj THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 35 
 
 shadows round her eyes so deep, that, large as the eyes 
 were, they gave additional size and rendered them still 
 more brilliant, although no aid seemed necessary to increase 
 the lustre, which, when animated, they emitted. The 
 whites of these peculiar orbs were very visible, in which 
 they appeared to float, giving an expression of restless 
 severity to her countenance. Her nose was slightly bent, 
 and her wide and expressive mouth displayed teeth, large, 
 even, and well set, contrasting by their whiteness the sal- 
 low complexion of her face. Her flgure was tall and large, 
 her movements full of grace and majesty, and an air of 
 command was visible in her slightest gesture. Where her 
 design was to persuade, her voice could be soft and musi- 
 cal, but its ordinary tone was deep, hoarse, and startling. 
 
 She had been poring over the cabalistic characters of 
 her astrological book for some time, but her eyes were 
 now frequently turned from her study to the door of 
 her chamber, or rather, to a panel, covered with tapes- 
 try, which fitted into the wall, and opened by a secret 
 spring, known only to herself. Her foot beat rest- 
 lessly against the floor, as she turned over the mysterious 
 leaves, as though she was impatient at the difficulty of 
 comprehending some passage : at length, she rose, and 
 approaching one of the narrow windows, in a pane of 
 which was emblazoned the arms of France, on a shield, 
 she looked out upon the moonlight scene beneath. Slum- 
 bering Paris lay stretched before her : the crowded roofs 
 and lofty spires of the great capital were all touched 
 by the silver light, and the dark gulfs between the streets 
 seemed like intersecting lines in the clear map. Over the 
 tower rested a mass of dark clouds, which seemed to 
 threaten a storm, but all besides was bright and calm. 
 
 ‘‘Sleeping, — silent,” — she murmured — “I, perhaps, 
 of all this busy, stirring world of human beings, may be 
 the only living thing awake, and watching — for what ! to 
 study how to obtain that, for which my false stars told me 
 I was born. I was promised power, and I will be mis- 
 tress of it, — it is the aim, the end of my existence. I 
 have struggled, battled, — sinned for it, — one crime, more 
 or less, can be of little moment — if it be indeed a crime 
 D 2 
 
36 
 
 CATHERINE DE BIEDICIS I 
 
 to injure the enemies of religion!” She paused, and 
 turned her glance towards the crucifix, as if she expected 
 some demonstration of Heaven’s approval, then continued 
 her soliloquy. Must I always have foes to contend with, 
 who strive to baffle all my projects ? — yet I have hitherto 
 triumphed over them all. Of what avail was my im- 
 prisonment, and all the persecution I endured in infancy, 
 when it became at last a question, whether the child, pre- 
 dicted to be a firebrand, should be cast upon the pikes of 
 besieging soldiery, — my star prevailed, and the deserted, 
 cloistered outcast, became Queen of France : yet, even 
 then, an adverse influence pursued me, and my spirit 
 was forced for years to bow before the widow of de 
 Breze — nay, I owed the very maintenance of my state to 
 her, — and submitted to the thraldom I — her genius over- 
 mastered mine; — but T had youth, — she would have 
 waned; but then he died — he died, — and how?” She 
 clenched her teeth, and pressed her hands tightly together, 
 as she exclaimed, de Lorges ! — the only man I ever 
 loved — by whom I was contemned ! Henry fell by his 
 hand, and even yet I am unavenged. Diana felt my 
 power at last, but he has yet to know how bitter is my 
 hatred and how resolute my vengeance. My sons all 
 thwarted me, — I should have been a sovereign, — and a 
 baby contrived to rule through others. The race of Lor- 
 raine crushed me. Henry should have succeeded, and not 
 this sickly Charles ; but he will die, like his brother ; 
 disease is already wasting him, and to end his sufferings 
 might be mercy. The Bourbon’s pride must be checked 
 in time, and the Guises awed, if possible, or secured. 
 Yet,” she added, stopping suddenly before the book she 
 had been reading, yet the star of Navarre rises in spite 
 of every thing. I cannot comprehend this contradiction — 
 would that Rene were come — what can detain him?” 
 She resumed her place at the window, then paced the 
 chamber again, her steps heavy and slow, and her figure 
 bowed as if by the weight of her thought. A low sound 
 was heard without, which startled her, and she approached 
 the tapestried panel, and listened ; the sound was repeated, 
 and she placed her hand on the spring ; another moment, 
 and Bianco had entered from the opening. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 37 
 
 I expected you/' said Catherine^ with a deep-drawn 
 breath. 
 
 Yes, Madonna/* answered the favourite, there is 
 reason that you should. I have news of import." 
 
 Speak," said Catherine, eagerly. I am prepared." 
 
 Be prepared," said Rene, speaking with the familiarity 
 which, when alone, he was accustomed to use with his 
 royal mistress, to act with decision. The cow of Na- 
 varre has been warned — emissaries go about the streets 
 with prophecies, ready made, to influence and alarm her 
 followers : see here, a packet of papers which I have found 
 with one of her people ! 
 
 Ha !" exclaimed Catherine, pressing her blanched 
 lips together, as she hastily perused the pamphlets which 
 Rene spread before her. “ The Huguenots are prophets 
 too ! so be it. What the stars decree shall be accom- 
 plished." She paused a moment, then hastily approached 
 the Italian, and said solemnly, Rene, do you remember 
 the oath you took on that day when Anthony of Navarre 
 denounced you as a murderer, and a word of mine saved 
 you 
 
 Bianco met her piercing glance, unmoved. Madonna,’* 
 he said, what need of this ? I remember that oath for 
 a twofold reason : first, I had had my revenge ; and se- 
 condly, by your means, I escaped the penalty ; and my 
 gratitude induced me to swear to serve you. Have you 
 since had reason to doubt me, or do you now ? " 
 
 No,** said the Queen, I believe you are true. Now 
 give me proof. I require of you a service of some danger." 
 She hesitated, when the Italian, drawing nearer to her, 
 whispered in a tone which, though scarcely audible, made 
 her start. 
 
 You mean," he continued, fixing his snake-like eyes 
 upon hers, that Jeanne should die, and that I should 
 find the means. The means are always in my power. I 
 have, within myself, a spell which can draw the spirits of 
 others towards me when I will it. Nay, I have divined 
 your secret thoughts ; for there is sympathy between us. 
 Yet are there influences which can render abortive the 
 result of a life of study, — we must wait for the hour. 
 D 3 
 
38 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 Know^ Madonna, that to me human life is of no more 
 value than is the skin of the snake which he has cast, 
 than is the shell of the worm which he has quitted. 
 Blood is to me the same as water, though I prefer avoiding 
 it, for it tells tales. I have a surer method, which, when 
 I use it, never can fail.*^ 
 
 As he spoke, rapidly and earnestly the mind of Catherine 
 seemed to undergo a fearful struggle. She looked into his 
 face as if fascinated by his intense gaze : her eyes were 
 dilated, her lips white, and her hands hung powerless by 
 her side : he finished speaking, and removed from her the 
 glance which rooted her to the spot. She shuddered — 
 passed her hands across her eyes, and sank into a chair ; 
 while Bianco, taking a roll of parchment from his bosom, 
 began to read it with attention. 
 
 Rene,'’ said the Queen, after she had a little reco- 
 vered her self-possession, have you discovered if Mont- 
 gomery is in Paris ? ” 
 
 “ I have,’’ answered he, looking up. I know his 
 haunts, and have intercepted a letter which he wrote to 
 Queen Jeanne, appointing an interview with her, at the 
 masqued ball, at the Tuileries. I let the information reach 
 its destination, for my own reasons.” 
 
 What ! ” said Catherine, exultingly. In Paris, in 
 my own power ! What reward would be too great for 
 him who accomplishes my revenge ? Rene,” she continued, 
 taking a sparkling ring from her finger, wear this, to re- 
 mind you of what is to be done." 
 
 Thanks, Madonna," said the Italian, your interest 
 is mine." 
 
 And now tell me,” whispered Catherine, does the 
 great work prosper, or must I still linger in uncertainty ? 
 Is the talisman completed ? " 
 
 It advances rapidly,” replied her confidant. The 
 planet Venus rises steadily towards the highest point of 
 the heavens, and will soon fix over the head of her who is 
 all powerful ; but something still is wanting ; we have had 
 both blood and gold, but not enough.” 
 
 More gold you shall have," gasped Catherine, 
 
 And why not more blood rejoined Rene, with a 
 
OB^ THE QUEEN-MOTHEB. ‘^9 
 
 sinister look. There must be blood of infidels ; the 
 spirits must be propitiated."' 
 
 They shall/’ returned the Queen fiercely, though 
 whole oceans should be shed to gain them to my purpose.” 
 
 Madonna/’ said the adept, solemnly, the time is 
 coming when I can reveal to you what never yet has been 
 told to mortal ears. Look,” he added, pointing to the 
 scroll he held, behold this conjunction, and judge if we 
 can fail. But to make assurance surer, cast your eyes on 
 yonder mirror : it has before represented much that you 
 have desired to know.” 
 
 As he spoke, the lights in the candelabrum suddenly 
 disappeared, and the chamber was in utter darkness, except 
 from a small flame which flitted over the surface of the 
 glass opposite, and disclosed confused groups of armed 
 men, some carrying torches, some naked swords — beneath 
 their feet they appeared to be treading their foes, and 
 smiting them with their weapons — the assailants bore on 
 their shoulders a white cross, and their hands were covered 
 with blood. Catherine gazed with straining eyes and out- 
 stretched arms on the vision, which faded slowly away, 
 and slowly and faintly the lights reappeared around the 
 crucifix — but at that moment a bright flash was seen, and 
 a tremendous burst of thunder echoed through the heavens, 
 repeated gleams of blue lightning illumed the sky, and 
 returning peals shook the tower to its foundation. Ca- 
 therine stood transfixed with horror, but Bianco advanced 
 unmoved to the window. A singular spectacle met his 
 eye : the lightning was playing round the pane on which 
 the shield of France was emblazoned with the arms of 
 Valois ; one moment it was irradiated with brilliancy, and 
 in the next every vestige of the arms had disappeared, 
 leaving the shield an entire blank. Bianco turned away, 
 and saw that the eyes of Catherine had followed his, and 
 that she had beheld the phenomenon. 
 
 As suddenly as it had burst, the storm passed away, 
 and in a few moments the heavens were clear, and the 
 moonlight glittered as before on the roofs and spires of 
 Paris. Without attempting to explain away the omen, 
 without another word, the mysterious pair, with a sign to 
 
 D 4 
 
40 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 each other, quitted the apartment by the secret panel, and 
 both sought their respective chambers, there to meditate, 
 and plot, and devise new plans to counteract the in- 
 fluences which seemed warring against them. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 THE WORD ! 
 
 “ Elle avoit ^-vaincre en ce fimeste jour 
 Sa jeunesse, son cceur, un heros et I’amour.” — Voltaire. 
 
 Every gallery of the new palace of the Tuileries blazed 
 with light ; the gilded and painted compartments of the 
 ceilings sent back a glow of rainbow richness ; the marble 
 halls, gorgeous with sculpture, exhibited treasures of art 
 gathered from Italy by the hand of taste, — vases, busts, 
 cabinets of curious workmanship, flowers, garlands, groves 
 of aromatic plants, all combined in a crowd of splendour to 
 dazzle the beholder, and make a scene of enchantment of 
 the palace of which the Queen-mother had been the archi- 
 tect, if the modesty of Philibert de TOrme had not done 
 him injustice when he named it her entire work. Every 
 portion of the splendidly decorated suite of apartments 
 was filled to overflowing with fantastically dressed groups, 
 wearing costumes of all nations, and of every variety that 
 fancy could suggest. Among the most distinguished was 
 the train of the Princess Marguerite, who appeared as 
 nymphs, dryads, fauns, and sylvans, attendant on their 
 Cynthia, and who executed dances of the most refined 
 grace, to the admiration of all. Every name known to 
 history or recorded in romance gave lustre to the scene ; 
 all of real or fanciful grandeur that could be collected 
 thronged the gay place : chiefs of parties who had long 
 contended through years of strife and anarchy here met in 
 cheerfulness and abandonment. The illustrious leaders of 
 the parties of Valois, Bourbon, Lorraine, and Guise, were 
 mixed together in the dance, and paraded arm-in-arm 
 along the glittering saloons: each seemed anxious to do 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 41 
 
 honour to this re-union of interests^ this oblivion of all 
 animosities. Young Henry of Navarre enjoyed the mo- 
 ment with all the frank reliance of an innocent heart ; his 
 gentle sister cast off her timidity^ and shared with him in 
 the delights and glories round them. The pensive cheek 
 of Queen Jeanne was flushed with a glow of pleasure as 
 she observed their satisfaction, and hope once more sprang 
 in her heart as she saw her son lead forward the beautiful, 
 and now smiling bride elect, with whom he performed a 
 dance, then much in vogue, called La Pavanne d’Espagne^ 
 in whose slow and graceful movements the Princess had 
 the reputation of excelling all the ladies of the court, and 
 in which Henry appeared to much advantage, while the 
 fascinations of his partner were displayed to the utmost. 
 It was true that the soft expression of Marguerite’s fea- 
 tures as she looked on her partner, was caused by the 
 evident admiration she excited, and by no feeling beyond 
 that of gratified vanity : but it sufliced for the time, that 
 the cold frown which she had worn since her appearance 
 at court had passed away, and her part in the pageant was 
 acted to perfection. The Queen-mother’s brow was also 
 unclouded; and nothing could exceed the charm with 
 which she welcomed her guests, and excited and joined in 
 the gaiety of the hour. 
 
 The Princess afterw^ards stepped with her brother of 
 Anjou a pazzameno d'ltalie, for which both were cele- 
 brated ; and after a period, when the principal ballets and 
 grand dances were concluded, all ceremony appeared at an 
 end, and every one assumed a mask ; while many, anxious 
 to increase their enjoyment by introducing mystery, retired 
 to alter their costume, and to carry on a series of amusing 
 deceptions, which constitute the life of this sort of enter- 
 tainment. By degrees, scarcely one of the original cha- 
 racters were to be recognised, and numerous were the jests 
 and gay the sallies beard in every part of the spacious halls. 
 The gardens were equally or more attractive ; and there, 
 in bowers of fragrance, were met groups and pairs earnest 
 in their pursuit of amusement, and eager to enjoy the 
 transient glories of their butterfly existence. , 
 
 Among so many it was not difficult to escape notice. 
 
42 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 and there were hot wanting meetings of more importance 
 than the scene seemed to imply, and conferences more 
 serious than the trappings of pleasure round would appear 
 to cover. In a part of the gardens where the shade was 
 the deepest, were two figures in close conversation. The 
 one, apparently a female, was seated, covered with a long 
 dark veil, which concealed her features ; heside her stood 
 a knight in black armour, who wore on his shield, of the 
 same colour, the motto, without device, No ay figura 
 por mi dolor,** 
 
 Madam,” said the mysterious figure, he warned 
 while there is yet time. I have ventured into the very 
 den of the dragon, in the hope of saving you and yours. 
 There is no truth in your enemies ; there is no trust in 
 Queen Catherine ; she has laid a scheme to entrap us all. 
 Leave Paris before it is too late; assemble your people, 
 and begone.” 
 
 ^^But, my dear anxious friend, — friend as I know you 
 to be to my lost husband and his children,” answered the 
 female, ^^how can I recede now.^ Is not the hand of 
 Marguerite almost in Henry’s possession ? My honour is 
 engaged ; my word is given.” 
 
 Madam,” said the mask, your word was pledged to 
 Anthony of Navarre never to trust this woman. She has 
 betrayed all who relied on her. For a crime which she 
 knows to have been involuntary, has she not persecuted 
 me to the verge of destruction — did she not destroy my 
 wife and child — Oh God ! even at this distance of time 
 the thought unnerves me ! I warn you to beware — to 
 fly if possible, and all may yet be well.” 
 
 Montgomery,” said Queen Jeanne, whom the reader 
 must already have recognised, I fear it is too late. Go 
 to Henry ; strive to impress him with the danger of the 
 moment ; and then I entreat you to leave this place, 
 fraught with danger to you.” 
 
 Their conference was here hastily put an end to by the 
 appearance of a gay party, who were approaching the 
 shaded alley where they were concealed, and separating 
 instantly, they left the way clear to a group, whose dis- 
 guises were sufficiently slight to allow the quick eye of 
 
OR, THE QUEEN- MOTHER. 
 
 43 
 
 gallantry or affection to discover the object sought. The 
 beautiful Marie de Cleves was led into the bower which 
 the Queen of Navarre had just quitted, by a cavalier in 
 the dress of an astrologer, whose undisguised voice told her 
 that her admirer, the Duke of Anjou, was addressing 
 words of meaning, but little mysterious, to her ear. The 
 Princess Marguerite followed, and as quickly divined that 
 the gay troubadour, who was entertaining her with a 
 thousand compliments and tender complaints, was no other 
 than the Duke de Guise, who had, it was known, long 
 worn her chains. 
 
 Oh, good astrologer,*' said the minstrel in a piteous 
 accent, exert your art, and let your predictions soften 
 the heart of the most cruel beauty who ever caused the 
 misery of a son of song.” 
 
 How is this, lady ? ” said the astrologer, taking the 
 hand of the Princess : the lines of this palm tell a dif- 
 
 ferent tale ; there is no cruelty, no harshness here. Be 
 satisfied, gentle minstrel ; she is to be won by song, and 
 the don 6! amour eux morel will not he long withheld from 
 him whose voice can second his heart.” 
 
 Marguerite laughed, and turning to the troubadour, 
 promised him her hand in the next dance as an earnest of 
 her mercy. 
 
 But come,” said she, you must tell this fair shep- 
 herdess her destiny, O learned sage ; methinks there are 
 few who can so well read her heart.” 
 
 This lady,” said the Duke d’ Anjou, taking the small 
 shrinking hand of Marie in his own, is not destined to 
 be the bride of him who seeks her ; her star is higher — 
 it burns brighter. There is another heart more worthy of 
 her ; and a crown is hovering over her brow, which fate 
 compels her to wear. Oh ! ” he whispered, beloved 
 Marie, wilt thou reject it? wilt thou — canst thou play 
 with my true affection ? ” 
 
 Alas ! ” answered the trembling and innocent Marie, 
 what shall I say, my lord ? they force me to this mar- 
 riage. I have no choice. My heart is very sad, nor 
 have I skill to conceal its weakness.” 
 
 Adored Marie ! returned the Prince aloud, for he 
 
44 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 perceived that they were now alone, conceal nothing 
 from me; my frankness equals your own. I know no 
 form, no ceremony ; I have no fitting words in which to 
 tell how much — how tenderly I love you : all I can say 
 is, that my heart and soul are yours, and that I will never 
 resign you to another while I have life/’ 
 
 Terrified at his vehemence, though secretly delighted 
 at an avowal to which her heart responded, the blushing 
 girl sank upon a seat, unable to repress her tears, when 
 both were startled by a voice near them, which uttered in 
 a hollow tone one word which thrilled through the hearts 
 of both ; that word was Death ! ” 
 
 The Princess uttered a shriek of horror, and fell fainting 
 into the arms of Anjou ; who, superstitious and credulous, 
 like most of his race, and of the age in which he lived, 
 hurried with tottering steps from the spot, bearing his 
 lovely burthen with difficulty away. Having given her 
 in charge to her female friends, he hastened to conceal his 
 trepidation, and to remove his alarm, by joining the most 
 boisterous parties he could find. But the fearful word 
 rang in his ears, and at every pause in the music and every 
 cessation of laughter the knell seemed still audible to him. 
 Nor was he the only one by whom that terrible mono- 
 syllable had been heard : the gay troubadour while whis- 
 pering soft tales in the gratified ear of the beautiful and 
 vain bride elect, had suddenly been stopped in his lay by 
 the sound, and though Marguerite heard it not, the pale- 
 ness of his face and the change in his demeanour sufficed 
 to spoil the pleasure of the hour, and she soon quitted her 
 altered lover for one whom the awful summons had not 
 reached. 
 
 Henry of Navarre heard it as he sat amidst a group of 
 young beauties, all of whom were striving, not in vain, 
 to attract his notice and admiration : but he heeded it 
 only for a moment, when he felt a shudder pass over him, 
 which he shook off" with difficulty, and then resumed the 
 light conversation in which he was engaged. It came to 
 Queen Jeanne, as she quitted the dark alley where she 
 had parted with Montgomery ; and the black knight heard 
 it as he strove to win his way to the son of Anthony. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 45 
 
 While Henry was addressing some passing remark of a 
 lively nature to the Admiral de Coligni_, the latter heard 
 the sound of that word close to his ear, and turned to see 
 who spoke ; but there was no one near : and the attention 
 of all was attracted instantly by the figure of a jester, who 
 came dancing up to them, and with quaint gestures ad- 
 dressed each in turn with some joke, which elicited 
 peals of laughter. At length he approached young 
 Henry and the Prince of Conde, who stood in a group of 
 their friends. 
 
 Adieu, gossip ! ” said the antic figure, I am going 
 a journey to Navarre. Can I take your commands ? ” 
 
 ^^How,” answered Henry; you show little wisdom 
 to quit such a gay capital as this.” 
 
 You want me to stay to your wedding,’' returned 
 the jester ; but methinks there are fools enough here 
 already.’' 
 
 ^^But why do you leave us, is the question ?’' 
 
 Because,” said he in a whisper, we are too much 
 caressed here. They pamper and feed us, while we 
 crouch to them : the beating will come next. Farewell ! 
 I like black bread and liberty better than a gilded rod." 
 
 ^^Nay, stay with us, and show the wisdom of being 
 content," said Conde'. 
 
 No, no," replied the jester, I would rather save my 
 life with fools, than lose it with those who are too wise. 
 — Ah, gossip," he continued mysteriously, we shall all 
 be obliged to whistle the psalms soon, they have already 
 given orders that none of us shall sing them." He ap- 
 proached young Henry, and putting his mouth close to his 
 ear, uttered, Beware ! — he on your guard, there is 
 treachery on foot ! " 
 
 Henry turned with an uneasy expression on his counte- 
 nance. — This is strange,^’ said he to Conde; three 
 times to-night I have been warned, - — and my mother’s 
 face looks sad and anxious. Let us join her and my 
 sister, and try to banish the care that seems to weigh upon 
 her.’’ 
 
 They accordingly made their way to a spot where the 
 Queen, who had laid aside her disguise, was seated with 
 
46 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 her daughter ; beside them stood Rene Bianco, who was 
 at that moment handing to Jeanne a fine conserved peach, 
 which he delivered from his mistress, and which the 
 Queen of Navarre, praising its beautiful appearance, ate 
 with much refreshment, for she complained of the heat of 
 the rooms. Her son led her into the air ; but her indis^ 
 position continuing to increase, she shortly after retired 
 with her daughter to her own hotel, and the gay enter- 
 tainment was soon at an end, having exhibited more than 
 usual splendour and been carried on with more than 
 usual hilarity and enjoyment. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 THE INTERVIEW. 
 
 I know not how it is my heart stands back 
 
 And meets not this man’s love.”— J oanna Baillie. 
 
 Tee day on which Claude Emars entered on his new 
 employment of secretary to the President Bailly, the 
 Queen of Navarre was reported to be indisposed, and on 
 the fourth day from the commencement of her illness that 
 estimable princess was no more. 
 
 Consternation and grief took possession of the minds of 
 the Protestant party. The agony of young Henry was 
 extreme ; and from the moment when he held in his 
 arms the inanimate body of his beloved mother a settled 
 gloom seemed to have taken the place of the buoyancy and 
 cheerfulness which had hitherto distinguished him. The 
 Queen’s fever had come on rapidly on the morning after 
 she had quitted the masked ball at the Tuileries ; she was 
 entirely unconscious of the presence of those dearest to her, 
 and continued to call constantly for her son, who was 
 kneeling in despair at her side. Words of frightful import 
 broke from her tongue, — she raved of treachery dis- 
 covered, of plots, of murder ; and the name of Catherine 
 de Medicis was uttered by her with execration. 
 
 Where is my Henry exclaimed the unfortunate 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 47 
 
 patient, — they have destroyed him ! — no marriage — it is 
 all a cheat, a scheme to ruin us all. Let us back to 
 Navarre ; there he may yet be safe. Ha ! here is blood ! 
 Catherine — fiend ! — it is my child’s — my people’s ; 
 but no, no — even yet he will triumph — your sons shall 
 not reign — they shall fall one by one beneath the ven- 
 geance of outraged heaven !” 
 
 These, and other incoherent speeches, struck terror into 
 the minds of her attendants, and confirmed in Henry 
 awakened suspicion : as he listened to his mother’s dying 
 exclamations, and as he gazed in speechless grief on her 
 pallid and livid form, strange doubts and horrid fears 
 pressed on his brain. He quitted the beloved remains and 
 his soul sickened at his coming nuptials, which this sad 
 event had only delayed for a short time ; he saw they 
 were inevitable, and he saw too late that the toils were too 
 closely wound round him to escape them. 
 
 Claude, on the loss of his benefactress, was overwhelmed 
 with such deep grief that he secluded himself from all 
 companionship but tears. The President, owing to the 
 injuries he had received on the night when he was rescued 
 by Claude, had not required his services, and some time 
 had elapsed before the master and his new secretary met. 
 When they did so, the depression of Claude’s spirits pre- 
 vented his alluding to the circumstances under which he 
 had before seen him ; but, had he even felt inclined to do 
 so, the cold and almost forbidding manner of Bailly would 
 have checked him at once. 
 
 The President was a man whose fine features T)ore the 
 impress of high birth. His eyes were dark and bright, 
 his hair slightly touched with grey, and his height and air 
 commanding and dignified. There was nothing in his 
 face or figure which could be objected to, but there was 
 a chilling severity in his manner which forbade familiarity 
 or confidence, and, except when conversing with his 
 daughter, a smile never lighted up his features for a 
 moment. That daughter Claude had not yet seen, and he 
 began to fear that he should never have an opportunity of 
 convincing himself of the reality of Bianco’s glowing 
 picture. Perhaps the melancholy state of his mind. 
 
48 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 leading him to pensive reflection, caused his thoughts to 
 dwell the more on the vague and shadowy form revealed 
 to him for so short a time under circumstances so agitating; 
 though his prudence told him it was a weakness, yet he 
 could not control the imagination which brought before 
 him the small fair hands, the bending figure, the long un- 
 bound hair, and he again heard the silver, sobbing tones 
 of that peculiarly sweet voice which he felt sure he should 
 recognise at any distance of time. 
 
 He was one day occupied with these musings, and me- 
 chanically going through the duties of his office, when 
 Bailiy rather abruptly entered the apartment, and in a 
 hurried manner delivering to him some keys, informed 
 him, that being hastily summoned to attend the King on 
 business of importance he required his assistance, and 
 desired him to follow to the palace in an hour with papers, 
 which would be found in a cabinet in the apartments of 
 his daughter, to whom he was to take the keys and receive 
 them from her hands ; he departed in haste, leaving 
 Claude in some agitation. The moment,” he thought, 
 is now come, and an opportunity offers for putting an 
 end to my suspense, and ascertaining whether the memory 
 of the daughter is as treacherous as that of the father 
 appears to be.” Almost unconsciously he proceeded to 
 execute his commission, but when he reached the door 
 leading to the suite of rooms occupied by Mademoiselle 
 Alix he paused, and his heart beat violently. It appeared 
 to him that the fate of his future life hung on that moment, 
 that the simple opening of that door would decide it, and 
 he hesitated to unclose the mysterious veil of his hidden 
 destiny ; he strove to calm his increasing emotion, and 
 advanced, when again his step was arrested by the sound 
 of a lute, accompanied by one of the softest voices he had 
 ever heard, but which seemed familiar to his ear as though 
 he had heard it from his infancy. The words of the 
 song were those of a poem written by one of the numerous 
 imitators of the great and favourite poet of the day, and 
 the air breathed the very soul of sadness. The lines were 
 supposed to be addressed by the bard to the lovely Mary 
 Stuart on her departure from France. 
 
OR^ THE queen-mother. 
 
 49 
 
 Gone is the sun — and beauty fled ! 
 
 Thou flower, that blossom’d in its ray, 
 
 Where shalt thou turn thy languid head, 
 
 And, sighing, look for parted day ? 
 
 Ah ! wither where thy gaze begun — 
 
 Thy hour is past — gone is the sun ! 
 
 Ye crimson bells, upon whose leaves 
 Are stampt the words that speak of woe ; 
 
 Whose urn the falling dew receives 
 That bids each cup with grief o’erflow ; 
 
 Ye buds, that happy lovers shun, 
 
 Form ye my wreath — gone is the sun ! ” 
 
 A lie song ceased^ yet he lingered at the threshold ; the 
 notes still vibrated on his ear, and he feared to break the 
 spell which their sweetness flung round his heart. 
 
 The President’s daughter stood near a window ; her 
 back was towards him as he entered, and, as she hung over 
 her lute in a bending attitude, her long dark hair falling 
 over her face and neck, Claude was forcibly struck with the 
 similarity of her present appearance to that on the evening 
 when he had so imperfectly seen her. She turned sud- 
 denly on hearing his step, and started, with a slight ex- 
 clamation, while her brow became flushed with crimson. 
 
 Surely,” she said, in a faltering voice, 1 was not de- 
 ceived ; you come to .” She hesitated, and Claude, 
 
 whose confusion equalled her own, so much was he im- 
 pressed with the extreme loveliness he beheld, as he looked 
 in admiration on the soft features and brilliant eyes which 
 were turned towards him, hastened to say — 
 
 I come, madam, from your father.” 
 
 He is then convinced,” interrupted she, that Signor 
 Bianco has falsely informed us, and that it is not to him 
 we owe so deep an obligation ? ” 
 
 Pardon me ! ” said Claude, blushing with emotion, — 
 
 my business from the President merely relates to some 
 papers which he desired me, his secretary, to request you 
 to deliver.” 
 
 Alix looked more embarrassed tlian before ; and, taking 
 the keys from Claude, left the room in order to execute 
 her father’s commands, without adding a word. 
 
 When he found himself alone, Claude, recovering from 
 his confusion, reproached himself for the coldness of his 
 answer to her animated question. Why should I 
 hesitate,” considered he, to ask her meaning, or to 
 £ 
 
50 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 avow myself her protector on that night of danger ? Ren^ 
 surely did but jest ! — he dare not really pretend to her. 
 How very fair she is ! — what soft dark eyes ! — how un- 
 like her father’s ! 
 
 He was still musing thus when Alix returned, and pre- 
 senting to him the packet, with a slight inclination, hut 
 keeping her eyes on the ground, was retiring, when Claude, 
 resolving to conquer his ill-timed timidity, ventured to 
 speak. 
 
 May I be pardoned, madam,” said he, if I request 
 to know the reason of the question which you but now did 
 me the honour of addressing to me ? ” 
 
 Alix replied rather coldly, — It arose from error. — I 
 thought I had recognised in you a friend to whom my 
 father was indebted for services which — but I was wrong, 
 and ” 
 
 If the slight assistance I was so fortunate as to render 
 he President on the night of a recent fete in the gardens 
 of the Queen’s palace is that to which you allude, madam,” 
 said Claude, restored to confidence by her almost haughty 
 manner, I am much favoured by its retaining a place in 
 your memory.” 
 
 Alix cast on him the same look of grateful surprise 
 which her countenance had worn on his first entrance. 
 
 There is some extraordinary mystery in this I ” she ex- 
 claimed ; pray inform me by what chance Signor Rene 
 became our conductor home ? I have reasons for the in- 
 quiry.” 
 
 Claude hastened to relate all the circumstances of the 
 accident, his meeting with Rene, and subsequent sepa- 
 ration from the party by the pressure of the crowd. 
 
 It is very strange,” said Alix ; Bianco assured us 
 it was he who was our deliverer from that peril. I know 
 not how to atone for our apparent ingratitude to you ! ” 
 
 Oh, madam ! ” exclaimed Claude, I blush to have 
 recalled to your memory a circumstance so little worthy of 
 such attention as you bestow on it. It was my fear of 
 having offended by the boldness of my question, which 
 caused me to do so.” 
 
 Alix reiterated her thanks, and Claude took his leave 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 51 
 
 with a throbbing heart. He was hurrying along the 
 gallery, half afraid of having overstaid his hour, for it ap- 
 peared to him as if a whole life bad been crowded into that 
 short space of time, and that the confidence which had 
 grown out of the mystery explained, had thrown down at 
 once the barrier of ceremony which made the President’s 
 beautiful daughter and himself strangers, — when he was 
 accosted by Madame Mabille. After an affectionate greet- 
 ing she inquired whither he was hastening with such 
 anxiety. 
 
 1 go, good dame Mabille,” said he, to the palace, 
 and bear these papers to the President.'" 
 
 Ay," answered she, he is closeted with the Queen- 
 mother ; I met him as I came from the Louvre with Rene 
 Bianco, the Queen’s perfumer. Dear Claude, he seeks you 
 much of late, — let me caution you against him : there 
 are strange rumours concerning his essences and po- 
 manders. Beware of him ! " she added in a low voice, 
 pressing her finger on her lip. — Believe me, all we of 
 Navarre have reason to fear the favourite of the Queen." 
 
 Kind Mabille," answered Claude, I thank you for 
 your caution, although it is unnecessary, for almost with- 
 out being able to assign a good reason, I like not Bianco. 
 It has often surprised me to observe his ascendency at 
 court, and that those bow to him before whom others 
 tremble.” 
 
 He possesses," said Mabille, talents of no mean 
 order ; and, at court, the power of amusing and of being 
 useful are prized, not honesty and principle. He is 
 skilled in music, — which has a spell with these Italians, 
 — and, above all, he is said to be an able chemist, and an 
 adept in the properties of dangerous drugs and minerals. 
 What, tell me, has a perfumer to do with these secrets ? 
 Accept nothing from him, his gifts are fatal, — and so are 
 Catherine's, for they are prepared by him. Had our be- 
 loved Queen been warned in time she had never worn those 
 perfumed gloves, which pleased her eye so much by their 
 fatal embroidery, nor those nosegays which Rene has 
 brought so much into fashion of late. Alas ! they were 
 sent her by her deadliest foe ! ” 
 
 E 2 
 
 umm — 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF HWmW 
 
52 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ! 
 
 Surely, Mabille 1 exclaimed Claude, turning pale, 
 you cannot suspect 
 
 No ; ” said Mabille impressively, I am but too cer- 
 tain. But go, my dear child ; Heaven guards the unwary.*’ 
 As she spoke she released his arm, which she had held 
 to detain him, and with much perturbation in her step 
 withdrew. 
 
 Mabille had from her very early years been attached to 
 the daughter of the President ; for having felt great affec- 
 tion for her mother, who died when she was quite a child, 
 all her regard was transferred to Alix, whom she had seen 
 born. The Queen-mother, on the birth of her son Charles, 
 had availed herself of Mabille’s skill and management : and 
 as the Queen of Navarre had strongly recommended her 
 countrywoman, and the young Prince’s weak constitution 
 required constant care, Catherine overlooked the circum- 
 stance of her being a Protestant, and was besides not sorry 
 to entrust her child to one in whose integrity she could 
 rely more fully than on the intriguing menials who sur- 
 rounded her. Beyond this, however, she had never liked 
 Mabille, and would long since have got rid of her but that 
 the attachment of Charles to his nurse had become a pas- 
 sion, and he exhibited for her an affection of which his 
 sullen and wayward nature hardly appeared susceptible. 
 
 There was a tie between the mother of Alix and Ma- 
 bille which had drawn them closely together ; this was the 
 powerful one of religion, and the nurse was made a con- 
 fidant of a secret which the wife of the bigoted President 
 carefully concealed from him. Alix had been instructed, 
 however, in the faith which her mother had adopted ; and 
 on her premature death, to Mabille had been consigned the 
 task of supporting her in it under the trials which she had 
 to undergo, as her courage had not yet been equal to the 
 undertaking of communicating to Bailly what would be so 
 distasteful to him. 
 
 As Claude resumed his way to the palace, the nurse pro- 
 ceeded to the apartments of Alix. As she opened the 
 door of her chamber, she observed her weeping. My 
 child,” said the kind-hearted woman, what distresses 
 you ? what mean these tears } *’ 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 53 
 
 Good mother/' replied Alix^ embracing her, I re- 
 joice that you are arrived. Bianco has deceived us^ as I 
 told you I suspected, and it is to my father's new secretary 
 that we were indebted for our rescue." 
 
 To Claude Emars ? " exclaimed Mahille. 
 
 T know not his name," answered Alix. But he has 
 just been here on business for my father, and from him I 
 have discovered the truth." She then recounted the facts 
 which she had learnt from Claude. 
 
 Alix," said Mahille, when she had concluded, Rene 
 is of low birth and mean calling, but he is the favourite, 
 the counsellor, the constant companion of Queen Ca- 
 therine ; the nobles pay him homage, the King himself 
 endures his familiarities. He expects to be regarded by 
 every one as an equal, and his insolence is not only licensed, 
 but encouraged by his mistress. Alas ! he is a dangerous 
 and evil character, and while he cannot be trusted, must 
 not be offended. 
 
 Mabille," faltered Alix, turning pale as she spoke, 
 I have a strange thought which torments me ; and yet 
 it is so absurdly improbable, that I shame to mention it. 
 It has struck me that this man presumes to aspire to my 
 regard, and, what is worse, that my father does not frown 
 on his pretensions. Your experience can better judge ; 
 tell me, dear Mabille, do you think it — yes, you do, you 
 must think it impossible } 
 
 Alix," said Mabille, solemnly, I fear it is too true." 
 ^^Oh!" cried the terrified girl, as she heard the con- 
 firmation of her fears, say not so ; my father would never 
 sacrifice his only child to such a being as this Bianco ; the 
 mere sight of whom inspires me with feelings of dread and 
 disgust, such as I never before experienced." 
 
 And with reason," returned the nurse. Listen, 
 Alix, to my surmise, and judge if I can enter into your 
 repugnance to this man. When first I knew your dear 
 mother, I was a happy wife ; my husband followed the 
 calling of a goldsmith, and possessed his art in a manner 
 almost unrivalled. His workmanship was looked upon as 
 superior to that of most artists of the day, and his business 
 was flourishing. He was, as you know, a Lutheran like 
 E 3 
 
54 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS I 
 
 myself ; but though at that time the laws were very severe 
 against us^ he was so much respected and upheld by the 
 nobles, that we had little reason to complain of injustice. 
 There was a man in the same profession as my husband, 
 who was also a good workman, but of an envious and ma- 
 licious disposition. He was called Russanges, a name 
 which became afterwards sufficiently notorious, but at the 
 time of which I speak, he lived quietly enough in Paris. 
 His talents might have caused him to be distinguished, 
 but his habits of dissipation and idleness kept him always 
 poor. One of his companions was an Italian, known as 
 Florio, who had a peculiar genius for music, and played 
 with exquisite taste on the guitar. This man, whose 
 character was much suspected, had a son, whom he had 
 apprenticed to Russanges to learn his trade, having ob- 
 tained assistance from the Queen-mother, to whose pre- 
 sence he was occasionally admitted, as she delighted to 
 hear his songs, and always favoured her countrymen. A 
 murder and robbery was, however, committed in Paris, 
 and suspicion was strong upon the Italian. He escaped, — 
 as it was thought, favoured by the court party,-— and left 
 his son with our neighbour the goldsmith, who soon began 
 to grow tired of his charge, and his embarrassments in- 
 creasing, he treated the boy very harshly and cruelly, so 
 that my husband, who had a kind and generous heart, 
 could not bear to see him thus ill-used, and proposed to 
 relieve Russanges of his burthen, and make him useful in 
 his own house. To this the other agreed, and young 
 Florio was transferred to us. He was then about four- 
 teen, and a handsome, clever lad, but as idle as his late 
 master, and with all the bad propensities, as well as the 
 talents, of his father. He lived with us some time, and 
 we hoped to be able to teach him respectable habits, as 
 well as his business, but in vain ; and though, before, he 
 was always complaining of the cruelty of his former 
 master, yet now he was continually visiting him, and con- 
 sorting with the bad characters who were there in the habit 
 of congregating. We soon found that the object of these 
 meetings was to discover and denounce the Protestants as 
 conspirators and rebels; and, in fine, the ungrateful boy 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 55 
 
 whom we had protected, having been one day reprimanded 
 for ill conduct^ hastened to his associates, and through his 
 means we were denounced as heretics and traitors. A 
 band of robbers, with the sanction of justice, attacked our 
 house and pillaged it, and it was with difficulty that I 
 escaped to throw myself at the feet of the Queen-mother, 
 and obtain a promise of protection. As I had been re- 
 commended to her as nurse by the Queen of Navarre, she 
 listened to my complaints, and my husband was released 
 from custody, and part of his goods restored ; but neither 
 Florio nor any of his comrades were even reprimanded. 
 In an attempt that was made shortly after on the life of 
 the Count de Montgomery, this boy was discovered to be 
 one of the assassins ; but again he was permitted to escape, 
 though my husband, who was on the spot when the crime 
 was attempted, identified the young ruffian. After that 
 he was lost sight of. In the meantime the death of the 
 King occurred, and I had the affliction to lose my beloved 
 husband, who disappeared in a mysterious manner, and 
 was never heard of after he set out on a journey of im- 
 portance, having a secret end in view, which he was to 
 conceal by carrying merchandise with him. Alas ! there 
 is a sad tale connected with his loss, which it were useless 
 for me to recount. Years passed away, and amongst the 
 numerous favourites who have by turns ruled the Queen- 
 mother by their arts, none succeeded so entirely in gaining 
 her regard as Rene Bianco, who, being her countryman, 
 had free access to her, and coming recommended by some 
 powerful friends, was soon taken into her confidence. I 
 was long before I saw him, for he seemed to avoid being 
 in my vicinity; but when I did, though more than twenty 
 years had passed, I recognised in him — I feel sure I 
 could not be deceived — no other than Florio.'* 
 
 Is it possible ! " exclaimed Alix. And this is the 
 man my father receives into his counsels, and whom I am 
 expected to notice favourably. Does he know you, dear 
 nurse ; or, rather, is he aware that you know him } " 
 
 I have been careful to appear unconscious of his 
 identity,*' replied Mabille, as I fear him much. I have 
 already hinted to the King my suspicions of his unworthi- 
 
 E 4 
 
56 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 ness ; and I endeavour to prevent^ as much as possible, 
 his approaching Charles, for I suspect every one who is in 
 the confidence of the Queen-mother, whose projects are 
 inscrutable/' 
 
 This is fearful ! ” said Alix. We live on the brink 
 of a precipice, threatened with destruction every hour." 
 
 Be prepared, dear Alix," said the nurse, for the 
 worst. I feel certain that a crisis is at hand ; but trust, 
 my child, in Heaven’s mercy. We must not murmur, but 
 submit, and look through the darkness for the light which 
 wdll shine at last." 
 
 As Mabille spoke, her eyes were cast upwards with 
 pious earnestness, a sorrowful yet resigned expression sat 
 on her faded countenance, — it seemed as if a gleam of 
 prophetic inspiration played round her, Alix threw her- 
 self into her arms, with a burst of emotion she could not 
 suppress, and their tears were mingled together, when the 
 sound of her father’s step interrupted their farther con- 
 versation, and hastily drying her eyes, she prepared to meet 
 him, and Mabille withdrew. 
 
 Claude meanwhile, on his way to the palace, observed 
 that all the houses were being decorated for the approach- 
 ing festivities. The cyphers of Marguerite and Henry 
 were everywhere intertwined in garlands of flowers, while 
 banners and drapery were displayed on every side. All 
 wore an air of animation ; every countenance was cheerful ; 
 and the acclamations of the people were loud as the young 
 King of Navarre, mounted on a spirited charger, rode to- 
 wards the palace, accompanied by the Admiral de Coligni, 
 The open and manly countenance of Henry, notwithstand- 
 ing that a benevolent smile greeted those around him, was 
 clouded by sadness ; and as he looked on the gay prepara- 
 tions, and the sparkling habiliments he wore, he seemed to 
 be thinking that the mourning weeds for his beloved mother 
 had been exchanged too soon. With a starting tear, which 
 he could not conceal, Claude saluted the Prince as he 
 passed, and his look of mournful and affectionate sympathy 
 did not pass unnoticed by Henry, who, turning on him a 
 glance full of kindness, waved his hand in token of recog- 
 nition, and continued his way. His white plume soon dis- 
 
OB, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 57 
 
 appeared under the arch of the palace gate, and Claude was 
 following, when across the court through which the princes 
 had passed, he beheld Bianco coming hastily forward, at 
 intervals turning his head, as if observing their motions. 
 He seemed so much occupied, that he was close to Claude 
 before he perceived him, and on his looking suddenly up, 
 the latter was startled by the sinister expression of his 
 scowling brow and the pallid hue of his cheek. His face, 
 however, instantly brightened as he greeted Claude, and 
 the cordial and apparently frank character which it as- 
 sumed, formed a striking contrast with that of the moment 
 before. The transition was not lost upon his observer, 
 whose recent conversation with Mabille flashed upon his 
 mind. 
 
 You are looked for, Claude, by the President,” said 
 Rene. 
 
 I have been unexpectedly detained,” answered the 
 secretary, and hasten to redeem my negligence.” 
 
 You should apologise to me,” said Rene, smiling, if 
 you knew how much interested I am in your delay.” 
 
 They advanced together, and Rene, with an air of 
 friendly confidence, resumed, You remember our con- 
 versation of the other night ? Well, my star is rising, I 
 assure you : the Queen-mother has this day granted me a 
 splendid pension, and has intimated to the President Bailly 
 her wish that I should become his son-in-law. What 
 think you of my fortune now } ” 
 
 You!” cried Claude, starting back ; can it be pos- 
 sible ? But will Bailly — will his daughter consent.^” 
 Will they refuse,” said Bianco with emphasis, his lip 
 curling with an ironical expression, when my Donna 
 commands No, no, I am sure of Bailly ; and as for the 
 pretty Alix, her consent is easily gained.” 
 
 They proceeded in silence ; a thousand uneasy thoughts 
 agitating the bosom of Claude, and Rene being occupied 
 with reveries of ambition, till, having reached the chamber 
 where the President awaited his secretary, they separated. 
 
58 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 THE ROYAL MARRIAGE. 
 
 ^ How could she wed ? — what could I do but wed ? ” 
 
 Mathurin’s Bertram, 
 
 The two brides^ whose marriage was to secure the happi- 
 ness of their country, saw the morning dawn upon the day 
 fixed with feelings differing, yet in some degree the same. 
 
 Perhaps, for the first time in her life, Marguerite de 
 Valois was full of thought : now that the time had really 
 arrived, its importance to herself and those connected with 
 her seemed to flash upon her mind, and to banish the levity 
 and careless indifference with which she had treated the 
 subject. Love was, in her estimation, a matter of every- 
 day occurrence : she heard of it, saw it wherever she 
 moved ; every man who approached her either felt or 
 feigned it ; and so accustomed was she to homage and de- 
 votion, that its absence alone attracted her attention : she 
 considered it a part of her state, — of the real nature of 
 true affection she was perfectly unconscious. She had 
 more than once imagined herself in love, mistaking gra- 
 tified vanity for a deeper emotion, — had felt pleasure in 
 the presence of its object, and regret in absence, — but 
 this was a pastime, and no more : she looked upon the ex- 
 istence of love, such as the records of romance portrayed 
 it, as a poetical fiction, never intended to enter into the 
 affairs of real life. Of late a change, sudden and startling, 
 had come over her mind. Henry was to be her husband. 
 She looked upon him as a person appointed for state rea- 
 sons to be her companion for life ; she saw in him an un- 
 educated boy, with reputed courage, supposed goodness of 
 heart, and recorded generous feelings, but with manners 
 quite unfashioned, with taste uncultivated, and a coldness 
 towards herself altogether imperturbable. He had never- 
 theless, in spite of his retiring quietness, bursts of enthu- 
 siasm at times, which astonished those about him, and 
 momentary glimpses of eloquence which threw into shade 
 the powers of polished courtiers who usually eclipsed him : 
 
ORj THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 59 
 
 all this she witnessed only in his intercourse with others, 
 — with her he was always studiously guarded and formal, 
 his conversation in monosyllables, and his expressions 
 merely common-place. It was impossible that he should 
 interest her : and how should she live with one who seemed 
 to huild up between them a barrier of ice as impenetrable 
 as that of his native mountains ! 
 
 It was a serious thought, — a fearful undertaking ! She 
 had no escape from her fate ; she must marry a man who 
 was indifferent to her, and to him she was nothing more 
 than a political appendage. It was, therefore, with bitter 
 and chilled feelings that she suffered herself to be decked 
 for this unpromising bridal, and she resolved to show her 
 careless bridegroom that her inclination had nothing to do 
 with the ceremony she was forced to go through. 
 
 The mind of Marie de Cleves was equally occupied with 
 that of Marguerite, but every fresh springing thought was 
 fraught with agony and unutterable despair. Young, in- 
 experienced, innocent, and happy, she had never contem- 
 plated, even when she knew that her hand was promised, 
 the misery which would attend the sacrifice. She was to 
 marry, like her friend the Princess Marguerite, a man with 
 whom she was scarcely acquainted : with the Prince of 
 Conde she had scarcely ever exchanged a word, yet she 
 would be expected to devote the remainder of her life to 
 him, while she loved, adored, existed for another ! The 
 Duke of Anjou had at length told her all that she had 
 hoped, sighed for, prayed to be convinced of — and the 
 conviction of her happiness and wretchedness came together. 
 A frightful gulf was opened before her ; she could not fly 
 from its brink ; she was urged onwards though she saw it 
 yawning beneath her feet. 
 
 To her, pure as she was, and unsuspicious of evil, the 
 character of Henry of Anjou appeared little short of per- 
 fection : his exquisite refinement, his insinuating address, 
 his wit, grace, and the air of absorbed devotion he could 
 throw into his attentions, were sufficient to have won a 
 heart more practised in the ways of the world ; but when, 
 in addition to the charm which attracted all, real feeling 
 and passionate attachment came to his aid, how was it pos-» 
 
60 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 sible for the guileless and confiding girl of sixteen to resist 
 the spell, and to give up her whole soul to the delicious 
 certainty of loving and being beloved. 
 
 Her daily intercourse with Marguerite, who was tenderly 
 attached to her, and found in her innocent enthusiasm, and 
 total absence of suspicion, something to admire and delight 
 in, favoured in no small degree the suit of the Duke, and 
 gave him opportunities which he was not slow to take ad- 
 vantage of. 
 
 Although he could boast of no more morality than be- 
 longed to the profligate court in which he lived, yet, for 
 the flrst time, on this occasion he was inspired with a real 
 passion, almost, in its intensity and delicacy, worthy of 
 her who had caused it — a passion which called into 
 being all that was good in his character, while its evil, 
 which, alas ! preponderated, was lulled, for the time, en- 
 tirely to rest. He had, like the beautiful girl whom he 
 was leading into danger, been so occupied with his happi- 
 ness that he had totally forgotten the positions in which 
 they were mutually placed, and, contented with the bliss 
 of the present moment, would not allow himself to look 
 beyond, although he could not but be aware that the 
 fabric of his delusive fancy might be annihilated in a 
 moment. 
 
 The terrible hour had now come, and, like those who 
 live close to a volcano, and know its fearful explosion 
 must one day arrive and sweep their city to perdition, yet 
 put off* the evil anticipation, and revel on the brink of the 
 crater, so Marie awoke to the horror of her fate, and was 
 stunned with the extent of her misfortune. 
 
 The young King of Navarre, in the meantime, and the 
 Prince of Conde, felt themselves victims bound to the 
 stake without the means of escape. Death, or some violent 
 struggle, was what they contemplated, and this double 
 marriage seemed to them but another scene in the myste- 
 rious drama preparing: for the actors in it they cared 
 little, and were far from imagining what conflicts reigned 
 in the breasts of those who were victims like themselves. 
 
 Such were the sentiments of the four persons who pre- 
 pared that morning to take the principal parts in the 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 61 
 
 great pageant at which all France was to look on. With 
 these feelings they joined their respective parties^ and the 
 ceremonies of the royal bridal began. 
 
 The immense square of the Parvis-Notre-Dame was 
 filled with eager spectators^ scarcely kept back by the 
 multitude of guards, whose lines extended along the whole 
 way from the palace of the Louvre to the cathedral^ and it 
 seemed as if the whole population of Paris and its environs 
 were poured forth into the streets through which the 
 magnificent procession of the kings and queens concerned 
 in the ceremony of this important marriage was to pass. 
 From the roofs of the churches of St. Christophe, and of 
 Ste. Genevieve des Ardens^ of St. Jean le Rond, and St. 
 Denis du Pas, myriads of eyes were gazing on the scene 
 below; and all the numerous religious edifices besides, 
 which then surrounded their great mother, allowed the 
 people on that day to enjoy the advantage which their ex- 
 alted position afforded. The sombre and severe character 
 of these antique buildings was changed, as if by magic; 
 their usually gloomy aspect gave place to an air of light- 
 ness and gaiety, — garlands, flags, streamers, scarfs, fluttered 
 from every window and loophole, and the gorgeous and 
 majestic pile of Notre- Dame itself assumed for the time 
 a less solemn and awful appearance. The magnificent 
 facade of this imposing edifice then, as ever, offered a 
 spectacle worthy of the gaze of the admiring crowd. Its 
 three irregular porticos, surcharged with statues and 
 crowded with ornaments, rose proudly as if to welcome 
 the guests who sought to enter those wondrous gates of 
 wrought iron, whose marvellous delicacy and elaborate 
 beauty it was currently believed could only have been 
 produced by unearthly hands. The mysterious zodiac 
 which ornamented the chief entrance was looked upon on 
 this occasion as fraught with more than usual meaning, 
 and there were some amongst the crowd who did not hesi- 
 tate to affirm that the figure of the Holy Virgin, which 
 the pious inventor had substituted for that of Ceres, bowed 
 her head as the bridal train approached. However this 
 might be, onward it came glittering with gold and gems, 
 one mass of uninterrupted splendour. From their niches 
 
62 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 along the whole extent of the face of the church, the 
 twenty-seven statues of a race of kings seemed to look 
 down with exultation, as a peal of artillery, loud, long, and 
 solemn, announced the arrival of the royal visitants. 
 
 Above the principal portico, beneath the great rose 
 window, the platform had been erected on which Henry 
 of Navarre and his bride were to be exhibited to the 
 people, and where the service was to be concluded. Within 
 was nearly the same concourse of spectators as without, 
 for surrounding the choir, the nave, and extending along 
 the line of arches, the beautiful gallery supported by one 
 hundred and eight slender columns was filled to over- 
 flowing by splendidly dressed persons anxious to witness 
 the spectacle. 
 
 From the hundred painted windows and from the three 
 gorgeous roses the light of a mid-day summer sun poured 
 down a flood of radiance, touching with every hue of the 
 rainbow the carved foliage of the marble pillars, and 
 casting gleams of variegated colour on the chequered floor. 
 In forty-five chapels round, the altars were decked with 
 the most sumptuous ornaments, a multitude of lights burnt 
 before every shrine, and relics of the most precious nature 
 were exhibited to the eyes of the believer, amongst which 
 a finger of St.John the Baptist and part of the head of 
 St. Denis were not the least conspicuous. Huge, fierce, 
 and menacing, leaning against a pillar of the nave, the 
 gigantic figure of St. Christopher, twenty-eight feet in 
 height, bent under the weight of the miraculous infant 
 borne on his shoulders, and supported on the trunk of an 
 enormous tree, appeared regarding with attention the train 
 which swept past him ; the equestrian statue of Philip 
 de Valois seemed also instinct with life and about to urge 
 his war-steed onwards, as he did when, after the battle of 
 Cassel, the redoubtable warrior entering the church fully 
 caparisoned, his visor closed, his sword in hand, rode up 
 to the high altar, there to return thanks to the blessed 
 Virgin for the victory he had gained. 
 
 The train of nobles, princes, and ladies slowly advanced 
 to the high altar, where they were to hear mass. The 
 Protestant part of the procession separated themselves from 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 63 
 
 the rest, and joined the King of Navarre and the Prince 
 of Conde in the choir, where they waited till the Cardinal 
 de Bourbon had gone through that sacred service and 
 they were summoned to take their part in the marriage 
 ceremony. 
 
 In a conspicuous situation in the gallery, reserved for 
 the friends and intimates of those in power, sat the Pre- 
 sident Bailly and his beautiful daughter Alix, spectators 
 of the pageant, and at no great distance from them, 
 leaning against one of the delicate columns, stood the 
 secretary Claude Emars. His gaze was not apparently 
 attracted by the splendid scene around him, the glittering 
 lights, the blaze of jewels, the gorgeous pageantry — > 
 neither did he seem to have ears for the solemn and en- 
 trancing melody, the bursts of harmonious fervour which 
 echoed through the stupendous aisles, and lingered amidst 
 the forest of beams which adorned the majestic roof, — 
 there was but one object in all that glorious assemblage 
 which had power to occupy his mind ; and that was Alix. 
 She was, like all around her, richly dressed, and her 
 beauty, if possible, was more than usually remarkable ; but 
 Claude observed that her countenance wore no appearance 
 of pleasure, and that from time to time she cast an alarmed, 
 anxious glance around, as if her eyes feared to encounter 
 some object they would willingly avoid. As he bent for- 
 ward, almost unconsciously gazing upon her, he was sud- 
 denly recalled to recollection by the deep blush that over- 
 spread her brow as her glance met bis, and she recognised 
 the person who was so intently occupied in contemplating 
 her features. Claude instantly cast down his eyes in 
 equal confusion and an emotion which he feared another 
 look would betray. He had not entirely recovered his 
 presence of mind when his regards rested on the features 
 of Rene Bianco : he saw him approach the spot where 
 Alix sat, and with his accustomed ease and effrontery 
 address the President and his daughter. With difficulty 
 repressing an exclamation of vexation, he watched the 
 movements of the party, and observed the looks of Alix 
 when Rene spoke to her to be those of horror, so far did 
 they exceed the expression of mere aversion. The cold 
 
64 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS 1 
 
 and unmoved countenance of Bailly preserved its usual 
 character. Rene was himself all cheerfulness and exulta- 
 tion ; his dress was peculiarly splendid^ and set off to ad- 
 vantage his remarkably handsome figure^ while the high 
 white plume that waved over his dark brows relieved the 
 olive tint of his complexion^ and as he pointed out to his 
 companions the approach of Queen Catherine^ he seemed 
 no unfitting favourite for such a personage. 
 
 The Queen-mother and her followers were_, at the mo- 
 ment when all this was passing, proceeding, as has been 
 said, towards the high altar. She leant on the arm of 
 her favourite son Anjou, whose face was very pale, and 
 his eye wandering with an expression of pain and un- 
 easiness little suited to the occasion : he scarcely looked 
 up, and carefully avoided turning his eyes towards the 
 group of ladies, amongst whom was the interesting and 
 unfortunate Marie de Cleves. 
 
 As they passed the gallery, she paused and beckoned to 
 Rene, who was instantly at her side. She said a few 
 words to him in a low voice, while her large bold eyes 
 were fixed on Alix, who stood pale, and almost breathless, 
 the object of her scrutiny. At length, after a significant 
 smile bestowed on her favourite, she continued her way, 
 while Alix sunk back on her seat pale as marble, and 
 apparently as inanimate. 
 
 Attracted by the attention of the Queen -mother, the 
 eyes of several of the courtiers were directed towards the 
 object of her regard, and amongst others the Count de 
 Coconnas, and the celebrated La Mole, who were following 
 conspicuously in the train, and paused a moment at the 
 same time as Catherine. 
 
 Count Boniface La Mole was one of the most remark- 
 able persons of his time, renowned for the elegance of his 
 person, and the eclat attached to all that belonged to him. 
 His taste was the criterion of fashion ; his approval 
 stamped value on every new invention, and every extra- 
 vagant fashion and habit. The poets, players, and men of 
 letters of the day, sought his applause. The beauties who 
 surrounded the politic and intriguing Catherine, dressed, 
 looked, and spoke to please and captivate him. Even the 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 65 
 
 elegant^ refined, and graceful Marguerite allowed his in- 
 fluence, and permitted her taste to be in a great degree 
 regulated by his. 
 
 The epithet which he had acquired of Le Baladin de la 
 Cour, had not raised him much in the estimation of sober- 
 minded persons, and he was looked upon by the better part 
 of the community as the very impersonation of profligacy 
 and effeminacy. 
 
 This accomplished ornament of the most unprincipled 
 court in Europe was now carelessly sauntering on in the 
 train of the Queen-mother, carefully avoiding any indi- 
 cation of interest in the ceremonial which absorbed all 
 attention, but looking from side to side with an air of pro- 
 found indifference, occasionally lifting from his side, where 
 it depended, a small mirror in a gold frame, which, though 
 till lately an appendage of the female toilet, he had newly 
 introduced as an ornament amongst the fops of the period. 
 His attire bespoke the utmost care and consideration, and 
 proclaimed the high importance attached to his character ; 
 the most faultless propriety reigned throughout, and the 
 ensemble was so perfect and so inimitable that no one 
 portion of the elaborate finish shone out more conspi- 
 cuously than the rest. In his ears he wore rings of rubies, 
 with drops of pearl ; his hair was curled, turned back, and 
 fastened with combs ; the hat he negligently held was 
 adorned with an aigrette of diamonds, and from the front 
 hung over the forehead, when worn, a profusion of little 
 ornaments in a fringe of various-coloured gems, which 
 shook at every movement of the head. His beard was 
 long and pointed, — a mode very dear to him, as he was 
 conscious of the peculiarly fine growth of that imposing 
 appendage, — in which particular, as some of the nobles 
 could not vie with him, a few followed the example of 
 Henry of Anjou, whose beard was worn short, and whose 
 hair was dyed of whatever colour pleased him for the time. 
 On his white uncovered hand sparkled numerous small 
 rings, from which, as he occasionally waved his fringed 
 handkerchief, or pointed to some object, a stream of odour 
 issued, the hollows of each ring being filled with musk. 
 His short mantle was of rich silk, gorgeously embroidered 
 
 F 
 
63 
 
 CATHERINE DE 3IEDICIS ; 
 
 in an antique pattern of gold and jewels^ with devices and 
 mottos intermixed with its scrolls and foliage ; his throat 
 displayed a necklace of pearls, with clasps of sapphire 
 surrounded by sparks of diamonds : a high transparent 
 ruff shaded the back of his neck, and a double collar of 
 the same light texture, covered with delicate work, fell on 
 his shoulders. His nether garments were of cloth of gold, 
 the seams and slashes sprinkled and edged with small but- 
 tons of jewels of every hue ; large bouquets of pearls in 
 his shoes, completed his sparkling costume. His remark- 
 ably handsome person, added to the ease and grace with 
 which he wore this profusion of ornament, rendered him 
 the most dazzling and magnificent figure in the procession. 
 
 The first glance which he cast on Alix arrested his at- 
 tention. Her youth, her extreme beauty, and a dignified 
 yet mournful expression in her countenance, very different 
 from all around her, whose faces were lighted up with 
 smiles of pleasure, altogether rivetted his admiration. 
 
 God of love ! ” said he to Count Coconnas, his com- 
 panion, observe yonder deity of beauty ; what butterfly 
 just escaped from its confinement has spread its wings 
 with so much glory ! it should flutter only in a great man’s 
 garden. She is the very personification of Ronsard’s 
 description — 
 
 “ Amour, jeunesse, et les graces qui sont 
 Filles du Ciel, lui pendoient sur le front, 
 
 Mais ce que plus redoubla mon service 
 C’est qu’elle avoit un visage sans art ! ” 
 
 The Count Coconnas languidly turned his eyes towards 
 her. Do you mean that pale beauty who looks scared 
 at the regards of the Queen ? ” asked he. Methinks 
 you desire to be singular on this occasion. The Duchess 
 of Nevers becomes her high plume well — ’tis a fashion 
 exquisitely devised for a majestic stature. What a com- 
 plexion she has ! — 
 
 ‘ Jeune deesse au teint vermeil ? ’ ” 
 
 He uttered this compliment loud enough to be heard by 
 her to whom it was addressed. The Duchess, at that 
 moment, dropped the bigotelle which held her fan, and 
 Coconnas instantly hastened to present it to her, whisper- 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-3IOTHER. 
 
 6 ' 
 
 ing, as he restored it, a thousand agreeable nothings, which 
 were listened to with gratified vanity. 
 
 There was more wretchedness in that gorgeous assem- 
 blage than the delighted and admiring lookers-on dreamt 
 of : there were fear, regret, disappointment, mortification, 
 and despair ; — uneasy, ambitious thoughts, and cruel de- 
 signs, deceit, and treachery, and wickedness. All the 
 principal actors in the scene were disturbed with images 
 which had no business there at such a time.” The 
 beautiful Marguerite stood at the altar blazing in splen- 
 dour, and eclipsing all in charms, but her bridegroom’s 
 heart was far away ; it was in the tomb with his beloved 
 mother, whom in his affections no other could replace. 
 The Princess wore a regal crown covered with jewels of 
 great price ; her own rich dark hair, contrary to the usual 
 fashion of the day, was arranged in long ringlets, and 
 floated over her shoulders, on which an ermine cape of 
 state was thrown, whose rounded ends descended to her 
 waist in front, and were fastened with clasps of large 
 diamonds. Her flowing train of violet velvet, strewed 
 with fleurs-de-lis, was supported by three princesses of 
 royal blood ; her robe was of white cloth of silver, studded 
 with fleurs-de-lis of pearls and other jewels. Nothing 
 could exceed the richness and costliness of her appearance, 
 but her countenance was at variance with the display : her 
 brow was contracted, her cheek flushed, and« her carriage 
 haughty and unbending. She went through the ceremony 
 with a cold and unmoved endurance ; and so indifferent 
 did she appear to what was expected of her, that when 
 she was required to respond to the demand of the Cardinal- 
 priest, her brother. King Charles, observing that she re- 
 mained silent, placed his hand at the back of her head, 
 and bent it down in sign of assent. The unhappy Marie 
 de Cleves, pale as marble, and stupified with grief, was 
 supported on all sides by her friends, who in vain endea- 
 voured to conceal the state in which they found her. Her 
 bridegroom, with averted looks, appeared unconscious of 
 the repugnance she exhibited, and was only roused from 
 his apparent reverie by observing that, as the service ended 
 
 V 2 
 
68 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 which made her his wife, she had fainted in the arms of 
 her sister, the Duchess de Nevers. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 THE SUPPER AT COURT. 
 
 Sledge. Forks ? — what be they ? 
 
 Meercraft. The laudable use of forks 
 Brought into custom here as they’re in Italy, 
 
 To the sparing of napkins. — Ben Jonson’s DeviVs an Ass. 
 
 A SERIES of entertainments was announced in all the 
 palaces of Paris in honour of the propitious nuptials which 
 had just taken place. Night and day nothing was to be 
 heard of but rejoicing and festivity, and it seemed as if the 
 business of every-day life would never be resumed. 
 Amongst the most curious and conspicuous of these fetes 
 was one, the features of which were so peculiar as to 
 deserve mention. The evening’s pastime began with a 
 grand ball, given by King Charles to the newly-married 
 pair, and to all the great officers of state and chief magis- 
 trates of the city. After dancing was ended, a ponderous 
 masque commenced, in which most of the royal party 
 bore a share. First appeared on the scene, moved by ma- 
 chinery, four enormous rocks, silvered over, where marine 
 gods were seated, bearing various instruments of music, 
 on which they played with infinite skill. As these disap- 
 peared others advanced, varied by representations of mer- 
 maids, dolpliins, and other strange creatures, reclining 
 amidst bowers of coral and sea-weed, shells and pearls. 
 On the highest of these moving rocks appeared beneath a 
 canopy, supported by silver pillars, a god of the sea, per- 
 sonated by the celebrated singer Estienne le Roy, looked 
 upon at that time as the very greatest of all artists, whose 
 melodious voice enchanted all hearers, and who poured 
 forth from his exalted position a flood of music capable of 
 melting the rock on which he sat, if the enthusiastic en- 
 comiums lavished upon him by the fashionable audience 
 
ORj, THE QUEEN-3I0THER. 6[) 
 
 assembled were to be believed. After these animated 
 mountains had removed themselves, came a splendid gilded 
 chariot, drawn by sea-horses, on which other marine 
 animals of large dimensions appeared to sport, holding in 
 the folds of their wreathed tails an immense shell of gold, 
 within which sat enthroned Neptune, presented by King 
 Charles himself, holding his trident, and guiding his 
 aquatic subjects by means of glittering reins. Other cars 
 of a similar description next appeared ; and the prince-gods 
 within them, descending to earth, each selected a lady, 
 and with her trod the mazes of a dance, whose grace and 
 beauty was admired and applauded beyond all the wonders 
 which had preceded it. 
 
 The supper which followed was hailed, both by the 
 actors and spectators, with infinite satisfaction ; and even 
 the fastidious taste of the great critic of fashion. La Mole, 
 was almost satisfied with the elegant arrangement of the 
 tables, on which appeared the enamelled dishes of Limoges, 
 holding meats of the most exquisite description. Vases of 
 wrought gold and painted cups, the sculptures and figures 
 of which proclaimed by their beauty the hands of the 
 great masters Palizzi and Celini ; saltcellars by the same 
 wondrous artists, and carved and richly ornamented knives ; 
 spoons of ivory, whose handles were worked in transparent 
 patterns, as if spiders or fairies had fabricated them ; and 
 the newly-introduced two-pronged fork, against the effemi- 
 nacy of using which the preachers of the day inveighed 
 with great bitterness, all were of the most costly and ad- 
 mirable description. The finest wines were in profusion, 
 and due justice was done to the sparkling vin d’Arbois and 
 the clarette, all the respective merits acknowledged of the 
 vintage of Bar, St. Pourcain, Loire, St. Jangon, Galardon, 
 Grenache, and all the infinite variety of muscadins, which 
 were peculiarly appreciated by the fair guests who partook 
 of them. 
 
 It cannot be denied,” said La Mole to a friend, 
 
 that this entertainment is as well arranged as it is pos- 
 sible for so heavy and crowded an affair to be. There is, 
 however, no real elegance to be found at royal tables. I 
 mean, shortly, to give a small — a very small — entertain- 
 F 3 
 
70 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 irient, to a select few of the princesses, and will show them 
 what these things should be, rather in order to induce 
 them to follow a virtuous example, and so manage that I 
 may not be annoyed by displays of gross grandeur, than 
 with a view to their pleasure ; for, to tell truth, except 
 the Lady Marguerite herself, and a few others, I hold 
 them little worthy to appreciate my taste/" 
 
 Those courtiers who held La Mole to be their master 
 and oracle in matters of elegance, of course from the 
 moment he had spoken thus, looked with a pitying eye 
 upon all the glories which wooed their approbation, and 
 the whole aim of their existence henceforth seemed to be 
 to attain the distinction of an invitation to the fete in per- 
 spective ; they were careful, therefore, of words, looks, and 
 actions, lest, offending by a shade of rusticity his sensitive 
 feelings, they should lose the envied distinction which 
 would at once stamp their character for fashion with im- 
 mortal fame. 
 
 The next day the lists were prepared in the great court 
 of the Louvre for a match of running at the ring. After 
 there had been a few courses, the King was drawn aside 
 by some of his party, who communicated to him that in 
 the Pre aux Clercs had been remarked, that morning, a 
 concourse of persons mounted, who paraded about without 
 any apparent cause ; also, that in many of the places in 
 Paris people assembled wearing pistols, carrying arque- 
 busses and other weapons, contrary to the express com- 
 mand issued that no arms should be borne during the fes- 
 tivities. The Prevot de Paris, Nantouillet, who had been 
 an invited guest, and was a man of great pomposity and 
 ostentation, bustled about with infinite zeal, and came 
 forward to assure the King that every precaution should 
 be taken to prevent any disturbance. 
 
 But, your Grace,’" said he, we are all in so happy a 
 state of peace and bliss at this moment, thanks to your 
 Grace"s wise government, that we need fear nothing. The 
 young King of Navarre’s followers are so orderly and well- 
 behaved, that I really think it would be difficult to create 
 any annoyance in Paris at this propitious period, he is so 
 much beloved * and as for the fair young Princess Mar- 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 71 
 
 guerite^ the sight of her is enough to repress disorder. 
 Every one hopes to see her one day Queen of France ; she 
 has, indeed, the presence of a queen.'' 
 
 Pleased at his own clever manner of conveying a compli- 
 ment, the Prevot did not observe the impression his last 
 allusion had made on the King, whose countenance fell, as 
 with some bitterness, which was, however, unheeded by 
 the satisfied Prevot, he replied, I thank you for your 
 friendly wishes, Nantouillet, and it shall go hard but 
 before long we show you a few of our court manners in 
 the city, and prove that we deserve all your civilities. 
 Truly we may take some hints in courtesy, which we will 
 not be slow to follow. They tell me your hotel on the 
 Quai de la Vallee is very magnificent.” 
 
 Oh, sire,” returned the Prevot, his large fat face be- 
 coming scarlet with excitement, while he looked round 
 proudly towards several of the echevins and the Prevot des 
 Marchands, who stood near, if your Grace would deign 
 to honour me with judging for yourself, my hotel would 
 in future justly deserve its reputation of illustrious. 
 Though it may not become me to say so, I do profess that 
 a larger, finer, better built house than the Hotel d' Her cule 
 does not exist in Paris. Ay, your Grace, and the cellars 
 are not badly stored either, nor is the larder ill supplied.” 
 Well, good Nantouillet,” said the King, with a signi- 
 ficant glance at his brother Anjou, we will pay you a 
 visit in form, and beware that we find not your boast 
 vain, for we will do justice to ail we find.” 
 
 The elated city dignitary strutted away with great 
 delight to communicate to his envying friends the distin- 
 guished honour which had been shown him, and his brain 
 began instantly working to devise a fitting entertainment 
 for his royal and noble guest. 
 
 He found Charron, the new Prevot des Marchands, and 
 his predecessor, Marcel, in close conversation with some of 
 the party of Guise, by whom an appointment was made 
 from their chief to meet him at his hotel immediately on 
 the games being finished. These two worthies, equally 
 gratified at the marked consideration shown them, heard 
 with less vexation of the glory which had fallen on Nan- 
 
 F 4 
 
72 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 touillet^ and they all agreed that a period was at length 
 arrived when the superior consequence of the city was 
 properly acknowledged. 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 THE SIBYLS. 
 
 “ Deserted, say’st thou, for a girl abandoned, 
 
 A puny girl made up of wa’ry elements ! ” — Lee. 
 
 On returning to his hotel that night from the Louvre, 
 where he had been treated with peculiar attention by the 
 King and his party, the Admiral de Coligni, whose fate 
 forms an important link in this narrative, was much 
 struck with the appearance of the streets. Numerous 
 bodies of troops were constantly to be met with arriving 
 from the country in all directions, and filling every 
 avenue. This appeared singular and unnecessary, when 
 all was peace and good understanding between the parties ; 
 and it was with spirits considerably depressed that the 
 Admiral reached his home and his closet, where he gave 
 himself up to musings of a somewhat sad though undefined 
 nature. He was interrupted by the entrance of Labonne, 
 his chief attendant, informing him that a man below 
 desired to be admitted to him. 
 
 What man at this early hour of morning can seek 
 me ? said Coligni. 
 
 It is one in the garb of a monk of the Cordeliers,” 
 was the answer. He says his business is most 
 pressing.” 
 
 Admit him,” returned the Admiral, after a short 
 pause. I have letters to write : take him into the hall 
 and let him wait till I summon you again. Give me my 
 papers.” 
 
 So saying, the Admiral seated himself to indite that last 
 well-known letter to his wife, which she received at the 
 same time with the news of his murder, which after 
 having reluctantly closed and kissed with affection, calling 
 
OBj THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 IS 
 
 his page, he desired that the Cordelier should be admitted. 
 A tall man, muffled in a cowl, was ushered into the 
 chamber, who stood for some moments silent, as the 
 Admiral, motioning him to be seated, inquired his 
 business. 
 
 Coligni,” said the stranger, solemnly, my business 
 is of life and death. Attend to what I have to disclose, 
 for much depends on it.’^ 
 
 If,’' said Coligni, you are come, good father, to 
 preach to me of your religion, know that too many have 
 tried it, and it is but trifling to attempt my conversion.^’ 
 He spoke this in a gay tone, anxious at once to rid 
 himself of his gloomy-looking guest, who, however, ad- 
 vancing to him, caught his arm, and throwing back his 
 cowl, exclaimed. 
 
 Admiral ! ever incautious and unsuspicious as you are, 
 what should have prevented me from acting as at this 
 moment every Catholic in Paris is ready to do ? Why 
 should not a stranger, admitted without question to an 
 unarmed man, have a dagger concealed to rid himself and 
 his party of an enemy ? ” 
 
 Montgomery ! ” exclaimed Coligni, who talks of 
 imprudence ? Did you not promise to await at La Ro- 
 chelle the news I was to send you ? ” 
 
 True,” answered Montgomery. But a stronger 
 feeling than prudence drew me here. On my arrival in 
 Paris, I sought the concealment of an obscure quarter of 
 the town, where, since the arrival of the Court from Blois, 
 I have been hidden. In the disguise in which you see 
 me, I have contrived to learn much more than can be 
 known in your position. I endeavoured to save Queen 
 Jeanne, but she was convinced too late : let it not be the 
 same with you ! ” 
 
 De Lorges,” replied the Admiral calmly, you, and 
 many of our party, do the King injustice : he means us 
 well. I have his solemn assurances that he will treat all 
 his Protestant subjects as his children. This marriage 
 has secured all.” 
 
 My friend,” answered Montgomery, your honest 
 heart leads you to believe that all around you are noble as 
 
74 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 yourself. This marriage^ though a bold step^ is but a 
 blind for dangerous designs. Catherine is capable of the 
 deepest malice, — the most fearful cruelty ; she has sworn 
 to exterminate the Protestants, and she will keep her vow, 
 though it cost her the lives of half her Catholic friends to 
 accomplish.'' 
 
 You have, I know, too much reason/’ said Coligni, 
 to fear and to distrust her.” 
 
 You know not half the cause I have,” exclaimed De 
 Lorges, passionately, — you only know" of the bitter 
 vengeance with which she has pursued me and mine, from 
 the period when my lance, guided by evil chance alone, 
 entered the brain of the unfortunate King Henry. You 
 know my wife and child died ; but not how ! The 
 crimes of Catherine make me no longer hesitate to betray 
 her weakness. She loved me — loved me during her con- 
 fiding husband's life-time, nor did she conceal from me 
 her guilty passion. Perhaps I spurned it with too much 
 contempt, for my conduct, outraging her pride, drew down 
 her vengeance on the head of my beloved young wife, 
 v/hom she looked upon as her rival. My Agnes died, 
 poisoned by her means ; my only son, born during his 
 mother’s dying agonies, was stolen from the faithful nurse 
 to whose care I had confided him when forced to fly after 
 the King’s unfortunate death : and I have too much 
 reason to believe that Catherine sacrificed the child as well 
 as his parents. I have but lately seen her by whom my 
 son was protected — she is the Protestant nurse of Charles. 
 I must, if possible, see Mabille once more, and then will 
 leave Paris never to return. Neglect not my counsel, but 
 fly with me. This very night I depart.” 
 
 De Lorges,” said Coligni, I will indeed reflect on 
 all you advise. As soon as morning dawns, I will seek 
 the King once more, and should I see reason to fear I will 
 hesitate no longer.” 
 
 The friends then parted, and Montgomery, unmarked 
 in, his disguise, returned to his retreat in the Rue St. 
 Jacques, while the Admiral prepared to visit King Charles. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 75 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 THE CORDELIER. 
 
 “ Les bons et vrais devots qu’on doit suivre k la trace 
 Ne sont pas ceux aussi qui font tant de grimace. 
 
 He, quoi ! vous ne ferez nulle distinction 
 Entre I’hypocrisie et la devotion ? ” — Moli^ire. 
 
 Mathurin Lussatjt the gold- wire drawer, at whose house 
 the disguised Count de Montgomery had concealed him- 
 self, stood with his pretty wife, Clarice, of whose beauty he 
 was very proud, as well as of his own remarkably hand- 
 some head and long curling hair, at the door of their shop_, 
 the sign of the Miroir d’Or, and was complacently looking- 
 up at that brilliant appendage, whose burnished glories 
 flashed in the sun and raised the envy of their less brilliant 
 neighbours, who, having mostly been longer married and 
 and longer residents in the Rue St. Jacques, could not ex- 
 hibit so new and elegant an exterior as the handsomely ar- 
 ranged front of the young tradesman. They were not the 
 only persons at their door ; throughout the whole extent 
 of the long street, as far as the eye could reach, might be 
 seen eager watchers, anxiously expecting the coming of 
 the procession led by the Cardinal de Bourbon, abbe of 
 St. Germain des Pres, which was expected to be more 
 splendid than anything of the kind ever seen. Very little 
 business had been going on for some weeks, every inhabi- 
 tant of Paris being engaged in sight-seeing ; a few of the 
 more sober began to wish that the rejoicings were over, as 
 they had too long put a stop to all useful and rational em- 
 ployment. Such was not, however, the opinion of Jean 
 Montault, the host of the Bel Image tavern, whose trade 
 flourished during the festivities, and who could scarcely 
 find hands sufficient to attend to his numerous guests. 
 Cornalet, the grocer, next door, was seen reclining behind 
 his jars, leaning on his elbows, and talking to petit 
 Jacques the cobbler, who had suspended his work and had 
 thrust his head and body out of the dark cell in which his 
 avocations were carried on ; while Pierre Blampignon, the 
 torch maker, bustled about from one neighbour to the 
 
76 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 other^ recounting a thousand adventures which had lately 
 happened to him^ in all of which he appeared to have 
 acted the part of a hero. The general theme of discourse 
 was the late marriage of the Princess Marguerite, and the 
 fetes which succeeded it. All the speakers proclaimed 
 their share in the events, and it seemed, to hear their re- 
 lations, that but for their assistance nothing would have 
 gone on well, and every particular individual appeared to 
 be convinced that he had received some especial mark of 
 grace or recognition from the high personages whose 
 notice they had attracted. There was some little discre- 
 pancy in their descriptions : one mistaking the Queen- 
 mother for the bride, and another singling out various 
 ladies of the train to represent the two brides ; but uni- 
 versal satisfaction was at all events diffused, and every one 
 was perfectly contented to suppose that his friend had 
 made a mistake and not himself. I was as close,” said 
 Pierre Blampignon, to the lady Marguerite as I am to 
 you ; and, St. Marie ! what a presence she has ! her hair 
 is exactly the colour of Maitre Lussaut's chains, and 
 shines as brightly.” 
 
 What mean you.^” exclaimed petit Jacques; ^^her 
 hair is as black as my shoe.” 
 
 And curls all down her back, like a row of cork- 
 screws,” added Montault the host. 
 
 1 was as close,” pursued Blampignon, to the Bear- 
 nais ” 
 
 As wax,” interrupted petit Jacques. But that his 
 nose is somewhat shorter, I should say he is the moral of 
 neighbour Mamert, the schoolmaster, and nearly as fat.” 
 
 Why, where did you put your eyes ? ” cried several 
 voices; his nose is as long as Le Grand Francois’ him- 
 self.” 
 
 He is much more like Maitre Colin, the embroiderer ; 
 but anyhow he looked well in his yellow satin, and so did 
 the young Conde ; but the King,” said the host of the 
 Bel Image, who was listened to in his quarter as an oracle, 
 is but poor looking, after all. I like a man portly and 
 commanding, it looks so much better in a procession.” 
 This he said with a complaisant glance towards his own 
 
OB^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 77 
 
 figure^ which, adorned as it was with a long and ample 
 apron covering his full plaited under garments, and just 
 reaching to his expansive calf, answered well to his own 
 ideas of majesty. 
 
 I was as close,"’ recommenced Pierre, to the 
 scaffolding as the guards themselves, and should have had 
 a full view of the Cardinal only that his back w^as to me ; 
 and, just as he was turning round, a great giant of a hal- 
 berdier gave me such a thrust, that I was sent head over 
 heels amongst the crowd.” 
 
 Much laughter followed this account of himself, which 
 disconcerted the little torch-maker, who went on to say, 
 that, immediately recovering himself, he rose from the 
 ground, and throwing his cap in the air, cried at the top of 
 his voice. Five le Bearnais ! ” Upon which, he assured 
 his hearers that the Prince, with a gracious smile, nodded 
 his head to him, and appeared much gratified. As much 
 of this boast, added by their lively friend, as pleased them, 
 was received by the gay audience, who were ready to be 
 amused at anything. 
 
 Be careful, Maitre Lussaut,” said the cobbler, not to 
 carry your v/ife too near the court in future, for, they say, 
 the young Navarrois is a Diable d quatre for a pretty face.” 
 The blushing Clarice withdrew into her doorway on 
 hearing this piece of gallantry, and her gratified husband 
 invited the party to take a cup to the health of the new- 
 married pair, which was cheerfully agreed to by all, and 
 the host of the ^^Bel Image’" supplied the refreshing 
 draught with alacrity. 
 
 And how,” asked Lussaut, go on the students of 
 late — have there been any more disputes about their right 
 to the Abbot’s field } ” 
 
 No,” answered Montault, they have been quiet so 
 long, that I think something must soon happen to keep 
 their hands in or they will forget their old trade of worry- 
 ing the monks. Well, I do confess, good Catholic as I 
 am, that I always rejoice when the students get the better : 
 they are fine spirited fellows, and ready for any game, 
 while the lazy monks do no good for trade whatever."" 
 
 No,"" said Lussaut, and so profligate a set are they. 
 
78 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 that no decent man should let his wife go near them. To 
 be sure, there are good of all sorts : I have a brother of 
 St. Francis lodging in mv house now, and a better man 
 cannot live.” 
 
 He will do well to keep out of the way of my friends 
 of the University,” replied the host, who respect the 
 Cordeliers so little that they care not for what the cowl 
 covers. 1 hear there is to be a grand meeting soon of the 
 scholars to fish in the Petit Seine, which, you know, is the 
 great lake in the Pre. If there is not a scuffle with the 
 monks to prevent them, I am mistaken, for they swear no 
 one shall fish there but themselves.” 
 
 Well,” joined in Pierre Blampignon, I never could 
 see much difference between the Huguenots and our- 
 selves, except that one eats fish and the other flesh, — but 
 I don’t pretend to know much about it.” 
 
 Why,” returned Montault, the difference is this : 
 when a man comes to a tavern and asks, ^ Well, host, what 
 have you to-day ? — any poissons de Bondy, or hareng 
 sale ? ’ I know at once he is a Catholic, — that is, on 
 some days of the week ; but if he comes in on a Friday, 
 and calls out, ^ Bring me a smoking mess of bouillie, or a 
 pate de Mayence, and a good bottle of white hypocras,’ 
 1 see through him at once. But it matters little to me 
 provided he pays ; and I cannot think why the King and 
 the Cardinal should make so much fuss about such a trifle. 
 Perhaps, if I were to pronounce, I should say the Ca- 
 tholic is in general the best drinker, and the Huguenot the 
 best eater.” 
 
 Well,” said petit Jacques, the cobbler, I hope, with- 
 out sin, I may say I prefer the heretic ; for as he never 
 goes barefoot on a pilgrimage, he must always want shoes.” 
 At this moment a party was seen coming down the 
 street, which Montault recognised as some of his friends 
 the students, and he began to bustle and make prepara- 
 tions for their welcome with great zeal. 
 
 Happy to see you, young masters,” he exclaimed, 
 your visits are rare nowadays. What shall I get for 
 your honours ? ” 
 
 All you have,” exclaimed several of the party ; we 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 79 
 
 are resolved to have a day of it, as this is to be the last ; 
 so spare nothing. Belcastel treats. 
 
 As this was said the young student in question threw a 
 well-filled purse to the landlord, calling out in a ringing 
 musical voice, Here old Montault, touche Id, — for a few 
 hours hence we may not recollect quite clearly what is 
 owing. Quick ! bring us plenty of wine, for we want to 
 be in spirits to greet our old friends the Cordeliers, who 
 will, no doubt, appear in the full force of hypocrisy in a 
 few minutes with all the pious of Paris at their heels.” 
 
 In effect, as Belcastel spoke, the sound of musical in- 
 struments was heard announcing the approach of the 
 solemn procession, expected with the same anxiety as any 
 other of the numerous pageants which inundated the city 
 of Paris at that moment of rejoicing. Religious feeling 
 was, for the time, quite forgotten in the delight of witness- 
 ing the singular and magnificent spectacle which vied with 
 the profane shows got up for the entertainment of the 
 people. First came a band of musicians dressed in flow- 
 ing robes, richly embroidered, and performing airs of so 
 lively a description, that they might well have suited a less 
 solemn occasion. Their nature, however, occasionally 
 changed to slow and serious as they passed any of the 
 numerous monastic or ecclesiastical buildings on their 
 route, and as the train was joined by different members of 
 other fraternities. All the children that could he collected 
 in the Faubourg St. Germain walked barefooted, dressed 
 in white, with garlands of flowers on their heads, each 
 child bearing a lighted torch of wax. This part of the 
 ceremony was extremely beautiful, and a murmur of ap- 
 plause from ail greeted the innocent and graceful bands of 
 little penitents, whose rosy faces and smiling lips seemed 
 to contradict the remorse which was supposed to inspire 
 them for sins already or about to be committed. A count- 
 less concourse of monks, of the orders of Capucins, Au- 
 gustins, Penitens Blanc, Jacobins, and others, was fol- 
 lowed by the priests of St. Sulpice and the monks of St. 
 Germain. All these were allowed by the students to pass 
 quietly ; hut when a long line of Cordeliers of St. Francis 
 drew near, it was with the utmost difficulty that the 
 
80 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS : 
 
 prudent host could restrain the impertinent sallies of the 
 students. A spectacle^ however, now appeared, which at 
 once put his authority to flight, and, indeed, created great 
 scandal amongst all the lookers-on, for it was a custom 
 fallen somewhat into disuse, and now revived in order to 
 attract more attention to those religious observances which 
 the stricter order of Catholics feared were being neglected. 
 The seven shrines of St. Germain, containing relics of the 
 most sacred nature, were borne along by a great number 
 of monks, almost naked, having, in fact, nothing on but a 
 shirt, — their arms, legs, and feet exposed : in this guise 
 they walked slowly along, chanting hymns, and appearing 
 in a state of ecstatic devotion. At this sight a volley of 
 abuse burst from the lips of the young students ; and so 
 far did their insolence carry them, that a quantity of dried 
 peas and beans, with which they were provided, were used 
 to pelt these extraordinary penitents, accompanied by 
 shouts of derision. However, they were at length pre- 
 vailed on to be reasonable; and, after some contention 
 with the soldiers who attended on this part of the pro- 
 cession, to which some opposition had evidently been an- 
 ticipated, the holy band of brothers passed on. The 
 Cardinals of Bourbon and Vendome, followed by a train 
 of meaner dignitaries, closed the scene, and a mixed mul- 
 titude of idlers, thieves, rioters, and inquisitive gazers, 
 rushed tumultuously through the streets, much to the an- 
 noyance and disturbance of the neighbourhood. 
 
 As the students were seated at the open window of the 
 tavern, they were able to observe all the passers-by, and 
 after having indulged in much vituperation of the scene 
 they had just witnessed, began to amuse themselves with 
 jokes upon the passengers. Belcastel, who seemed their 
 leader, was a young man of handsome figure and fresh 
 complexion, and with a lively, careless, and independent 
 expression of countenance, frank and prepossessing; his 
 spirits were of the lightest kind, and he looked ready for 
 any frolic that might be proposed. Nothing, however, 
 very tempting appeared, and he suggested that, after finish- 
 ing their bottle, they should adjourn to the Porte de Bussi, 
 to see the feats of the Italian juggler, with whose per- 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 81 
 
 formances of throwing the assaguay all Paris had been 
 lately amused. They accordingly sallied out into the 
 street, and had not proceeded far when they observed a 
 Cordelier advancing on the opposite side. 
 
 Hallo ! friend/’ cried one of them, what do you 
 here ? Go back, the penitents are gone the other way. 
 Do you think you have no sins to answer for that you 
 turn your back upon the holy train ? ” 
 
 The monk continued his way without noticing them, 
 when Belcastel said to his companions, — Comrades, 
 this fellow seems insolent ; one of you go and invite him 
 to our grand fishing in the Pre, and see what answer he 
 will make.’* 
 
 A shout of laughter followed, and several of the students, 
 arm in arm, crossed over to the monk, and barred his 
 passage, addressing him in no very reverent manner. 
 
 Young men,” he answered, let me pass: I do not 
 interrupt you, and cannot be detained.” 
 
 Indeed,” said they ; ^^we will see that. You shall 
 turn back when you are told, and learn to obey the mon- 
 archs of the Bazoche, though you think to lord it with 
 your cord and cowl over all the other crowns of the earth.” 
 So saying, they attempted to seize the Cordelier, who, 
 stopping suddenly short, with one blow of his hand swept 
 two of the foremost from his path. Go, fools !” he 
 exclaimed. “Is this the way you waste the spirit which 
 should lead you to defend your country and your liberties ? 
 By such follies as this is France subdued and sunk ! ” 
 
 What meddling priest dares to say aught against 
 France or Frenchmen ? ” cried Belcastel, advancing, — 
 while the rest surrounded the monk, and with threats and 
 exclamations tried to force him to turn back with them, 
 vowing that they would carry him to his superior, and see 
 disciphne inflicted on him for his sins. 
 
 Idiots ! ” exclaimed the Cordelier, you know not 
 what you do, nor the mischief to a good cause by detaining 
 me. If there are any Protestants amongst you, as I 
 judge,” he continued, “know that you are insulting a 
 friend, and you may soon stand in need of more than you 
 imagine.” 
 
 G 
 
82 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 Stand back^ gentlemen/* said a voice from the crowd 
 w^hich was by this time assembled and enjoying the fray, 
 — and a young man pushing through them, advanced to 
 the students. This is not fair play/* said he ; the 
 Cordelier is one to twenty, and so I take his side were he 
 ten times a monk.*’ 
 
 Ha ! Claude, is it you/* cried Belcastel, as usual, 
 always with the weakest ; but this is our business, not 
 yours ; besides you are no longer one of us, and we are 
 resolved to have our way.** 
 
 Not if I can prevent it/* said Claude, ^^you are 
 wrong ; this monk offered you no interruption and he 
 shall pass free.** 
 
 Well said,*’ exclaimed the monk, but give yourself 
 no trouble, I am in no danger from these gentlemen, who 
 already draw back, and are ready to hear reason.** 
 
 Down with him ! ’* cried a fierce voice, down with 
 the thief who calls himself a friend of the Huguenots I we 
 will have no more heretics to give us laws while there are 
 good Catholics amongst us.** 
 
 Who speaks against the Huguenots ? ** cried a dozen of 
 the excited students, who, ready for any fray, cared little 
 what was its object. 
 
 *Tis Cruce, the butcher,** answered one near ; he is 
 drunk as usual, heed him not.’* But the conflict had 
 already begun. 
 
 Cruc^ a gigantic fellow, with his sleeves tucked up to 
 the elbow, displaying his muscular arms, advanced to the 
 Cordelier, whom he seized, with the intent of throwing 
 him down ; but to the surprise of all, his grasp was 
 arrested by that of the monk, who, throwing his gown 
 over his arm, sprang upon him, and in a moment felled 
 him to the earth. 
 
 W^ell done. Cordelier !” cried the crowd, with whom 
 Cruce was in no particular veneration, being known as a 
 brawler and ruffian. 
 
 Give way,** cried the monk, and disperse to your 
 homes ; there will be more serious work for you all soon ; 
 hold yourselves prepared, — and you, young men of the 
 Religion, be upon your guard, and know your friends 
 from your enemies.** 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 83 
 
 So saying, and with a look of approbation towards 
 Claude, he disappeared amongst the crowd ; but not before 
 the revengeful eye of Cruce had tracked him till he 
 entered the shop of Mathurin Lussaut. 
 
 Belcastel and some of his friends, with looks somewhat 
 ashamed and disconcerted, now greeted Claude as an old 
 acquaintance, for all the young men of the different col- 
 leges professed, to a certain degree, the defence of a 
 common cause against the monks of St. Germain des Pres. 
 And though Claude and Belcastel had not studied together, 
 they had been long known to each other, before either of 
 them came to Paris: the former, however, being by far 
 the more studious, seldom joined in any of the noisy 
 sallies of the companions of Belcastel, and they had not 
 met for some time. Resisting their importunities to join a 
 revel which they had resolved to indulge in, Claude, after 
 a brief conversation, left them, and they separated different 
 ways. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 THE ASSASSIN. 
 
 “ Where is the villain ? — let me see his eyes, 
 
 That when I note another such a man 
 I may avoid him.” — Shakspeare. 
 
 Claude was returning near the gates of the Louvre, when 
 he remarked a cavalcade of gentlemen issuing from the 
 palace, and observed that the Admiral de Coligny was at 
 their head. He followed the way they took, gratified to 
 see how cheerful and contented the whole party appeared, 
 which circumstance, after the sinister reports which had 
 of late prevailed, was peculiarly cheering, as he doubted 
 not that they had just parted from the King, and had 
 reason to be satisfied with their interview. The Admiral’s 
 expressive countenance was highly animated, and he 
 seemed to be repeating some anecdote which excited great 
 merriment amongst his companions. The train proceeded 
 along the Rue des Fosses St. Germain, and as they rode 
 G 2 
 
84 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 quickly, they had considerably preceded Claude, who 
 stood up as they passed him, when on a sudden the 
 report of a pistol struck his ear, and loud exclamations 
 followed. Instant confusion prevailed amongst the crowd 
 of horsemen, and as Claude hurried to the spot he per- 
 ceived with horror that the Admiral had fallen to the 
 ground, covered with blood, and was supported by several 
 of his friends. At the same instant shouts of Coligni 
 is murdered ! echoed from mouth to mouth. 
 
 It was soon discovered that his left arm was frightfully 
 shattered, and one finger of his right hand shot away. 
 Without, however, showing the least emotion of pain, he 
 pointed in the direction of the house from which the fatal 
 aim appeared to have been taken, and a rush was imme- 
 diately made towards it : a crowd soon assembled, some of 
 the enraged bystanders, uttering loud cries, thundered 
 for admittance at the doors ; others endeavoured to scale 
 the walls, and enter by the windows. The suspected house 
 was one belonging to the Canon de Villemur, formerly 
 preceptor of the Duke de Guise. Cries of Down with 
 Guise ! — down with the assassins ! ” echoed on all sides, 
 as, with a loud crash, the door of entrance was forced in, 
 and the mob gained possession. 
 
 While some rushed up the stairs and into the front 
 rooms, Claude by chance, who, excited by grief and rage, 
 had been one of the first to gain admission, penetrated to 
 the back part of the house, where, finding the doors 
 fastened outside, he leaped from a window which he suc- 
 ceeded with difficulty in opening, and springing with the 
 rapidity and agility of a mountaineer over the wall, which 
 separated him from a small court, caught a glimpse of a 
 man hastily mounting a horse, which was held by another, 
 who seemed urging him to use diligence, and the words. 
 
 Well aimed, Maurevel ! struck his ear. The next 
 instant he darted forward, but the horseman was already 
 out of sight, and the person who had assisted him was 
 flying with the utmost precipitation. The voice which 
 had uttered those few words was familiar to Claude’s ear ; 
 the figure of the fugitive was not less so. With a swift- 
 ness which seemed like that of lightning, he pursued him 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 85 
 
 along the cloisters of the building, and with a sudden 
 spring seized him in a powerful grasp, from which he 
 endeavoured to free himself in vain, while Claude recog- 
 nised, with a shudder of horror and an exclamation of 
 indignation, the features of Rene Bianco. 
 
 Villain ! — traitor ! cried Claude, you are my 
 prisoner. You have named your accomplice, and there 
 remains but to confess who is your employer.” 
 
 Claude,” exclaimed Rene', struggling violently, what 
 means this treatment ? — do you know me ? 
 
 ‘‘ I know you,” cried Claude, for an assassin and a 
 coward, and will deliver you to the justice which awaits 
 you.” 
 
 He then called loudly, and endeavoured to drag the 
 Italian towards the house. 
 
 Unhand me ! ” fiercely shrieked Rene ; unhand 
 me, or my dagger shall teach you wisdom.” 
 
 I fear you not,” retorted Claude, though it were 
 as deadly as all the poisons of your accursed land can 
 make it. Murderer, you shall be known ! ” 
 
 Beware ! ” said Rene in a low voice, as he clenched 
 his teeth, and his countenance became livid with malignity ; 
 
 beware how you make me your enemy. Once more, 
 loose your hold ! — But it matters not — If they take me, 
 what have I to fear ? ” 
 
 The loud exclamations of Claude had by this time 
 brought to the spot a numerous party. Bianco was 
 instantly secured, and it was with some difficulty that the 
 mob was prevented from doing summary justice upon him 
 when Claude related the circumstances of his capture, and 
 the assistance he had afforded to the probable assassin. 
 After having given the required promise to appear in 
 evidence against him when called upon he quitted the 
 scene, and hurried home, agitated with thoughts of the 
 most alarming nature, and fears for the future which 
 seemed but too likely to be realized. 
 
 The attempted assassination was soon the universal 
 theme throughout Paris, and great consternation and grief 
 ensued : the wounds of the Admiral, though severe, were 
 not mortal, but the fact of the crime having been perpe- 
 
 G 3 
 
86 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 trated struck terror into the minds of all. The Duke de 
 Guise was openly accused, as it was well known that he 
 had never abandoned the belief that the Admiral was 
 guilty of the death of his father, through the means of 
 Poltrot, however clearly the contrary had been proved. 
 When the news was brought to King Charles, his fury 
 knew no bounds : he hesitated not to name his mother, 
 his brother, and all their partisans, as the authors of the 
 deed ; and it was only when Catherine, after allowing the 
 first burst of feeling to subside, sought his presence, and, 
 joining with him in indignant exclamations of sorrow and 
 regret, proposed that they should go together to visit the 
 sick-bed of the supposed victim of De Guise, that he was 
 pacified. What took place between the mother and son 
 afterwards, events but too fatally explained. 
 
 Half an hour after that interview, the Catholic inha- 
 bitants of the streets in the neighbourhood of the Admiral’s 
 dwelling, were ordered to give up their houses and accom- 
 modations to his Protestant adherents. A muster-roll was 
 made in every part of Paris, and the deceived members of 
 the Religion were exhorted to seek safety against the bar- 
 barous plans of the party of Guise, in the protection of 
 their friend the King. The King of Navarre was re- 
 quested to send all the soldiers of his party, and all the 
 people he could spare to the Louvre, as the Court en- 
 treated his assistance against the suspected Guises. All 
 these precautions succeeded to admiration ; the enthusiasm 
 of the Protestants was at its height, at the generous con- 
 duct of King Charles, and their loyalty excited to defend 
 him from the menacing danger. 
 
 One circumstance alone caused general surprise and dis- 
 satisfaction. Many attempted to explain it by affirming 
 that the whole affair had originated in mistake ; yet it was 
 not without comment that Rene Bianco was seen to take 
 his station about the person of the Queen-mother, as usual,, 
 after having been detained only a few hours in custody. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 87 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 LES CARRIERES DE ST. JACQUES. 
 
 Of horrid shapes and sights and deeds unholy.’*— Milton. 
 
 The city of Paris stands upon an exhausted quarry, which 
 extends for leagues beneath the surface, its hollow caverns 
 and vaulted chambers spreading far and wide. Formerly 
 the sight of the catacombs gave an idea of their vastness ; 
 but as that avenue is closed, their mysterious wonders are 
 now left to the imagination, which can scarcely exaggerate 
 their fearful depth and appalling length. 
 
 These caverns or carrieres were long inhabited by a fra- 
 ternity which went by the name of Les Mauvais Gar- 
 cons,*’ being simply all the robbers, pickpockets, coiners, 
 murderers, and. other malefactors of Paris, who found 
 safety from pursuit in the murky retreats of those dreary 
 abodes, — as to follow them into their dens was a service 
 of danger not to be attempted by the uninitiated. 
 
 The caverns of the Chemin d’Issy and d’Enfer had long 
 possessed the reputation of being peopled by myriads of 
 infernal spirits, as the noises they made sufficiently tes- 
 tified, and the Diable de Vauvert was an accredited imp in 
 •whom it were treason to disbelieve. There were commu- 
 nications between almost all these widely-separated excava- 
 tions, known only to the gloomy habitants of the place, 
 and never revealed to the dwellers on upper earth. Those 
 of the Carrieres St. Jacques were amongst the most con- 
 siderable, and it was to one of the most frequented parts of 
 that region that the Florentine Rene Bianco’s course was 
 bound on the evening of the day on which the attempt had 
 been made on the Admiral’s life. 
 
 For this purpose, no sooner was he freed from durance, 
 than he repaired to the Rue St. Jacques, and entered the 
 shop of Cruce, the butcher, situated nearly at the extremity 
 of the street leading to the route d’Orh'ans. 
 
 Oh ! you are come at last,” said Cruce, in a gruff 
 voice, as he entered ; we have been waiting for you, and 
 G 4 
 
88 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 begin to be impatient ; so little work has been done of late 
 that the trade does not thrive, and some begin to murmur. 
 It's hard a man can’t live by his calling : what’s the use of 
 Court friends if we’re to be poorer than ever.” 
 
 As usual, grumbling ever !” said Rene in a gay tone; 
 
 but I have news which will brighten up all your hearts, 
 — ay, and we must lose no time either. Let us instantly 
 to the quarries, where I suppose my friend Captain Florio, 
 our new comrade, is already arrived ! ” 
 
 Ancelin, the dwarf, was here but now,” answered 
 Cruce, and tells me he is just come with a band of 
 thirty. If you have no work for us it is only bringing so 
 much more trouble ; we have had promises and fine words 
 enough of late.” 
 
 Growling and surly, the gigantic ruffian took a small 
 lamp from a hook in his shop, which he gave to Rene, 
 and provided himself with another, and after fastening his 
 door and window proceeded with the Italian to the back 
 court of his house, where, at the foot of a small round 
 tower built into the newer walls which surrounded it, he 
 entered a cellar with his companion, and by the help of 
 his lamp discovered a flat stone, which he raised by press- 
 ing his foot upon one corner, and a dark flight of steps 
 was evident beneath it. These they descended together, 
 and groped along a dark passage for nearly a quarter of a 
 mile, occasionally coming to openings, wide and rugged, 
 which their lamps served to show in all their gloom. 
 Sometimes they had to climb over huge blocks of slippery 
 sandstone, on which the continual dropping from the roof 
 fell in streams : here and there yawning chasms appeared 
 beneath their feet, whose depth it was fearful to imagine, 
 and high arches and vaults seemed to conduct to different 
 chambers, where nothing but blackness was perceptible, 
 and where numerous bats, scared by the lights they carried, 
 flitted along with short, shrill cries. 
 
 Mort Dieu ! ” said Rene, these quarries are most 
 convenient places,- — what would the fraternity do without 
 them — but I must confess it is not quite so pleasant or 
 so easy to walk amongst them, as upon the marble floor of 
 the Louvre.” 
 
OB, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 8Q 
 
 I dare say not,” said Cruce, with a sneer ; but if 
 you were flying for your life, and I after you, with my 
 good axe in hand, as many a one has done before now — I 
 fancy you’d get on a little faster than you do. However, 
 we are nearly arrived at the Trou de Malaise, where the 
 band are waiting for us. Hilloa ! ho ! ho ! ” and as he 
 spoke, he exalted his voice, and the echoes round took up 
 the sound which soon reached the ears to which it was in- 
 tended to convey a note of greeting. 
 
 A responding shout was returned, and, after a little 
 more climbing and slipping, the pair were in the presence 
 of their comrades. 
 
 The chamber or hall in which the confraternity were all 
 assembled, presented features of great peculiarity. It was 
 one of the largest and highest of the many around, and 
 formed, as it were, the centre of a star, from which nu- 
 merous rays diverged, for in every direction spread out, in 
 long lines of darkness, mysterious paths, conducting to 
 other caves at different distances. The fire which burnt in 
 the middle of this cave, threw upon the surrounding walls 
 a glare of fitful light, which exhibited its decorations in 
 startling clearness. 
 
 Opposite the entrance, towering to the roof, stood the 
 Mere de Mai herself, as a block of hideous form, once 
 worshipped as an idol, was called. Round at various 
 heights were exhibited monstrous skeleton forms, dug at 
 different times out of the quarries, some appearing of the 
 shape and size of crocodiles, but having attached to their 
 scaly backs enormous fan-formed wings, others like hogs, 
 but of gigantic proportions, and with horns and tusks of 
 wondrous strength ; a few bore the semblance of toads, 
 but larger than the largest tortoise, with grinning mouths 
 and long sharp claws. Some were like birds, with necks 
 elongated in an incredible manner, and with heads almost 
 human in their hideousness. Instruments of various kinds 
 were piled on the ffoor, and weapons in heaps were to be 
 seen scattered about. 
 
 At the vaulted entrance of this cavern stood a man of 
 middle age, dressed in the ordinary garb of a mechanic, 
 but who, from the command he appeared to take over the 
 
90 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 restj seemed to be the chief person there. He was greeted 
 by Bianco as Maistre Larondelle, and a somewhat surly 
 recognition took place between the butcher, Cruce, and 
 this worthy, — intended, however, to convey expressions of 
 good fellowship. 
 
 He marshalled his guests into the interior, where, in 
 groups, some seated round the fire, some standing or re- 
 clining near their grim-looking household gods, a party of 
 not less than fifty men were discovered. 
 
 A murmur of satisfaction ran through their ranks, as 
 Larondelle announced Bianco, and a tall man, wrapped in 
 a large dark mantle, starting forward, embraced him, 
 uttering words in Italian expressive of his pleasure in 
 meeting an old friend. The dress of this man was pecu- 
 liar ; as his cloak was thrown aside it revealed a highly- 
 ornamented garb, where gold embroidery and rich colours 
 were conspicuous. In his party-coloured sash he wore 
 pistols and two daggers ; his high-crowned hat was much 
 pulled over his eyes, across its crown was a bunch ol 
 hawk’s-feathers placed in front, and ribands of various 
 hues adorned it to the top of the cone. Some of the many 
 he introduced to Rene as his followers, and described them 
 as gentlemen of fortune, escaped, like himself, from the 
 galleys not long since, and now fully prepared to execute 
 any scheme which might be proposed for their profit and 
 the good of the community. Rene addressed him as 
 Captain Florio ; congratulated him on his fortunate escape 
 from his enemies, and took upon himself to make him 
 better known to the assembled party, with whom, he would 
 probably in future, have much in common. 
 
 This,” said Rene, presenting to him the short, thick- 
 set, low-browed man of scowling aspect who presided, 
 
 this, you must know, is my good friend Larondelle the 
 coiner, director of our band, and chief adviser, who has 
 done much service to the company, and whose ingenuity 
 is equal to his courage.” 
 
 This was received with a suppressed laugh by some 
 present, to whom the latter quality attributed to this dis- 
 tinguished individual was not so well known as the for- 
 mer. Larondelle slunk back with a dissatisfied glance, 
 while Rene continued : — 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 91 
 
 This is Aignan Thue, the mercer, who has a good 
 shop of his own in the Rue des Carmes, not far from the 
 dwelling of the good Fathers, whose example has greatly 
 benefited his morals. And here I am proud to see my ex- 
 cellent comrade Ancelin, who resides in any part of Paris 
 where he conceives he may be most useful to his neigh- 
 bours, and whose general knowledge of the locality those 
 of your troop who may not be well acquainted with Paris 
 will find most valuable.” 
 
 The figure who was the object of Rene’s present dis- 
 course was a diminutive man with a large head, long arms, 
 and body squeezed into a small round shape like that of a 
 spider. He had squinting eyes, and very projecting teeth, 
 of which he appeared proud, for he was in the habit of 
 constantly exhibiting them, having apparently so lively a 
 disposition that the slightest circumstance excited his risi- 
 bility. He was an especial favourite with his friends, 
 being prone to entertain them with the most amusing de- 
 tails of various feats of mischief he was in the daily habit 
 of performing, and being unwearied in the pursuit of any 
 object which was pointed out to him as worthy of employ- 
 ing his talents. 
 
 This respectable tradesman,” resumed Rene, indicating 
 a fierce dogged-looking man in a corner of the cave, on 
 whom the light of the fire shone and gleamed on his 
 rugged features and red hair, — is Fie, the best butcher 
 of the quartier St. Jacques, who is also captain of that dis- 
 trict, his good conduct having recommended him to the 
 discriminating magistrates who preserve order amongst our 
 fellow townsmen ; and this is the celebrated Captain Roy, 
 truly a king of good fellows, who resides in a remote 
 quarter, but grudges neither time nor distance to serve the 
 cause he has embraced. The rest of our friends 1 have no 
 doubt congeniality of feeling will soon make known to you : 
 to enumerate them would take too much time, which is 
 precious with us all. I must immediately proceed to in- 
 form you of the object for which we are here assembled, 
 and I am sure it is one in which you will all rejoice.” 
 
 The banditti crowded round him as he spoke, and eagerly 
 listened to his harangue. 
 
92 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS : 
 
 Many of you no doubt remember the times before the 
 first son of Henry II. reigned, when to meet a Huguenot 
 in the street was to attack him ; when to see the door of a 
 Huguenot’s house open was to enter and pillage it ; and 
 when to inform against a meeting of these heretics was to 
 secure honour and fortune to you, and the stake or the 
 river to them. These happy days have been expiring by 
 degrees ; but you will be surprised to know that even at 
 this instant, when the two parties are just united in the 
 strictest bonds of amity, they are to be revived. You look 
 incredulous — but hear me. They are suspected, or said 
 to be suspected, it matters not what the truth may be, of 
 having conspired against the state : their plots are dis- 
 covered, and instead of the massacre of thousands of good 
 Catholics which they intended to perpetrate, it is resolved 
 that the same drama shall be acted by the true believers. 
 To be brief, the hour is fixed, and when the clock strikes 
 two on the eve of St. Bartholomew, the work must begin — 
 nor will it end until not a single Huguenot is left in Paris, 
 nay, throughout France, for the word is already given, and 
 in every province the same execution will take place. Be 
 ready, then, my friends, to contribute your share to the 
 general good, and hold yourselves prepared to obey the 
 King’s commands, and gain booty and honour.” 
 
 A loud shout of approbation interrupted his discourse, 
 and cries of Long live Charles the Ninth ! ” Down 
 with the Huguenots !” resounded through the caverns, 
 while some of the new comers, who were Italians, Spa- 
 niards, Corsicans, and natives of all nations, devoutly 
 crossed themselves, at which action the free-thinking part 
 of the fraternity, or those who were in the habit of paying 
 their vows to La Mere de Mai, were amused or disgusted 
 as the case might be. 
 
 But what has become of Maurevel } ” inquired Thue 
 the mercer : has he made good his escape } ” 
 
 Yes,” replied Captain Roy, the fool has got safely 
 off ; but he deserved to be taken for missing so near a 
 shot.” 
 
 True,” said Rene ; but he did his best. It was 
 not my fault that you were not employed : the deed would 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 93 
 
 have been done at once^ and much trouble spared ; but 
 Guise insisted on his man, and we were obliged to agree. 
 However, there will be no failure now, as our plans are 
 excellent/’ 
 
 How came it that the groom who brought Maurevel 
 his horse was allowed to be taken ? ” asked Cruce sulkily. 
 That,” replied Bianco, is a mere pretence ; he will 
 be released immediately : it was only to give a colour to 
 the proceedings, and to humour the King, who could not 
 be gained over at first; but he consents to anything now. 
 You see, my friends,” he continued, we shall have great 
 opportunities ; if any little private afiair has annoyed us, 
 it can be settled without trouble, for how can it be pre- 
 vented that some Catholics should fall in the confusion, and 
 who is to inquire how they met their fate ? ” 
 
 Oh excellent — brave thought ! ” giggled the dwarf 
 Ancelin ; 1 have two or three little matters which I shall 
 
 be glad to set at rest.” 
 
 And I,” growled Cruce : — there can be no harm 
 in pulling off the hood of a Cordelier if one can catch him, 
 I suppose ? ” 
 
 By no means,” said Rene ; every man is at liberty 
 to use his discretion.” 
 
 I shall use mine,” muttered Fie. There are more 
 butchers than are necessary in the Rue St. Jacques, and to 
 get rid of a few will make the trade flourish all the better.” 
 Ha, ha !” screamed Ancelin; what a comical fellow 
 you are ; it does me good to hear you. I suppose we need 
 none of us fear to show ourselves in Paris now, as the way 
 is so nicely paved for us } ” 
 
 I advise,” said Rene, that you all keep as close as 
 you conveniently can till midnight on the 24^th, when you 
 can come forth, and circumstances can guide your move- 
 ments. I shall require some of your aid, as I propose to 
 be very busy in the melee, having some interesting busi- 
 ness to transact which will require experienced hands.” 
 Command us ! ” cried several voices : we are yours 
 
 for any service.” 
 
 It was then agreed between them when and where the 
 chosen friends of Rene were to meet ; and having discussed 
 
94 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ! 
 
 several other questions, the favourite of Queen Catherine 
 took his leave, returning by another outlet to St. Jacques 
 du Haut Pas^ from 'whence he speedily made his way across 
 the faubourg, and regained the route which led to the river : 
 as he prudently concluded that it might he as well to avoid 
 being seen by the neighbours of Cruce leaving his domicile 
 at so late an hour as that at which he and his worthy com- 
 panions separated. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 THE HOTEL d’hERCULE. 
 
 “ Perplex’d in the extreme.”— Shakspeare. 
 
 While these scenes were taking place in the carrieres of 
 the city of Paris, the Duke of Guise, to whom the principal 
 arrangement of the whole business had been given by the 
 Queen-mother, and who accepted with avidity the charge 
 which placed his detested foes in his power, was busied in 
 preparing the grand tragedy in which he was to distinguish 
 himself. Great had been the discomfiture of the Prevots 
 on learning from him the services required of them, which 
 were at first so cautiously communicated, that they were at 
 a loss to understand them. At length the Duke explained 
 that a plot had been discovered by which the Huguenots 
 proposed to make themselves masters of Paris, and to mur- 
 der the King and all these who resisted them ; his com- 
 munication ended in the following announcement : — 
 
 We have deliberated and have come to the decision 
 that the only method of delivering ourselves from the per- 
 severing treason of these heretics is by one great blow to 
 rid the country of them for ever. Let the signal of 
 slaughter be the tocsin of the city, as with us it shall be 
 the bell of St. Germain de TAuxerrois : when that strikes 
 two, let every man fall upon his neighbour, and, without 
 distinction of age or station, kill every traitor he meets 
 with. Let the Catholics be distinguished from their foes 
 
OR, THE QTTEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 95 
 
 by a white cross on their hats and a white handkerchief 
 on their left arm ; the sleeve of their right must be tucked 
 up to the elhow, in order to give them greater facility in 
 the work of just destruction.” 
 
 With terror and amazement did Charron and Marcel 
 hear these orders, and by every evasion seek to obtain 
 exemption from them, but sternly and angrily De Guise 
 insisted ; and delivering to them a written order from the 
 King, their scruples were at length apparently overcome, 
 and they departed to take all the necessary measures for 
 the execution of a deed which the eloquence and art of the 
 enemies of the unfortunate Huguenots had convinced them 
 was necessary for the preservation of France. 
 
 Nantouillet, the Prevot de Paris, was busily occupied in 
 his hotel, on the Quai de la Vallee ; he had just taken a 
 survey of all the rooms, and walked with elated mien 
 through the fine painted galleries, where were represented 
 the labours of Hercules, which circumstance had given its 
 name to the house. These paintings were justly celebrated, 
 and indeed it was difficult for art to be carried beyond the 
 architectural ornaments of exquisite grace which the whole 
 mansion displayed, and rare was it to find in Paris a finer 
 collection of the works of the great masters, most of them 
 acquired in the time of Francis I. Nantouillet, who had 
 made a large fortune in trade, had bought the house as it 
 stood, with all its riches, for an immense sum, paid to the 
 crown; for the hotel was one of those which had been 
 confiscated, in consequence of the attainder of its original 
 master, the unfortunate Count de Montgomery, for whose 
 marriage it had been furnished in so splendid a manner. 
 A few additions made to it by the rich citizen had added, 
 if not to its classical beauty, at least to its gorgeousness, 
 and just at this period nothing was more talked of than 
 the magnificence of this abode. Nantouillet was always 
 proud of his possessions, but had never been more so than 
 lately, since the King had condescended to promise him a 
 visit. 
 
 I will,” said he, mentally, give those princes such a 
 fete as they have seldom seen before, and exhibit to them 
 such a store of plate as will amaze them, for I flatter myself 
 
CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 96 
 
 there are not many Parisians who can afford to entertain 
 them in greater style. Madame Marion,*' said he, to his 
 housekeeper, take special care that every thing is in the 
 best order, for, since his Grace deigns to honour me, I would 
 fain show him something worth the trouble of coming 
 for.” 
 
 Madame Marion, who was not fond of dictation, an- 
 swered rather sharply, Who doubts it ? when did I ever 
 neglect any thing — who imagines there is an hotel in 
 Paris to compare with this.^ But why do you invite all 
 these gay gallants of the Court, who sneer and laugh at 
 every thing, and, do what we will, never allow that we of 
 the bourgeoisie can equal them ? ** 
 
 Of the bourgeoisie ! why Marion, what do you mean ? ** 
 said Nantouillet, angrily ; havn’t I money enough to buy 
 them all round ? havn’t they been glad to pawn their estates 
 to me.^ their jewels and their family plate — what have 
 they to show that I havn’t double ? ** 
 
 Birth, — birth !” said old Marion. Don't storm and 
 fume — you can’t make out a better case to me than the 
 truth: — didn't I live with your father at Orleans when 
 he carried on his business as an apothecary — and if it 
 hadn’t been for my care, would he ever have been such a 
 rich man and left you all this money ? But since Madame 
 Marie Touchet, your niece, came to Paris, we hear of 
 nothing but kings and princes, — too much of them, 
 I fancy, for honest citizens : take my word for it, the less 
 you have to do with them the better.'' 
 
 Hold your peace, Marion ! ” said Nantouillet, with 
 dignity ; I know my station, do you remember yours. 
 My niece, Marie Touchet, knows a great deal about the 
 court, and is much respected there, and I intend that she 
 shall do the honours of the Hotel d’Hercule when the 
 royal party honour me with their visit. It will be a grand 
 affair. I shall invite Marcel and Charron, merely to show 
 them how I can live. I know they will die with spite, but 
 that I do not care for — 't will be such a triumph !" 
 
 ^^Here they both come,” said Marion, ^^and you can 
 give your invitation directly then.” 
 
 As she spoke, the two Prevots were announced, and 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 97 
 
 Nantouillet, with much satisfaction^ welcomed them, and 
 insisted immediately on taking them into his new gallery^ 
 which he assured them was more exquisite than any of the 
 others. It is/' said he, entirely built in my own taste, 
 and is the only room I really like in the whole of this fine 
 house, because I have entirely arranged it according to my 
 fancy.'* 
 
 The Prevot de Paris here paused, for he perceived that 
 his two friends were not attending to him, but were con- 
 versing with each other. Their countenances were so 
 grave and sad, that the vain dignitary was arrested in his 
 career of taste, and looked at them with anxious curiosity. 
 
 ‘‘We are not come, Nantouillet," said Charron, ^^to 
 talk on these matters, but on others much more grave, — 
 I would I could say as agreeable : — but we have a fearful 
 commission delivered to us by the Duke de Guise himself, 
 and we are commanded to impart it to you." 
 
 He drew a paper from his pocket, and handed it to 
 Nantouillet, who, casting his eyes over it, let it drop from 
 his hands in consternation, while the deep hue of his cheeks 
 changed to ashy paleness. 
 
 Ste. Marie ! — blessed Martyrs ! — holy St. Genevieve 
 defend us ! exclaimed he — murder all the Huguenots 
 in cold blood } Can it be required of us ? Is there no 
 way of avoiding it ? " 
 
 None,” said Marcel, mournfully. We must use all 
 despatch in assembling the captains, commissaires, quar- 
 teniers, and dixeniers of the different quarters of Paris, and 
 direct them to spread the orders to all their inferior officers 
 and neighbours. Every house harbouring Huguenots must 
 be marked, and measures must be taken to prevent the 
 possibility of their escape.” 
 
 But our friends,” said Nantouillet : may we not 
 
 give information to our friends } may we not warn them of 
 their danger ? ” 
 
 We must not think of friends or foes," returned 
 Charron ; the orders are peremptory, — cur lives will 
 answer for neglecting them. It is a cruel duty, but must 
 be performed. The Huguenots would have done the same 
 by us, but that their plot is discovered." 
 
 H 
 
98 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 The saints be thanked/’ said Nantouillet ; there are 
 none in my hotel, though I have several excellent friends 
 amongst them who often visit me. Heaven grant they 
 arrive not at this time ! What confusion in a house, — a 
 handsome one like this, too ! 
 
 Well,” said Charron, we cannot disobey or delay 
 our order. I must have a thousand men ready this night 
 to act when the signal is given : and having communicated 
 this unpleasant news, I must now leave you, hoping that 
 you will not fail to do all you can in this business — for 
 the best.” 
 
 The last words were spoken in a significant manner, 
 and appeared to convey a double meaning to Nantouillet, 
 who wrung his hand without speaking, and the other two 
 Prevots withdrew. 
 
 When left alone, poor Nantouillet was in a great 
 dilemma, and divided between his wish to distinguish him- 
 self as a chief magistrate, and his desire to show leniency 
 to the devoted Huguenots, to whom he, in common with 
 the greatest part of the reputable citizens, bore no ill will. 
 
 While he was musing in this manner, a door gently 
 opened, and he was aware of the presence of a Cordelier 
 whom he had lately known as a messenger from a friend 
 of his at Lyons, from whom this monk had brought him 
 a message of greeting. 
 
 Enter, good father,” said he. I am glad you are 
 come, for I have a few questions to ask which you can per- 
 haps resolve. Ho you think it an act likely to give satis- 
 faction to Heaven, and to draw down a blessing on the 
 actor, to — to — to put to death a Huguenot.^” 
 
 The monk started. My son,” said he, I understand 
 you not : explain. Ours is a religion of peace, and by it 
 murder can never be approved.” 
 
 I think as much,” replied the perplexed Prevot. 
 
 Yet a heretic and a traitor, you know, makes it a 
 different tiling.’^ 
 
 ^‘Are then the Huguenots traitors.^” asked the monk. 
 
 What are they now accused of ” 
 
 Of a plot, good father,” said Nantouillet, to destroy 
 the King, overturn the state, and massacre all the Catholics 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 99 
 
 in France. Now^ you see^ this being known, would it not 
 be just and right, and pleasing to Mother Church, that we 
 should punish them for this intent in their own coin?” 
 
 By massacre ? ” inquired the Cordelier. 
 
 Nantouillet nodded assent. 
 
 “ And is this measure resolved on ?'* was the inquiry. 
 
 It is, and must be done : this very Sunday night is 
 the time fixed. Not a Huguenot must he left alive in 
 Paris. It is a dreadful business. There may yet be 
 time, good father, if it would not be a sin, to warn a few 
 of one’s friends, if you thought absolution could be ob- 
 tained for 
 
 Doubtless, doubtless, my son,” said the monk in a 
 hurried tone ; they may by this means be brought to 
 the true faith. It would be a crime to neglect it : it will 
 be a sin to execute such a command. Does the King 
 himself know of this ? ” 
 
 Oh, ask me nothing,” said the Prevot. I must say 
 nothing — I am all confusion !” 
 
 The Cordelier’s emotion was violently excited ; his 
 hands trembled, and his voice was faltering with sup- 
 pressed feeling, as he uttered, This is the work of 
 Catherine. I see her hand in it ! ” 
 
 Good father,” said the kind-hearted Prevot, you 
 abide in the faubourg St. Germain ; could you not contrive 
 just to — I dare not say the word — I would not, you 
 know, be privy to — the Vidame de Chartres — the Sieur 
 de Caumont are worthy men, though heretics — if they 
 knew their danger ” 
 
 '^They are at the Admiral’s at this moment I ” exclaimed 
 the Cordelier, and must be warned.” 
 
 The Cordelier approached Nantouillet, and took his 
 hand, which he pressed with fervour. Fear not, ex- 
 cellent man,” he whispered ; there may yet be time. 
 Farewell ! and Heaven prosper you. You will see me no 
 more. I have deceived you for some time past: — this 
 robe which covers me conceals a secret which it is not yet 
 time to reveal. I sought your hotel on a feigned errand. 
 One near and dear to me died in yonder chamber, and 
 at great risk I came here, that I might lay me once 
 H 2 
 
100 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 more where she lay^ and behold the spot where I parted 
 with her_, a corpse,, for she was murdered by Queen 
 Catherine ! 
 
 In my house interrupted Nantouillet. 
 
 Here,” said the monk. I can say no more. I 
 thank you for your pity, and may the blessing of Heaven 
 remain with you ! 
 
 In another moment the Cordelier was gone, and the 
 Prevot stood aghast gazing after him. 
 
 He never named the Saints !” exclaimed he. He is 
 a Huguenot ! A death in my hotel ! — how unpleasant. 
 But I will keep it a secret : it would entirely spoil my 
 fete. Alas ! this sad business will greatly interfere with 
 my entertainment. I trust it is a storm which will blow 
 over. I do not see my way in the matter. 1 must con- 
 sult — Oh ! would that I had never been Prevot of Paris, 
 — the object so long of all my desires ! 
 
 The discomfited dignitary threw himself upon a seat, 
 and covered his face with his hands, vainly ruminating, 
 and coming at last to no conclusion. He was only roused 
 by the announcement of his supper ; and in the enjoyment 
 of that meal he by degrees lost the intensity of his distress, 
 and began to shape out some plan of conduct which, as a 
 magistrate, it was incumbent on him to pursue. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 TWO o’clock. 
 
 “ A wicked day, and not a holy day ! ” — Seakspeare. 
 
 Claude, a prey to uneasy thoughts and fearful reflec- 
 tions on the crime of Bianco and the treachery of the 
 court party, was alone in his chamber anxiously expecting 
 tidings of the state of the Admiral, when a knock at his 
 door announced the presence of a young page, whom he 
 recognised as a domestic attendant on dame Mabille. He 
 delivered to hi.m a billet from the nurse, which contained 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 101 
 
 these words : — Come to me on the instant at the palace ; 
 I entreat you not to delay.” He was struck with the 
 hurried style of the note^ and was seized with involuntary 
 dread of some impending evil. He lost no time in fol- 
 lowing the page to the Louvre, and entered the palace by 
 a private door appropriated to the use of the household. 
 
 As soon as he reached the apartment of Mabille, she 
 hastily welcomed him^ and with a look of caution led him 
 into an inner chamber, where, after carefully fastening the 
 door and examining the arras, she seated herself, and de- 
 siring Claude to approach thus addressed him : — I have 
 just received a warning which has filled me with alarm and 
 uncertainty. This paper was conveyed to me in a sugared 
 sweetmeat, thrown from a gallery of the palace as I passed 
 through one of the halls.” She opened a small slip of 
 paper, and read — ^^^You are safe; but if you have a 
 Huguenot friend, bid him take heed of midnight.’ I am,” 
 said she, in great perplexity : some danger is evidently 
 at hand. Judge if my fears have justly interpreted. I am 
 about to confide to you a secret which, I know, will be 
 safe in your keeping. Alix, the daughter of the President 
 Bailly, is a Protestant. Rene Bianco has asked her hand 
 in marriage of her father, and his consent, in spite of the 
 odium which now attaches to him, will not, I fear, be 
 withheld : but Alix has a vow in Heaven against the 
 union, and I know her resolution can never be shaken. 
 What if this warning should point to some danger threaten- 
 ing her ? What if Rene, aware of her aversion, has dis- 
 covered her religious opinions, and has some diabolical 
 plan in agitation ? ” 
 
 Oh God ! ” cried Claude, every nerve trembling with 
 emotion, what can be done to save her ! It is but too 
 plain, — he meditates a fearful revenge. Midnight ! — the 
 time is not far distant. Has she no suspicion of her 
 danger ? Have you not ” 
 
 ^^No,” interrupted Mabille. It is to you alone that I 
 venture to communicate my fears, and would place you on 
 your guard against a possible evil. At the time mentioned 
 see that the house is well secured, — and sleep not till the 
 hour of peril be past. Go, then, my dear Claude, — for- 
 H 3 
 
102 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEHICIS ; 
 
 give the fears of one who has known so many afflictions 
 that she haply starts at shadows ; if we are deceived, the 
 suspicion can perish in oblivion.” 
 
 I will hasten back without a moment's delay/' cried 
 the impatient Claude. ^‘^Oh ! Mahille, you know not how 
 dear is the charge you have entrusted me with.” 
 
 Hastily clasping Mabille's hand, he sprang to the door, 
 but his extreme agitation, as he supposed, prevented his 
 opening it. He pressed the spring in vain, it yielded 
 not. Ashamed of his awkwardness, he exerted his strength, 
 — still the door resisted. Mahille advanced, half-smiling, 
 in spite of her anxiety, at the consequence of his impetu- 
 osity, — half- vexed at the delay, hut she found her efforts 
 equally unavailing. 
 
 It is strange!” cried both at once, as they united 
 their endeavours, but to no purpose. 
 
 This way ! ” said Mahille, turning pale ; you can 
 pass by the other door.” So saying, she led him through 
 a closet to another chamber ; but their consternation was 
 great on finding that door also fastened. Mahille uttered 
 an exclamation of terror. Claude exhausted himself in 
 vain attempts, and paced the room in inexpressible 
 distress. 
 
 What can this mean ? ” he said : it cannot be 
 
 a mere jest ; and while I linger, Alix is abandoned. 
 Oh Heavens ! is there no means of escaping } — the 
 windows } ” 
 
 Alas ! ” said Mahille, we are in the highest part of 
 the palace.” Claude, however, had rushed towards them, 
 and throwing open one observed with dismay its immense 
 height from the ground. 
 
 It looked into the outer court of the palace, and he 
 remarked that the space below was nearly filled with 
 armed men, — while, as he stretched his view beyond, he 
 saw lights moving in all directions, and a confused murmur 
 of voices was borne to him upon the wind, mingled with 
 the clashing of armour and the movement of horses. 
 
 Both he and Mahille gazed hopelessly from their elevated 
 situation, each moment increasing their distress of mind. 
 They wearied each other in conjecture, and in this manner 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 103 
 
 several hours passed away ; but as midnight approached, 
 the fears of Claude for Alix rose almost to distraction, and 
 Mabille wept and prayed alternately in all the agonies of 
 anxiety. 
 
 The hour of midnight tolled, and with a shudder they 
 counted each stroke of the bell. Suddenly they perceived 
 that all the windows in the palace, as far as they could see, 
 were illuminated : the murmur of voices and the clanking 
 of steps became more audible. One o’clock sounded, and 
 the clamour below seemed rather to increase. At length 
 the great bell of the opposite church of St. Germain de 
 TAuxerrois struck two, and its deep, hollow tone, distinctly 
 heard by the prisoners, was intermingled with the loud 
 beating of the palace clock. A few moments elapsed, 
 when the clamour from the court grew louder and louder. 
 Claude bent from the window at which he was stationed : 
 the clear moonlight shone with dazzling brilliancy as if in 
 mockery of the lights which appeared in all directions ; 
 but the heavy balconies, and their projecting ornaments, 
 concealed much from his view. Occasionally he caught 
 glimpses of moving figures, some bearing torches, others 
 drawn swords and bayonets. Suddenly a yell, loud, 
 terrible, and continuous, resounded through the air, fol- 
 lowed by a tremendous discharge of musketry, amidst the 
 din of which were discernible shouts of exultation, ap- 
 palling shrieks, agonised cries. Within, without, the 
 tumult raged ; the air seemed peopled with yelling demons, 
 and sounds so horrible, that human nature shuddered to 
 hear them, rang through the brain of Claude and his 
 affrighted companion, as they stood alone, speechless with 
 horror, gazing on each other with starting eyes, doubting 
 whether fear had not deprived them of reason, and that 
 the howling sounds around were not the creation of their 
 disordered imagination. 
 
 Louder, more frequent, and more appalling, grew the 
 shouts and cries, mixed with the stunning report of 
 cannon. ‘^The Guises ! the Guises !” shrieked Mabille ; 
 — the King ! the King ! my poor child ! they have 
 besieged the palace and will murder him, while I am kept 
 from him by bolts and bars ! 
 
 II 4 
 
104 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 Overcome by the fearful vision her imagination had 
 conjured up, she fell senseless on the floor; while Claude, 
 utterly unable to assist her, stood aghast and immovable 
 with horror. The dreadful truth flashed upon his mind, 
 — a cry reached him, — and the hideous nature of the 
 tumult was revealed : — words of frightful meaning echoed 
 in his hearing, Kill ! kill ! — leave none alive ! — 
 down with the Huguenots! — strike! — the King com- 
 mands — strike, in the name of the blessed Virgin, and 
 exterminate the heretics ! 
 
 The massacre of Su Bartholomew had begun. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 THE CONSENT. 
 
 “ I should have thought of heaven and hell conjoined — 
 
 The morning star mix’d with infernal fire — 
 
 Ere I had thought of this.” — Joanna Baillie. 
 
 In the house of the president Bailly all w^as tranquillity. 
 Alix, however, had not retired to rest : her mind was 
 occupied with a thousand thoughts which chased each 
 other in quick succession. She shuddered as she recol- 
 lected the looks of the Queen-mother, and the presumptuous 
 bearing of Bianco, his lately-discovered crime, and his 
 extraordinary enlargement, and with grief and fear she 
 remembered that her father appeared but little to enter 
 into her feelings of indignant horror of this act. 
 
 One thought, in spite of all her efforts, she was unable 
 to banish : it returned again and again, and would intrude 
 in spite of her struggles to suppress it — the image of 
 Claude Emars — her deliverer — her friend. 
 
 The night wore on, and in the silence of her chamber 
 she wept for some time, abandoning herself to melancholy 
 fancies : at length, reproaching herself for thus permitting 
 sorrow to usurp the place of that resignation which the 
 pure faith she had adopted ought to inspire, she knelt and 
 
105 
 
 OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 offered to Heaven the homage of an afflicted and innocent 
 heart. 
 
 As she rose from her knees, the bell tolled two, and a 
 few minutes after she heard a loud knocking at the outer 
 gate. She started up in alarm and ran to the window ; 
 the sounds without grew louder and more violent, and she 
 saw by the moonlight a figure glide swiftly along the court, 
 and unbar the door with precipitation, when in an instant 
 the whole space was filled with armed men, whose gestures 
 bespoke no peaceful errand. The glare of torches and the 
 blaze of light beyond showed the features of men of fearful 
 mien, and all doubt of their hostile intentions was soon 
 dissipated when Alix heard their vociferous exclamations, 
 which appeared but the echo of a howling mob without. 
 
 Down with the Huguenots ! ’’ roared a dozen voices ; 
 
 deliver up the Huguenots ! Kill ! kill ! — it is the King 
 commands ! ” 
 
 Merciful Heaven ! ” she exclaimed, they will murder 
 the unfortunate Claude ! ” 
 
 Her first movement was to rush to her father’s apart- 
 ment, where having gained admittance, she threw herself 
 into his arms, speechless with terror. Alarm and con- 
 sternation took possession of the mind of Bailly as he 
 heard the loud yells and the approaching footsteps of the 
 ruffian band which had entered his house. 
 
 My child — my Alix!” cried he, ^^what is this.^ 
 Are the plots of the Huguenots ripe, and are we to become 
 their victims } ” 
 
 Oh, father 1 father ! ” cried Alix, why will you 
 wrong these unfortunate men } — would we were in their 
 hands! But hark! listen to their cries — they approach 
 — they are here ! — oh, mercy ! mercy ! ” 
 
 A sudden crash was now heard, and the door of the 
 apartment was burst open, giving admittance to a crowd 
 of ferocious-looking men, at the head of whom the butcher 
 Fie, with a large knife in his hand, such as is used in his 
 trade, and which he brandished fiercely, rushed towards 
 them, and loudly demanded of the President the delivery 
 of his Protestant secretary. 
 
 Bailly attempted to speak. 
 
106 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 Your lives are in our hands ! ” thundered he. This 
 is no time for words. Where is the accursed Huguenot — 
 the bantling of the Vache de Navarre ? Speak^ or we spare 
 none in the house ! ” 
 
 What is your purpose ? demanded the President 
 faintly. 
 
 Extermination to the Huguenots I cried twenty 
 voices. 
 
 Fie advanced to Alix, and laid his huge hand on her 
 delicate arm to drag her from her father, when his action 
 was arrested by the sudden entrance of a man masked,, and 
 wrapped in a cloak, on which was a large white cross, 
 similar to those worn by the others. 
 
 Hold, Captain ! ” he cried, in a voice which vibrated 
 to the heart of Alix ; this is not the chamber : he sleeps 
 not here — we harm no good Catholics. On to the other 
 wing of the house — the Bearnais whelp is there waiting 
 for his fate. The coward hides himself from danger. 
 Follow me ! 
 
 As he spoke he darted forward, and all the band, with 
 imprecations and yells, hurried after him. 
 
 The room usually occupied by Claude was soon reached, 
 and the door dashed to pieces without delay : with the cry 
 of wolves they sprang towards his bed, and their leader, 
 who was no other than Bianco, brandishing his dagger, 
 cried in a voice hoarse with fury, ‘‘ Hurra ! he escapes me 
 not a second time ! As he spoke he aimed a deadly 
 blow, but what was his amazement to discover that the 
 place was unoccupied, and he had expended his rage in 
 vain. A coarse laugh from his companions added to his 
 passion and confusion. 
 
 Ha ! ha ! Master Rene ! ” cried the facetious dwarf 
 Ancelin, perching himself on the bed’s foot, this is too 
 good a joke ; who would have thought that the Huguenot- 
 aille could foil a Florentine ? 
 
 This is dull work,'’ said Fie, searching the room in 
 vain, while the others clamoured to be gone. 
 
 Hence, then ! " cried Rene ; you will find occupation 
 enough. Leave me to deal with the doting old man below 
 and his daughter. Away ! — to your business ! ” 
 
ORj THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 107 
 
 With tumultuous zeal his comrades hurried into the 
 street^ leaving Rene on his way back to the President’s 
 room. Infuriated with disappointment, he no longer at- 
 tempted disguise, but rushed into the presence of Bailly 
 and his daughter, clamouring vehemently that they should 
 discover to him the retreat of Claude. 
 
 Bianco,” said the President, I was ignorant of his 
 absence, and have no power to direct you to him.” 
 
 ‘‘ It is false ! — it must he false ! ” cried Rene ; hut 
 you seek to protect him in vain.” Then turning to Alix, 
 whose terror scarcely allowed her to breathe, he continued, 
 
 — Alix, do you love your father or this low-bred menial 
 best ? The mob is at your gates. Hark ! they are mas- 
 sacring on every side ! — they pause not to inquire who 
 are their friends ; and when they rush into your house, 
 tell me who will save your father from their fury ? I can 
 do so, and I alone.” 
 
 Oh, save him — save him ! and let me perish only ! ” 
 shrieked Alix. 
 
 Both shall be safe hut on one condition,” he answered. 
 Your father’s word is given ; it remained hut for you 
 to ratify it. When the murderers return, as they will do, 
 
 — already I hear them, — their swords and pikes are 
 gleaming in the light of the burning houses, — their shouts 
 are nearer ; — do you not hear them ? ” 
 
 Oh, yes — yes ! ” cried the terrified girl : is there 
 
 no way to save my father ? Speak ! what can I do to pre- 
 vent his being butchered in my sight ? ” 
 
 Acknowledge yourself my wife 1 ” cried Rene, seizing 
 her wrist and dragging her to the windows, where a 
 frightful spectacle presented itself of flying wretches pur- 
 sued and hewn down, blood flowing, houses pillaged and 
 on fire, and a hideous noise of voices, loud in fury, shrieks, 
 groans, and bursts of artillery echoing along the air, — 
 
 Say that you are mine,” he repeated, — as mine you 
 must be, — and even yet it is not too late ! ” 
 
 Never ! — never ! ” shrieked Alix, breaking from him 
 and rushing to her father. I cannot, father ! it is im- 
 possible ! ” 
 
 Then, President, your fate is sealed. I can protect 
 you no longer : your blood be on your daughter’s head ! ” 
 
108 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 As Rene uttered this in a furious tone, a dreadful 
 tumult was heard. The mob was rushing in at every 
 avenue ; already they had gained the ante-chamber. ‘‘ This 
 way — this way ! ’’ roared one amongst them ; and in 
 another moment the room was filled with a disorderly 
 hand of wretches, their faces distorted with the excitement 
 of recent carnage, — their hands and clothes crimson with 
 slaughter, and their words fraught with vengeance. 
 
 A blow from the foremost felled the President to 
 the ground ; while Rene stood by, erect and motionless, 
 gazing on the distracted features of his child. Pikes and 
 swords were advanced — a rush was made — and the life 
 of Bailly was not worth a moment's duration, when Alix, 
 desperate with terror and despair, cried, in a loud and 
 piercing tone, Save my father! — I am the wife of Rene 
 Bianco!” A shout from Rene followed her exclamation, 
 — she heard no more, — she saw no more, — a confused 
 murmur of horrid sounds rung in her ears, — a mass of 
 scowling, grinning faces swam before her eyes, — she fell 
 prostrate on the body of her father, and the next instant 
 they were alone, — the band of assassins had quitted the 
 house, — the doors were barred, and Rene Bianco had 
 disappeared. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 THE FUGITIVE. 
 
 “ With what grief was my heart then darken’d ! And how did every thing I 
 then saw look like death ! ” — St. Augustin. 
 
 In a deep embrasure of one of the windows in a chamber 
 of the Queen-mother’s apartments at the Louvre sat a 
 party of ladies, looking out upon the moonlight river which 
 glittered at the foot of the tower. These were the young 
 Queen of Navarre and her friends, whose beauty had ob- 
 tained them the title of the three Graces. Henriette, 
 Duchess de Nevers, Catherine, Princess de Portien, and 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 109 
 
 their younger sister Marie, the bride of Conde. A deep 
 sadness, very unusual with them, overspread the society, 
 occasional monosyllables and suppressed sighs alone inter- 
 rupting the silence. The suspicion under which the Duke 
 de Guise had fallen of having attempted the life of the 
 Admiral, weighed heavily on the heart of the pensive 
 Catherine, to whom it was said he was shortly to be 
 united : her sisters shared her sorrow ; but that of Marie 
 was combined with a regret for which she felt that time 
 could bring no cure, and the thoughts of Marguerite were 
 undefinable and full of the deepest melancholy. Suddenly 
 the plash of oars was heard, and a small boat was observed 
 approaching the foot of the tower which projected con- 
 siderably from the body of the building towards the river. 
 It neared the land, and a young cavalier, masked and 
 covered with a large cloak, leaped on shore, and looking up 
 towards the window where so many fair forms were placed, 
 he drew forth a guitar, and after a short prelude of ex- 
 treme harmony and beauty, sang the following lines : — 
 
 “ Thou art to me less than a shade 
 By fragile leaves of autumn made ; 
 
 Less than the note of some lone bird 
 ’Midst early spring’s first whispers heard, 
 
 A weed — a feather on the sea — 
 
 All this, and less, thou art to me ! 
 
 “ Why does my trembling fancy dwell 
 On all that paints thy form too well, — 
 
 Why see, where’er 1 turn, thine eyes 
 Haunting the streams — the woods — the skies, 
 
 Although a place within thy mind 
 I know my image cannot find ? 
 
 Less than a kiss in sleep am I, 
 
 Without a claim on memory. 
 
 “ I know all hope thy smile to gain 
 Is idle weakness, fond and vain. 
 
 As vain to look for clouds past by, — 
 
 As vain to follow vacancy, — 
 
 Tell me what else is vainer yet 
 That this weak heart will not forget ! ” 
 
 Ah !” whispered the Duchess de Nevers, it is doubt- 
 less ‘ Le beau D’Entragues.’ How imprudent to come 
 here! Dear Madame Marguerite, your beauty has crazed 
 him, or rather the misfortune of your marriage has made 
 him forget all but his wretchedness. I feared some fatal 
 consequence ; for when he quitted the cathedral he was 
 heard to exclaim, ^ I have only now to die of regret ! ’ 
 
1 J 0 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 Let US retire from the window^*' returned the Princess 
 in the same tone, ^^poor D’Entragues, — I thought his 
 passion only gallantry, — and, indeed, I trust it is no more, 
 and that he merely follows the fashion of our day/' 
 
 Alas ! ” said the Princess de Conde, how much I 
 pity him !” 
 
 ^^At this moment, the Queen-mother, the Duchess de 
 Lorraine, the King and his brothers entered the room, 
 and much to the surprise of all, for he was supposed to be 
 justly in disgrace — the Duke de Guise, followed by the 
 Duke de Nevers, Marshal Tavannes, and the Count de 
 Retz. 
 
 How is this ? ” said Catherine, in a stern voice ; 
 why are you still here. Marguerite ? it is fitting that you 
 retire to your chamber, as we have business of importance 
 to consult upon, about which you have no concern ; — 
 ladies, I do not require your services further, and request 
 you all to withdraw/' 
 
 All those to whom she spoke immediately made their 
 obeisance and left the chamber ; but the young Queen of 
 Navarre lingered still, for her sister of Lorraine had taken 
 her hand, and, grasping it with a convulsive movement, 
 detained her. 
 
 Her mother looked angrily towards her, — Did you 
 hear me, madam," she exclaimed, or must I repeat my 
 commands ? " 
 
 My dear mother," said the Duchess of Lorraine in a 
 low voice, hear me. Consider what you are doing. Is 
 it well to expose poor Marguerite to so much danger? 
 Why not allow her to stay here ? — There will be little 
 • safety in the apartments of Henry of Navarre : you know 
 too well there will not." 
 
 Marguerite had caught the last words, and turning 
 deadly pale, What is the matter } " said she ; what 
 danger threatens my husband ? ” 
 
 Silence ! " returned Catherine ; I insist upon her 
 going instantly." 
 
 Claude de Lorraine hurst into a passion of tears, and 
 throwing herself into her sister’s arms, cried out, O God ! 
 Marguerite, my dear sister, do not go." 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 Ill 
 
 Catherine’s brow became livid with rage ; Am I to be 
 braved by children ? ’’ she exclaimed. Come hither, 
 Claude ; leave your sister instantly, and attend to what I 
 order.'" 
 
 So saying, she seized the arm of the Duchess, and drew 
 her into a distant part of the room : the young Queen 
 could not overhear their words ; but she saw that the one 
 pleaded earnestly, while the other kept an unmoved and 
 stern countenance. 
 
 It is enough— -no harm will reach her,” was all she 
 heard, while the Duchess once more approaching, kissed 
 her tenderly, and overcome with emotion left the room. 
 Marguerite did the same, leaving her mother with the 
 party who had entered, and who were all in deep dis- 
 course, apparently unconscious of the scene which had 
 been going on. 
 
 On reaching her apartments the Princess was surprised 
 to find the King of Navarre surrounded by his Huguenot 
 friends, to the number of thirty or forty. 
 
 She was received without ceremony, and observed a 
 gloom on the faces of all, which the subject of their con- 
 versation sufficiently explained, for they were speaking of 
 the attempt on the Admiral’s life, and vehemently insisting 
 that justice should be done by King Charles on the 
 murderer, whom they hesitated not to name as the Duke 
 de Guise. 
 
 He has quitted Paris,” said Henry of Navarre ; 
 cowardly assassin as he is, he fears the consequences of 
 his crime : but our vengeance will yet overtake him. I 
 have seen the King but now. I believe him to be sincere, 
 and doubt not that he will pursue the murderous Guises 
 to the utmost.” 
 
 Marguerite started ; she had left the Duke in the 
 Queen’s chamber but a moment, and yet he was repre- 
 sented as at a distance. Why was this deception prac- 
 tised ? she trembled to ask herself the question. 
 
 She retired into an inner chamber, where her nurse, 
 who was much attached to her, was struck with the pale- 
 ness of her countenance, and persuaded her to lie down, 
 which she consented to, but her anxiety prevented he 
 
112 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 sleeping, for she still heard her husband and his friends 
 in serious and angry discussion. At length Henry of 
 Navarre entered her chamber^ and perceiving her in tears 
 spoke in a kind and gentle tone, and begged her to be 
 comforted, — that all would be well. 
 
 I am going/* said he, to the jeu de paume, with 
 some of my friends, — to sleep is impossible to-night; — 
 we shall be ready to wait on the King early in the morning, 
 and I would not have it seem that we are all watching ; 
 play will be a suflScient excuse if he should ask for me ; 
 let it be known how I am engaged. Adieu, dear Mar- 
 guerite/* 
 
 She started, and a feeling of astonishment, pleasure, 
 and joy, even to agony, took possession of her senses ; she 
 had no words to reply, and he was gone instantly. She 
 rose on her couch and put her hand to her heart, to 
 repress its violent beating — this was the first word of 
 endearment Henry had ever used to her — this was almost 
 the first look of kindness he had given her. Cold, un- 
 moved, and silent, he had appeared to endure her pre- 
 sence, but no more ; — she had been nothing to him, but 
 apparently an object of aversion, and they met but as cold 
 acquaintances forced upon each other. But he saw her in 
 tears — in tears on his account, and his heart was softened 
 towards the innocent instrument of tyranny which Cathe- 
 rine had placed in his path, as he conceived, as a spy. 
 
 He knew little of her he contemned, of her generosity, 
 her noble frankness, her pitying indulgence ; her love ! 
 yes, — she no longer could conceal it from herself ; she 
 loved the husband who neglected her ; she adored him 
 who rejected her affection ; she, the object of the devotion 
 of so many — ^for whom d*Entragues*s heart was breaking, 
 whom the gallant Bussi lived but to honour ; from whom 
 the poets of the time took their inspiration — she who was 
 called Venus Uranie, — she, who saw princes and potentates 
 at her feet, — loved for the first time, and in vain ! 
 
 Several hours passed away and her tears flowed on ; at 
 length, exhausted with weeping, by degrees sleep stole 
 over her, and she fell hack on her pillow, her arm sup- 
 porting her head. By the side of her couch, her nurse, 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTKER. 
 
 113 
 
 who believed her to have slumbered long, as she no longer 
 heard her sobs, was reposing quietly. A lamp burnt 
 feebly on a table near, and her book of prayers was open 
 on it, at the passage which she had read before her eyes 
 closed, Deliver me, oh my God ! out of the hand of the 
 ungodly, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel 
 man.’' 
 
 The clock of St. Germain de FAuxerrois tolled two. 
 A fearful dream disturbed the sleep of the Princess : 
 hideous forms, — flames, — seas of blood, appeared before 
 her eyes. She strove to fly, — to shriek : iron chains 
 seemed to bind her to the spot, — terrible sounds were 
 in her ears as of a violent tumult. She started and woke, 
 but the vision was still there ! The sound still echoed 
 round her ; and a furious knocking at the door of her 
 chamber roused her nurse, who, with terrified looks, lis- 
 tened while they were repeated with frantic vehemence, 
 accompanied by cries of Navarre ! Navarre !” 
 
 Fly to undo the door ! ” cried Marguerite : it is my 
 
 husband ! — some evil has befallen him.” 
 
 The nurse obeyed, and with trembling hands removed 
 the bolt, when a frightful spectacle presented itself to 
 them — a young man covered with blood, which issued 
 from several wounds, darted wildly into the room, and 
 threw himself at the feet of the young Queen. I am 
 content,” he exclaimed, since I may die here ! ” Mar- 
 guerite uttered a shriek of horror, and at the same moment 
 her room was filled with guards, who with loud cries 
 rushed, with swords drawn, towards their victim : their 
 faces were fierce, their eyes rolling, and their gestures full 
 of fury. Down with the Huguenot ! — kill, kill !” were 
 the words she heard, as clasping the wretched man in her 
 arms, she covered him with her body. 
 
 Hold, ruffians ! ” she exclaimed : traitors ! dare you 
 
 to murder a subject before the eyes of your King’s sister 
 He is a heretic ! — give him up to us : it is the King’s 
 commands,” roared the foremost assassin, advancing to 
 seize his prey. 
 
 Marguerite, with a movement of compassion which 
 overcame her terror, threw her robe over the kneeling 
 
 I 
 
114 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ! 
 
 maiij who still grasped her firmly round the waist : hut 
 another moment would have decided his fate, when a loud 
 voice from without was heard calling to the soldiers to 
 forbear : and Nan^ay, the Captain of the guard, rushed 
 forward and threw himself between the Princess and the 
 assailants. 
 
 Hence !” he exclaimed. Idiots, is it here that you 
 waste the precious instants when there are thousands to be 
 dealt with? Away to the lower court, — there the 
 Huguenots are waiting like sheep to be slaughtered : leave 
 this miscreant to me."' 
 
 He waved his hand, and the troop hurried away with 
 vociferous exclamations of fury ; while, turning to Mar- 
 guerite, he cried, Madam, it may not be ; all of this 
 accursed race are doomed I Give up the prisoner, he is 
 condemned to die.” 
 
 No, Nan^ay !” shrieked the Queen: — disgrace not 
 the name of a brave soldier by such an act. He is under 
 my protection, and none ever sued for it in vain. What 
 means this violence ? Against whom do you war, and who 
 are to be your victims ? ” 
 
 The Huguenots ! ” returned he. This very night 
 every Huguenot in Paris, — nay, throughout France, must 
 die ! it is decreed. Hark ! the canon — the shouts ! — I 
 must to my post. He whom you would preserve, I see, 
 is already dead.” As he spoke he dragged the object of 
 his search from the clasp of his protectress : — he had 
 fainted, and gave no sign of life. Do w’^hat you will 
 with him, I ask no questions.” 
 
 He was rushing away when Marguerite cried after 
 him, — For the love of the blessed saints, tell me where 
 is Henry of Navarre ! ” 
 
 Safe,” returned the Captain, — unhurt, in the 
 King's chamber ; but how long he may be so, I know 
 not.” 
 
 Conduct me thither I entreat, I implore you ! ” 
 screamed the Princess. If mercy ever entered your 
 breast, abandon me not at this moment ! — if you have a 
 heart, reject not my prayers !” and she clung to him in 
 agony, her long black hair flowing in weaves almost to her 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 115 
 
 feet, her white arms clasping nis knees, her dress disor- 
 dered and stained with blood, and her face pale as ashes. 
 
 The rough soldier gave one glance at her prostrate 
 figure; a shudder passed through his frame. ‘‘^Rise, 
 madam,’" he exclaimed, this is no posture for you. 
 Forgive me, and believe while I have an arm to use you 
 shall not be defenceless. I will conduct you to the King’s 
 chamber ; there use your eloquence and save the devoted 
 princes. Oh, fatal duty ! that I must follow commands 
 so cruel and unmanly !” 
 
 Marguerite looked hack to her nurse, who was support- 
 ing the wounded man, entreated her to tend him if he 
 still lived, and, casting oflP her upper robe which streamed 
 with blood, hastily covered herself with a mantle and fol- 
 lowed the steps of Nan9ay. Yells, loud and horrible, 
 greeted her passage ; discharges of artillery and shrieks 
 and groans stunned her as she advanced ; footsteps retreat- 
 ing and pursuing, cries of vengeance and entreaties for 
 pity, — all these sounds came in confused clamours to her 
 ear, as half-dragged along she hurried towards her brother’s 
 apartments. The doors of the antechamber were open, 
 and from thence rushed a man pursued by soldiers, who, 
 at a few paces from her, pierced his body with their hal- 
 berds, and he fell, shrieking for mercy, to the ground. 
 The arms of Nan^ay received her as she sank fainting, 
 but, recovering her strength, she darted forward, and was 
 clasped to her sister’s breast. 
 
 Oh ! Claude, Claude!” she exclaimed, where is my 
 husband?"’ But before an answer could be returned, re- 
 newed cries were heard, and two of Henry of Navarre’s 
 attendants, came flying along the corridor, and took refuge 
 in the room. 
 
 Save us, Princess, save us ! "" they shrieked ; we are 
 pursued, and have no hope but in you,"" 
 
 In another moment the door was closed and locked by 
 Nan^ay, and the unfortunate men were kept from those 
 who sought their lives, while Marguerite and her sister flew 
 with the speed of terror through the line of chambers, and, 
 reaching the King’s bedchamber, fell almost senseless at 
 the threshold. 
 
 I 2 
 
116 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS I 
 
 There sat Charles the Ninths with a countenance so 
 ghastly that all vitality seemed passed from him : his eyes 
 rolled frightfully, his mouth was partly open, his lips white, 
 and his nostrils distended ; his hair seemed lifted from 
 his head, and streamed wildly in all directions ; one hand 
 was clenched amongst its locks, and in the other he held 
 an arquebuse. The Queen-mother stood beside him, pale 
 also, but stern, unmoved, and sullen ; her large black eyes, 
 fixed upon him, seemed riveted to his countenance, and 
 appeared to hold him as in a spell : one arm leant upon his 
 shoulder, and one hand grasped him as though an iron band 
 were round his frame : the other hand was raised, and the 
 finger pointed, as if directing his attention to scenes which 
 were beyond his vision. A smile of horrible meaning 
 flitted over her cheek as a fresh peal burst on the stillness 
 of that death-like chamber, and shrill screams pierced the 
 tapestried walls. Henry of Navarre and the Prince of 
 Conde were behind ; the latter had cast himself on the 
 ground, and tore his hair in agony : the other stood trans- 
 fixed, having no power to breathe or move : but Mar- 
 guerite saw that they still lived, and crawling to the foot- 
 stool of her brother, she cried aloud, — Charles, as you 
 hope for eternal salvation, — as you look for pardon for 
 this horrible crime, save these from massacre and death ! 
 — she pointed to the princes, for her tongue refused to pro- 
 nounce their names. 
 
 ^^Away, Marguerite, away!’’ cried Charles wdldly. ^Mt 
 is too late — all must fall — there is no safety but in their 
 destruction. Why do you come with that ghastly look to 
 reproach and torture me.^ The will of Heaven must be 
 performed ! ” 
 
 Then you will save them — you will save your own 
 soul? Brother, dear brother, have I not loved you, 
 cherished you ? — were we not infants together — have 
 not our joys and sorrows been the same.^ Have I ever 
 wronged you in thought.^ and how has Henry done so? 
 — has lie not confided in you, trusted you with all his 
 people — given himself and them into your hands, and do 
 you repay him with treachery and murder ? Turn not 
 from me — you must hear me: never, never will I quit 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER, 
 
 117 
 
 you till you grant me their lives^ or, if you refuse it, here 
 on this spot I will remain to be the first victim ; and know, 
 Charles, the blood you thus shed of your nearest and 
 dearest will rise against you, and make your future life a 
 scene of perpetual horror. Phantoms will flit around your 
 bed — spirits of vengeance wdll shriek in your ears, as do 
 my accents now, and you will die in tortures, without hope 
 of mercy P' 
 
 ‘^Hold, frantic 'woman cried the King, starting up 
 and bursting from the hold of Catherine ; ‘‘ distract me 
 not with these denunciations. Navarre, Conde, fly to your 
 chambers — avoid my sight, lest I repent: you are safe. 
 Nan 9 ay, take heed the princes are unharmed ; set guards 
 upon them, but let their lives be sacred as my own. The 
 rest,’’ he hurriedly continued, the rest shall fall — yes, 
 by my own hand ! Fear not, mother ; your counsel shall 
 be followed. My aim shall be sure ; the enemies of God 
 shall flee before me ! ” 
 
 So saying, he grasped the instrument of destruction 
 which he held, rushed to the open window, and fired, 
 crying out with the gestures of a maniac, as he reloaded 
 his gun, Kill! kill! down with the enemies of God!” 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 LES MATINES DE PARIS. 
 
 There lay Duncan, 
 
 His silver skin laced with his golden blood ! ” — Siiakspeare. 
 
 During this period Montgomery, disguised as a Cordelier, 
 on quitting the Prevot Nantouillet, hurried along the quay, 
 and, taking a boat, passed the river. The boatman, he 
 observed, made a sign to him as they parted, which he did 
 not understand, and he felt somewhat uneasy in perceiving 
 that he looked after him with a glance of very sinister ex- 
 pression as he stepped out of the boat, and he saw him 
 w^hispering to some of his comrades, but heard not their 
 words, 
 
 I 3 
 
118 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 The Rue de Bethizy^ where the Admiral resided^ was 
 not so soon gained as he had hoped, for he found the streets 
 crowded with soldiers, and met groups of men of the lowest 
 classes, who seemed parading up and down in riotous con- 
 fusion, unrepressed by any authority. He contrived to 
 push through the crowd, and had nearly arrived at the 
 door he sought, when some men with torches rushed along, 
 and he was obliged to stand up and let them pass ; but as 
 he did so, the light, flashing upon his face, discovered him 
 distinctly to those who were advancing. 
 
 Ha ! the Huguenot Cordelier, by Notre Dame!” cried 
 a voice close to him ; and looking up, he saw his assailant 
 on a late occasion, Cruce, the butcher of the faubourg St. 
 Jacques. He was accompanied by men in a variety of 
 costume, evidently foreign ; but their leader's countenance 
 he required but one glance to recognise as that of Captain 
 Florio : the recollection of the Italian appeared to be quite 
 as quick, to judge by the exclamation of surprise which he 
 made. Cruce bounded forward, and would have seized 
 the monk, had not the latter at the same instant caught a 
 torch from the hand of the foremost, which he thrust full 
 in the face of the butcher. A loud laugh from some, and 
 exclamations from several of the party, echoed along the 
 street, and attracted the notice of a group of students who 
 were passing. Always ready for a fray, they hurried to 
 the scene of action, and found their old acquaintance the 
 Cordelier struggling with the infuriate Cruce, who, enraged 
 at the laughter of his companions, and half blinded by the 
 flame, was rendered perfectly furious. The monk, how- 
 ever, was a man nearly as tall, and apparently as powerful 
 as his enemy, and dealt blows in all directions, as he stood 
 with his back against a door, and kept his assailants at bay. 
 
 Give way ! " cried the student Belcastel, rushing for- 
 ward, followed by his friends. Come on, comrades ; 
 we owe this monk some reparation, and though he is a 
 Cordelier, we will not see him overpowered by numbers. 
 St. Germain ! St. Germain ! to the rescue ! ” 
 
 So saying, they commenced a vigorous assault on the 
 torchbearers, and cries and blows resounded on all sides. 
 Florio meantime had approached the monk, and as his 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 119 
 
 arm was raised to keep off one of the mob, slid close to 
 him, and suddenly drawing a dagger from his vest stabbed 
 him in the shoulder. The steel must have entered his 
 side, hut that BelcasteVs hand interposing, prevented the 
 stroke taking effect. 
 
 Fly ! you are wounded, cried Belcastel ; leave us 
 to deal with these ruffians : we are many, and you will 
 only lose your life if you stay.” 
 
 As he spoke, a patrol of several soldiers had arrived at 
 the spot, and one amongst them, who, by his dress, ap- 
 peared to belong to the Court, called out in an authorita- 
 tive tone, — 
 
 Fools! disperse instantly, — have you forgotten my 
 orders ? — the hour has not struck, you will spoil all. 
 Young gentlemen,'" he added, turning to the students, 
 what means this licence ? why do you attack peaceful 
 citizens in the streets ? will you always he causing dis- 
 turbances by your turbulence ? Soldiers make them your 
 prisoners ! " 
 
 We will see that!” exclaimed Belcastel; ^^fly, my 
 friends, we can show them it is not so easy to catch as to 
 command.” 
 
 The crowd which had gathered round during this 
 tumult gave way instantly, to afford a passage for their 
 favourites, who, though prone to create disturbances, were, 
 nevertheless, generous, and their spirit and courage made 
 them generally liked. Several of the people cried out as 
 they barred the passage of the soldiers, Down with the 
 Italians; — what do we want with Italians.^ — who made 
 the Queen's poisoner a general.^ — It is Rene Bianco who 
 drugged the Queen of Navarre ! — Long live King Charles 
 • — Confusion to Catherine ! ” and amidst similar shouts 
 and derisive epithets, Rene continued his way to the 
 palace, while the active students contrived to elude their 
 pursuers, and the Cordelier, taking advantage of the con- 
 fusion, hastened on, and soon found himself before the 
 gate of the Admiral's abode. 
 
 There he found himself in the midst of contention once 
 more. Several men, who were carrying suits of armour 
 and swords into the hall of the house, were arrested bv 
 I 4 
 
120 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 Cosseiiis, the captain of the guards placed there by the 
 King, as a supposed protection against any attempt from 
 the Guises. He insisted that no one should enter, and 
 that his orders were strict to prevent it. The Sieur de 
 Guerchy, who accompanied the armour-bearers, passion- 
 ately contended for admission, and some of his people 
 proceeded to endeavour to force their entrance ; the Cor- 
 delier joining them, sought an opportunity of slipping in 
 unobserved ; but his habit appeared to give offence to 
 those who knew him not as a friend, and he was repulsed 
 by them. At this time Teligni came forth from the 
 house, and in his usual gentle and calm manner requested 
 that all parties would refrain from violence, for that the 
 Admiral, who was much recovered, was sleeping, and the 
 noise might do him injury. 
 
 At his soft and persuasive voice the tumult ceased, for 
 Teligni was so much adored by his own people, and so 
 respected by the Catholics, that he was always listened to 
 with attention. 
 
 I am returning,’" said he, to my own house close 
 by — should the Admiral ask for me let me instantly be 
 informed.” He spoke to Labonne, the first valet of the 
 Admiral, who had attended him to the door. The monk 
 made an attempt to approach Teligni, but was rudely 
 thrust back by those who were near. Almost despairing 
 of his purpose, he now addressed himself to Labonne, 
 who, recognising him as having before visited his master, 
 called to Cosseins to allow him to enter, who offered no 
 opposition, imagining that he admitted one of his own 
 party, who, he thought, might be useful in the interior of 
 the mansion. 
 
 At length, then, the Cordelier found himself within the 
 walls ; but the attendants refused to admit him to Coligni, 
 who was asleep. Is the Vidame de Chartres still here ? ” 
 asked the monk. 
 
 He left but half an hour ago,” was the reply. 
 
 My friends,” said the Cordelier, I come to warn 
 him, you, and all of danger — fearful, dreadful danger ; 
 the night wears on, and scarcely an hour is between you 
 and your fate. Do not disbelieve my word. I am your 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 121 
 
 friend, and the friend of the Admiral ; let him be placed 
 in a litter, and conveyed away to any obscure part of the 
 town — let him cross the river, and before the gates are 
 closed he may yet escape.^' 
 
 Madness ! ” exclaimed Pare the surgeon, who was 
 near ; he is unable to hear it ; and why should you 
 doubt the King’s protection ? His guards and those of 
 Navarre surround us. 1 am sent here by his Grace ex- 
 pressly to attend to the patient. There is no danger. We 
 are aware of the intentions of De Guise, and are prepared 
 to meet any attack.’' 
 
 “ Oh, my good father ! ” said the sieur de Boucha- 
 vannes, we are in no fear ; so long as there are no 
 traitors in the house, the Admiral is safe.” 
 
 He said this with a suspicious glance at the Cordelier, 
 which was not long in being understood by those round. 
 Several daggers were drawn from the girdles of the by- 
 standers, and imprecations uttered against any who would 
 seek to betray their master. 
 
 0 God ! ” said the monk, will nothing persuade 
 you — and will you remain to be a sacrifice ? — Hear me, 
 infatuated men ! I came through dangers and difficulties 
 innumerable, to warn you while there might be yet time. 
 A plot is on foot to massacre all the Huguenots in Paris ; 
 at a given signal every man is to rise against his neigh- 
 bour, and a general carnage must ensue.” 
 
 And why do you, a Catholic, wish to save us ? what 
 cause has a Cordelier to be the friend of the Protestants } ” 
 asked Bouchavannes. 
 
 1 am not what I seem,” cried the monk, throwing 
 
 back his cowl : my life may be the forfeit of the disco- 
 
 very ; but there is no other means of convincing you. 
 You, Jolet, faithful servant of the Admiral, cannot but 
 remember me. Alas ! was it not you who handed me the 
 fatal spear on that unlucky day which has caused all my 
 misfortunes and those of France ? ” 
 
 Jolet, the confidential attendant, with Labonne, on 
 Coligni, pressed forward as he heard these words, and 
 with a loud cry threw himself at the feet of the monk, ex- 
 claiming, — 
 
122 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 De Montgomery ! is it possible ? Oh, my lord, — 
 my dear lord ! do I behold you again ? ” 
 
 A general astonishment took possession of all. Mont- 
 gomery, anxious that no time should be lost, entreated 
 that precautions might be taken in case of any attempt at 
 surprise, and informed them that his intention now was 
 to hasten back to the faubourg St. Germain in hopes to be 
 able to give warning to others of the Huguenot chiefs who 
 resided in that quarter. 
 
 He accordingly descended the stairs, proposing to make 
 his way to the river as speedily as possible, but was stop- 
 ped as he attempted to cross the court by the Swiss 
 guard, who proclaimed to him that their orders were to 
 allow no one either to go out or in during the remainder 
 of the night; that it was now nearly midnight, and at day- 
 break every one would be at liberty. 
 
 There is nothing for us but patience,” said M. de 
 Bouchavannes : meanwhile, we may as well go to rest. 
 
 There can be no danger with such vigilant guards as sur- 
 round us.” 
 
 At this moment the bell of the invalid rang, and his 
 attendants hastened to him. Montgomery, though un- 
 willing to agitate him, thought it better that he should 
 be prepared in case of any tumult, and desired to be an- 
 nounced. He found him in bed, but considerably better, 
 although unable to use his arm. He communicated to 
 him what he had heard from the Prevot ; but the Ad- 
 miral refused to give credit to the idea of the King’s being 
 privy to the plot, as indeed Montgomery himself was far 
 from believing. He, however, rose, and covering himself 
 with a nightgown, summoned Merlin the Protestant minis- 
 ter to read prayers in his room, in which act of devotion 
 Montgomery joined. 
 
 With fervour and pious earnestness the good Admiral 
 returned thanks to God for his late preservation, and 
 offered up prayers for the good of France, and the cause 
 of the reformed religion, supplicating that those of the 
 opposite belief might be led into the riglit way, and en- 
 treating pardon for all his enemies. 
 
 He had just finished his devotional exercise when a 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER, 
 
 123 
 
 knocking was heard without, and he ordered Labonne to 
 inquire its meaning. He soon returned, explaining that it 
 was a messenger from the King, who desired instant ad- 
 mission to the Admiral. 
 
 Lose no time, Labonne,” said Coligni ; take the 
 keys and give him admittance.” 
 
 Labonne descended, and having placed the key in the 
 lock, turned it with difficulty, for there seemed a pres- 
 sure on the outside. Stand away,” said he ; I can- 
 not open the door if you press against it thus.” 
 
 He turned the key, the door flew wide open, and in an 
 instant the dagger of Cosseins was buried in his heart. 
 
 In rushed the assailants with frightful cries, led by 
 Rene Bianco. They darted forward as he, who seemed 
 to have the direction of the party, exclaimed, — 
 
 I will guide you ! — this way — this way to the apart- 
 ments of the Admiral ! ” 
 
 On hearing the confusion without, the Swiss guards of 
 the King of Navarre, who were posted within, as they 
 were to be included in the intended massacre, closed the 
 iron gate which led to the inner court ; but Captain Cos- 
 sein, bringing up his men, ordered them to fire through, 
 which they did instantly, and two out of the five were 
 killed. Cornaton, who, though deputed by the King, was 
 not aware of the meditated treachery, commanded his 
 people to pile coffers and chests, and all the heavy furni- 
 ture they could find, against the inner door. 
 
 While they were thus engaged, Cossein, who had suc- 
 ceeded in forcing the iron gate, and had killed the rest of 
 the guard, clamoured for admittance, proclaiming that he 
 acted by the King’s command ; but Cornaton answered, — 
 
 I was set here as a guard, not as an assassin,” and 
 refused to obey. 
 
 A furious attack was now made by those outside, and 
 the barricade proved too weak to resist. With a terrific 
 crash the door gave way, and the troop rushed into the 
 body of the house. 
 
 The noise of all this affray rose to the Admiral’s ears, 
 and he felt that his last hour was come. Merlin darted to , 
 the door, and saw the servants flying in all directions. He 
 
124 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 returned to his master^ exclaiming, God summons us to 
 himself?'* 
 
 Montgomery was unarmed : he looked at his friend in 
 agony, and saw no change in his face, — the same calm 
 look of resignation, the same benevolent smile. 
 
 It is all over with me,'* he said. Fly, my friend, 
 and save a life precious to our cause. Endeavour to warn 
 our chiefs : they will not neglect your warning as I did : 
 but it was too late. This deed has been long resolved on. 
 The murderers are at hand. Farewell !** 
 
 No,** cried Montgomery : I may yet defend you ; 
 
 this garb may be some protection. Are there no arms — 
 nothing for resistance?” 
 
 As he spoke, he seized a small sword, which was the 
 only defensive weapon in the chamber, and which was 
 merely a slight ornamental one ; this he concealed beneath 
 his robe, and awaited the arrival of the murderers, who 
 came on with furious shouts. 
 
 A peal of fire-arms told that the faithful servants of 
 the Admiral were falling in every direction. Fly, Mer- 
 lin !'* I insist: ‘^Montgomery, fly!*’ cried the Admiral. 
 
 Panic-striken, and feeling that their lives must be sacri- 
 ficed if they remained, all fled from the chamber by a 
 concealed door which led to a tower, and to the upper 
 part of the house, and Montgomery remained with the 
 devoted Coligni alone. 
 
 The murderers by this time had reached the door of 
 the Admiral’s sleeping apartment, where their thundering 
 strokes were heard mingled with commands that it should 
 be opened. 
 
 The stillness of death was within : there sat the 
 
 wounded chief of a hundred battles, weak and faint, and 
 unable to lift the arm which had so many times wielded 
 a sword terrible to his enemies : beside him the gallant 
 Montgomery, once the most accomplished cavalier of his 
 time, the hero of his party, the beloved of the fair, — 
 with no weapon but a sword, which was only made to 
 figure by the side of a carpet knight, having no means 
 besides of defence, with the certainty of beholding his 
 friend’s death, and anticipating his own. He had in the 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 125 
 
 hurry of the instant barricaded the door with every article 
 of weight he could find in the room_, — had dragged the 
 table and a large coffer towards it^ but he was aware that 
 he could thus gain but little delay ; the repeated blows 
 told him that the door could not long resist, and in effect 
 it gave way, and the white, green, and black uniforms of 
 the Duke of Anjou’s Swiss guards gleamed in the torch light. 
 
 There were a few steps leading up to the chamber, 
 and by main force Montgomery contrived to hurl down 
 the foremost of the ruffians, who was no other than Bi- 
 anco : he fell on his companions, and was for a moment 
 stunned. The others rushed on, headed by a German 
 named Besme, who in his jargon called aloud for the 
 Admiral. Attin, a domestic of the Duke d’Aumale, press- 
 ed in next with his drawn sword, and made a rush at 
 the Admiral. 
 
 Hold, miscreants I” cried Montgomery : respect his 
 
 grey hairs. Cowards, he is unarmed ! ” 
 
 Attin drew back with a shudder as he gazed on the 
 Cordelier. ‘^'Tis St. Francis himself! ” he exclaimed. 
 
 Fool ! roared Besme ; ‘‘ down with the Huguenot I 
 What is the meddling priest to us ! ’’ Then, advancing 
 towards Coligni, while Montgomery struggled with him in 
 vain, he called out, Are you the Admiral? 
 
 I am,” said Coligni with a calm accent. You ought 
 to respect my age and infirmity ; but it is but shortening 
 my life a little more — that is all !” 
 
 Cosseins at this juncture darted into the room. The 
 Duke de Guise is impatient below,” cried he. Is not 
 the deed done yet ? ” 
 
 It was enough. Besme gave one spring and buried his 
 steel in the Admiral's body. 
 
 Thank God, a Frenchman dealt not that blov; 1 ” 
 cried Montgomery. 
 
 With a violent effort he threw off Attin, and as he did 
 so, the grasj) of Rene held him hard. With the handle 
 of his broken sword he struck at him, and as he was ex- 
 claiming, Kill the disguised Huguenot ! — Kill the 
 traitor Montgomery ! ” once more felled him to the ground, 
 and leaping over his prostrate body, darted through the 
 
126 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 tapestried door up the tower steps, and found himself in 
 a long corridor at the top of the house. Onward he flew, 
 following the way the other fugitives had taken, and reach- 
 ing a small window’, contrived to force himself through it. 
 As he did so a heavy beam fell close to the spot he had 
 quitted, and nearly blocked up the passage behind him. 
 Feeling that by this accident his pursuers would find some 
 difficulty in following him, he continued his perilous way, 
 for he was now on the roof of a house which shelved in a 
 fearful manner towards the street. By sliding down the 
 side of a chimney he reached a lower flat roof, and paused 
 a moment, when he heard yells and shouts below, around, 
 behind him. Which way to fly he knew not — to advance 
 or to retreat appeared equally fraught with danger ; yet to 
 remain where he was, was impossible. 
 
 A shot sent after him struck the chimney near which he 
 leant ; and nerved by despair he made a leap onwards. 
 He had scarcely observed where he was directing his at- 
 tempts, and when he lighted on his knees he looked round 
 with horror ; between him and the spot on which he last 
 stood was a fearful chasm, deep, dark, and jagged with 
 the projecting fronts of houses and roofs, — the division, 
 in fact, of two narrow streets. Across this ravine he had 
 leapt, and found himself now clinging to the slippery roof 
 of a house much lower than that he had just quitted in so 
 unpremeditated a manner. He scrambled up, breathless 
 and faint, and staggered on, for a glance showed him that 
 his pursuers had paused at the opening which they could 
 not attempt to pass, and he thought a few more efforts 
 might ensure his safety. Their bullets still rattled on the 
 slates, and rebounded from the chimneys ; but so rapid 
 were his movements that they failed to reach him. 
 
 Before him was a high pile of buildings ; if he could 
 gain that he would be lost to view. He advanced crawl- 
 ing on his hands and knees : he felt that he was covered 
 with blood from the wound in his shoulder, and the 
 blows he had received from Attin. Blinded and exhaust- 
 ed, he made one desperate struggle, one spring, and fell 
 senseless down a yawning gulf which seemed open to re- 
 ceive him. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 127 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 BROTHERLY LOVE. 
 
 “ Oh that it were to do ! — what have we done ? Shakspeare. 
 
 Claude, and his companion in captivity, remained for 
 several hours in their unavoidable solitude, tortured with 
 agonising fears, and hearing around them the din of fire- 
 arms, the tolling of bells, the shrieks and groans of the 
 victims, and the vociferations of their assailants, Claude 
 sought by every means to look upon that which chilled his 
 heart with horror, vainly hoping to see some succour arrive 
 to the unfortunate Huguenots. He stood chained, as it 
 were, to the casement which had revealed to him the 
 frightful scene beneath, and gazing with an eagerness 
 which might have exposed him to observation, hut for the 
 heavy stone ornaments which partially concealed his figure 
 from those without ; while the thick drapery within, 
 nearly torn down in his agonised attempts to force the 
 door close to him, shut him almost from the sight of 
 those within the room. He had cause to congratulate 
 himself on the latter circumstance ; for he presently heard 
 a key turn in the lock of the antechamber, and he had 
 only time to shrink still more closely to the wall, when a 
 figure advanced into the room where he was, covered with 
 a long, dark cloak, which cautiously approached the spot 
 where Mabille lay, still nearly in a state of insensibility. 
 
 This was a man of tall stature, somewhat bent, hut not 
 by age ; for Claude perceived when he stooped and dropped 
 the mantle from his shoulders that he was not more than 
 two or three and twenty. His head was. considerably 
 inclined on one side ; and this well-known peculiarity, 
 joined to a certain dignity in his air, induced Claude to 
 imagine that he had seen him before ; and the full view 
 he caught of his features, discovering an aquiline nose, 
 pallid cheeks, and eyes, whose remarkably fierce expres- 
 sion was rather softened at the instant, and which were of 
 
128 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ! 
 
 a clear hazel, inclining to yellow, whether from consti- 
 tution or temporary agitation of mind, convinced Claude 
 that it was Charles IX. who stood before him. 
 
 Mabille,’* he said in a low voice, ^^are you safe ? 
 
 She raised her head at the words, and gazing with a 
 look of wildness and astonishment, met his glance. She 
 started up, and catching him in her arms, exclaimed, — 
 My child ! — my son ! are you then spared to me — 
 to France ? What meant the tumult of last night ? — 
 what mean the frightful sounds which yet ring in my 
 ears ? — how have you escaped the traitorous Guises ? 
 Oh ! when will you be warned against those bitter 
 enemies ? — when will you believe in, and beware of, 
 their wicked designs } ” 
 
 Charles returned her caresses with much affection, but 
 smiled as he answered, — You are deceived, Mabille, my 
 dear nurse, the Guises are my good friends : they have 
 this night done me good service. Coligni — the traitor 
 Coligni — lies pierced with a thousand wounds beneath 
 my chamber window. All my foes will be exterminated, 
 
 — the accursed Huguenots are slaughtered like sheep in 
 the streets of Paris ; but I would not give up my nurse, 
 
 — the only creature who loves me in the world, — though 
 my mother would have sacrificed you with the rest."* 
 
 What import have these appalling words ? "" said the 
 nurse, shuddering. Can my ears have heard aright, 
 that murderers, licensed by an inhuman king, have dared 
 to lay hands on his innocent subjects ? "" 
 
 The devoted people,"" answered Charles, sternly, 
 ^^are swept from my land, too long polluted by their 
 impiety, and treason is at an end. I trust in God none 
 have escaped. It is cruel to show clemency towards them, 
 
 — it is clemency to be cruel."" 
 
 A cold tremour crept over Claude as he listened. He 
 held his breath, and stood without allowing himself the 
 slightest motion, as he rightly judged that Mabille was 
 the only object of the King’s mercy, and his discovery and 
 death would probably have taken place at the same time. 
 
 The nurse looked on Charles with a fixed and severe 
 countenance. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 129 
 
 Why, then, did you save me, barbarous Prince ? ’’ 
 said she : what is my worthless life, when the servants 
 
 of God are slaughtered by the unrighteous ? A curse will 
 fall on the heads of all concerned in this deed ; they shall 
 perish from the land, and their inheritance shall pass 
 away. ‘ Whoso slayeth by the sword shall perish by the 
 sword ! ’ they shall be tormented in this life with remorse, 
 and every worldly evil shall overtake them, and they shall 
 die in the agonies of despair, without hope in the eternal 
 mercy of the Lord ! ' 
 
 Say not so, woman, — say not so ! interrupted 
 Charles, trembling : they are a sacrifice for the nation’s 
 
 good, — they are justly punished for rebellion and wicked- 
 ness.” 
 
 They are murdered ! ” exclaimed Mabille, looking 
 undauntedly at him ; ^‘^and their murderers are accursed ! ” 
 
 Nurse,” said Charles, his lip quivering as he spoke, 
 reproach me not, I cannot bear it ! My mind is con- 
 fused — distracted ! and I can little endure harshness from 
 you, above all, whom, against my conscience, I have 
 saved ! Irritate me not, lest I forget the affection which 
 induced me to preserve you ! Follow me instantly and 
 be silent ! None shall molest you ; but beware of urging 
 me too far.” 
 
 Mabille followed the King into his closet, where, having 
 thrown himself into a seat, he desired her to remain in 
 attendance upon him. 
 
 I am,” said he, very uneasy. The agitation of last 
 night has so much excited my spirits, that I fear I shall 
 suffer in consequence : but first, 1 had forgotten your long 
 fast. We have made you a good Catholic in spite of 
 yourself. Eat, good Mabille, and recover your looks. 
 Nay, do not attempt to refuse ; you are as pale as fear, 
 and I must have merry faces round me — now ! ” 
 
 As he pronounced the last word, his voice faltered, and 
 he turned away, making a signal for Mabille to approach 
 a table on which was placed refreshments. 
 
 She obeyed, and though almost choked with tears, 
 endeavoured to swallow some necessary nourishment, 
 thinking meanwhile on the situation of Claude, and on 
 
 K 
 
]30 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 the means of relieving him^ which appeared difficult, con- 
 sidering the commands she had received from the King to 
 stay where she was. 
 
 Charles remained for some time silent and lost in 
 thought; nor was he roused from his reverie till a page 
 entered announcing the approach of the Queen-mother. 
 The King started from his seat. 
 
 How ! cried he, said I not that I would be alone? ” 
 
 Her Grace commanded me to announce her entrance,” 
 faltered the page. Charles impatiently motioned him to 
 withdraw, and taking Mabille’s hand, led her to an adjoin- 
 ing chamber. 
 
 Stay here,” said he, ^^till my mother has departed.’’ 
 So saying, he left her, and she became an involuntary 
 witness of the interview which followed. 
 
 I behold you, my son,” said Catherine, after our 
 victory, and I come to offre you my congratulations. 
 Henceforth we may lay down our heads in peace, confi- 
 dent in our own safety, and in having performed a duty 
 to God.” 
 
 Charles muttered a reply which was scarcely audible ; 
 his artful mother instantly perceived the vacillating state 
 of his mind, and hastened to add : 
 
 You, my son, deserve the thanks of all good Catholics, 
 for the part you have taken in this glorious sacrifice; they 
 tell me your aim was unerring as you marked from your 
 window the flying wretches who were delivered into our 
 hands. It was truly a sublime sight to behold the un- 
 godly scattered like autumn leaves before the whirlwind of 
 Heaven’s wrath.” 
 
 It was ! it was ! ” almost shrieked Charles, a livid 
 hue overspreading his face, as he raised his clenched 
 hands, and Heaven knows my zeal in its cause. I fired 
 long and steadily ; though my carbine could not always 
 reach the villains, yet I did execution. I saw them 
 butchered round me by my faithful Swiss. I saw them 
 sink in the waters of the Seine, whose tide was all of 
 blood, - — I heard their shrieks louder than the cannon — 
 their starting eyes, as they looked up vainly for mercy, 
 were brighter than the torches’ flame — hundreds and 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 131 
 
 hundreds I saw fall, for they were brought to my gates to 
 be offered up — here ! here — even in my very chambers 
 they were pierced by the daggers of the righteous. It was 
 a great, an immortal deed ! Yet,” he continued wildly, 
 pacing the room, and casting his arms above his head, 
 where is my reward, mother ? What prize has Heaven in 
 store for me ? When will come my hour of content, of 
 happiness ? I have had my desire upon my enemies ; I 
 have done — you say I have done well ; but I tell you, 
 mother, there is distraction in my brain ; remorse — re- 
 morse, and worse than death in my soul ! ” 
 
 The wretched Prince cast himself upon a seat, and 
 covered his face with his hands ; Catherine’s pale brow 
 grew dark as she said : 
 
 Our act is holy : has not Heaven manifested its 
 approval by signs and wonders? A dead and withered 
 thorn in which there was no sap left, and which had been 
 condemned to be rooted up in the cemetery of the Inno- 
 cents, this morning has sent out blossoms which perfume 
 the whole air, and continue to spring forth in the very sight 
 of men, amazing all beholders.^’ 
 
 ^‘Wonderful!'" exclaimed Charles, listening eagerly. 
 I will visit it; I will myself see this prodigy !” 
 
 Yes, my son,” continued Catherine, and to Mont- 
 fau^on we will go together, where our arch enemy is now 
 suspended by the heels, like an unclean animal, for the 
 diversion of our loyal people.” 
 
 Ha ! ha !” laughed Charles, “■ is it so ? — it must be 
 a curious spectacle. We will take Navarre and Conde to 
 this pastime ; how they will delight in it ! Old Coligni — 
 I promised he should have justice ; he has it now !” 
 Catherine perceived that the mirth of the King was far 
 from real, and dreading that he should relapse into regret, 
 went on quickly. 
 
 Yes, Heaven has delivered them all an easy prey ; the 
 work still goes on, and thousands more will fall. Men 
 shall see the divine will accomplished, and tremble at 
 divine judgment. W e are chosen as ministers, and shall 
 we dare to repine and repent, when we should rejoice that 
 all is accomplished ! Be but yourself, my son, and let no 
 
 K 2 
 
132 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICiS ; 
 
 idle, human weakness conquer your zeal for Heaven’s 
 good.” 
 
 You say well, madam,” said the King; all our 
 vows are fulfilled, and one of your nearest and dearest 
 wishes is but now accomplished. You will hear with 
 delight, I know,” he added sneeringly, that your long- 
 desired project for my brother Anjou has succeeded. My 
 despatches of this day inform me that the Poles have 
 elected him for their ving, and are impatient to hail the 
 arrival, in their delightful country, of their new sovereign. 
 You hear the tidings with joy as I expected,” he continued, 
 smiling bitterly, for Catherine, overcome by the unexpected 
 communication of an event which she dreaded, — though 
 forced by policy not only to affect approval, but required 
 to exert her interest to bring about, — sank back into her 
 chair, her countenance suddenly changing. 
 
 Alas ! is it possible ! ” exclaimed she, quite off her 
 guard. 
 
 What more probable, madam said Charles ; did 
 you not desire it ardently ? Did not both you and he 
 entreat me to further your views in that quarter? You 
 praise my zeal in some cases, do so now, I beg, — yes, — I 
 rejoice to say, and I am sincere in my joy, that my efforts 
 have been successful.” 
 
 Catherine’s eyes filled with tears, an unusual occurrence 
 with her. 
 
 He must leave us then,” said she ; we shall lose the 
 brightest ornament of our Court.” 
 
 I feign no sorrow, madam,” returned her son ; when 
 Anjou is gone I shall perhaps have less reason to regret my 
 mother’s want of regard towards her eldest son. See, 
 where the King of Poland comes to hear from your own 
 lips the news of his elevation.” 
 
 As he spoke, the Duke of Anjou entered; he paid his 
 devoirs respectfully to his brother, who made no return to 
 his salutation. Catherine hastened to meet and embrace 
 him, exclaiming as she did so, — Dearest Henry, let me 
 be the first to hail you as a king, — the King of Poland. 
 The object of our wishes is gained, thanks to the anxious 
 care of King Charles : let your first act be to pay him 
 homage for your kingdom.” 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 133 
 
 Notwithstanding the significant glances which she be- 
 stowed on her favourite son^ and her secret pressure of his 
 hand as a warning to him to restrain the feelings of vexa- 
 tion Avhich she was well aware that this unwelcome intel- 
 ligence would create, Anjou, unable to curb his impetuosity, 
 cried out — 
 
 My sentence of banishment is then pronounced : I am 
 to be outlawed amongst savages, and debarred from civilised 
 communication 
 
 Henry,” said the Queen, what means this ingrati- 
 tude, — this sudden change in your opinions?” 
 
 No, madam,'* he replied fiercely, there is no 
 change : you well know my aversion to this appointment ; 
 my brother knows it also ; and it is but mockery to an- 
 nounce it as though it were news I should hear with 
 pleasure.” 
 
 I see plainly,” said Charles, sarcastically, that 
 mother and son must depart together ; your hearts are so 
 united, that it were cruelty to divide them : but know, 
 both of you, that I have long seen through the slight veil 
 which is now thrown partially aside, and which, I am 
 aware, conceals designs deep and dangerous. I know your 
 lukewarm wishes, your pretended anxiety to obtain, but 
 real wdsh to avoid, the crown of Poland, — which gained, 
 the actors in various intrigues would be too widely separated. 
 I tell you that these schemes have not deceived me. I, 
 however, acted with more truth, and what I ordered was 
 done with all my heart : my ambassadors have exerted all 
 their influence and eloquence, have represented my brother 
 as just, wise, merciful, and prudent, and they have suc- 
 ceeded. The kingdom of Poland is yours, with subjects 
 ready to obey and idolize you, — almost as much," he said 
 with a sneer, as you are adored in France. For myself, 
 — last night disposed of many of my enemies ; to-day I 
 have the prospect of losing another.” 
 
 My son," interposed the Queen-mother, who began 
 to fear the consequences of the anger of Charles, v/hose 
 spirit and quickness surprised and alarmed her, what do 
 1 hear ? Can you consider your brother Anjou as an 
 enemy? — say rather you meant that childish Alen^on, 
 K 3 
 
LS4 CATHERINE DE MEDlClSj 
 
 wlio wept to see your enemies fall^ — while Henry has 
 proved his zeal and fidelity to the utmost. Who more 
 earnestly advised the present salutary measure than 'he ? 
 Who more desires the extermination of your foes ? Let 
 me behold your friends — let me see your brothers — nor 
 cloud the joy of this moment with idle dissensions.” 
 
 Talk not of joy, madam,” cried Charles, starting up 
 furiously, — talk of despair, of horror, of cruel treachery ! 
 This deed of ours can bring no joy. Well might Alencon 
 weep I — why did not I, when Marguerite lay groaning at 
 my feet, — when Navarre and Conde begged for mercy, — 
 
 when Coligni Oh, God ! my brain is on fire when 1 
 
 reflect on it! What am 1 but a murderer? — a cold, 
 calculating, miserable wretch, acted upon by others, and 
 abandoned to eternal infamy by an act at which the princes 
 of Europe will shudder, — from which the world will re- 
 coil. The blood that now rushes through every vein of 
 my body is burning with the fever of remorse ! You 
 counselled, 3 ^ou urged me to the commission of a crime so 
 deadly, that every hour of my future existence will be em- 
 bittered by the hideous vision of it — and you dare to talk 
 to me of joy ! ” 
 
 Your Grace felt, methinks, but little remorse or pity,” 
 said Anjou, scornfully, when you marked the Hugue- 
 notaille from the window of the gallery, and your sure aim 
 proved how little their cries could make your nerves un- 
 steady ! ” 
 
 Silence — forbear ! cried Catherine, sternly ; the 
 King is ill, — is weak, — and events have so crowded upon 
 him that he is not himself. He will not long permit this 
 idle compassion for undeserving rebels to disturb his quiet 
 and unsettle his temper thus.” 
 
 ^^Yes,” muttered Charles, recovering himself, while a 
 new expression spread itself over his features, — yes, they 
 were rebels and traitors, and their fate was merited. Let 
 no one blame me for their punishment.” 
 
 None will, — none can, my son,” replied Catherine : 
 they would have overturned the state, destroyed our 
 holy faith, and sacrificed us and our people. Raise not 
 phantoms to harass your mind. Does the judge reproach 
 
ORj THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 135 
 
 himself for having pronounced sentence on the criminal ? 
 No more^ my dearest Charles^ — calm yourself, and chase 
 away these visions. I will send you a draught to soothe 
 and comfort you, which Bianco shall prepare.'' 
 
 Catherine had tenderly approached him as she spoke_, 
 and was supporting his head on her shoulder ; but as she 
 pronounced the name of Bianco, the King wildly ex- 
 claimed, — ^^Name him not — his drugs are fatal! they 
 have already proved their potency too well. His zeal, too, 
 is misdirected ; he has killed my clockmaker, a man of 
 great value to me, and allowed his shop to be pillaged : it 
 is a cruel loss, which I shall be long in replacing. Madam, 
 1 request, — nay, I insist on that man’s removal — bis 
 sight is noxious to me : he shall not be suffered about the 
 court. I had purposed ordering his absence, and you 
 remind me of it in good time." 
 
 Catherine replied haughtily, Does your Grace intend 
 regulating my household in future ? Am I not to be a 
 free agent even in what concerns my private affairs ? 
 This is, methinks, somewhat too much of disrespect to- 
 wards your mother and a princess. I take my leave of 
 your Grace, and trust that when perfectly restored to 
 health you will be less unreasonable, and less disposed to 
 offer insult where honour is due." 
 
 So saying, the Queen-mother rose, and, accompanied by 
 the new king of Poland, quitted the presence of Charles. 
 
 She despatched immediately to him his Jesuit confessor, 
 Edmond Auger, rightly judging that he would be the most 
 proper person to allay the irritation of the King’s mind by 
 his arguments and sophistry. Accordingly the utmost 
 eloquence and cunning were brought into action against 
 the scruples which conscience and reason suggested, and so 
 well did the Jesuit succeed, that the mind of Charles be- 
 came gradually calmer, and when Auger took his leave the 
 King returned to the closet where he had placed Mabille, 
 and desired her to return to her own apartments, to send to 
 him his physician Ambroise Pare, and to hold herself in 
 readiness to remain with him during the night. 
 
CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 136 
 
 CHAPTER XXL 
 
 THE RESPITE. 
 
 “ I would ’twere but a dream — then there were hope 
 I might be once awake — and so see day. 
 
 But night is lodg’d within me, night perpetual, 
 
 Darker than the Cimmerian ! ” — Heywood. 
 
 It became evident to Mabille that there was no safety for 
 Claude but in his concealment^ and on her return she com- 
 municated to him what had passed in the King’s chamber. 
 
 Your life,” said she, ^^has been saved only through an 
 accidental visit to me, for the warning I received is now 
 too well explained, though it probably pointed to no one 
 particular person. For Alix I trust we need not entertain 
 apprehension : her father is known as a bigoted Papist, 
 and her secret profession is unsuspected.” 
 
 But,” interrupted Claude, may I not attempt to 
 discover the truth ? Of what use is my wretched life if I 
 may not risk it for her sake !” 
 
 ‘‘ Be patient,” returned Mabille ; there will be risk 
 enough hereafter. No one could quit the walls of the 
 Louvre at present but with a prospect of certain death. 
 The rest of this fearful night I am to remain with the 
 King. I will use all my endeavours to make him revoke 
 his cruel sentence, to induce him to stay the fury of these 
 wretches to whom the Protestants are given up as a prey ; 
 and with the blessing of Heaven I shall succeed. Remain, 
 therefore, for a few more hours here, and I trust to bring 
 you tidings of enlargement.” 
 
 However unwilling Claude was to agree to this, he felt 
 that there was no remedy, and consented to submit, ac- 
 knowledging the justice of Mabille’s reasoning. She pro- 
 cured for him some necessary refreshment, and entreating 
 him to be cautious and patient led him to the most retired 
 part of her suite of apartments, which he readily promised 
 to secure within from all intrusion, and then, after bidding 
 her adieu, he threw himself on a bed, and, exhausted with 
 watching and distress of mind, w^as soon buried in sleep. 
 
 Far otherwise was it with Charles: he lay in agonies of 
 body and mind, which no remedies appeared to relieve. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 137 
 
 He started at the slightest sound, and turned his wandering 
 eyes constantly in quest of Mabille, fearing to lose sight of 
 her for an instant. 
 
 As the night advanced he became still more restless and 
 uneasy ; and when the bell tolled two, his agitation grew 
 to an alarming height : he gasped for breath ; his features 
 were distorted with fear ; he clung to Mabille in uncon- 
 trolled terror and exclaimed — 
 
 They are there ! The ghastly shadows flit all around 
 me ! I cannot keep them from my sight ! What seas of 
 blood are before me ! Where are you, Mabille ? My dear 
 and only friend, do not desert me ! do not quit me ! I 
 saved you ; pray for mercy on my soul ! I followed a 
 dreadful counsel — was worked upon, — urged, — forced 
 to consent. My mother, she it was whose artful represen- 
 tations and threats forced me to this act. Is there any 
 hope of pardon for a wretch like me ? ’’ 
 
 My dear child,'’ said the nurse, tenderly, despair 
 not, nor weep so bitterly ; it rends my heart to see you 
 thus ; be assured that there is store of mercy for sinners 
 who repent. On those who counselled this deed will the 
 judgment of Heaven fall. Fear not, my son ; the King 
 of all the world is all-forgiving, and will not disdain your 
 penitence. For me, who owe my life to your clemency, I 
 am bound to pray, and will ever pray for your pardon and 
 consolation, though the crime be indeed deadly which you 
 have been led to commit.” 
 
 I could have saved others, and I allowed all to be 
 sacrificed!" sobbed the unfortunate young man. Poor 
 La Rochefoucauld 1 We had played together till near mid- 
 night. I bade him beware, as I should rouse him in the 
 night to take my revenge for his success. He left me with 
 a jest, and they murdered him in my name ! Poor La 
 Rochefoucauld ! so cheerful, so merry I Oh God ! stabbed 
 with a thousand wounds! — and Teligny, the mildest, 
 gentlest, most confiding of human creatures, to the last 
 asserted my innocence of the massacre ! Oh that my list 
 were not all of murders ! " 
 
 ' He sank back on his pillow. 
 
 Sire," said Mabille, take comfort ; Ambroise Pare, 
 you know, is saved, and ready to serve you still ; and 
 
138 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 doubtless many others. One I can name whose prayers 
 will join with mine for his deliverer."' 
 
 How, Mabille ? " said the King, a ray of pleasure 
 brightening his pallid cheek : whom do you mean ? But 
 
 perchance it is to Navarre that you allude. My sister's 
 tears saved him, even when I was mad with the fury of 
 slaughter. Oh God ! they must have used some sorcery to 
 make me what 1 am. Bianco has wondrous power, and 
 may have given me potions ! " 
 
 Thank Heaven ! cried Mabille, falling on her knees 
 and not heeding his last remark, “ Henry, then, yet lives ! " 
 
 Yes,” said Charles; and Conde. But tell me, nurse, 
 of whom then spoke you but now ?" 
 
 If your Grace will promise that he shall be in safety, 
 I will disclose the secret,” answered she. 
 
 Doubt me not ! ” exclaimed the King, half rising. 
 
 You take a load from off my heart. I would not cause 
 another death to purchase half the universe \ ” 
 
 Mabille then, happy to afford relief to his distracted 
 mind, and aware of the ascendency which she possessed 
 over him, ventured to relate the circumstances of Claude’s 
 escape through the means which Charles himself had used 
 for her preservation. As she recounted the particulars he 
 became more calm ; sometimes he smiled at her dilemma, 
 and by degrees his mood grew happier. 
 
 She now thought it a favourable moment to ask if he 
 had given orders respecting the continuance of the perse- 
 cutions, pleading so earnestly and eloquently, that Charles, 
 entirely overcome, summoned some of his officers, and, 
 with the promptitude and rapidity which characterised 
 him, issued his commands that the massacre should forth- 
 with cease ; that strict injunctions should be laid on the 
 Huguenots to keep close in their houses till the excitement 
 was over, and that any infringement of these positive com- 
 mands should be punished severely. 
 
 Having done this, and dismissed his astonished servants, 
 he returned to his couch, and desiring Mabille to keep her 
 friend concealed till she had his permission to liberate him, 
 soon after fell into a profound sleep, while she watched by 
 him with all the patience of affection. 
 
 END OP THE FIRST VOLUME. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 139 
 
 VOLUME THE SECOND. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE HAYLOFT AND THE STAKE. 
 
 “ By day’s approach look to be visited.” — Shakspeare. 
 
 When Montgomery returned to consciousness from a long 
 insensibility, after his perilous flight, he found himself in 
 partial darkness. After turning and struggling a little he 
 began to be aware that the last desperate effort he had 
 made to avoid his pursuers, had precipitated him through 
 a half-opened door in the roof of a hayloft, into the midst 
 of a stack of hay, and the violence of his fall having 
 loosened some of it from above, it had detached itself, and 
 entirely enveloped him. He felt a sensation of stifling, 
 and cast his arms about to extricate himself, by which 
 means he threw off some of the hay that covered him, and 
 rising, was rejoiced to find that his long and unpremedi- 
 tated repose had greatly refreshed and invigorated him. 
 
 He descended from his exalted position with some diffi- 
 culty, and groping about came to a rude flight of stairs, 
 down which he ventured, and alighted in an out-house 
 leading to a stable. Here he paused and looked round 
 considering what was best to be done. His Cordelier’s 
 robe was torn, and much stained with blood, and he feared 
 to present himself again in the, streets where he might be 
 recognised in consequence ; but how to procure another 
 disguise he knew not. While he hesitated on the steps he 
 should take, he heard voices approaching, and hastily con- 
 cealing himself he saw two men enter the stable, one of 
 whom he recognised as Blampignon, the neighbour of his 
 host of the Rue St. Jacques, Mathurin Lussaut, and the 
 other as the host of le Bel Image. 
 
 1 was as close,” said the vain little torch maker, to 
 
140 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 the miraculous thorn as I am to you, and I should have 
 managed to pluck a flower but that one of the holy 
 Fathers pushed me away ; I hope it isn't a sin, hut I 
 vow they seemed to me to be stuck on with wax, and to 
 be only made of paper, but there were so many priests 
 round that no one but I got near enough to see/’ 
 
 I don’t believe anything about the miracle," returned 
 his companion ; the Saints and the Blessed Virgin ” 
 (crossing himself ) would never approve of such wicked- 
 ness as the murder of the good old Admiral and young Te- 
 ligni, the sweetest and mildest-spoken cavalier in France.” 
 
 But they say," said Blampignon, that the King 
 ordered it all." 
 
 No such thing, man," replied the other, that can’t 
 be; for an order is just issued — the crier has been calling 
 it at the end of our street — that the massacre is not to go 
 on, that the King takes the Huguenots under his pro- 
 tection, and they have only to keep in their houses to be 
 safe. " 
 
 Hearing this, and reassured by the evident compassion 
 felt by his hearers, Montgomery ventured to show himself, 
 much to the terror of Blampignon, who, uttering an excla- 
 mation of fear, climbed up into a manger, and there looked 
 down upon him in great alarm and consternation. 
 
 Good man ! " he exclaimed, it wasn't 1 who spoke 
 against the Guises, and I meant no harm about the King’s 
 Grace's Majesty " 
 
 Be not alarmed,’’ said Montgomery ; I am no friend 
 to either, but a fugitive from their cruelty. I throw my- 
 self on your protection, and entreat your assistance." 
 
 You shall have it," replied Blampignon pompously, 
 scrambling down, while his friend advancing towards the 
 Count, assured him he was quite safe, and they would ren- 
 der him any service in their power. 
 
 I have no means of rewarding you now," said Mont- 
 gomery, for I am destitute of every thing ; but I will 
 take care hereafter that you shall not lose by your gene- 
 rosity." 
 
 Why, as I live," said Blampignon, peering in his face, 
 it is our Cordelier who lodges with Lussaut." 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 141 
 
 True, my friend/* replied the Count ; but my habit 
 is torn and stained ; can you procure me a disguise in 
 which I may be less likely to be known.” 
 
 Here is a carter's frock and cap," said the host, to 
 v/hich you are welcome ; but we must put a white cross 
 on it, otherwise you might not even now be safe.” 
 
 I will protect you as far as our way lies together,” said 
 the torchmaker ; I am bound to the Greve, where I 
 have a load of torches to deliver for the firing of the great 
 stake. Oh ! it will be a grand sight ; you had better stay 
 and see it. The King is to set the first torch ; such a fine 
 one, the handle all over white fleurs de lis — quite a 
 picture.” 
 
 Montgomery declining this offer made ready to accom- 
 pany him ; and they set out together, but soon separated, 
 as the neighbourhood of the Place de Greve was too 
 crow^ded and frequented a part for him to hope to gain the 
 opposite bank of the river by passing the Pont Notre Dame 
 a procession being on foot which would, he hoped, attract 
 every one that way. His intention was to take a boat 
 lower down ; and accordingly he hurried on, and had ar- 
 rived at the quay, where he saw several boatmen, who had 
 left their work and were conversing together with earnest 
 gesticulations. He approached one, and perceived imme- 
 diately that it was the man who had rowed him over be- 
 fore, whose suspicious glances he liked so little. He 
 turned on him a sinister look and exclaimed, Oh ! you 
 want my boat again, master Cordelier, do you ? That 
 will scarcely pass, nor your disguise either. There are 
 plenty of Huguenots with the white cross, but we are too 
 old to be taken in that way.” 
 
 Friend,” said Montgomery, I would cross to the 
 other side : delay me not.” 
 
 The man beckoned to his comrades, and in a moment 
 the Count was surrounded by a set of fierce, ill-looking 
 men, who insisted on his taking ofi‘the cross on his cap and 
 confessing himself a Huguenot. 
 
 In vain he expostulated. Their insolence increased : 
 and he began to fear that he must have recourse to violent 
 means of ridding himself of their importunities, when a 
 
142 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 cry arose at a distance — The procession ! the King ! ’’ 
 and most of the men rushed away to join the crowd, which 
 was issuing from a neighbouring street. 
 
 There were now but a few paces between him and the 
 river, and he urged the first boatman to ferry him over. 
 
 To the other world, Huguenotaille ! brutally exclaimed 
 the man. What signifies a fete given, if it’s to be 
 stopped directly the amusement begins ? ” 
 
 So saying he drew a knife from his breast, adding, as he 
 brandished it. ’Tis but one more, and I wanted that to 
 make up my number.” 
 
 But before the stroke fell, the arm of the ruffian was 
 grasped from behind, by a young man in the dress of one 
 of the King’s household, and he was pinioned in an 
 instant. 
 
 Montgomery, who was unarmed, and saw little safety 
 for himself from either of the contending parties, rushed 
 towards the river, and at once plunged in ; and being an 
 excellent swimmer, in spite of his wounded arm, contrived 
 to reach the opposite shore. He then looked round, and 
 observed that his young deliverer stood alone, apparently 
 watching him. He waved his hand in token of gratitude, 
 and hurried on down the first street which led to the Rue 
 St. Jacques. 
 
 The procession which had attracted the attention of the 
 boatmen was one of the many which paraded the streets of 
 Paris continually ; and on the present occasion was made 
 in honour of the late events. 
 
 The King, though harassed in body and mind, and al- 
 lowed scarcely time to breathe from excitement, was ex- 
 pected to attend this solemn ceremony to the church of 
 Notre Dame, and afterwards to be present at the Place de 
 Greve, where a bonfire was to be exhibited, similar to 
 those on the eve of St. John, with a few additional cere- 
 monies, in commemoration of the late victory as it was 
 termed. 
 
 In the centre of the great square was planted the stake, 
 sixty feet high, round which faggots and bundles of brush- 
 wood were hung at intervals, and at its foot a huge heap 
 of thick logs, covered with straw and other light materials. 
 
0R_, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 143 
 
 The flag of the city of Paris waved at the top^ beneath 
 which a large basket was hung, containing a number of 
 cats and a fox, the latter added that day for the greater 
 amusement of his Majesty. 
 
 The chief magistrates of the city, in their robes of state, 
 attended, the Prevots and Sheriffs holding candles of yel- 
 low wax. These persons, approaching the King, assisted 
 him to dismount from his horse, and presented him with 
 an ornamented torch, alight. An immense troop of archers, 
 cross-bowmen, and arquebusiers, surrounded the pile, and 
 kept off the multitude, who pressed forward to see the 
 King advance, which he presently did, and set his torch to 
 the pile, the blazing of which was accompanied by the 
 sound of trumpets and other noisy instruments. 
 
 As the flames rose high in the air the deafening shouts 
 of the people, and the loud crackling of the fireworks, 
 which were at the same moment discharged, proclaimed 
 the general satisfaction, and many and fierce were the ma- 
 ledictions uttered against the heretics, and wishes that 
 they occupied the place of the wretched animals consumed 
 in the baskets. 
 
 He who had the courage to climb amongst the blazing 
 pile, detach the flag from its elevation, and lay it at the 
 King’s feet, was entitled to a purse from his hand ; and 
 seldom on these occasions was there wanting an adventu- 
 rous person to attempt the enterprise, though, considering, 
 the strength of the scaffolding, and that it was never un- 
 dertaken till the light wood was consumed, the hazard was 
 not so great as it appeared. 
 
 While the shouting crowd were gazing in anxious ex- 
 pectation, a short thick man, v^ith long deformed arms and 
 legs, was suddenly seen clinging like a monkey to the stake, 
 amidst wreaths of smoke and flashes of flame. He grinned 
 with exultation as reaching the topmost height he laid his 
 hand upon the flag- staff and succeeded in making himself 
 master of it. 
 
 Well done, Ancelin!” shouted the mob. Success 
 to the handsome dwarf ! cried they, as the hideous little 
 being descended with rapidity ; and leaping from amongst 
 the fire, ran briskly to the King’s feet and presented the 
 
144 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDTCIS : 
 
 trophy. The reward was given him ; and, as a further 
 mark of favour, he was allowed to accompany the train of 
 the King, and to enter the Hotel de Ville, where his Ma- 
 jesty, almost stunned with the noise, and blinded with the 
 smoke, W’as not sorry to take refuge. 
 
 Here the Prevots received him with great form, and he 
 was offered a collation, composed of perfumed comfits and 
 different sorts of dried sweetmeats, cornichons, large tarts, 
 and dishes of marchpain, in which were represented the 
 royal arms in gilded sugar ; also a variety of creams and 
 fruit. 
 
 It was not without fear and trembling, that the Prevot 
 de Paris, Nantouillet, heard his Majesty say, that he still 
 kept to his intention of paying his hotel a visit. 
 
 You shall have,'' said he, three Kings to grace your 
 board ; myself, the King of Poland my brother, and the 
 King of Navarre. We will bring our friends, and you 
 shall invite what ladies you please. As you are a bachelor, 
 doubtless you will find many fair ones ready to visit you; 
 and La Touchet and La Chateauneuf shall be our hostesses. 
 I will name an early day, as I am not afraid of finding 
 you unprepared." 
 
 The Prevot stammered his grateful sense of the honour 
 intended him ; but the freshness of his pride was gone, 
 his enthusiasm had received a check, and the mere sight of 
 the distinguished persons, of whom he was before so fain 
 to speak familiarly, gave him a feeling of sick terror, 
 which he vainly tried to get the better of. 
 
 Methinks this churl," said the King of Poland to 
 King Charles, does not appreciate our condescension. It 
 were a good deed to ease him of some of the paltry posses- 
 sions of which he so loves to boast." 
 
 I purpose so to do," said Charles, with a smile such 
 as seldom appeared on his countenance when he spoke to 
 his brother ; but this agreement with his own humour so 
 much pleased him that, for the time, he laid aside his usual 
 reserve to him whom he envied and disliked. Yes, we 
 will dine at his hotel, and devise some plot that shall give 
 us all sport. I owe the greedy citizen a grudge for his bad 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 145 
 
 execution of the late orders respecting this canaille_, of 
 whose griefs, I trust, I am to hear no more.” 
 
 will consult La Mole and Coconnas,” said the 
 chosen of the Polish nation : they have always choice 
 
 inventions to plague these low-bred serfs who ape their 
 masters. We will make ourselves talked of in the good 
 city of Paris.’' 
 
 Nantouillet did not hear the words of the princes, but 
 by the expression of their countenances, and a certain 
 foreboding of ill, he shuddered as he saw the smiles of 
 mischief that passed between them, and heartily rejoiced 
 was he when he hailed their departure, and had bowed out 
 the last of their train. 
 
 I shall quit Paris instantly," said he to his” house- 
 keeper, on returning to the Hotel d’Hercule : my nerves 
 
 will not endure the terror these great lords, kings, and 
 gentry inspire me with. I will pretend to be sick, any 
 thing to escape the honour of this horrible visit. Invite 
 La Chateauneuf! alas! the vixen who they say is too 
 familiar with the Duke of Anjou ! The saints forbid ! 
 And my niece Touchet : I have heard such things of her 
 and the King lately, which her father's mind would never 
 have conceived. I wondered at all her talk of great folks : 
 she has known them to some purpose ! Oh, why did I 
 ever come to Paris and set up as a great man ? " 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE AVOWAL. 
 
 “ On rencontre I’amiavec qui Ton voudrait passer ses jours, au moment oii 
 le sort va le fixer loin de nous : on decouvre le coeur que Ton cherchoit, la 
 veille du jour oil ce cceur va cesser de battre.” — Sr. Augustin. 
 
 Claude had remained sleeping, overcome with the heavi- 
 ness of grief and the fatigue of watching. His dreams 
 restored to him the snow-clad mountains of the country he 
 called his own, romantic Bearn. Shadows flitted across 
 his fancy which had never visited him in his waking 
 
 L 
 
146 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 moments, and forms, of which he had no recollection, ap- 
 peared familiarly connected with all that occurred to him. 
 The students, the Cordelier, the face of Bianco, — all rose 
 to his imagination, and mixed themselves up with con- 
 tention and massacre. The image of Alix in danger, 
 struggling and calling to him for help, recurred frequently. 
 He tried to reach her, and she was held from him by her 
 father ; then her figure changed to one unknown, and, 
 dimly developed, it flitted along like a spectre, and as it 
 approached a livid hue spread over the features ; the pale 
 hands held a chain of hair, which he endeavoured to grasp, 
 and making a violent effort to do so he awoke. He had 
 risen from his recumbent posture, and found he held in 
 his hand the chain which he constantly wore round his neck, 
 the same which he saw so clearly in his dream. He kissed 
 this sole relic of his former fortunes, and turned it in every 
 direction, hoping to discover the spring which Rene had 
 found so readily, hut without effect. It seemed singular 
 that the Italian should have known what was concealed 
 with so much care, and he regretted bitterly not having 
 learnt the secret at that moment, as he was now but little 
 likely to attain the knowledge which he so much desired. 
 
 While he was reflecting on this he heard Mabille’s step 
 approaching, and hastily replaced the beloved chain in his 
 bosom. She was agitated and pale, but recounted to him 
 what had passed between her and the King, and informed 
 him that Charles had desired that he should he brought 
 before him. He followed her accordingly, and, with 
 anxious hearts, they both took their way to the royal 
 apartments. 
 
 The King was seated on a couch, supported by cushions ; 
 his countenance was care-worn and sad, his brow contracted, 
 and his head languidly reclined on his hand. 
 
 He was sunk into a reverie from which the entrance of 
 Mabille roused him. Looking wildly on Claude he ex- 
 claimed, — 
 
 Let me not behold one of that race of victims — take 
 him away! 
 
 Sire,"' said Mabille gently, as she approached him, 
 be calm I entreat you. I bring a grateful being who 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 147 
 
 comes to thank his royal preserver both for himself and 
 for your poor niirse^ his friend.^' 
 
 “ Yes_, dear Mabille/' cried Charles, embracing her with 
 almost childish fondness, — yes, I saved my own dear 
 nurse, the only person in the whole world who loves me ! ’' 
 Say not so, sire,*' answered she, I beseech you ; 
 your subjects love you, and none more than they whom 
 cruel and interested persons have misrepresented to your 
 Grace." 
 
 They have no cause,” groaned the miserable young 
 monarch ; but let your friend approach, he need not fear 
 me.” 
 
 Claude accordingly came forward, and was graciously 
 questioned by Charles on several points relative to his 
 fortunate escape, his connexion with the house of Navarre, 
 and his prospects for the future. 
 
 On the latter subject Claude professed his uncertainty. 
 
 Charles mused a moment and then said : — 
 
 1 know not how far my power will protect you 
 beyond the walls of my palace, but you are at liberty 
 to remain here for the present, till tranquillity is restored 
 to this turbulent city. You can assume the livery of my 
 household, as page to Dame Mabille : but remember, I 
 will have no spies about me. You are free — disguise 
 yourself cunningly — and take heed that your bearing 
 betray you not.” 
 
 The King smiled, for the mystery of the affair seemed 
 to amuse him and divert his mind from more serious 
 matters, and he dismissed him graciously ; while Claude, 
 greatly relieved, as far as regarded his personal safety, 
 retired, with the intention of taking instant steps in order 
 to ascertain the fate of Alix, of whose situation he was 
 painfully uncertain. 
 
 Mabille lost no time in procuring for him a dress similar 
 to those worn by the servants of the royal household, and 
 gave out that he was a relation of her own, just received 
 into the service of the King. In this guise, and having 
 darkened his complexion as much as possible, and dyed his 
 eyebrows and hair, he could with difficulty be recognised, 
 except by the quick eye of affection, or the equally keen 
 
148 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 glance of hatred. The latter he proposed to avoid as much 
 as possible by shunning the presence of Rene^ should they 
 encounter in the palace. In this disguise Claude resolved 
 to steal forth as soon as possible^ and seek the President’s 
 house^ hoping to learn news of her who occupied all his 
 thoughts. 
 
 They had ascertained that Bianco accompanied the pro- 
 cession ; and judging that the occupation thus given to the 
 populace would render it less dangerous for them to venture 
 out, Mabille and her supposed page took their way to the 
 habitation of Bailly. 
 
 At every step traces of the most hideous kind were rife 
 of the recent slaughter: the river rolled along a tide, the 
 sanguine colour of which belonged not to its waters, and 
 heaps of dead lay piled upon its shores. The gates and 
 doors of the palace told the horrors which had been com- 
 mitted near them : the broken lattices, the defaced and 
 half-burnt houses, the pillaged shops and their few gloomy- 
 looking inhabitants, the heaps of stones, and scattered frag- 
 ments of weapons, all told a tale too horrible for the mind 
 to dwell upon. 
 
 And Alix ! ” thought Claude, in the midst of all this 
 carnage and confusion, can she be uninjured ? 
 
 At length they reached the President’s house, but w^ere 
 at first stoutly refused admittance. Mabille, however, 
 induced the servant, who knew her, to inform Alix of her 
 desire to see her, and she was accordingly permitted to 
 enter, but she took the precaution of ordering Claude to 
 remain in the antechamber till he was summoned, lest his 
 too-ready admission should excite suspicion. 
 
 The nurse found her unhappy young friend, who flew 
 to throw herself into her arms, and weep upon her bosom, 
 while she recounted all that had occurred to her on the 
 night of the beginning of the massacre. 
 
 I have but one means left me of escape,” said she ; 
 that is my only resource, and to that I shall be obliged 
 to resort. But tell me, dear Mabille ! oh, tell me, can you 
 conjecture whathas been the fate of the unfortunate Claude? 
 The massacre, supposed to be concluded, is far from being 
 so. It is not so open as before, but our people are falling 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. H<9 
 
 in every street, in every house, and there is none to deliver 
 them ! ’’ 
 
 Dear Alix ! said the nurse, take comfort, Claude 
 Emars is in safety, and under the protection of the King ! 
 
 With a sudden burst of joy, Alix cast herself upon her 
 knees and returned thanks to Heaven for his preservation. 
 Earnestly did she listen while Mabille recounted all the 
 particulars attending their mutual escape. When she had 
 concluded, the daughter of the President exclaimed — 
 
 Heaven be praised for this signal mercy ! But how 
 will the persecuted youth escape the snares laid for him ? ” 
 He isj my dear child,” returned Mabille, disguised 
 by the command of Charles himself, as my page ; and if 
 he can avoid meeting with his deadly foe, may remain in 
 safety. But his distraction to know your fate overcame 
 every other consideration, and he accompanied me hither.” 
 Oh, heavens ! ” cried Alix, turning as pale as death. 
 Here! in this fatal house, which is full of danger for him ! 
 — entreat him instantly to quit these walls. Yet, no,” she 
 continued, he has braved all for my sake ! I must see 
 him, at least,^to repeat my thanks.” 
 
 Claude on being summoned, sprang forward in a delirium 
 of joy, and threw himself at the feet of Alix, whose ex- 
 tended hand he clasped in uncontrollable emotion, while she 
 stood bathed in tears, and looking on him with interest 
 which it was vain to attempt to conceal. 
 
 Do I behold you indeed in safety ? ” cried Claude ; 
 whatever trials may henceforth av/ait me I can endure 
 them without a murmur, since your life, so far more 
 precious than my own, is secure.” 
 
 Alas 1 replied Alix, scarcely conscious of the warmth 
 of his expressions in the delight she felt at seeing him 
 after the terrors she had experienced while believing him 
 exposed to danger, you must be gone : this place is but 
 a sepulchre for you ; come not near me, attempt not to see 
 me, for I can only bring destruction on my friends.” 
 
 Oh ! were it possible,” exclaimed Claude, that to 
 my joy in beholding you safe I could add the power of 
 serving you.” 
 
 ‘^You have a heart, Claude,” said Alix, firmly, ‘‘ and 
 
150 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 an arm for your country and your friends. Our party is 
 not yet abandoned^ our cause is not yet crushed ; it only 
 wants defenders^ and it will once more revive^ nay one 
 day triumph. Why not join those who fight for their 
 rights against oppression ? 
 
 True ! cried Claude, rising with enthusiasm ; your 
 words inspire me with new hope, new ardour. Why 
 should not this single arm be useful in our cause ? 
 Blessings on you for this gleam of hope, for this ray 
 which has kindled a glorious ambition. Oh ! were hut 
 Navarre free ! could he once more lead on his devoted 
 followers ! but the time shall come ; there are thousands 
 will rise to revenge this outrage, whose zeal had otherwise 
 slept, and Coligni will yet be avenged.’^ 
 
 Speak not of vengeance, Claude,’' said Alix. Heaven 
 will take its own time. We strive for justice and for right, 
 and our holy cause will prosper. It was but now I 
 heard my father tell that the brave citizens of La Rochelle 
 refused to admit the murderous band sent to their town ; 
 they spurned the royal orders, and have thrown oflp all 
 allegiance.” 
 
 Is it possible } ” cried Claude ; then there is indeed 
 hope ; their bold example will be followed, and much may 
 yet be accomplished.” 
 
 Be not rash,” rejoined Alix, nor attempt flight too 
 soon, or you may injure instead of furthering the good 
 intent : should you be able to reach La Rochelle, my 
 uncle De Hommet, who holds a high position there, may 
 be of service. Take this ring, therefore, as it may happen,'’ 
 she continued, while her voice faltered ; — it may happen 
 that we shall not meet again, — at all events you can provide 
 yourself with this token, which he will know, for it was 
 his last gift to his dead sister, and tell my cousin Lessaline 
 that I grieve in secret for our long separation, doomed 
 perhaps to be eternal ! ” 
 
 As she spoke, she took from her finger a ring which 
 Claude received with emotion ; her tears flowed fast, and 
 it was with difficulty he was able to utter in broken 
 sentences. 
 
 Dear madam — Alix — let us hope that this cloud will 
 
ORj THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 151 
 
 pass avvay^ and that many happy hours are yet in store for 
 you.*’ 
 
 No/’ said Alix^ throwing herself into a seat^ overcome 
 with grief ; no, there is no choice for me but death. I 
 cannot be the wife of the detested Bianco ! ** 
 
 ‘‘ His wife ! ** cried Claude, starting, while every nerve 
 trembled with horror: — his wife! death were indeed 
 better ; but what dreadful alternative do you propose ? ” 
 Alas !” exclaimed Alix, to save my father’s life, I 
 made a horrible promise, which as 1 cannot keep, the 
 forfeit must be paid. Mabille will relate to you that 
 fearful scene ; I cannot breathe its terrors again. Suffice 
 it that I must be a victim.” 
 
 You must not, shall not !” cried Claude, passionately. 
 Oh, Alix ! forgive and pity me when I dare to make an 
 avowal which your danger only could draw from me. My 
 heart is torn with a thousand feelings, my soul distracted 
 with a thousand terrors for you ; hear, then, with indul- 
 gence a wretched being, who, exposed to the same dangers 
 as yourself, professing the same pure faith, has dared to 
 love you, and who dares to proclaim his weakness ; who 
 has no hope nor ever cherished any, but would perish to 
 serve — to save you. Turn not away from me, I ask but 
 to be permitted to devote my life to aid you. Fly from 
 the wretch who is unworthy even to hear your name ; fly 
 to your uncle in La Rochelle ; sufl*er me to conduct you, — 
 to guard and defend you. It will not be difficult to 
 devise some plan for your escape, fear not for your father ; 
 his known attachment to the Catholic cause will prevent 
 suspicion resting on him ; conflde in my devotion and 
 respect. The moment you are safe in the protection of De 
 Hommet, I will quit your sight, nor shall my presumptuous 
 passion ever again intrude on your peaceful solitude.” 
 Hurried away by the impetuosity of his feelings, 
 Claude had, in discovering the state of his affections, con- 
 vinced Alix, but too clearly, how much her own corres- 
 ponded with her lover’s. It was, therefore, with secret 
 joy, though with astonishment and consternation, that she 
 listened to a proposal which in the devoted generosity of 
 
152 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS .* 
 
 his mind, rather than instigated by prudence, he had 
 made. 
 
 Oh Claude,"' she said gently, your words are wild 
 and strange, and you propose impossibilities ; alas ! are you 
 not proscribed and fugitive.” 
 
 Oh heavens !"’ returned Claude — it is but too true ; 
 I deserve that you should reject my weak assistance. I 
 know but too well how unworthy I must appear of your 
 slightest regard.” 
 
 Hold ! ” interrupted Alix, blushing deeply. We are 
 fatally — I fear eternally, separated. 1 see no hope for 
 you, no escape for myself: had it been otherwise, I would 
 not have hesitated to acknowledge, that, instead of flying 
 from you, I had remained to encourage you with brighter 
 prospects for the future, and had assured you that neither 
 aversion nor indifference caused me to listen to your noble 
 offers without one word of consolation.” — She hesitated. 
 
 Say but,” said Claude, imploringly, — say but that 
 I am not contemned and hated !” 
 
 No, Claude,” replied Alix ; you are esteemed, re- 
 gretted ! ” 
 
 As she pronounced the last words she quitted the 
 chamber, leaving Claude scarcely conscious whether sorrow 
 or delight was predominant in his mind. 
 
 Mabille had remained in the outer chamber during the 
 latter part of this interview, anxiously watching lest any 
 movement should announce the return of Bailly ; and 
 when Claude joined her she resolved instantly to leave the 
 house in order that a longer delay might not create 
 remark. The nurse and her page, therefore, prepared to 
 return to the palace, and Claude having seen her safely to 
 the gates, had lingered behind to gaze on the spectacle of 
 confusion which all around presented, when he was attract- 
 ed by a crowd, and the vociferous exclamation and fierce 
 gestures of a party of boatmen. Conceiving that some 
 Protestants were in danger, he hurried towards the group 
 in time, as has been already recounted, to rescue from out- 
 rage, and probably death, a man in the dress of a peasant, 
 in whom, however, he thought he recognised his former 
 acquaintance of a moment, the Cordelier, and, but for the 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 153 
 
 prompt and bold method taken by the person assailed to 
 escape, namely, by leaping into the river, his exertions had 
 probably been in vain. He represented to the brutal 
 boatmen that the King’s late orders were positive that no 
 Huguenot should be attacked, and as he appeared in the 
 livery of the royal household, the man reluctantly and 
 sullenly shook off his hold and slunk muttering av/ay, 
 while he bad the satisfaction of seeing the bold swimmer 
 reach the opposite shore in safety. He then returned 
 hastily to the Louvre, as he feared the royal cortege, which 
 was now approaching, would shortly arrive, and render his 
 entrance less easy. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 LE PETIT FEUILLANT. 
 
 “ Dost know this waterfly ? ” — Hamlet. 
 
 While so much sorrow, terror, and anxiety occupied the 
 minds of all classes in Paris, the fashionable world, then 
 as at all other times, had not given up any amusement 
 likely to drive away refection. 
 
 In one of the fine hotels, situated in the neighhourhood 
 of the palace, dwelt the Count la Mole, the most elegant, 
 refined, and handsome cavalier in Paris. 
 
 He and his inseparable friend, the Count Coconnas, had 
 distinguished themselves greatly in the late business, and 
 proved their right to the reputation of good Catholics by 
 their cruelty to the devoted sect whom it was the great 
 object to exterminate. 
 
 Both were, a few days after the beginning of the massa- 
 cre, seated languidly on velvet couches in the study of La 
 ]\Iole, who was employed in looking over some papers 
 which had been presented to him by a valet in waiting. 
 
 Coconnas held in his hand a volume of the songs cf 
 Ronsard, fragments of which he every now and then sang 
 in a clear, rich voice, evidently enjoying the beauty of the 
 
154 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 poetry, and charmed with the learned allusions of the 
 author. He was less handsome than his companion, but 
 had a distinguished air and a faultless figure, of which he 
 was extremely vain. His peculiarly small foot and hand 
 were the objects of his own devoted admiration; and he 
 held all who possessed not these beauties as worthless in 
 the scale of existence, and beneath the notice of a man who 
 was looked upon as a gentleman. 
 
 La Mole continued to turn over the papers on his table 
 with one white hand, whose delicacy might vie with that 
 of his friend, and with the other combed with a small comb 
 of mother-of-pearl his luxuriant moustache, whose extre- 
 mities he was careful to guide into an upward curl, then 
 considered necessary to perfect propriety. 
 
 Belistre he exclaimed, at length, to his attendant ; 
 using terms to an inferior then always indulged in by a 
 man of ton miserable dolt and idiot ! why were not these 
 given to me before } 
 
 My lord,” answered, the valet, in the humblest accent, 
 was so occupied, — so enthusiastically engaged in the 
 extermination of the Huguenotaille, that his slave did not 
 venture.” 
 
 True, — I had forgotten,’* said the great man ; the 
 swine have too long occupied my attention. Give me some 
 comfits, and place a table near ; then withdraw.” 
 
 His commands were obeyed, and the friends were left 
 alone. 
 
 ‘‘ Lay aside the divine poet, my dear Coconnas,” re- 
 sumed La Mole, for a few moments, for here is some- 
 thing of the utmost consequence, to which we must attend. 
 This is a petition from the Florentine Ganasso, imploring 
 me to bring his new troop of players into fashion, which I 
 have resolved to do, and I will make it a law, — a duty, to 
 visit them. The King’s consent had better be gained, 
 because one would not willingly leave him out of the 
 party : but I shall take care that they succeed. I will 
 instantly send orders round to the court that a day be 
 named to witness these representations, and to be absent 
 from them will henceforth be a mark of churlish breeding. 
 Nothing, my dear Coconnas, should be endured in Paris 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 155 
 
 but Italian comedians : they are the only beings to whom 
 nature has granted taste or talent^ — they have voices to 
 warble, they have feet to dance, denied to all others. 
 Great Jupiter! to think we should be deprived of our 
 Italians ! Better perish, like these accursed Huguenots ! 
 to hear one of whose hoarse psalms, droned out by a con- 
 gregation of them, is to take leave of existence with disgust. 
 Were it for nothing but the depravity of their taste, they 
 deserve the fate which they are now suffering.” 
 
 Most true,” said Coconnas. Willingly will I lend 
 my aid to assist these persecuted foreigners, dear as they 
 deservedly are to every soul that can feel.'’ 
 
 The sun shall not go down before their fame is 
 established,” said La Mole ; would that we lived in those 
 delicious realms where harmony can be commanded by the 
 sword. I would have a musical company made so perfect 
 that none could find the shadow of a fault in any one per- 
 former; but the great end must be achieved thus: — every 
 Saturday that wretch’s life should be taken from him, who 
 in the course of the week had uttered a false note, and he 
 should be replaced by another, tried and proved ; by this 
 means, a second offence would rarely be committed, and 
 one could listen until Paradise seemed spreading round, 
 and its angels warbling their divine strains to our en- 
 raptured senses !” 
 
 My friend ! ” exclaimed Coconnas, with warmth, 
 you inspire me with zeal and pleasure ; already I feel a 
 new creature, I will hasten myself to these Italians, and 
 make glad their hearts by my communications." 
 
 Do so," said La Mole : this is nearly my hour of 
 
 devotion, and I have much of importance to consult about 
 with Cosmo Ruggieri, previously; leave me, therefore, 
 dear Coconnas ; to you I delegate my authority ; see that 
 Alberto and his troop are well bestowed — till two hours 
 hence, farewell ! ” 
 
 La Mole sunk back in his seat while Coconnas rose 
 from his, and after a little delay, that his nerves might 
 not be overwhelmed by too much haste, he threw his short 
 embroidered cloak over his shoulders, gazed at his fine 
 teeth, in his little pocket-mirror, smoothed out the ringlets 
 
156 
 
 CATHEUINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 of his silken hair, and twisted them anew over the comb 
 which confined them at the back, kissed his small fingers 
 to his friend, and glided out of the apartment. 
 
 He was scarcely departed when Signor Cosmo Ruggieri, 
 the philosopher, was announced. This was the well-known 
 favourite of the Queen-mother, whose deep researches in 
 astrology had gained him great reputation at court, and 
 who was said to have in his possession the Secret of Secrets 
 itself, a fact which was denied by Rene Bianco, who, 
 though obliged to endure his companionship, held him as 
 a rival, and a dangerous one ; but as he possessed none of 
 the companionable and agreeable qualities of the perfumer, 
 Catherine held him in a different degree of favour. Never- 
 theless, these artful and designing men, aware that each 
 was labouring for himself, would willingly have compassed 
 the other's absence and disgrace, and were constantly lying 
 in wait for a convenient opportunity to do so. 
 
 It had become a mode for all persons of fashion to con- 
 sult Ruggieri, and in that period, when intrigue and super- 
 stition were combined, his services were found most 
 valuable, and few persons of rank considered their day 
 complete if they had failed to receive a visit from the 
 Astrologer Royal. 
 
 Pie was ushered into the study of La Mole, and ad- 
 vanced towards him with a grave step. His stature was 
 tali, and his figure slight, a very fine flowing white beard, 
 which covered his breast, was the only indication of age 
 about him, for his face was smooth, and his eyes black, 
 piercing, and remarkably bright. These circumstances 
 gave colour to the report that he had renewed his youth 
 by art, and that, as some appearance of age was said 
 always to be borne by persons under this spell, he had 
 chosen the venerable appendage which distinguished him, 
 as it in nowise took from the imposing character of his 
 face, and answered his purpose completely. His anecdotes 
 were extraordinary of times gone by : he appeared always 
 to have lived in a court, either in France or other 
 countries, and spoke of his personal knowledge of many 
 celebrated characters of history. He feigned to be dis- 
 pleased if asked to explain how he could, at his apparent 
 
0R_, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 157 
 
 age_, have known them^ and it was now thought a mark of 
 ill breeding to question the mysterious philosopher, who 
 was listened to with awe, and regarded as a being of a 
 species belonging to a distant world. As it was fashion- 
 able to credit him, those who treated him as a cheat did 
 not venture to name their opinion, which was considered 
 little better than treason, as the Queen -mo therms faith was 
 firm in his favour. It was only, therefore, out of the 
 charmed pale that Cosmo Ruggieri was contemned and 
 ridiculed as well as his friends and patrons, among whom 
 one of the most distinguished v/as Count la Mole. 
 
 The man of fashion greeted the philosopher with great 
 cordiality. Good Cosmo,” said he, I have much for 
 which to thank you ; the waxen image which your art 
 has constructed for me has done its duty, and I have but 
 little to complain of. The ladies of the court are very 
 kind ; nevertheless, without your learned assistance, I am 
 extremely at a loss, because, except I can ascertain the 
 planet which governs her whose favour I would win, I 
 cannot have recourse to the figure/’ 
 
 True,” replied Cosmo, that is absolutely necessary 
 to be known ; but there are few ladies of note whose na- 
 tivities 1 have not cast, and I am, therefore, able to offer 
 you any information you can require. The heart of the 
 image is, you know, covered with circles, round which the 
 planets appear : when you are aware of that, whose in- 
 fluence is requisite, you must prick the heart in the spot 
 above which the planet rests, repeating, of course, the 
 words in whose meaning I have instructed you.” 
 
 This 1 have done, father,” said La Mole, solemnly; 
 hut you will, perhaps, start to hear that I at this mo- 
 ment pursue three different plans. I am enamoured of 
 three persons, all in opposite spheres of life, whose planets 
 are unknown to me. The name of the first, under a seal 
 of the deepest secrecy, 1 will first impart ; and you must 
 regulate our proceedings accordingly.” 
 
 He leant forward, and whispered in the astrologer’s ear 
 a name at which he seemed surprised — 
 
 This,” said Cosmo, ‘Ms difficult indeed, but not im- 
 possible ; and will demand a separate image. All that is 
 
158 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 royal stands apart from the rest of earth, and acts not in 
 concert with it. It will take time and study. However, 
 it fortunately happens,” he added, taking from under his 
 robe a small book and consulting it, that your star is 
 placed at this moment so happily that any thing undertaken 
 by or for you now is likely to succeed.” 
 
 Indeed ! ” said La Mole eagerly ; then spare no ex- 
 pense, no pains ! Take this purse, good Cosmo, and call 
 on me for more when necessary. My star is, then, in a 
 good position ? ” 
 
 Excellent ! ” said the astrologer, pocketing the gold. 
 ^^But tell me, my lord, who are the others, besides this 
 royal divinity, with whom I can serve you ? ” 
 
 One,” said La Mole, is the King’s mistress, Marie 
 Touchet.” 
 
 Indeed !” said Ruggieri. And the third ? ” 
 
 Oh — the third,” replied La Mole, stands in another 
 position altogether.” 
 
 If the honoured fair,” said Cosmo, smiling, is a 
 citizen’s or peasant’s daughter there need be no magic in 
 the case, perhaps.” 
 
 She is neither,” returned La Mole. I should not, 
 of course, require the aid I seek if I had time or inclina- 
 tion to exert the talents or fascinations with which I am 
 quite aware that nature has gifted me ; but, my dear 
 Ruggieri, time to me is every thing. The beauty who 
 attracts me now is the daughter of Bailly ; he who is 
 president of accounts, and in good favour at this moment. 
 She is placed in an intermediate rank, and consequently 
 difficult to approach.” 
 
 How ? ” interrupted Cosmo : you speak of the in- 
 
 tended bride of Rene Bianco.” 
 
 ‘‘ Is she so ? ” said La Mole, languidly ; then it were 
 an act of chivalry to rescue her from such a fate. She 
 merits better than to be the wife of a low perfumer, 
 however high in the Queen’s favour he may stand.” 
 
 My lord,” said Ruggieri eagerly, whatever I can do 
 to serve you, command. Rene is my friend, and I should 
 be sorry to do him an ill turn; yet, to forward your 
 views, I give up all selfish considerations.” 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 159 
 
 I shall,” said the courtier^ imagine some scheme to 
 see this little piece of perfection, for such she is, again ; 
 and we will then think of the how and the when to get 
 her into my power. My mind begins to be fatigued with 
 this deep thought. Attend, my dear Cosmo, to the royal 
 image — that is my chief care ; the rest 1 have no ob- 
 jection to leave, at present, to chance. Hark ! I hear a 
 well-known footstep ; it is that of my confessor, Mont- 
 gaillard. Farewell ! the astrologer must give place to the 
 divine, and I have much of which to unburthen my mind, 
 not having had time for several days to see my holy 
 adviser.” 
 
 As La Mole spoke he crossed himself devoutly, for his 
 attention to the forms of religion was so exemplary and 
 edifying that it was a theme of universal remark. The 
 King himself was accustomed to say, that the number of 
 sins La Mole had committed might be easily known by 
 the masses he said ; and seldom did a day pass in which 
 he had not heard three. 
 
 A gentle tap at the private door of the courtier’s study 
 announced the holy man, and Cosmo retiring, entrance 
 was given to the singular character in whose keeping was 
 the conscience of the accomplished, unprincipled, prince of 
 coxcombs. La Mole. 
 
 Bernard Percin de Montgaillard was of the order of 
 Feuillans, who at this period were not established in a 
 convent of their own at Paris, but for whom the care of 
 the Queen -mother was endeavouring to provide one near 
 the royal gardens. He was esteemed one of the most 
 eloquent preachers of his time ; had a fine, clear voice, of 
 which he was very vain, and the echo of which he ap- 
 peared to delight in hearing ; he was followed and admired 
 by all the court party, particularly the female part, to 
 whom, indeed, his sermons were generally addressed, and 
 for whose admiration he strove, for whose applause he 
 sighed, wept, was powerful or pathetic, denounced or 
 soothed, as the case might be. No lady of distinction 
 failed to secure his offices as confessor to herself and 
 family; and having Cosmo as astrological adviser, the 
 fashionable menage was complete. 
 
i6o 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 Montgaillard was small of stature and corpulent : owing 
 to a defect in one foot, he walked very lame, which mis- 
 fortune he endeavoured to conceal under a constant shuf- 
 fling motion, almost amounting to a dance. 
 
 He wore his beard long, contrary to the established 
 rules respecting persons of his profession, and had with 
 difficulty obtained admission into the order to which he 
 belonged, in consequence of his determined adherence to a 
 mode which he considered peculiarly becoming to his 
 physiognomy. His little sparkling eyes looked out from 
 beneath a cowl which he loved to cast back, and thus 
 display his expansive forehead, which it pained him to 
 conceal : his rosary was slung over one shoulder, and on 
 his bosom, as was the custom with prelates and abbes of 
 distinction, he wore a golden cross set with pearls inter- 
 mixed with fine rubies. His teeth were large and white, 
 and he took infinite care that they should be made mani- 
 fest, for which reason he wore a continual smile ; his nose 
 was the failure in his face, for, to his own unspeakable 
 annoyance, it was short and flat. As he entered the 
 apartment he held up his robe with an affected air, and 
 fanned himself with an embroidered handkerchief, from 
 which issued a strong perfume of musk. 
 
 How is it with you, beau et reverend ? ” exclaimed 
 La Mole, rising ; how exquisite you look this morning ! 
 radiant with success, no doubt ? ” 
 
 Yes,'* said Le Petit Feuillant, as he was familiarly 
 termed, — passibly so; two sweet creatures fainted at 
 my sermon this morning, and I give you my word, to hear 
 the sobs of others, and witness their streaming tears almost 
 unmanned me. I will be less pathetic to-morrow, for it 
 grieves me to cause them sorrow who should be all smiles 
 and joy ; however, we parted gaily, for I told them my 
 next discourse should be on a subject which would call 
 forth all their interest — that of love — heavenly love of 
 course; — don't you think it a charming theme 
 
 Perfect ! ” said La Mole ; but you are positively be- 
 coming too dangerous a rival ; no eyes at church but are 
 for you ; no conversation out of it but is of you : and who 
 has a chance when you are near ? '' 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 161 
 
 The gratified abbe simperingly replied in a humble tone, 
 Alas ! my thoughts are all spiritual; my metaphors, 
 though drawn from earth, aspire above. But say, my son, 
 shall we begin our devotional exercises ? in order that, 
 those accomplished, I may have leisure to recount to you 
 a few amusing anecdotes and lively adventures of certain 
 persons whom you know.” 
 
 This hint was enough ; La Mole instantly complied with 
 the holy father’s desire, and the ceremony of confession 
 was gone through with all due gravity : absolution being 
 bestowed, and every particular strictly attended to, Le Petit 
 Feuillant cast aside his clerical character, and assumed that 
 for which he was so well fitted, namely, confidant of the 
 worldly business or pleasure of his penitent, and retailer of 
 all the scandal of the Court. 
 
 In the first place, have you heard,” said he, that the 
 divine Marguerite is actually in love with the Bearnais, 
 her husband, and that is the reason that, of late, no new 
 aspirant has appeared for her favour ? ” 
 
 Monstrous ! ” said La Mole, indignantly : that I 
 
 will never believe : I know she cares not for D’Entragues, 
 nor Tavannes, nor fifty others ; but the Bearnais — that 
 would be too preposterous ! By the way, I had forgotten 
 his existence ; was he not killed in the melee ? ” 
 
 No,” replied the Feuillant, carelessly, no ; she 
 begged his life, and that probably gave rise to the absurd 
 report. She is full of feminine feelings, and would as soon 
 have entreated for her dog.” 
 
 It is to be hoped that the idiot Gascon has no idea 
 that he is so honoured,” said La Mole ; it would make 
 him insufferable ! Oh ! the smell of garlic and leather 
 whenever he appears ! How can she even support his pre- 
 sence ! ” 
 
 Of course,” returned Montgaillard, “ if he dares to 
 hope for her regard, there are plenty to invent sayings of 
 hers to undeceive him ; we must never allow such folly, 
 such treason to rob us of our Urania. The Queen-mother 
 is going to marry her perfumer Rene, and to such a divi- 
 nity ! ” 
 
 I know it,” replied La Mole, and there you will 
 
 M 
 
162 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 smile to hear I am interested/* He then related to the 
 monk the circumstances of his fancy for Alix_, and his wish 
 to withdraw her from her father’s protection. 
 
 I am/* said the Petit Feuillant^ perfectly acquainted 
 with the damsel you allude to^ nor do I condemn your ad- 
 miration ; she is lovely. I think it will be in my power 
 to assist you in this matter, as I have at this moment some 
 dealings with the President, relative to the purchase of the 
 Abbey of Bourgueil, in Anjou, for which he hesitates to 
 give our convent eighteen thousand crowns. I have, in con- 
 sequence of his indecision, allowed the negotiation to drop, 
 but can renew it at any time, if by so doing I can forward 
 the views of my friend.” 
 
 Thank you sincerely,” answered La Mole. This 
 looks well ; we must of course prevent this Rene from 
 marrying the girl for the present.” 
 
 I fancy,** said Montgaillard, laughing, he is too 
 good a Catholic to be much distressed by delay, for I 
 shrewdly suspect our little beauty of heresy. Mort dieu ! 
 we must put him on his guard !*^ 
 
 Well,** said La Mole, this is fortunate ; for if we 
 fail otherwise, it is only to issue an accusation against her, 
 and she is at once in my power. There needs little form 
 of trial on such ground. We don*t want her to be massa- 
 cred, however ; and I suppose that affair goes on still ? ** 
 No,** said the monk : “ it lasted seven days ; and in 
 Paris alone, they say, ten thousand of the locusts are got 
 rid of ; but the King is weak beyond belief, and has issued 
 a second order that the Huguenots are to be protected.** 
 Folly ! ** said La Mole : they will rise anew, and 
 
 we shall have all the trouble over again. Coconnas tells me, 
 he was quite weary of slaying, and his method at last was 
 comic enough : he bought a great many as they were going 
 to be slaughtered, and kept them to kill at his leisure.*** 
 ^‘Admirable!’* laughed Le Petit Feuillant. What 
 an original conception! But what have you here? — 
 players ? more arrivals from Italy ? ** 
 
 Yes,** said the Patron ; some wretches whom I in- 
 
 * On record. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 163 
 
 tend to protect, because they have been persecuted by the 
 Vandals of parliament, and because I love good verses and 
 sweet voices.'' 
 
 I rejoice at their good fortune," lisped the foppish 
 priest, inasmuch as I have a quarrel against that imper- 
 tinent comedian Pontalais, who came the other day before 
 my church beating his discordant tambour whilst I was 
 delivering my famous discourse against extravagance in 
 apparel. I had reached a most striking period, namely a 
 passage in the Revelations of St. Bridget, in which she de- 
 scribes the torments endured in the other world by a mother 
 for having decked her daughter, with great nicety and cost, 
 in the hope of gaining a husband for the damsel. I raised 
 my voice higher as I proceeded, and you know it has a pe- 
 culiarly full, loud, and thrilling tone, when I choose to 
 exert it ; and I saw several of my fair congregation en- 
 deavouring to conceal in their bosoms the St. Esprits set 
 in diamonds, now so much worn, a fashion unmeet and 
 sinful, unless adopted by the ministers of Holy Church — 
 I raised my voice, I say, higher as I found the stunning 
 sound of the buffoon’s tambour continued, but the insolent 
 varlet outnoised me, till, becoming irritated, I descended 
 from the pulpit, and advancing towards him, desired to 
 know how he dared be so bold as to beat his tambour 
 while I was preaching. The rascal threw himself into a 
 grotesque attitude, and, coming up to me with a limping 
 gait, waving his hand and showing his teeth, cried out, 
 ^ How dare you be so bold as to preach while I beat my 
 tambour?’ This was too much. I drew the small knife I 
 always carry, and slashed his odious and clamorous instru- 
 ment in several places, and was then retiring, when the 
 irreverend reprobate rushed after me, and forced over my 
 head the frame of his disabled tambour, which hung round 
 my throat like a huge ruff. I should have been the less 
 annoyed had not this scene excited much laughter amongst 
 rny fair flock, whose eyes, I grieve to say, wandered in 
 mirthful admiration after the handsome vagabond." 
 
 La Mole did not attempt to restrain his risibility at this 
 account, in which the good-natured priest joined ; then 
 suddenly starting up, he danced across the chamber, and 
 M 2 
 
164 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 taking up a lute, touched a few chords with much grace 
 and science. 
 
 Music/' said he, is the soother of all vexations, the 
 softener of all animosities. I will sing you a few stanzas 
 from the ^ Flamme d'Amour’ of our young poet, Du Trel- 
 lon, whose verses may vie with Ronsard’s himself." 
 
 So saying, in a clear voice, and with much gesticulation 
 and ornament, he sang to a favourite and then greatly ad- 
 mired air — 
 
 In sooth, if she I love 
 Knows not to reprove, 
 
 I love her ever ! 
 
 But if my fair one’s eyes 
 Make no fond replies. 
 
 At once I leave her. 
 
 When on her cheek I see 
 Smiles that beam for me, 
 
 I live to love her ! 
 
 But if I seek in vain 
 Gentle looks to gain, 
 
 My flame is over. 
 
 Though life’s uncertain span 
 I’d cherish while I can, 
 
 And banish sadness. 
 
 Yet I’d endure Love’s care. 
 
 So she but take her share, 
 
 And think it gladness ! 
 
 Charmingly sung!" exclaimed La Mole; ^^and a 
 pretty thing, with spirit and gaiety. I dare say the young 
 poet will improve. Let him take for his model the great 
 star of the all-dazzling Pleiad Oh ! there is the rich 
 imagery, the learned elegance, the charm that carries away 
 the soul ! What does not our language owe to our im- 
 mortal Ronsard for transplanting into its meagre soil the 
 full flowers of Greek luxuriance, and raising such incom- 
 parable riches of versification from the treasures of Greece 
 and Rome ! " 
 
 It seems to me," said the priest, ‘‘ that you have in- 
 correctly bestowed on him the epithet of immortal. His 
 compositions, with the exception of a few, are too learned, 
 too obscure for the generality of readers, who, it is true, ad- 
 mire and wonder at that which they do not understand, but 
 retain only such poetry as touches their feelings ; and after 
 all, it is by the mass, by the people, in fact, that the me- 
 mory of the muse is handed down to after times. If we 
 
OK, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 165 
 
 could live a century hence, it v^^ould not surprise me to 
 find the name of Ronsard forgotten, his poems neglected, 
 and some new poet called immortal in his stead."' 
 
 Treason ! ” cried La Mole ; I will never believe it ! 
 never imagine that the splendid compositions of Ronsard 
 can cease to charm till time itself shall be no more."’ 
 
 Was not Clement Marot as famous in his day ?” said 
 the priest. 
 
 True,” answered the courtier critic ; but his decline 
 may be dated from the time when those accursed Hugue- 
 nots began to drone the Psalms he had translated into 
 French, to their own nasal tunes. But we must quit this 
 discourse, for the day wanes, and I have much to do. 
 Oh ! my dear Montgaillard ! I have a fete in embryo, to 
 which you are invited. It is to be something exquisite ; 
 and to-day I shall see about my guests, and choose 
 amongst the fair ones of the Court those who are in the 
 best looks, for there is no greater mistake than inviting 
 women, however lovely, if they are cross or ill ; it spoils 
 the most admirably-regulated affair ; and as I shall have 
 but few, all must be perfect.” 
 
 He called his valet as he spoke, who brought them re- 
 freshments, and afterwards presented his master with his 
 perfumed gloves, his short cloak, and the little velvet cap, 
 ornamented with three small pointed feathers, then called 
 the Anjou bonnet,” having been adopted lately by that 
 prince. Casting a last glance on the mirror which hung 
 to his girdle, he led the way to the Louvre, followed by 
 his ambling confessor. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 THE DISCLOSURE. 
 
 Ay, but I must, and you must hear me too.” — Venice Preserved. 
 
 La Mole and his companion repaired to the apartments 
 of the Queen-mother at the Hotel de la Reine, where she 
 was accustomed to receive visitors without form ; and a 
 M 3 
 
166 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 chosen few were permitted to attend^ amongst whom the 
 fashionable Count was one of the most welcome. Catherine 
 was surrounded hy her favourite ladies^ and had appa- 
 rently cast olF all recollections that could bring unpleasant 
 thoughts in their train. She listened with great interest to 
 the proposal of La Mole to patronise Ganasso, and agreed 
 at once that a day should be named on which his theatre 
 should be opened, and all the Court attend. 
 
 ‘‘Navarre!” she exclaimed, suddenly turning to the 
 young King, of whom she never lost sight, and who was 
 constantly obliged to be near her ; Navarre, you shall be 
 of our party, and Marguerite shall carry all her ladies, to 
 make the pomp the greater. Look not so coldly my son ; 
 you must learn to forget your homely Gascon habits, and 
 indulge in our Court gaiety, or you will shame our 
 teaching.' ’ 
 
 Madam,” said Henry, with a voice which he endea- 
 voured to render calm, ‘‘ 1 would willingly forget much 
 which it is my misfortune to remember. ” 
 
 Catherine bit her lip. Where is Bianco ? ” said she, 
 hastily, to one of her ladies. Let him bring me the 
 essence for his Grace, who has slept ill, and fares not as I 
 could wish. La Mole,” she added, with assumed gaiety, 
 they tell me you are about to give us a fete ; pray am I 
 to be one of the chosen guests, for we all tremble, I assure 
 you, lest we should any of us be excluded ? ” 
 
 ‘‘ Your Grace,” said La Mole, humbly, is too conde- 
 scending to deign to inquire respecting my intentions. I 
 would willingly beat down my walls, and make a plain of 
 my poor morsel of garden to accommodate all those to 
 whom my heart points, but as I cannot control the sordid 
 fate which confines me in a nutshell, I have only room for 
 fairies. Here is a list of my intended guests. 1 throw 
 myself upon your generosity to add no more, and not to 
 change a name, either male or female.'’ 
 
 Catherine took the paper, read it, and smiled. 
 
 ‘‘You will see us, then,” she answered, “looking our 
 best, since such is your command, monarch as you are, and 
 tyrant of fashion. But you must coax Marguerite, who 
 does not leave her chamber, and keeps her beauties with 
 
OB, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 16T 
 
 her there^ so that we are shorn of half our beams. Oh, 
 Rene,” she added, as he entered, you are there ? Me- 
 thinks your mistress occupies much of your time. I ad- 
 mire your choice extremely. Bianco is about to marry 
 the daughter of the President Bailly,” she continued, turn- 
 ing to La Mole. I wish you could see her.” 
 
 I have no such wish, madam,” answered La Mole, 
 combing his moustaches, and waving his head languidly 
 backwards and forwards, while he rested first on one leg 
 and then on the other, marks of extraordinary fashion at 
 that period, and a practice resorted to by all his followers; 
 
 my eyes are dazzled enough already in this presence, 
 they are too weak to endure more light.” 
 
 I saw her,” said Coconnas, waving his head also, and 
 exhibiting his white hand, covered with rings, while he 
 took a sweatmeat from a little jewelled box offered him by 
 one of the Queen’s ladies, I saw her ; but she has a 
 sullen, melancholy look. Rene, you must see to this, for 
 we will patronise her when she is your wife, and we can- 
 not admit clouds into our sky.” 
 
 Her father is to-day named superintendent of finance 
 and counsellor of state,” said Catherine, so you will have 
 a more exalted bride Rene ; we must make your dower 
 worthy of her. Let her be at our new pastime to-morrow, 
 and bid her, above all, be gay.” 
 
 ‘‘ Madonna,” said Rene, humbly, with a voice of deep 
 servility, such as he was accustomed to use when he ad- 
 dressed the Queen in public, overwhelms her slave with 
 goodness. Alix will leap for joy at the news I shall carry 
 her, and your Grace will see her at the Italian play as fair 
 as sunny day, without a cloud.” 
 
 While Catherine was receiving from the artful Floren- 
 tine these assurances of the willingness of Alix to comply 
 with her desire, the unfortunate girl was a prey to grief 
 and d spair. The promise extorted from her in a moment 
 of disr action appeared in all its appalling terrors to her 
 mind. It was true that Bianco had not sought to intrude 
 upon her solitude, had not dared to present himself before 
 her, but she knew that her father met him constantly, that 
 their friendship was apparently the same as ever, and she 
 M 4 
 
l68 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS : 
 
 felt sure that no change had taken place in his intentions ; 
 but that he watched her as a wild animal watches its prey, 
 to spiing upon it should escape be meditated. 
 
 Then Claude’s romantic avowal, and her own tacit 
 acknowledgment of interest in him, all returned "with ten- 
 fold force, and she trembled for the consequences of the 
 step she meditated. 
 
 The President was aware, meantime, too late, of the 
 unworthiness of his proposed son-in-law ; but the toils 
 were woven closely round him, and he could not recede. 
 The fear of death, lately so vividly brought before his 
 eyes, returned at every hesitating reflection, and he endea- 
 voured to blind himself to the real character of the man to 
 whom his only child was destined. 
 
 He represented to Alix the certain destruction which 
 must ensue if she retracted her promise, and urged her, by 
 every argument he could call forth, not to sacriflce herself 
 and her father to an aversion without foundation. 
 
 He saved our lives,” said Bailly, from the infuriated 
 populace ; surely we owe him some gratitude for that 
 service.” 
 
 Say not so, my father,” said Alix, shuddering ; say 
 not that he saved us ; it was he who led them hither, he 
 who excited their fury, and drove them to seek for 
 slaughter. His hands are red with the blood of the inno- 
 cent ; and must I be given up to such a monster ? ” 
 
 Alix,” replied the President, he acted but as many 
 were obliged to do, in defence of liberty and life. A fear- 
 ful and treasonous plot had been discovered against the 
 King, and had it not been providentially made known, we 
 had been massacred without mercy by the blood-thirsty 
 Huguenots, whom to exterminate is to render service to 
 Heaven, as well as to secure the sacred life of Charles.” 
 Father,” said Alix, solemnly, you know not what 
 you say. Heaven has no enemies so hateful, none so vile, 
 and sinful, and accursed, as the authors and actors of this 
 immolation.” 
 
 How ! ” said Bailly, angrily, do I hear a child of 
 mine advocate the cause of heresy and treason ? ” 
 
 No, father,” exclaimed Alix, firmly, you hear the 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 1 69 
 
 truth. The Protestant subjects of the King were neither 
 traitors nor rebels ; they were pious Christians, pure, inno- 
 cent, and confiding, and they were sacrificed to a detest- 
 able and cruel policy, but it will he in vain. Though in 
 the capital of this deluded kingdom there have been found 
 butchers to do a deed at which humanity starts back ap- 
 palled, yet in extended France the people have risen 
 against this cruelty and oppression.” 
 
 Hold, Alix ! ” cried the President, turning pale, you 
 forget yourself and me ; your words are wild and irre- 
 verend. Silence, I command you I ” 
 
 I must speak on, father,” continued Alix, in a reso- 
 lute tone, and you must hear me. — hear, too, a secret 
 which I have cherished from my infancy, and which 1 had 
 never dared reveal, but that 1 feel the time is come to 
 suffer and endure. I am a Protestant ! ’’ 
 
 The President uttered a shriek, and fell back in his seat, 
 covering his face with his clenched hands. 
 
 Girl,” he exclaimed, pronounce not your own doom ! 
 Unsay the dreadful word, and let me look on you again 
 without the certainty that your days are numbered.” 
 
 It is too late,” replied Alix. At the altar, if I must 
 appear there, in the face of all the foes of my religion, will 
 I proclaim the truth, and claim the punishment they 
 delight to accord. But fear not, my dear father ; you 
 shall be safe, your treasured life shall not be compromised. 
 I will protest your innocence, your ignorance of my crime, 
 and offer myself as the sole victim. I shall perish, but 
 escape a fate far worse than lingering death in torments, 
 that of becoming the wife of the felon Bianco.” 
 
 Bailly exhausted himself in arguments and entreaties to 
 dissuade his daughter from her resolve, but in vain ; per- 
 suasions, threats, all were useless ; till, at length, seeing 
 that he was equally resolved with herself not to abandon 
 his project, she began to fear that he would use measures 
 to prevent her from acting as she intended, and thought it 
 more prudent to consent to remain passive in the business 
 for the present, as he agreed to do in respect of the mar- 
 riage. 
 
 Let us,” said Bailly, afford no room for suspicion 
 
170 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 of your real feelings ; I will take care that Rene does not 
 annoy you^ but you must consent outwardly to endure his 
 presence. This I command, and I tell you, Alix, in this 
 I will be obeyed for my own sake, as with his power and 
 favour with the Queen, just at this juncture to offend him 
 would be madness.’' 
 
 Alix, with tears, begged her father to believe that she 
 would act in every way so as to avoid causing danger to 
 him, and Bailly, though deeply distressed at the discovery 
 of her heretical opinions, yet hoped that she might be 
 diverted from her meditated act of desperation when time 
 had in some degree softened the poignancy of her affliction. 
 
 He had scarcely left her, when, on descending to his 
 apartment, he found the object of their conversation, and 
 of the detestation of his daughter, and found, also, that he 
 owed to him his elevation to the new posts which Cathe- 
 rine had obtained. Confused and distressed, Bailly scarcely 
 knew what course to pursue, and could only throw himself 
 upon the generosity of the Italian, explaining to him that 
 the agitation into which Alix had been thrown had so dis- 
 ordered her nerves, that he could not hope to name an 
 early day for the marriage, but would do all in his power 
 to bring it about as speedily as possible. 
 
 He received the command for his daughter to appear at 
 the Italian Theatre with trembling, for he anticipated op- 
 position on her part ; and it was with great anxiety that he 
 returned, when Rene had departed, to tell her of the un- 
 welcome honour, and urge the necessity of compliance. 
 He found her subdued and worn out ; and on his assuring 
 her that he would not quit her side during the evening, 
 and would engage Bianco so as to prevent his approaching 
 her, he gained her unwilling consent, and she resolved to 
 endure this new trial with all the firmness of which she 
 was capable. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 171 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 THE ROCHELLOIS REMONSTRANCE. 
 
 “ You have beguiled us with a counterfeit 
 Resembling majesty. You are forsworn — forsworn.” 
 
 King John. 
 
 Although Queen Catherine assumed an appearance of 
 careless indifference, and renewed all the brilliant enter- 
 tainments to which the late horrible events had put a stop, 
 — though she was more than usually pleasing and fami- 
 liar, condescending and full of gaiety, — in her secret soul 
 she was as much the prey of doubt, uncertainty, and 
 dread as her vacillating and weak son Charles the Ninth. 
 From every part of the kingdom remonstrances came 
 pouring in against the orders issued ; all the well-disposed 
 Catholics in the country heard, as Alix had declared to her 
 father, with horror and affright the murderous commands ; 
 and if some had not sufficient courage to resist them, and, 
 overpowered by the arrival of a horde of ruffians to whom 
 the execution of the deed was consigned, allowed their 
 feUow subjects to he butchered, yet others, to their eternal 
 honour, refused to act, and sent back hold denials. Of 
 course, in the Protestant towns, great resistance was ex- 
 pected, and valiantly had they stood against their assail- 
 ants. The strong town of La Rochelle, in chief, hurled 
 defiance at those who attempted to invade their rights. 
 Catholic and Protestant alike were firm, and a long and 
 fearful struggle was in perspective before the inhabitants 
 could he deceived into concession, or forced into obedience. 
 
 Foreign powers also heard with horror of the deed, and 
 sent word by their ambassadors of their disapproval of the 
 measure ; and the Queen-mother and her son found them- 
 selves the objects of detestation and dislike throughout 
 Europe. The King began to fear that the nomination of 
 his brother to the throne of Poland was far from assured, 
 as the news of the massacre arriving might materially alter 
 the former intentions of that people ; and, after all, his 
 hated rival might still be left to torture him with his 
 presence and superior talent. 
 
172 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 Letters had been despatched to all the Courts, at first 
 accusing the house of Guise of the troubles ; then others, 
 avowing the real authors, and proclaiming the treason of 
 the justly punished Protestants : these contradictory ac- 
 counts had failed to satisfy any of the powers, or of the 
 resisting towns, and replies both perplexing and vexatious 
 were daily received. 
 
 Catherine saw with pleasure the turn which this inci- 
 dent had given to his thoughts, and resolved to improve it 
 to the utmost. Forgetting his hatred of both her and his 
 brother in the new amusement he anticipated, Charles 
 allowed them free entrance to him, and harmony seemed 
 for a time restored. 
 
 Meantime the emissaries of Bianco had not been slow to 
 report to him events which had occurred in the prosecution 
 of their cruelties ; and his friend the boatman had related 
 the circumstance of Montgomery’s escape by swimming 
 over the river, as well as the interference in his favour of 
 a page of the King’s. His vigilance was not to be baffled, 
 and he soon discovered that there was something mysterious 
 connected with the new attendant on the nurse, which his 
 sagacity suggested might concern Claude. As soon as his 
 suspicions were roused he resolved to satisfy them, and 
 omit no opportunity of ascertaining if they were well 
 founded. 
 
 He communicated to the Queen-mother the fact of 
 Montgomery’s escape, which greatly incensed her, as she 
 had pleased her imagination with the hope of having him 
 in her power. 
 
 Your measures were not well taken, Rene,” said she. 
 
 What do you tell me of all your friends in Paris, of 
 your troop of newly-arrived Italians who have done such 
 execution, if they allow the chief object of my hatred to 
 elude them ? Would I had employed Ruggieri !” 
 
 The countenance of Rene became so livid with passion 
 as she said this, that Catherine repented of having done so, 
 and added soothingly : Forgive me, my good friend ; I 
 
 am unjust : but you know not what it is to be foiled in 
 such a point, and I had reckoned on your superior skill.” 
 
 I know well. Madonna, what it is,” replied Rene, re- 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 173 
 
 covering himself. I have myself been foiled^ and by an 
 accursed Huguenot, one too who dares to be my rival, and 
 who finds protection under this very roof.” 
 
 How, Rene ? returned Catherine, anxious to do 
 away with the effect of her former remarks : name what 
 
 I can do for you, and it shall be done.’^ 
 
 ‘^The King's nurse,” replied he, ^‘^has a new attendant, 
 who appeared only on the night of St. Bartholomew. He 
 is kept secretly in her chamber, and securely guarded. He 
 descends not with the other pages, nor is he ever seen 
 about the palace. It was this man who aided the escape 
 of Montgomery, and assaulted my friend, who would have 
 despatched him. This is the person whom I demand ; but 
 I presume he is protected by the King, whose heart is 
 strangely tender towards these Huguenots.” 
 
 Bianco,” said the Queen, this is my business as well 
 as yours. I will demand of my son who this man is ; 
 and before long depend on hearing news of him. The 
 King and his party are preparing to go to a feast given by 
 Nantouillet, the Prevot of Paris. He meditates some pu- 
 nishment for his lukewarmness in the late affair ; but he 
 avoids informing me of the particulars. I fear his im- 
 prudence ; and, as it is better at this juncture that the 
 citizens should be conciliated, obtain for me what know- 
 ledge you can on the subject, that, if need be, I may coun- 
 teract the effect of his madness.” 
 
 Then,” said Rene, it will be well that your Grace's 
 guards be on the alert ; for the King will, I know, commit 
 some strange outbreak. He has engaged a troop of deter- 
 mined men to execute his bidding, but what it is he has 
 not communicated.” 
 
 It is well,” said the Queen : take you charge, there- 
 
 fore, and guide some of my guards to the place, that in 
 case of accidents they may be ready. For this service, my 
 dear Rene, receive my thanks and this purse, and forget 
 my foolish words of anger : they meant nothing.” 
 
 I am satisfied. Madonna,” replied Rene ; adding 
 mentally, with a sneer, and will try to execute your com- 
 missions as well as if Ruggieri himself undertook them.” 
 Though Catherine did not hear this remark, she judged 
 
CATHERINE DE 3IEDICIS ! 
 
 174^ 
 
 by the Italian’s face that he had not forgiven her reproach, 
 and she repented having increased his enmity against her 
 new favourite : but it was too late ; and from that mo- 
 ment Cosmo was marked as another victim to the fierce 
 jealousy of the Florentine, her worthy countryman. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 THE THEATRE OF GANaSSO. 
 
 “ Come ho ! and wake Diana with a hymn ; 
 
 With sweetest touches pierce your mistress’ ear, 
 
 And draw her home with music.” — Shakspeare. 
 
 La Mole, in consequence of the words addressed to Rene 
 by the Queen-mother, had suddenly conceived a plan 
 which, through the medium of Ruggieri and the Petit 
 Feuillant, he doubted not would answer all his wishes. 
 This was nothing less than to carry off Alix during the 
 confusion of returning from the Theatre of Ganasso. At 
 this period nothing was more common than such enter- 
 prises; and continual, although ineffectual, complaints 
 were made by fathers and husbands from whom those dear 
 to them had been taken by force by men of rank. 
 
 La Mole arranged with Cosmo, who readily undertook 
 the task, that he should join the President’s party, and en- 
 gage the attention of Bianco : that some persons, placed 
 for the purpose, should excite a sudden tumult, and Alix 
 be separated from her father ; when a stratagem should be 
 used, and the Petit Feuillant, having induced her to ac- 
 company him, should conduct her to a secure retreat with- 
 in the walls of the Abbey of St. Germain des Pres, where 
 he at present resided, and where similar asylums were not 
 unfrequently afforded to the favourites of the monks or of 
 the noblemen connected with them. 
 
 The morning of that day in which he proposed to take 
 possession of Alix in this summary way, was to be dedi- 
 cated to the entertainment which the young Queen of Na- 
 varre had promised to adorn with her presence, and they 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 175 
 
 were then to adjourn to the Italians’ representation : no- 
 thing could therefore he more satisfactory than the whole 
 plan^ and the careless and accomplished courtier felt as if 
 he had performed a deed worthy of commendation in 
 having thus provided excitement for himself for some time 
 to come. His beautiful country-house and gardens, situated 
 a little distance without Paris on the river, were to he the 
 scene of the fete champetre, which was to surpass in grace 
 and refinement the coarse glories, as he termed them, of 
 the gorgeous Louvre, and teach the vulgar-minded lovers 
 of pleasure how much their enjoyments can be enhanced 
 by taste. 
 
 His house was built on the model of a Venetian villa, 
 and resembled those beautiful constructions, still to be seen 
 occasionally in France, which the times of Francis I. and 
 his successors have left, before the purity of that style was 
 deformed by innovation. The facade was adorned with 
 delicate tracery, and rows of small pointed arcades stretched 
 along its extent. Its halls were of white marble ; their 
 sole adornments statues, presenting the most beautiful 
 forms — every thing severe or harsh being carefully ex- 
 cluded, as unfit for a dwelling dedicated entirely to enjoy- 
 ment. In its saloons were found precious works of art, 
 all perfect in their kind, and few in number : each object 
 was precious rather from its beauty, and the exquisite de- 
 licacy of its workmanship and construction, than from its 
 mere richness. A mirror of the largest size yet introduced 
 into France was among the treasures from the hand of the 
 father of Benvenuto. It represented, in a frame of carved 
 wood gilded, Venus and the Loves sculptured in ivory 
 medallions on one side ; and on the other, in ebony, a 
 moral lesson was inculcated against the vanity of human 
 pursuits and the evils of coquetry, in a series of similar 
 sized medallions, containing religious subjects. Another, 
 of smaller dimensions, was framed in carved coral by a 
 Spanish master, the inner rims of which were of mother- 
 of-pearl : but one object, which w^as looked upon as an 
 unique specimen of art, was a small reliquary composed of 
 rock-crystal mixed with chlorite, forming a paste which, 
 while Hioist, was worked with the point of a diamond into 
 
176 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 the most perfect representation of the sacred subject of the 
 Nativity^ producing an effect by its beauty and brilliancy 
 little less than magical. 
 
 The adornments of his dining-hall were confined to the 
 exquisite works exhibited in every article on the table : — 
 the plates and dishes^ all of enamel^ chiefiy by the great 
 Palizzi ; forks and spoons of gold^ their handles ornamented 
 with precious stones ; cups of rock-crystal and carved 
 ivory ; and the meats^ served up to the fastidious guests^ 
 composed by hands so delicate that the artists deserved to 
 take their rank amongst the highest of those whose per- 
 formances were, fortunately for their fame, of a less 
 perishable nature. 
 
 The gardens sloping down to the river, were left in 
 their native beauty : no festoons of fiowers, no extrinsic 
 ornament was introduced ; and only one device appeared, 
 and that was predominant, — a silver moon, surmounting 
 a host of stars, glittered over a sylvan pavilion, on which 
 were inscribed the words Fince Luna!’' The allusion 
 was not lost upon the gratified Marguerite, whose vanity 
 was greatly pleased by the evident homage offered at her 
 shrine by the most accomplished and handsome cavalier of 
 the day. 
 
 Ronsard was the only poet admitted ; as La Mole rightly 
 judged that by this means the harmony would certainly 
 not be disturbed by the jealousy of rivals contending for 
 supremacy. 
 
 After the repast, as the guests strayed along the alleys 
 of flowers and through the groves, a concealed concert of 
 flutes and other soft instruments announced the arrival of a 
 gilded bark, from which issued sixteen ladies, clad in the 
 different costumes of the various provinces of France, who 
 each in turn executed a dance peculiar to her country, ac- 
 companied by the music adapted to it. The fair Poitevine 
 danced with graceful sprightliness to the tones of the 
 cornemuse ; the Proven^ale, the volte, to the sound of the 
 timballe ; the Bourguignone and the Champenoise, to that 
 of the small hauthois dessus de violon, and tabourins de 
 village ; and the Bretones delighted the company by their 
 rapid and spirited dances, called passe-pieds and hranles 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 177 
 
 Nymphs and sylvans then appeared, who performed a 
 ballet which had been composed by the Princess herself : 
 and after some other entertainments, when the waning day 
 told them that the hours were flying, a fleet of fairy boats 
 drew up beneath the lawns, into which the whole gay 
 party stepping, were towed along by two large gilded 
 barges, under whose melodious guidance they arrived at 
 the Tuileries ; from whence, after a time, they adjourned 
 to the theatre, to which, as a matter of policy, the public 
 were allowed entrance, although at first the intention had 
 been to dedicate it entirely to the amusement of the Court. 
 This arrangement had been recommended by La Mole as 
 soon as he had fixed upon the notable plan, which this 
 would render easier of execution. 
 
 The salle of the Jeu de Paume had been fitted up with 
 becoming taste, and attention to convenience. A temporary 
 gallery answ^ered the purpose of boxes, and the pit was re- 
 signed to the general audience. The Queen-mother sat 
 surrounded by her ^Mames de la petite bande,” as the 
 beauties were called, over whom she loved to preside ; the 
 young King of Navarre was near her, and busily engaged 
 in earnest conversation with the artful and fascinating 
 Madame de Sauves, who appeared to absorb all his atten- 
 tion, and was using all her efforts to confirm the effect her 
 beauty had evidently produced on his too pliant mind. The 
 Duke of Alen^on, his friend, stood at a distance with a 
 gloomy dissatisfied air, to which jealousy lent an additional 
 shade ; for he saw with vexation that the fair coquette, 
 whom he also admired, had no smiles that evening to be- 
 stow on any but the young Bearnais. 
 
 Charles IX. was in great and excited spirits, and talked 
 incessantly ; all his natural vivacity and gaiety appearing 
 in full vigour, without apparently a cloud to disturb the 
 sunshine of his pleasure. The Duke of Anjou, or, as he 
 should rather be now called, the King of Poland elect, was 
 in the train of his sister Marguerite, attached to the seat of 
 the Princess de Conde, as if he had there taken root : his 
 whole soul beamed in his eyes as he spoke to her in a low, 
 passionate tone ; and she listened with a countenance 
 which too well told her husband, who gloomily regarded 
 N 
 
178 
 
 CATHERINE DE 31EDICIS ! 
 
 the pair, how much she felt, and with what delight she 
 drank in those honeyed words, so dangerous and so dear. 
 But Conde’s thoughts were far away ; he was brooding 
 over the misery of his Protestant friends, and dreaming of 
 the possibility of affording them relief. His lovely wife 
 was nothing to him, and her affections he neither sought 
 nor regarded. He classed her with all the rest of the co- 
 quettes at a court which he considered as profligate as it 
 was cruel, and his only desire was to escape from the 
 thraldom of a marriage he detested. Had he heard the 
 words uttered by Henry of Anjou, he would have thought 
 the time of his emancipation not far distant. 
 
 Beloved Marie ! ” whispered the royal lover, of what 
 use is this reserve. I know, I feel that I am dear to you; 
 although your love does not, I fear, approach by a thou- 
 sand degrees the adoration with which my heart glows for 
 you. Tell me not that there is sin or shame in such love 
 as mine : your happiness, your honour is all my care. 
 This fatal marriage can be dissolved. I have an inward 
 conviction that my power in France will ere long be un- 
 limited ; then, Marie, what shall prevent your being 
 mine ? — what shall oppose our happiness ? Only let me 
 hear from your own lips that you will hail the accom- 
 plishment of this wish as warmly as I shall.” 
 
 Henry,” whispered the young Princess, I entreat 
 you, urge me not. I have confessed far too much. I 
 would fain have had you depart to this desolate kingdom 
 without bearing with you the knowledge of that which can 
 give no joy to either you or me. Deceive not yourself : 
 we are separated fatally ! Alas ! you must go ; and what 
 can be my fate but to die here, a neglected, wretched crea- 
 ture, lost to every joy on earth, and seeing nothing in the 
 future but despair ? ” 
 
 Marie,” returned the Prince, I will give up this 
 hateful crown of Poland. I will go to my tyrant brother 
 and tell him, no power shall force me to abandon France. 
 I will brave Conde to his face, and make him do me jus- 
 tice, and give you up. — I will ” 
 
 Hold ! Henry ; dearest Henry ! cried the terrified 
 Marie : think of my danger, my disgrace ; and, if you 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 179 
 
 really love me, be calm, and act not in a manner which 
 woiild ruin us for ever.” 
 
 Then,” said he, give me your promise. I swear, 
 nothing hut that will prevent me from doing some des- 
 perate act. Promise to live for me alone ; never to be 
 another’s ; to consider yourself my wife, my own, before 
 the face of Heaven ! and, when I come to claim you, be 
 ready to redeem your pledge. Nothing shall prevent this. 
 I will endure all that Fate may impose upon me, — ab- 
 sence, misery, disappointment, — so you are my reward 
 at last. 
 
 I never loved but you,” sobbed Marie, overcome with 
 his vehemence : no other can I ever love. Conde de- 
 
 mands nothing of me : he hates me for the part my friends 
 have taken. I was forced upon him, and I cannot injure 
 him by this promise. Take it then, my beloved ; in life 
 and death I am yours alone ! ” 
 
 They started : the same sound they had once heard 
 before in similar circumstances seemed whispering near 
 them, and the last words she had uttered were repeated in 
 a hollow echo, — in death alone ! ” 
 
 Renee de Chateauneuf, brilliant in beauty and radiant 
 in dress, marked the interview of the lovers, and looked on 
 with envy and despite. I have then lost him,” said 
 she ; he has broken my chains : but he shall not wear 
 those of another so easily as he imagines. The Queen - 
 mother shall know of this, and judge if Marie de Cleves 
 is a fitting person for her son’s future queen.” She 
 beckoned to her side Rene Bianco, and then ensued a long 
 conversation between them, full of import. When the 
 Italian took leave of her, he sought the Queen-mother; and 
 long and serious w^s the conference between them, the 
 nature of which future events too well explained. 
 
 Marguerite of Navarre meantime saw in what manner 
 her husband’s attention was engaged, and a reckless feeling 
 of despair took possession of her mind. 
 
 He loves me not : he never will love the wife whom 
 he led to the altar amidst the carnage of his friends. My 
 sight is odious to him ! ” she exclaimed mentally ; but 
 I thought him incapable of loving at all; and I forgave 
 N 2 
 
180 
 
 CATHERINE DE 3IEDICIS ; 
 
 the harshness and coldness of his nature ! What now do 
 I see ? He is pouring out his heart at the feet of a woman, 
 worthless and abandoned ; and I am contemned, abhorred, 
 neglected, insulted, for her I See how he gazes on her I 
 he has no eyes for any thing else ! he stoops to pick up her 
 glove ! he bends towards her I he kisses her fingers ! and 
 this in my sight ! Ha ! her bold glance turns this way ! 
 she speaks to him of me I He smiles : it is a smile of con- 
 tempt ! How can he listen to my name from her ? How 
 dares she breathe it? Wretch that I am to watch and 
 dote on that which is my torment ! ” 
 
 While these thoughts passed in the mind of Marguerite, 
 no outward signs told of their existence ; she appeared to 
 be listening to the flattery of the handsome La Mole, who, 
 seated at her feet, uttered all that the overstrained gallantry 
 of the day allowed, and ventured as far as prudence could 
 permit to exhibit the vain feeling which he called love in 
 his words and looks. The smiles and sparkling glances of 
 the Princess, — her quick replies, her animated laughter, 
 — her sudden changes from gay to grave, — and all the 
 efforts she was making to conceal what passed in her 
 mind, deceived the courtier into a conviction that he was 
 heard with pleasure, and he triumphed in idea over the 
 rest of the crowd of adorers on whom the Princess deigned 
 not to waste a thought. 
 
 Ah ! your Grace,’’ sighed the beautiful Madame de 
 Sauves to Henry of Navarre, how can you try to deceive 
 me with such vows, — you who are the husband of the 
 most admired Princess in Europe, — one for whom all 
 our gallants are dying ! ” 
 
 She cannot compare with you,” said Henry. Be- 
 sides, what is Marguerite to me ? We are equally indiffe- 
 rent to each other, and neither of us are of a jealous turn.’^ 
 
 I would not believe that of any but the Queen,” 
 replied De Sauves tenderly : but all the world knows of 
 
 an attachment she had before she saw your Grace ; there- 
 fore, perhaps, she may be indeed indifferent on your 
 account.” 
 
 I have never inquired about the state of her heart,” 
 said Henry carelessly : it is of yours I ask now.” 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 181 
 
 ‘‘ Oh ! the Duke de Guise, you know well enough, is 
 her acknowledged lover ; though now, of course, he must 
 marry the Princess de Portien. D’Entragues’ reign did 
 not last long — poor fellow ! I am obliged to smile on 
 him myself, lest he should break his heart.'’ 
 
 Is she indeed such a coquette ? ” asked Henry with 
 a slight frown. 
 
 De Sauves laughed. This is too simple,” she replied ; 
 why, we all know her coquetry, and learn from her how 
 to treat our lovers ; it is the fashion of the Court in Paris. 
 To be sure, this last passion of the Queen's is charmingly 
 romantic. You have seen, perhaps, her Endymion : I am 
 told she adores him. It is quite Arcadian.'’ 
 
 Henry listened with astonishment to history after 
 history, which the artful beauty related to the disadvantage 
 of Marguerite, in so wild, witty, and natural a manner, 
 that there appeared no evil intention in the amusing stories. 
 She mixed with this scandal adventures of other beauties 
 of the Court, and succeeded perfectly in riveting the 
 charmed attention of the inexperienced Prince, who, much 
 younger than herself, felt flattered to be treated as a 
 confidant by a woman so well acquainted with the world, 
 and so fascinating, as his gay companion. For the first 
 time since his mother’s death his spirits appeared to 
 recover their elasticity, and his mind awoke to the dan- 
 gerous charm of one of the most designing sirens of the 
 Court in which he was compelled to live. 
 
 Henceforth," said he to himself, I will not venture 
 to judge of these apparently innocent creatures who con- 
 ceal so much cunning. This shall be my lovely guide, 
 and I shall be too happy under her care. As for my wife, 
 I was mistaken in her, I thouglit she had a heart ; but, at 
 all events, it is not for me. Her prayers saved my life ; 
 but that was mere humanity. She is no better than the 
 rest ; besides, she is the daughter of Catherine ! ” 
 
 A shudder passed over him as he thought this ; and he 
 turned again to the lively De Sauves, to lose the recol- 
 lections which were beginning to banish his temporary 
 gaiety. 
 
182 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS I 
 
 The Florentines acquitted themselves in a manner to 
 deserve the applause which was showered upon them. 
 
 These actors shall have a theatre of their own imme- 
 diately/' said the King. What a fortunate chance that 
 their petition reached us, otherwise we might have lost the 
 most delightful recreation in the world through the stu- 
 pidity of my wise parliament, who are all such dolts that 
 their souls cannot comprehend what is worthy. Listen 
 to the voice of that Italian. Mort Dieu ! it is ravishing : 
 he shall be paid with a purse of gold as soon as the scene 
 is over. How this exalts the mind and soothes the 
 feelings ! all care is soon forgotten in these sounds.” 
 
 During the whole of the performance Alix sat in 
 passive endurance by her father's side, taking no interest 
 in what was going on ; her mind wandering amongst 
 gloomy images and fearful scenes. The shrill tones of 
 the actors sounded in her ears like the shrieks of victims, 
 — their plaintive notes like the entreaties of her dying and 
 supplicating countrymen : in the blaze of lights she saw 
 the torches of infuriate vengeance, — and in the glare of 
 jewels, the steel of the destroyer. The theatre swam 
 round, the actors and auditors were confusedly presented 
 to her view, and she remained in a state of almost un- 
 conscious suffering, with a vague idea that she was fasten- 
 ed to a stake, and a crowd of torturers surrounding her. 
 
 Bianco watched her with minute attention, and exerted 
 every art to oblige her to regard him with at least an 
 appearance of interest. Her beauty, which had first 
 attracted him, had now less influence than before. He 
 saw that he was considered by her with dislike from the 
 beginning of their acquaintance; but he was now quite 
 aware that he was detested and feared, and by every 
 feeling of mortified self-love which he experienced he 
 vowed to effect a revenge deep and tyrannous. He felt 
 she was in his power ; for her father had yielded to his 
 avarice and ambition, and was won to his purpose. His 
 powerful patroness seconded his own wishes; and the 
 unhappy girl herself was entirely helpless, and without a 
 friend to rescue her from his machinations. 
 
 Finding that all his efforts were unavailing to make 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-3IOTHER. 
 
 183 
 
 Alix put on a semblance which should deceive the world, 
 Rene affected to be forced from her side by the necessity 
 of attending to the Queen ; but as he passed to and fro, 
 near or at a distance, Alix felt the chill of his serpent eyes 
 upon her as she sat speechless and immovable, fascinated 
 by the spell they seemed to cast over her. 
 
 It was the mode at this period for the audience in the 
 pit to amuse themselves, before the performance began, 
 and between the acts, — a space somewhat long, — with 
 games of dice and cards, songs and conversation ; nor did 
 they forget to season their diversion with refreshment of 
 various kinds. Dried sweetmeats and comfits were thrown 
 about in profusion, and were also cast up, and returned to 
 and from, the elevated and separated seats occupied by the 
 superior class of visitors. Into the boxes of the Queen- 
 mother, and the Queen of Navarre, were showered 
 numerous missives of this kind, enclosed in which were 
 lines of a complimentary nature ; though it sometimes 
 happened that severe satire and bitter censure were con- 
 cealed in these apparently friendly greetings. 
 
 Blushes and smiles generally followed the opening of 
 these mysterious presents ; and speculations and guesses 
 were made as to the probable author and sender, which 
 occasioned much mirth and coquettish remark. In one 
 might be found a stanza to this purpose : 
 
 “ Though richly shrin’d thy beauties seem 
 In gems that worldlings prize, 
 
 I cannot see thy diamonds gleam, 
 
 So dazzling are thine eyes.” 
 
 In another ; 
 
 “ Come no more where I may view thee, 
 
 Lest thy glances quite undo me, — 
 
 Or remain, and let me gaze 
 Till I perish in their blaze.” 
 
 Amongst a shower which reached the feet of the Queen 
 of Navarre, she opened one containing this compliment, in 
 allusion to one of the titles given her by her admirers of 
 La Lune : 
 
 “ Wherefore prize we sunny Day, 
 
 If he chase the Moon away ? 
 
 Surely daylight comes too soon, 
 
 Banishing the lovely Moon ! ” 
 
 A sweet and clear voice was heard from amongst the 
 N 4 
 
184 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS I 
 
 crowd below to sing beneath the box of the fair Marguerite 
 a wild strain^ the words of which were as follow : 
 
 I’d seek thee, and find thee, and call thee my own, 
 
 Although thou wert hidden in regions unknown, 
 
 Where never the sun-light 
 Thy home might betray, 
 
 ' But the glow-worm each summer night 
 
 Lends thee thy day, — 
 
 Where sometimes the gossamer. 
 
 Passing thee by, 
 
 Waves her frail pennon 
 Along the blue sky, — 
 
 But where not the smallest bird 
 Ventures to hover. 
 
 And not e’en the moth can 
 Thy dwelling discover ; 
 
 Yet there, though so secret, so still, so alone. 
 
 I’d seek thee, sweet fairy, and make thee my own ! ” 
 
 The Queen-mother opened one of the sugared secrets 
 thrown to her by an unknown hand, and a shade passed 
 over her countenance as she read : 
 
 Tres Erebi Furias ne posthac credite vates, 
 
 Addita nam Quarta est nunc Catherina Tribus ; 
 
 Quod si Tres Furias a sedimitteret Orcus, 
 
 Hsec Catherina foret, pro tribus una satis. 
 
 The Count de Retz, who observed the expression of 
 his mistress’s face, laid his hand on his sword, and ex- 
 claimed, 
 
 Madam, your Grace is insulted ! — let me seek out 
 the traitor ! ” 
 
 No, no, De Retz/^ answered the Queen, recovering 
 herself instantly. We shall do what we please ; let 
 them say what they please. The praise or blame of the 
 million is of little consequence. One is their idol one day, 
 and their demon the next. Those who are moved by 
 their breath are but light and vain : for myself, I regard 
 it not.” 
 
 As she spoke, another missive reached her, which it 
 required some philosophy to peruse without considerable 
 vexation : 
 
 * “ The difference would you have me tell 
 ’Twixt Catherine and Jezebel, — 
 
 The one for Israel’s ruin sent. 
 
 The other France’s punishment : 
 
 The first was fraught with every evil. 
 
 The last yields only to the devil. 
 
 On Jezebel Heaven’s wrath was driven, 
 
 And to the dogs her carcass given ; 
 
 * Published and disseminated at the time. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 185 
 
 As dark a fate just Heaven may send — 
 
 But there the parallel must end ; 
 
 From Catherine’s infected clay 
 The famish’d dogs would turn away ! ” 
 
 Catherine tore the paper into fragments, and turned her 
 eyes towards the stage, for at this moment the act recom- 
 menced; and, though nothing outwardly told the torture of 
 her heart, within was burning an unceasing fire. She felt 
 that she had done a deed which had for ever sealed her 
 fate with the people of France, — that she was hated, 
 abhorred, and loaded with the curses of all the best portion 
 of the subjects of her son. 
 
 At length, amidst applause and great apparent delight, 
 the play was ended, and the audience began to disperse. 
 Rene was standing close to the Queen-mother, and was just 
 about to quit her to seek the President's party, when Rug- 
 gieri whispered something to Catherine, which caused her 
 to make some inquiries of both ; and Rene was obliged 
 uneasily to remain in attendance. Meantime, Alix, 
 anxious to escape his attentions, urged her father to hasten 
 their departure. The people pressed forward to behold the 
 exit of the royal party ; and several men coming suddenly 
 from the pit as Bailly, with his daughter on his arm, was 
 advancing, rudely pushed against them, and they were 
 separated in a moment. Alix was borne along by the 
 crowd till she reached the street, and the President strug- 
 gled in vain to rejoin her. A friendly voice addressed him, 
 exclaiming. 
 
 This way, sir : the young lady is in perfect safety. 
 This way : shall I lead you to her ? " 
 
 He instantly followed the speaker, who led him to a side- 
 door, while Alix, much alarmed, was calling to him in the 
 crowd ; but her voice was drowned by the shouts of a party 
 near her, and the rush and confusion of the people striving 
 to get forward. 
 
 What shall I do ! ” cried she. Will no one afford 
 me their protection for a few moments ? 
 
 At her exclamation a person stepped towards her, and in 
 a mild voice entreated her to be calm. 
 
 Is it possible,” said he, with surprise, that I behold 
 the daughter of the President Bailly } I came to seek 
 
186 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 you ; for I saw him but now asking if you had been 
 seen.” 
 
 Alix looked up, and, though she did not recognise the 
 person who spoke, she observed that he wore a clerical 
 habit, though of somewhat singular fashion. His coun- 
 tenance was full of benevolent anxiety, and the tone of his 
 voice was encouraging and soft. 
 
 Delay not, dear madam,'’ he said. The President 
 will be most uneasy till you are restored to him.” With- 
 out the slightest hesitation Alix presented him her hand. 
 
 Follow me, madam,” hurriedly exclaimed her protector. 
 
 The royal entrance is safe from interruption, and I have 
 fortunately the power of passing you that way.’ ’ 
 
 The Petit Feuillant, for her zealous cavalier was no 
 other, led her on through an opposite passage, and in a few 
 minutes they were in the open air ; but scarcely did she 
 feel the breeze revive her fainting spirits before she was 
 forcibly seized and hurried onwards, while a veil tightly 
 drawn over her head prevented her attempt to utter cries 
 from being of any avail. She felt that she was lifted into 
 some vehicle, and was borne along by horses at full speed, 
 hut whither she could not conjecture. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 THE THREE KINGS. 
 
 “And the three Kings with all their companie.” — Ship of Fools. 
 
 The Prevot Nantouillet having in vain endeavoured, with 
 as good a grace as possible, to excuse himself from the visit 
 of the three Kings, who proposed to honour his hotel with 
 their presence, was obliged at length to make preparations 
 for their reception. 
 
 While he was in the midst of occupations which would 
 have caused him no little pride a few weeks previously, it 
 was announced to him that a party of the young clerks of ^ 
 the Chambre des Comptes, amongst whom was a relation 
 of his own, desired to pay their respects to him. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 187 
 
 They come/’ said Naiitouillet^ at an inconvenient 
 moment ; but^ however^ I cannot refuse them : let them 
 enter.” 
 
 Accordingly the party appeared^ and greeted him with 
 vociferous exclamations of friendship ; congratulating him 
 on the honour that he was about to attain, and entreating 
 that they might be allowed some corner from whence to see 
 the sight. They professed that their conduct should be so 
 orderly and proper that no one should even discover that 
 they were on the spot ; and, if the Prevot pleased, they 
 would act as attendants, to do honour to the occasion. At 
 first Nantouillet laughed at their importunities ; but at 
 length it was settled that about ten of the oldest of the 
 clerks should appear on the evening in question, and act as 
 a guard of honour in the halls where the festivities were to 
 take place, when they would have an opportunity of be- 
 holding all the royal and noble guests to their infinite satis- 
 faction. 
 
 So be it, then,” said he, good-humouredly ; it is 
 something to have so many crowned heads under one’s roof. 
 — Why, Philippe, you are yourself King of the Bazoche 
 this year.” 
 
 No, uncle,” answered the young man ; I am only 
 ex-king : w^e have elected a capital fellow, he and the Em- 
 peror of Galilee are to have a feast the same night as yours ; 
 perhaps you would like them to look in on your revels ? ” 
 
 Heaven forbid ! ” cried Nantouillet, it would be far 
 from my wish ; every thing in my house must be conducted 
 with order, — no riots, — no noisy revelling, all dignified 
 and graceful. You will see, my young friends, a little of 
 Court manners that night, and 1 trust you will study them ; 
 for you of the city are too apt to be boisterous in your 
 merriment, and riotous in your frolics. I will show you 
 what the mirth and hilarity of gentlemen is.” 
 
 We are but clerks,” said Philippe; but we contrive 
 to amuse ourselves just as well. However, we will mend 
 our manners, and take pattern by the Court gallants, whom 
 you so much admire.” 
 
 Well said, my good boys,” returned the Prevot. 
 
 Now go to Marion, and see that she treats you well, and 
 
188 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 fail not to come at the appointed time. I will have dresses 
 suitable for you ; and, please the Virgin ! we shall have a 
 brave night of it.'' 
 
 Highly gratified with this permission, the young men 
 parted from their indulgent friend, and returned to their 
 companions, to whom they made known their good fortune, 
 much to the envy of those who were not to be of the party; 
 the good cheer they were sure to find at the Prevot’s not 
 being amongst the least attractive circumstances named. A 
 great deal was said amongst them which led to a variety of 
 conclusions, the result of which afterwards appeared. 
 
 At last the evening, looked for with so many different 
 emotions, arrived, and the Hotel d’Hercule was prepared 
 in all its splendour for the great occasion ; which though 
 its giver dreaded, yet it was not without a certain agree- 
 able feeling of pride that he beheld the gorgeousness of his 
 dwelling ; and he tried to banish all unpleasant recollec- 
 tions, that he might do proper honour to his guests, in 
 spite of presentiments which were, he reflected, after all, 
 probably vain imaginings. 
 
 These courtiers,” said he, are proud and arrogant : 
 but still they would not be likely to injure me in the main. 
 King Charles is vindictive ; but what have I done to incur 
 his anger ? The King of Poland I am not so sure of ; he 
 owes me a grudge for refusing his mistress for a wife. La 
 Belle Chateauneuf is a lovely creature ; but — but — not 
 in my way by any means. I wonder why Henry of Anjou 
 wants to get rid of her ? — it can be only a feint ; but I 
 am not such a fool as to make myself a convenient husband 
 to any of these fine gallants. As for Navarre, poor fellow! 
 there is no harm in him ; he hasn't much spirit either for 
 good or bad : and for the rest — oh ! it’s idle to be afraid ; 
 and, after all, it is a, great honour.'' 
 
 Satisfying his mind thus, he bustled about, full of im- 
 portance, and reviewed his preparations with extreme com- 
 placency ; disposing all in the most approved manner, and 
 taking care that nothing was wanting to render the effect as 
 perfect as possible. 
 
 The large outer court of the house was lighted by 
 torches of white and coloured wax, supported by gilded 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 189 
 
 figures surrounding the whole space. In the centre of the 
 building was a magnificent double flight of steps of white 
 marble, which projected far into the court, and conducted 
 to the grand entrance. These steps were adorned with 
 shrubs and flowers in profusion, and birds of gaudy plumage 
 were placed in golden cages amongst them. Crystal lamps 
 were hung from every balcony and window : and draperies 
 of rich tapestry were held by allegorical figures above every 
 portal, whose intrinsic beauty of architecture needed no 
 other ornament. The great hall was esteemed one of the 
 finest in Paris ; it was of immense length and width, and 
 was divided in the centre by a range of slender columns 
 of different- coloured marble^ so as to form two separate 
 divisions. All round the hall ran arcades of Saracenic form 
 supporting an open gallery which blazed with light, and 
 where musicians were placed ready to welcome the royal 
 party, and to perform during the repast. From this hall 
 opened immense doors, displaying a suite of chambers richly 
 decorated, and containing treasures of art and taste, rare 
 mirrors, precious emeralds, splendid cabinets, and pic- 
 tures, whose value was enormous. 
 
 There were two large recesses at the upper end of the 
 great hall, in which was displayed the great wealth of 
 Nantouillet, and that portion of his possessions of which 
 he was most peculiarly vain. This was a huge mass of 
 gold and silver plate — cups, vases, urns, dishes, cande- 
 labra, saltcellars, and vessels without number, all of value 
 scarcely to be imagined, as most of them were the work of 
 Cellini and his pupils, and had been collected at an 
 enormous charge by the father of the Prevot and himself. 
 
 The tables where the repast was to he served were 
 ranged along the inner hall, and blazed with plate of equal 
 richness to that on the buffets ; the boards were covered 
 with cloths called tabliers ouvres, adorned with open work, 
 of great rarity, of oriental patterns, fabricated at Troyes. 
 The hanapy a covered cup, used at this period, and for 
 several centuries previous, holding choice wine, spiced, 
 was placed in the centre of the principal table. The 
 enamelled gold, of which it was made, was of the purest 
 description, and its execution was the work of the cele- 
 brated Jean Courtois of Lim^o-ps 
 
190 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 Servants in glittering liveries lined the passages^ and 
 stood at the foot of the stairs which led to the galleries 
 rounds from whence opened other chambers, all fitted up 
 with great splendour. Nothing in short that money could 
 procure was neglected, and much did the assembled friends 
 of Nantouillet laud the appearance of all. These friends 
 consisted only of two city dignitaries and their ladies ; 
 the number was so small, as the principal guests were 
 those expected to accompany the King. 
 
 The young clerks were habited as pages, in white 
 dresses, and took their station near the entrance of the 
 great hall. 
 
 As soon as the royal party was seen approaching, the 
 musicians began their performances, and trumpets and 
 clarions announced the arrival of King Charles, the King 
 of Poland, and the King of Navarre, with about twenty 
 noblemen and gentlemen of their train, and a great many 
 of the guards of each, who remained in a lower hall, 
 where they were to be entertained in a suitable manner. 
 
 The ladies who accompanied the royal visitors were 
 three in number only : these were all women celebrated at 
 the time both for their beauty and the irregularity of their 
 lives. The first was Renee de Rieux, called La Belle 
 Chateauneuf, whose chains the King of Poland elect had 
 worn, though he was now desirous of shaking them off, 
 and his design in bringing her to the house of the rich 
 Prevot was twofold, first to dazzle him with her beauty, 
 and next to dazzle her with his gold, as he hoped by this 
 means to get her off his own hands, as she greatly in- 
 terfered with his present passion for the Princess de 
 Conde. 
 
 The beautiful Chateauneuf boasted the finest form, the 
 most exquisite complexion and hair, of any of the beauties 
 of the Court. Her eyes were full of fire and spirit, yet 
 had softness at will, which could fascinate the coldest 
 heart: her temper was arrogant, violent, and vindictive, 
 and her morals of the most equivocal order. 
 
 The second lady was La Baronne de Sauves, whose 
 beauty and whose character were equally acknowledged 
 and notorious with that of her companion. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 191 
 
 The third was of humbler rank, but her present posi- 
 tion placed her for a time on an equality with the others, 
 as her extreme loveliness might well entitle her to expect. 
 Her face was a full oval, her eyes lively and finely cut, 
 her forehead small, her nose exquisitely proportioned, her 
 mouth like a rose-bud, and her figure petite and perfect in 
 its symmetry : but her principal charm was her gaiety 
 and grace, and the wit and vivacity of her conversation, so 
 that she was generally considered worthy of the anagram 
 which had been made from her name of Marie Touchet — 
 Je charme tout. 
 
 Fascinating as these ladies were, their characters were 
 so well known both at Court and in the city, that their 
 coming, unaccompanied by any of those of higher condi- 
 tion, with whom they, at least the two first, were from 
 their rank associated, was not a circumstance which ap- 
 peared very flattering to the Prevot, and the style of 
 assumption of his relative Marie, who treated him with 
 the same air of hauteur as the others, nettled and annoyed 
 him. 
 
 Well, Nantouillet,"' said the fair De Sauves, you 
 receive us with the air of a finished courtier. Truly, in 
 general, you of the bourgeoisie do not consider the differ- 
 ence of taste sufficiently which our relative positions by 
 the river give. There is as much variety as in the various 
 provinces : those of the Tuileries are the singing birds, 
 while those of the town are the sparrows and crows of 
 society.” 
 
 The Prevot,” said De Chateauneuf, is quite a 
 courtier : he has derived his fine manners from the very 
 walls of his chateau : the Montgomery would be quite 
 shamed could he return to see the present inmate.” 
 
 But, pray,” exclaimed La Touchet, present your 
 fair friends to us ; we long to make their acquaintance.” 
 Nantouillet, scarcely knowing whether civility or im- 
 pertinence was intended, hastened to name the two wives 
 of his friends, as Madame Toutevoye and Madame Mellet. 
 The ladies, with great formality, returned the overstrained 
 compliments of the fashionable guests whose bold looks 
 and feigned admiration disconcerted them not a little. 
 
19 ^ 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 Holy saints ! ” cried La Touchet, what a lovely 
 dress you have on^ Madame' Voirtout. This vertugadin 
 is worth a journey to behold, for a lover of antiquity. 
 How becoming it must have been to your respectable 
 mother in her gala days ! Could you oblige me with the 
 pattern ? it would make my fortune at Court.'* 
 
 But, Madame Mellet," exclaimed the King, what 
 exquisite pattins you wear ; they are positively a foot high. 
 Touchet, those pianelles of yours make you look like a 
 mere dwarf ; you must positively have shoes that will give 
 you the majesty of our city ladies, which is really quite 
 remarkable." 
 
 Madame Mellet blushed and smiled, much gratified 
 at the compliment ; while the pretty Marie put forth her 
 tiny foot, covered with a low shoe of embroidered stuff, 
 with flat heels, and exhibited her tight silk stocking, then 
 a new and esteemed fashion. She pouted and turned her 
 back on Charles ; then suddenly whirling round several 
 times, stopped her graceful little figure before the asto- 
 nished city ladies, and threw herself into the attitude of 
 a figure dancer ; Avhile her friends tittered and applauded, 
 and the Prevot looked on with dismay, feeling certain 
 that some plan had been concerted to annoy his female 
 friends. 
 
 The gentlemen of the party, besides the royal guests, 
 were most of them famous as leaders of fashion, and known 
 to be the most unscrupulous and daring young cavaliers in 
 that licensed Court. When the Prevot observed the Sieur 
 He Quelus, Riberac, St. Mesgrin, Maugiron, D'Entragues, 
 Chomberg, Livarot, Du Guast, Bussy d'Amboise, D'O, 
 La Mole, Coconnas, and others, he trembled for the pro- 
 priety of his entertainment, and wished it fairly at an end. 
 
 This troop of gay gallants began with extreme fami- 
 liarity to examine all the adornments of the house, the 
 plate, and furniture, and pictures, and all appeared to ex- 
 cite pleasurable sensations in their minds ; so that the 
 vanity of the host was so much gratified that he forgave 
 the want of ceremony which permitted them to amuse 
 themselves by whispers and shouts of laughter every now 
 and then. By degrees poor Nantouillet began to feel him- 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 19s 
 
 self happy and ready to offer every amusement in his 
 power to his obliging visitors ; but ever and anon would 
 come a misgiving that all was not right, and the alterna- 
 tion kept him in a state of fidgety agitation. 
 
 The young King of Navarre and the Duke of Anjou 
 were at first grave and taciturn ; but their natural spirits 
 prevailed in a short time, and they appeared as gay and 
 inquisitive as the rest. 
 
 Marie,” said King Charles, we stand on no cere- 
 mony here : you shall be our hostess and I will act as 
 host myself ; therefore, good Nantouillet, bestir, for we 
 mean to enjoy ourselves to the full extent of the powers 
 of the Hotel d’Hercule. Bring some wine, and let us 
 drink to the high heels and great petticoats of our good 
 city of Paris.” 
 
 Nantouillet presented the wine to the King on his knees, 
 and Charles insisting on the same ceremony being gone 
 through to the pretty Touchet, she accepted the honour 
 with mock dignity, and the cup went round merrily. The 
 repast was then served amidst the clamorous congratula- 
 tions of the guests, and the Prevot began to think that the 
 recommendation he had given to his young friends of the 
 Chambre des Comptes was not altogether judicious ; for 
 more noise and confusion he had seldom heard at the most 
 boisterous city meeting. 
 
 The King seemed to take a spiteful pleasure in haras- 
 sing Nantouillet, who stood behind his chair, — now 
 begging for one thing, now entreating for another, now 
 directing the attention of his friends to some omission, 
 then overwhelming his host with hyperbolical compliments, 
 which elicited great laughter from all present. The Court 
 ladies entered fully into the hilarity of the scene ; but the 
 two dames of the city occasionally cast uneasy glances 
 towards their husbands, who they saw were becoming 
 elevated with the repeated bumpers forced upon them. 
 But their discomfiture became complete when the King 
 proposed that another cup should go round to the health 
 of the ladies, and that a kiss from each should be granted 
 to all claimants. 
 
 Madame Toutevoye grew red and pale, and Madame 
 0 
 
m 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 Mellet signed to her husband to interfere. That worthy 
 was^ however, so joyously disposed, that he disregarded all 
 hints; but Toutevoye, a remarkably short fat man, with 
 a very red face, rose to represent that the ladies of the city 
 were not accustomed to this style of manners, and in their 
 name he begged to decline the honour intended. 
 
 Answer for yourself, vieu:?^: jaloux,"' exclaimed D’O. 
 Do you suppose either of these lovely creatures will ob- 
 ject when royalty commands ? Sit down ; interrupt not 
 the festivity by your impertinent observations, or you shall 
 be shut up in yonder coffer till you learn better manners.” 
 This threat caused much merriment, and Toutevoye was 
 obliged to submit, as were the ladies, who endured the 
 obstreperous gallantry as they best might. No one but 
 Charles, however, ventured to salute Marie, till La Mole, 
 with marked effrontery, approached and insisted on claim- 
 ing his 'right. Marie laughingly consented, but observed 
 in an instant that the effect her compliance had on her royal 
 lover was far from that produced by a mere joke : his face 
 became livid with rage, and his eyes yellow and distended. 
 La Mole, proud of his triumph, did not observe the glance 
 of fury sent after him as he lounged back to his seat. 
 
 In the confusion which prevailed the two city ladies 
 contrived to slip from the chamber, and gaining the outer 
 hall and the court called for their attendants, and quitted 
 the house unperceived. Their departure was not at first 
 noticed ; but when it was, much clamour ensued, and 
 their husbands were called upon to apologise for their 
 conduct. 
 
 Messire Toutevoye,” cried the King of Poland, you 
 must answer this — we are aggrieved. Y our brother 
 
 Sheriff does not appear quite able to address us ; but of you 
 we demand an explanation of this desertion.” 
 
 Toutevoye attempted to rise, but found himself so un- 
 steady that he preferred keeping his seat, and, after seve- 
 ral inarticulate attempts to speak, gave up the defence. 
 
 Let us take care of the good Sheriff,” cried several 
 voices. 
 
 D’O, you recommended yonder coffer ; methinks it 
 would just hold him,” cried Henry of Navarre. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 195 
 
 Excellent !” exclaimed one of the guests. In with 
 him ! — never mind the key ! It is locked, but this dagger 
 is just as good.” 
 
 So saying, a dagger was applied to the lock of a large 
 chest in the chamber, in spite of the remonstrances of 
 Nantouillet. 
 
 Gentlemen — sire — they will spoil my fine coffer ; 
 it is of great price — and my good friend Toutevoye will 
 be smothered. For pity’s sake, do not put him in there ! 
 — he is too fat ! — he will be killed ! ” 
 
 ‘But they cared little for his exclamations, or the faint 
 struggles of the almost insensible Sheriff, w'ho was thrust 
 into the coffer ; and as the hinges of the lid had been 
 wrested off, they proceeded to tear down some of the fine 
 hangings, and stuffing them into it likewise, completely co- 
 vered the unlucky dignitary, whom they left, with every 
 chance of being stifled, in his unexpected retreat. 
 
 Now,” cried Charles, who appeared greatly excited, 
 
 let us prove to our good Prevot how much we appreciate 
 the welcome he has given us, and finish the evening with 
 some gambols which he will not easily forget.’’ 
 
 Well said, my royal brother,” cried, the King of 
 Poland. Shall I teach him to play at bilboquet ? I am 
 acknowledged the best hand in France. Here, D’En- 
 tragues, reach me that toy. It will exactly answer my 
 purpose.” 
 
 “Hold, hold!” screamed Nantouillet. “It is my 
 famous watch of Geneva, worth a king’s ransom. What 
 are you going to do with it, in heaven’s name?” 
 
 You shall see,” replied the king elect, at the same 
 time seizing the large watch, and throwing it in the air as 
 he held under it a rich enamelled cup. 
 
 A miss I a miss ! ” cried the courtiers, as the heavy 
 watch descended, smashing the cup to atoms, and falling 
 on the table amongst crystal and china, demolishing all in 
 its course. 
 
 “ I am undone ;” cried Nantouillet, wringing his hands. 
 “ Grebau’s masterpiece ! — such another does not exist in 
 France I 
 
 ‘‘Oh!” cried D’Entragues, “the reason his Grace 
 o 2 
 
CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 196 
 
 failed is_, that he forgot to fasten his bilboquet with a chain. 
 That you wear^ Prevot^ will just serve.” 
 
 As he spoke he made a spring at the Prevot, and catch- 
 ing at the gold chain he wore^ slipped it over his head as 
 dexterously as possible. 
 
 Par la mort Dieu ! ” cried Charles, no tireur de laine 
 could have succeeded better. Give the chain to la dame 
 de ses pensees, la belle Renee.” 
 
 Renee de Chateauneuf took the chain with laughter, 
 and placed it round her beautiful neck. You shall he 
 my slave in spite of yourself,” said she, though I am 
 forced to wear your chains.” 
 
 Alas ! ” said De Sauves, has the Prevot no trifle to 
 spare for me, or Marie, his own relation ; he is so brave 
 that his glittering rings and brooches excite our envy.” 
 They are yours,” said Charles. Prevot, those rings 
 will best suit these fair fingers. Present them straight, 
 and do honour to your breeding.” 
 
 Nay,” said the suffering host, this is beyond bear- 
 ing. My family jewels ” 
 
 Family of an old apothecary ! an old money-lender 1” 
 screamed the courtiers. Confusion to all misers ! Give 
 up the jewels straight ! Despoil the traitor ! ” 
 
 This order was quickly obeyed, and the gems transferred 
 to the lively fair ones, who, thus furnished, received whis- 
 pering instructions from their jocose friends, and taking 
 leave of Nantouillet with exceeding ceremony, were con- 
 ducted to their litters, and took their way to their respec- 
 tive domiciles, laden with the spoil w^on for them by their 
 zealous champions. 
 
 No sooner were they departed than a general uproar 
 ensued ; every guest produced a mask from his pocket, 
 with which he covered his face. 
 
 Now, bons gar^ons !” cried Charles, we are all alike: 
 a mask tells no tales, and we are free to help ourselves to 
 the Prevot’s presents, which, like a loyal subject, he oflers 
 for our acceptance.” 
 
 In an instant every part of the house was ransacked ; 
 with incredible speed they took possession of the piles of 
 plate ; the tables and seats were overturned in every di- 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 197 
 
 rection ; as many as possible of the lights extinguished ; 
 andj in spite of the resistance of the few who opposed 
 them, valuables of every description were thrown from the 
 windows to men beneath, who made off with them in- 
 stantly ; pictures were torn from the walls ; statues de- 
 molished ; china dashed to atoms ; caskets and boxes car- 
 ried aw^ay ; chests broken open, and emptied of their con- 
 tents ; money and jewels scrambled for, and the pillage of 
 the Hotel d’Hercule complete. 
 
 In the midst of this chaos a party of the most active 
 had seized Nantouillet, and bound him to one of the pillars 
 in his own hall, piling round him broken seats, tables, and 
 various fragments of furniture. From this elevated position 
 he could behold the destruction going on, while his loud cries 
 'were drowned in the noise and clamour which accompa- 
 nied the frantic mirth of his royal and noble guests. His 
 band of attendant clerks had opposed as much as possible ^ 
 the desolation going on, and his servants had exerted them- 
 selves against the masked delinquents, but a reinforcement 
 of their own people from below had greatly increased their 
 forces, and disorder appeared to have gained the day. 
 
 The unfortunate Prevot made the most desperate efforts 
 to free himself, and had succeeded in extricating one arm, 
 when a mask rushed forw'ards, and called in a voice which 
 he could not mistake, Mort Dieu I it were glorious to set 
 fire to the martyr’s pile. Maugiron I D’O ! bring me a 
 torch ! ” 
 
 This suggestion appeared to give great satisfaction, and 
 several ran to execute the commission, when a mask 
 coming behind him cut the cord with which the Prevot 
 was bound, and he leaped down upon the man who had 
 given this counsel, dealing him blows of no very gentle 
 nature, w^hile his deliverer stood by, apparently much 
 entertained. They struggled and pommelled each other 
 for some time, till at length the incendiary mask was fairly 
 thrust down amongst the broken furniture, and but for 
 his friends would have fared but ill from the infuriated 
 Nantouillet, on whom an empty chest and a mutilated 
 form were cast by his rescuers ; who dragging forth their 
 companion, rushed off to assist in the pillage of a cabinet 
 o 3 
 
198 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 of jewels, the doors of which their daggers were demo- 
 lishing. 
 
 As the Prevot lay panting on the ground, a voice near 
 him, almost stifled with merriment, exclaimed, ‘^Tete 
 bleue ! Prevot, lose no time, or they will be back, and you 
 will be made a saint and martyr of in spite of your 
 struggles.” 
 
 Wretch ! ” cried Nantouillet, thief, — vagabond 
 that you are, how can I rise with all this lumber upon 
 me ? ” 
 
 Prevot,” said the first speaker, I do not want to 
 harm you. Take my advice, and fly. I will help you to 
 escape.” 
 
 What ! and leave my house to the mercy of these 
 ruffians? Your advice tells what you are, and I will not 
 leave you without your share of the chastisement your 
 gang of robbers deserves.” 
 
 So saying, the Prevot flew at the mask, who had 
 dragged away some of the furniture, and aflbrded him a 
 means of rising, and, regardless of his expostulations, began 
 to load him with blows and abuse. He found, however, 
 that his adversary did not attempt to return his strokes, 
 but, parrying them, continued to laugh and call out. 
 
 You are beating a friend, Prevot. Cap de Dieu ! 
 donT stand pommelling me thus ; but look to your safety, 
 or it will be too late. You have been villanously treated. 
 I will repair my part some day, if it please my good stars. 
 I will stay here, and prevent their setting the hotel on fire. 
 Make your way out, and call your friends together. I 
 hear a noise and scuffle without. Hence ! without a word 
 more.” 
 
 Nantouillet thought he could do no better than follow 
 this advice ; and leaving his unknown friend, whom by 
 his Gascon accent he began to imagine was no stranger, 
 he darted off to the outer court, where he beheld some of 
 the young clerks contending with the other party. 
 
 Courage, Nantouillet ! cried one of them, friends 
 are not far off. Bid your people resist a little longer, and 
 we shall foil them yet.” 
 
 At this moment a party of the Queen’s guards were 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 199 
 
 seen advancing to the gates, which were left open by those 
 who were bearing off their ill-gotten treasures, and an 
 order was given in the Queen’s name that the confusion 
 should cease. Some of the most active of the rioters 
 pressed past the guard, who seemed but lukewarm in their 
 defence, and others rushed back to those within the house, 
 to inform them of the sudden interruption. While the 
 two parties were violently contesting their several rights, — 
 and in the meantime the property of the Prevot suffered 
 from both, — a cry was heard from the clerks, w^hich was 
 answered by one without, and the court, the halls, the 
 corridors, the whole building was filled with men armed 
 with sticks and staves, bludgeons, and weapons of all 
 descriptions, who called as they rushed along, A nous 
 les amis ! a la rescousse ! void I’Empereur de Galilee ! 
 voici le Roi de la Bazoche ! ” 
 
 A tremendous encounter now ensued, and the terrified 
 Prevot saw his dwelling a prey to the most unheard-of 
 disorder, hardly knowing by whom he was injured most — 
 his friends or his foes. The masked combatants began, 
 however, to give way before the superior numbers of their 
 assailants, by whom they were ill-treated and beaten in 
 the most irreverent manner. It seemed as if the whole 
 Chambre des Comptes had sent out every clerk in its 
 jurisdiction, so much did they, who claimed the high- 
 sounding titles proclaimed on all sides, swarm to the fray. 
 
 Long and serious was the conflict ; but at length the 
 cheers of the Emperor’s party, and the shouts of the 
 subjects of the Bazoche, proclaimed the victory over the 
 more legitimate sovereigns, who were fain to make their 
 retreat, covered by their few still faithful friends, who, 
 disputing to the last, got away amidst the execrations of 
 the mob, the shouts of triumph of the clerks, and the 
 anathemas of the despoiled host, who cursed the hour when 
 he beheld under his roof so many crowned heads, both 
 legitimate and imaginary. 
 
 Thus ended the farce of the Hotel d’Hercule, recorded 
 by a contemporary historian, a fitting accompaniment to 
 the tragedy of St. Bartholomew ! 
 
200 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS I 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 THE FIELDS OF ST. GERMAIN DES PRES, 
 
 “ If they will fight with us, bid them come down 
 
 Or void the field. 
 
 If they do neither, we will come to them.” — King Henry V. 
 
 Extending far round the church and Abbey of St. 
 Germain^ called des Pres, were numerous fields the rights 
 ful possession of which from the earliest times had been 
 a source of dispute between the students of the different 
 Universities of Paris and the monks of the abbey. The 
 former insisted on making use of this space for their 
 amusement and recreation, and frequent disorders were 
 the consequence of the permission, which had been wrested 
 from, rather than granted by, the fathers. It required at 
 one time no less than seventeen cardinals and a hundred 
 and twenty-four bishops to discuss the matter of these 
 disputed privileges, at a council held at Tours ; on which 
 occasion the clerks or students were condemned to per- 
 petual silence, — an injunction which they were not at 
 that, or any subsequent period, particularly prompt in 
 attending to ; and having, at a later time, again come 
 forward to rescue their favourite fields from the clutches 
 of the monks, the students were allowed the victory, and 
 the right adjudged to them of walking in the precincts. 
 Of this permission they certainly took advantage; but 
 were very far from confining themselves to the sober pace 
 laid down for them. Not only did they walk, but run, 
 leap, dance, and play at all sorts of games ; but this was 
 not sufficient to satisfy their ideas of liberty enjoyed in 
 their own domains, so that of combats, duels, politicaJ 
 meetings, and all that could be transacted by the riotous 
 and self-willed youth of Paris to create disturbance, the 
 Pres aux Clercs was made the theatre. In the time of 
 St. Louis this space provided a champ clos to the abbey, 
 where disputes were decided by single combat ; and here, 
 in 1357? Charles le Mauvais, King of Navarre, harangued 
 the Parisians. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-3I0THER. 
 
 201 
 
 One of the principal objects of contention had been the 
 right of fishing in the canal called La Petite Seine, which 
 abounded in excellent fish ; and scarcely a year passed 
 without some riots taking place to defend the privilege, 
 which the students were resolved not to relinquish, and 
 the monks were equally determined to maintain. 
 
 Early one fine morning a large party of young men had 
 sallied forth wdth the intention of pursuing their sport, 
 and had established themselves in a good situation to enjoy 
 it. They w’ere not without misgivings that their old 
 enemies, the monks, would come to interrupt their amuse- 
 ment ; and they, it must be confessed, rather desired than 
 dreaded such an event. 
 
 They had been some time amusing themselves however 
 without interruption, and were preparing to put an end to 
 their fishing, and collecting their tackle, when they ob- 
 served at a distance some of the monks approaching. 
 
 Do you see yon black cloud } said Belcastel : me- 
 
 thinks it portends a storm.” 
 
 Had we not better seek shelter.^” suggested one of 
 the most timid of the party. 
 
 By no means,” replied the first speaker ; we are on 
 our own ground, and fishing in our own river, and we will 
 give way to no interloper.” 
 
 Let us stand to it,” repeated the students ; and if it 
 comes to blows, try which will hit hardest.” 
 
 By this time the monks had come near, and the fore- 
 most amongst them, who was a fat, short, ambling in- 
 dividual, called out in a threatening voice for the students 
 to leave off their sport, and to resign what they had already 
 caught to their rightful owners. 
 
 A shower of pebbles and a volley of abuse was all the 
 answer returned, which made the monks turn upon their 
 heels and run a considerable distance, till they had reached 
 a wall, behind which they sheltered themselves ; and their 
 champion, who was the Petit Feuillant himself, volunteered 
 to harangue the disorderly hand, who so irreverently re- 
 ceived them. Accordingly he mounted on a high stone 
 for the purpose of exhorting them to more conformable 
 conduct. But his advice was cut short by yells and hisses. 
 
202 CATHERINE RE JIERICIS j 
 
 and cries of A bas les barbes frises ! ” — A bas les 
 Renards ! ’’ 
 
 At this moment, however, the monks emerged suddenly 
 from behind their wall, where they had sticks and staves 
 concealed, and commenced a furious assault upon the stu- 
 dents, breaking their lines and destroying their nets, and 
 dealing hard blows around them. They were received 
 with much warmth, and kicks, cuffs, and blows were dealt 
 with equal vigour on both sides ; but the young men, being 
 unarmed, were no match for their more numerous assailants, 
 and were obliged to retreat, leaving the produce of their 
 day’s sport a prey to the exulting monks, who, seizing it 
 eagerly, in spite of all the struggles of the opposite party 
 to prevent them, made off with the prize, and were soon 
 safely housed within their convent; the Petit Feuillant 
 leading the way. 
 
 The discomfited clercs, in high indignation, thundered 
 in vain at the gates, and discharged stones against the 
 windows. Having vented their rage, they proceeded to 
 visit the boundaries, and discovering that the report was 
 but too true which announced the innovations made, they 
 resolved that many hours should not elapse before all the 
 sheds, ricks, outhouses, and stables erected on their ground, 
 should be swept from the face of the land. They hastened, 
 therefore, back to their colleges, where the news of the 
 success of the monks, and the insult offered to their body, 
 spread like wildfire, and a call for vengeance was replied to 
 with enthusiasm by every member of the outraged com- 
 munity. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 THE ABBEY. 
 
 “ And strokes like that of a battering-ram 
 Did shake the strong church-door.” 
 
 Old Woman of Berkeley, 
 
 When Alix, after being conveyed away from the theatre 
 of Ganasso, recovered her consciousness, she found herself 
 in a chamber where every object was entirely unknown to 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 203 
 
 her. It was furnished in a style of luxury which accorded 
 somewhat strangely with the monastic character of the 
 roof and high-pointed window. Rich tapestry with gold 
 fringe depended from the walls, and mats of oriental fabric 
 were spread on the marble floors ; a high cabinet of inlaid 
 ivory and mother-of-pearl stood in the recess of the window ; 
 and coffers, then commonly used for seats, richly orna- 
 mented with gold leather, stood near the walls. Incense 
 of fragrant wood was burning in alabaster lamps, hanging 
 by silver chains from crossed arrows with gilded heads, 
 and other emblematical devices ; while delicate figures of 
 Cupids in white marble groups, chiseled with consummate 
 skill, were half hid by flowers arranged in garlands. In 
 one recess of the chamber was a gorgeously ornamented 
 altar, on which stood a Cupid bending his bow, and before 
 him, as offerings, were placed nests of filigree gold work, 
 containing birds and eggs in enamel. A small Venetian 
 mirror hung behind the statue, and reflected its symmetry. 
 At one side of the room stood a clavicorde, beautifully 
 carved, and open, as if the instrument had been recently 
 touched ; and there w^as an air of mysterious beauty which 
 pervaded the w^hole which Alix could not comprehend. 
 
 She turned her gaze tow^ards the window, but it was too 
 high from the ground for her to attempt to see what W’^as 
 beyond. A rich sunlight streamed through the coloured 
 glass, which was less intense in colour than that which 
 usually filled up the elaborate leaden lattice- work of this 
 sort of wdndow, while that in the lower compartments w^as 
 partly painted in the mode called grisaille, introduced not 
 many years before by the celebrated artist Jean Cousin, 
 whose delicate grey and white tracery permitted a livelier 
 light to enter. 
 
 She w’alked round her splendid prison, and examined 
 the tapestry ; but she could discover no door nor outlet of 
 any description, so artfully were the carved panels inserted; 
 and she began to fancy she was in a dream of some en- 
 chanted palace, where a fairy could alone enter. Hour 
 after hour elapsed, but her solitude was undisturbed, and 
 she became more and more alarmed and uneasy at her 
 extraordinary position, and the impossibility of explaining 
 
204 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 it. She recalled to her mind the appearance of the ec- 
 clesiastic who had betrayed her with an appearance of 
 friendliness. She pictured to herself her father’s anxiety 
 and fears for her safety, — the suspicions he might enter- 
 tain of her having withdrawn from his roof to avoid 
 Bianco, and his anger and vexation. She thought, too, of 
 Claude with blushes and tears, and she reproached herself 
 with having received his avowal so coldly, and replied so 
 ungraciously, as she imagined, to his generous offers of 
 service ; then she recalled the half-acknowledgment she 
 had allowed to escape of her feelings towards him, and she 
 trembled lest she had said too much. 
 
 While she thus mused the tapestry was gently with- 
 drawn, and by means of a sliding panel a figure was ad- 
 mitted, which Alix instantly recognised as that of the 
 monk to whose perfidious offers of protection she owed 
 her present captivity. He paused as he entered, and threw 
 himself into an attitude of admiration. 
 
 Cupido dio ! ” exclaimed he, affectedly, — what a 
 form ! How fares my lovely prize } But I need not ask, 
 when I behold such beauty."' 
 
 What,"" said Alix, rising, am I to understand by 
 these words Am I an object of insult or contempt? 
 Why am I here ? and for what purpose did you think fit 
 to deceive me thus ? I insist upon being immediately 
 conducted to my home and my father."’ 
 
 ‘‘ Sweet incensed,"" said the Petit Feuillant, it grieves 
 me to deny any of your requests, or to refuse to answer 
 any of your numerous questions ; but circumstances render 
 me inflexible ; and since you must alike submit to them, 
 I recommend you to follow the advice of the sage, who 
 advises us to think of joy in order to drive away the 
 thought of pain, and to conquer sorrow by diverting it."" 
 This jargon is unintelligible to me,"" said Alix. 
 Where am I ? and by what right do you, whom I know 
 not, detain me from my friends ? ” 
 
 Where you are, fair enslaver,"" returned Montgaillard, 
 I am not at liberty to inform you. By the right of 
 conquest you are here ; and I detain you from your sup- 
 posed friends, in order to secure to you real ones. I am 
 aware, sweet Alix, of your position. Rene Bianco ” 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 205 
 
 Oh, heavens ! ” interrupted Alix. Surely I am not 
 in the power of that detested wretch ? I tell you nothing 
 on earth shall induce me to listen to one word the mur- 
 derer has to say.'* 
 
 “ I rejoice to hear it/' replied the monk, coolly opening 
 his comfit- hox, which he offered her with great politeness, 
 regardless of her averted looks, for it would be a great 
 mortification were it otherwise ; but so few women do care 
 for their affianced husbands, that your distaste for the 
 Florentine does not surprise me. But, my sweet friend, 
 you have been in this retreat some time, and my duty 
 as an ecclesiastic obliges me to name to you that during 
 the whole period — for you have been watched by other 
 eyes than Cupid’s — I have observed in all your distress, 
 and amidst all your tears, which but render your bright 
 eyes brighter, you have never had recourse to the inter- 
 cession of any of the saints to assist you. This is a strange 
 omission, and in these heretical times might breed fearful 
 suspicions.” 
 
 As he spoke, there was a sarcastic expression in his eye, 
 which convinced Alix that he was aware of, or at least 
 suspected, the nature of her faith. She immediately con- 
 ceived an idea that her extraordinary abduction had some 
 reference to that fact, and she trembled as she thought of 
 the fate which might be in store for her. Finding she 
 did not reply, the Petit Feuillant continued. 
 
 Our Court ladies,” said he, although they have, in 
 fact, but little sanctity, yet preserve the appearance of it, 
 and wear in their fair bosoms the emblems of our sacred 
 faith ; but you, fair negligent, bear no saving sign, and 
 cannot therefore expect that the saints will interfere to 
 help you.” 
 
 It ill becomes one of your sacred calling,'' said Alix, 
 to reproach an apparent neglect of duty, when he himself 
 acts in a manner so opposed to all the precepts which he 
 is accustomed to instil.” 
 
 Montgaillard smiled, — I shall answer you by a para- 
 ble,” said he. A countryman, disgusted at the profligate 
 character of the minister of his village, refused to attend 
 mass. He seated himself during the time of divine service 
 
200 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 by the side of a clear stream, when he was accosted hy a 
 friend, who, hearing his reason for declining to visit the 
 church, led him to the source of the rivulet, where the 
 W”ater was thick and muddy, and apparently choked with 
 weeds. ‘ You see,’ said he, ^ that the water, whose source 
 is impure, is not in itself less clear and good.’ Thus the 
 word of God, preached hy an unw^orthy minister, is not 
 the less to be revered.” 
 
 Is it possible,” said Alix, that you dare thus to 
 proclaim your own unworthiness by likening yourself to 
 the wicked priest ; yet, knowing your faults, continue in 
 the commission of them.^"' 
 
 • Lady,” replied Montgaillard with affected meekness, 
 I am too humble to claim virtues which are not my own, 
 and am content with the reputation which I enjoy. Con- 
 tent, my sweet unbeliever, is one of the first duties ; and 
 as long as beauty does not frown on me, as I am grieved 
 to see you do now, — as long as gold is in plenty, — and 
 I hear no bad music, nor suffer from bad cooks, I venture 
 to hope that I follow my duty faithfully, for there are few 
 happier or more easy in conscience than he who now en- 
 treats you to smooth the brow where anger should never 
 sit, and forget all your vexations by the help of a little 
 philosophy, — for you are totally unable to leave this place, 
 and reproach or entreaties only distress me, while they can- 
 not aid you in the least.” 
 
 Leave me, frivolous and abandoned man ! ” said Alix 
 indignantly ; let me not be disgusted with hearing the 
 language of levity from lips which should only move in 
 prayer.” 
 
 Fair Huguenot!” replied the Petit Feuillant, — ^^for 
 so I doubt not I ought to call you, — you are cruelly 
 severe.” 
 
 Monk I ” said Alix, I disdain concealment, and 
 should blush to belong to a faith which harbours in its 
 bosom such impure ministers as yourself. I am ready to 
 pay the penalty of my belief. Whatever fate may be ad- 
 judged to me, it will at least release me from Bianco, and 
 his associates in crime.” 
 
 I admire your candour,” said Montgaillard, but you 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-3IOTHER. 
 
 207 
 
 are singularly deceived. Bianco is ignorant of your present 
 circumstances, and is at this moment, I doubt not^ raging 
 for his stolen mate, and moving the Court and the Saints 
 for her recovery ; your father is also entirely under the 
 cloud of uncertainty. I alone am the happy depositary of 
 the secret.” 
 
 Under whose guidance, then, do you act } ” exclaimed 
 Alix. Why was I not publicly accused and brought to 
 trial ; or why not at once punished for my opinions ? 
 Methinks but little form attended most of the late exe- 
 cutions of my unfortunate brethren ! Why mock one vic- 
 tim with a pretence like this, when murder, to which you 
 are accustomed, might do its work unquestioned ? ” 
 
 Beautiful heretic ! ” answered the monk, you are 
 wandering in an inexplicable maze of error : murder or 
 punishment has nothing whatever to do with your present 
 detention, — love is the directing genius of all. Think not 
 those charms could be destined to wither unadmired, ex- 
 cept by paltry grooms and adventuring pages. No; you 
 are sought and loved by one of high birth, of princely for- 
 tune, and of fascinating manners.” 
 
 ^^And who is he,” said Alix, in a tone of great con- 
 tempt, w^ho takes such noble means to gain the object of 
 his exalted passion ? ” 
 
 He is at your feet ! ” exclaimed another voice, and 
 La Mole suddenly appeared before her. 
 
 She started in extreme amazement, and regarded him 
 with so much surprise, as w^ell as terror, that he could not 
 suppress a smile. His fine person was adorned with the 
 nicest care, his countenance was bright with exultation, 
 and his whole demeanour expressive of satisfaction. 
 
 In accents of the tenderest respect he uttered apologies 
 and regrets, mingled with protestations of attachment, and 
 vows of eternal truth. She listened in silent fear, and 
 the bewilderment of her mind was now at its height, for 
 the meaning of the strange position in which she was 
 placed was more and more distant from her compre- 
 hension. 
 
 Whoever you may be,” she said at length, and for 
 whatever cause this drama has been got up, I desire to be 
 
208 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 no more an actor in it, and entreat you to retire and leave 
 me unmolested. You are an entire stranger to me, nor do 
 I desire to become acquainted with persons who are either 
 ridiculous or wicked."' 
 
 La Mole was proceeding with infinite eloquence to per- 
 suade her of the delicacy of his feelings, the purity of his 
 regard, and the despair which had urged him to the step 
 he had taken, when Montgaillard, who had retired as he 
 entered, returned suddenly in great confusion. 
 
 My Lord," he cried, ^^a band of marauders have 
 forced the gates of the convent. We oppose them in vain ! 
 Hark ! hear you not those sounds ? — they bode no good 
 to us or ours I " 
 
 While he spoke, a tremendous crash was heard with- 
 out, and a multitude of voices burst on the ears of the 
 astonished group. 
 
 They come!" shrieked Alix. The murderers are 
 again let loose ! " 
 
 Holy Mary ! " cried Montgaillard, what do they 
 here? We are no Huguenots. My Lord, La Mole, you 
 must instantly show yourself ; they will respect so stanch 
 a friend to the cause of Holy Church." 
 
 The cries without seemed to approach, loud and vo- 
 ciferous, and proceeding from many voices. 
 
 La Mole sprang upon a seat, and piling another on it 
 he climbed to the cabinet, from the top of which he could 
 look from the high window. 
 
 Ha ! " said he, what means this ? They seek no 
 Huguenots — they are storming the abbey — they wear 
 students’ robes." 
 
 Alas ! ” cried the Petit Feuillant, who stood shivering 
 below with terror — students, did you say ? What will 
 become of us ! ” 
 
 Yes," repeated La Mole ; they are in an immense 
 body. They have burst the outer gate, and are rushing in 
 crowds towards the walls : the drawbridge is down, and 
 access will be easy to them : they are destroying the trees, 
 and plucking branches, which they bear in triumph. 
 What means all this ? " he exclaimed, leaping down. 
 
 ‘‘ St. Francis protect us I" said the monk, in a faltering 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-3IOTHER. 
 
 209 
 
 accent. ^‘'We must forthwith conceal ourselves: this 
 isolated wing is no safe place for us. The turbulent 
 students accuse the father abbot of encroaching on the 
 Pre aux Clercs ; and no doubt they are come to revenge 
 themselves^ and endeavour to regain their ground. They 
 seem to have come in earnest this time ! 
 
 By the saints ! ” cried La Mole^ and their mode of 
 attack is something unpleasant!” 
 
 At this moment a wreath of smoke began to curl among 
 the trees, the shouts without were redoubled, and loud 
 strokes were heard against the doors of the building. 
 
 Terrified at this proceeding, Montgaillard rushed to un- 
 close the secret panel of entrance, and La Mole, eager to 
 prevent or avert the danger, was following, when Alix, 
 with tears, entreated them not to abandon her to de- 
 struction. 
 
 You will be in no danger, lovely insensible,” said 
 La Mole. I will close the panel, and no one will dis- 
 cover your retreat. I thank you for reminding me of this, 
 or my fair prize might have been stolen from me.” 
 
 So saying, they both departed, leaving Alix still a pri- 
 soner, and terrified to find herself abandoned to perish in the 
 flames, which now rose so high, that they threw a bright 
 glow on the stained windows above her. She shrieked 
 loudly for help, and exhausted herself in vain efforts to 
 discover some means of egress. The roar without now 
 became terrific, and thundering strokes redoubled, till 
 presently loud crashes were heard, accompanied by new 
 cries. Exerting every effort, Alix climbed up towards the 
 window by means of the pile raised by La Mole, and an 
 extraordinary scene presented itself to her sight. 
 
 A confused crowd of artisans, labourers, shopmen, and 
 persons of various descriptions, armed with weapons as 
 singular as their appearance, were rushing along, headed 
 by an almost countless number of young students in their 
 caps and gowns, some of whom bearing torches darted 
 from tree to tree (for the scene of her confinement was in 
 the immense garden of the abbey), setting fire to every 
 thing they encountered, and urging on their followers with 
 cries of, Down with the walls ! Fire and faggot for the 
 
 p 
 
210 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 thievish monks ! Let us make martyrs of St. Nicholas’ 
 priests ! ” 
 
 A mass of ruins behind them showed how successful 
 they had hitherto been in their advance ; and the unequal 
 contest they waged with a small band of armed men, — 
 kept always in religious institutions in case of danger, — 
 seemed to promise them victory. Suddenly a party of lay 
 brethren, accompanied by a fresh body of guards, issued 
 from the principal entrance, and the conflict then became 
 serious. The furious mob had already gained the walls of 
 that part of the building from whence Alix was a spec- 
 tator of the fray, when a shock which made the massy 
 fabric tremble, announced that another door had been burst 
 open. Alix beheld immediately after, amidst shouts and 
 laughter, the Petit Feuillant borne on the shoulders of a 
 party of students. His streaming garments and disordered 
 appearance accorded well with the terrified expression of 
 his countenance, as, hurrying him along with exclamations 
 of contempt and ridicule, they reached the borders of a 
 small lake directly under the window where Alix was 
 stationed. Here they paused a moment, deliberating 
 whether they should throw him in, when one of them 
 cried out, Hold, friends ! We want not the lives of 
 these robbing knaves. It is sufficient to duck him in the 
 lake, to teach him how to oppress his neighbours.” 
 
 ‘^Good gentlemen ! — good students !” shrieked Mont- 
 gaillard, I am not of this order. I am a Feuillant — 
 an innocent stranger, who never committed offence against 
 you. I am Bernard de Montgaillard. Have pity, my 
 gentle masters ! ” 
 
 He speaks sooth,” said one of the students. It is 
 the Petit Feuillant, who dances the gailliard in the mid- 
 night processions, — the favourite of all the fair dames of 
 the Court Dip him gently two or three times, and let 
 him go ; but beware how you injure his delicate form.” 
 
 With renewed laughter, and in spite of the entreaties 
 and struggles of the monk, he was immersed, without 
 much regard to the concluding clause in the address of the 
 last speaker, and then allowed to escape, amidst the taunts 
 and jeers of the mob. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN MOTHER. 
 
 211 
 
 The flames were beginning to grow fainter^ and part of 
 the band of assailants seemed disposed to retire^ having 
 committed as much depredation on the Abbey property as 
 they felt for the present inclined. Alix reflected that^ 
 should she lose this chance of escape^ her situation would 
 be most alarming, and she resolved to claim the protection 
 of the students, in whose hands she conceived herself 
 more likely to be safe than in those of the holy men under 
 whose roof she was detained. She therefore redoubled her 
 cries, by which means she at length attracted the attention 
 of some of those nearest her, who having caught a glimpse 
 of her figure as she bent eagerly forward, renewed their 
 attack on that part of the building. After many efforts, 
 the panelling of the apartment gave way, and discovered 
 her in the deep recess of the high window. Some of the 
 assailants drew back, and a cry of ^^A miracle! — the 
 blessed Virgin herself I ” was heard, and the pale cheeks 
 of many showed their fear of having gone too far in at- 
 tacking a sanctuary under divine protection. Alix lost no 
 time in undeceiving them, by relating her unjust deten- 
 tion, and concluded by claiming their protection and as- 
 sistance in restoring her to her father. She entreated that 
 she might be without delay conducted home by some of 
 the gentlemen present, to whom she would declare her 
 name when the crowd was withdrawn. Two or three 
 young students advanced, and having rescued her from 
 her perilous situation, assured her she was safe in their 
 care, and under their escort she was borne from the scene 
 of her late imprisonment. 
 
 Leaving around them a heap of still smoking ruins, the 
 students retired, highly satisfied with their adventure. 
 
 They continued their way unmolested through several 
 streets, and already Alix began to hope that she should 
 reach her father’s abode in safety, when on a sudden the 
 party was met by a band of the King’s archers, conducted 
 by a monk of the order of St. Germain des Pres, who 
 instantly fell upon them with a violence which, however 
 resolute the students might be, they were totally unable to 
 withstand. A desperate struggle ensued, and, a crowd 
 collecting rapidly, Alix found herself exposed to new 
 
 p 2 
 
212 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 dangers. The young man who had been foremost in pro- 
 tecting her^ and whom his companions called Belcastel, 
 stilly however^ continued to maintain his stand near her^ 
 though all the others had abandoned their charge to meet 
 the attack. At length the students gave way, and her 
 conductor cried out in an agitated voice. 
 
 There is no safety for you. Fly, madam, instantly. 
 Yonder street will conduct you towards the river, from 
 whence you may reach your home.'’ 
 
 He had scarcely spoken when Alix found herself aban- 
 doned in the midst of the crowd. She summoned all her 
 firmness, and rushing forward succeeded in reaching ai 
 open space, and with the speed of an arrow darted along 
 the opposite streets, unknowing of her way, and fearing in 
 every person she saw to recognise a pursuer or an enemy. 
 Hurrying along in the utmost terror she was turning the 
 corner of a street, when she beheld a troop of horsemen 
 riding at full speed, escorting a carriage, the horses of 
 which were impelled along without regard to any passengers 
 who might be so imprudent or unlucky as to be in their 
 vicinity. Such was the fashion among the great, and 
 considered a requisite method to impress the importance 
 of the person within the vehicle on the minds of the foot- 
 passengers. Before she could withdraw from the tumult, 
 a horseman, who had not perceived her, or was unmindful 
 of the circumstance, passed her so close that she narrowly 
 escaped being crushed against the projecting wall. She 
 had just time to spring on a high stone by the roadside 
 when the whole cavalcade passed ; but the carriage was 
 borne along so furiously that one of the wheels coming in 
 contact with the stone on which she stood, received so 
 violent a shock that the equipage was forced to stop in 
 order to be extricated from its entanglement. 
 
 A person in the carriage looked out, with an angry 
 exclamation at the delay, and Alix discovered the features 
 of her late persecutor, La Mole. She could not repress a 
 faint shriek, and the nobleman instantly perceiving her, 
 ordered her to be secured by his people, and leaping from 
 the vehicle, was in time to catch her in his arms, as, 
 overcome with alarm and despair, she sank down senseless. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 £13 
 
 La ]\lole had received the royal order to join the army 
 before La Rochelle, and had resolved to visit the Abbey 
 in order to see the fair prisoner there concealed before he 
 set out on his journey. On escaping from the besieged 
 building at the time of Montgaillard’s seizure, he with all 
 speed regained his people, who were in readiness, and 
 awaiting only his command to commence their route. 
 His return, therefore, from his unfavourable adventure 
 was the signal for departure ; and springing into the car- 
 riage, in which, though contrary to the custom of officers 
 engaged in military duties, he chose to travel, he hurried 
 forward on his w^ay, — not doubting but that Alix was 
 safe in the monastery, however misused his deserted friend 
 the monk had been. His surprise, then, at encountering 
 her again so strangely was the greater, and with extraor- 
 dinary satisfaction he assisted his attendants to place her 
 apparently lifeless form in the carriage, and gave her in 
 charge to his physician, while, mounting the horse of one 
 of his train, he rode by the side of the vehicle, which 
 resumed its course, though in a less impetuous manner. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 THE PROPOSAL. 
 
 “ My life thou shalt command, but not my shame.” — Shakspeare. 
 
 When the President reached the place where he had been 
 told he should find his daughter, he was alarmed to 
 discover no signs of her, and the man who directed him 
 was no longer near. He hurried back without losing 
 a moment, and met Rene and Ruggieri hastening towards 
 him. 
 
 Where is Alix — where is my daughter he ex- 
 claimed ; ^^an accident has separated us, and she must be, 
 at this moment, struggling in the crowd.’' 
 
 Blessed Saints!’’ cried Rene; ^‘what an untoward 
 event ! The people are dispersing ; there is scarcely one 
 p 3 
 
214 
 
 CATHERINE DE BIEDICIS j 
 
 left in the theatre ; she must have remained, expecting 
 your return.” 
 
 “No,” suggested Ruggieri, “she has probably endea- 
 voured to reach home under the protection of some friend. 
 Let us fly to ascertain her safety.” 
 
 Accordingly, after taking a brief survey of the house, 
 they returned to the President’s abode, where the con- 
 sternation of Bailly and his intended son-in-law was 
 extreme on flnding no trace of her. 
 
 A thought flashed on the President’s mind that she had 
 purposely withdrawn herself, to escape the hateful mar- 
 riage to which she was doomed, but he did not venture to 
 hint his suspicions of such a probability. 
 
 Bianco, furious with disappointment, gave way to the 
 utmost violence, accusing himself and her father, and 
 uttering vows of vengeance against those who had carried 
 her offl Ruggieri acted his part with great dexterity, 
 appearing to feel deeply for his friend, and to be indignant 
 at the abduction, offering his assistance, and urging Rene 
 to every exertion. 
 
 I will go instantly to the Queen-mother,” exclaimed 
 Rene ; she shall be recovered, if power or cunning can 
 effect it. But have you any suspicion, Bailly ; had she 
 lovers, enemies, or friends, who would do this ? ” 
 
 “ I am distracted with fear and doubt,” said her father, 
 and can point to no person. My poor Alix ! where can 
 she be ? Oh, God ! if the Huguenots have seized her as 
 a victim ; if they should make reprisals, — and yet,” — 
 he checked himself, for he thought of her late confession, 
 and calmed his momentary terror ; but his mind was a 
 chaos of confused ideas, and he scarcely knew whom to 
 trust, or on whom his doubts ought to fall. 
 
 Bianco returned to the Queen-mother in a state of great 
 agitation, and recounted to her sympathizing ear his tale 
 of distress. 
 
 “ This is some enemy,” said Catherine. 
 
 This secretary, this protege of the Vache de Bearne, 
 it may be who robs me of my bride, as he has hitherto 
 frustrated my vengeance,” exclaimed Rene. 
 
 “If so,” replied Catherine, “ despond not ; you shall 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 215 
 
 have both, if my influence can serve you. The King pro- 
 tects him, it is true ; but when,” said she, smiling bit- 
 terly, did he find that he could outwit me ? Rene, I 
 am much disturbed ; this Huguenoterie triumphs in spite 
 of all ; — there are risings in every part of the kingdom. 
 In every Court our measures are condemned ; that wily 
 and squeamish heretic, Elizabeth of England, is against 
 us. Our ambassador sends me word that, when he waited 
 on her, to explain the late proceeding, he found the Court 
 in mourning, and every eye turned on him with hostility. 
 The cunning pedant, herself, was full of vituperation. 
 Fenelon is not warm in the cause; I will have De Retz 
 go to her peevish island, and win her by his flatteries ; 
 what say you, Rene, would it not be well.^” 
 
 Yes, Madonna,’’ answered Rene ; and why not send 
 some trusty messenger, with a token of your Grace’s 
 regard to the vain Queen ? I could prepare the present, 
 and you would not long be troubled with her remon- 
 strances. The Catholics are ripe in England for revolt. 
 Why should not the Lady Marie Stuart reign, and this 
 Tudor race be swept away at one blow.^” 
 
 How ? ” said the Queen ; and give up the alliance 
 for Anjou? — that were scarcely politic.” 
 
 The Queen of England has many lovers,” answered 
 the Italian ; these will content her, she will never choose 
 a husband to control her — believe it not. Madonna, and 
 be not deceived by her feigned acquiescence in the pro- 
 posals of the Duke.” 
 
 You are right,” returned Catherine ; I never, to 
 speak truth, trusted her a moment, but we cannot show 
 how little we rely on her. I shall consider your proposal, 
 and if I decide on this advice, which I think good, you 
 shall yourself accompany De Retz to England, and be the 
 means of ridding me of more foes. In the m.eantime, I 
 will straight to the King, and be active in your cause. 
 The girl cannot be conveyed far away ; and depend upon 
 it, we shall soon hear of her. But leave me, Rene, now, 
 for the King seeks me at this hour; and I see they are 
 coming to announce him.” 
 
 Bianco departed, full of vexation, and breathing ven- 
 p 4 
 
216 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS I 
 
 geance against his supposed enemy, while King Charles, 
 with little better spirit, took his place with the Queen- 
 mother. He was irritable, and in one of his worst moods, 
 for he had not lost the recollection of either the blows or 
 vituperation he had lately received at the Prevot Nan- 
 touillet’s, and the evident detestation in which he was held 
 by his subjects opened his eyes, too late, to the impolicy of 
 the late barbarous act. 
 
 He entered the chamber hastily, and, throwing himself 
 into a seat, exclaimed, as if scarcely regarding his mother, — 
 I will have that rascal hanged, — a brute and idiot ! 
 That I should have to ask twice for my hawk, and then 
 find the wretch had forgotten my orders altogether ! I 
 could tear him to pieces ! I will be revenged on the dolt.’’ 
 He continued to exclaim in this manner for some time, 
 when Catherine, addressing him, said in a contemptuous 
 accent, — 
 
 ‘‘ You would do better methinks to vent your anger on 
 those more deserving of it. You rave at a paltry groom for 
 disobedience, while you suffer yourself to be dictated to by 
 insolent subjects, who brave you to your face.” 
 
 Madam,” cried he, starting up with fury, you are 
 the cause of all : you foment and encourage rebellion, and 
 then throw the blame and punishment on me. I am 
 hated, abhorred, treated with scorn by my people and my 
 allies; and you urge me still. Yes, — your hero-son, 
 your beloved knight, shall have the means of distinguish- 
 ing himself again. I will not have him always near you, 
 and always scheming to win the world’s affections from me. 
 He shall command the army, which I will send against the 
 obstinate Rochellois ; and that without delay. I shall thus 
 get rid of many plagues at once ; and I care not if the 
 stubborn fools hold out till the Polish subjects of my be- 
 loved brother send to claim him.” 
 
 Catherine bit her lip, but did not condescend to notice 
 the last allusion, when she replied, — 
 
 You are right, Charles. An army must instantly be 
 despatched to La Rochelle ; and I approve greatly of your 
 intention. La Noue is the best man to negotiate with them ; 
 for Biron they will no longer listen to. La Noue is their 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 217 
 
 ancient governor^ and they rely firmly on him. Let him, 
 therefore, offer them terms ; and meantime it will he well 
 that every preparation be made for besieging them. We 
 will use art as long as it seems likely to avail us ; and 
 either by stratagem or force the town must soon be ours.’* 
 But think you we can trust La Noue ? ” said Charles. 
 ‘^We may,” replied Catherine; ^‘^he is one of those 
 visionaries who imagine every one in high station directed 
 by honour, which he considers the best policy ; and with a 
 few fine sounding speeches, he will easily be persuaded to 
 lead these people into the net. Biron will be ready to take 
 advantage of every circumstance ; and if he has a powerful 
 army to back him, success is certain.” 
 
 The King of Poland shall head the troops,” said 
 Charles. Navarre, Conde, and Anjou shall be there too. 
 I will send all these active spirits out of Paris at once, and 
 while we have peace here, war shall flourish at a distance. 
 We must reduce these towns without delay ; Sancerre, 
 Montauhan, Nismes, and fifty others, dare to withstand my 
 commands. But,” he continued, rubbing his hands with 
 delight, they butchered the Huguenotaille to my heart’s 
 content elsewhere. Thousands and thousands have fallen, 
 — like a swarm of locusts destroyed. Oh ! that my eyes 
 could have feasted on the carnage everywhere — that my 
 arm could have dealt them death in every quarter!” 
 
 He walked rapidly about the chamber as he muttered 
 the last words, while Catherine watched him with an ex- 
 pression of countenance difficult to define. There was no 
 affection, no sympathy in the glance : it told of mistrust 
 and discontent, — hut at the last, a gleam of satisfaction 
 shone on her face as a sudden truth became evident to her; 
 and she felt convinced that the mind of her elder son was 
 giving way, his health declining, and his place likely to be 
 left vacant for her beloved Henry to fill. 
 
 She was pleased to find that he constantly recurred to 
 the delight he felt in the late massacres, and she despaired 
 not of obtaining the life of the person against whom Rene 
 had a feud. 
 
 How is your nurse, Charles.^” she began ; the poor 
 good woman deserves my thanks for her care of your 
 
218 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ! 
 
 health. Y ou should consider her, my son ; she grows old, 
 and must be greatly fatigued. Has she sufficient attendants, 
 and is she well cared for ? I have been negligent of poor 
 Mabille of late.’’ 
 
 Charles, pleased at the interest shown in his favourite, 
 answered gently that she was well. 
 
 I trembled for her in the general confusion,” said his 
 mother ; but doubtless you took charge of her safety.” 
 
 ^^Yes,” replied Charles, 1 saved her by locking her 
 into her chamber : what a night she must have passed !” 
 
 Was she alone, dear Charles ? ” asked Catherine, 
 carelessly : it was, indeed, a fearful time for an old 
 
 woman — and alone.” 
 
 Charles stopped suddenly in his walk, and, with the 
 cunning which usually attends on madness, — for he was 
 in a state bordering on that malady, — he saw at once that 
 his mother concealed some design in her question, and he 
 resolved to foil her. 
 
 ‘‘ She had a companion,” said he, whom I was fool 
 enough to save too.” 
 
 Indeed ! ” returned Catherine ; who is he ? ” 
 
 Oh, you know of him, then ? ” replied Charles laugh- 
 ing. Why do you ask about him ? Is he aught to you 
 or those near you? Has Messire Bianco any business 
 with him ? ” 
 
 Charles,” said the Queen, I will tell you the truth. 
 You must accord me one favour ; I seldom ask one, and 
 this is of importance. That young man is a bitter Hugue- 
 not, and has deeply injured a friend of mine. Give him 
 up to my justice, and rid yourself of a dangerous person, 
 whom it is not prudent to keep about the palace. He is a 
 spy of Navarre ; I know all concerning him, and how he 
 will be best disposed of.” 
 
 I care not,” said the King. Do with him as you 
 will ; only never let your Florentine empiric dare to ap- 
 proach my nurse. I swear to you, madam,” he cried, his 
 eyes flashing fire, if harm ever comes to her I will de- 
 stroy that accursed wizard, if my own death followed his 
 instantly. I abhor his sight, he conjures up visions which 
 I can never banish. Mother ! at night, every night, I see 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 219 
 
 Jeanne of Navarre hovering round my bed^ livid and 
 spotted, as she died, — and you know how she died ! oh 
 God ! — that man !” 
 
 He covered his eyes with his hands, and sank down. 
 Catherine, alarmed, called for assistance ; and at that mo- 
 ment the young Queen Elizabeth being announced she left 
 him to her gentle care and quitted him, well pleased to 
 have obtained both the information and permission she 
 desired. 
 
 Soothed and comforted by his amiable wife, the unhappy 
 Prince shortly recovered, and as his mind became calmer 
 the cruel and gloomy thoughts he entertained by degrees 
 disappeared, and he reflected, with uneasiness, on the tacit 
 permission he had given to deliver up the friend of his 
 nurse. 
 
 After a time his ideas took another turn, and he des- 
 patched a page to summon Mahille and Claude to his 
 presence. 
 
 Claude during these events remained still an inmate of 
 the Palace, nor could he summon resolution to attempt an 
 escape, since, by doing so, he should absent himself from 
 Alix, and lose the chance of affording her assistance, in 
 case of need. Mahille, nevertheless, advised his delaying 
 his departure, under some disguise, as little as possible ; 
 but as rigorous measures were still in force against the 
 Protestants, and great caution was requisite, she was the 
 more readily induced to listen to his arguments on the ad- 
 vantage of his remaining concealed in Paris. She per- 
 suaded him not to attempt to visit Alix, as his presence 
 might involve her in extreme danger, but volunteered to 
 go herself and bring him tidings of her welfare. He did 
 not attempt to conceal from her the secret of his heart ; 
 and, although she saw the improbability of any happy re- 
 sult, she could not but listen with affectionate interest to 
 his hopes and fears, and afford him all the consolation in 
 her power. 
 
 Deeply was she distressed on finding, when she sought 
 the house of the President, what had occurred ; she feared 
 to attempt to see Bailly, and could only vaguely learn the 
 particulars of the disappearance of Alix. Vainly did she 
 
220 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS 1 
 
 and Claude endeavour to account for her flight, without 
 their being apprised of her intention^ but they scarcely 
 doubted that she had, by some sudden combination of un- 
 toward circumstances, been forced into this measure. 
 
 This very night,” exclaimed Claude, 1 am resolved 
 to attempt an escape from Paris. I feel certain that she 
 has directed her steps to La Rochelle, where. Heaven 
 grant, she may be able to arrive in safety. Oh ! why did 
 she reject my offer of protection ! I could, at least, have 
 defended her with my arm, and now how is she attended ? 
 Can she be alone, unguarded? To what peril, what fear- 
 ful peril has she exposed herself by this fatal delicacy ! 
 and I supine here, lingered in the vain hope that she would 
 trust me.” 
 
 While he yet spoke the summons that Charles had sent 
 reached them, and, full of anxious hope, Claude followed 
 Mabille to his chamber. 
 
 Arrived there, Charles received them with some appear- 
 ance of kindness, and, after a few words to the nurse, he 
 addressed Claude. 
 
 Young man,'^ he said, ^^your life has been saved by 
 little less than a miracle ; to me you owe its preservation; 
 but, as your fate is still in my hands, it depends on your- 
 self whether I shall be your friend or enemy. Your safety 
 requires that you quit Paris ; you may be weak enough to 
 suppose that not difficult, but, I tell you, spies and guards 
 are in every avenue, and, were it not so, I do not intend 
 that you should be so fortunate in eluding my designs 
 always. Mabille, I know, would willingly deceive me, for 
 your sake, — even she would betray me, but I will not 
 have it so. You shall act as I dictate. Do not attempt 
 to oppose my will ; — it will be of no avail, and I require 
 your aid in a point which concerns me. Will you do any 
 thing to show your gratitude ? ” 
 
 Any thing, your Grace, that my conscience will per- 
 mit,” said Claude, boldly. 
 
 The King sneered. You Huguenots,” he answered, 
 
 always prate of conscience, as if it was not the last thing 
 that ever opposed a man’s interest. After his desires are 
 satisfied, indeed,” he added, musing, sometimes the 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 221 
 
 slumberer wakes, — too late. But to the purpose. You 
 shall enlist as a volunteer in the army which I am sending 
 against La Rochelle.’’ 
 
 Claude started involuntarily, as he heard the place 
 named where all his wishes tended. 
 
 Your conduct will be well observed, and I expect 
 good service from you/’ continued the King. This 
 squeamish conscience of yours may be at ease, methinks, 
 when you find so many of your Huguenot friends have 
 quieted theirs for the occasion. The King of Navarre 
 and the Prince de Conde will, perhaps, be associates to 
 whom you need not object.” 
 
 Where they are,” replied Claude, all the servants of 
 your Grace should be proud to be ; and, guided by them, 
 I will act as a faithful and grateful subject should do.” 
 These are fine speeches,” returned Charles, contemp- 
 tuously, and I dare say, you are all faithful, and at- 
 tached, and obedient subjects, — so are my good people 
 of La Rochelle ; but their way of showing these virtues 
 does not please me. I can teach you a much better, and 
 require but one proof of your sincerity. Now listen to 
 me. There are some good Catholics, as well as Hugue- 
 nots, who are distasteful to me, and amongst them is the 
 Count La Mole ; he will be in command of some of my 
 troops ; I will give you opportunities of being near him, 
 and I select you as an instrument to execute my purpose 
 respecting him. He has insulted — but what matters it 
 why as he spoke, he clenched his hands, and shut his 
 teeth so closely that his words were scarcely audible. I 
 am injured, and will be revenged ! ” 
 
 Your Grace,” said Claude, shuddering, cannot mean 
 
 I mean,” cried Charles, fiercely, that you should 
 take away his life. I might have had it done here, in 
 Paris, at the Court ; — am I not master ? — am I not to 
 command ^ to punish ? — but it will better content his 
 favourers that he should be supposed to die in fight, and I 
 would not deprive my good brother of such a pleasure, for 
 he loves him well.” 
 
 Sire,” said Claude, firmly, ^^my life is in your hands; 
 
CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 I am defenceless, and have no power to contend against 
 your decree ; but I am unfit to act as an assassin, and I 
 cannot accept the office.” 
 
 He spoke proudly, and with dignity, and Charles for a 
 moment quailed beneath the flash of his sparkling eye ; 
 but recovering himself in an instant, he added : 
 
 You are a fool, and a vain boy ! — Hear the alterna- 
 tive. The Queen-mother has a favourite called Rene 
 Bianco ; do you know him ? I see, by your start, that 
 you do ; he is one at whose name all honest men start, 
 and I honour you for your appreciation of his merits : he 
 has discovered your retreat, and I have granted him your 
 life. This is the position in which you stand. I send for 
 this good friend of yours, and when you quit this chamber 
 the daggers of his trusty agents are in your heart. I shall 
 not attempt to protect you, and nurse Mabille may wring 
 her hands in vain. On the other hand, I ofler you escape 
 by this private door ; horses are in readiness below, and 
 attendants whom I have chosen ; in a few hours you are 
 far away from Paris and in safety. Think not your 
 tender consciousness will serve the destined victim of my 
 just anger : there are many ready to execute my will for 
 a less reward than I propose to make you. He dies — 
 if my own hand must deal the blow ; by all the Saints I 
 swear it !” 
 
 Claude, shrinking with horror, revolved rapidly in his 
 own mind the fearful alternative presented to his choice. 
 To reach La Rochelle was his most desired aim : deceit in 
 this case might be excusable ; he saw that he had to deal 
 with a man little less than a maniac, that argument, en- 
 treaty, or opposition were alike vain ; and to employ 
 stratagem to escape from him was but as a hunter, pressed 
 and in danger, would use every art to foil the savage 
 animal who threatened to destroy him. Mabille stood 
 motionless ; but by her anxious signs and looks Claude 
 understood that she advised his apparent compliance ; he 
 trusted to her to dispose the mind of the King to better 
 thoughts, and he also saw the possibility of preserving 
 him whom he was directed to murder ; all these considera- 
 tions, and the certainty that his own fate was inevitable, 
 
OR, THE QUEEN- MOTHER. 
 
 223 
 
 should he reject this means, and that Alix would be left 
 without a hope of protection and assistance, determined 
 him to assume a character at which his mind revolted, and 
 he replied in a voice trembling with emotion : 
 
 My situation is hard, your Grace, I am persecuted and 
 
 powerless ; and if I might rely on your protection ” 
 
 You may depend on it,'" interrupted Charles ; your 
 reward shall be ample, and you will have relieved the 
 country of a plotting, designing traitor.” 
 
 ‘^You are obeyed,” said Claude, struggling with his 
 feelings. “ I am the instrument of your will.” 
 
 There is little time to lose,” exclaimed the King, 
 apparently with satisfaction ; La Mole has already re- 
 ceived orders to join the camp. I will have you intro- 
 duced to be about his person, recommended not only by 
 me, but by one whom he thinks, vain fool ! is his friend ; 
 remember. Mademoiselle Marie Touchet will write to him 
 of you, therefore be prepared in your lesson. Insinuate 
 yourself into his confidence ; he is a coxcomb, whose 
 boastings you are not obliged to believe ; that were too 
 hard a task to impose on you. You shall have further 
 instructions — be sure and secret ; and, remember, I am 
 not without my spies. Now, follow me, — never stop for 
 farewells ! — instantly I ” 
 
 He stamped his foot impatiently, as Claude embraced 
 the weeping nurse, who clung to him in extreme distress. 
 Claude followed the King to another chamber, and obeyed 
 his command to throw a cloak over his dress ; then giving 
 him a purse, and a sealed paper, he addressed him : 
 
 This paper,” said he, will be your security ; it is 
 signed by my hand, you will pass free and unmolested : 
 take this gold for your necessities ; and when you return 
 yourself to the spot which I shall indicate, to tell me the 
 deed is done, you may claim this sum many times repeated.” 
 He then touched a spring in the wainscot, and a door 
 opening, discovered a small private stair. 
 
 Descend,” said he, ‘‘ and cross the court below ; you 
 will find horses and two guides, who know my will, as far 
 as regards your journey. You need make no remarks, nor 
 ask any questions: they know their duty — do you yours.’" 
 
224 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 So saying, the King closed the door behind him, and 
 Claude descended the steps. He found all as had been 
 described to him, and followed the directions of his 
 employer implicitly, for mounting one of the horses, with- 
 out a word, he started off at speed, accompanied by the 
 companions which his singular position had introduced to 
 him. 
 
 And now,’’ said Charles to himself, as he returned, 
 I have outwitted my lady-mother, and the insolent 
 baladin. La Mole, will find that he has attempted to sup- 
 plant me once too often ! ” 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 THE MEETING. 
 
 “ If there be truth in sight, 5'ou are my Rosalind ! ” — Shakspeare. 
 
 The maritime town of La Rochelle, once forming part of 
 the enormous possessions of the beautiful and frail heiress 
 Eleonore of Aquitaine, was, by her marriage with the 
 Duke of Normandy, transferred to England with the 
 largest portion of France, which the imprudence of 
 Louis VII. had thus given into an enemy’s hand. This 
 fine and important stronghold remained under the English 
 dominion for some time : it was afterwards lost, and again 
 won, being restored to England in exchange for Jean of 
 France, the prisoner of Poitiers, together with three mil- 
 lions of gold crowns. 
 
 While it remained English, numerous privileges were 
 granted which increased its industry, augmented its popu- 
 lation, and sowed in the breasts of its inhabitants those 
 seeds of liberty which they never allowed to decay when, 
 in after years. La Rochelle was once again restored to 
 France, in consequence of the redoubted knight, governor 
 of the town, being more brave than learned, and outwitted 
 by a cunning clerk, who could read the letter of instruc- 
 tions which the warrior trusted him to interpret, and 
 misdirecting his movements, gave the advantage to Du 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 225 
 
 Guesclin. Bold^ frank, and generous, the Rochellois were 
 always jealous of the safety of their beloved town, and 
 prudent in defending it. The reformed religion had there 
 fixed its chief hold, and the care of the Prince de Conde 
 had rendered it almost impregnable ; add to which, the 
 season of the year 1572, had been particularly productive: 
 the harvest and the vintage had been abundant beyond all 
 expectation, and not less than twenty-five thousand tons 
 of wine were placed in the cellars of the town. From 
 early morning till late at night, waggons and horses, laden 
 with immense stores of provisions of every description, 
 were constantly crowding the streets, and thus La Ro- 
 chelle, which by sea could receive but few conveniences, 
 was victualled by land in a manner hitherto undreamed of 
 in their hopes of plenty. The remarkable beauty and 
 serenity of the weather permitted all sorts of necessary 
 works to go on, and reparations had been made in the 
 walls and fortifications to a great extent, the inhabitants 
 volunteering to assist with all their powers in so important 
 a service, and all the strangers residing amongst them 
 being actuated by the same desire to preserve the town in 
 its strength and security, and to render it capable of 
 resisting the attacks with which it was likely to be 
 threatened. 
 
 La Rochelle is situated in the most advantageous man- 
 ner for commercial purposes, and its isles of Re andOleron, 
 opposite its port, form an immense roadstead, where vessels 
 of great burthen can ride in safety in one of the finest 
 harbours in Europe. 
 
 The Duke de Biron had sought by every wile which 
 could be devised, to induce the Rochellois to listen to the 
 deceitful professions of the King, whose treachery had 
 been felt by all those towns which had imprudently put 
 their trust in him. Not only had they indignantly refused 
 to obey the commands sent to them to admit the officers, 
 called of justice, whose business it was to punish the sup- 
 posed revolt of the Huguenots, but the bold Rochellois 
 resolved to hold out to the last extremity, rather than 
 expose themselves to the dangers which they felt were 
 Q 
 
220 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 inevitable, should the hypocritical Charles once get footing 
 within their walls. 
 
 They had sent deputies to England to ask for assistance, 
 and, as they heard that the Count de Montgomery had 
 escaped the massacre of Paris, and had, after great diffi- 
 culties, reached Elizabeth’s capital, they trusted that 
 succour would promptly arrive by sea which would enable 
 them to sustain a prolonged siege such as their experience 
 foresaw. 
 
 When the brave La None, in obedience to the com- 
 mands he had received in Paris, presented himself before 
 the deputies who were appointed to hear his proposals, he 
 was listened to with sorrow and regret. Speaking in the 
 conviction that he recommended only an advantageous 
 mode of proceeding, he entreated them to obey the King, 
 to admit the governor sent them, and to lay down their 
 arms, promising that nothing should be required of them 
 contrary to their honour. When this harangue was 
 finished, one of the deputies stepped forward, and answered 
 in these words : 
 
 We consented to hold a parley on this occasion, be- 
 cause we expected to have met the brave soldier La Noue, 
 from whom we felt certain of hearing nothing derogatory 
 or unworthy of him or us : hut we see him not. It is to 
 little purpose that the person who now addresses us re- 
 sembles him in features ; La Noue’s soul is not there, and 
 we are confident that we listen hut to an impostor."’ 
 
 ‘‘ Look on me again,"’ replied La Noue : do I deserve 
 
 to he forgotten ? Behold ! I have lost an arm in your 
 service. Am I not your ancient governor, attached to you 
 by every tie of feeling, and do you not owe me both gra- 
 titude and affection ? ” 
 
 ‘‘We owe them to the dear and excellent friend whom 
 you have named,” said the deputy ; for he by his courage, 
 experience, and prudence defended our lives, and crowned 
 himself with honour. But would he side with our foes ? 
 would he for any consideration lend himself to deceit? 
 endeavour to inveigle us with fair promises ? induce us to 
 cast ourselves into the snares of those who have massacred 
 our best and dearest friends ? No, we cannot believe it ; 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 227 
 
 and we entreat you to withdraw, nor insult the name of 
 that Bras de Fer, whom we love, honour, and revere — 
 for though you speak with his tongue, you counsel not 
 with his heart.” 
 
 This was more than the philosophy of the brave old 
 soldier could endure. 
 
 “ Enough ! ” cried he, reproach me no more. I have 
 undertaken this embassy in the hope of accommodating all 
 differences. If I did not believe the professions made 
 through me, I swear to you that I had never uttered them ; 
 but your welfare is my sole aim, and since you will not 
 attend to the words of friendship, believing them deceitful, 
 what can I do but submit ? Will you receive me as a 
 friend — may I once more enter your town, dedicate my- 
 self to your service as before, and consult with those in 
 whom you trust what will be the best method of assisting 
 you ? 
 
 A shout of joyful consent interrupted his words ; and, 
 greatly to the annoyance of the Catholic party, who had 
 not reckoned on his uncompromising honesty and real love 
 for his old government. Bras de Fer, as he was fan)iliarly 
 called, entered La Rochelle amidst the acclamations of the 
 delighted inhabitants who now looked confidently forward 
 to success and triumph. 
 
 Such was the situation of La Rochelle when the army 
 of Biron and Strozzi was augmented by the arrival of an 
 immense force, and all the royal princes of France joined 
 the standard which threatened the devoted town. But, 
 notwithstanding the strength brought against it, its natural 
 capabilities of resistance, and the resolute determination to 
 hold out to the last, of all its inhabitants, made the in- 
 tended siege a work of no little anxiety. 
 
 An immense number of Huguenot gentlemen had flocked 
 to its walls of refuge : despair, regret, revenge, indigna- 
 tion, and valour, acted variously on the citizens, and made 
 every man equal to an experienced soldier : the garrison 
 was numerous, the commanders excellent, and the conti- 
 nued exhortations and encouraging addresses of no less 
 that fifty-five Protestant ministers, who had there sheltered 
 themselves from persecution, rendered them altogether, 
 Q 2 
 
22S 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 almost invincible. Day after day fresh arrivals of fugi- 
 tives^ escaped from the universal massacre^ swelled their 
 ranks, and as they were well provided with provisions they 
 had little to fear and all to hope. 
 
 The King of Poland, eager to distinguish himself again, 
 as he had done at Jarnac and Moncontour, was resolved 
 to conquer the obstinacy of the rebellious town, and looked 
 proudly round on his gallant troops confident of victory. 
 Francis of Anjou his brother, though attached to the 
 chiefs of the Protestant party more than pleased his own, 
 accompanied him. Henry of Navarre, his heart almost 
 bursting with sorrow, shame, and indignation, which 
 feelings were shared by the Prince de Conde, was forced 
 to obey the peremptory orders sent him to join the army, 
 and was led rather as a spectacle than expected to be of 
 service on the occasion, except, inasmuch as his presence 
 against his own people might injure him in their eyes. 
 
 Very different were the feelings of the Duke de Guise, 
 and the Marquis de Mayenne his brother, who, chiefs in 
 the late barbarous proceedings, saw only the gratification 
 of their ambitious views, and a new field of glory open 
 before them. 
 
 The frivolous and inert man of fashion. La Mole, had 
 for a time cast off that character, and but for the foppish- 
 ness of his appointments could scarcely have been recog- 
 nised as the mere leader of the mode in Paris. When he 
 arrived at the camp, he found to his infinite mortification, 
 that the agitation and terror into which Alix had been 
 thrown had caused her to be attacked with serious indis- 
 position, and the physician who attended her declared that 
 her life was in great danger. She received every care, 
 and the strictest secrecy was necessarily observed, as the 
 presence of a female under the peculiar circumstances in 
 which she was placed would have caused the utmost 
 scandal in the camp ; and La Mole was aware that if this 
 instance of his folly and contempt of orders were disco- 
 vered, he should be visited with severe reprimands, and 
 the object of his admiration would be at once taken from 
 him. 
 
 While he was in this perplexity, and Alix was slowly 
 
OR, TKE QUEEN-xMOTHER. 229 
 
 recovering from her alarming state of illness, Claude ar- 
 rived with his letters from the King, appointing him to a 
 post near the person of La Mole. It had been arranged 
 by Charles, that the better to deceive his intended victim, 
 Marie Touchet should write also to him, as if unknown 
 to her royal lover, recommending the young volunteer, by 
 this means assuring him of a good reception, and creating 
 a familiarity which would he likely to further the King’s 
 design ; for Marie, terrified at the jealousy which Charles 
 had evinced, consented to save herself by sacrificing the 
 lover, whom her encouragement and his own imprudence 
 had betrayed : she had no other means of satisfying the 
 vindictive rival of La Mole, who, in his secret soul still 
 suspected her, and as her own interest was her paramount 
 consideration, she had little remorse in permitting the 
 removal of one who had it in his power to confirm the 
 King’s suspicions, and whose vanity and want of principle 
 made him a dangerous confidant. 
 
 The new passion which La Mole had conceived for his 
 fair prisoner having nearly effaced that of La Belle Marie, 
 he paid little attention to her letter beyond the mere ap- 
 pointment of Claude, according to the orders of the King, 
 consequently his questions did not embarrass his attendant 
 as much as might have naturally been expected ; and in a 
 short time, finding Claude a useful auxiliary, in a military 
 point of view, he became sensible that he had gained a 
 great acquisition, in the addition to his establishment. 
 
 The refined manners of La Mole soon won the ad- 
 miration of Claude, and though he observed little to excite 
 his esteem, yet the native viciousness of the artful courtier 
 being less called into action in the camp than at Court, 
 much escaped his inexperienced mind which would other- 
 wise have disgusted him. Little was Claude aware what 
 an enemy to his happiness he was regarding with an in- 
 dulgent eye. 
 
 On the other hand. La Mole had become attached to 
 Claude. The simplicity of his manners, joined to a fear- 
 lessness and independence peculiar to his character, his 
 ignorance of the world, or the Court, rendered him an 
 object of interest, inasmuch as it furnished La Mole with 
 Q 3 
 
230 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 novelty, that charm which has such power over those who, 
 wearied with enjoyment, seek constantly for change to 
 recruit their exhausted senses. 
 
 On one occasion when Claude was in attendance on him, 
 he bade him draw near, and listen to a communication 
 which he had resolved to make, trusting that liis zeal and 
 prudence would prove him worthy of the confidence re- 
 posed in him. 
 
 There is,” said he, smiling, a prisoner in my power 
 whom sickness has reduced to great extremity. The 
 patient is now, I am informed, in a state of convalescence, 
 and I am desirous of paying a visit of congratulation on 
 the occasion ; but as I would signify my intention I depute 
 you to be my messenger.” 
 
 Your Lordship honours me,’^ said Claude; “may I 
 inquire if the prisoner is of rank and lately taken ? ” 
 
 “ The prisoner has been under my care for some time,” 
 answered La Mole. “ I inquire little about rank, but of 
 beauty I am well convinced there is sufficient store.” 
 
 “ How, my Lord ! beauty ? ” said Claude, surprised. 
 
 “ Yes,” replied the courtier, “my prisoner is a female.” 
 Claude started. “ Some unfortunate lady, perhaps, of 
 La Rochelle,” cried he ; “ oh, my Lord, if so, let me be 
 her advocate : let her meet with treatment from you not 
 unbecoming a knight and a noble.” 
 
 “ I am too well acquainted with the rules of chivalry,” 
 answered La Mole, laughing, “ to forget what is due to 
 distressed damsels, but, as she has hitherto caused me little 
 but alarm and vexation, I am anxious to change the 
 scene : — go, therefore, and bear to her my devoirs, with 
 a request to be permitted the honour of kissing her fair 
 hand.” 
 
 He then proceeded to inform Claude that he would be 
 admitted to the prisoner, on presenting to the guard the 
 ring which he delivered to him, and directed him to return 
 as quickly as possible with the answer of the lady. 
 
 Claude departed on his errand, and having reached the 
 tent indicated by La Mole, was conducted to that in which 
 he was to behold the invalid. He felt a depression of 
 spirits, as he pictured to himself some young wife or widow 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 231 
 
 torn from her dearest connexions and placed in a situation 
 so distressing, and he inwardly resolved to be her protector. 
 The guard who had led him thus far pointed to a seat and 
 retired. In a few moments the canvass was drawn aside 
 and a lady entered, her form entirely covered with a thick 
 white veil. She stopped suddenly at the entrance^ and 
 remained motionless without uttering a word. Claude 
 approached, and, in a low voice, delivered to her the 
 message of La Mole, adding a hope that her indisposition 
 was removed. The lady appeared to tremble violently, 
 and Claude had only time to spring forward to prevent 
 her falling, when, seating her on a low couch, he entreated 
 her to be less agitated. The lady inclined her head 
 towards him as he bent to support her, and a sigh hurst 
 from her bosom ; one pale hand she suffered him to hold 
 in his, while with the other she drew aside her veil, and 
 he beheld what his bewildered imagination conceived to be 
 the shade of Alix. Amazement deprived him of utterance, 
 and a hasty sign from her, as she carefully replaced her 
 veil, convinced him of the necessity of repressing the 
 transports of his joy. He had scarcely recovered any 
 degree of self-possession when a female entered, and, ad- 
 vancing towards Alix, began to reprove her for having 
 quitted her protection. 
 
 While she was speaking, Claude had remained almost 
 in a state of stupor, unable to comprehend the circum- 
 stances under which he found Alix : at length he ventured 
 to inquire if the lady had been long indisposed. 
 
 Since the fever left her,'" answered the attendant, ^Hier 
 reason has been obscured." 
 
 Without venturing another word Claude took his leave, 
 and, with a slow step and heavy heart, returned to the 
 tent of La Mole, whom he found in some perturbation in 
 consequence of the result of a visit to the King of Poland, 
 who, having obtained information relative to his prisoner, 
 had angrily insisted on her being instantly sent from the 
 camp. When informed of the state in which his fair 
 captive still remained, La Mole bit his lip and exclaimed. 
 
 Why did I expose myself to this dilemma for the sake 
 of a foolish girl, who gives me nothing but uneasiness } 
 Q 4 
 
2S2 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 What can be done ? ” continued he^ pacing the chamber ; 
 
 there is no way but to conceal her more closely_, and give 
 out that she is sent back to Paris/' 
 
 Would it not be better, my Lord,” said Claude, 
 endeavouring to speak without agitation, really to let 
 her return ; her present situation admits but of little hope, 
 and the occasional violence of her paroxysms must render 
 her concealment difficult.” 
 
 Hold ! ” exclaimed the courtier ; I have for some 
 time suspected trickery in this business, and am resolved 
 myself to judge before I consent to part with my prize. 
 To-morrow is fixed for an assault on the town : I have 
 promised that to-night shall no longer find her in the 
 camp ; come, therefore, with me immediately, that my 
 own eyes may witness if the beautiful maniac is so dreadful 
 as she is represented.” 
 
 Claude attempted, in vain, to dissuade him, but he 
 received only an order to be prepared to attend his will. 
 Accordingly they left the tent, and with hasty steps ad- 
 vanced towards that part of the outskirts of the camp 
 where Alix was concealed, Claude followed La Mole in 
 a state of mind scarcely to be conceived. Already had 
 they paused before the entrance of the tent, he could bear 
 his feelings no longer, and had placed his hand on the 
 mantle of La Mole to detain him, when the latter, turning 
 hastily round to inquire his meaning, perceived a troop of 
 horse riding at full speed towards them. 
 
 We are attacked ! ” exclaimed he, drawing his sword; 
 there is not a moment to be lost — a sortie of the enemy ! 
 — to arms ! ” 
 
 As he spoke, he rushed back, and the words were soon 
 echoed among the sentinels. In an instant the clash of 
 arms was heard, and La Mole, forgetful of his purpose in 
 his eagerness to prevent a surprise, was soon lost to the 
 sight of Claude. An idea flashed on his mind, — What 
 if, in the confusion, I could rescue Alix ? it is worth the 
 risk of attempting, and even should we be seized by this 
 party, we shall but be taken as prisoners into the besieged 
 town.” These thoughts followed each other rapidly, as 
 he darted forwards and threw open the tent, exclaiming. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 23S 
 
 The enemy — be on your guard ! ” and passing the 
 sentinels, with the quickness of light, reached the inner 
 chamber. Alix was leaning, apparently asleep, on a low 
 seat with her attendant at her side. On his abrupt en- 
 trance, the latter started up. 
 
 Silence ! — she sleeps,” said she in a low tone. 
 
 The enemy,” cried he, ‘‘ are close upon us, — fly, 
 while yet you may.” 
 
 The female uttered a loud cry, and her exclamations 
 roused the invalid, who found herself already clasped in 
 the arms of Claude, who had thrown his mantle over her, 
 and was bearing her from the apartment. 
 
 Without comprehending what was passing, but satisfied 
 of his zeal in her service, Alix was borne along by her 
 lover, who passed the sentinel without question, as he sup- 
 posed him to act by order of La Mole, and pressing for- 
 ward, unconscious of his destined route, he continued to 
 advance beyond the limits of the camp. The horsemen 
 who had caused the late alarm, had slackened their pace, 
 and were now within a few yards of the fugitives, when 
 Claude exclaimed in a loud voice, — 
 
 We resign ourselves your prisoners ! ” 
 
 To his astonishment, however, none of the party halted, 
 but continuing their way at a brisk pace passed without 
 bestowing any attention on his words. This was the more 
 extraordinary, as Claude saw that they certainly wore the 
 dress and colours of the Huguenot party. The troop did 
 not exceed a dozen men, and their visit to the camp in so 
 small a body appeared inexplicable. All proposals of treaty 
 had been received but the day preceding with so much 
 contempt by the Rochellois, and the reported arrival of the 
 Count de Montgomery with sixty vessels, made it appear 
 impossible that they should have consented to surrender. 
 Unable to solve the enigma, he continued his uncertain 
 course, still supporting Alix, whom amazement and fear 
 deprived of speech. At length they reached a small copse, 
 and here Claude ventured to pause, when, placing his fair 
 burthen beneath a tree, he addressed to her a few words of 
 explanation. As he spoke her pale countenance lighted 
 up, and clasping her hands she fervently thanked him for 
 
234 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 her delivery ; he interrupted her acknowledgments with 
 vows of service, and anxious hopes for her future safety. 
 
 I have been deceived in yonder troop/’ said he, who 
 I hoped might be the means of conveying us to La Rochelle. 
 I tremble for you ; how can you support the fatigue and 
 dangers which await you ? ” 
 
 Fear not for me,” exclaimed Alix, with animation ; 
 
 I did but feign weakness, and am strong and able to 
 endure all since I am at liberty once more. I can bear 
 any thing but being in the power of that man." 
 
 Taking the hand which she extended to him, eagerly 
 entreating that they should pursue their journey, Claude 
 led her through the little wood. Following a rugged path 
 they soon arrived near what through the trees they hoped 
 was a hut, but discovered it to be a high cross, at the foot 
 of which was a carved image of St. Nicholas. 
 
 There must be some cottage near,” said Claude, though 
 much disconcerted at not finding an abode ; for this 
 symbol is usually placed near some village on the sea- 
 coast.” 
 
 They continued to advance, and at length, at a short 
 distance before them, they perceived the roof of a cottage, 
 half concealed in the thick wood, by which it was sur- 
 rounded. With some degree of alarm, they saw advancing 
 towards them a young man, who, when he perceived 
 them, stopped, and in an abrupt manner demanded their 
 business. 
 
 W e are travellers," replied Claude, and, having 
 missed our path, are desirous of finding shelter for a few 
 hours." 
 
 The young man uttered an exclamation of surprise. 
 “How!" cried he, “am I deceived, or is it actually 
 Claude Emars to whom I speak !” 
 
 Claude at the same moment recognised in the person 
 before him bis friend Belcastel, and to the no small relief 
 of Alix she beheld the young student under whose pro- 
 tection she had quitted the abbey of St. Germain des Pres. 
 
 “Truly,” exclaimed the student, “we meet in strange 
 circumstances ; and this is a bad time and place for ex- 
 planation ; tell me at once, are you, as I suppose, fugitives 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 235 
 
 like myself, if so I may be able to serve you.” In as few 
 words as possible Claude explained their situation. 
 
 Is it so ? ’’ said Belcastel, I must, then, endeavour 
 to provide for you as well as for myself. Enter this hut 
 with me, and when we are once under shelter I will let 
 you know my plans.” 
 
 They followed him accordingly through a low doorway, 
 and found the hut uninhabited ; carefully fastening the 
 entrance with a rusted iron bolt, Belcastel conducted them 
 through several small rooms, to a flight of steps, and de- 
 scending they found themselves in a vaulted cave, round 
 which were piled, or lay in confusion, some empty casks, 
 a circumstance that seemed to indicate its having been the 
 abode of smugglers, who then, as in latter times, abounded 
 on the coast. 
 
 Belcastel informed Alix, that when he so abruptly 
 quitted her in the crowd to assist his companions, he had 
 entered into a violent contention with those sent against 
 them ; that, after a severe struggle, his party had been 
 overpowered, and he amongst the rest taken prisoner. 
 
 We were,” said he, hurried off* to the prisons be- 
 longing to the Abbey ; and considering the tender mercies 
 others had received, I confess I did not expect to escape 
 easily, and was surprised, after some days’ confinement, to 
 receive an order for my departure, and my punishment 
 mitigated to banishment. I was commanded to quit Paris 
 instantly, on pain of death, and was left to choose my road, 
 which I discovered to be the case with many of my fellow 
 students, who, like me, w^ere not natives of the capital. 
 We resolved to join our small aid to assist the Rochellois, 
 — in fine, our party is now only waiting a fitting oppor- 
 tunity to make their wishes known to the besieged.” 
 
 Claude eagerly inquired their number, and learned that 
 it amounted to thirteen. 
 
 We conceal ourselves separately,” said Belcastel, ^^for 
 fear of drawing attention to our numbers ; and we find 
 this wood so proper for our purpose, that I, 'who am named 
 chief of the band, feel myself another Robert le Diable, 
 able to contend with the whole world.” 
 
 Claude recounted their meeting with the party which 
 
236 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 had caused so much alarm in the camp, and when he 
 mentioned the report of Montgomery's arrival with suc- 
 cours, BelcasteFs joy knew no bounds. 
 
 This is indeed good news,’' exclaimed he, although 
 I fear there has been scarcely time ; however, we will 
 hope the best. What that troop might be, I cannot 
 imagine ; but there may be treachery, for I know several 
 of the adverse party have employed spies. Meantime, I 
 am most fortunate in gaining you as an ally, and in afford- 
 ing protection to this lady.” 
 
 While he spoke, a signal was heard, and one by one 
 different members of the band arrived, in order to consult 
 as to their future movements ; they welcomed Claude, who 
 was known to several, with much cordiality. 
 
 We must wait for the arrival of Philippe,” said 
 Belcastel ; doubtless he will be here to-night, and the 
 intelligence he may have procured can direct us ; mean- 
 time, let us beguile the time in relating to our new com- 
 panion our escapes, and the perils we have encountered.” 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 DIFFICULTIES. 
 
 . . . “ Are you content 
 To make a virtue of necessity 
 
 And live, as we do, in this wilderness?” — Shakspeare. 
 
 Come, Mathurin,” said Belcastel, let us hear the 
 remainder of the story you were telling us. Claude will 
 be glad to know what became of his friend the Cordelier, 
 who w’as rescued by him from our impertinence on a late 
 occasion ; though he little thought, any more than our- 
 selves, who he was.” 
 
 Yes,” said Mathurin, ^^and he perhaps is not aware 
 either that the man whose life he saved from the boatmen 
 and who swam over the river, was the same.” 
 
 I had some idea of it,” replied Claude ; there was 
 something in the manner of that man which interested me 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 237 
 
 in no slight degree ; and^ in spite of his change of dress^ I 
 imagined that he was not an entire stranger to me.” 
 
 Well/’ continued Mathurin, after he reached the 
 other side of the river^ he made the best of his way to the 
 Rue St. Jacques, and came straight to our house. We 
 were very glad to see him ; for my wife had suffered much 
 fear on his account, as we more than suspected him to be 
 a Huguenot. 
 
 ^ It is lucky,’ said Clarice, ^ that you have not again 
 appeared in your monk’s frock ; for Cruce, the butcher, 
 has been here, making many inquiries after you, and we 
 had some trouble to get him away.’ 
 
 ^ My good friends/ said our lodger, ‘ it is useless any 
 longer to attempt concealment : I am one of those marked 
 out for destruction, and must escape as well as I can. I 
 will but take some papers from my room above, and will 
 bid you farewell.’ 
 
 He hurried up-stairs, and was scarcely gone, when a 
 tap at our door startled my wife, who had grown very 
 timid. 
 
 ^ If this should be an enemy,’ said she, ^ to our poor 
 gentleman, what shall we do ? ’ 
 
 I could not think of any thing ; so we opened the door, 
 and who should enter but the little dwarf Ancelin, whom 
 my Clarice particularly detested ; for he was always 
 hovering about, and used to make love to her, — a de- 
 formed idiot ! before we were married. 
 
 ^ Oh ! ho ! ’ said he, Madame Lussaut, you look so 
 snug and comfortable here, that one longs to be of the 
 party. Will you give me a draught of wine, for I am 
 tired to death ? ’ 
 
 Clarice, who thought it best to be civil, answered by 
 fetching him a draught : and we saw, with great annoyance, 
 that our troublesome neighbour intended to pay us a long 
 visit, for he seated himself quite as one of the family, and 
 began to talk. 
 
 This is a sad business,’ said he. ^ My heart hleeds 
 for these poor people ; for, though they are Huguenots and 
 heretics, still, you know, they are flesh and blood, and 
 Frenchmen. I am told there are a good many concealed 
 
238 
 
 CATHERINE BE MEDICIS I 
 
 about since the massacre began ; and indeed, to tell truth, 
 my good friends, that Cordelier whom you harbour is a 
 suspected character ; and I advise you to make a friend of 
 me, and tell me if he is in the house now, that we may 
 get him away, — for you will scarcely be safe if Captain 
 Cruce finds him/ 
 
 I was taken in, for the moment, by the little wretch’s 
 plausible manner, and was on the point of speaking the 
 truth ; but Clarice interfered, and replied : — 
 
 ‘ It is very strange what is become of our lodger : for 
 these three days there has been no news of him, and I 
 dare say, he has gone back to his convent at Lyons/ 
 
 ‘ Oh ! at Lyons ? ’ said the dwarf, ‘ That was his 
 story, was it ? No such thing. He is a Huguenot ; and 
 more. — I know who he is, — neither more nor less than 
 the Count de Montgomery, who killed King Henry in the 
 tournament. Now the Queen-mother will give a reward 
 of a hundred gold crowns to whoever will deliver him up ; 
 and he is, therefore, not very likely to escape. You and I, 
 Lussaut,’ added the ugly hypocrite, ‘ are above a bribe ; 
 but I wouldn't say as much for Cruce, though he is my 
 
 friend : and if he should suspect ’ 
 
 ^ Suppose he should,’ interrupted Clarice, speaking 
 loud — for she heard the step of our lodger on the stair, 
 ^ he would not find him here, for the reason I told you ; 
 and as for being the Count de Montgomery, he is too good 
 a Catholic, — for the whole floor where he sleeps is 
 covered with bits of the rod with which he flogs himself 
 every morning/ 
 
 The dwarf grinned. ^ Who,’ said he suddenly, ^ was 
 the man that entered your shop just now ? I thought it 
 was the tiler Edmond, and Montault told me he wanted 
 some slates mended on the roof of his house.’ 
 
 ^ No,’ said Clarice, carelessly filling his glass ; ^ it was 
 Petit Jacques, who is come after my mules to mend.’ 
 
 ^ Indeed,’ said Ancelin ; ^ then I will wait till he 
 comes down, since he is working up stairs in your house ; 
 for I saw him go up.’ 
 
 This resolve greatly disconcerted us, for we saw the 
 deceitful wu'etch had some design in his pertinacity. How- 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-3IOTHER. 
 
 239 
 
 ever, Clarice made me a sign to attract his attention while 
 she left the room, and, hurrying up-stairs, met our lodger, 
 who was descending. She bade him return, and then told 
 him of her fears, and for whom he was taken. He 
 assured her he would be on his guard ; that he would sell 
 his life dear, that he was indeed Montgomery, and did not 
 fear to trust her with the secret, in spite of the reward 
 offered for betraying him. She bade him rely on her 
 presence of mind, and not to stir till she let him know 
 the dwarf was gone, hut that did not seem a thing likely 
 soon to happen ; for he stayed and stayed till all the wine 
 was drunk, and getting rather heated he began to show 
 his real intentions. 
 
 ‘ Now, Lussaut,’ said he, ^ there is no use in your 
 trying to hide the truth ; and, after all, since a man has 
 to make his fortune in this wicked world, it matters little 
 how he does it. A hundred gold crowns are worth having ; 
 and if we could find this Huguenot, we were sure of it, 
 and might share it between us without making Cruce 
 the wiser.’ 
 
 I felt inclined to knock the treacherous villain on the 
 head ; but Clarice was more prudent, and, before I could 
 speak, she answered, — 
 
 ^ Well, —hut how are we to get at him ? I tell you 
 he has been away these three days. 
 
 ^ He is upstairs at this moment,’ said the dwarf ; 
 ^ Petit Jacques is in his shop busy at work, never dreaming 
 of you and your high heels. Let me go up softly and seize 
 him ; give me some rope, and between us we can bind him 
 fast till I give information. We will shut the door of the 
 shop : you, Clarice, can watch in case Cruce should arrive, 
 and amuse him if he does.’ 
 
 Seeing that there was no help for it, I pretended to 
 enter into the scheme, stipulating for half the reward, which 
 Ancelin readily promised, then, taking some cord, I led the 
 way up the narrow stairs to the room were our lodger lay. 
 I knew he was a powerful man, and with my help I was 
 sure we could master the dwarf, and he might escape. 
 Accordingly, as we entered, I closed the door in haste, and 
 before Ancelin had time to turn round, I seized him, and 
 
240 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 calling to the Count, told him how the matter stood, and 
 bade him help to gag and bind the little wretch, and then 
 fly for his life. This we effected, but with great dfficulty, 
 as he was strong and furious, and made great resistance ; 
 however, at last, he was tightly bound, and we fastened 
 him to a pillar of wood, which supported the roof, and 
 down stairs we went. The Count loaded us with thanks, 
 and gave us his purse and a valuable ring in spite of our 
 remonstrances. 
 
 ^ I shall endeavour to reach the coast,’ said he, ‘ and 
 fly, if possible, to England. Should you suffer persecution 
 on my account, let La Rochelle be your refuge, where I 
 trust myelf to return. Farewell, and Heaven be with 
 you !’ 
 
 We thought all was now safe, but, just as Clarice was 
 opening the door, to our horror we saw the figure of Cruce 
 close before us. 
 
 ‘^^^Well met!’ said he; ^ have you seen the dwarf 
 Ancelin ? ’ 
 
 ^ He is just gone,’ replied Clarice, quickly, ^to the 
 Bel Image ; and left word that he would meet you there, 
 as he had something of consequence to inform you of.’ 
 
 ^ Who are you, comrade ? ’ asked the butcher to our 
 lodger, who had kept in the shade. ^ Why don’t you come 
 forward ? If you are an honest man and a good Catholic, 
 there’s plenty of work to do yet, and the pestilent Hugue- 
 nots swarm still.’ 
 
 We saw that the ruffian was suspicious, and Clarice 
 had need of all her wit. ‘ He’s deaf,’ said she, ‘ never 
 heed him, he hears you not : Ancelin will be impatient till 
 you come ; he told me to let you know he waits. Here 
 Jean,’ she added, handing the Count a pitcher, and speak- 
 ing very loud, ^ take this and go to the fountain, and mind 
 you make haste back.’ 
 
 Our lodger took the pitcher and was hurrying past 
 Cruce, when he laid his great heavy hand on his shoulder 
 and detained him. 
 
 Stop, mon drole !’ he cried, grinning as he spoke ; 
 ^you depart not before I look in your face; a hundred 
 gold crowns shall not so easily slip through my fingers.’ 
 
OB. THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 241 
 
 In an instant the Count shook off his hold, and 
 drawing a pistol from his girdle, fired it at the butcher. 
 As quickly he lifted his arm to dash it on one side, and 
 recei ved the discharge in his shoulder ; in spite of which, 
 he grappled with Montgomery, and they struggled hard, 
 while Cruce exerted his tremendous voice calling for his 
 friends without. The Count was close to the door which 
 Clarice held open. I attempted to force myself between 
 the butcher and his intended victim, who, with a violent 
 effort, dashed him to the earth and sprang into the street. 
 At that moment a party came running towards us with 
 drawn swords, streaming with blood : I saw there was 
 nothing to be done, but to escape with my wife. I darted 
 out, bidding her follow me, which she did, shutting the 
 door on Cruce, who lay stunned against the wall within. 
 The Count, making us a sign, rushed down the first 
 opening, and we lost him in a moment. I hurried on, 
 crying out loudly, — ^ Who will gain a hundred gold crowns } 
 The Count de Montgomery is in yonder house, bound 
 above, — hasten, or you will be too late.’ 
 
 This was enough ; the miscreants rushed forward, — 
 I saw them enter my shop, and felt our lives were all that 
 we could hope to save. Therefore, almost carrying my 
 poor wife, on I went as fast as I could run, leaving my 
 property to chance. 
 
 Our hope was to reach the Quai de la Vallee, and the 
 Hotel d’Hercule, where Marion, my wife’s aunt, lived with 
 Nantouillet the Prevot ; and we thought we could get 
 help from him, and soldiers to protect my poor shop, if it 
 was not too late. 
 
 As we went along, suddenly a cavalcade of gay court 
 ladies and gallants came riding by ; and while we were 
 trying to avoid them, we saw the Prevot walking along 
 before us. He seemed flurried and agitated, and when he 
 looked up and saw the party he suddenly took to his heels, 
 and ran off as fast as we did. I heard one of the ladies, 
 who was very handsome and bold-looking, say to one of 
 the cavaliers, It is that knave Nantouillet ! It would be 
 a good deed to ride over the miserly craven ! Ali 
 laughed and applauded, and, to our dismay, the fierce 
 
 R 
 
242 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS; 
 
 horsewoman dashed the spurs into her steed’s sides^ and 
 directed him right against the Prevot, — calling out as she 
 did so, — 
 
 ^ Out of the way, saucy groom I Leave the way clear 
 for your betters ! ’ 
 
 So saying she rode furiously forward. The Prevot 
 was thrown down in an instant beneath her horse’s feet, 
 and she dashed on, laughing heartily, being joined by her 
 companions, who all followed, allowing me hardly time to 
 drag the unfortunate man out of the road.* 
 
 ^ Alas !’ said Nantouillet, when he could speak, this is 
 the vengeance of that vixen Chateauneuf ! I must fly 
 from Paris ; there is no safety here for me now.’ 
 
 ‘ Are you hurt, sir ? ’ I inquired. 
 
 ^ Much bruised,’ said he ; ^ but I can walk, my house 
 is only a few steps from hence ; but for your timely aid I 
 had been minced by their horses’ feet. I thought they 
 had done enough when they pillaged my hotel and des- 
 troyed my goods ! ’ 
 
 We led him to the hotel, which we found a scene of 
 desolation impossible to describe ; everything torn to pieces, 
 the doors and windows off their hinges, the arras hanging 
 in rags, and the walls broken and defaced. He related to 
 us the event, which you ail know of, the Feast of the Three 
 Kings, which had cost him so dear, and when I recounted 
 my misadventure he offered us his protection as fellow- 
 sufferers. He sent to the other authorities, and ordered 
 some troops to go to the Rue St. Jacques, as there had been 
 strict orders issued anew, that the Huguenots were not to be 
 molested further ; but, alas ! my shop had been entirely 
 pillaged — every thing was gone; they found the mob in 
 possession, and sitting on the window-sill above, enjoying 
 the devastation, was the little dwarf Ancelin, his crooked 
 legs dangling down, and his frightful face distorted with 
 laughter as he pelted the soldiers with logs of wood, which 
 he had found in my grange, where he had been bound. I 
 rejoice to say, however, that he met his fate ; for one of the 
 men, irritated at the insolence he displayed, and finding 
 that there was no other way to disperse the crowd, fired 
 
 * On record. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 243 
 
 amongst them, and taking aim at the dwarf as he sat gib- 
 bering there, brought him down a corpse to the pavement. 
 What became of Cruce I have no idea; all I know is, that 
 finding myself a ruined man I accepted Nantouillet’s offer, 
 and with Clarice and Marion accompanied him to Nor- 
 mandy, and leaving my wife in the care of her aunt, 1 
 resolved to join the malcontents, as we Catholics who have 
 been ill-treated, and ask for redress, are called. Why we 
 should be otherwise than ill-content, I know not ; and as 
 the Huguenots have a common cause with us, I joined this 
 band of gentlemen, and shall be glad enough when we 
 can reach La Rochelle, and begin to show our enemies what 
 men can do who have wrongs to avenge and wives to 
 protect.^' 
 
 And where,’’ said Belcastel, ‘Ms Nantouillet now^?‘” 
 
 “ In Normandy,” returned Lussaut ; “ safe, I hope"; 
 but a poor man to what he was. He will never be fond 
 of fine court-gallants again, as he once was, for they have 
 ruined him entirely.” 
 
 “ His nephew Philippe will be here anon,” said Belcastel; 
 “ he was forced to fly with us, and is now one of our most 
 useful spies; — surely, I hear his signal.” 
 
 As he spoke, a low whistle was heard. Silence was 
 instantly established, and a voice without demanded admis- 
 sion in the name of St. Nicholas, for a wayfarer bewildered 
 in his journey. Belcastel smiled, and hastening up the 
 steps of the cave he opened the door to an aged man, whom 
 he ushered into the cottage with much precaution ; he was 
 immediately presented to Claude and Alix, as Philippe 
 their trusty spy, who could^ doubtless, give the latest tidings 
 from the camp. 
 
 “ I can,” answered his companion ; “ for I have but 
 now parted with the Duke of Anjou himself, and in my 
 character of astrologer have learned much more than I have 
 taught ; though my predictions have given so much satisfac- 
 tion, that Ruggieri himself, or even the prince of prophets, 
 Nostrodamus, could not have been more honoured. Our 
 common purse has been well-filled in consequence, and we 
 must now endeavour, as quickly as possible, to give intel- 
 ligence to our friends the Rochellois. There is a project 
 
 R 2 
 
244 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS 2 
 
 on foot to destroy the pipes leading to the great fountain in 
 the town, and there are even wretches who have proposed 
 to poison the water : this ought to be known without delay, 
 as it is of the utmost consequence that measures should 
 be taken to prevent it. Intelligence has just been received 
 in the camp of the state of La Rochelle, through a spy 
 who had been imprudently admitted into the town, and 
 who has found means to evade the vigilance of La None. 
 I met him and a party but now, hurrying to carry their 
 information where it would he welcome. His name is 
 Thibauderie, a traitor Huguenot, who, won by gold, has 
 betrayed his friends. Fortunately, the salt-marshes, where 
 no cannon can be placed, greatly guard the besieged ; if 
 they could but receive succour by sea all would be right, 
 hut I fear greatly the success of Montgomery’s entreaties. 
 He is, however, arrived in England and may do much.” 
 Thank Heaven for that good news ! ” exclaimed several 
 of the party. 
 
 ‘‘ Elizabeth of England, unluckily,” continued Philippe, 
 seems but lukewarm in our favour, and the Catholic party 
 exult in the hope that her policy will keep her quiet. The 
 most important intelligence I have, however, is that an 
 assault is to be made to-morrow on the town. We have 
 no time to lose, and had better attempt to enter La Rochelle 
 before morning, when, if we can give warning of the in- 
 tention, we shall do good service. But though your friend 
 Claude, here,” continued the speaker, ^^may serve us in 
 good stead, what is to be done with the lady ? ” 
 
 Let me accompany you,” exclaimed Alix ; ‘^for pity’s 
 sake! I have no fears which will make me a troublesome 
 companion : and my strength will enable me to endure all 
 fatigues, so I but escape from the foes I leave behind. I 
 have relations in La Rochelle, and trust I may be enabled 
 to be of use. My uncle is De Hommet.” She was inter- 
 rupted by an exclamation from Belcastel, whose cheek and 
 brow were suffused with crimson, as he turned away to 
 propose some arrangement for their intended expedition. 
 
 It was agreed that they should sally forth in a body from 
 the wood under favour of the night, and make for the river 
 side, Belcastel guiding them, when, should they find the 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 245 
 
 means to cross to the opposite shore, they must bend their 
 course to the marshes of Marans, and attempt to enter the 
 town by that way. However uncertain and hazardous the 
 adventure, they had no alternative, and all being hastily ar- 
 ranged, Alix, supported by Claude, walked in the centre 
 of the small band, and they began their march. 
 
 The night was very dark, and with the utmost difficulty 
 they pursued their way till the banks of the river were 
 gained. Here an unthought-of obstacle presented itself : 
 the stream was not deep, and their only means of passing 
 was by fording it, a method little difficult to young ad- 
 venturers, determined as they were, and most of them 
 accustomed to a hardy life among their native torrents and 
 mountains ; but for Alix this was impossible, and Claude 
 heard their consultations almost with despair. Alix her- 
 self, seeing the predicament in which they were placed, 
 exerted all her resolution, and in a firm voice bade them 
 not consider her as a burthen on their undertaking, as, with 
 the assistance of Claude, whose further protection she 
 entreated, she hoped to be able to reach the opposite bank 
 without attempting the mode they would adopt. She knew 
 the country perfectly, having visited her uncle there, and 
 proposed Claude's assuming the habit of the pretended 
 astrologer, who had lately been so successful in the camp, 
 and she would accompany him as an attendant. Her 
 advice was without delay followed, and the transformation 
 of Claude soon completed. He received from the student 
 a volume of the centuries of Nostrodamus, and several 
 hints as to the proper mode of sustaining his character. 
 
 Alix bound her white veil in many folds round her 
 head in the form of a turban, and covered her face with 
 it as much as possible. The large mantle she wore con- 
 cealed her figure, and, thus equipped, they took their way 
 together along the river side, having agreed upon a signal 
 of recognition, and that the other party should wait for 
 them as long as their safety would permit, when the pas- 
 sage had been accomplished. 
 
 The night was far advanced when Alix and Claude 
 reached the foot of the bridge, and, being challenged by 
 the sentinel, Claude announced himself as a poor professor 
 R 3 
 
£46 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 of medicine and astrology, travelling with his daughter, 
 to visit a sick relation at Marans. 
 
 You have a dark night for your journey,’’ said the 
 sentinel, and a cursed country to go through.” 
 
 We mediciners must not consider that,” replied Claude: 
 we go in all weathers and through all dangers to visit 
 the sick. I have come some leagues already, for I left the 
 camp this morning, where I did not like to leave my 
 daughter, so I brought her with me ; and it is a long 
 tramp for her : would you let us rest awhile in this hut, 
 for we are footsore ? ” 
 
 No,” said the sentinel, you can’t stop here. My 
 relief will soon come I hope ; and 1 must not be seen 
 parleying, — what’s the news from the camp ? Are we to 
 attack these heretics soon, or cool our heels outside the 
 town till doomsday ? ” 
 
 I hear,” said Claude, there is to be an attack to- 
 morrow ; and as the besieged have no hint of such a thing, 
 we are sure to take their paltry town at the first assault.” 
 Stop,” said the sentinel, who seemed anxious to amuse 
 his solitude by a little gossip ; have you seen Mitaine 
 and Frezaie ? * Oh ! such glorious guns I They have 
 only to look at the walls once, and the next glance they 
 will be blown in the air. It does one’s heart good to hear 
 Frezaie screech ! she is the sweetest vixen you ever saw. 
 Now, some think her not equal to Mitaine ; but, though 
 she has a double barrel, her noise isn’t so loud or so fine, 
 in my mind.” 
 
 We are well provided with pieces,” said Claude con- 
 fidentially. Now, how m.any do you think we have ? ” 
 Why, I heard but now,” returned the soldier, Biron 
 has just received thirty-six pieces for the battery, three 
 hundred thousand pounds of powder ; and to-day the foot 
 and cavalry he expects must be come.” 
 
 Oh, they are ! they are ! ” said Claude, anxious to 
 put an end to the colloquy, yet fearful of appearing in 
 haste to leave the spot. Well, good night, comrade. I 
 
 * Two cannons so called by the soldiery at the period. One is described as 
 having a double barrel. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 247 
 
 wish we had your post instead of this long dark walk 
 before us.'* 
 
 You need not envy me : it is solitary enough here/* 
 returned the sentinel. I wish I was with the party who 
 are gone to the attack of La Grimenaudiere to-night, that 
 old house by the road-side you know.** 
 
 St. Nicholas defend us !*’ said Claude, feigning alarm : 
 that is just in our route. Heaven send we meet them 
 not I Who defends the old house ? *’ 
 
 Why, as for that, Captain Virolet had settled to betray 
 it to us ; but, if that meddling fool, Le Normand, arrives, 
 he will try to defend it in good earnest ; and there may 
 he smart work,** answered the talkative sentinel. 
 
 Claude, not sorry to have obtained this important in- 
 formation, took leave of the soldier ; and congratulating 
 himself and his trembling companion on their good for- 
 tune, continued their way. The moon began to rise, and 
 they found less difficulty in proceeding ; but the nature of 
 the ground was so peculiar that they feared the least de- 
 viation from the high track they were following might 
 involve them in danger. Far and wide on every side 
 stretched beneath them an extent of marsh, intersected by 
 canals, cut for drainage, and for the transport of wood and 
 other necessaries from one place to another. As the season 
 had been dry they were less dangerous than usual ; but, 
 to persons unacquainted with the country, they presented 
 a formidable appearance ; and it was with unexpected 
 delight that they beheld, after several leagues of toilsome 
 exertion, the towers of La Rochelle at no great distance, 
 and the party of Belcastel before them. 
 
 Claude was greatly surprised to find that the party of 
 Belcastel was increased by a small body of soldiers ; this 
 explained the firing which had alarmed them just before : 
 it appeared that the friendly troops had been set upon by 
 an ambush, and but for the timely aid of the students 
 would have been worsted. They were now all on their 
 way to the town in triumph, and were conducted to La 
 Rochelle by the Captain Le Normand and his men, not 
 only as friends, but with grateful acknowledgments for the 
 assistance chance had enabled them to render. Some 
 R 4 
 
248 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 caution, however, was necessary, and after a brief examina- 
 tion the large party was detained awhile at the gates till 
 the captain could give information of their circumstances. 
 Alix proposed to establish the truth of their statements by 
 repairing immediately with Claude only, accompanied by a 
 sufficient guard, to the house of De Hommet, who held a 
 post of importance in the magistracy. Her request was 
 agreed to, and with as little delay as possible she proceeded 
 to execute her commission. The astonishment of her 
 uncle on beholding her was only equalled by the delight 
 of her cousin Lesselline. As briefly as possible she related 
 her situation, and claiming the protection of his roof for 
 herself and her deliverer, she entreated his interference to 
 secure the good reception of her friends the students by the 
 citizens of La Rochelle. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 THE Fable. 
 
 “ A fine volley of words, gentlemen, and quickly shot otF.” — Shakspeare. 
 
 The report which so much encouraged the Rochellois, that 
 a fleet was arriving from England to assist them, under the 
 conduct of the Count de Montgomery, was unfortunately 
 untrue. With incredible difficulty he had reached the 
 coast, and crossed the sea in an open boat to Dover; but 
 his hopes were greatly damped on his arrival, for he found 
 that Elizabeth was extremely anxious to preserve the peace 
 of the two countries, and was but lukewarm in her ex- 
 pressed indignation at the recent cruelties practised in 
 France on the Protestants. 
 
 Contrary to her usual professions, the Queen appeared 
 to have set her mind on concluding a treaty of marriage 
 proposed for her with the Duke d’Alen^on, now, in con- 
 sequence of his brother’s appointment to the kingdom of 
 Poland, called the Duke d’ Anjou. Although the Prince 
 was twenty-one years younger than his proposed bride, 
 and was far from possessing claims to that personal beauty 
 
ORy THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 249 
 
 which she so much admired^ yet she appeared determined 
 to make him her husband^ and heard with indignation and 
 anger all remonstrances on the subject The news of the 
 frightful events which had just occurred had for a time 
 put a stop to the question^ and the horror and disgust of 
 the people of England were so openly avowed, that her 
 ministers, supported by the French Protestants, to whom 
 the Dulie was believed to be friendly, were obliged to let 
 it sleep for the present, much to the annoyance of the 
 Queen, who, on this occasion, appeared to have thrown 
 aside her usual prudence and good sense, and to have 
 abandoned herself to a foolish and imaginary passion, 
 which she was resolved at all risks should not be opposed. 
 
 The persecuted Huguenots had fled in great numbers to 
 England, and Montgomery found no difficulty in collecting 
 either men or money to assist him. In Plymouth and 
 Falmouth he had secured a numerous fleet ready to act, 
 if he could procure a ratification of the promises held out 
 to him by the English Council ; but delay after delay kept 
 him in continued agitation, and he knew that in the mean- 
 time his friends at La Rochelle were anxiously looking for 
 his aid. Messengers and deputies continued to arrive, 
 urging him to set sail, and still no positive permission was 
 given him to do so. 
 
 While things remained in this state Elizabeth had 
 despatched the Earl of Worcester to Paris, to stand proxy 
 for her to the daughter of Charles IX., and it had been 
 secretly agreed that the young Duke should pay her a 
 visit incognito. This it was said had taken place, and 
 numerous were the stories circulated respecting the inter- 
 views, which appeared so satisfactory to both parties, that 
 great fears were entertained by the people that the project 
 of giving them a Catholic King would succeed. 
 
 Meantime the mind of Catherine de Medicis was 
 harassed by contending desires : a sea of troubles seemed 
 to be tossing beneath her, and she saw that it required all 
 her resolution to stem the torrent. To pacify the English, 
 amuse the Queen, and gain her good-will, was her first 
 consideration. The extravagant luxury which she had 
 long encouraged at Court had impoverished the royal 
 
250 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 treasury ; and to undertake a war with any of their allies 
 was a ruinous measure, which she saw the necessity of 
 avoiding. At the same time, so great was her hatred 
 towards the Protestants, and so enraged was she on finding 
 that the Count de Montgomery had effected his escape, and 
 was now preparing assistance for the revolted Rochellois, 
 that she resolved to fix on some notable scheme, which 
 should strike a great blow in England, where she held 
 intelligence with a strong Catholic party, who assured her 
 that the people in general, and the greater part of the 
 nobles, would gladly receive Mary Stuart for their Queen, 
 if Elizabeth could be removed. Catherine had frequently 
 reflected on the words which Rene had dropped; and 
 she began to think it possible to act upon them. She 
 summoned, therefore, her favourite counsellor and the 
 creature of her will, the Marshal de Retz ; and the result 
 of her consultation was, that he should be sent ambassador 
 to Queen Elizabeth to negotiate a loan, and to prevent 
 succours being given to those of La Rochelle by every 
 means in the power of flattery, falsehood, and treachery to 
 effect. 
 
 The Duke de Retz was a man eminently fitted for such 
 a purpose. Of low birth and infamous character, his 
 talents had raised him to his present rank, together with 
 his entire devotion to his mistress, to whose congenial 
 spirit his own responded ; and as neither honour nor faith 
 stood in the way of his ambition, her unscrupulous policy 
 exactly suited his designs. 
 
 Go, then, De Retz/" said Catherine ; let your 
 appointments be such as to sustain our dignity and to 
 dazzle the eyes of those proud islanders ; and be careful 
 to practise every art to cajole tbe vain woman wbo thinks 
 by her superior cunning to outwit her allies. Her foible 
 is vanity, — be it your care to make her believe that she is 
 adored in France, that tbe reputation of her beauty has 
 raised an enthusiastic feeling in her favour ; insinuate that 
 Anjou is dying for her love, and the King and myself 
 desire her alliance beyond all other considerations. She 
 is rich, and her gold must be obtained for our necessities ; 
 but pique her pride so as to prevent her listening to the 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 251 
 
 representations of De Lorges to induce her to help La 
 Rochelle. There are many Catholic noblemen who will 
 he ready to assist you in any plan for her downfal; and 
 let not the injury sleep of that attack on the Earl of 
 Worcester’s vessels, in his voyage to France, to stand 
 proxy for her for my grand-child. Insinuate that Mont- 
 gomery knew of it, and that those piratical ships were 
 employed by the Rochellois to seize the treasure which 
 Worcester brought over as a present. Bianco shall accom- 
 pany you, and you will find his wit of infinite service. To 
 you and him I leave the whole business, and doubt not but 
 I shall hail your success, as I have always hitherto done, 
 in any great emergency. My plans are well laid ; it re- 
 mains to perfect them. All the leaders of the two parties 
 are before La Rochelle, and are in my power, in case of 
 the necessity of acting against any of them ; and, if Eliza- 
 beth can be kept quiet, I do not despair of seeing the 
 whole of that swarm of Huguenot locusts swept from the 
 earth.” 
 
 Doubt it not, madam,” replied De Retz ; all shall 
 be done as your wisdom has directed, and there is no reason 
 to dread failure, while three such heads as your Grace’s, 
 Rene’s and my own, are busy planning for the good of 
 France.” 
 
 As soon as De Retz was dismissed the Queen ordered 
 Bianco to her presence, and informed him of her in- 
 tentions. 
 
 Madonna,” said he, I undertake the task with great 
 readiness. Is not this Queen of England proud of her 
 riding ? ” 
 
 She is,” said Catherine ; ^‘^but why the question ?” 
 
 It would be well,” said Rene, smiling, to present 
 her with a saddle of extraordinary beauty, — the leather 
 and linings carefully embroidered under my directions. 
 We will make it gorgeous to sight, and convenient beyond 
 all her savage workmen can accomplish. If she uses it 
 frequently, her health may probably feel a change, — for 
 the better, as regards our cause.” 
 
 Catherine’s countenance expressed her satisfaction as 
 she commended the quickness of his invention. 
 
252 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS I 
 
 1 have several friends whom I can trust/' he continued, 
 who had better accompany me ; some whom your Grace 
 has known of old ; and there is one who would fain be 
 employed again in your service. He is but lately returned 
 to Paris, after a long absence, and did good service in the 
 late business.” 
 
 Who is it ? ” said Catherine. I want faithful 
 servants, and will reward them.” 
 
 He is one whom your Grace will remember by this 
 token,” said Rene, producing a ring, which he gave her. 
 
 Catherine’s face became pale as ashes as she gazed upon 
 the jewel, and sinking back in her seat, she gasped for 
 breath. Rene watched her with some surprise, and saw 
 her features working with suppressed agony. She looked 
 several times at the ring, and at length uttered, in an 
 agitated voice, — 
 
 Rene, — is he who gave you this in Paris 
 
 Yes, Madonna,” he replied; “it is Captain Florio, 
 who tells me your Grace employed him many years since, 
 and he trusts again to serve you.” 
 
 “ Does he demand to see me } ” said Catherine, in a 
 subdued voice. 
 
 He entreats it," replied Rene. 
 
 “ Strange ! ” said Catherine : “ then he still lives ! I 
 heard he was condemned to the galleys for some discovered 
 deed.” 
 
 Even so,” replied her confidant ; “ but he escaped 
 most miraculously ; and since then, — for he is very pious, 
 — he has for some years lived a life of seclusion as a 
 hermit in Auvergne, practising the greatest austerities, and 
 setting an example to the whole district. By degrees some 
 of his old associates found him out, and he persuaded 
 several more to join in his mode of life ; till at length, a 
 rich merchant passing near the hermitage begged shelter 
 for the night ; and the sight of his jewels, bales, and well- 
 filled purse, overcame the philosophy of the holy men, and 
 they transferred those treasures to their own possession, — 
 providing the respectable ex -owner with a decent dwelling 
 beneath the flooring of their cell. As he was now well 
 stored, he and his companions resolved to seek a wider 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 253 
 
 field for their zeal and benevolence ; and quitting the scene 
 of their pious choice^ visited some of the most celebrated 
 cities of Europe, and finally arrived in Paris, where I 
 renewed my acquaintance with them ; and Florio has 
 intrusted me with this to revive your Grace’s ancient con- 
 sideration of him. He it was who informed me that the 
 Count de Montgomery was to be found here in disguise ; 
 and he had nearly accomplished the purpose we have at 
 heart, to remove him from your path, but his star tri- 
 umphed, and he escaped.” 
 
 Would that I could annihilate his whole race with 
 himself!” exclaimed Catherine ; but he has sons ; — the 
 line stretches on ; — why did they not all perish, like his 
 first-born ? I tell you, Rene, all I ever hoped and sought 
 is nothing if I behold not that man at my feet, if I see 
 not that traitor’s head roll on the scaffold. I would not 
 have him die by ordinary means: I would enjoy the tri- 
 umph, after years of disappointment, of knowing that he 
 perished by the hand of the executioner, — his name and 
 fame blasted, and his race outcasts and beggars !” 
 
 Madonna,” said Rene, be of good cheer ; all that 
 you have this instant named I have beheld in your fate. 
 It is decreed that you shall see this. The stars that speak 
 to me each night of you, reveal that when the crown of 
 Poland is exchanged for that of France, Montgomery’s 
 blood shall flow ; but there is a price which must be paid 
 for this ” 
 
 Name it. Bianco,” cried the Queen ; what price too 
 large for such combined happiness?” 
 
 If Henry reigns he will be the last of his race,” said 
 Bianco, mysteriously. 
 
 Catherine shuddered. And Navarre succeeds ? ” asked 
 she, as if she consulted an oracle. 
 
 Navarre is not immortal,” suggested Rene. If 
 Marguerite lives, he cannot break his marriage with her ; 
 they must continue foes and meet but as such, and we 
 have yet time before us to contend with fortune.” 
 
 True, Rene,” said she ; Henry of Navarre is volatile, 
 and loves not my daughter ; there is no fear of that. 
 Charles withers daily — we must be careful of him — ” 
 
254 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 she added the last words in a low whisper with a sig- 
 nificant smile^ which Rene understood. But to the 
 
 purpose. I will see Florio ; you shall yourself conduct 
 him at midnight to my observatory tower by the private 
 way, and we will then speak of all that it is requisite to 
 do in this expedition. But,” she added, endeavouring to 
 shake off a weight that oppressed her, what news have 
 you of your runaway mistress.^*' 
 
 The brow of Rene lowered as he answered, I cannot 
 discover the least trace of her ; the President has retired to 
 his new domain in Anjou, with a heart bleeding with 
 sorrow for his child's loss ; my rival has escaped — would 
 I could discover how ! Is there no means. Madonna, to put 
 me in his Grace’s favour? it would much assist our 
 projects were I nearer to him.*' 
 
 I will contrive it, Rene,” said the indulgent mistress ; 
 depend on me. Charles is as whimsical as he is pas- 
 sionate, and if you appear for a time out of my favour 
 he will take you into his ; we will see to this. The hour 
 of audience is arrived — I see my ladies coming — let all 
 guests be admitted as usual. Montgaillard was to visit 
 us ; after his late adventure it will be diverting to hear 
 him, and Ruggieri is to attend me : therefore, Rene, be 
 gay, for we must banish all gloom before the world, and 
 seem as if frivolity was native to us.” 
 
 So saying, she prepared to give admission to the Queen 
 of Navarre, and to her usual attendants and guests, and 
 in a few moments all was cheerfulness and gaiety, and 
 Catherine, to outward eyes, the most amused and happy 
 there. 
 
 The affair of the attack on the monastery of St. Germain 
 des Pres had made considerable noise in Paris, and the 
 part acted in it by the Petit Feuillant had excited great 
 merriment and derision ; so ill-used had he been, and so 
 much was the delicacy of his appearance injured, that, for 
 some weeks, he was unable to quit his bed. On the 
 morning when he first ventured to reappear, smiles greeted 
 him wherever he came, hut they were far other than those 
 he desired to meet. Irritated at this reception, and throw- 
 ing all the blame of the adventure on La Mole's desertion 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 255 
 
 of him at the moment of need, he resolved to revenge 
 himself by no longer keeping the secret with which he had 
 been intrusted. 
 
 The Queen-mother and the ladies of La Petite Bande 
 were amusing themselves with listening to the sallies of 
 Rene and Ruggieri, the former having been careful to 
 attend to the hint which had fallen from his royal mistress^ 
 their wit being generally directed to the annoyance of each 
 other. The arrival of Montgaillard promised a mine of 
 fresh repartee; as his presence esprit was remarkable, 
 and he was just now a fit subject for ridicule, Rene, with a 
 countenance of assumed concern, hastened to meet the 
 monk, whose natural defect in his gait was far from im- 
 proved by his late misadventure. He introduced him with 
 much affected ceremony, and offered his support to con- 
 duct the Petit Feuillant to the feet of the Queen and her 
 ladies. 
 
 ^^How fares it with you, reverend father said 
 Catherine, your illness has so long deprived us of 
 amusement, that we hail your return amongst us, widowed 
 and forsaken as we all now are, with infinite pleasure.” 
 Your Grace,” said Montgaillard, who had resolved to 
 endure all the pleasantry levelled at him as equably as he 
 might, is ever kind and complimentary ; and I would 
 willingly endure a thousand such misfortunes as that which 
 has lately been my lot, to be greeted on my return with 
 smiles from such fair beings as those around me.” 
 
 Surely,” said the beautiful De Sauves, we must all 
 appear to strange disadvantage after your visit to the Lady 
 of the Lake.” 
 
 What news, reverend sir,” said Rene, ^^from the 
 world of waters } Did your occult learning enable you to 
 understand the language of the fishes } if so, pray let us 
 know their opinion of passing events.” 
 
 Much tittering and ill-suppressed laughter followed these 
 speeches ; but Montgaillard joined heartily in the merri- 
 ment, and turning to Rene, replied — 
 
 I heard,” said he, of an affair which had caused 
 some sensation in the finny court, and I crave leave to 
 relate it, as it bears much resemblance to scenes passing in 
 
256 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 our own world ; a circumstance which proves to me that 
 there is little novelty under the sun, since, however deep 
 we may dive to obtain it, it eludes our grasp. It seems, 
 that the beautiful princess of the scaly tribe had a dog- 
 fish, whom she entertained as her fool, and to whom she 
 was much attached. Wishing to pleasure her favourite, she 
 bestowed on him a young mermaiden to whom he was 
 to be united with great ceremony, when a huge shark, 
 who had taken a fancy to the object of his devotions, 
 one day when she was combing her golden tresses on a 
 rock, snapped her up and swam off with his prey. He 
 had been assisted by a dolphin, who guided them to his 
 palace beneath the waves, where the mermaiden was kept 
 a close prisoner. A party of swordfish attacked his man- 
 sion, and stole away the prize, who was thus snatched 
 from the grasp of the shark, and the foolish dogfish also, 
 who, quite ignorant of the author of his vexation, went 
 shaking his bells up and down the court, and crying to 
 his mistress for help, to no purpose. Now, the dolphin, 
 had he pleased, could have pointed out the proper object 
 of his vengeance, yet was he stupid enough to treat him 
 with impertinence, and thus deprive himself of the neces- 
 sary knowledge.’^ 
 
 How said Catherine ; ‘^methinks I should like to 
 know what had become of the shark.’' 
 
 He was sent, please your Grace,” continued the Petit 
 Feuillant, to devour a shoal of herrings, who had risen 
 against the state ; and so concealed his loss, leaving all 
 the blame and ridicule of the adventure with the much- 
 injured and friendly dolphin.” 
 
 ‘^Explain, explain;” cried Catherine impatiently. — 
 Your riddle wearies me. Who is this shark, and who 
 is this tedious dolphin ? ” 
 
 The first,” answered he, is my lord La Mole, and 
 the second is my unworthy self ; who, in assisting what 
 I conceived to be an innocent folly of that gentleman’s, 
 have exposed myself to irreverent treatment, and the ridi- 
 cule of the fair.” 
 
 La Mole !” exclaimed Marguerite of Navarre. Is 
 it possible } ” 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 257 
 
 Rene/’ said the Queen^ laughing, “ your sagacity 
 has been for once deceived, and your Huguenot rival is, 
 after all, not the culprit. Ruggieri, did not your prescience 
 desert you when you bade our deceived swain look that 
 way r 
 
 The learned astrologer,” said Montgaillard, had 
 his sight not been dazzled by a recent discovery of the 
 philosopher’s stone, in which he was assisted by the ac- 
 complished chevalier in question, — would better have 
 interpreted the language of the stars.” 
 
 Ruggieri bit his lip and was silent. The two Italians 
 looked at each other with no very cordial glances ; both, 
 however, endeavoured to conceal their feelings ; and an 
 indifferent observer would have augured little mischief 
 from their demeanour towards each other. Catherine, 
 however, who well knew the dispositions of each, was 
 aware of the probable consequences of this discovery, and 
 resolved to turn the attention of those present into a more 
 agreeable channel. 
 
 Montgaillard,” said she, familiarly, your voice has 
 so long been unheard amongst us that we have almost 
 forgotten the sound of sweet music. Sing, we pray thee, 
 some ditty to revive our memories. Rene, tune yonder 
 lute, that you may accompany our reverend melodist.” 
 
 The Petit Feuillant smiled, well-pleased to be invited 
 to exhibit his favourite accomplishment ; and, looking 
 with a languishing air at the ladies, he sang a new villa- 
 nelle, by Desportes, the gay and lively poet, whose songs 
 were the passion of the moment. 
 
 VILLANELLE. 
 
 Rosette, methinks the time was short 
 I left you here alone ; 
 
 But soon your eye fresh fancies caught, 
 
 And straight your heart was gone ! 
 
 And I so well am taught by you 
 To laugh at ev’ry vow. 
 
 That 1 have learnt to wander too. 
 
 And love another now. 
 
 ’Tis not strange 
 We should range. 
 
 Like the bee that flutters by: 
 
 Time will show 
 Which shall know 
 First repentance — you or I. 
 
 S 
 
258 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 While 1, in painful absence crost, 
 
 Was weeping both our woes. 
 
 You, chary of the time we lost, 
 
 A newer lover chose ! 
 
 No vane at every zephyr’s sigh 
 Can veer so quickly round ; 
 
 None loved you once so well as I, 
 
 And none so false 1 found. 
 
 ’Tis but fair 
 1 should share 
 
 Both your truth and falsehood too. 
 
 Time will show 
 Which shall know 
 First repentance — I or you. 
 
 Your song is more agreeable than your news, Mont- 
 gaillard,’^ said Catherine. Rene, you must forgive Cosmo 
 this little piece of treachery ; you know he is the bosom 
 friend of La Mole ; and, to a friend^ how could he refuse 
 his aid ? 
 
 I swear to you, Rene,” said Cosmo aside, the Petit 
 Feuillant is malicious. I had no idea of La Mole’s inten- 
 tion of carrying off your bride ; nor do I now believe it. 
 Besides, how could she be conveyed to the camp, or kept 
 there without creating scandal ? It is an invention of the 
 spiteful monk.” 
 
 My dear friend,” answered Rene, I cannot for a 
 moment suppose it to be true. Pray be not uneasy on 
 account of this business. I saw your zeal in my cause, 
 and I appreciate it.” 
 
 This was said on both sides with the intention of quiet- 
 ing the evident anxiety of the Queen-mother, as well as 
 to lull the suspicions which each knew the other enter- 
 tained. As Ruggieri retired, his rival followed him with 
 one of those glances peculiar to himself ; and as he smiled 
 an adieu muttered to himself, He drinks not always in 
 a Venice glass.” 
 
 Marguerite of Navarre heard with mortified vanity that 
 one, whom she considered devoted to herself, had dared 
 to conceive a passion for another. 
 
 The Queen-mother resolved to turn this discovery to 
 account, as she knew of Charles’s lately conceived hatred 
 to La Mole ; and by introducing to his observation the 
 wrongs of Rene she hoped he would make common cause 
 with him, and receive her minion with a greater degree 
 of favour than hitherto. In this she was not deceived. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 259 
 
 The King laughed heartily at the whole adventure re- 
 counted by his mother, and from that time talked of Rene 
 with a complacent indulgence, which soon led to a desire 
 to employ him. 
 
 It was midnight when Catherine sought her observatory 
 tower, where Rene was to give admission to Florio, accord- 
 ing to her command. The two Italians had been wait- 
 ing for some time previous to her arrival, and their 
 conversation was not intended for her ear. 
 
 And so you know my mistress,'* said Rene, of old ? 
 I can tell you, then, nothing that you are not already 
 acquainted with." 
 
 Why," answered Florio, you are well aware that I 
 was in her service before the death of her husband." 
 
 Yes," replied Rene ; but you spoke but now of a 
 time previous to that, and I would fain hear some par- 
 ticulars of her early life, of which fame* speaks strange 
 things." 
 
 The time is not yet come for you to know all," replied 
 the Captain, or you would start at that which I could 
 relate. This much I would conceal from her : she has 
 never recognised you as the son I left in Paris with the 
 old jeweller, and it answers my purpose, as well as your 
 own, that neither she nor others should suspect the con- 
 nection between us." 
 
 So be it," replied Rene. I confess I am not very 
 solicitous to produce my illustrious father to the world." 
 
 But you must provide for him, though ? " said Florio. 
 
 That I will willingly do, through Catherine," answered 
 the worthy son. But you say you have her in your 
 power, and she will refuse you nothing." 
 
 You will see," replied Florio. My testimony of 
 former days could crush her ; and she knows it. You 
 must leave us together, and the result of our conference I 
 will relate to you." 
 
 The step of Catherine was heard on the tower stair, 
 and Bianco, sliding softly towards the door, opened it 
 and admitted her. She spoke not a word, but motioning 
 him to withdraw he made haste to obey, and she was left 
 alone in the chamber with Florio. He stood wrapped in 
 s 2 
 
26’0 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 a large mantle, with his broad hat drawn over his brows^ 
 and appeared to wait till Catherine opened the conversation. 
 
 You have desired to see me,” she said at length ; 
 for what purpose ? I thought all ended between us.” 
 ^‘You hoped so,” answered he. You hoped that 
 those you had employed to waylay me on that journey 
 which I took at your instigation^ when Anthony of Na- 
 varre was to he disposed of, had performed their office. 
 I recognised your hand in that ; but 1 escaped them. I 
 have since been prisoner with the Turk : have spent years 
 in the galleys, and but a short time since was able to reach 
 your capital, where, during the entertainment you gave 
 the people at your daughter’s wedding I have done good 
 service to the cause of good Catholics. But I am poor, 
 and want supplies ; and though I know myself unwelcome, 
 1 have sought you for the purpose of relieving my 
 necessities.” 
 
 ^^Here is gold!” said Catherine eagerly. Take this 
 and fiy from Paris. You can do me service yet. You 
 know Montgomery yet lives. Rene will accompany De 
 Retz to England ; and if you accomplish his destruction 
 reward shall not be wanting. Had you succeeded formerly, 
 what years of unsated hatred would have been spared 
 me !” 
 
 His wife, at least, died by my means,” said Florio. 
 
 Ay, — and his child!” added Catherine, triumphantly. 
 ‘^You are mistaken,” said the ruffian, deliberately; 
 his son had been carried off ; and though I told you my 
 dagger had reached him, ’twas but a fable.” 
 
 ^^How!” cried Catherine, passionately, dared you 
 to deceive me ? ” 
 
 I dare do much,” replied he ; but I keep back all 
 that suits not my purpose : you know what I could reveal. 
 The Convent of ” 
 
 A fearful shudder came over Catherine ; she started up. 
 Florio,” she said, torture me not. Hear me, and re- 
 flect if it is well to carry your imprudence further. Reveal 
 aught of former times to a living creature in France, and 
 my vengeance shall find you though you were hidden in 
 the deepest cavern of the earth. Be secret and silent, and 
 
OR, THE QUEEN -MOTHER. 
 
 261 
 
 besides all that my impoverished state allows me to give 
 you, I will procure you a pension, paid by the city of 
 Paris, of which you will be secure for life. Are you 
 content ? ” 
 
 Perforce,” replied her tormentor ; and would you 
 have me go to England, then ? It will not be my first 
 visit there, for Rodolphi has found me useful ; wherever 
 conspiracies are rife for the good of Mother Church, I am 
 glad to make one.” He crossed himself as he spoke with 
 great appearance of devotion. 
 
 Catherine imitated his example. Yes,” she replied, 
 you can aid me much with the malcontents there. 
 Elizabeth has many foes, and Mary Stuart may yet be 
 rescued from her prison. I will give you directions, and 
 shall rely on you: meantime remember, — secrecy and 
 reward ! ” 
 
 As she spoke she left the chamber, and having descended 
 the stairs till she reached the door which communicated 
 with the palace, entered, and closed it, after giving a sig- 
 nal which Rene heard, who, mounting from the place she 
 had quitted, led the Italian back as he had entered, with- 
 out any words passing on either side while they remained 
 in the tower. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 THE MILL. 
 
 “ In legendary lore 
 
 The ling’ring hours beguiled.” — Goldsmith. 
 
 The intelligence which Claude and his companions 
 brought of the project which the enemy had conceived of 
 destroying their fountains, caused much anxiety, and the 
 idea of their being poisoned created such alarm that the 
 magistrates commanded the three public fountains should 
 be guarded to prevent the inhabitants from using the water 
 till it was discovered whether any danger arose from doing 
 so. At the little village of La Font was the source of 
 s 3 
 
262 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 this precious supply^ and there Biron directed his men to 
 repair^ who set about cutting the pipes and destroying the 
 cisterns which conducted the waters to the town ; they 
 added to this destruction an attempt to impregnate the 
 source with poison, and remained highly satisfied with the 
 idea that the loss of so important a supply would extremely 
 distress the besieged. While they were busied, however, 
 in this occupation, to their surprise they found themselves 
 set upon by a powerful body, led by Le Normand, and 
 after a violent struggle the village of La Font was aban- 
 doned by the Catholic party, who were content in having 
 accomplished their object. In this, however, they had 
 entirely failed, for the three beautiful jets in the town 
 threw up their columns as high as ever and glittered as 
 purely in the sun ; for though the pipes which led im- 
 mediately from the source were cut, other inexhaustible 
 wells and numerous little streamlets poured into the 
 tunnels beyond with greater force ; no damage whatever 
 was done, and the townspeople found that their temporary 
 terror might cease at once. This was a delightful dis- 
 covery, for it gave them assurance that the town would 
 never be taken in consequence of drought. 
 
 Letters soon after arrived from the Captain Virolet, 
 who had been taken prisoner in the late skirmish, entreat- 
 ing that his ransom might he paid, and that he might 
 return to the town : here, however, the intelligence of 
 Claude was of use, as he disclosed the treachery of this 
 man, who, it seems, had long acted the part of a spy 
 together with Tibeaudiere, giving information to the 
 opposite party from time to time, and receiving their gold 
 in return. This knowledge induced still greater caution 
 on the part of the Rochellois, and they held themselves 
 prepared for attack on every side. 
 
 Hunting parties were constantly made from the camp, 
 in order to deceive the besieged and draw them into an 
 ambuscade, but in vain ; almost every day La Noue, with 
 the other nobles, made a sortie, and drove the enemy from 
 the houses and strong places where they hoped to entrench 
 themselves ; all parley was rejected, as the frequent 
 approach and easy admission of heralds and messengers 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 263 
 
 they considered extremely dangerous where treachery had 
 heen once discovered. 
 
 The Protestant ladies showed themselves no less bene- 
 volent than their predecessors, the Black Nuns, had been 
 in the hospital of St. Marguerite ; for there was not a 
 female in the town, who did not readily give time, money, 
 and attendance to the wounded soldiers who filled its walls. 
 Alix now found with pleasure that it was in her power to 
 repay the hospitality of the Rochellois, by devoting herself 
 to this service under the guidance of her pretty cousin 
 Lesselline, who had become quite an expert nurse since 
 the commencement of the siege. Every day, too, ban- 
 quets were prepared in every house for the officers and 
 commanders, and provisions of all sorts ready for the sol- 
 diers who defended the town ; one feeling alone prevailed 
 — that of determined resistance, and all felt that they were 
 individually called upon to contribute their part towards 
 the general support and encouragement. Each man was 
 required in his turn to carry building materials to the 
 ramparts in the town, but far from murmuring at the 
 severity of their duty the utmost alacrity and willingness 
 were shown : even women and children entreated to be 
 employed as watchers, and they were found in many 
 instances to be of essential service. As the siege went on 
 the ladies of the highest distinction begged to be permitted 
 to take their share in any duty for which they might he 
 considered capable, and one of the most intrepid amongst 
 them was Lesselline, the daughter of De Hommet, who, a 
 delicate, lively girl of not more than seventeen, sprang at 
 once into a heroine on beholding the necessity of exertion. 
 The post assigned to this intrepid and interesting young 
 w’arrior was that of keeping watch at the highest part of 
 the huge Tour de Moreilles, which on one side overlooked 
 the immense extent of salt-marshes beneath, and on the 
 other commanded a view of the sea, which heat against its 
 base with hoarse murmurs, and at high water filled the 
 fosses that surrounded it. Day after day during the hours 
 which they could steal from attendance on the sick, Les- 
 selline and her scarcely less heroic cousin Alix took their 
 station on the tower, hoping to behold the promised vessels 
 s 4 
 
264 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 spreading their white sails afar, and directing their course 
 towards the harbour ; but day after day they could only 
 descry the ships of the enemy hovering near^ and keeping 
 at a distance every friendly bark that endeavoured to 
 approach. 
 
 The high, large, and strong tower of St. Nicholas was 
 well provided with every description of defence for those 
 families who desired to make it their retreat. The smaller 
 tower of La Chaine, close beside, was equally well de- 
 fended : it derived its name from the circumstance of sup- 
 porting the great chain which was, when necessary, thrown 
 from its walls to the other tower, guarding the entrance 
 of the harbour. This was a position of importance, as on 
 these towers depended much of the strength of the town ; 
 and to a Captain of approved courage and prudence the 
 command was always entrusted, a new one being appointed 
 every year. From this Tour de la Chaine, the city walls, 
 high and strong, extended all along the greve to another 
 remarkable tower, called De la Lanterne, where, at night, 
 burnt continually a massive torch of wax to guide the 
 distant mariner, and warn him against the dangerous sands 
 and rocks of the rugged coast. From thence the walls 
 ran onwards above the elevated embankment, made to 
 form a barrier against the fury of the tide in that part, till 
 the Porte des Moulins was gained, which was also care- 
 fully guarded and fortified. Before this Porte a boulevard 
 had been erected by Anthony of Navarre, of exceeding 
 strength ; its ravelins, casemates, and fosses so well con- 
 structed by the famous engineer Scipio, that it was deemed 
 impregnable. Several old towers, placed at a distance 
 without the walls, defended all the courtines. The next 
 boulevard was called Des Dames, and had been raised to 
 its present height by the indefatigable labour of the ladies 
 and all the townswomen of La Rochelle, at the time of its 
 former siege ; for every one took their turn de porter la 
 hotte as it was called ; that is, to carry the mortar and 
 building materials requisite in its construction, and so per- 
 severingly pursued their arduous task, that, to their eternal 
 honour, it was soon finished. 
 
 The largest of all the boulevards was that of L'Evan- 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 265 
 
 gile, rendered as strong as art could make it, and looked 
 upon as one of the most important points in this well-de- 
 fended town. 
 
 There was no want of ramparts or platforms within the 
 town, whether to sustain pieces of artillery or to support 
 the weaker parts of the walls, in case of their being at- 
 tacked. In those places of inferior strength^ and where 
 the thickness was least, large and deep trenches were made, 
 sustained by strong parapets, from behind which the ar- 
 quebusiers could not fail to reach those who ventured to 
 approach this part. 
 
 The ditches of the town were deep and broad, and the 
 parapets and battlements admirably constructed. The 
 ancient ruined Temple called De Coigne, without the 
 walls, commanded an extensive view over the wide marshes 
 which were untenable for cannon or encampment of any 
 kind ; thus it will be seen that La Rochelle presented a 
 formidable appearance to its besiegers ; and all who had 
 approached it with unfriendly views learned to hold it in 
 awe. 
 
 Near the Porte de Coigne were several mills, some of 
 which the enemy had burnt, and the Rochellois feared 
 that the same fate would attend those that remained; in 
 particular, they were uneasy respecting the mill of La 
 Brande, which was but three hundred yards from the 
 counterscarp. Captain le Normand had requested to have 
 this mill, which he at first proposed to fortify ; but finding 
 it would be impossible to keep it, he resolved to gain some 
 profit by it, and accordingly sent the millers every day to 
 grind their corn, who returned each night back to the 
 town. For the security of that which was left in the mill, 
 he appointed one man only as a guard. Mathurin Lus- 
 saut, anxious to distinguish himself and full of courage 
 and zeal in the cause, was delighted to find that it had 
 fallen to his lot, one night, to protect the mill, and he 
 accordingly took his post there, anticipating no particular 
 danger. He had provided himself with a light, had made 
 a good fire, and taken to amuse himself, during the long 
 hours of the night, an old book of legends, lent him by a 
 friend in the town. All was quiet ; the enemy seemed to 
 
266 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ! 
 
 have forgotten that part of the country, and the hollow 
 sighing of the wind along the sails of the mill, alone broke 
 the stillness of midnight. He thought of his pretty 
 Clarice, of whom he was so fond and proud. He rejoiced 
 that she was safe with her aunt ; but he could not repress 
 his regrets at the absence which might be so long pro- 
 tracted. Occasionally the scenes of the massacre came 
 before his mind's eye, and he shuddered at the dangers 
 they had escaped: the gallant Montgomery saved by his 
 means, next rose to his memory, and he reflected with 
 pleasure on his preservation. 
 
 Every now and then he listened with anxiety for distant 
 sounds, — but nothing came ; and, at length, he trimmed 
 his lamp and opened his book. It was a collection of tales 
 of superstition, always believed in Brittany, and listened 
 to with eager interest. He turned over the leaves, and at 
 last hit upon one which interested him. 
 
 In the old mill of Pouldu, not far from the point of 
 rock which seems to cleave the roaring waves at its feet, 
 lived the miller Trevihan, who was more than a hundred 
 years old, and had lived in that mill as long as any man 
 could remember. He had witnessed as many shipwrecks 
 as there are nights in the year ; he had seen as many 
 steeples stricken with lightning as there are weeks ; and no 
 one could say how may times he had beheld the Doll-men 
 with dancing dwarfs circling round its huge stones. He 
 had visited the Tourigans in their caves, and he knew all 
 things past and to come. 
 
 He was dwarfish in stature, and his large hragaw- 
 bras^, like great flour-sacks, seemed to bury him in their 
 fold. His long thin legs were finished by huge long feet. 
 His big head rested on his breast, which was prominent 
 and pointed ; bis mouth was wide and grinning, and his 
 two eyes unlike each other. When he sat at night in his 
 mill, smoking his short pipe, he looked like a fiend risen 
 up amidst the darkness ; yet this frightful monster dared 
 to love one of the prettiest girls in the parish. Her name 
 was Francique, and she was betrothed to the young sailor, 
 Kerias, who had been out for several weeks at sea ; and 
 
 * Culottes. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 26? 
 
 during his absence her father, who was very avaricious^ lent 
 an ear to the proposals of the dwarf. 
 
 ‘ But Trevihan is old and hideous^' said the pretty 
 maiden, ^andKerias is so handsome and young ; besides, I 
 gave him my promise, and I will wed none but him.’ 
 
 When Trevihan heard this, he said to himself, ^ It is 
 true I look aged, hut 1 have the power to renew my youth ; 
 and why should I not again have recourse to the Tourigan, 
 who will aid me ’ 
 
 Accordingly he went into the pine- wood of Kerisonet, 
 and there, in the midst of the trees, by the side of a little 
 fountain, he saw the fairy combing her hair. 
 
 ^ What would you with me ?" said she. ‘ Fifty years 
 ago, and ten before that, you came to me for youth ; if I 
 grant it you again, you must give me up your bride to 
 nurse my little changeling, as you have done all your brides 
 before.’ 
 
 ‘ She shall he yours a year and a day after I have 
 married her,’ said the miller. He drew his knife, and 
 spilled three drops of his blood into the fountain ; a cloud 
 rose out of it, and covered him all round ; when it cleared 
 away there stood in his place a handsome young mariner, 
 gay and sprightly, who took his way back to the village, 
 and stopped at the gate of Francique. 
 
 ^Open, open, Francique,’ said he; am Kerias, 
 come back from sea to claim your promise.’ 
 
 Very happy was the pretty maiden when she saw her 
 lover, and she welcomed him with embraces ; but she bade 
 him hasten away, for her father had forbidden her to hold 
 discourse with him, as she was to marry the dwarf of the 
 mill of Pouldu. 
 
 Fear not,’ said her lover, ^ he is no longer here to 
 trouble you ; no one has seen him at his mill, and it is said 
 he has fallen over the cliff into the sea. I am rich now, 
 and your father will not refuse me your hand.’ 
 
 The father of Francique loved gold, and, as Kerias 
 had plenty, and the dwarf appeared no more, he gave his 
 consent, and the wedding-day was fixed by Francique. But 
 Francique was always unhappy ; she did not feel her first 
 love for Kerias, she shuddered when he came near her. 
 
268 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 and always wished him away^ and at last she could endure 
 her feelings no longer, and resolved to make a pilgrimage 
 to the chapel of Ste. Ninoc’h, on the borders of the wood 
 of Kerisonet. She got up one morning by day-break, and 
 pursued her way ; she had not gone far when a little white 
 fawn suddenly started out of a brake, and began to play 
 round her ; she was much alarmed, and walked on, saying 
 her paternoster all the way ; for she knew, whoever sees 
 the white fawn of Ste. Ninoc’h will lose her husband on 
 the day of her marriage. The fawn kept gamboling before 
 her, and she thought the whole time of all she had heard 
 of that mysterious animal. A thousand years ago this fawn 
 was pursued by hunters, and took refuge in the oratory of 
 Ste. Ninoc’h, whose hermitage was in this wood. Ever 
 since then the fawn haunted these glades, and though con- 
 stantly hunted and attacked it remained unhurt. When 
 she got to the chapel it vanished, and there she said her 
 prayers devoutly, and laid her distaff and flax on the altar 
 with pious care. After some time she left the place to 
 return home, her heart much lightened, and as she reached 
 the edge of the wood she met Kerias coming to meet her, 
 and to her surprise felt towards him the same affection as 
 ever. She told him she had now no regrets, and would no 
 longer delay naming the wedding-day. Kerias smiled, 
 and replied that he had that morning only returned from 
 sea, and was rejoiced to find such happiness awaited him : 
 ‘ I am,' he said, ‘ as poor as ever ; and will your father 
 consent ? ' 
 
 ^What can you mean ?' replied the maiden ; ^ is not 
 everything ready, and my consent alone wanting, not my 
 father's, for that he has given ; as for being poor, that is 
 a joke, as we know, and he thinks it a very good one ; for 
 myself, it is you I love, not your gold ; and to-morrow I 
 will be your wife.' 
 
 Everything was ready next morning ; the bride-maids, 
 and men with their flowers and ribbons ; plenty of crepes 
 on the board, and the basvalan * full of merriment. She 
 was taken to church by her father and her friends, but as 
 she alighted from her little white horse at the door, to the 
 
 * Negotiator of weddings. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 26Q 
 
 surprise of all two trains approached from opposite roads, 
 and preceding them appeared two young men in sailors' 
 dress, both so like each other, that it was impossible to pro- 
 nounce which was or was not Kerias. The bride shrieked 
 with astonishment, but ran immediately to one whom her 
 heart told her was the true, but her father insisted on the 
 other being the real bridegroom, and a great contention en- 
 sued. While this was going on the priest came forward, 
 and bade them all enter the church, which they did. 
 
 ^Now/ said he, ^ I will marry this maiden to both 
 these men, in the name of the blessed Ste. Ninoc’h, who 
 will reveal which is the true one ; till to-night let every 
 one watch in the churchyard ; the bride and the two bride- 
 grooms shall remain close to the altar with me, and Heaven 
 will provide for the rest.' 
 
 ^^All was done as the priest had commanded, and 
 they remained in prayer during the rest of that day. At 
 the close of evening the churchyard gate suddenly opened 
 next the wood, and in the sight of all a little white fawn 
 came trotting up to the church-porch. As soon as one of 
 the bridegrooms saw this he became agitated, and uttered 
 strange sounds ; his garments began to rustle, and his body 
 to swell: suddenly he burst forth with a long loud howl ; 
 his clothes disappeared, and a hideous wolf darted out of 
 the church in pursuit of the white fawn, which bounded off 
 into the wood. 
 
 The true Kerias and his beloved remained thunder- 
 struck, and falling on their knees at the altar, thanked the 
 blessed saint for their deliverance. The dwarf of the mill 
 was never seen again alive, but his spirit may be sometimes 
 beheld hovering amongst the ruins of the mill of Pouldu, 
 sometimes in the shape of an aged and deformed man, 
 sometimes as a Loup-garou, when he utters such hideous 
 and appalling howls that the old mill trembles, and " 
 
 The book fell from the hand of Lussaut ; he started up 
 and grasped his arquebuse, for a loud peal of artillery burst 
 upon his ear, fearful as the baying of the fiendish wolf 
 itself. He rushed to the small window, and beheld a 
 sight sufficient to amaze a solitary man alone in a solitary 
 abode, which he was to defend single-handed. 
 
270 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS j 
 
 By the light of the moon, which struggling through 
 stormy clouds occasionally threw gleams over the sur- 
 rounding country, Lussaut saw that a company of infantry 
 had surrounded the mill, planted two culverins, which 
 were pointed towards the devoted spot, and had already 
 begun their fatal discharge. He placed his arquebuse 
 against the small opening, out of which he gazed, and 
 fired ; but he felt that to contend against this force was 
 impossible. 
 
 They shall have as much trouble as I can give them,” 
 said he, at any rate : and as they will not imagine that 
 I am alone, I will amuse them with a little manoeuvring,” 
 Captain le Normand was somewhat surprised when he 
 was roused at midnight by the report of artillery so near 
 the ramparts, and found, with great vexation, that the mill 
 was so surrounded that it was impossible to reach the un- 
 fortunate sentinel. He rushed to the walls, and called 
 loudly, as if there had been a party in the mill, — 
 Courage, soldiers ! yield not ! Y ou shall soon have 
 relief !” — at the same time firing upon those without. 
 
 Mathurin heard his voice amidst the din ; but he saw 
 the promise could not avail him. He shouted the names 
 of several soldiers, and made as violent a noise as possible, 
 hoping to deceive the besiegers into a belief that he had 
 companions. Sixteen times the culverins poured their fire 
 against his retreat; and the walls began, though very 
 strong, to show symptoms of giving way. Finding this, 
 he advanced towards the little window, and demanded a 
 parley. “We will give up the mill,” shouted he, if we 
 are promised our lives, and liberty to return to the town 
 without injury ? ” 
 
 ‘^^Your lives are granted,” was the reply; ^^but we 
 shall retain you prisoners.” 
 
 Then, do your worst ! ” exclaimed Lussaut, who had 
 reloaded, and now sent his last ball amongst them : “ we 
 will not surrender on less terms.” 
 
 Obstinate fools ! ” cried those without. “ Your 
 rickety old mill will not protect you long ; but we will 
 not be too hard : come down and open your doors, and 
 you may return to your vixen of a town, and welcome. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 271 
 
 We shall soon batter down the walls^ and have you all at 
 our mercy.*' 
 
 Mathurin was not sorry to hear this, as his last defence 
 was gone. He therefore descended the ladder, and began 
 to remove the bolts and bars of his fortress. Having done 
 so, he issued forth, much to the surprise of the assailants, 
 alone! 
 
 Where are your comrades ? ” was the immediate 
 question. 
 
 I am governor and garrison, captain and company, 
 all in my own person," replied Lussaut : My castle is 
 
 now at your disposal ; and much good may it do you." 
 
 What means the insolent churl ? " exclaimed the 
 foremost of the band. Does he mean to say he has 
 kept us loitering here so long, striving against one man ? 
 Let him be hung up to the next tree, to teach the rebels 
 manners." 
 
 La Mole, who was the speaker, waved his hand for 
 Lussaut to be carried off ; and he was instantly seized by 
 several, who were dragging him away, when the Duke of 
 Anjou, who had just come up, cried out: ^^No; he is a 
 brave fellow, and has done his duty. Let his life be 
 spared." 
 
 The soldiers began to murmur and mutter amongst 
 themselves, that Anjou was always ready to show favour to 
 the enemies of the King. The Duke rode off, and heard 
 not their sullen remarks, and Lussaut was left in their 
 hands. 
 
 We will have the Huguenot traitor sent to the galleys: 
 it is a better fate than he deserves," said Coconnas, who 
 was next in command. Let him be shaved, and put the 
 condemned dress on him ; and with the next batch we 
 will send him off to exercise his ingenuity at the oar." 
 
 This cruel sentence seemed to give universal satisfaction; 
 and the unfortunate Mathurin was dragged away to the 
 camp, and confined in a ruined shed, which had been ap- 
 propriated to the reception of prisoners. He was forced 
 immediately to undergo the operation ordered by the 
 Count; and his fine fair locks, the pride of his pretty 
 Clarice, were shorn without mercy. 
 
272 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 A SURPRISE. 
 
 “ What hallooing, and what stir is this to-day ? ” 
 
 Two Gentlemen of Verona. 
 
 The siege of La Rochelle had been undertaken with 
 more impetuosity than prudence. The King of Poland 
 looked forward daily to a summons to repair to his new 
 kingdom ; and^ though he resolved to delay that event as 
 long as possible, yet he was desirous of leaving behind 
 him a great name amongst the French, and adding to his 
 former achievements that of the reduction of this obstinate 
 town, the importance of which was great. He imagined 
 that all Europe would ring with his praises, if he obtained 
 this victory ; that Poland would hail him as a hero, and 
 France long for him as her monarch. He therefore urged 
 the attack, having vowed to reduce the town before the 
 ambassadors from Poland arrived. 
 
 La Mole had satisfied him that the lady in his suite had 
 departed, though he did not explain under what circum- 
 stances. He hoped to recover Alix by means of the scouts 
 he had sent out ; and proposed on her return to con- 
 ceal her more effectually. His mortification was extreme 
 on finding that his party had been unable to take the 
 fugitive ; and the absence of Claude astonished and an- 
 noyed him. 
 
 Claude and Belcastel meanwhile were joyfully received 
 by the Rochellois as volunteers, together with their band 
 of friends, all of whom were enthusiastic in the cause. 
 Posts were assigned them, and, as every day gave oppor- 
 tunity of performing some act of service, they speedily 
 became distinguished, and were familiarly called Les 
 braves Clercs. They were placed under the command of 
 Captain le Normand, who was pleased to have gained so 
 efficient a support ; and their zeal and readiness soon made 
 them acquainted with all the duties of their position. 
 Whenever a bold sortie was proposed some of the Braves 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 273 
 
 Clercs were chosen as a part, and on every occasion their 
 quickness, presence of mind, and hardihood caused success 
 to attend the enterprise. It was on one of these skirmishes 
 that an event occurred which greatly raised Claude in the 
 estimation of his companions, and gave an important 
 prisoner to the besieged. 
 
 The besiegers had during the night approached very 
 near the town, to a vineyard called Treuil-Mesnard, where 
 they placed their gabions, and brought their cannon oppo- 
 site the bastion de TEvangile. They had greatly extended, 
 a trench, which reached along a meadow almost to the foot 
 of the bastion itself. La Mole, who, fop as he was, was 
 yet a good officer, and not wanting in courage, had the 
 command of the party engaged in this service ; and at 
 midnight, highly satisfied with what they had accomplished, 
 he, and some choice companions, resolved to repay them- 
 selves for their toil by dining as well as the excellent cooks 
 in the suite of the refined epicure could make them. 
 
 The place of their retreat was at a mansion which had 
 fallen into their power, called La Columbier, and there 
 they had caused everything to be arranged with the greatest 
 care. 
 
 “ Gentlemen,’^ said La Mole, as they sat down to table, 
 
 it is true that one might dine better in Paris, under the 
 auspices of Samson, More, or Innocent, those high-priests 
 of luxury, or that the inimitable Havart * might provide 
 us dishes far superior to any which the distressing state of 
 things in this nook of earth can allow ; but my people are 
 zealous, and their goodwill is great ; let us, therefore, en- 
 deavour to endure our hardships with becoming resignation. 
 We have, alas ! but five services, — but I earnestly believe 
 that the salmi-de-Gondi will be found perfect, the ragout 
 and hachis passable ; — the pastry has, I trust, not suffered 
 by the agitation of my excellent Zamet, whose nerves are 
 a little disturbed by the firing of this cursed Huguenoterie, 
 who ought to have a little consideration for noblemen’s 
 habits.” 
 
 * Famous restaurateurs of the time ; thus described in a memorial on the 
 excessive dearness of things in Paris, — “ ministres devolupte et de profusion, 
 qui, dans un royaume bien police, seroient bannis et chasses comme cor- 
 rupteurs des mceurs.” 
 
 T 
 
274 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS j 
 
 Poor wretches ! ’’ said Count Coconnas ; I suspect 
 their own cookery is of a somewhat different quality ; it is 
 the most comic thing imaginable to hear Virolet’s descrip- 
 tion of what the canaille suffer in Sancerre ; they have 
 become so expert in cooking hides that no ragout of 
 Innocent’s can, they say, compare with it. They are 
 wondrously ingenious in making a fine plat out of their 
 horses’ hoofs, and have succeeded so well in concocting a 
 mess of horn that it is become a fashion now to dine on 
 the leaves of their parchment books.’’ 
 
 The brutes ! ” said La Mole ; they would without 
 remorse devour the best works of our poets, doubtless, to 
 gratify their disgusting appetites. I am told that they go 
 about in the streets raking the dunghills for bones, which 
 they grind for bread. It deprives one of appetite to think 
 of it.” 
 
 But what is peculiarly mortifying,” said the Chevalier 
 d’Angouleme, is, that this very morning five fine deer, 
 frightened by the tremenduous screeching of Frezaie, 
 whose notes are truly inimitable, ran out of their woods, 
 and rushed with headlong impetuosity through the camp, 
 before one of our idiots had time to send shots after them ; 
 they kept their course even to the very walls, where they 
 were all killed by the besieged, who are doubtless now 
 satisfying their plebeian hunger on those noble animals ! ” 
 This is positively a crime ! ” returned La Mole ; 
 may the horns choke them ! and may they have no soup 
 but that they make by grinding bones till the siege is 
 ended ! ” 
 
 When are we to be emancipated from this slavery ? ” 
 lisped Maugiron ; why have we not battered down their 
 walls at once ? I cannot understand the silly delay ; are 
 laws to be given us by a set of peasants like these ! I would 
 I had the command for one day ; the weather is getting 
 stormy and unpleasant, and we must positively exert a 
 little spirit, and obtain housing before long. I am told 
 there are some pretty damsels among the psalm-singing 
 population, and it would be a mercy to practise a little 
 love-making, for we shall appear quite awkward on our 
 return to Paris, after living in this state of barbarism.” 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 275 
 
 On ne prend pas des pareils chats sans mitaine^^ said 
 D’O ; ‘‘ for which reason Biron’s great cannon^ with its 
 double mouth, has been christened Mitaine, and of course 
 has only to play upon their paper walls an hour, and the 
 town is ours. I blame this idleness as much as you, and 
 after our dinner, if it please you, I propose a little diver- 
 sion to the casemate yonder, which is kept but by a few 
 men. We can in the darkness easily surprise them, and 
 it will he a work of some utility, and teach our elders a 
 little promptitude and boldness.” 
 
 Excellent ! ” exclaimed most of the party ; we will 
 but drink a bumper to the health of les dames de nos 
 pensees and straight about it. How the idiots will gape 
 in the morning to see their fine works destroyed! We 
 will employ ourselves in these little skirmishes every 
 evening for exercise.” 
 
 But, La Mole,” asked Maugiron, what have you 
 done with the fair recluse, who was so carefully guarded 
 that we none of us could get a glimpse of the tip of her 
 finger ? — The Polish monarch was bitterly enraged when 
 he heard of your treasure, for even he had obeyed orders, 
 and left La Chateauneuf to tears.” 
 
 Some devil has carried her off, I verily believe,” said 
 La Mole ; it was Virolet’s untimely arrival that caused 
 me to lose her ; but how she was spirited av/ay I have 
 no conception. Poor girl ! she adored me ; and it was 
 the tenderness of my heart which could not endure her 
 entreaties to accompany me, her reproaches at my quitting 
 her, that induced me to comply with her wishes, and 
 bring her here.” 
 
 Is she handsome. La Mole ? ” inquired several. 
 
 Too pale, in my mind,” said Coconnas. 
 
 Exquisite,” replied La Mole ; but it is not her 
 beauty which attaches me — it is her devotion to me: she 
 has left her father, Bailly the President of Accounts, and 
 a splendid match, to fly to my arms. ^ Beloved Boniface ! ’ 
 said she, as she threw herself at my feet ; ^ forgive my pas- 
 sion, and let not your delicacy be shocked at the step I have 
 taken ; I am yours alone, — yours for ever.’” 
 
 You are a fortunate man !” sighed D*0. Would 
 
 T 2 
 
276 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 that we could all have just such a surprise at this mo- 
 ment ! 
 
 As he spoke, a shot whistled above his head ; before 
 they could scarcely rise from table it was followed by 
 several others, and they found themselves surrounded by 
 armed men. Drawing their swords, and overturning their 
 seats and tables to form a rampart, the officers defended 
 themselves manfully against their assailants ; but great 
 w^as the mortification of La Mole to find that the party 
 was led by no other than Claude, who, springing towards 
 him, with a sudden stroke wrested the sword from his 
 hand, and he found himself at his mercy. 
 
 Retract what you have said, villain ! ” exclaimed 
 Claude. Tell your companions that you stole away a 
 lady, on whom you are unworthy to look ; and add, that 
 she fled from you and has taken refuge with her friends 
 in La Rochelle. Yield yourself my prisoner or die ! 
 
 Base groom ! cried La Mole, unhand me. I will 
 not surrender to such as you ! Bring me your Captain, 
 and I will acknowledge myself vanquished.” 
 
 You shall yield to me only, as some recompense for 
 the unhappiness you have caused me,” said Claude, as he 
 possessed himself of his sword, and gave him in charge to 
 several of his companions, while he pursued the advantage 
 they had gained ; and after making other prisoners, and 
 having entirely routed the party, leaving some wounded 
 on the spot, the brave Clercs and their captives returned 
 merrily home to La Rochelle. 
 
 The news of the capture of La Mole was received in 
 the town with great satisfaction, and with infinite an- 
 noyance to the Catholic party. Young D’O was severely 
 wounded, and Maugiron feared that the injury done to his 
 ankle would prevent him from showing off in a galliard 
 for some time. 
 
 Anxious to revenge this injury, and furious at the suc- 
 cess of this little band, the King of Poland resolved next 
 day to open a fire upon the town. He had again pos- 
 sessed himself of the village of La Font, and no less than 
 thirty-two battering pieces were assembled at that place. 
 Those of the town w^ere, however, not idle; and being 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-3IOTHER. 
 
 277 
 
 aware of the intention of the enemy^ were ready to attack 
 them where they considered themselves most secure. The 
 melee was fuiious, and lasted no less than six hours. La 
 Noue had_, for the second time, his horse killed under him, 
 when Claude and les Braves Clercs at that moment rushed 
 towards him. The Duke d'Aumale was advancing with 
 great impetuosity, mounted, and pointing his arquebuse at 
 the head of Bras de Fer, when a shot from the piece of 
 Claude broke his arm, and saved La Noue’s life. The 
 Duke’s horse, which was wounded, plunged and threw 
 him, and a soldier of the Huguenot party ran his sword 
 through his body. Great was the slaughter which ensued; 
 more than a hundred and fifty of the enemy were slain, 
 and several on the side of the besieged, besides twenty 
 wounded, who were carefully conveyed into the town after 
 the battle was over. The loss of the Duke d’Aumale, 
 and so many others, struck dismay into the hearts of the 
 besiegers. A cessation of hostilities was agreed on for 
 several days, during which no works were to go on, and 
 breathing time was allowed ; not with a view on the part 
 of the King of Poland to accommodation, but to enable 
 him to recommence the attack with greater fury. 
 
 Sad were the reflections of poor Lussaut when he found 
 himself a prisoner, with the loss of his cherished curls, 
 and habited in the coarse dress of a felon. 
 
 This is hard,'" said he, in a desponding mood, after 
 such a capital resistance as I made, and having taken in 
 those goijjats de massacreurs^ to be sent to the galleys, like 
 a criminal, instead of getting a step in my company. Poor 
 little Clarice ! this will be sad news for her. I can’t even 
 send her a lock of my hair as a remembrance. Is there 
 no way to get out of this place It does not seem over 
 strong ; and if 1 escaped the melee in Paris, I don’t see 
 that it should be impossible here.” 
 
 He looked round the chamber in which he had been 
 thrust, and examined every part ; but there seemed little 
 chance of escape. Several hours passed ; and at length a 
 soldier entered with his prison fare, — a handful of chest- 
 nuts, a piece of black bread, and some water. 
 
 “ Is this the way the King treats his subjects ? ” said 
 T 3 
 
278 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 Mathurin ; and is this the good faith we are to expect 
 at the hands of his officers ? I was promised free way 
 back to La Rochelle, if I gave up my fortress ; and now 
 I am treated like a felon.” 
 
 It’s no affair of mine/' said the soldier ; you should 
 not reproach me ; it’s the fate of war.” 
 
 No such thing,” replied Lussaut ; “ your Captain 
 ought to be ashamed to call himself a soldier_, and forfeit 
 his word. Is this black bread all I am to have ? ” 
 
 ‘‘ And good enough, too ! ” surlily cried the soldier, 
 for a Huguenot.” 
 
 I am no Huguenot,” returned Mathurin. The 
 forty martyrs forbid ! but as good a Catholic as any in 
 Biron’s army : hut if to prove one’s faith one must cut 
 the throats of one's neighbours without remorse, and in 
 cold blood, I’d rather be a Turk or a Jew, than such a 
 Christian.” 
 
 Why,” said the soldier, with a stupid stare, I 
 thought all the other side were Huguenots. What did 
 you do in that mill ? ” 
 
 A sudden thought flashed on the mind of Mathurin. 
 
 “ This seems a stupid fellow,” said he to himself: 
 what if I could persuade him that I was ready to betray 
 the town ? it might lead to good. As for that,’' he added, 
 answering his jailor, one’s obliged to obey orders. I’d 
 rather take arms on this side, if I could ; but I was 
 pressed into the service, and couldn’t help myself. I 
 know a few things which Biron wouldn’t be sorry if he 
 knew as well — ay, and I’d tell them, too, if I got paid for 
 it.” 
 
 Oh, you would ? ” said a voice behind, which Ma- 
 thurin recognised as that of Captain Virolet. Leave me 
 alone with this fellow,” he added to the soldier, and I 
 will question him.’' 
 
 The soldier retired, and Lussaut remained alone with 
 the Captain, who had so lately deserted from the Huguenot 
 party. 
 
 “ Are you willing,” said the traitor, to assist in an 
 enterprise to enter the town by stratagem } if so, you are 
 safe from the galleys, and shall be well rewarded ; but 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 279 
 
 remember, if you are not true, I have men within the 
 walls who can revenge any attempt at deception/’ 
 
 I am a poor man,” replied Mathurin, and must get 
 my bread. I serve whoever pays best, and I hope there’s 
 no harm in that ; they are poor enough in La Rochelle, 
 and a man gets only hard blows for his pains. I am tired 
 of such work, and if a good round sum were offered me, I 
 don’t think I should stand bargaining.” 
 
 Then come with me to the General,” said Virolet, 
 “and he will talk to you about it.” 
 
 So saying, he led the way, and Mathurin followed, 
 passing several soldiers and sentinels, till he reached the 
 tent of the General Due de Biron, whom he found sur- 
 rounded by his staff. Virolet, leaving him at the entrance 
 of the tent, conversed in a low voice with Biron, after 
 which he was ordered to approach. He was then asked 
 what the general feeling in the town was, and he thought 
 it prudent to represent that the men were, in general, dis- 
 contented, and ready to lay down their arms, if a good 
 opportunity occurred. 
 
 “ What troop do you think most likely to be open to 
 bribery ? ” asked Biron. Mathurin hesitated a moment, 
 and then replied boldly, “ That of Captain le Norman d, to 
 which I belong.” 
 
 Virolet, much to the surprise of the captive, who had 
 spoken against his conviction, rejoined, in a voice loud 
 enough for him to hear, “ He speaks truth ; there are ten 
 that I know of in that company.” 
 
 “ And,” said Mathurin, encouraged by his success, if 
 I could promise good pay, the regiment of strangers and 
 foreigners would not refuse to listen to a sensible pro- 
 posal.” 
 
 “ Do you know the Captains de Saux and Puygaillard? ” 
 asked Virolet, significantly. 
 
 “ Truly,” replied Mathurin, who cared not if he accused 
 the whole garrison by implication, they would not be 
 the men to stand in the way of a soldier turning an honest 
 penny.” 
 
 After a great many questions and much consultation, 
 Mathurin was ordered back to his prison, with a prospect 
 
 T 4 
 
280 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 of being called upon the next day to arrange further what 
 should he done^ and w^hether he should be employed. His 
 being a Catholic and a stranger was considered in his 
 favour^ and, as the object of the adverse party was, if 
 possible, to surprise the town, which they began to fear 
 would prove stronger than they anticipated, they came to 
 the conclusion that Lussaut should be trusted. 
 
 It was agreed that he should escape, and, on entering 
 the town, repair to Captain de Saux, and inform him of 
 the intention of the enemy to approach, under cover of 
 the night, a breach which had been made in the walls, 
 near the Porte des Deux Moulins, and to conceal them- 
 selves in a trench beneath, where a mound of ruins would 
 facilitate their entrance, provided they were assisted from 
 within. A list of those who were ready to lend their aid 
 in the betrayal of the town was given to Lussaut, and he 
 was to consult with any of the commanders to whom he 
 could most readily obtain access. This plan settled he 
 was permitted to leave his uncomfortable abode, and, ac- 
 cordingly, after having been detained only a few days, in 
 the dusk of the evening he bent his steps to La Rochelle ; 
 as he approached the walls he began to run, and, to favour 
 the deception, several soldiers appeared in pursuit, who 
 sent shots after the fugitive. He was soon seen and re- 
 cognised, in spite of his costume, and the gate was opened 
 to admit him. Without losing an instant, he hurried to 
 the quarters of Belcastel, and there related his adventures 
 and entreated to be conducted to the mayor, to whom he 
 would communicate all he had been able to learn of the 
 treachery which lurked amongst them. 
 
 Great was the mortification and alarm of the Rochellois 
 leaders, when they discovered how extensive was the 
 treason which the prudence of Mathurin had brought to 
 light. Three captains and no less than twenty men were 
 implicated, and in the company of the brave Le Normand 
 most of them had concealed themselves. All these were 
 arrested, and, some of them having confessed, it was found 
 that the watchword by which they were to be known was 
 Badin/' and the sign, making a crook of the little 
 finger and catching the tip of the ear with it. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 281 
 
 The hour and the place being indicated by Lussaut, it 
 was directed that Captain le Normand, with an approved 
 hand, amongst whom were Claude, Belcastel, and their 
 party, should post themselves behind the wall opposite the 
 breach, and there be ready to receive the besiegers. The 
 night was very dark, and the rain descended at intervals 
 with violence ; the watchers were, however, sheltered by 
 the works, as they listened eagerly for the sound of the 
 approaching enemy. Presently some of the rubbish be- 
 neath was thrown against the wall, and Lussaut, stepping 
 forward to the breach, stooped down and gave the word 
 Badin.^’ 
 
 Have you ladders,'’ said he, and how many are 
 you ? All is prepared ; — several hundred have joined 
 us.” 
 
 As he spoke, two ladders were placed, and the first who 
 mounted was Captain Virolet. We are a strong body,” 
 said he. Where is De Saux ? ” 
 
 Close by,” said Mathurin, but he has his reasons 
 for not coming forwards ; step this way and he will join 
 you ; — give me your hand, — there, put your foot on 
 that stone — all’s safe ! ” 
 
 Is Guittiniere Picque-ardoise ready ?” asked Virolet. 
 
 Yes,” replied Mathurin; your men have only to 
 mount, as silently as possible, or the sentinel, whom we 
 must surprise, will hear.” 
 
 I will give the word, then,” said Virolet ; and, as it 
 was wdiispered to those in the trench the soldiers began to 
 mount in single file. Virolet had advanced, as directed 
 by Lussaut, towards the opposite wall, where he expected 
 to meet De Saux, when he was seized and gagged in a 
 moment, and at the same time a volley of artillery wel- 
 comed the scaling party. A fearful struggle then took 
 place; the whole town was instantly on the alert, lights 
 appeared in every direction, and everything told the 
 besiegers that they were betrayed. Most of those who 
 had mounted the ladders were killed, and, the gates being 
 thrown open, Le Normand, and les Braves Clercs made a 
 furious sortie, in which they fell upon the troops who 
 were advancing to the attack, and routed them with great 
 
282 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 slaughter^ after which, they returned to their town, and 
 the discomfited Catholics in much confusion made the 
 best of their way back to the camp. 
 
 Virolet was carried prisoner to the chateau, and a speedy 
 example was made, both of him and his treacherous com- 
 panions within the town : — they suffered public execu- 
 tion ; amidst the execrations of their fellow-citizens, and 
 their remains were thrown from the walls to be devoured 
 by the birds of prey and wild animals whom the frequent 
 combats had attracted towards the plain beneath. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 THE AMBASSADOR. 
 
 “ Wit me warns to shun such snares as threaten mine annoy.” 
 
 Queen Elizabeth's Verses. 
 
 It now becomes necessary that the reader should allow the 
 scene to he changed for awhile to England for the better 
 understanding of this narrative. The inhabitants of the 
 town of Dover were one morning roused from their slum- 
 bers by the sound of guns at sea, which were answered by 
 a royal salute from the batteries on the heights. Every 
 individual rose with common consent, and rushed to the 
 shore, half expecting to behold the landing of an enemy. 
 But it was soon apparent that several French ships were 
 entering the harbour, bearing the royal flag, and coming 
 in all amity on a special mission. One by one, amidst 
 the repeated greetings of the cannon above, the vessels ap- 
 proached, and preparations were made for the landing of 
 their illustrious passengers. These were Gondi, Duke de 
 Retz, Ambassador Extraordinary from the French Court 
 to Queen Elizabeth, and his suite. As soon as it was 
 known who the visitors were, a general feeling of discon- 
 tent prevailed amongst the people, which seemed to in- 
 crease when the name of Catherine’s chief favourite and 
 counsellor was proclaimed on every side. 
 
 What brings the Italian adventurer amongst us ? ” 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 283 
 
 said a bystander; ‘^we will have no Romish marriages 
 here ; no cutting throats in the dark, no murdering by 
 wholesale.” 
 
 This unfriendly feeling was not a little increased when 
 the cargo of the vessel, from which the Ambassador dis- 
 embarked, was landed. As if he had arrived on a savage 
 coast, Gondi, with insolent affectation, had caused every 
 variety of accommodation, that could be imagined, to be 
 brought for his use. Not only cooking utensils, even to 
 the commonest article, but chests and packets of pro- 
 visions, and hampers of wine without end, linen, tapestry, 
 and furniture. The English saw the upstart favourite and 
 his train pass along between two ranks of guards, which 
 had been sent by the Queen to do him honour, without 
 expressing any feeling but that indicated by contemptuous 
 silence : but when they saw all this preparation, and 
 learned the contents of the enormous packages which filled 
 several waggons, their indignation at the impertinence of 
 the minion of Catherine burst out in invectives, and the 
 train of carts and carriages was followed by hooting and 
 hissing. 
 
 It were well if the assassin have brought no poisons 
 with him,” said one. 
 
 It is the only thing fit for his use which the insolent 
 craven will not find in England,” said another ; though 
 it is better he should provide himself with viands, for ours 
 are too good to be swallowed by any of these massacring 
 villains.” 
 
 He loves blood better than good English malt,” ob- 
 served a third. It would be a good deed to pelt him and 
 his ragamuffins through the streets.” 
 
 The murmuring crowd was, however, kept back by the 
 men-at-arms, who conducted Gondi, somewhat alarmed at 
 his reception by the people, to a mansion which had been 
 set apart for him. Here he and Bianco, who accompanied 
 him as his chief officer, consulted together on the subject. 
 
 These savage islanders,” said, show their surly dis- 
 position too plainly ; I fear there is little chance of pro- 
 pitiating them.” 
 
 Gold buys all goodwill,” said Rene, and that we 
 
284 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS I 
 
 need not spare. Flattery with the Queen, and money with 
 her subjects, will gain our end, depend on it.'' 
 
 The surprise of the ambassador was great when he found 
 that directions had been received that he and his suite 
 should be entertained at Dover, as the Queen, who was 
 about to commence her usual progresses, would visit Dover 
 in person, in order to confer with the envoys of Charles 
 IX. This arrangement rather disconcerted the schemes of 
 Gondi and Bianco, as it betrayed a want of confidence 
 in them, and was particularly vexatious, as it rendered 
 their communication with their friends of the Catholic 
 party less direct and convenient. 
 
 The Queen herself was anxious to confer with the 
 minister of Charles, but cautious lest she should betray her 
 own interests ; she, therefore, while she ke]!>t the am- 
 bassador and his party aloof, made a merit of hastening to 
 receive them at Dover. 
 
 Accordingly when she arrived, the reception they re- 
 ceived from her was very flattering, and much art was put 
 in force on both sides to answer the ends each had in view. 
 The request for a loan was evaded by Elizabeth, who had 
 no inclination to assist France at that juncture, although it 
 was not her policy to go to war. As regarded La Rochelle, 
 she promised that no money should be advanced in Eng- 
 land for the aid of the besieged. 
 
 Your Majesty has been grievously wronged by those 
 insurgents,” said Gondi. Certain of your Majesty’s 
 subjects have given such promises of your protection to 
 them, that their insolence knows no bounds, and they 
 forget in the hope of injuring France the gratitude they 
 owe to you." 
 
 They have received no encouragement from me," re- 
 plied Elizabeth. I should be the last to foster rebellion ; 
 but I consider that they have been hardly used, in not 
 being permitted the exercise of their religion ; and I can- 
 not blame them for refusing to admit into their town those 
 who had received orders to treat them with the same 
 rigour as their brethren in Paris and the other cites of 
 France." 
 
 Alas ! Madam," returned Gondi ; I fear your Ma- 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER, 
 
 2S5 
 
 jesty has fallen into an error. King Charles loves all his 
 subjects independently of their profession of faith,, which 
 he respects^ though he cannot conceive the tenets of Calvin 
 calculated to excite the same degree of indulgent admiration 
 from a Catholic as the purer doctrines of Luther, which, I 
 believe, receive your Majesty's sanction." 
 
 True,” said Elizabeth, gratified at this artful com- 
 pliment ; but this is not to the point. The late measure 
 of severity has, I must confess, filled me and my people 
 with horror and displeasure. The murder — forgive me, 
 for I can call it no other — of the Admiral, is difficult to 
 excuse ; and why," she continued, her better feelings of 
 indignation predominating, why include in the fearful 
 vengeance taken, so many innocent persons, men, women, 
 and little children, who could not have offended ? " 
 
 The Admiral, Madam," said Gondi calmly and with 
 infinite effrontery, came to Paris with a pomp and parade, 
 and an army of determined partisans, entirely eclipsing by 
 his bravery the majesty of the King, throwing into con- 
 tempt his power, and outraging his dignity. Let me in 
 the first place ask, would your Majesty permit this insolence 
 in any of the great lords who surround you.^ " 
 
 I ! " exclaimed Elizabeth, reddening : who would 
 
 dare to attempt it.^ I would not permit, but punish the 
 daring subject who should dream of such boldness." 
 
 Certainly," continued Gondi, meekly ; my King 
 thought the same ; but all monarchs have not your Ma- 
 jesty's firmness and wisdom. The King mildly expos- 
 tulated ; represented the bad effect of the Admiral’s conduct 
 on the people. I regret to say, his friendliness tvas met 
 by defiance.” 
 
 I would have arrested the traitor instantly ! " ex- 
 claimed the Queen. 
 
 Gondi continued : — Charles still condescended to 
 entreaty, but Coligni knew his power. Paris was filled 
 with riot and disorder; the friends of the King were con- 
 temned and oppressed, and, to crown all, it was discovered 
 that a plot was nearly ripe for execution, in which all the 
 royal family were to be sacrificed, and the Admiral to seize 
 the crown of France. Was this to be endured ? Could 
 
286 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ‘ 
 
 patience last longer ? The Admiral met his fate, and de- 
 servedly. 
 
 With respect to the rigour shown to those of the re- 
 ligion which your Majesty mentions, I am at a loss to 
 understand what it was. Doubtless, the Admiral did not 
 fall alone ; many of his followers shared his fate. It has 
 reached me, and much do I deplore it, that one or more 
 men of letters fell by unhappy accident, in the scuffle ; 
 but I can safely affirm that neither female nor child suf- 
 fered. Good God ! the very thought harrows my feelings ; 
 and much I marvel how such a belief could have gained 
 ground, knowing, as I do, the tenderness of the King’s 
 heart, and the efforts he personally made in the affair. 
 
 That the wisest and most learned Princess in Europe 
 should regret the fate of those men of genius whom I 
 have named, does not surprise me. ^ Alas ! ’ said the 
 Duke d’ Anjou immediately after, ^ she who is the Minerva 
 of the age will shed tears when she hears of this ; and that 
 beauty will be clouded, which all agree is the most perfect 
 God has made for the last five hundred years | * 
 
 Here the ambassador was so overcome by his emotion 
 that he paused, while Elizabeth’s eye flashed with gratified 
 vanity. 
 
 I am sorry,” said she, that I have so far mistaken 
 this affair, and attributed motives to the King so different 
 to the truth.” 
 
 Gracious Madam,” resumed Gondi, apparently re- 
 covering himself, prove your conviction of my master’s 
 innocence by discouraging his foes. Let me supplicate 
 that the fleet now collected at Plymouth and Falmouth 
 may be dispersed. Why should the Count de Montgomery 
 emulate the conduct of the late Admiral, and embroil by 
 his intemperance two nations, formed to love each other ? ” 
 
 Hold ! ” said Elizabeth haughtily ; my subjects 
 are unrestricted by me in their right to traffic. These 
 ships are fitted out at individual expense ; I know nothing 
 of their plans, nor do I see fit to interfere. If they abuse 
 the right I grant, for other purposes than commerce, let 
 
 See Digges, for this and other facts equally startling. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 287 
 
 the powers whom they offend treat them as pirates^ and 
 punish them accordingly. But ask me not to abridge the 
 liberties of Englishmen^ which I am proud to see flourish 
 and increase.” 
 
 She looked proudly round upon her courtiers^ from 
 whom a murmur of applause arose. Gondi did not allow 
 the slightest expression to indicate his annoyance_, and 
 went on to offer the greetings of the Queen-mother^ and 
 name her desire to present tokens of her friendship. 
 
 The Queen has commissioned/^ he said, Messire 
 Rene Bianco to bear to your Majesty a few trifles, which, 
 being rare, she hoped might please your eye for a moment,” 
 I thank her inflnitely,’" replied the Queen : the 
 
 fame of Messire Rene's taste and talent has already reached 
 me, and I am happy to see him here.” 
 
 Rene then advanced, and kneeling, with an expression 
 of profound humility, at her feet, offered several presents 
 of esteemed essences, prepared by his hand, and several 
 pairs of those embroidered and perfumed gloves, which 
 Avere then so highly esteemed. I have,” he ventured 
 to remark, in charge from my august Mistress a saddle 
 of curious construction, which has been arranged under 
 my directions ; if the most graceful horsewoman in the 
 world would deign to honour it by the trial, I think it 
 would be found one of the best she has ever condescended 
 to use.” 
 
 Let it be shown me, pray,” said Elizabeth, with 
 pleased impatience. I thank the Queen heartily for 
 this, for I have some skill in horsemanship, like herself. 
 Does she ride much now ” 
 
 Since the accident, when, her horse stumbling, she 
 received a severe contusion, her Grace,” answered Rene, 
 has lost that boldness which should characterise a good 
 rider. She was considered the flnest manageress of a 
 spirited steed of any princess living, till your Majesty 
 eclipsed all in that accomplishment, as in every other.” 
 You Frenchmen are all flatterers,” said the Queen 
 playfully. 
 
 Nay, Madam,” returned Rene, were I a savage and 
 an idiot, the sight of such charms as dazzle me at this 
 
288 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS I 
 
 moment might create a soul, never before called forth 
 from the earth which envelopes me/’ 
 
 Gondi,” said the vain Queen, is not Messire Bianco 
 a poet ? I recognise, methinks, the secret flame burning 
 beneath the embers of his modesty/’ 
 
 And a musician,” replied De Retz ; if any can be 
 called so in your Majesty’s presence.” 
 
 Rene, you must give me a specimen of your art,” 
 said Elizabeth : we will have a chosen few to-night in 
 
 my cabinet, and tax your powers.” 
 
 Alas ! Madam,” said Rene, putting on a perturbed 
 
 appearance, I shall not dare ” 
 
 Away ! ” said Elizabeth, tapping him with her fan, 
 one of the presents which she had just opened, of Catherine: 
 You are to obey, and I to command/’ 
 
 Ah ! ” whispered De Retz, who would not obey 
 such sweet commands as issue from those lips of ruby ? 
 Pardon me, Madam ; these are not my own words : there 
 is a devoted Prince who used them in speaking of the 
 lady of his adoration ; he who has adopted for his motto 
 words which faintly express his feelings ! — Knows the 
 fairest of creation, what knight bore at a certain tourna- 
 ment, the motto, ‘ Serviet aeternum, dulcis quern torquet 
 Eliza ? ’ ” 
 
 Elizabeth blushed. — You must tell me,” she said in 
 a low voice, ^^more of the Duke d’ Anjou privately ; here 
 we are observed, and by those inimical, I grieve to say.” 
 The saddle which Rene had brought was now examined, 
 and commented upon with great satisfaction by the Queen 
 and her ladies. It was covered with exquisite embroidery 
 in small pearls on violet velvet, with borders of gold, and 
 complimentary devices introduced amidst the flowers, 
 formed of coloured gems. It had the pummel of plain 
 velvet, constructed after the model which Catherine de 
 Medicis had herself introduced some years before, in order, 
 as she sat on horseback, to exhibit to advantage the perfect 
 beauty of her foot and ancle, for which, as well as that of 
 her hand and arm, she had been remarkable. 
 
 After much more compliment De Retz took his leave, 
 being appointed by Elizabeth to attend her, together with 
 Rene, in the evening. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 289 
 
 Meantime^ Captain Florio had not been idle ; he had 
 a friend, who after many vicissitudes of a similar nature 
 to those experienced by that remarkable adventurer himself, 
 had become the favourite physician of the Earl of 
 Leicester. This man’s name was Giulio ; he was a native 
 of Milan, and in cunning and talent was little inferior to 
 Rene Bianco himself. He had made himself very useful 
 to Leicester, whose ambitious views were constantly 
 leading him into some scheme for his own aggrandizement. 
 At this moment the possibility of his marriage with 
 Elizabeth had received a check in consequence of the 
 Queen’s real or assumed willingness to listen to the pro- 
 posals of the French King’s brother ; and filled with 
 anger and disappointment, he lent an ear to the propositions 
 of the Catholic party, who held out to him the advantages 
 of assisting their plans for Mary Stuart, who, should she 
 succeed in establishing her right to the crown, by means 
 of her foreign friends, would be a more eligible alliance 
 than Elizabeth herself. It was represented to him, that 
 should Elizabeth consent to marry the Duke of Anjou, 
 the measure would give so much dissatisfaction to her 
 Protestant subjects, that her popularity would be greatly 
 decreased, and their chances rise in proportion. He was 
 wavering between the two opinions at the period of Gondi’s 
 arrival ; and the good reception given to him, added to 
 the late advancement to the Queen’s favour of the accom- 
 plished Sir Christopher Hatton, altogether had so roused 
 his jealousy that he vowed to execute some signal vengeance 
 on both her and her favourites. 
 
 Giulio, therefore, found him in a proper mood to listen 
 to the schemes of Catherine, communicated by Florio, and 
 be consented to give his aid in advancement of a plan to 
 get the Queen into the power of France, and to release 
 Mary from her confinement. 
 
 It was settled that a grand aquatic fete should be pre- 
 pared on board of a vessel lying in the harbour at Dover ; 
 that the most novel and brilliant devices should be prepared, 
 and every means resorted to, to tempt the Queen to accept 
 the invitation, which should be given by Leicester and 
 others, ostensibly in honour of herself and the ambassador 
 u 
 
290 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 from France ; that when the festivities were at the height^ 
 and the attention of all engaged^ the anchor should be 
 weighed^ and the royal prize borne away to the opposite 
 shore, where her detainers might make whatever terms 
 they pleased. * 
 
 However daring this proposal might he, Leicester in his 
 anger and mortification looked upon it as a means of 
 gratifying his bad feelings, and almost without allowing 
 himself time for reflection he blindly entered into the plan 
 and immediately busied himself in contriving means to 
 execute it. 
 
 Gondi heard with much pleasure of the success of the 
 negotiation of Florio, and repaired with Rene to the 
 Queen, in the evening of that day, resolved to gain her 
 confidence by every art of which he was master. So well 
 did he succeed, and so fascinated was Elizabeth with the 
 accomplishments of Rene, that she privately intimated to 
 them that she would willingly consent to the French 
 alliance, and all that was now necessary was to gain the 
 ministers and the people. 
 
 “ And you, Ren^’* said the Queen, must leave your 
 old mistress for a new one who will cherish you as much ; 
 we will make a court of love, learning, and the arts, equal 
 to that of your Princess Marguerite. Ronsard must visit 
 me, and all your Pleiad, and politics and ambition shall be 
 banished from our minds.’' 
 
 Full of these romantic visions, the Queen was in a mood 
 to listen to any proposition of pleasure, and when she was 
 solicited to honour with her presence the fete which the 
 Earl of Leicester had prepared, the novelty of its taking 
 place on board of a vessel pleased her imagination. 
 
 I will be dressed,” said she to her ladies, as the 
 goddess of the sea, and you shall all attend me as nymphs 
 of the watery element. My locks shall flow gracefully 
 over my shoulders, a green mantle embroidered with silver 
 sea-weed shall fall in drapery round me ; I will have a 
 wand of coral, and a zone of crystals, and my sandals shall 
 be of yellow satin spangled with gold to represent the 
 sands. Gondi shall take back such an account of my 
 * See Etoile. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 291 
 
 appearance to France that Anjou shall be inflamed with 
 passion, and be unable to rest till he once more beholds 
 me. Depend on it we shall see him here as soon as he is 
 released from the trammels of the siege which now oc- 
 cupies him.” 
 
 Does your Majesty mean that of La Rochelle ? ” asked 
 one of the ladies, where our poor Protestant brethren 
 are starving within their walls, waiting for promised 
 succours from England } ” 
 
 What raven note is this ? ” said Elizabeth, sharply. 
 Can I never enjoy an hour’s recreation without being 
 checked with reproof, and reminded of misfortune ? ” 
 ^^Your Majesty will need to become accustomed to 
 reproof,” said the noble attendant, boldly ; “ if you throw 
 away your beauty and your love upon a Catholic Prince^ 
 who, when he gains power, will not fail to show how 
 small is his friendliness to the poor deceived Protestants 
 in both countries.” 
 
 No more of this, madam,” said Elizabeth. I am 
 resolved to enjoy this pastime, and gloomy reflections shall 
 hold no place in my thoughts.” 
 
 But although she thus expressed herself, an uneasy 
 feeling took possession of her mind, which she tried to 
 shake off in vain, until the time arrived when she was to 
 repair to the vessel which was to afford her a new style of 
 amusement. 
 
 Gay and bright was the morning of the intended festi- 
 vity, and the heights of Dover were crowded to witness 
 the gay spectacle ; numerous ships, decorated in the most 
 gorgeous manner, lay at anchor, and one, beyond the rest, 
 was brilliantly adorned, which was to be the scene of the 
 plot. A number of Catholic gentlemen had assembled in 
 barges and boats, and all the guests having been invited 
 by Leicester, he was careful to exclude those whom he 
 conceived to be too quick-sighted. The wayward mood of 
 the Queen, offended at the freedom of remark which those 
 about her hazarded, greatly favoured the plan, for she re- 
 solved that no grave statesman or grim politician should 
 be admitted, to disturb the tranquil delight of the fantastic 
 scene which she imagined to herself. 
 
 V 2 
 
292 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS I 
 
 She had already mounted her palfrey, which was adorned 
 with the beautiful saddle of Rene, whom she allowed to 
 assist her, and to whom she gave numerous smiles, much 
 to the jealous annoyance of her other favourites, who stood 
 aloof. De Retz, splendidly attired, rode beside her, and 
 was followed by a numerous and gorgeous retinue, amongst 
 whom were conspicuous Florio and his select band of 
 foreigners of all nations ; Maurevel, who had escaped from 
 Paris after the first attempted assassination of the admiral, 
 had joined his former friend on the coast, and was now 
 one of his party. Bianco walked by the Queen, carefully 
 attending to the adjustment of her robe, and instructing 
 her gallantly how to accustom her delicate and nymph- 
 like foot, as he continued to call it, to the new stirrup, and 
 how to repose her limbs, which he compared to every 
 celestial beauty which his memory furnished, with the 
 greatest ease on the comfortably constructed saddle. 
 
 In this fashion they were proceeding amidst the accla- 
 mations of the people, astonished and delighted at the 
 quaint attire of their queen, towards the harbour, when a 
 great stir was observed amongst the attendants ; they gave 
 way, and left passage for a horseman riding at full speed, 
 who, covered with dust, and flushed with haste and fatigue, 
 dashed, regardless of ceremony, through the crowd of 
 guards and people. Before it was possible to prevent him, 
 he had spurred his horse to the side of the Queen, and, 
 presenting a letter, caught her bridle at the same moment. 
 
 Read, madam, read V* was all he could utter, as throw- 
 ing himself from his horse, he knelt at her feet, and placed 
 his hand upon her robe. 
 
 Elizabeth, astonished and confused, took the paper, and 
 ran her eye hastily over its contents, which were these : — 
 
 Gracious lady and mistress, — You are betrayed by 
 Gondi and his myrmidons. The vessel on board of which 
 you venture will weigh anchor the moment you have en- 
 tered : the plan is, to sail with you prisoner to France. 
 Turn your bridle instantly. Your faithful servant is close 
 at hand to explain all. For the love of God and your 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. SQS 
 
 country avoid the snare! — hasten back to Greenwich and 
 save England ! 
 
 Montgomery.’" 
 
 A panic instantly took possession of Elizabeth, on whom 
 warnings were seldom thrown away ; a thousand doubts, 
 fears, and suspicions flashed on her mind, and her resolu- 
 tion was taken in a moment. Thanks, good friend,” 
 she cried to the horseman at her feet, as she turned her 
 palfrey, so suddenly, as almost to overturn Rene, who, 
 stumbling against the panting messenger, perceiving that 
 all was discovered, feigned to imagine it was he who so 
 rudely pushed against him, and with a well-directed aim 
 dealt him so violent a blow on the cheek as to throw him 
 on the ground; this action, as he still held her Majesty’s 
 robe, gave her so rude a shock, that she started and turned 
 pale. Leicester, seeing what had happened, and that there 
 was now no hope of accomplishing the plan in agitation, 
 hurried forward, and in a loud voice commanded the 
 guards to surround their Queen. 
 
 If there is treason we will seek it out,” said he. 
 
 Stand back, all but those servants of our adored lady, 
 and let her pass.” 
 
 But Elizabeth, with a scornful air, waved her hand, 
 recovered her composure instantly, and, spurring her 
 palfrey, galloped back the way she had come, without once 
 stopping, till she reached her temporary abode. But 
 there she would not dismount, and throwing a mantle 
 over her dress, ordered all her baggage, and all her suite 
 to follow immediately, as her destination was to her palace 
 at Greenwich, without delay ; after which directions she 
 continued her route, and never drew rein till she reached 
 her good city of Canterbury. 
 
 Amidst the astonishment and confusion of this event, 
 Gondi, Rene, and their party slowly prepared to take their 
 way back to their residence, but the crowd soon got scent 
 of the truth, and rage and indignation took possession of 
 every mind. The messenger, as he rose from the ground, 
 caught a glimpse of the face of his assailant, Rene, and, 
 close beside him, that of Maurevel. 
 
294 
 
 CATHERINE DE BIEDICIS 1 
 
 Blessed heaven ! ” cried he, the murderers of the 
 Admiral close to the Queen ! 
 
 The word flew like wild-fire, and loud cries of The 
 murderers of the Admiral ! The assassins of Coligni ! ” 
 
 The butchers of St. Bartholomew ! ” made the air re- 
 echo. Maurevel, in mortal terror, rushed towards the sea- 
 side, pursued and pelted, and, half-dead with terror and 
 bodily injury, was received on board of one of the French 
 boats, which rowed oflP as fast as possible to their vessels. 
 
 Rene, also hooted and reviled, was rescued with some 
 difficulty from the mob by the soldiers, and Florio and his 
 men, to whom the messenger directed attention, as some of 
 the worst of the assassins of Paris, were obliged to house 
 themselves as quickly as possible. Nothing could exceed 
 the vexation of Gondi ; but he thought it prudent to brave 
 the accusations which might be made, and instantly fol- 
 lowed the Queen to Greenwich, determined not to allow 
 himself to be foiled, or to leave the character of his Court 
 in so dangerous a position. Rene deemed it more prudent 
 to return immediately to Paris, and relate what had hap- 
 pened to Catherine, and accordingly embarked directly, 
 and set sail for France that same afternoon, leaving the 
 cunning minister to smooth the difficult path of his diplo- 
 macy. 
 
 VFhen Queen Elizabeth was once more within her 
 palace walls, she seemed to breathe freely, and began to 
 consider the dangerous position in which she had been 
 placed, and its consequences. In the midst, however, of 
 her alarm and resentment, she did not lose her presence of 
 mind or her prudence, and resolved calmly to investigate 
 every thing. The day after her return, the arrival of the 
 Count de Montgomery was announced to her, and she or- 
 dered him to be instantly ushered to her presence. So 
 great was his emotion on beholding her, that he could 
 scarcely restrain his tears, and the Queen herself was sen- 
 sibly affected on meeting him. 
 
 I have no words, De Lorges/’ said she, extending her 
 hand graciously, to express my thanks ; but has not your 
 zeal deceived you } Is it possible that such a plot could 
 be really in contemplation } If so, some of my own sub- 
 jects must be implicated. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 295 
 
 This treacherous plot^” said Montgomery, is from 
 the fruitful mind of Catherine, the Queen-mother. I re- 
 ceived information of it from those I can trust ; and when 
 I heard who was the ambassador, and who his com- 
 panions, I felt no doubt of the truth of the statement. 
 Let me entreat you, madam, neither to wear or to use any 
 articles of dress sent you as presents : they have proved 
 fatal to many, and caution in this case is of the utmost 
 importance.” 
 
 I shall take heed of this,” replied Elizabeth, taking 
 off her embroidered gloves, and throwing them from her ; 
 
 all that was sent to me from France shall he destroyed 
 instantly, — even to the splendid saddle, which I will use 
 no more.” 
 
 I thank your Majesty,” said Montgomery. No- 
 thing but treachery is to be expected from every member 
 of the house of Valois, as long as the arch enemy of our 
 religion, Catherine, reigns supreme. Oh ! Madam, let not 
 my prayers be vain, when I supplicate you to espouse the 
 righteous cause, and give your sanction to the efforts its 
 friends are ready to make. The Rochellois are daily in 
 danger of falling victims to delay ; massacre and starvation 
 are staring them in the face ; and your word might save 
 them !” 
 
 I have given my word not to interfere,” said Eliza- 
 beth ; and much as I regret it, nothing can be done, — 
 at least openly,” she added, pausing. 
 
 Give but your private sanction, gracious Madam,” 
 exclaimed De Lorges, eagerly. I have vessels and 
 money, if I might use them ; and it may not be yet too 
 late. If you would but be pleased to consent to the 
 measure, we could at this moment command no less than 
 twenty-two thousand foot and four thousand horse, which 
 the Protestant noblemen and gentry of your Majesty’s 
 realm would bring to our aid, and maintain for six months 
 at their own expense.” 
 
 Indeed!” said Elizabeth. 
 
 ^^Yes, Madam,” returned he; ^‘^the Germans would 
 levy money if England would assist us; eighteen thousand 
 u 4 
 
2Q6 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 men could be procured in France ; and our cause, the 
 cause of religion, would triumph over its inveterate foes/’ 
 The time is not yet come,” said Elizabeth ; it is 
 not ripe. You want a leader at present. Henry of Na- 
 varre and Conde are still prisoners. Wait till one or 
 both of them escape, and something may be done. I can- 
 not, at this juncture, afford to quarrel with France.” 
 
 But La Rochelle will be lost ! ” cried Montgomery. 
 
 ^^No,” returned Elizabeth, ‘^not if you succour it. Go, 
 De Lorges, — give me no details, nor ask me for consent. 
 I can no farther help you ; but you have my prayers for 
 your success.” 
 
 Forced to be satisfied with this concession, Montgomery 
 overwhelmed the Queen with thanks ; and, quitting the 
 Court, with as little delay as possible, hastened back to 
 Plymouth, where he lost no time in putting his vessels to 
 sea ; and hoped, at length, to be able to afford protection 
 and assistance to the besieged town of La Rochelle. 
 
 Elizabeth did not refuse to listen to the artful sophistry 
 of Gondi, who affected the most complete ignorance of the 
 cause of her sudden departure, concluding, he said, that 
 some important affairs had called for her return to her 
 capital. 
 
 He excused the absence of Rene, as well as he might, 
 and contrived by flattery and adroit representation so well 
 to quiet her fears, that she began to suspect either that 
 Montgomery had been deceived in his suspicions, or that 
 he had employed this means of placing her under an 
 obligation, in order to obtain from her the assistance for 
 La Rochelle, for which he had so long striven. Leicester, 
 of course, stoutly denied the truth of the imputation ; 
 and Elizabeth was content to appear satisfied with all 
 parties. 
 
 Whatever her real belief might be, she was frequently 
 heard to say, when speaking of Gondi, that the King of 
 France had no more faithful and zealous servant than he 
 in his dominions. 
 
ORy THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 297 
 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 THE EARTHQUAKE. 
 
 “ Our thunders 
 
 Shall rain their drift of bullets on this town.” — Kmg John. 
 
 The Rochellois had seen, with great vexation, the galleys 
 of the enemy bringing along an enormous vessel, and 
 placing it in such a position as almost to command a part 
 of the town. It was of twelve hundred tons, and was 
 called Le Grand Carraque, — merely a hull, its masts and 
 every part of it gone, leaving the deck a platform from 
 whence they were enabled to fire into the town right and 
 left, a circumstance which caused infinite annoyance to 
 the besieged, besides its intercepting the navigation and 
 preventing their receiving supplies by sea. Several at- 
 tempts had been made to set it on fire at low water, but 
 without avail, as the enemy had taken precautions which 
 effectually prevented such a catastrophe. 
 
 Anxiously did the inhabitants of the town, every day 
 pressed nearer and nearer, look for the arrival of the 
 vessels of succour from the English coast, and they beheld 
 with consternation new sails continually appearing, bearing 
 the enemy’s flag, and rendering the approach of the fleet 
 of Montgomery, should he be able to obtain assistance, 
 more and more difficult and hazardous. 
 
 La Noue consented at length, with the sanction of the 
 authorities of the town, to hold occasional parleys with 
 the camp, as he began to think accommodation would be 
 better than protracted resistance. There was much oppo- 
 sition, however, to this measure ; and finding that, not- 
 withstanding all his recommendations, he could not con- 
 vince them that it would be their best policy, he resolved 
 to absent himself altogether, and retiring to the camp, use 
 all the influence he possessed to obtain good terms for 
 them. 
 
 Scarcely had La Noue left them when a messenger 
 arrived who had been detained some time, and had reached 
 the town with infinite difficulty : he brought letters from 
 
298 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS 2 
 
 Montgomery, and the deputies, who had been sent from 
 La Rochelle to England, announced the certainty of suc- 
 cours arriving shortly. New life and fresh courage were 
 inspired by this news, and the Rochellois resolved to prove 
 to La None that they were right in wishing to defend La 
 Rochelle to the last. While they were full of rejoicing 
 and occupying themselves with the utmost energy in pre- 
 paring new defences, the Catholics, who appeared resolved 
 daily to make some desperate efforts to reduce them, made 
 one of the most furious attacks which had yet been at- 
 tempted. The affair lasted more than nine hours, and 
 fierce was the conflict. While the besieged were in the 
 midst of the fray, fighting with the most determined 
 valour, Alix and Lesselline, gazing from their high tower, 
 beheld a sight which filled them with anxiety. A small 
 English-built vessel was descried sailing with all speed 
 through the very centre of the Catholic fleet, and though 
 fired at on all sides, came rushing along the waters like a 
 sea-bird, and entered the harbour of La Rochelle amidst 
 the shouts of those who were watching its motions with 
 breathless eagerness. 
 
 The bell of the tower was instantly rung with joyful 
 violence by the two delighted friends, and its merry peal 
 announced to the townsmen the happy arrival of part of 
 the expected fleet. It was found that it contained a good 
 supply of powder and corn, and brought news that several 
 others, similarly provided, were on their way. 
 
 Night after night had Alix and Lesselline kept watch 
 in the tower, and at length, quite wearied out, they con- 
 sented to abandon their post and retire to their home, 
 while other ladies, equally devoted, took their place. They 
 could not bear to be separated, and De Hommet, who was 
 constantly engaged in the siege, was happy that his wife 
 and daughter had so great a comfort as the society of Alix 
 afforded. His anxiety for his family grew daily more 
 intense, and he dreaded the slow but sure approach of 
 that scarcity which this long-protracted siege threatened. 
 Claude and Belcastel were in the same troop as himself, 
 and his friendship for the two gallant young men increased 
 with the actions which they were constantly performing. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 299 
 
 They were actively employed one night, during a short 
 pause of hostilities, in repairing a terrace in the hospital 
 garden, near De Hommet’s house, which the falling in of 
 a mine had destroyed. The enemy, always on the alert, 
 became aware of the work, and resolved, if possible, to 
 put a stop to it : accordingly, they placed their cannon 
 opposite to the Porte Neuve, behind the hospital, and quite 
 unexpectedly commenced a heavy fire. Several men were 
 killed, and the halls were thrown with fearful precision. 
 Suddenly De Hommet uttered a loud exclamation : — 
 
 My children ! my poor wife ! said he, they will be 
 sacrificed ! — yonder is my house in flames !” 
 
 Good God ! ’’ cried Belcastel ; and to-night all the 
 ladies are within it ! 
 
 There was not a moment to lose, the firing still con- 
 tinued, and it was necessary to return it against the be- 
 siegers : no one could leave his post, and the destruction of 
 the family of De Hommet seemed inevitable. 
 
 Claude,’* said Belcastel, within that house are at this 
 moment in the most fearful danger two beings dearer to us 
 than life, the daughter and the niece of De Hommet ; be- 
 hold him defending this spot with all his energies, while 
 he gazes with agonies on the blazing ruins of his hearth. 
 Better commit a breach of duty than see all we love perish 
 before our eyes. If we save them we may yet return in 
 time to assist here ; if not, we shall have fallen too.** 
 Claude, equally eager to attempt the rescue of Alix and 
 her relations, at once agreed to the proposition, and, calling 
 to De Hommet, that they would soon return, rushed to- 
 gether from the walls. De Hommet angrily insisted on 
 their remaining, hut they were already out of hearing. 
 
 Can I have been deceived in these men ? ’* he ex- 
 claimed. Does their courage fail them at the last ? To 
 
 desert me in such a moment ! — • Courage friends ! stand 
 to your guns ; we shall be too much for them yet ! ** 
 
 So saying, his little hand continued to keep up a brisk 
 fire against the besiegers, who appeared to have been rein- 
 forced, and were now advancing with ladders towards the 
 dilapidated terrace. 
 
 Meanwhile Claude and Belcastel had reached the house, 
 
300 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 which now sent up from every side columns of flame to the 
 skies ; — within, shrieks and cries were heard, and a female 
 shortly afterwards appeared at a window, holding an infant 
 in her arms. 
 
 Save my child !” she cried in piteous accents. 
 
 It is De Hommet’s wife, the mother of Lesselline," 
 cried Belcastel, climbing hastily towards the balcony. 
 
 Throw the child to me,’’ he cried, while the mother, 
 frantic with terror, obeyed, and the screaming infant fell 
 upon his breast ; he let himself drop upon the pavement, 
 and giving it to one of the crowd, who were surrounding 
 the house, rushed towards the door, which, with the help 
 of Claude and several others, was at length forced. Both 
 hurried along the passage, and directed by the screams of 
 females above reached the room where the cousins were 
 sitting clasped in each other’s arms : they had been roused 
 by the firing without, and had risen in haste in order to 
 be ready in case of their services at the hospital being re- 
 quired. 
 
 The flames at that moment hurst furiously into the 
 chamber ; all rushed to the window. Lesselline was in 
 the arms of Belcastel, who looked out with desperate hope ; 
 it was not very far from the ground ; hut how to reach it 
 with his fainting burthen ? There was an iron pipe which 
 ran from the top of the house to the bottom, and he felt 
 sure that he could slide down without injury alone. 
 
 Can you clasp me firmly, dear Lesselline ?” said he ; 
 bind your scarf round us both for greater security, and 
 tempt the trial.” 
 
 This was instantly done, the terrified girl clung closely 
 to him, and, standing on the edge of the window-ledge, 
 he seized the pipe, now heated with the increasing fire, 
 and sprang forth ; with frightful rapidity he descended, 
 his hands blistered by the burning iron, and just as his 
 feet rested on the ground the arms of Lesselline gave way, 
 and they fell together amongst the smoking ruins below ; 
 a dreadful crash was then heard, and as he tore asunder 
 the slight bond that bound them, and raised Lesselline 
 insensible in his arms, he saw that the roof had fallen in. 
 
 Claude meanwhile, when he reached the door, through 
 
OB, THE QUEEN-MOTHEB. SOI 
 
 which the flames were bursting, saw the impossibility of 
 escape that way : he returned to Alix, who with anxious 
 looks was watching the perilous descent of her cousin. 
 
 Where is her mother ? my poor aunt ! ” said she dis- 
 tractedly. Oh I Claude, think not of me ! — the in- 
 fants ! there are three of them, and their mother ! what 
 can be done to save them ?” 
 
 Perhaps at the back of the house we might escape ! 
 cried Claude. This way ! But as he spoke the crash 
 which followed the descent of Belcastel and his charge 
 came with awful sound. In a moment the roof fell, and 
 buried them beneath it. 
 
 All was now darkness ; a suffocating heat spread around, 
 and Claude felt that the form he had instinctively clasped 
 was inanimate. He strove to call aloud, but his voice was 
 powerless ; he tried to move, but felt hot substances press- 
 ing closely on every side ! A hideous sound almost stunned 
 him : there was a roar as of thunder, mixed with what 
 seemed the loud report of cannon, human voices, shrieks, 
 and cries : it seemed impossible to exist many moments in 
 this situation ; he struggled violently, but in vain ; — he 
 gasped for breath to call on his beloved Alix, who, motion- 
 less and silent, replied not to his pressure. A thousand 
 thoughts whirled through his brain : De Hommet strug- 
 gling with the assailants at the breach ; the cannon, the 
 shrieks, the blood of St. Bartholomew's eve ; the boatman 
 and the stranger he rescued ; and the same female form he 
 had once before seen in a dream — all flitted past as if 
 real and tangible. I escaped all this,” he mentally ex- 
 claimed, “^and must perish here with her, whom no exertions 
 of mine could save ! To die with her is a blessing ! — but 
 that her fate should be so horrible ! " 
 
 He felt his brain reel, his strength giving way ; a burn- 
 ing pain seized his limbs, a parching thirst devoured him, 
 and he was losing all consciousness, when a flash, broad, 
 bright, and glowing, suddenly illumined the spot where he 
 stood, to reveal its horrors. He saw that a pile of ruins 
 was round him : two enormous beams had fallen, and 
 
 in falling crossed each other over his head, forming an 
 arch, which had preserved him ; and he hoped for a mo- 
 
302 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 ment that Alix was yet living, though still she stirred not. 
 Scarcely, however, could he form this idea, before a se- 
 cond and a third flash poured a flood of radiance into his 
 prison. 
 
 This is no cannon’s flash,” exclaimed he inwardly ; 
 
 it is the artillery of heaven ! ” 
 
 The last vivid forked ray was followed by a peal of thun- 
 der, so loud, so awful, that he shrank appalled. Then a 
 crash, and deafening explosion, and the wall was rent asunder, 
 falling forward, as if dashed aside by a supernatural hand. 
 
 He breathed, he spoke, he called aloud, and he felt the 
 heart of Alix beat beneath his hand ; torches gleamed 
 round, and numerous figures flitted about. Presently he 
 heard the sound of voices, and these words struck on his 
 ear : — 
 
 They are saved ! Behold them there, below, — be- 
 hind that heap of brick and rubbish ! Claude ! Alix I 
 speak ! Answer, for the love of Heaven ! ” 
 
 We are living ! I am unhurt ! ” cried Claude ; but 
 Alix ! ” 
 
 Fifty hands were extended to assist them, and in less 
 time than it takes to tell it they were rescued from their 
 perilous position, and Alix received into the arms of her 
 cousin. 
 
 But, my children ! my babes ! ” cried De Hommet, 
 who came rushing forward from the ruins of his late dwell- 
 ing. Have any seen them ? Are they saved ? ” 
 
 Search was made, but in vain : no traces could be found 
 of the infants. Their mother, after Belcastel had saved 
 her youngest child, had been rescued by some daring sol- 
 diers, who, directed by him, contrived to place ladders 
 against a wall, where she was seen standing, without being 
 able to tell how she had reached that position. The 
 agony of the father was extreme, for there was every rea- 
 son to fear the two children and their nurse had perished. 
 
 Bewildered with the rapidity of these events, Claude 
 entreated Belcastel to explain what had occurred. 
 
 He related, that as soon as he had borne Lesselline to a 
 place of safety, with a neighbour, and directed the men to 
 search for Madame de Hommet and the rest, he had bur- 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 303 
 
 ried back to the rampart, which they had left defended by 
 De Hommet and his small band. He found that the firing 
 had continued with violence, and as he rushed along per- 
 ceived that a ladder was placed against the breach, and an 
 officer had at that instant reached the topmost step, sword 
 in hand, and encouraging his men to follow : — De Hom- 
 met stood in the gap, and made a blow at the officer, who 
 staggered and fell ; but another took his place instantly, 
 and before De Hommet could have had time to parry, the 
 thrust must have pierced his body had not Belcastel, 
 springing forward, received the weapon on his own. A 
 furious encounter then ensued ; but the officer, who^was 
 strong and skilful, pressed the brave but inexperienced 
 student so fiercely that a few moments must have decided 
 his fate, when the whole sky was suddenly illumined by re- 
 peated flashes of vivid lightning, and a peal of thunder, 
 wffiich far exceeded the report of a hundred cannon, came 
 rolling through the air ; the shock of an earthquake had 
 struck the walls, and the assailants were hurled into the 
 space beyond, while falling houses round told the ruin 
 which attended the mighty effort of convulsed nature. 
 
 The besiegers, perceiving that more than mortal aid was 
 with their foes, retired in consternation, having lost several 
 valuable officers and more than a hundred men. De Hom- 
 met was not wounded, nor was Belcastel : and the loss on 
 their side was very trifling. 
 
 After the tremendous shock which had burst open the 
 walls of the prison of ruins, where Claude and Alix were 
 pent, the storm subsided, and its effects alone remained to 
 prove that the whole had not been a dream. 
 
 The unfortunate mother, whose senses had left her for 
 a time, was attended with the most anxious care by her 
 weeping daughter. Alix had received no other bodily in- 
 jury than a few bruises ; but her nerves were much shaken, 
 and a fever was the consequence of the peril and terror to 
 which she had been exposed, added to the state of agita- 
 tion which, for the last few months, she had endured. 
 
 Claude, in the meantime, had not been unmindful of 
 his prisoner. La Mole, to whose comfort and accommoda- 
 tion he had carefully attended. When he entered the 
 
304 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 apartment allotted to him the day after the earthquake_, he 
 found him on his knees, anxiously engaged in perusing a 
 manuscript book, which Claude recognised as one of a 
 description then in high esteem, namely, a work on divina- 
 tion. He turned round as Claude entered, and rising 
 haughtily requested that he might not be disturbed. 
 
 I am not accustomed to hold parleys with my grooms,” 
 said La Mole, scornfully, and desire to be delivered from 
 all communication with you.” 
 
 That you can scarcely be,” said Claude, as you are 
 my prisoner ; and perhaps, when you hear that the place 
 I held in your household was but a means of disguise, you 
 will feel less repugnance to the holding a short converse 
 with one who claims nevertheless little in common with 
 you, either in rank or habits. I was entrusted by the 
 Catholic King with a commission to take away your life. 
 You are aware whether I took advantage of my situation, 
 even though I found you to have deeply injured one whom 
 I was bound to assist. I rescued your prisoner, and re- 
 stored her to her friends ; and I now come to you, requir- 
 ing your word no farther to molest her or her family, be- 
 fore I pronounce that you are free to return whither you 
 may desire.” 
 
 Young man,” said La Mole, you have related several 
 things which I own considerably surprise me. First, that 
 the little mad heretic whom I took from Rene should, in 
 any way, be connected with you ; next, that having so good 
 an opportunity of revenge, independently of the chance of 
 a good reward, you should have allowed it to slip from you. 
 As for the kind intentions of the King towards me, I had 
 before shrewd suspicions of them, and shall know how to 
 requite his Grace. For my liberty, I am ready to obtain 
 it by resigning entirely the fair possessed, about whom I 
 am quite indifferent, and for whose sake I have no wish to 
 enter the lists with menials and barbers.” 
 
 My Lord,” said Claude, you must swear it on the 
 word of a knight, and you are free, and shall be the first 
 to bear to the camp the message of the Rochellois, who 
 consent to consider of the terms last proposed to them, 
 which, since we have become the stronger, we find are in- 
 
OB, THE QUEEN-MOTHER 
 
 305 
 
 fnitely more reasonable than those the King has been 
 hitherto pleased to offer. So known an enemy to the Pro- 
 testant party is not, I fear, entirely safe in this town ; and 
 I recommend as speedy a departure as possible.” 
 
 It is likely,” said La Mole, coolly, that your party 
 may not consider me always an enemy. There are other 
 foes, who have, perhaps, stronger claims on me ; and they 
 shall not wait long.” 
 
 Claude had little difficulty in comprehending his mean- 
 ing, as he knew him to be a zealous friend of the Duke of 
 Anjou. 
 
 And however unworthy either the Duke or La Mole 
 might be, their assistance, if hereafter joined to the power 
 of Henry of Navarre, was not to be neglected ; and Claude 
 parted with his prisoner pleased with the hope of having 
 secured him to the Huguenot party. He promised that he 
 should be set at liberty in the course of a few days, and 
 La Mole resolved that his sojourn should for the present 
 be as far from the camp or the court as possible. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI ri. 
 
 “ Les Rochelois ont plante 
 Le glorieux fondement 
 
 De I’antique liberte .” — Popular Song of the Time. 
 
 The rage of the Catholic party was extreme at the fre- 
 quent failures they experienced, and the introduction into 
 the besieged town of supplies in spite of all their vigilance. 
 New attempts were made from day to day, but with little 
 gain to themselves and little loss to their foes. Still they 
 were aware, not only that Montgomery’s fleet could not 
 approach, but that he had been obliged to abandon the 
 enterprise, and had returned to England, hoping to induce 
 the Queen, by a representation of the deplorable state of 
 the Protestants, to alter her determination, and grant him 
 ships capable of attacking those with which the Catholics 
 had filled the port of La Rochelle. 
 
 A short truce was agreed on, but was so ill kept by the 
 Catholics, that, being soon dissolved, hostilities recom- 
 
 X 
 
306 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDTCIS j 
 
 menced more furiously than ever. La None exerted him- 
 self on both sides so much to obtain an accommodation, 
 that a tent was pitched near the second mill, without the 
 town, where the chiefs of either party met to negotiate. 
 Still nothing could be arranged, the bad faith of the King 
 being too apparent, and the prudence of the Rochellois too 
 great to suffer themselves to be deceived. 
 
 After each of these parlemens, as they were termed, the 
 contest seemed more bitter than before, and nothing ap- 
 peared left but violence. Whenever the Catholics met 
 with a serious loss, they sent new deputies to propose terms 
 of truce, but merely with a view to gain time. Sometimes 
 the King of Poland would pretend that he had not the 
 power to give answers to the demands of the Rochellois, 
 and must send to Paris to know the will of his brother. 
 
 It was during the continuance of one of these treacher- 
 ous calms that Rene Bianco arrived at the camp, deputed 
 by King Charles himself to bring his answer to the pro- 
 posals which had really been sent to him by the Generals, 
 whose desire for honourable accommodation was more 
 sincere than that of the King of Poland. 
 
 When Bianco returned to Paris to report the result of 
 his visit to England, he found the Queen-mother in great 
 anxiety, which was not soothed by the account he had to 
 give. The news of the massacre of St. Bartholomew had 
 been very ill received in Poland, so much so that the ques- 
 tion was publicly discussed, whether it was advisable for the 
 Duke of Anjou, who was known to have taken so active a 
 part in the affair, to be elected their King at all. The 
 persuasions, and artful representations of Monluc, Pro- 
 testant Bishop of Valence, a creature of Catherine’s, had, 
 however, she trusted, had the desired effect ; for, though 
 the absence of her favourite son was to her a serious grief, 
 yet, once elected, she felt that the disgrace of rejection for 
 such a cause would ruin his character throughout Europe ; 
 and, added to this, the enmity of Charles to his brother 
 was so undisguised that she feared their meeting, or 
 Henry’s remaining in France for the present. Charles had 
 become impatient of the protracted siege, and irritable from 
 illness and the constant stings of remorse. He desired, be- 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 307 
 
 yond all other things^ that his brother should leave the 
 country or be killed at the siege ; and^ as for the Rochel- 
 lois^ his principal wish now was, to obtain quiet, and con- 
 ciliate, if possible, the foreign powers, whose contempt and 
 reproaches mortified him extremely. He saw that his plan 
 for the destruction of La Mole had not succeeded, and, by 
 a sudden turn of caprice, he resolved to employ Rene, as a 
 more fitting instrument than Claude to accomplish his 
 designs. The latter accepted with pleasure an office so 
 congenial to him ; and, on his arrival at La Rochelle, was 
 deeply annoyed to find himself again foiled, by learning of 
 the capture of La Mole, the escape of Claude, and of the 
 lady, whom he easily guessed to be Alix. 
 
 On delivering the King’s instructions to the King of 
 Poland, that Prince was ill pleased to see that they were 
 in a spirit friendly to the Rochellois ; and, as he had pro- 
 jected one more vigorous effort to gain the fame which he 
 wanted to dazzle the Poles, he determined to keep back the 
 orders for the present, and commanded Rene to remain at 
 a distance from the camp, and not to appear till sent for ; 
 when, according to the success of his last trial, he should 
 appear to act upon the orders which the Italian was then 
 supposed to bring. He imagined that the Rochellois were 
 now lulled into false security, and, from their exhausted 
 and harassed state, would be unable to sustain an assault 
 made with all his forces. The loss of life was to him no 
 consideration, and, provided he could conquer the foes, for 
 whom he now entertained a personal hatred, he cared not 
 at what sacrifice he procured the pleasure. 
 
 It had been agreed that for the space of six days no 
 works should go on, on either side ; and the Rochellois, 
 always faithful to their word, desisted from any labours, 
 and reposed from their toils, thus gaining a little strength, 
 and recovering their spirits, and hoping that the answer of 
 the King would at length be favourable. Alix was so 
 much better, that she was able occasionally to resume her 
 post of watcher ; and the family of He Hommet, though 
 deeply shocked and grieved by their melancholy loss, yet, 
 actuated by the patriotic spirit which inspired every in**- 
 habitant of the town, endeavoured to shake off their sorrow, 
 
 X 2 
 
SOS 
 
 CATHERINE DE HIEDICIS ! 
 
 and forget their individual distress in exertions for their 
 fellow-sufferers ; for theirs was not the only house which 
 had been destroyed on the night of the earthquake^ and 
 many families beside had to deplore the loss of those dearest 
 to them. There had been a question as to the propriety of 
 calling the young students to account for the desertion of 
 their post under any temptation^ but the services they had 
 rendered on so many occasions overcame the scruples of their 
 officers, who, in consideration of their being unacquainted 
 with the strict rules of war, consented to pardon their 
 fault — one which De Hommet’s eloquence, with little 
 difficulty, converted into a virtue. 
 
 The inhabitants of the closely-pressed town, who, for 
 so many months had not been able to pause from their 
 exertions for a day, enjoyed the recreation of walking on 
 their walls, and gazing peaceably over the adjacent 
 country ; but as they did so, and watched the preparation 
 for a hunting match in the camp, where all seemed care- 
 less gaiety, as the soldiers lounged along behind their 
 gabions, and within their prescribed limits, they became 
 aware that the pioneers were busily engaged, and a sus- 
 picion of treachery instantly took possession of their minds. 
 To prevent the Catholics from perceiving their knowledge, 
 they made their women and children continue to prome- 
 nade in the open places, in the view of the camp, and in 
 the meanwhile every man resumed his former occupations ; 
 so that at the end of the truce they were fully prepared 
 to receive their besiegers. 
 
 Morning had scarcely dawned on the sixth day, when 
 the Rochellois beheld an immense body of the hostile 
 troops advancing ; and their batteries began playing with 
 such force against the strong boulevard de TEvangile, that, 
 however aware of their intention, the besieged with diffi- 
 culty stood the first shock. An enormous breach was made, 
 and but for the surprise of the Catholics to find their foes 
 so completely on their guard, the fate of the day might 
 have been doubtful ; but their confidence received a 
 check, and the boldness and desperate resistance which they 
 encountered considerably abated the hopes which the King 
 of Poland's exhortations had inspired. They were driven 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 309 
 
 back with the loss of four hundred men, and the Dukes of 
 Mayenne and Nevers wounded. A second and third time 
 they were equally unsuccessful, owing to the destruction 
 of a casemate from which they drew numerous advantages. 
 This work they were obliged to reconstruct, and the 
 Count de Lude led his whole body of infantry once more 
 to the breach. 
 
 Furious and desperate now became the contest, and the 
 assailants conceived their success certain, when, with a 
 tremendous explosion, part of the angle of the boulevard 
 blew up. But not a man started from his post, not a hand 
 was unsteady, as resolutely blocking up the enormous 
 breach the Rochellois successfully resisted all attempts, 
 and after an useless assault of three hours the trumpets ot 
 the Duke de Biron sounded a retreat. 
 
 Notwithstanding this repulse, and though they had 
 sustained such loss the next day, the battery was recom- 
 menced against the long- resisting boulevard. 
 
 So powerful were the means employed and so deter- 
 minedly was the attack conducted, that it was evident the 
 strength of the whole army was directed to the accom- 
 plishment of this main object. 
 
 At length the fosse became heaped with the ruins of 
 the battered walls, and two wide breaches were effected, 
 through which the entrance to the town seemed open ; 
 but, to the surprise of the enemy, they found the en- 
 trenchments behind so strong, and so well flanked by the 
 industry of the soldiers during the attack, that the new 
 defence was more formidable than the old. 
 
 Rendered furious by this disappointment, the Count de 
 Lude led on his men to the counterscarp of the Porte St. 
 Nicholas, while new troops poured in upon the Evangile. 
 The Rochellois began to faint ; such repeated attacks al- 
 lowed them no breathing time, and the report of the fosse 
 being filled with ruins, spreading through the lines, carried 
 panic along with it : the shouts of the enemy soon pro- 
 claimed that both these strongholds were in their power ; 
 Claude and Belcastel were fighting, side by side, defend- 
 ing the entrance of one of the breaches, when the cry of 
 victory from the opposite party reached their ears. 
 
 X 3 
 
310 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 Comrades ! ’’ cried Claude ; without a desperate 
 effort all is lost. Why fight we here merely on the de- 
 fensive when yonder leaders are giving way ? Follow me, 
 and the day is yet our own ! ” 
 
 A shout from Belcastel and his company announced 
 their willingness to attempt any thing, however desperate. 
 Exhorting those who remained, to he firm to their post, 
 Claude rushed like lightning along the walls, insisting, 
 entreating, commanding, and encouraging all. 
 
 Yet another struggle!’" cried he, ‘^yet another, and 
 La Rochelle is free. Desert not your post, brave soldiers, 
 at the last decisive moment. On for the love of Heaven, 
 — for your wives and children whose fate depends on 
 you. Remember St. Bartholomew ! — La Rochelle and 
 vengeance ! ” 
 
 The animation of his address, the fire of his eye, the 
 rapidity of his movements as he rushed along, as if re- 
 solved to attempt the regaining the lost holds alone, re- 
 called the scattered spirits of the soldiers. One universal 
 cry of La Rochelle and victory I — St. Bartholomew 
 and vengeance 1 ” resounded along the walls, and in a few 
 minutes I’Evangile and the gate of St. Nicholas were once 
 more possessed by the victorious Rochellois. The be- 
 siegers, driven back with great slaughter, leaped from the 
 walls, rushed through the breaches, and piled the fosse 
 with dead and wounded. 
 
 The victory of the brave Rochellois was complete, and 
 the remains of the late numerous army, with immense 
 loss, returned to the camp. 
 
 Greatly were the successful besieged astonished to hear 
 in the evening of that day, for five successive hours, both 
 by land and by sea, repeated hursts of artillery, as if in 
 rejoicing for some signal victory. More than two hundred 
 and fifty reports of cannon were heard, and various were 
 the conjectures raised as to the cause. While they were 
 busied in questioning each other, a white pennon was 
 suddenly seen flying from the top of the tour de Moreilles 
 where Alix kept watch, and soon after were observed ad- 
 vancing rapidly, without attempt at molestation from the 
 vessels of the enemy, several small ships which, taking 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 311 
 
 their course direct into the harbour^ were received with 
 shouts of greeting. They were amply loaded with biscuit^ 
 corn^ flour^ fish, and every kind of provision, of all of 
 which the half-starving population stood eminently in 
 need. 
 
 They were not long in receiving a message from La 
 None, who informed them that the rejoicings they heard 
 were in consequence of the arrival of the Polish ambas- 
 sadors at the camp, and the proclamation of Henry as 
 King of Poland. That King Charles, in honour of the 
 event, had sent down by a special courier, to proclaim 
 peace throughout the cantons, and to grant to the Rochel- 
 lois all their demands. 
 
 This joyful news was speedily confirmed by the arrival 
 of La None himself, who entered the town amidst the 
 joyful greeting of the inhabitants, followed soon after by 
 the Duke de Biron, his staff, and a herald-at-arms, who 
 confirmed, by sound of trumpet in every part of the town, 
 the peace which they had so hardly earned. After this, a 
 grand banquet, prepared in all haste, was given to the 
 late besiegers at the mayoralty ; the soldiers of each party 
 embracing and welcoming each other, and every demon- 
 stration of amity given and received. 
 
 END OF THE SECOND VOLUME. 
 

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CATHERINE DE MEDICIS. 
 
 313 
 
 • 
 
 VOLUME THE THIRD. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 PLOTTING. 
 
 It fits US then to be as provident 
 As fear may teach us.” — Henry V. 
 
 The struggle maintained on both sides with so much 
 obstinacy was at length concluded, and all haste seemed to 
 he instantly made to finish that which had been so abruptly 
 stopped, and to get rid at once of the contention. The 
 King of Navarre and the Prince of Conde lost no time in 
 hastening from a scene which was distressing to their 
 feelings. The King of Poland hurried to the Isle of 
 Oleron, to await the Edict of Pacification, and to give 
 audience to the Polish Ambassadors, — all the noblesse de- 
 parted as quickly as possible — the remnant of the immense 
 army began to disperse — the merchants packed up their 
 goods, and the camp was dissolved. 
 
 Small honour had been gained, and great loss incurred, 
 by the ill-advised and cruel policy that counselled the 
 siege ; in which no less than eighty thousand men had 
 perished by the sword or by sickness. Charles, terrified at 
 the effect which might he made on the Polish nation, more 
 than half- inclined to reject their newly-elected monarch, 
 was resolved, as quickly as he could, to do away with the 
 impression Henry of Valois’s want of success must occasion. 
 The rigour shown in so many recent instances was looked 
 on throughout Europe with disgust and reprehension, and 
 it appeared absolutely requisite that this disagreeable feeling 
 should be effaced. 
 
 Catherine’s hopes that some of those she considered her 
 enemies would perish in the contest, were disappointed ; 
 instead of which many excellent officers, and a large body 
 of men, had fallen a sacrifice, and her beloved son was more 
 
314 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS; 
 
 than once wounded. The mission of Rene had failed, 
 which inspired Charles with bitter feelings, and, on the 
 whole, the most gloomy and unquiet thoughts reigned in 
 the breasts of the ruling powers on the breaking-up of the 
 siege of La Rochelle. 
 
 La Mole, as soon as he quitted his prison, made baste to 
 conceal himself and his discomfiture in one of his country- 
 houses in Provence, — resolved to make his absence re- 
 gretted by the fair ones of Paris, and to cause some sighs 
 from Margaret of Navarre. His friend Coconnas accom- 
 panied him, and it was not long before they were joined by 
 the Duke d’ Anjou, the Marshals de Montmorenci and 
 Cossi, and others, when that conspiracy was formed which 
 so soon afterwards cost their lives to the prime movers of 
 the affair. It was arranged that, to prevent suspicion. La 
 Mole and the rest should go to Paris and be present at the 
 fetes projected in honour of the election of the King of 
 Poland ; which, under the direction of the Queen-mother, 
 were to be of the most magnificent description, the poet 
 Dorat being engaged to compose the masques, and to record 
 the solemnities. Much treachery and many deep designs 
 were communicated at this meeting, as having been dis- 
 covered in various ways ; not only did La Mole recount 
 what he had learned from Claude of the King’s intentions 
 towards him, but it was found that in case of success at 
 La Rochelle, a deep plot had been laid to get rid of all 
 those inimical to the Queen-mother and the King of Po- 
 land. In particular, that Du Guast, the reigning favourite 
 of Henry, had undertaked to assassinate the King of Na- 
 varre with his own hand, — that the Duke de Guise and 
 Catherine had entered into a compact to destroy those 
 whom they considered dangerous to their views, — that 
 Charles had his emissaries, whose intentions were as well 
 known, and, in fact, that a second St. Bartholomew had 
 alone been prevented by the brave defence of the Rochel- 
 lois, and the consequent necessity of raising the siege. 
 
 The Prince de Conde, who had been informed of the 
 numerous letters and messengers sent from the camp to his 
 young wife by the King of Poland, felt his pride alarmed, 
 and resolved to withdraw the object of this dangerous af- 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 315 
 
 fection from the neighbourhood of the unprincipled Prince^ 
 and Marie was therefore compelled to leave Chenon^eau, 
 and accompany her husband to Normandy ; where_, though 
 strict watch was kept over him by the royal party, he was 
 yet permitted, for a time, to visit his government ; the 
 Queen-mother having perceived with vexation that the 
 passion of her son had become more violent and lasting 
 than she thought his volatile nature would have permitted. 
 As she knew that Marie, notwithstanding her youth and 
 simplicity, was possessed of great genius and determination, 
 which in after years might be dangerous, she was glad to 
 find the means of removing a rival whose power she 
 dreaded, looking forward as she did to the time when, 
 Henry reigning, she should be all in all, provided she 
 could unite him in marriage with some less attractive and 
 less gifted princess. She had already decided in her own 
 mind that Louise de Lorraine, daughter of the Duke de 
 Mercoeur, her own connection, would be a fitting match, 
 and she took her measures accordingly. By favouring the 
 house of Lorraine she weakened that of Bourbon, and her 
 dread that Henry would supplant her sons grew daily more 
 and more vivid. 
 
 The grief of parting with her friend, and leaving the 
 Court without beholding her lover, threw the unfortunate 
 Marie into a fever, and when she arrived at her solitary 
 chateau in Normandy, she was laid upon a bed of sickness. 
 
 The King of Poland, on finding her absent, was deeply 
 chagrined, and vented so many reproaches on his mother 
 for not having prevented it, that she the more congratulated 
 herself on the circumstance. To sooth him, she promised 
 to forward his views in every way, and bade him rely on 
 her to facilitate their marriage when he once became King 
 of France. 
 
 As for the Queen of Navarre, she was inconsolable at 
 the loss of Marie ; and the return of her husband, in whose 
 palace at Paris she was now expected to reside, brought her 
 little happiness ; for his coldness to her, and his incon- 
 stancy and carelessness in matters of gallantry, had become 
 a common theme. The designs he was forming with his 
 friends he concealed beneath this exterior, and Marguerite 
 
3l6 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS 1 
 
 was herself deceived when she saw him entering, with ap- 
 parent enjoyment, into all the dissipation of the time. To 
 follow his example seemed the only course left her ; and 
 none to behold her, brilliant, beautiful, and gay, acting a 
 conspicuous part in the magnificent entertainments given 
 to the ambassadors of Poland, could have guessed the dis- 
 appointment and bitterness of her heart. She, with all the 
 most beautiful and most fascinating ladies of the Court, ac- 
 companied the King of Poland, on his way to his new 
 dominions, as far as Blamont in Champagne. 
 
 The Queen-mother had persuaded King Charles to un- 
 dertake the journey, although his health was failing fast, 
 and at Vetry great fears were entertained for his life. He 
 was attacked, it was reported, by small-pox ; but strange 
 rumours were spread that the drugs of Rene Bianco in 
 which he appeared of late to have much faith, had not 
 been found so salutary to his health as he imagined. His 
 youth, however, prevailed, and the momentary expectations 
 of Catherine, that Henry would not be obliged to quit the 
 kingdom, were deceived. As long as possible, however, 
 the King of Poland lingered, until at last Charles, 
 observing his disinclination to depart, had recourse to 
 threats and menaces to oblige him to quit France, and 
 amidst the weeping and mourning of his mother and his 
 friends the accomplished, profligate, and unprincipled 
 Prince set out with the ambassadors for Warsaw. 
 
 Meantime, though fair promises and good words were 
 not spared to lull the victorious Rochellois into a false 
 security, yet the dignitaries of the town remained resolute 
 on their guard against treachery. 
 
 Belcastel and Claude, equally the objects of gratitude 
 and esteem to those whom they had so materially served, 
 were not long in learning from each other their mutual 
 secret. It appeared that the former had been for some 
 time attached to Lesselline, the daughter of De Hommet ; 
 and as he was possessed of a small independence, her father 
 had no reasons to advance against his happiness, considering 
 him master of talents which promised success in whatever 
 career he might pursue. The dower of Lesseline was con- 
 siderable, and the sole objection which De Hommet urged 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 317 
 
 was the youth of both parties^ an argument which the elo- 
 quence of Belcastel so effectually subdued^ that the union 
 of the lovers was at length consented to^ and the day fixed 
 for the celebration of the event. 
 
 Claude, while he rejoiced in his friend’s good fortune 
 could not but compare it with his own situation with 
 melancholy reflections. Alix shared his sadness, though 
 she carefully concealed her feelings under an assumed 
 gaiety, proper for the occasion of her cousin’s marriage. 
 Claude sought opportunities of seeing her alone, but could 
 seldom do so except for a few moments ; at length, on 
 one occasion, he ventured to entreat a short hearing, 
 and his request not being denied — 
 
 Alix,” said he, you once said that under other cir- 
 cumstances than those in which we were placed when I 
 ventured to avow to you the feelings of my heart, I should 
 have been heard with less coldness ; you even said that you 
 felt reget at our parting ; might I hope the esteem with 
 which you then honoured me is not abated ? ” 
 
 Claude,” answered she, in a faltering voice, I am 
 here almost unprotected ; ought you to remind me of a 
 confession — an acknowledgment——” 
 
 Dearest Alix,” exclaimed he ; recall not that word 
 which gives me hope. Hear me, at least, and forgive me 
 if I say too much; you can command my silence — for 
 ever if it pleases you. Believe me I presume not on your 
 present situation; — did I address one word that might 
 offend you while you trusted in the protection I was able 
 to afford } ” 
 
 No,” replied Alix, turning on him a look of grateful 
 affection ; no, Claude ; I am to blame to require so 
 much of you, — nay, why should I longer deceive you and 
 myself by feigning an indifference which is so far from 
 my heart? I need not, — I do not hesitate to tell you 
 that you are dear to me ; and that all the anxiety which 
 you have experienced has been shared by me since our last, 
 nay — since our first meeting.” 
 
 Generous, beloved Alix ! ” cried he, pressing to his 
 heart the hand she extended to him, do not then again 
 expose yourself to a separation fraught with danger, — let 
 
318 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 me be your guard — your protector, with none to question 
 my right. The President will pardon the step you have 
 taken, since it secures his daughter’s safety.’^ 
 
 But my fatal promise ! ” cried Alix, turning pale. 
 
 It was extorted under circumstances of such horror 
 that its fulfilment were profanation. Think not of it for 
 a moment — let not the remembrance of the vile Bianco 
 disturb your tranquillity — you will be safe from him ; 
 we will live far from the Court, and all its dangers and 
 vices.’’ 
 
 But, Claude,” said Alix, I cannot abandon my 
 father, and he will not give up the fatal fascination which 
 dwells round the abode of royalty. Alas ! he is not like 
 De Hommet ; and our being Protestants is a bar that ” 
 
 Dwell not, I entreat,” said her lover, on the diffi- 
 culties that surround us : — think, dearest Alix, of your 
 safety, and accept the protection of one who, however 
 powerless in some respects, has at least a life to devote to 
 you ! ” 
 
 Believe me not,” she answered, smiling through her 
 tears, so unworthy of your attachment as to consider 
 such a reason necessary. My happiness and my safety 
 depend equally on you, and dowerless and persecuted, I am 
 but too unfitting a bride for one so generous and noble.” 
 
 Claude at length succeeded in convincing her that there 
 could be no possible objection to their union, and his 
 ardent imagination, seeing nothing in the future but bright 
 prospects, passed over all the dark shadows which were but 
 too conspicuous in the foreground of the picture. 
 
 Belcastel and his intended bride heard with extreme 
 pleasure that the day of their marriage was to be that of 
 Alix and Claude ; and De Hommet had neither power 
 nor inclination to refuse such a reward to one of the 
 deliverers of La Rochelle. 
 
 The happiness of the bridal party would have been com- 
 plete, but that the sad loss of the two children of De 
 Hommet had left a melancholy on the minds of all, which 
 they could not banish. The eldest of the children, a boy 
 of six years of age, had been the pride and delight of his 
 parents, and was called the little rival of Claude, so 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 319 
 
 attached had he become to Alix during her stay ; the 
 other was a girl about three years old^ and a remarkably 
 lovely, engaging child. Their nurse was a country girl 
 from Croisic in Brittany, and greatly attached to them. 
 All trace had been lost of their fate : the ruins were so ex- 
 tensive, that to dig amongst them was a work of time, and 
 the confusion of the whole town was so great that the 
 search had been abandoned. 
 
 De Hommet was gazing from the walls one morning, 
 with a sad heart, recalling to his mind a thousand little 
 traits of his beloved and lost children, when he observed a 
 small sail approaching the sands at the foot of the tower 
 from which he leaned. He watched it carelessly as it 
 struggled through the waters and reached the shore, when 
 a sound caught his ear which he never hoped to hear 
 again — the sound of his own name in the accents of his 
 son. He rushed down the stairs — flew towards the boat, 
 and at the same moment clasped in his arms his two lost 
 children, while their nurse stood sobbing by his side. A 
 brief explanation was soon given of their rescue by a fishing 
 boat, which bore them safely oflP in the midst of the fray, 
 and the overjoyed father, hurrying with his recovered 
 treasure to the abode of Lesseline, spread joy and wonder 
 round. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE courtier’s FATE. 
 
 “ And wee’ll have hawkes and wee’ll have houndes 
 To cover our intent, 
 
 And wee’ll awaye to the green forest 
 As we a hunting went.” 
 
 Marriage of Sir Gawain. 
 
 Les plus heureux portoient envie 
 Aux felicites de ma vie; 
 
 Mais maintenant que je suis mort — 
 
 Oh que Fortune est variable ! 
 
 II n’y a nul si miserable 
 Qui voulut envier mon sort. 
 
 Epitaphe dujeune La Mole. 
 
 During the progress of the Court towards St. Germain, 
 the indications of revolt among the Huguenots were so 
 
320 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 clearly manifested^ and their opinions so boldly avowed, 
 that suspicions were excited in the King's mind that they 
 had unknown resources, and looked with confidence to 
 leaders whose power they could not doubt. 
 
 The Duke of Anjou, for so Francis the youngest brother 
 of the King was now called, had in fact placed himself at 
 the head of a third party, who, while they acted in concert 
 with the Huguenots, had their private views of aggran- 
 disement and revenge. They called themselves Malcon- 
 contens or Politiques, because the party was composed of 
 all those who conceived themselves to have been ill-treated 
 by the Court, and because their professed aim was to 
 reform the abuses of government. 
 
 La None, under pretence of a religious ceremony which 
 was to take place at La Rochelle, determined the inhabi- 
 tants — who, wearied with long contentions, were at first 
 undecided as to whether or not they should enter into any 
 new scheme — to accept him once more as their guide. 
 Under his directions their walls were repaired, their 
 magazines replenished, and La None was unanimously 
 declared governor of their town, as well as of all the places 
 in Poitou, Saintonge, and the Angoumois attached to the 
 Protestant interest. 
 
 All their measures were taken with caution and judgment, 
 and it was agreed that a body of cavalry should be ready 
 near St. Germain, where the Court was by this time 
 assembled, in order to carry off, as if by force, the Duke 
 of Anjou, who should immediately be placed at the head 
 of affairs. Everything appeared to wear a favourable 
 aspect, when, through the indiscreet advice of La Mole, 
 the Duke, weak and unstable, was induced to alter the 
 arrangement, and the plan was abandoned. 
 
 Catherine had seen the necessity of amusing the minds 
 of those about her, and knowing the weakness of her son, 
 and the fondness for dissipation of her Court, she had 
 announced a series of fetes to be given in honour of the 
 King of Poland’s election. 
 
 The Queen of Navarre was to preside over the fes- 
 tivities which were to take place at St. Germain, and La 
 Mole, whose favour with D’Anjou and his party had lately 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 321 
 
 become very great, could not make up his mind to relinquish 
 the satisfaction his vanity derived from being distinguished 
 by the public regard of Marguerite_, to which he had so 
 long aspired. He hesitated not to sacrifice the interests of 
 his party to his selfish gratification, and prevailed on the 
 easy Duke to relinquish his design of joining the Huguenots 
 till after the fetes were over. 
 
 Rene, had readily undertaken the Queen’s commission 
 to discover the secret workers in the suspected plot. He 
 attached himself to La Mole with all the assiduity of which 
 his servile nature was capable, and without much difficulty 
 contrived to lull his suspicions, while he pretended to act 
 in concert with Ruggieri, to forward the views of gallantry 
 or ambition of the thoughtless and vicious courtier. The 
 certain information which he had contrived to obtain re- 
 specting the Protestant plot was the cause of Catherine’s 
 present scheme, and, as she had hoped, all fell into the 
 snare. 
 
 The entertainments were as usual of the most splendid 
 description, and lasted several days. 
 
 Late on the evening of the second, Rene and the King 
 met in a covered walk in the gardens of the palace, and the 
 former received his employer’s directions relative to a new 
 attempt to be made on La Mole’s life. Charles, being ig- 
 norant of his mother’s intentions, thought this a fitting 
 time to execute his purpose, and Rene, though aware of the 
 mode of action meditated by the Queen, was willing to 
 make sure of his victim at once, rather than trust to the 
 uncertain conclusion of a state trial, which, in fact, awaited 
 the treasonable proceedings of La Mole. 
 
 Rene,” said the King, this minion must not escape 
 me again. La Mole shall die, if my own hands must do 
 the deed.” 
 
 It shall not need,” answered Rene; Cruce the 
 butcher, whom your grace knows to be a sure hand, will 
 be here anon with the cords ; and he will be strangled 
 quickly, and thought to have died from the effects of too 
 forcible carousing.” 
 
 This is well,” said Charles eagerly, I did not care to 
 
 Y 
 
322 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 have the dagger used — I wish not to see more blood — and 
 poison is not always sure, methinks.” 
 
 Rene smiled as he looked on the fragile fading form of 
 the King, and thought differently. 
 
 Would this fellow were come,” continued Charles, 
 looking down one of the alleys — then suddenly shrinking, 
 he added, “^he is advancing — you say he does not know 
 me.” 
 
 No,” replied Bianco, he imagines your Grace one 
 of our party ; be not startled at his conversation ; he 
 is brutal and coarse, but one on whom we may depend.” 
 Charles muffled himself in his mantle, and though the 
 night was mild he shivered violently. Cruce, the hero of 
 the massacre of St. Bartholomew, presently approached : 
 he held in his hand a coil of rope, and walked towards 
 them with an indifferent air. 
 
 This is poor work,’’ said he to Rene. Why employ the 
 cord when the stab would do as well } This is against my 
 practice, though I understand for that matter one as well 
 as the other. Captain Florio, who has been a great tra- 
 veller, has taught me a trick or two of the Indians with 
 the cord, and I begin rather to take to it. One has only 
 to go softly behind one’s man, and check ! he’s throttled 
 at once.” As he spoke he suited his words with action, 
 coming near the King, who shrank appalled, and his cheek 
 became paler as he faltered, addressing himself to Rene, in 
 a low voice : 
 
 Let us come this way ; La Mole must pass through 
 this passage as he returns from my mother’s to Anjou’s 
 apartments, where the rebels are now scheming mischief.” 
 
 ‘‘ If our man be an Huguenot,” said Cruce, there is 
 little need of three of us. Leave him to me, for I have 
 had practice among them of late. Why, in one day I 
 killed eighty,” added he, striking the King on the shoulder, 
 who started with a guilty shudder from his touch. 
 
 Rene interposing, exclaimed, Ay, master Thomas, but 
 this is no Huguenot with whom we have to deal. May 
 one not find enemies amongst the faithful ? ” 
 
 ‘^Oh, that may be,” answered his brutal associate : for 
 
 that matter, my conscience is not nice, witness for one the 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 323 
 
 old canon of Notre Dame, Rouillard, who, good Catholic as 
 he was, got not out of my house in the melee for an ancient 
 grudge I owed him.'’ 
 
 Rene laughed, and Charles joined in the merriment. 
 Comrade,” said Cruce, after a long pause, in which 
 all parties seemed to grow impatient, ‘^have you heard of 
 this waxen image which they say has been made of the 
 King by La Mole, to betwitch him ? He wont live long, 
 that’s easily seen ; and they say, as it melts away before a 
 slow fire, he’ll die by inches — the heart is pierced with 
 pins and ” 
 
 A groan from Charles interrupted him, while Bianco 
 quickly interposed — 
 
 Plush ! ” said he, for as he held the King’s arm he 
 observed that he trembled violently ; speak not, or we 
 frighten away our game.” 
 
 While this scene was passing in one part of the gardens, 
 the object of this secret ambush, on descending the stairs 
 from the Queen’s apartment, was met by a page, whose 
 mysterious gestures invited him to pause. 
 
 My Lord,” said the youth, I am commissioned to 
 bid you seek the casement of a chamber at the south side 
 of the palace, where you will in due time be admitted, and 
 learn things which much concern your welfare.” 
 
 How ? ” said La Mole ; by what token may I know 
 whether or not to trust you ? ” 
 
 By this,” said the page, putting into his hand a silver 
 marguerite or daisy : fail not, as you value the favour 
 
 of her who wore it.” 
 
 La Mole instantly recognised the flower, worn as an 
 emblem by the young Queen of Navarre, and giving the 
 page a reward, hastened towards the spot which had been 
 indicated to him, his heart swelling with pride and exul- 
 tation at the honour conferred on him by the illustrious 
 lady who thus proved her sensibility to his devotion. 
 
 He hurried along occupied with a thousand pleasing 
 thoughts, and was soon at the opposite end of the palace 
 to that occupied by the Duke of Anjou and himself, and 
 thus avoiding, however, unconsciously, the snare prepared 
 for him by King Charles. 
 
 Y 2 
 
324 < 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 The night was now dark, and the dying illuminations 
 served but to render the gloom deeper. He approached 
 the window, hut no light was to be seen ; no appearance 
 indicated that his visit was expected. For some time he 
 remained patiently leaning against a pillar, watching anx- 
 iously for a signal which should inform him that his vi- 
 cinity was known to those within. 
 
 At length a gleam of light broke through the casement 
 above, and he saw it descending till it shone beneath a 
 doorway near where he was stationed. The door slowly 
 unclosed, and a female figure cautiously looked out : he 
 approached, and, being recognised, was desired to follow. 
 He did so, and found himself conducted through a range of 
 apartments to one where, his guide pausing, the arras was 
 drawn back, and he stood in the presence of Marguerite de 
 Valois. The romance which he had been cherishing in 
 his mind as he pursued his way, vanished instantly on ob- 
 serving the air of severity with which the Princess received 
 him, and he saw that two of her ladies were in attendance 
 on her. She blushed slightly, as she addressed these words 
 to him, — 
 
 My Lord, I have required your presence here in order 
 to obtain information from you on a subject which involves 
 not only your own safety, but that of others in whom I 
 am interested. You must answer me without reserve, as 
 I am actuated by a desire to serve you ; and on your con- 
 fidence in my good intentions much depends.'’ 
 
 La Mole, alarmed by the unusual gravity of the Prin- 
 cess, whom he had left but a short time before all smiles 
 and gaiety, answered by professions of sincerity, and en- 
 treaties to be honoured by her commands. 
 
 The Duke my brother, and the King of Navarre,’^ 
 said she, are suspected of treasonous designs towards the 
 King. What know you of their intentions 
 
 La Mole, assuming all the effrontery of his nature, re- 
 plied, Your Highness is deceived, and amazes me by the 
 question ” 
 
 He was interrupted by Marguerite — You are Anjou’s 
 friend, and, doubtless, his confidant ; it is useless, there- 
 fore, to affect ignorance of his plans. I will, however. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 325 
 
 spare your conscience the necessity of equivocation^ and 
 tell you at once that all is known, that danger will ensue ; 
 — his movements are watched ; and but a few hours are 
 left to escape the consequences of his imprudence. Rug- 
 gieri is artful, and Rene is your foe. A late affair, in 
 which the latter considers himself wronged by you' — the 
 Princess uttered these words with angry emphasis, — 
 ^^has induced him to seek your destruction." 
 
 Is it possible, madam," said La Mole, much mortified 
 to find his adventures so well known to the Princess, — 
 that a mistake, a trifle like that can occasion his anger ? 
 
 I assure your Highness that the female in question 
 
 I require no explanation on that head," said Mar- 
 guerite haughtily, — ^^all I desire to know is, — have you, 
 in conjunction with Ruggieri, made a waxen figure with 
 the intent to injure the health of the King?" 
 
 La Mole started : — What do I hear ? " cried he. 
 Can your Highness conceive so improbable an idea ? " 
 Satisfy me instantly, La Mole," exclaimed the Prin- 
 cess passionately ; if it be true that you have practised 
 against the life or health of my brother, I renounce all wish, 
 all attempt to save you." 
 
 La Mole, struck with her impetuosity, and dreading 
 some hidden danger for which he was unprepared; aware 
 also of Marguerite's character for generosity, added to a 
 hope he entertained that he was not indifferent to her, ven- 
 tured to say : If your Highness would condescend to 
 
 allow me a few moment's private audience I should be able 
 satisfactorily to explain what I am not at liberty to disclose 
 to others." 
 
 Marguerite hesitated, but at length desired her attendants 
 to withdraw to the adjoining closet; and La Mole, now 
 without witnesses, spoke as follows : 
 
 If the most presumptuous of mortals may hope for 
 pardon from one endowed with beauty and graces unpa- 
 ralleled, I would disclose to your Highness a secret which 
 I hoped to have concealed from all the world. 
 
 It is indeed true that a waxen image has been made 
 by Ruggieri and myself, and that I have dared to utter 
 prayers and charms before it ; but it was to answer a far 
 Y 3 
 
326 
 
 CATHERINE HR MEDICIS ! 
 
 different purpose than that of which I am accused — it 
 was to melt a heart as hard as its possessor is fair, to ren- 
 der propitious to the vows of the truest of lovers, a peerless 
 lady, who 
 
 How ! ’’ said Marguerite, colouring deeply, and in 
 much agitation, I knew your Lordship’s heart was ever 
 open to new impressions ; but I deemed not such means 
 necessary to secure the affections of one.” 
 
 This one, madam,” said the courtier, is superior to all 
 the beauties that exist, and so exalted above my humble 
 state, that nothing less than a miracle could make her cast 
 her eyes my way.” 
 
 Name her instantly,” said Marguerite, trembling. 
 
 Ah, Madam!” cried La Mole, falling at her feet, and 
 looking on her with an expression of despairing submission, 
 — it is La fleur des fieurs — la choix des Marguerites 
 Is it indeed so?” exclaimed the Princess, recovering 
 her breath, which, in an agony of offended pride and in- 
 sulted dignity, she had withheld ; — and does the Queen 
 of Navarre hear this avowal ? Rise, my Lord,” added she 
 in a haughty tone, and know that this presumption is as 
 unwelcome as it is unlooked for.” 
 
 No, madam,” said he, still prostrate at her feet, I 
 rise not till your lips pronounce my pardon. When Rudel 
 lay dead at the feet of his beloved lady, did she frown, did 
 she spurn him from her ? — And am I not dead to hope, 
 even like that unfortunate troubadour? You caused my 
 fault, therefore you owe me pardon. Oh ! pardon, gracious 
 mistress !” 
 
 These words were spoken in accents of the deepest 
 feeling, and with an air of profound respect, as well as 
 hopeless sorrow. Marguerite allowed herself to he satisfied 
 by them, and suffered him to rise with an assurance of her 
 forgiveness ; which she accorded in consideration of his 
 not having entertained a design to injure her royal brother. 
 She obtained from him the avowal of his connection with 
 the Duke of Anjou’s conspiracy. 
 
 And now,” said she, as she summoned her attendants, 
 know from me that the Princes are suspected by the 
 Queen-mother ; that she waits but the completion of the 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 327 
 
 festivities to seize on their persons ; and that their only- 
 chance of safety is^ under some pretence^ to withdraw as 
 early as possible from the Courts and escape whither they 
 can. You must follow their example ; but in the mean- 
 time, go not to-night to the Duke’s apartments, — I know 
 from sure authority that ruffians are stationed in the garden 
 with an intent to assassinate you. Remain concealed here 
 till morning ; and, as soon as day is risen, hasten to the 
 Duke with the counsel you have just received.” 
 
 At these words she withdrew, leaving La Mole overcome 
 with surprise and consternation. He followed the atten- 
 dants, who conducted him to a chamber, and throwing 
 himself on a couch, passed the hours in anxious doubt and 
 uneasy foreboding. 
 
 Meanwhile the long night wore on, and the King’s im- 
 patience began to exceed all bounds. The weather had 
 changed : it was cold ; and the damps of night struck him 
 with a shivering chill, fevered as he was with excited 
 feelings, and weak from long indisposition. At length, all 
 thoughts of the arrival of their victim began to fade ; and, 
 as grey morning dawned, Charles, unable longer to endure 
 the nervous agitation he felt, quitted his confederates, and, 
 directing them to remain till daylight, he, with faltering 
 steps, returned to his own apartment. 
 
 The next day La Mole allowed the morning to be but 
 little advanced before he visited the Duke of Anjou, to 
 whom he recounted the adventure of the preceding night ; 
 and, alarming his fears of impending danger, it was im- 
 mediately resolved that, under pretence of hunting, the two 
 Princes accompanied by La Mole, the Count de Coconnas, 
 and several other noblemen, should, without loss of time, 
 attempt an escape. 
 
 Their horses were got ready with as little delay as pos- 
 sible, and without arms, to avoid suspicion, they prepared 
 for their expedition ; when a message was suddenly de- 
 livered to them from the Queen-mother, desiring them to 
 attend till she should join their party, as she proposed 
 having the pleasure of hunting with them. However an- 
 noyed at this delay, they were obliged to consent with a good 
 grace, and, in a short time, Catherine and several of her ladies 
 
 Y 4 
 
328 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICTS ; 
 
 were ready to set out. The cavalcade quitted the palace^ 
 and proceeded on its way ; the two Princes^ and those of 
 their party, casting uneasy glances on each other as they 
 rode along, each revolving in his mind some means of 
 evading the keen suspicions of the wily Catherine. 
 
 They had entered the woods, and the chase commenced. 
 It was then that the leaders of the party determined to 
 make a desperate effort ; and, setting spurs to their horses, 
 they darted through the avenues, and were soon lost to the 
 sight of the Queen and her attendants. 
 
 The opposite borders of the wood were now almost 
 gained, and they began to breathe freely, when to their asto- 
 nishment and dismay they found themselves suddenly sur- 
 rounded by a troop of armed men ,* some of whom, advancing 
 and seizing the reins of the foremost, exclaimed, My Lords, 
 her Grace and her party have commanded us to conduct 
 you hack to them, — the speed of your horses has occasioned 
 such alarm in their minds, that it is only your immediate 
 return that can assure them of your safety. Let none at- 
 tempt to continue the chase under pain of her Grace’s dis- 
 pleasure.’* 
 
 Though these words were pronounced in a respectful 
 tone, it was but too evident that they covered a deeper 
 meaning, and the appearance of the troop showed the in- 
 utility of resistance; the Princes were therefore reluctantly 
 compelled to turn their horses’ heads and rejoin the Queen ; 
 who, instead of returning to St. Germain, expressed her in- 
 tention of proceeding immediately to Vincennes, for which 
 place the King and all his suite had already set out. 
 
 Arrived at the castle, Catherine summoned the Duke and 
 the King of Navarre to a private audience ; and there ad- 
 dressing them in a severe tone, she informed them that 
 they had not in future her permission to quit the apart- 
 ments they occupied. 
 
 How, madam,” said the Duke, are we prisoners 
 then without having committed any crime ?” 
 
 Anjou,” replied the Queen, ‘^attempt not to deceive 
 me; your wit is of too poor a nature. I know well all your 
 schemes. Reply not, — you have gone too far, and deserve 
 to suffer ; but I would not have my son, nor the husband 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 329 
 
 of my daughter disgraced. Remain passive in this business, 
 and no harm shall reach you. You will be too well 
 guarded to escape ; therefore I counsel you not to attempt 
 it. For the traitors whom you have encouraged to rebel- 
 lion they shall pay the forfeit of their crime."’ 
 
 In vain did Anjou and Henry entreat her mercy for 
 their companions. Resolved and unshaken, Catherine 
 smiled at their vehemence, and dismissed them without 
 affording the slightest hope to their anxious demands. 
 
 The destination of their associates was what might 
 have been anticipated from the characters of Charles and 
 his mother.' They had determined to make single ex- 
 amples of the culprits, and all on whom suspicion rested 
 were forthwith conducted under a strong guard to the 
 prisons of the grand chatelet. It was there that La Mole 
 was delivered over to the governor of this place of confine- 
 ment, and by him consigned to the jailor as a prisoner 
 accused of high treason, who was to await his trial. 
 
 The accomplished and refined courtier heard himself 
 addressed by a coarse-looking man, of brutal appearance, 
 who inquired of the governor into what dungeon he should 
 conduct the prisoner. He was desired to consult the 
 party concerned, and turned his inquiries on La Mole. 
 
 I have accommodation,” said he, for all ranks ; tell 
 me, therefore, on which list you choose to be placed.” 
 
 Conduct me where you will,” said the unfortunate 
 courtier : I am perfectly indifferent” 
 
 Then you are a fool for your pains,” growled the 
 jailor, “^for when there is good choice one may be nice — 
 qui a des noix il en casse, qui nen a il s en passe. Now, 
 mark me ; in this, our palace, there are, besides many not 
 worth boasting of, ten chambers, as comfortable as any I 
 would wish to place a Christian gentleman in ; if, indeed, 
 you are a Jew or a Huguenot, I can’t promise you much; 
 but for a person of condition, look you, there is, first, La 
 Salle,” — he continued to enumerate them, counting on his 
 fingers — La Motte, Les Chaines, Beauvoir, Les Bouche- 
 ries, Beaumont, La Grieche, Beauvais, Barbarie, and 
 Gloriette. For six deniers a night you have a good bed, 
 and all your heart can desire, paying every day, for the 
 trouble I take in attending to you, the sum of ” 
 
330 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 Silence/’ said La Mole, impatiently, ^^take me to the 
 best of your horrible abodes, and cease this impertinent 
 clamour ; there will be no demur about your gains.” 
 
 Truly, my dainty minion,” muttered the man, as he 
 sullenly led the way, you may thank me for not taking 
 you to the Fin d’Aise, or the Chausse d’Hypocras, where 
 we let down the prisoners through a hole, like a bucket 
 into a well ; methinks ’tis a place good enough.” 
 
 Once arrived in the miserable receptacle allotted to him. 
 La Mole abandoned himself to all the horrors of despair. 
 He well knew the implacable character of Catherine, and 
 the certainty of being sacrificed to her fondness for the 
 King of Poland, against whose interest the plot in which 
 he had been engaged was directed ; he knew, also, the 
 hatred borne him by Charles, and was aware of the nu- 
 merous failures the latter had experienced in his attempts 
 to rid himself of a detested object ; and he saw clearly 
 that his doom was sealed, while in the bitterness of his 
 heart he cursed the authors of the plot, and himself for 
 having consented to enter into it. Remorse for the cruel- 
 ties he had committed, which had never before found 
 entrance into his mind, now asserted its sway, and all the 
 blackness of his crimes cast their huge shadows around 
 him ; his ears rung with the cries of his dying victims, — 
 mangled and ghastly forms seemed to flit before his eyes, 
 and he cast himself on the floor of his dungeon, uttering 
 loud and frantic shrieks. 
 
 The trial of this vain and unfortunate man followed 
 soon after. Great stress was laid on the discovery of the 
 waxen image, and as his fate was determined beforehand, 
 he was at once condemned. The courage which had for- 
 saken him in his prison returned not at the final moment ; 
 terror deprived him of all power to kiss the sacred symbol 
 offered to him, and his last words were a strange medley 
 of the devotion he had been accustomed to practise, and 
 the gallantry which habit had rendered natural to him. 
 
 May the Father and the blessed Virgin,” he exclaimed, 
 ‘‘ have mercy on my soul ! — commend me to the Queen 
 of Navarre, and to the ladies.” 
 
 Violent tremblings and torrents of tears accompanied 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 331 
 
 him to his execution, and after his death it was discovered 
 that he wore a shirt of Our Lady of Chartres, which had 
 always formed part of his dress, as it was his hope that by 
 this means he should secure the Divine blessing, in the 
 midst of all the sins which he was in the daily habit of 
 committing. 
 
 La Mole suffered not the punishment of treason alone ; 
 the death of his companion, the hardened and unfeeling 
 Coconnas, followed immediately after ; and the trial of both 
 these courtiers brought to light an infinity of circum- 
 stances, involving the safety of many persons on whom no 
 suspicion had fallen. Among others, Rene, ever watchful 
 of his own ends, was careful to bring forward proof to cri- 
 minate Ruggieri. He contrived this, however, so craftily 
 and secretly, that the Queen mother was ignorant of the 
 fact of his being accused, and the victim himself, though 
 he could not but entertain suspicion of the real author of 
 his misfortune, could obtain no certainty, and was stag- 
 gered in his opinion by the apparent frankness and friendly 
 manner of his enemy, who visited him in prison, and 
 offered him all the alleviation possible for him to bestow. 
 
 The judgment of the Courts condemned him to the 
 galleys, after having publicly undergone the punishment of 
 the pillory. 
 
 The day was fixed for the infliction of this ignominious 
 sentence, and Rene exulted in the success of his schemes 
 of vengeance. 
 
 The state of the King’s health prevented his removal 
 from Vincennes ; but the Queen-mother, on the very day 
 in question, made a journey into Paris, being anxious not 
 to leave that city too long without her presence in these 
 times of rebellion and confusion. She had made some 
 progress through the streets, when suddenly the cries and 
 exclamations of the people became so loud and violent as to 
 alarm her. In spite of all the address of Rene, who 
 trembled lest she should discover the truth, and who had 
 in vain endeavoured to prevent her ill-timed visit, Ca- 
 therine insisted on the cavalcade stopping, and the cause of 
 the tumult being ascertained. An officer rode up, and in- 
 formed her that it was in consequence of a criminal being 
 dragged to punishment for having been concerned in the 
 
332 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 late rebellion, and in forming the figure of virgin wax for 
 the culprit La Mole, with an intent to take away the 
 King’s life. 
 
 How ! exclaimed Catherine, turning pale ; are 
 there then more subjects so vile ? Who is this monster ? 
 
 The officer hesitated, knowing the rank Ruggieri had 
 held in her favour, and, conceiving that he suffered with 
 her knowledge, dreading to offend by reminding her of his 
 unworthiness. 
 
 The Queen turned on him an angry glance. Must I 
 ask twice cried she. “ Who is this wretch ?’* 
 
 May it please your Grace,’' answered the officer, it 
 is Cosmo Ruggieri, the Florentine.” 
 
 The eyes of the Queen -mother flashed fire ; she turned 
 her stern and angry countenance towards Rene, who 
 attended by her carriage door. 
 
 False slave I” said she, did you not tell me Cosmo 
 was absent visiting a sick relation? You knew of his 
 danger, and apprised me not of it. Go, instantly, and 
 command his release in my name ; go,” she repeated, 
 vehemently ; you, Rene, you shall be the instrument of 
 saving him whom you would have injured.” 
 
 Her impatient signal was obeyed by Bianco, who, 
 finding that matters had taken a turn so unfavourable to 
 his wishes, conceived it advisable to submit with a good 
 grace ; without, therefore, attempting to utter a word of 
 excuse, he hurried forward to the place of execution. 
 
 There existed in Paris several pillories ; that at which 
 Cosmo was to be exposed was in the Halles, not far from 
 an ancient fountain. Its form was octagon, lantern- 
 shaped, and open on all sides, and, like most of the 
 buildings at that period, presented in its architecture a 
 degree of elegance scarcely suited to its purpose. The open 
 sides were finished by pointed arches, and the crockets 
 which adorned it were gracefully fashioned. This upper 
 part of the building was of wood, and its high pointed roof 
 was surmounted by a vane. The immense lantern turned 
 on a pivot, being fixed on a tower of solid masonry, be- 
 side which sheds were erected. The culprit, whose head 
 and hands were placed in the receptacles for them, w^as 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 333 
 
 occasionally whirled round in his elevated position^ in 
 order that the mob might have a better view of him. 
 
 In this plight stood Cosmo Ruggieri^ the favourite of 
 the Queen^ when Rene^ pressing through the crowds called 
 aloud to the magistrates to suspend the execution of his 
 punishment in her Majesty’s name. 
 
 Much to the disappointment of the mob^ who uttered 
 unqualified expressions of their contempt and hatred of 
 the Italian favourites as a body^ and their royal mistress 
 herself, whose popularity was decreasing every day^ the 
 order which Rene brought was obeyed, and the astrologer 
 released from his degrading station, and carried into a 
 chamber beneath. Here Rene endeavoured to persuade 
 him that he had been the cause of his release, and had in- 
 duced Catherine to come to Paris with no other view than 
 by her presence to deliver him from the dangerous position 
 in which he had only just discovered him to be. 
 
 My good friend,” said Rene, I rely on you to set 
 the matter right with the Queen, who most unjustly sup- 
 poses that I have not exerted myself to serve you. You 
 know with what zeal I have attempted your rescue, and 
 how often I have visited you in your calamity.” 
 
 It is true,” said Cosmo, grateful for his release, and 
 confused with the rapidity of events, and I will take 
 care to represent it to Catherine.” 
 
 Rene, with exultation in his eye, conducted the rescued 
 prisoner to the Queen^s carriage, attended by guards, who 
 kept him from the violence of the shouting mob. Cathe- 
 rine ordered Ruggieri to be placed in a litter belonging to 
 some of her suite, and condescended to listen to the excul- 
 pation which Bianco with much eloquence attempted. 
 
 She appeared to be satisfied with his account, but saw 
 clearly enough the real state of the case, and inwardly re- 
 solved to take an opportunity of mortifying him while she 
 gratified his rival. However, harmony seemed to be re- 
 stored, and the whole party returned to Vincennes, more 
 or less satisfied with the adventure of the day. 
 
334 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 A DEATH-BED. 
 
 “ II n’est Roy, Empereur, Due, Conte, 
 
 Qui ne soit sujet k la mort, 
 
 Et qui ne faille rendre conte * 
 
 De ce qu’il a fait droit ou tort.” — Martial de Paris. 
 
 When Charles the Ninth entered the Chateau of Vin- 
 cennes he was so much excited with feelings of gratified 
 hate, finding as he did all his enemies in his power^ that 
 he boasted of his health being quite re-established, and 
 talked of a thousand schemes for the future. His attached 
 nursej however, vras of a different opinion, and saw with 
 grief that he was daily wasting away : his flashes of spirit 
 and animation were succeeded by fits of deep despondency ; 
 his dreams were feverish, and his waking fearful. 
 
 One day he would insist on hunting, and would exert 
 his strength and energies to the utmost ; the next he 
 would be quite subdued, and unable to attend to business 
 of any description. He loved the society of his sister 
 Marguerite, but the name of his brother Henry seemed to 
 give him a pang of agony. He trembled when his mother 
 approached him, and avoided her as much as possible. At 
 first, when his sister ventured to entreat his clemency for 
 the two princes detained as prisoners in the chateau, he 
 became so irritated that she feared to renew the subject. 
 She wearied herself in devising schemes for their release, 
 and as she was permitted to go and come at all times, and 
 visit the captives without question, in consequence of the 
 information she had before given of their intended evasion, 
 she resolved to make an attempt to rescue them. 
 
 She was sometimes accompanied by one of her ladies, 
 when she visited the royal prisoners, and the guard did not 
 attempt to examine them nor make them take off their 
 masks. La Torigni, her favourite lady, and she, therefore, 
 thought it possible so to disguise one of the Princes, as that 
 he might return with her dressed as a female. 
 
 When they entered the chamber in which they were 
 confined together, she could not help being amused at their 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 335 
 
 occupation : they had several quails which they were flying 
 from one end of the long corridor which led from their 
 room to the other, and betting with great earnestness as to 
 which would reach the extremity first. 
 
 Alas ! said Marguerite, unable to repress a smile, 
 this is sorry amusement for two Princes like you, who 
 should be chasing the stag in yonder forest/’ 
 
 True, Marguerite,” replied Anjou, but we are 
 obliged to be content with smaller game, you see, and I 
 assure you it is very entertaining.” 
 
 Henry sighed, and gazed mournfully from the window. 
 
 I have a plan,” said Marguerite, which, if you in- 
 stantly adopt, you may be soon in a condition to resume 
 your old sports. Let one of you dress yourself in the 
 mantle, robe, and mask of La Torigni, and come with me 
 back to my coach ; no one will question us, and you may 
 thus be able to escape.” 
 
 How, Marguerite,” said Henry, would you expose 
 yourself to such a risk for our sake? — it must not be.” 
 
 He took her hand kindly — she trembled, and the tears 
 started to her eyes. 
 
 It must,” she replied; there is no danger for me; 
 Charles will readily forgive my part in this ; and for my 
 mother, as I never have her grace, I can be no worse off. 
 Lose no time, 1 entreat you — I name neither, but I im- 
 plore that one of you prepare to follow' me.” 
 
 La Torigni had, in the meantime, taken off her veil, 
 mantle, and mask. 
 
 ^^Go, Anjou,” exclaimed Henry, ^^let it be you to tempt 
 this venture.” 
 
 What ! and leave you to meet the fate, perhaps, of 
 La Mole and the rest,” cried Anjou ; no, Henry, your 
 life is of more consequence to the party than my own. 
 Fly to La Rochelle — they are already prepared — myriads 
 will flock to your standard, and I will find some other 
 means of escape.” 
 
 There is no other, my dear friend,” said Henry ; 
 Marguerite s plan is the best, but delay may ruin us. 
 Hasten you to England to your royal bride elect — she will 
 assist you with men and money. I will trust again to 
 
3S6 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 my wife for assistance^, and we sball^ perhaps^ soon meet 
 again.” 
 
 If it must he,” returned Anjou_, give me your robe 
 my pretty Torigni^ and let me try how I shall play the 
 demoiselle.’’ 
 
 Laughing, in spite of their fears, the party prepared to 
 array the Duke in his disguise. Henry’s kind and grate- 
 ful tone towards her, made the heart of Marguerite bound 
 with hope and delight. He will love me, after all,” she 
 said to herself, and happy years may yet be in store 
 for me.” 
 
 Anjou was nearly equipped, and La Torigni was co- 
 quettishly teaching him how to bear himself, and receiving 
 his instructions in return how to wear his cloak and shade 
 her eyes with his bonnet and feather, when a step was 
 heard in the outer chamber, the door was thrown open, 
 and the Queen-mother and Madame de Sauves stood be- 
 fore them. 
 
 You are merry maskers,” said the Queen-mother in a 
 contemptuous tone, but we heard of your pastime and 
 were anxious to join it. Will you suffer us to be of the- 
 party ? ” 
 
 Marguerite summoned all her presence of mind, and 
 endeavoured to turn the whole business into a joke, which 
 the Princes favoured as much as their vexation would 
 allow. However annoyed the young Queen might be at 
 the failure of her project, her distress was heightened by 
 observing the effect produced upon her husband by the 
 entrance of De Sauves. Henry turned red and pale by 
 turns, and retiring with her into a recess of the window, 
 commenced an animated conversation in an under tone, 
 while the Queen-mother kept the Duke and herself em- 
 ployed in listening to her. 
 
 Well, Marguerite,” said she ; I admire your new 
 carriage extremely. You have no idea, Anjou, how gay 
 it is ; the panels are covered with gold, and the enamelled 
 flower border is exquisite round the portieres. It is lined 
 with yellow velvet, embroidered in silver in the most 
 graceful Grecian pattern. But I desired it to be driven 
 away, as I thought we would go together to the forest to 
 see the hunting.” 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 337 
 
 As your Grace desires/' said Marguerite, colouring ; 
 for she saw through the Queen's meaning. 
 
 De Sauves will kindly amuse the Princes/' she said, 
 till my return ; and, Torigni, you can await us here — 
 be as witty and gay as possible, that they may not regret 
 our absence or the interruption of the masque." 
 
 So saying, they separated according to Catherine’s ar- 
 rangement, who did not deign to notice to her daughter 
 the discovery she had made of the plan for the escape of 
 one of her prisoners. Marguerite exerted herself to appear 
 ill her usual spirits ; and, as there were several ladies in 
 the Queen’s coach, her confusion was, she hoped, unob- 
 served by her mother. After a miserable drive through 
 the forest she returned ; and, being joined by La Torigni, 
 hid herself in her own apartments dispirited and wretched. 
 
 Meantime the conversation which had taken place be- 
 tween Henry and the artful object of his admiration was 
 far from conducing to the interests of Marguerite. De 
 Sauves, who had by her spies obtained information of the 
 part the Princess had taken from policy in preventing their 
 former escape, represented her conduct in the worst light, 
 and made it appear that her present friendly offer was a 
 scheme to draw them into some imprudence, and make a 
 merit with the King of betraying them, as she had done 
 before. 
 
 Henry, though his amiable nature made it difficult to 
 him to believe so much treachery existed in one whose 
 good qualities he could not but have observed, was yet 
 biassed by the arguments, and seduced by the affectionate 
 interest shown by De Sauves, and resolved in future to be 
 more guarded than ever, and to avoid all familiar inter- 
 course with the unfortunate wife, who, he felt, was forced 
 upon him in the first instance by a stratagem, the effects of 
 which he could never reflect on without horror. 
 
 De Sauves continued to visit the Princes in their con- 
 finement, bringing with her several ladies recommended 
 as suitable for their mutual purpose by the Queen-mother; 
 keeping up lively and amusing scenes, which should 
 distract the melancholy thoughts of the captives, and make 
 them forget their plans for the good of their party. She 
 z 
 
338 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 succeeded so well, that both Princes believed themselves 
 chosen as her favourite, and by degrees jealous feelings 
 crept between them and their former friendship ; and, when 
 alone, they seldom spoke together of their private affairs. 
 
 Marguerite, a few days after her futile attempt to 
 release the Princes, was sitting in her chamber, full of 
 mournful thoughts, when Mabille, the King’s nurse, sent 
 word to be allowed to enter. She came with tears in her 
 eyes to tell the Princess that King Charles, who had 
 passed a very bad night, desired her presence. 
 
 He wishes, madam, to see you alone,'* said Mabille ; 
 for he loves you much, and confides in you entirely, and 
 would not have others by at your conference.'* 
 
 Marguerite started up, and, with agitated steps, fol- 
 lowed the nurse by a private way to the chamber of the 
 King. He had not risen ; and she was shocked to 
 observe the hollowness of his eyes, and the livid paleness 
 of his cheeks. A ray of pleasure lighted up his counte- 
 nance as she approached. 
 
 Margot,** he said, I sent for you that I may speak 
 confidentially to one who, alone of all my family, I know to 
 be true. Your husband is a good man, — I know not 
 how one with so good a heart could exist amongst us, for 
 we are all had ; — even you cannot be perfect, Margot, 
 for you are my mother’s daughter. Anjou is weak and 
 wavering : Henry, — he who is King of Poland, and 
 waits impatiently to be King of France, — he is wicked, 
 and will seek your ruin ; tell Henry of Navarre to beware 
 of him. I would fain,*' he added, his mind apparently 
 wandering, they escaped ; my mother told me you tried 
 to effect it — I would you had. They will not be safe 
 here ; I have been made to write — lies — lies — even to 
 the last, and now Margot I am dying. She will soon 
 come — kiss me — she will be a spy on me to the end. 
 I hear her step. Retire : if she knows I sent for you she 
 will suspect something. I am resolved to see Navarre ; 
 send, and let him insist on being admitted.” 
 
 He pushed her from him hastily after having clasped 
 her in his arms, and mingled his tears with hers, for he 
 heard that the Queen -mother approached. Marguerite 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 S39 
 
 returned as quickly as possible to her own apartments, and 
 hurried from thence to those of her husband. She in- 
 formed him of the request of Charles ; and he^ seeing her 
 tears, endeavoured to comfort her, speaking, as was usual 
 with him when uninfluenced by others, kindly and with 
 tenderness. But the sound of his voice when he thus 
 addressed her, while it revived all her fond devotion to- 
 wards him, served but to render her after-moments more 
 unhappy when she reflected that it was merely the kind- 
 ness of his nature which inspired its tone, and not any 
 love for her whom he addressed. 
 
 Henry detained her for a moment as she was about to 
 leave him. 
 
 Marguerite,” said he, I fear I have not sufficiently 
 expressed my gratitude to you for the able defence with 
 which you furnished me in this late sad trial where so 
 many of my friends have perished. I have gained no 
 little credit for my eloquence, which my judges knew not 
 was borrowed; and but for your kind foresight I must 
 have said something to criminate my companions.” 
 
 All my talents, such as they are,” returned Marguerite, 
 I am too happy to dedicate to you ; to serve you is my 
 only wish — alas! would I were more successful! But 
 Charles is in a mood to grant you much — he is, I fear, 
 dying — if I lose him I have no support ! ” 
 
 Her tears flowed afresh. Henry overcome hy her 
 sorrow leant over her chair, and stooping down kissed 
 her forehead. Poor Marguerite ! ” — he said, in so 
 tender a tone that her heart seemed to die away with 
 emotion; she dared not look up, — she stirred not, but 
 remained for some time without speech or motion. VYhen 
 at length she roused herself she found that Henry was 
 gone, and she was alone in his chamber. She approached 
 the table at which he had been sitting, took up one of the 
 gloves he had worn and kissed it, lifted up the book he 
 had been reading, and found this passage marked in the 
 verses of Desportes : — 
 
 “ L’honneur tant desire n’est qu’une vision 
 Qui, troublant nos esprits par leur illusion. 
 
 Fait quitter I’heur present pour follement chercher 
 Une ombre qu’on ne peut voir, sentir, ni toucher.” 
 
 2 
 
340 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 She replaced the book with a sigh. Honour never- 
 theless will be no empty vision to him,’’ said she ; he is 
 full of noble qualities, and worthy of a better fate than to 
 be caged here amongst enemies. Why does he not love 
 me ? He acknowledges my advice is useful to him, — he 
 seeks my counsel, yet he flies my society, — he mistrusts 
 and confides in me at the same time, — why is this? 
 
 She was answered by her next glance towards the table, 
 for there lay a small picture painted by du Moutier, one 
 of the court painters, representing in all her fatal beauty 
 and fascination the too successful De Sauves. He pities 
 me ! ” she exclaimed bitterly, and quitting the room, hur- 
 ried back to her own apartment. 
 
 Meantime Henry had applied to be admitted to the sick 
 chamber of the King, but the guard requested him to retire 
 as the Queen-mother had given orders that he should not 
 be disturbed, having just received the visit of the Bishop of 
 Auxerre and the priest. 
 
 Refuse me not,” said Henry ; the King himself de- 
 sires my presence, and I insist on entering.” 
 
 He advanced, and knocked himself at the door, notwith- 
 standing the opposition of the soldier. 
 
 The sick King, who was listening for his arrival, raised 
 himself in his bed, and exclaimed — 
 
 Mabille, — it is the King of Navarre ; open the door 
 instantly.'* 
 
 Let no one be admitted,” said Catherine peremptorily. 
 His Grace can ill bear clamour and interruption.” 
 
 Madam,” said Charles, looking fiercely at her, I 
 say Henry of Navarre, my brother-in-law, shall enter. 
 What subject have I who dares gainsay my will ? ” 
 
 Catherine was silent, but turned pale with rage as Ma- 
 bille opened the door and Henry entered. He was struck 
 with the scene before him. The Queen-mother was seated 
 at the bed’s head, on a coffer such as was the usual fur- 
 niture of private rooms at that period. At a little distance 
 was Anjou, and further off still at the foot of the bed, in 
 an attitude of humility, and partially concealed by the 
 heavy curtains, stood Elizabeth of Austria, the wife of 
 Charles, her hands clasped in prayer, and with deep grief 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 341 
 
 on her countenance. Mabille supported the King in her 
 arms ; his face was ghastly, his night-dress spotted with 
 blood, owing to the rupture of a bloodvessel which had 
 taken place in the night ; the same stains were on the bed- 
 clothes ; and as he sat erect, with his sunken eyes glaring 
 between passion and pain, his teeth clenched, and his hol- 
 low cheeks of deadly whiteness, while his emaciated hands 
 felt Avanderingly about for some support, his appearance 
 was horrible in the extreme. 
 
 He seemed to revive for a moment as Henry approached, 
 but it was with difficulty he spoke as he grasped his hand 
 convulsively. 
 
 Forgive me, Henry,” he said ; I fear I have fol- 
 lowed evil counsels.” 
 
 With all my heart I forgive your Grace,” said Henry ; 
 can I in aught be serviceable to your wishes, command 
 me I entreat.” 
 
 Charles endeavoured to smile, pressed his hand, and 
 tried to raise his finger to point towards his wife. 
 
 I confide to you — to you, Henry, my wife and infant 
 daughter. God will bless and keep you. But,” he added, 
 struggling for breath, do not trust in ” 
 
 Hold ! sire,” interposed Catherine ; ^^say not that !” 
 ‘‘ I ought to say it,” said Charles, sinking back, for it 
 is the truth.” * 
 
 Catherine held to his nostrils an essence which she car- 
 ried — he appeared to grow fainter — she desired that the 
 Princess and the reigning Queen should leave the apart- 
 ment, as he seemed inclined to sleep, — then rising, left him 
 to the care of Mabille, and retired with the rest. 
 
 Many hours passed on into the night, and Mabille 
 stirred not from his pillow ; one pale hand lay on his 
 breast, the other had fallen by his-side ; his head was 
 buried in the cushion which supported it : he breathed 
 hard, but moved not, till just as the heavy solemn sound 
 of the bell of the Sainte Chapelle struck two he opened his 
 eyes, glared wildly round, and uttered a shriek, so loud, so 
 appalling, that the sentinels without started, and Mabille 
 
 * This scene is historical, 
 z 3 
 
342 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 shuddered with horror. He raised himself up in his bed, 
 and threw his arms frantically from side to side. 
 
 Save me ! ” he cried in a piercing voice ; the 
 spectres are bloody ! — they nod at me ! — they snatch at 
 my heart ! — they are there waiting to torment me ! — the 
 bell has sounded, — kill — kill ! 
 
 With a violent effort he tried to leap from the couch ; a 
 stream of blood rushed from his lips and covered him with 
 its tide, when falling suddenly backward on his pillow he 
 expired. 
 
 At the same moment the chamber door opened, and 
 gave entrance to the Queen-mother, the Cardinals of Bour- 
 bon and Ferrara, the Chancellor Birague,and other grandees 
 of the Court who were in attendance in the ante-chamber. 
 All surrounded his bed, and Mabille, who had fainted, was 
 carried to her apartment by some of the attendants. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 SIEGE OF DOMFRONT. 
 
 Oh ! what a noble combat last thou fought ! ” — King John. 
 
 The Rochellois, while they kept themselves on the alert, 
 maintained, nevertheless, an appearance of peace. The 
 breaches in their ramparts were repaired, their soldiers well 
 disciplined, and they felt themselves strong in friends and 
 money. The Count de Montgomery’s supplies had reached 
 them at a lucky moment, and his arrival at Jersey was 
 heard of by them with great pleasure. As soon as he 
 landed his forces he resolved to visit La Rochelle, and 
 arrived there just at the time when the marriages of Bel- 
 castel and Claude were about to be solemnised. When 
 the gallant conduct of these young volunteers was named 
 to him, and when he recognised in them his former friends 
 of Paris, he was extremely gratified, and desired to be 
 present at the solemnity. It was from his hand that 
 Claude received his beloved Alix ; and the Count, who 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 343 
 
 was much affected during the ceremony^ presented her 
 with a ring of great value. 
 
 ‘‘ I give you/* he said^ this ring^ because it is one of 
 those jewels which I prize the most in the world. Claude 
 I look upon as the preserver of my life, and I would fain 
 feel that she whom he loves so well should possess some- 
 thing which shall be a tie in sympathy between us. This 
 ring was given to me by my adored wife, whom I lost 
 when the world and all its cares were new to me. That 
 period was the beginning of the sorrows with which it has 
 pleased Heaven to visit me. When you look on it, fair 
 Alix, remember one who will always think on you both 
 with a parent’s affection. Would I could remain and 
 witness your happiness ! but my fate calls me away. I 
 am summoned this very day, and my horse is at the church 
 door to carry me to scenes of war and tumult once again.” 
 He embraced the hride and bridegroom with friendly 
 emotion, and took his leave. Not long after his departure 
 from La Rochelle, Alix was regarding her ring with at- 
 tention, and pointed out to Claude the peculiarity of its 
 device, which was an altar, with the words ardo y 
 ADORO,” and the letters G. A.” intertwined. 
 
 This is strange ! ” said Claude, starting ; — the same 
 motto and device are on the chain which I treasure as my 
 only possession ; and, what is more singular, it was 
 through Rene Bianco, our foe, that I discovered the secret 
 spring which conceals it. Look, Alix,” said he, putting 
 the chain into her hands, — perhaps your ingenuity 
 can find the secret ; in vain have I attempted it ; yet 
 Rene, as with an accustomed hand, opened it in an 
 instant.” 
 
 They both examined the clasp with great care, but 
 could not discover the method of unclosing it. 
 
 Would that we were near dear Mabille ! ” said Alix. 
 — I have seen similar chains in her possession : her 
 husband was a skilful jeweller, and she has often told me, 
 was noted for his workmanship. She would probably be 
 able to assist us. Mathurin is unfortunately gone to 
 Alen^on, or his knowledge might have availed us.” 
 
 ‘‘ There is a mysterious feeling,” said Claude, musing, 
 z 4 
 
344 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 — which comes over my mind whenever I am brought 
 into contact with the Count de Montgomery. — It has 
 always seemed to me^ when I have thought of him, as if 
 there was some link which drew us together. Alas ! I 
 am unknown, even to myself ; — an orphan, and a stranger 
 to all who protected me. Why may I not, by some strange 
 destiny, have been near him in infancy, and retain some 
 recollection which time has not altogether effaced ? It is, 
 of course, only a curious coincidence about this device, yet 
 it disturbs me strangely."'' 
 
 Little more was said on the subject at the time, but 
 neither Alix nor Claude could banish it from their me- 
 mory ; and their speculations frequently recurred. 
 
 Meantime, the fate of the gallant Montgomery was 
 drawing to a close. From town to town, along the line 
 of country from Valogne to St. Lo, he had led his troops, 
 joined by the flower of the Protestant party, and gained 
 more or less success, till he entered the beautiful and dif- 
 ficult country of the Vaux, and paused at the little town of 
 Domfront, in the chateau of which he hoped to be able to 
 defend himself ; but treachery had been at work amongst 
 his army : the Queen-mother had made an oath in her 
 own mind that, once again in France, Montgomery should 
 be her victim. Neither troops nor money were spared ; 
 and a mighty army, under the direction of Marshal de 
 Matignon, and many other experienced officers, was de- 
 spatched to attack him. His Protestant friends at a dis- 
 tance saw his danger, and trembled for his safety : even in 
 the ranks of the enemy were numerous concealed friends, 
 employed by Henry of Navarre, to warn him to escape, 
 assuring him that he w^as alone the object of pursuit. 
 
 Day after day, however, he grieved to find that his men 
 deserted, and that bribery was effecting what force had 
 failed to do. Hemmed in on all sides, he found his party 
 w’as, at length, reduced to a few wounded, and not more 
 than a hundred capable men. The town, although situated 
 on an eminence, was commanded by other heights, where 
 the enemy was now stationed, and could direct a fatal and 
 unerring fire into the town, which was very ruinous, as 
 were the walls of the antique castle itself ; but the last was 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 345 
 
 the only hope which he retained^ — trusting that, with a 
 few determined followers, he should be able to defend it 
 till assistance might arrive. 
 
 The cannon had battered the crumbling wails from 
 sunrise till sunset of the preceding day, — immense breaches 
 were effected in the town walls, and one enormous tower 
 had given way. It was then that Montgomery resolved 
 to retire into the castle with all who would follow him. 
 Forty alone volunteered to support him, and amongst these 
 were, unfortunately, some paid friends of Catherine. The 
 assault upon the town was furious, and every hour the 
 assailants poured in at the breaches. Montgomery and his 
 small party, before they began their defence, knelt down 
 and listened to the service performed by a minister of the 
 Gospel. 
 
 The assailants were in number more than a thousand ; 
 nevertheless, for five hours the Count made good his de- 
 fence on the first day, fighting at the breach with the 
 most determined valour, while the ponderous masonry of 
 his battered tower fell in heavy masses round him. Twice 
 he was wounded in the face by fragments of the flying 
 stones, a ball from an arquebuse struck him on the 
 shoulder, but his armour was proof against it, though the 
 bruise it caused was serious and painful. 
 
 With perseverance almost incredible, and with good 
 fortune which promised a better result, he continued to 
 sustain the unceasing assault for several days. The enemy’s 
 cannon, however, effected its purpose, and a second wide 
 breach was made in the immense walls ; still the brave 
 few laboured to fill up the chasms, and kept them back ; 
 but on the morning of the twenty-sixth of May Mont- 
 gomery discovered that his treacherous friends had deserted 
 him by degrees, till he and fifteen others alone remained 
 to contend with the hundreds without. 
 
 It was then that, overpowered by the entreaties of these 
 few, seeing all chance gone, — their ammunition at an end 
 and water failing them — dispirited at the base desertion 
 of those in whom he trusted — Montgomery consented to 
 a parley. 
 
 The most honourable terms were granted him ; he was 
 
346 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 to be permitted to march out fully accoutred^ but with no 
 arms save sword and dagger, and declare himself their 
 prisoner, — so to be considered for a certain time, till his 
 ransom was agreed on ; but the most solemn assurances 
 were given that his life should he in no danger. 
 
 His companions were also proclaimed free to march 
 forth similarly accoutred, and to render themselves on the 
 same terms. 
 
 Accordingly, Montgomery gave up himself and his men 
 into the hands of De Matignon and De Vassay, who was 
 a relation of the Count: and the victors entered the 
 chateau by the breaches. 
 
 But scarcely had they entered, than the shrieks and 
 cries within told how ill the compact had been kept : ex- 
 cept a few whom they kept prisoners, for the sake of 
 appearances, all the rest, sick and wounded, were put to 
 the sword. One captain, who had shown great valour in 
 the defence, they hung from the walls ; and the excellent 
 minister, whose prayers and exhortations had comforted 
 and encouraged the unfortunate soldiers, the servants of 
 Catherine butchered where they found him, on his knees 
 in prayer. 
 
 It was, therefore, with little hope of safety that Mont- 
 gomery took his way to Caen, under the escort of com- 
 manders who had so ill kept faith to his brave followers ; 
 and his feelings, as he entered the city so fatal to him, 
 were those of horror and despondency. When he heard 
 that Charles IX. had just breathed his last, and that 
 Catherine de Medicis had caused herself to be proclaimed 
 regent of the kingdom, in the absence of Henry, King of 
 Poland, he knew that his last chance of liberty or life had 
 departed for ever. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 347 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 THE TALISMAN. 
 
 “ What ! will the line stretch till the crack of doom ? ” — Macbeth. 
 
 The night after the death of King Charles, Catherine and 
 Bianco conferred together in the Queen’s tower in Paris. 
 
 And now Madonna,” said Rene Bianco, you are 
 sole Sovereign of France. There is none to control you, 
 — your will is law, — and Montgomery was this morning 
 brought prisoner from Caen to Paris.” 
 
 Oh, Bianco ! ” answered the Queen, you are right ; 
 for the first time in my existence I feel that I am now 
 free to act. I have despatched courier after courier to 
 inform Henry of his brother’s death, — that if one fails, 
 another may reach him, — yet months must elapse before 
 he can escape from the desolate region where a brother’s 
 hatred banished him. Meantime, Navarre is in my power, 
 the charms of He Sauves still enchain him, and he will not 
 strive to escape ; jealousy has sprung between him and 
 Anjou, — and thus their plans will fail. The Bastile holds 
 the other dangerous rebels. But, above all, De Lorges is 
 mine. The walls of the Conciergerie have received him, 
 and he leaves them only for the scaffold. Now, Rene, my 
 star is indeed in the ascendant.” 
 
 And this very night,” said Rene, the talisman is 
 complete.” 
 
 Is it, indeed, possible ? ” exclaimed Catherine. Oh, 
 give it me, Rene, — let me feast my eyes on the precious 
 treasure ! ” 
 
 Bianco approached the light which burned upon the 
 table, and, drawing from his bosom a small box, gave it 
 into her hands. She opened it with trembling haste, and 
 beheld a medal covered with characters, which, with the 
 deepest interest, she proceeded to examine. 
 
 It was of oval shape. On the side which presented 
 itself to her view was represented a naked figure seated, 
 
348 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 with long hair and beard^ wearing a crown, and holding a 
 sceptre in his right hand. The head and body of an eagle 
 appeared between his knees, as if he were resting upon it. 
 Before him stood a figure like the Egyptian Anubis, 
 naked, with a dog's head, holding a large mirror towards 
 the crowned figure, and supporting himself on a long 
 spear with a barbed head. Round about were various 
 hieroglyph! cal emblems, resembling architectural forms, 
 and many mysterious signs environed both figures. 
 
 Between the two was written the word ANAEL, with a 
 triangular sign, and the letter H beneath it. Below the 
 line, on which the figures were placed, were the letters 
 H. F., crowned with hieroglyphical signs, and the words 
 AMIC and OXIF. 
 
 Catherine gazed long and fixedly on this, while Rene, 
 in mysterious language, explained the meaning ; he then 
 took the medal from its case, and turned it on the other 
 side. 
 
 At the top appeared the sign of the planet Venus, and 
 beneath it the word HAGIEL over the head of a naked 
 female figure, who, with arms outstretched, held some 
 objects which resembled masonic instruments. Signs and 
 hieroglyphics were profusely scattered over the surface. 
 Between a double cross and mysterious letter were the five 
 small circles or balls, representing the arms of the house 
 of Medici. Beside the left knee of the figure was the 
 word HANIEL ; and below her feet EBVLEB : beneath 
 which appeared ASMODEL, with the sign of the balance. 
 
 While you wear this,” said Rene solemnly, you will 
 reign supreme.^ It is a great mystery, and must be a 
 profound secret to every living creature.^' 
 
 It shall,’' said the awe-struck Queen, receiving it from 
 him, and hanging it round her neck by a silver chain to 
 which it was attached. 
 
 •‘Observe!" said Rene, “you will reign supreme; I 
 say not for how long, nor do I guarantee that crosses will 
 not come to thwart you, — the influences of other stars may 
 
 * This description is exact, of a talisman in the possession of the Queen- 
 mother. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 349 
 
 fight against you ; and, though you will surmount them^ 
 they wull cause you trouble.” 
 
 But I shall surmount them } ” asked the Queen 
 eagerly. 
 
 You will,” replied the Italian. ^^But for one human 
 affection that clings about your heart, you were sole 
 arbitress of your own fate. You cannot but guess what I 
 mean.” 
 
 I know not, Rene,” said Catherine ; explain what 
 weakness stands in my way.” 
 
 You have still two sons,” replied Rene ; then, lower- 
 ing his voice, he added, you must have none before the 
 great work can be accomplished.” 
 
 Catherine shuddered. We will talk,” she said, of 
 this hereafter. lYould that I knew if Anjou would wed 
 the Queen of England ! Would that I knew the fate of 
 Henry of Navarre ! Cannot we consult the mirror to- 
 night ? Are not the stars propitious to our questions ? ” 
 They are, Madonna,” replied Rene. If you will, 
 this hour shall present the secrets of futurity before you.” 
 Be it so !” said Catherine. 
 
 The work of incantation, which was so often carried on 
 in that mysterious chamber, was again resumed. A 
 gloomy shadow crept by degrees along the floor, and rose 
 in strange forms to the roof ; the light became extinct ; 
 and a lurid ray spread itself over the surface of the mirror 
 opposite the Queen. 
 
 A phantom shape* suddenly appeared in the glass, — it 
 was crowned, and wore the features of the King of Poland. 
 Fifteen times the shape returned to the delighted eyes of 
 Catherine. The last time something dimly apparent 
 flashed across it, which shone in her eyes like the glitter 
 of steel ; but she could not define its exact meaning. 
 
 Another figure then rose, but it appeared older than a 
 son of Henry's might seem ; and, as she strained her eyes 
 to catch the lineaments, she recognised those of the Duke 
 de Guise ; but scarcely was she aware of it, when it had 
 disappeared, and a clash of arms accompanied its sudden 
 exit from the scene. 
 
 * The whole of these particulars are historical, related by the chroniclers of 
 the time. 
 
350 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 Next advanced a form which, with feelings of rage and 
 hatred, she perceived bore the traits of Henry of Navarre : 
 she could scarcely restrain an exclamation of impatience ; 
 but Rene hastily caught her arm, and signed to her to be 
 silent. 
 
 Twenty-two circuits the figure made, and then faded 
 with a flash similar to that which had been seen at her son 
 Henry’s departure ; — along line of crowned forms, with the 
 arms of Bourbon gleaming above them, ran rapidly along 
 the glass ; but Catherine closed her eyes, to see no more. 
 
 A female figure throned, with ships and cannon, and 
 hosts of shadowy guards, and piles of gold, was then seen. 
 At first, the features were those of Elizabeth of England, 
 in her youth ; but, as she still remained seated, a change, 
 appeared, wrinkles marked her brow, and fresh navies and 
 new armies seemed passing and repassing around, before 
 and behind her. A scaffold grew distinct, and a female 
 form was led to it ; but Catherine could scarcely credit her 
 sight, which told her the victim wore the crown of France, 
 and had the mien of Mary of Scotland. 
 
 This faded, and the queenly phantom grew older and 
 more aged in her sight, till she had reached decrepitude : 
 but ever her state, and wealth, and power seemed to 
 increase, till the mirror was crowded with indistinct 
 moving shadows. No partner shared her throne ; and 
 the sign of Virgo hovered to the last above her head. At 
 length she disappeared, and all was darkness. 
 
 Catherine cast herself into a seat ; and Rene proceeded 
 to destroy the charm by sundry cabalistic formulae : the 
 cloud dispersed, and the chamber resumed its former 
 appearance, while the lights sprang forth again and illu- 
 mined the whole space. 
 
 Now, Bianco,” said the Queen, ask me for what you 
 will, that I may show my gratitude by granting it.” 
 
 First, Madonna, I must have gold,” replied Rene, 
 and a large sum : but 1 have set my mind on something 
 which you will consider rather strange, perhaps, for one 
 like me ; — the Abbey of St. Mahe, in Brittany, is a rich 
 one, and may be purchased : you must give that to me, 
 and see how good an abbot I shall become. Not that I 
 
OB^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 351 
 
 mean to abandon you or the Courts Madonna/’ added he, 
 smilingly ; it is but for the sake of the revenue ; and 
 also,” he continued, crossing himself, "‘^to do service to 
 mother church.” 
 
 Bianco,” said Catherine, 'with a perturbed countenance, 
 you have asked that which is no longer in my power to 
 give. I have already rewarded a faithful servant with that 
 Abbey — you must think of some other.” 
 
 The brow of Rene lowered, and one of those malignant 
 glances shot from his eyes which were familiar to their 
 expression, but he said nothing. 
 
 Is not that of Bourgueil in Anjou vacant?” asked the 
 Queen. 
 
 Bailly, the President of Accounts, bought it but 
 lately,” replied Rene, with a sneer ; has your Grace for- 
 gotten it ? ” 
 
 Oh, true ! ” answered his mistress ; the father of 
 your runaway bride. Why Rene do you not visit him, 
 and induce him to make you his heir ? The President is 
 rich ; and since you would fain have church possessions, 
 w^hy not those? There has been some cavilling of late 
 about these appointments to laymen, and I care not to 
 give the severe preachers and the Huguenots a handle 
 for abuse. But think not you shall go ungratified: the 
 country-house and estate of La Mole shall be yours ; it is 
 forfeited for his treason, and there is no reason why a dear 
 friend of mine, whose taste is equal to the former posses- 
 sor’s, should not enjoy it.” 
 
 Bianco expressed his thanks, and was, to a certain 
 degree, gratified by the donation ; but the first refusal 
 rankled in his heart, and he resolved to discover to whom 
 the coveted Abbey had been granted. 
 
 The truth was that, as a compensation for all the terror 
 he had lately suffered, and as an inducement to him to 
 relinquish the vengeance he had sworn against Rene, 
 Catherine had presented that valuable possession to no 
 other than Cosmo Ruggieri, his rival, who, in return, had 
 but just furnished her with a painted talisman of virgin 
 parchment, formed, as was said, of the skin of an infant 
 that had died in its birth, which was considered a potent 
 
S52 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 charm against poison and the evil eye ; the influence of 
 both of which, in spite of her apparent confidence, she 
 dreaded might one day be extended against her by her 
 useful but dangerous friend, Rene Bianco. 
 
 She had despatched Cosmo to take possession of his 
 Abbey, thinking it better that the rivals should not be 
 together at this moment. She was anxious that Rene 
 should absent himself shortly, as the other was expected 
 back, and was glad of the thought which had suggested 
 itself of his visiting Bailly — a hint he was not slow to 
 take, as he built on it some plans which time matured in 
 due course. 
 
 Catherine lost no time in taking every precaution to 
 insure the establishment of her power, and to guard against 
 any attempt which might touch her interest or safety. 
 She caused all the doors and entries of the Louvre to be 
 walled up, leaving no other open than the great door which 
 looked towards the Hotel de Bourbon. Of this* even the 
 wicket was alone unclosed; behind it was stationed a 
 guard of archers, and without a Swiss corps de garde. 
 The two extremities of the Rue du Louvre were also 
 walled up, leaving a small entry in each strongly guarded, 
 so that no one could approach the chateau without per- 
 mission. 
 
 She had previously been waited upon at Vincennes by 
 all the dignitaries of Paris, to entreat her to fulfil the 
 expressed desire of the late King, and accept the regency 
 of the kingdom during the absence of her son the King of 
 Poland. 
 
 She had, without the loss of a moment’s time, de- 
 spatched letters of a mild tendency to all the governors of 
 every province in France. 
 
 To the Prince of Conde she also sent letters exhorting 
 him to peace and good-will. 
 
 She obliged the Duke of Anjou and the King of 
 Navarre to send similar missives to all the governors of 
 provinces, confirming what she had said. All her w'ords 
 bespoke peace and anxiety for the good of the state and 
 the forgetfulness of injuries, even while her actions were 
 of the boldest, fiercest, and most malignant character. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 353 
 
 With haste that admitted of no delay she insisted on 
 the trial of Montgomery being commenced, and exulted 
 in the total impossibility of his again escaping her ven- 
 geance. 
 
 On arriving in Paris from Caen, where he had been at 
 first carried, the unfortunate Count de Montgomery found 
 that his destination was to the prison of the Conciergerie. 
 To know this, and to feel that his last chance of life was 
 over, were the same. 
 
 He passed through the vast court called the Preau, 
 where prisoners were accustomed to take all the exercise 
 allowed them, and was conducted through the obscure 
 corridor which led to the prison allotted him. This 
 frightful dark passage, of great length, seemed to shut 
 out every ray of hope, and lead forward only to despair 
 and death. The usual fee, called La Pistole, was demanded 
 of him, and, with a step as firm as he could assume, the 
 betrayed warrior advanced to the tower which still retains 
 his name, existing at the present day as the Tour de 
 Montgomeri. 
 
 Here he took possession of the gloomy chamber which 
 the vengeance of Catherine had decreed should be his last 
 abode, and here he waited till the leisure of his vindictive 
 enemy should have allowed her to summon the tribunal at 
 whose hands he felt sure he could expect no mercy. 
 
 He thought of his nine children, whose mother he had 
 married in accordance with the wishes of his family, but 
 who had not replaced his Agnes in his affection ; and after 
 so many years, he shed tears of tender memory over his 
 first and only love, and over the unknown fate of his infant 
 son. 
 
 His first request was that he might be allowed to re- 
 ceive a visit from Mabille, which was accorded him with 
 more readiness than he expected, and the nurse of the late 
 King was accordingly introduced into his prison. 
 
 Alas ! Mabille,” said he, taking her hand, our meet- 
 ings have always been on sad occasions, and this I doubt 
 not will be the last. I am given over to a powerful 
 enemy, and I cannot hope to escape. There will be no 
 one to hear or attend to my last request ; the son of my 
 
 A A 
 
S54 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 beloved friend Anthony of Navarre is captive like myself, 
 and cannot aid me. I have little property to leave, — 
 none in France, for all was confiscated here many years 
 since. My children -will inherit their mother’s wealth, 
 which is considerable ; but I had made provision, a fan- 
 ciful one, you will think, since there was so little hope of 
 my ever recovering him, — for my eldest born ; and an 
 estate in Scotland, which was almost all that was left me, 
 has been set apart for him should he ever be found. The 
 revenues of that estate are not trifling, and I would fain 
 leave them to a young man who saved my life, and to 
 whom I am strangely attached. I have drawn up this 
 paper which I confide to you, and I request that should I 
 he condemned, of which there can be no doubt, you will 
 see that it reaches Claude Emars at La Rochelle.” 
 
 The nurse uttered an exclamation of astonishment. 
 
 Is it then Claude who saved you ? ” exclaimed she. 
 
 Yes,” replied the Count, who proceeded to relate all 
 the different situations under which he had met him, and 
 went on further to inform her of his late marriage with 
 Alix. Mabille listened with tears of joy, and inwardly 
 resolved as soon as possible to execute the plan she had 
 formed of visiting the beloved pair in the Protestant town 
 where she might probably end her days in their society. 
 
 Know you aught,” said Montgomery, ^‘^of the for- 
 tunes of that young man ? A strange resemblance has 
 struck me in the expression of his countenance which I 
 cannot forget. But, if it really existed, you, Mabille, who 
 knew her well, would have been aware of it. Is there not 
 something of my lost Agnes about him ? ” 
 
 The first time I beheld him,” returned the nurse, 
 “ the likeness you mention appeared to me forcible, but as 
 he grew older it seemed to have faded away. I know no 
 more of his life than what was communicated to me by 
 Jeanne of Navarre, when she desired me to receive him 
 on his coming to Paris to study. I understood him to be 
 the orphan child of one of the retainers of the House of 
 Navarre, and he never spoke to me of his birth beyond 
 occasionally lamenting, when he first became acquainted 
 with Alix, his insignificance and want of fortune.” 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 S55 
 
 He is worthy of a higher destiny^ and his valour and 
 good conduct may lead him to it/’ said Montgomery with 
 a sigh. Adieu^ dear Mabille/’ he continued^ let me 
 entreat you to take these letters ; and, when an occasion 
 offers for them to be safely transmitted, try to have them 
 sent to my children in England. Conceal them, lest harm 
 should reach you by thus serving one who has no other 
 friend.” 
 
 Fear not for me,” said Mabille, firmly, the super- 
 stition of Catherine will prevent her injuring me : the 
 King in his last illness used an expression which has sunk 
 deep into her mind. ^ My curse,’ he said, ^ on any who 
 would offer harm to my nurse Mabille. Mother, I charge 
 you, see her provided for ; I have no care for any beside/ 
 Catherine immediately settled a pension on me, and leaves 
 me free to go where I please. I trust there is yet hope 
 for you. Your friends are powerful. I will instantly 
 seek La Rochelle, and consult with those who may be 
 better able to assist you. I am not, thank God, feeble or 
 unable to exert myself in spite of age, and by his blessing 
 you may yet be restored to liberty.” 
 
 They accordingly parted. The Count was left in his 
 dismal prison, and the faithful nurse prepared to set out 
 as quickly as possible on her long journey, inspired with 
 hope which was not destined to be fulfilled. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 THE EXECUTION. 
 
 “ La coupable ici-bas condamna I’innocent.’* — Mezeraye. 
 
 Mabille, on returning to her residence in Paris, for she 
 had now quitted her former apartments in the palace, was 
 surprised to find that a stranger awaited her. When she 
 heard that this stranger was a priest, her alarm was ex- 
 cited, and she entered her chamber, where stood the unex- 
 pected visitor, in much perturbation. As soon as she came 
 
 A A 2 
 
356 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 in he uttered an exclamation, and, hastening past her, 
 closed the door, then turning round addressed her in a 
 tone which she did not recognise. 
 
 Sister/' said he, think you we have met before ? 
 
 Mabille answered in the negative. 
 
 Then," replied the priest, ^^^my disguise is complete, 
 and I may venture on my mission safely.” 
 
 Claude!” exclaimed the nurse, throwing herself into 
 his extended arms, is it indeed you ? Why are you 
 here, in the midst of danger ? I thought you safe at La 
 Rochelle, and my purpose was to seek you there." 
 
 Alix is safe there with our friends," replied Claude ; 
 but I am deputed from the good town to find out if there 
 is any possibility of rendering service to the Count de 
 Montgomery, who, we heard, was taken at Domfront, and 
 since removed to Paris. I entreated to be the agent in this 
 business, and, as I am little known and bear no name of 
 note, I was deemed a fitting person for the attempt.” 
 
 Alas I " replied Mabille, I fear little can be done ; 
 the Count is a prisoner in the Conciergerie I " 
 
 What ! ” cried Claude ; have they then kept no 
 faith with him.^" 
 
 The Queen-mother is his deadly foe," returned Ma- 
 bille ; when did she show mercy to any ? — and least of 
 all will she to him. His trial is to come on immediately, 
 and the result of it I tremble to contemplate." 
 
 Surely, they dare not ” Claude paused, afraid to 
 
 end the sentence he had begun. 
 
 The Queen-mother is all-powerful now," said Mabille. 
 
 I fear the worst ; and see no means of saving the un- 
 fortunate Count, although, but now, I tried to give him 
 hope." 
 
 You have then seen him ? ” asked Claude, eagerly. 
 
 Mabille related their late conversation, and the possibility 
 of her being again admitted to an interview. She told Claude 
 of the generous arrangement the Count had made respect- 
 ing him, which he heard with tears of gratitude. She even 
 named to him the imagined likeness which Montgomery 
 had discovered ; and, on the inquiries of Claude, related 
 the sad history of his early marriage, and the loss of his 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 357 
 
 son to whom she was nurse. From this she reverted to her 
 own loss in her husband’s disappearance, which Claude had 
 already heard from Alix. 
 
 And you have never from that time/’ asked Claude, 
 sadly, heard tidings of your husband, nor the child of 
 Montgomery ? Was there no clue by which it would be 
 possible to trace their fate ? ” 
 
 Alas ! ” said Mabille, — that he disappeared is all I 
 know. Where he met his fate I never learnt, nor can 
 imagine. He had merchandise with him, and was pro- 
 bably pillaged of that at the same time his life was taken. 
 The infant was poorly clad, that he might seem the son of 
 a mere tradesman. I dressed the smiling creature for that 
 fatal journey, and wound round his neck the chain I had 
 taken from his dead mother’s neck.” 
 
 Mabille!” cried Claude, with an involuntary start of 
 amazement, — what do you say ? Had Montgomery’s 
 child a chain of hair round its neck?” 
 
 Yes,” said the nurse ; — a chain made by my hus- 
 band, who was the most skilful workman of his day. It 
 was of the most delicate texture, but as strong as iron : the 
 links were formed like true love-knots, and it was clasped 
 with a gold heart, in which was a secret spring.” 
 
 “Was it like this ? ” exclaimed Claude, drawing from 
 his bosom the chain he wore. 
 
 Mabille seized it eagerly, ran it rapidly through her 
 fingers, examined it with trembling minuteness, and press- 
 ing the clasp with her nail, it sprang open and disclosed 
 the device beneath. 
 
 “ This is the chain itself!” cried she. “Oh, Claude! 
 — for the love of mercy tell me how you came by it? — 
 Was it a spoil taken in fight? — Where — how? — Ex- 
 plain ! ” 
 
 “ Oh ! my dear friend,” answered Claude, — “ how 
 shall I answer calmly a question which involves the history 
 of my life ? That chain was on my neck when I was 
 found an infant, stabbed by the same banditti who had 
 murdered my father. Anthony of Navarre discovered me 
 and my dead parent. He adopted and brought me up, and 
 this is all I ever knew of my birth ! ’Tis strange that 
 A A 3 
 
B58 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS ; 
 
 Rene Bianco alone discovered to me the secret spring which 
 disclosed this device_, which I have since striven in vain to 
 find and open.” 
 
 Rene ! cried the nurse^ then it must be so ! — No 
 one could open this but he who made it^ or one taught the 
 secret. — It was one of the marvels of my husband’s art ; 
 — Rene Bianco was a boy in his service at the time this 
 chain was made^ — the first he ever completed; and as 
 small fingers were required^ his were employed in weaving 
 it, and to him the spring was known. He was then called 
 Florio ; but I have long suspected he and our runaway 
 apprentice, the son of the villain whom the Queen-mother 
 favoured, were the same.” 
 
 Claude then went on to relate every circumstance he 
 ever remembered to have heard respecting his being found 
 by Anthony of Navarre ; and as his narrative advanced he 
 became, as well as the nurse, more and more convinced that 
 Rene and his father must have been the murderers of the 
 unfortunate merchant, the husband of Mabille ; and that 
 he himself could be no other than the son of Montgomery. 
 The account, as he had heard it, was as follows: — 
 
 Soon after the death of Henry II., occasioned by the 
 unfortunate accident in the fatal tournament,, where the 
 Count de Montgomery’s spear pierced his eyebrow, Anthony 
 of Navarre was journeying to Paris, where his arrival had 
 been too long delayed ; his friends justly blaming his in- 
 activity in allowing his interests to sleep, while his enemies 
 were at work to injure them. He had not travelled very 
 far beyond the mountainous regions of his territory, when, 
 at the close of day, his party entered a thick wood, and 
 were attracted by cries to a spot, as they approached which, 
 they witnessed an unequal conflict between a man of 
 middle age, who had the appearance of a merchant, and a 
 party of banditti. Several had surrounded him, and with 
 blows and menaces were endeavouring to wrest from him 
 the property he carried at his saddle-bow. He appeared 
 to have been defending himself with great resolution ; but 
 the recent arbitrary order that no person of the Protestant 
 persuasion should carry arms, gave his adversaries great 
 advantage over him, and told the followers of the king that 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHERi 
 
 359 
 
 they beheld one of their own religion in danger. They 
 spurred their horses, but before they could come up with 
 the ruffians, they had succeeded in dragging the unfortu- 
 nate traveller to the ground. He had struck down his 
 foremost assailant, when a youth of about fifteen darted 
 suddenly from the bushes near, and stabbed him with a 
 dagger in the back. The traveller fell instantly, and as he 
 did so the sharp cry of an infant was heard, and from his 
 nerveless arms dropped a little child, whom one of the 
 robbers, with a savage laugh and violent gesture, tossed to 
 the other side of the path. The young miscreant, who 
 had killed the unhappy merchant, sprang towards it and 
 struck the child, but at the same moment he was felled by 
 a well-directed blow from Anthony of Navarre's hand, and 
 a general scuffle ensued, in the midst of which one of the 
 robbers mounted the horse of the fallen man, and made off 
 with his booty : the rest, after receiving some severe 
 wounds from the rescuing party, contrived to escape, leav- 
 ing several of their companions killed, and their victims 
 beside them. 
 
 The traveller was quite dead, but it was discovered that 
 the infant was only slightly hurt, although the young 
 assassin had inflicted a broad gash on one side of its fore- 
 head. All that could be done was resorted to, to restore 
 animation in the poor man, but in vain. His body was, 
 therefore, conveyed to the chateau, where the king pro- 
 posed to pass the night ; and the crying infant was con- 
 signed to the care of a female attendant. 
 
 Shocked at the scene which he had witnessed, Anthony, 
 whose kindness of heart was proverbial, immediately took 
 an interest in the deserted being whose father — for such 
 he imagined the merchant to be — had been murdered; 
 and he gave directions that when the child was quite re- 
 covered, it should be sent under an escort to Pau, and 
 given in charge to Queen Joanna, to whom he wrote the 
 particulars of the event. 
 
 The property of the traveller having become the prey of 
 the banditti, no clue was left to guide him in his conjec- 
 tures as to wffio the person might be who had met with 
 such an untimely end. The child’s dress was such as 
 A A 4 
 
360 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEHICIS ; 
 
 might be worn by one of middle rank^ and the only thing 
 noticeable in its attire_, was that round the little neck was 
 wrapped several times a chain of dark hair with gold chased 
 clasps of singular and very elaborate workmanship. 
 
 I am that child!’" said Claude, “and your unfortu- 
 nate husband, dear Mabille, must be he whom I have al- 
 ways mourned as a father!” 
 
 “Alas!” cried Mabille, “the troubles of the times pre- 
 vented my ever meeting Anthony of Navarre when he 
 arrived at Paris, or long years of suspense might have been 
 spared me, and the Count de Montgomery have ceased 
 the search which he has never abandoned for his lost child. 
 But I see the hand of Providence is in this,” continued 
 the nurse, “ for your unfortunate father had destined you 
 to the care of the very Prince who unknowingly adopted 
 you. My poor husband would have willingly given 
 himself up a sacrifice could he have known it, but the 
 ways of Heaven are inscrutable. Kneel with me, my 
 child, and thank God, who has, by a miraculous interposi- 
 tion, brought you to the knowledge of a father at a time 
 when his days are numbered. I entreat you to cherish no 
 vain hope, but to be resigned to all that may be decreed 
 for both to endure.” 
 
 “ Oh, Mabille ! ” said Claude with tears of agony, “ it 
 is so hard to behold a glimpse of happiness, and to have the 
 cup dashed from our lips when the draught is sweetest ! ” 
 “ Such is the lot of humanity, my son,” replied the 
 nurse, solemnly, “ we must submit, — not murmur.” 
 Fervent were the prayers both breathed on that sad 
 occasion, and, their orisons ended, they rose from their 
 knees with hearts more able to bear the trials which awaited 
 them. 
 
 It was agreed that Mabille should once more attempt to 
 visit the Count ; and that Claude, in his character of a 
 priest, should endeavour to introduce himself into the 
 prison. Early the next day, therefore, they set out with 
 this intention ; and, having arrived at the Conciergerie, 
 they mingled with the crowd without, which was as usual 
 gathered round the building, anxious to learn how the trial, 
 which had already commenced, proceeded. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER, 
 
 361 
 
 There was much excitement amongst the people, and 
 their observations and sarcasms were by no means few or 
 guarded. Although Charles the Ninth had never been 
 popular, even amongst those of his party, yet the sinister 
 reports respecting his death gave him an interest in their 
 minds which they had not felt before. The King of 
 Poland was known to he proud and vindictive, and his 
 character, which promised well in early life, had been long 
 changing for the worse: he had surrounded himself with 
 favourites, and histories were told of his vices, which were 
 little calculated to endear him to the people, whose affec- 
 tions were directed towards his brother Francis Duke of 
 Anjou, and whom they would willingly have hailed as king 
 in his stead. Of Henry of Navarre none but the Huguenot 
 party thought, and their strength was yet in its infancy ; 
 besides, he was apparently a resigned captive, and some 
 doubts were entertained, both of his capacity and his spirit. 
 The Duke de Guise was the general favourite of the people 
 above all; his popular manners, generosity, splendour, and 
 valour made him their hero, and his partisans were in- 
 finitely the most numerous amongst the divided Parisians. 
 Throughout the whole mass, however, of the people there 
 reigned one unanimous feeling, which was that of hatred, 
 contempt, and fear of the Queen -mother. 
 
 As her coach was seen approaching the court of the 
 prison, where she was coming for the purpose of hearing 
 in person the trial of her intended victim, murmuring and 
 muttered execrations rose around her ; and, in spite of the 
 number of guards who surrounded her, the voice of popular 
 discontent and animosity reached her ears. 
 
 “Did Rene make the sauce for the pike?’* exclaimed 
 some, alluding to the report that the King had been 
 poisoned by eating of this fish. 
 
 Who told the King of Poland he should not be long 
 away ? '' cried others, — for it had transpired that such 
 were the parting words of the mother to her favourite son. 
 
 “How came he to live beyond April ? Was the poison 
 not strong enough ? ” was the question of many who 
 had heard that the physicians employed had given this 
 opinion. 
 
362 
 
 CATHERINE DE WEDICIS ; 
 
 No Italian poisoners — no strangers ! ’’ 
 
 Va^ Fredigonde I ” — A bas Brunehaut ! — 
 
 Va-t’en, Jesabel ! ” — Sorciere ! ” — Maudite femme 
 de Sathan ! ” were the greetings which resounded on all 
 sides ; and through these the imperious Queen made her 
 way to the Council-hall, where sat the judges deliberating 
 on Montgomery’s fate. 
 
 When the Count was brought in, so great was the joy 
 felt by Catherine to behold him in her power, and in the 
 pitiable state in which he appeared, having just undergone 
 the torture, that all the reviling of the mob seemed but as 
 music passed away which heralded the pleasure of this 
 this meeting. The brave prisoner of war, who had been 
 the hero of so many fights, in all of which he had gloriously 
 distinguished himself, — whose involuntary crime all noble 
 minds had long ago forgiven, — against whom no rancour 
 was felt by any party, — who was cited throughout Europe 
 as the brightest ornament to the military glory of France, 
 — once the handsomest, most accomplished, most beloved 
 and admired cavalier of his age, — was dragged into court 
 writhing with agony, his limbs dislocated, his features dis- 
 torted, to hear the unjust sentence of treason passed upon 
 him, and to exhibit his sufferings to the hateful tyrant who 
 rejoiced in every pang he endured. 
 
 He was accused of having, in concert with the Duke of 
 Anjou and the King of Navarre, plotted against the state ; 
 and, on his refusing to implicate any of his friends, he was 
 condemned once more to undergo the grande et petite 
 gehenne, as the torture was termed, which Catherine sat to 
 see with glassy eye and lip blanched, not with horror, but 
 with gratified hate, and finally he was sent back to his 
 cell, having heard his sentence of death pronounced by his 
 iniquitous judges, the slaves of their vindictive mistress. 
 
 Amidst the hootings of the mob the Queen returned to 
 her palace : and with agonised hearts Mabille and Claude, 
 who had heard the fatal sentence, applied for leave to see 
 the prisoner. Now that his fate was decreed there was no 
 objection made by the jailor, who asked no questions of 
 Mabille, and permitted her and the supposed priest to 
 enter the condemned dungeon for a brief space, and they 
 
ORj THE QUEEN-MOTHER. S63 
 
 were informed for the last time, as the sentence would be 
 carried into execution with as little delay as possible. 
 
 There^ in alow damp cell, dark and loathsome, — where 
 a faint light was admitted only through triple bars from a 
 window, — whose walls were twelve feet in thickness, on 
 wet straw, lay the gallant Montgomery, and in that 
 miserable condition he heard a tale which had power to 
 render his dungeon a palace-chamber filled with pomp and 
 splendour. There he pressed to his heart the son of his 
 adored Agnes, and confirmed to him a name which no 
 tyranny could blemish. With the point of the dagger 
 of Claude, on a slate which was found in bis cell did 
 Montgomery trace a few lines which acknowledged the 
 discovery of his son at his last moments, and addressing it 
 to Henry of Navarre, the Prince of Conde, and Elizabeth 
 Queen of England, he signed his name for the last time. 
 
 This singular document he bade Claude preserve, as it 
 would be all that could prove his birth, beside the testi- 
 mony of Mabille. He charged him, however, to reveal 
 the secret only to the heads of his party, for the present, 
 lest he should create enemies who might injure the cause 
 by working evil on him. 
 
 Short was the interview between the father and son, but 
 in those few moments a life of happiness seemed to fleet 
 away. Blessings and prayers were poured by each upon 
 the other ; and with grateful feelings of resignation on the 
 part of the Count, and agonised regret on that of Claude, 
 they were obliged to tear themselves from an embrace 
 which they would fain have prolonged. 
 
 Claude led away the weeping Mabille, who by no tears 
 or entreaties could prevail on his jailors to allow her to 
 remain and attend on the unfortunate prisoner ; and sadly 
 did they return to her dwelling, to spend the night in 
 prayer and lamentation. 
 
 Montgomery’s closing scene was most edifying. He 
 was taken to the scaffold, erected on the Place de Greve, 
 in an open cart, his hands bound behind him, like the 
 lowest criminal, accompanied by a Cordelier and the 
 headsman. 
 
 He spoke firmly to the people, and declared himself 
 
364 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 innocent of any of the crimes laid to his charge ; professed 
 his religion, for which he was happy to die ; proclaimed 
 the treachery of his enemies, who had taken him in fair 
 fight, and had obtained his submission under promise of 
 free pardon. 
 
 He refused to confess himself to the Bishop of Narbonne, 
 who was in attendance ; nor would he kiss the cross pre- 
 sented to him, nor listen to the priest who remained close 
 to his side. This Cordelier addressed him with arguments 
 intended to prove his religion one of error, and would have 
 persuaded him that he had been deceived in adopting it. 
 He looked at him firmly, and replied, — 
 
 If I have been deceived, it was by one of your order : 
 for it was such a one who first gave me a Bible in French, 
 and who taught me to read it. And to that Cordelier I 
 owe the knowledge of the religion I profess, which I hold 
 to be the only true one ; and having lived therein, I trust 
 in God in that faith I shall die this day.’’ * 
 
 These were Montgomery’s last words ; then, kneeling 
 down, he prayed fervently for a few moments before he 
 laid his head upon the block, and, the fatal axe descending, 
 all his misfortunes were ended at a blow. Then followed 
 the butchery common at the period ; which, detailed with 
 all its particulars to Catherine, caused her to laugh savagely 
 and exclaim, — Now I have, indeed, crushed the adder 
 that stung me ! ” 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 BOURGUEIL. 
 
 “ There are more ways than one of sacrificing to the fallen angels.” 
 
 St. Augustine. 
 
 The Abbey of Bourgueil, on the confines of Anjou, was 
 situated in a wooded country of great seclusion ; it seemed 
 as if the good monks who had there fixed their abode had 
 resolved that no worldly foot should intrude on their pre- 
 
 * Historical. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-3IOTHER. 
 
 365 
 
 ciiicts^ so distant were they from the haunts of men^ and 
 so shut in hy their forests from communion with their kind. 
 Their rule was easy, and seldom was inquiry made as to 
 their interior arrangements ; from year to year the same set 
 of brothers performed the same routine of duties, and en- 
 joyed the same indulgences. A flourishing village grew 
 around them, and their abbot always found his revenues 
 regularly paid. As he was frequently a nobleman of the 
 Court, he never interfered with church affairs ; his abode, 
 the abbot’s house was always ready for him, but some years 
 had passed since any superior had claimed the right of 
 occupying it. 
 
 When the President Bailly, after the loss of his daughter, 
 sought repose from the stirring] scenes of which he had 
 been an involuntary witness, he retired to this secluded 
 spot, and finding its gloom and solitude suit the temper of 
 his mind, he resolved there to spend the remainder of his 
 life. He had made vain endeavours to discover the fate of 
 Alix, and at length had come to the sad conclusion that, 
 her profession of faith having been discovered, her life had 
 fallen a sacrifice to her imprudent avowal of the truth. 
 Naturally gloomy, the disappointment of his only hope in 
 life had deepened the severity of his character, and added 
 another shade to his sadness ; amidst the thick shadows of 
 the antique trees which surrounded his monastic abode he 
 delighted to sit for hours, brooding over his sorrows, and 
 indulging in them. 
 
 All the energy which his former occupations had called 
 into action had faded away : his fondness for wealth and 
 power, now that he had attained both, seemed suddenly to 
 have evaporated, and he became a lonely, musing, melan- 
 choly man. 
 
 His religious duties were his only employment ; and to 
 listen to the monotonous chant of the monks as they went 
 through their mechanical labours, to hear the sermon of 
 the priest, which never by its energy disturbed the tran- 
 quillity of the scene around, and was addressed to the 
 simple villagers, and suited to their narrow capacities, was 
 all the excitement his mind required. The good monks 
 looked upon him almost as a saint, and paid him much 
 reverence and respect, while by the peasants he was re- 
 
S66 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 garded with awe and some degree of suspicion : he never 
 mingled with them ; his establishment was frugal^ and his 
 attendants few. One old servant, who had lived with him 
 before the birth of Alix, he still retained ; but most of the 
 others were new. Marcel, who was much attached to his 
 young mistress, felt great sorrow at her sudden loss ; but 
 as the President was uncommunicative and sullen, he had 
 never been able to obtain the slightest clue to her fate. 
 He knew well that a mystery hung over her ; he had 
 remarked her solitary tears, had noted the secret visits of 
 the nurse, and, with the quick-sigh tedness of his class, had 
 observed the evident attachment which had arisen between 
 her and Claude. Left thus in total seclusion, the active 
 mind of Marcel was wearied with the monotony of their 
 present life, and he longed for the bustle and amusement 
 of Paris, to which he had been always accustomed. The vil- 
 lagers hailed his presence in their cottages, and his ready jest 
 and gay demeanour contrasted agreeably with his master’s 
 morose and haughty manner. He could not resist occa- 
 sionally hinting at the events which had taken place in the 
 President’s family, and allowed himself sometimes to ex- 
 press his regret and surmises respecting Alix. A word is 
 sufficient with the ignorant to create a wonder, and the 
 love of the marvellous was a foible amongst the good people 
 of the little town of Bourgueil, not uncommon in places 
 where subjects for gossip are difficult to be met with. It 
 was currently reported, therefore, that the President Bailly 
 was a magician ; that his daughter, having been required 
 by the evil spirit whom he served, as a sacrifice, he had been 
 obliged to yield her up, by which means he had saved 
 his soul, and by future penitence and prayer he hoped to 
 redeem his former sins. 
 
 This accounted for his sadness and his piety most satis- 
 factorily, and the mystery which Marcel could not attempt 
 to explain respecting Alix ’'gave every colour to so natural 
 a conclusion. 
 
 This and similar relations were heard with fear and 
 trembling by the groups, who, seated beneath the village 
 trees, listened frequently to such accounts, firmly be- 
 lieving every syllable ; indeed they considered that so 
 many extraordinary events had happened in their own 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 S67 
 
 neighbourhood^ notwithstanding the exertions of the holy 
 brotherhood, that they could believe any thing of so wicked 
 a place as the capital. 
 
 For instance, at a very short distance from Bourgueil, 
 on the road to Tours, — which was also known to be a 
 dangerous abode, only preserved from utter destruction by 
 the prayers of the monks of Marmontier, — there was a 
 barren moor, on which malefactors were sometimes hung 
 in chains. It was recorded that a party of villagers once 
 returning from the market at Bourgueil to Benest, a village 
 a few leagues off, had in the dusk of evening occasion to 
 pass across this moor ; some of them had been drinking 
 pretty freely, and as they were singing and talking loudly 
 to keep up their spirits in this dismal spot, one amongst 
 them, who was a great boaster, bragged that he would 
 invite the dead man who hung upon the gibbet to join 
 their party. Accordingly he called out in a lusty voice. 
 Comrade, — gueux de larron ! — do you hear? — come 
 down from your tree and have a dance wdth your betters, 
 in the name of the blessed St. Poly carp ! ” 
 
 Scarcely had he uttered this impious exhortation, than a 
 clankling of chains was heard, and a hollow voice answered 
 from the gibbet, Oui, oui, — hau ! hau ! je viens, attendez- 
 moi ! ” and descending from the black and menacing ele- 
 vation where he had swung, down came the corpse and 
 pursued the affrighted villagers, who at the first clank of 
 his chain had taken to their heels ; the ghastly figure of the 
 dead thief followed them with loud cries and peals of 
 fiendish laughter, till they reached the cross of Benest, and 
 there it vanished, while they all hurried to their homes, 
 half dead with terror and remorse, and it required many 
 masses to be said by the holy brothers of the abbey before 
 the evii spirit was laid. Whenever any untow^ard event 
 is about to happen in the bourg, some traveller is sure to 
 be pursued by this Larron pendu,” till within sight of 
 the abbey walls. A saying was rife throughout Tourraine, 
 which confirmed the truth of this account : — 
 
 “ Vignerons, pendiis a Bourgueil, 
 
 N’oiit besoin de fust ni cercueil.” 
 
 The story had been explained at the time by a black- 
 
368 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEHICIS ; 
 
 smith of Benest, who stated that he had set out an hour 
 or two earlier on that eventful night on his way home, but 
 being rather sleepy, or, it may be, somewhat overcome 
 by the last generous glass he had indulged in, he laid 
 himself down to repose on the moor, not aware of his 
 proximity to the gallows and its denizen. That he was 
 awakened by the cries of his companions, had started up, 
 gathered his tools together as quickly as possible — for 
 they had fallen from his basket, — and in so doing made 
 a great clashing of iron ; hearing the hallooing, and find- 
 ing where he was, and that the wind waved the dead body 
 to and fro, he was seized with a panic, and ran after his 
 friends, calling on them to stop with all his might. 
 
 This was considered an invention of the Evil One ; the 
 blacksmith was ever after looked upon with an eye of sus- 
 picion, and the legend of the Larron pendu ” was be- 
 lieved with pious integrity from that time. 
 
 One night a vigneron entered the bourg in great trepi- 
 dation, having been, as he described, pursued to the very 
 walls by this spectre, who had as usual disappeared at the 
 convent gates ; he related that, this time, it had appeared 
 on horseback, and rode so furiously that, though he exerted 
 all his speed and took the shortest cut across the meadows, 
 he could scarcely escape being overtaken. Consternation 
 spread through the little town, and something fearfully 
 extraordinary was expected to happen before long. Nothing 
 of moment, however, took place, except the announcement 
 of an arrival at the abbot’s house of a 'visitor ; how he 
 came, no one could say, — for he had not rested at the 
 town nor been seen by any one, and the upper road to the 
 house by the meadows was never attempted by travellers 
 in consequence of the swamps and the danger apprehended 
 from evil spirits. However, this visitor could have come 
 no other way, and he must be either something super- 
 natural or be well acquainted with the country. Marcel 
 was soon surrounded, and inundated with questions as to 
 his business and the manner of his arrival. 
 
 With respect to his coming,” said Marcel, he rode 
 from Tours, and had much difficulty in finding this out-of- 
 the-way place.” 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. SGQ 
 
 What ! — difficulty in finding the abbey of the 
 blessed St. Polycarp ? He must be a strange man not to 
 know where that is ! ” exclaimed several. 
 
 Well^ he found no one to ask, for leagues, he says,'* 
 continued Marcel ; and, at last, as he was crossing the 
 great moor hard by, he espied a man asleep on the ground, 
 whom he roused, and having called to him, instead of 
 telling him the way, he began running with all his might 
 and roaring for help ; he rode as fast as he could after 
 him, and only stopped at the abbey gates, — having found 
 a guide without knowing it.'* 
 
 Significant glances were exchanged by the peasants, 
 who clearly saw that all could not be right in this instance, 
 and to whom the fallacy of the story was evident, as they 
 had previously heard Jean le vigneron’s account, and knew 
 what to trust to. However, no remarks were made, and 
 the circumstances of the stranger’s arrival were not com- 
 mented on openly; when, however, he was seen constantly 
 to accompany the President to church, and exhibited signs 
 of extreme devotion, it was surmised that he must be in 
 some way or other connected with the former deeds of the 
 lay abbot. 
 
 In this they were not mistaken, — for this visitor was 
 no other than Rene Bianco. 
 
 The subtle Italian had resolved to follow the advice of 
 his royal mistress; and, trusting to his own art and talent, 
 he felt secure of regaining the ascendancy over Bailly, of 
 which the latter had been sensible during the period of 
 their intimacy. Introducing himself in this sudden man- 
 ner, the President had no opportunity of refusing his visit; 
 and, though at first it was most distasteful to him, by degrees 
 he was imposed on by the air of sadness and resignation 
 which Rene assumed. He avoided at first revealing all he 
 had discovered relative to Alix; but at length, with ap- 
 parent reluctance, he confessed that he knew what had 
 become of her. 
 
 Oh, tell me ! ” exclaimed Bailly, — let me hear of 
 my poor child, although I am never to behold her more!” 
 
 It were better, perhaps, that you should never meet,” 
 
 B B 
 
370 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 said Rene : but she still lives ; your fears have mis- 
 
 directed you respecting her danger. She is well.’' 
 
 Where — where is she then ? cried the President, 
 losing his apathy in his paternal feelings. I have wealth, 
 interest, — if she is still preserved, who shall prevent my 
 claiming her } ” 
 
 She is in the revolted town of La Rochelle ! ” replied 
 Bianco. The companion of her flight was the Count 
 La Mole, and she is now protected by Claude Emars, 
 your late secretary, who has made himself notorious by 
 cruelties and enormities practised against the faithful sub- 
 jects of the crown, and the children of our holy church ! ” 
 — Rene hid his face, while the President, horror-stricken, 
 listened in silence. — ^^Yes,” he continued, — I regret 
 to say, that she eloped from Paris, with this Claude. She 
 refused to listen to my representations ; professed her 
 change of religion, — for she is now a Huguenot, — and 
 has fallen into the habits and customs of that depraved 
 sect.” 
 
 Rene,” said the President, you tell me of that 
 which, from any but yourself, who are an injured person, 
 and whom I pity, I could not listen to for a moment. 
 The perfect purity of my daughter it would be as im- 
 possible to make me discredit, as that she is my own 
 child. I know her to be misled by the errors of this 
 accursed belief, and I believe her to have been imposed 
 upon ; but dare not to insinuate aught against her honour 
 in my hearing ! ” 
 
 Bailly’s eyes flashed with indignation as he spoke, and 
 Rene saw that he had gone too far. 
 
 The blessed saints forbid,” exclaimed he, with well- 
 feigned astonishment, that I should utter a syllable which 
 could be construed into such a meaning ! Alix, I am 
 convinced, is virtue itself ! but she is in dangerous hands, 
 and is deeply imbued with the fallacies of the new religion ; 
 and her position with regard to this minion, is one which 
 may give cause for much scandal. ” 
 
 I will immediately write, and command her to leave 
 the town ! ” exclaimed Bailly. During the truce which 
 now exists, it will not be difficult to send to her, and I 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 3?1 
 
 will charge her, by her duty to her father, to obey me 
 instantly/’ 
 
 ^^Do so,” said Rene, with apparent joy. Nothing 
 would be so grateful to my feelings as once more to be- 
 hold her safe in your protection. For myself, although I 
 might claim her promise, I disdain to influence her feel- 
 ings ; and, however unwillingly, abandon my right, trusting 
 that time may yet prove to her my devotion.” 
 
 After much more conversation to the same purpose, in 
 which Rene contrived to deceive the President into a belief 
 of his own generosity and willingness to serve him and his 
 daughter, Bailly determined to write to Alix, and call upon 
 her to return to him. 
 
 This letter he conflded to Rene, who, of course, took 
 care that it should never reach its destination. 
 
 Marcel, in the meantime, jealous of the intimacy of his 
 master with the Italian, whom he had always dreaded, 
 began, from words which Bailly had dropped, to suspect 
 that some scheme was going on which tended to little good. 
 He had vainly endeavoured to obtain the means of dis- 
 covering the purport of the long consultations which took 
 place between the President and his Florentine friend; 
 and annoyed at being foiled in what he considered part of 
 his privilege, to know all his master’s concerns, he set him- 
 self resolutely about finding out the truth. 
 
 All this time Alix, in the absence of her husband at 
 Paris, was mourning over the ill success of her appeals to 
 her father. Her heart was torn with her contending duties 
 to him and to the confiding Claude, who had risked so 
 much to save and protect her. She had written to her 
 father, and set forth, with all the moving eloquence of 
 truth, her obligations to him whose wife she now was ; — 
 had related all her sorrows, perils, and escapes ; the re-^ 
 ception she had met with from He Hommet, and all the 
 particulars of her position ; trusting that he would forgive 
 the step she had thought it most prudent to take, and 
 render her happy in his blessing. 
 
 These letters, it is scarcely necessary to say, were never 
 received by Bailly. Rene had placed his emissaries in the 
 B B 2 
 
372 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEHICIS ; 
 
 bouse of the President in Paris ; and all passed through 
 his hands^ were read and destroyed. 
 
 When Claude^ for so must still be called the attainted 
 and outlawed Gabriel de Lorges Count de Montgomery^ to 
 whom his unfortunate father could not even leave a name 
 in France^ — when Claude quitted Paris and the faithful 
 Mabille^ he bent his course by unfrequented ways in order 
 to escape the vigilance of the foes of his religion ; and with 
 a heavy heart began his journey back to his beloved Alix, 
 to wliom he longed to communicate his secret and his 
 grief. Before,, however^ he permitted himself to think of 
 his own affairs he resolved to make his way into Picardy^ 
 where the Prince of Conde awaited tidings from his party^ 
 which should determine him whether to follow, or not, the 
 advice already offered him of flying to Germany, where the 
 Marshals d’Anville and Montmorency were ready with a 
 strong force to afford their aid. It was of the utmost 
 importance that the Prince should be made aware of the 
 fate of the gallant Montgomery, and Claude saw the 
 necessity of speed in the communication : he therefore in 
 various disguises traversed the country, and arrived in 
 Picardy, where he found the Prince prepared for imme- 
 diate action. Nothing could exceed his horror and in- 
 dignation at the recital of Claude ; and while he recognised 
 the son of the murdered hero, he could only afford him 
 tears and regret. He at first urged him to join the party 
 in Germany, but on hearing all the ties of Claude at La 
 Rochelle, he agreed that greater service could be done to 
 the cause by his remaining in France. He informed Claude 
 that his princess had lately quitted him to remain at his 
 chateau in the Chartrain with her ladies and attendants : 
 he should, therefore, find no difficulty in leaving France, 
 and should forthwith commence his journey with all the 
 men he could procure. 
 
 Claude then recommenced his wanderings, and, after 
 traversing Normandy, and communicating with all the 
 chiefs of the party, he crossed the Loire, and once more 
 returned to La Rochelle, where he was warmly greeted by 
 all his friends, to whom he related the melancholy story of 
 the Count’s betrayal. The astonishment of Alix was 
 
OU^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 373 
 
 extreme on hearing the mystery of his birth explained ; 
 and, while she hailed the son of the martyr to the cause 
 of religion, she wept bitterly for his loss. 
 
 But Claude soon discovered that a secret grief was 
 praying on her mind, and, with the deepest sympathy, he 
 heard of her disappointment at her father’s obdurate 
 silence. He knew that the President was at his abbey in 
 Anjou, having made all the inquiries he dared venture as 
 he passed through that part of the country ; and, while he 
 endeavoured to soothe the agitated feelings of his wife, he 
 felt that the hard and unbending character of her father 
 afforded them little hope. Alix, however, could not 
 imagine that the tenderness which she knew existed in 
 his heart towards her could be thus entirely obliterated : 
 she suggested the possibility of treachery, and the chances 
 that her letters had not reached him. Claude, at length, 
 resolved to relieve her mind at all hazards; and con- 
 sidering that at the present moment the harassing warfare 
 which had been recommenced against the Rochellois was 
 suspended, and a short truce existed, he hoped that by a 
 personal interview with Bailly he might be able to soften 
 his mind towards them. 
 
 Having conceived this plan he imparted it to Alix. 
 
 I can,” said he, but fail at last ; but we shall knov/ 
 the worst, and shall cease to be agonised by suspense.” 
 
 Your fears,” urged he to her objections, magnify 
 the danger. I know the country well, am an experienced 
 traveller ; in my accustomed disguise of a mendicant friar 
 I can go securely, and my return, I am persuaded, will 
 bring you joy.” 
 
 No, Claude ! ” cried Alix, I will repress this anxiety ; 
 since my father lives I will be content to remain at a dis- 
 tance from him — nay, separated for ever, rather than risk 
 the loss of one still dearer. How could I have imagined 
 such a project? Let us never think of it more.” 
 
 Though the subject was at that time dropped, Claude 
 failed not at different periods to renew it ; and at length 
 succeeded in obtaining the consent of his wife that he 
 should undertake the journey, disguised as had been pro- 
 posed. 
 
 B B 3 
 
374 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 Aiix complied with less reluctance^ hoping that he 
 might return before the term of the truce was expired. 
 They parted, therefore, not without many tears, and Alix 
 sought in the society of Lesselline to lose the foreboding 
 fears which immediately on his departure rose in her 
 mind. 
 
 The regard of Bailly for his perfidious guest had, mean- 
 while, daily augmented ; the abilities and accomplishments 
 which had recommended Rene to the favour of Catherine 
 were not lost on the President, who, having now renounced 
 all public occupation, devoted his hours to retirement, 
 which he delighted to share with the artful Italian. 
 
 At this period it was that Rene learnt, with feelings of 
 unspeakable rage and jealousy, that it was on Cosmo Rug- 
 gieri Catherine had bestowed the grant of the Abbey of 
 St. Mahe in Bretagne ; and thus he found his rival pos- 
 sessed of what he had himself aspired to, such being the 
 disgraceful practice of the time that places of sacred trust 
 were given by the great to the meanest favourite, or pur- 
 chased by the most unworthy. 
 
 The desire of equalling his rival and braving the Queen 
 took immediate possession of his mind, and to accomplish 
 this end he bent every faculty of his malignant and sordid 
 soul. 
 
 If,” argued he mentally, Bailly dies, the vacancy 
 his death will occasion might be filled by me ; why should 
 he not, as Catherine herself suggested, bequeath it to me 
 with the rest of his possessions ? for his daughter’s mar- 
 riage with a heretic ought to bar her heritage.” 
 
 Occupied with these projects he failed not, on all occa- 
 sions, to insinuate into the President’s mind sentiments 
 unfavourable to Alix; and even hinted at her being so 
 absorbed by zeal for her religion as to have been indifferent 
 to her father’s safety when she protected Claude, for he 
 continued to deceive Bailly with the idea that she had been 
 the means of his escape. The scene on the night of St. 
 Bartholomew and her resolute tenderness would sometimes 
 contradict his insinuation to the father’s heart; but so 
 artfully did he work on his credulity that his words scon 
 effaced the slight impressions of reviving tenderness. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. S75 
 
 At length Rene ventured on the subject on which his 
 hopes depended^ and cautiously and carefully worked his 
 way till Bailly was induced to agree that he should be 
 named by his will his successor in the Abbey, leaving him 
 funds to secure its possession. This his conscience allowed 
 him without difficulty to do, as he considered that the 
 religion of Alix and her husband effectually prevented 
 them or their children from inheriting such property, and 
 the alienation of so large a portion he considered a due 
 punishment for her offence. The anxious advice and even 
 entreaties of Rene failed, however, to induce him to de- 
 prive her of all claim on his large fortune, and a very 
 considerable proportion was still left unmentioned as na- 
 turally belonging to Alix at his death. Annoyed at this 
 circumstance, Rene endeavoured to derive consolation from 
 the hope that, in the event of Alix making demand of her 
 rights, he should have it in his power to prevent her ob- 
 taining justice in consequence of her faith. 
 
 It w'as at this moment that he was deeply annoyed by 
 receiving a peremptory summons from his royal mistress 
 to join her in Paris without a moment's delay, as the King 
 of Poland w^as on his way from Cracow, and her intention 
 was to give him the meeting at Lyons. She informed 
 him that his leave of absence could be extended no longer, 
 as she required him to execute some affairs of the great- 
 est importance. 
 
 ‘‘ I will not prevent your returning to Anjou on my 
 departure," she wrote ; therefore fail not, on receipt of 
 this, to hasten to Paris, as you value my favour." 
 
 Her favour!" cried Rene bitterly, — what does it 
 bring me ? — little but promises. I have, in the course of 
 my service, it is true, had large sums from her, but her 
 gifts to others have been equal if not greater, and I have 
 only contributed to ruin the royal exchequer. I should 
 have gained all — by the saints ! I have richly earned 
 it I — this last act of hers, however, shall not go unre- 
 venged : to prefer that ignorant pretender to me who have 
 devoted my science to her for years ! But I must obey 
 her still : she is now all powerful, and will continue so 
 long under her son Henry’s sway. I must not lose my 
 
 B B 4 
 
CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 376 
 
 labour by wearying at the last. There is little fear of 
 Alix writing again to her father during my absence ; her 
 last letter was utterly desponding, and she called it her 
 last appeal. As she received no reply, of course she will 
 venture no more — at least for some time, — and, doubt- 
 less, I shall return soon, as Catherine will be impatient 
 to embrace her darling son.'’ 
 
 Thus reasoning, he calmed his uneasiness, and leaving 
 Bailly, who parted with him with regret, he hastened to 
 Paris and his mysterious mistress. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 THE LETTER. 
 
 “ Celle qui git id n’avoit point de seconde, 
 
 En vertus, en beaute, en graces, en honneur, 
 
 Et pour dire en un mot ce qu’elle eut de bonheur, 
 
 Ci gisent les Amours et les Graces du monde.” 
 
 Passerat on Marie de Cleves. 
 
 Bianco,” said Queen Catherine, when obeying her sum- 
 mons, he hastened to present himself before her, im- 
 mediately on his arrival in Paris, — Bianco, I have 
 intercepted a letter from the King of France and Poland, 
 addressed to Marie wife of Conde. It contains a promise, 
 which, if kept, would destroy all my plans for the future, 
 and a strong measure must annul it. I had no idea that 
 Henry really loved this girl so much. I thought absence 
 would weaken or destroy his affection, and besides, I 
 know he has written tenderly to La Chateauneuf, — but 
 that must have been but to deceive me. Read this strange 
 letter, and judge what should be done.” 
 
 Rene took the paper, not without emotion, for he ob- 
 served the whole of it written in sanguine characters, and 
 thus it ran : — 
 
 Marie, adored of my soul. Tortured and distracted, 
 in absence from her who is my existence, I write to you 
 with a pen dipped in my own blood, kneeling at the 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 377 
 
 altar of the Blessed Virgin, to give you news of one who 
 night and day counts only the moments which intervene 
 between our meeting. Fam_, O joyful certainty ! I am 
 King of France. My first act is to hail you as my Queen, 
 to promise you by all I hold sacred in Heaven and on 
 earth, that not a week shall pass when once I set foot 
 on the soil of my native country, before I will lead you 
 to the altar, and hear you proclaimed my wife. Receive 
 this solemn vow, my own beloved Marie, and expect the 
 accomplishment of it the instant I can announce to you 
 the dissolution of that hateful contract which has hitherto 
 separated us. Rome is propitious, — there will be no 
 obstacles ; we shall be united for ever, and no power shall 
 part us. 
 
 (Signed) Henry, 
 
 King of France and Poland.” 
 
 Rene turned the letter over in his hand, and read the 
 superscription ^^To the Princess Marie de Conde.'" — ^‘This, 
 of course, she will never receive,’' said he, coolly. 
 
 You are dull, Rene,” said Catherine, with a peculiar 
 smile. I shall despatch it instantly, and you are to 
 be the messenger to bear it to her.” 
 
 I perceive,” answered the Italian. Madonna, your 
 wit far passes mine. Methinks this sheet, travel-stained 
 and worn, should be refreshed with certain perfumes which 
 will add greater vigour to the letters, and impart a softer 
 feeling to the sense.” 
 
 You have such perfumes, Rene,” said the Queen ; 
 spare them not, however costly, — they will save a crown. 
 Go, — *bear her this letter, and on your return bring me 
 back word that I have no more cause of fear.” 
 
 Madonna,” said the poisoner, deliberately, there is 
 a metallic power, one grain of which touching the lips 
 will act like the look of the basilisk, and life shall be 
 extinct in an instant. This placed upon the paper over 
 the name of ‘ Henry,’ will effect our purpose. Marie 
 will seize upon the letter, — she will devour its contents, — 
 she will kiss the signature. Let her do so, and you have 
 no more to fear.” 
 
378 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 But is this a sure method^ Bianco ? ” gasped Catherine. 
 
 Might it not fail ? ” 
 
 It will not,” he replied. But there are other means 
 known to him to whom this secret has been revealed. 
 Madonna, I hold the lives of men in my hand, — their 
 existence depends on my breath ; when I choose to exert 
 my power all are my slaves,"’ and he laughed trium- 
 phantly. I must have for this service much gold, for 
 the knowledge was dearly bought ; can you at once sup- 
 ply me ? Some who have claims upon me clamour for 
 their dues, and I have not werewithal to satisfy them.” 
 Rene,” said the Queen, I have exhausted all my 
 funds at this moment, and know not where to turn ; the 
 fetes we must give on the King’s arrival must dazzle by 
 their splendour, — they shall excel all others. FI is coro- 
 
 nation and his marriage,” she continued, smiling, his 
 marriage with Louisa of Lorraine will be costly, and de- 
 mand much gold ; but your wants shall be supplied. 
 Mark how I purpose to procure large means. In the 
 Sainte Chapelle of the palace is a cross, of value not to be 
 named, for in it is enclosed a large piece of the true 
 cross. This the Holy Father has long sued for, and would 
 give any sum to obtain, but the selfish churchmen of 
 Paris would refuse to part with their treasure. Let a 
 determined few take it in secrecy and silence from the 
 altar, and, once transferred to Rome, gold would come 
 pouring in upon us. The saints forbid that I should do 
 an act of sacrilege, or dare to injure the sacred symbol ! 
 It is but obeying the command of the great head of our 
 religion, to whom I have long promised it, and it will be 
 placed in a fitter sanctuary than here, where heretics and 
 schismatics pollute our altars with their deceptive vows.” 
 True,” returned Bianco, it is to aid the good cause, 
 and all means are legitimate which have that for their 
 object.” 
 
 ‘‘ Let it be done, Rene, and ask me not how,” said the 
 Queen ; the chapel doors need not he closed that night, 
 and can seem forced if necessary. You no doubt know 
 Italians ready to return to their own country, who will be 
 glad to travel protected by the holy pledge.” 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 379 
 
 “ Florio has a chosen band ready and most willing for 
 the service/’ replied Rene ; “ say no more^ Madonna^ you 
 shall in all things be obeyed.” 
 
 Go first and bear this letter to the expectant Princess/’ 
 said Catherine, ^^and on your return inform me of her 
 fate. I purpose instantly setting forth to meet the King 
 at Lyons ; no time is to he lost ; we must despatch busi- 
 ness quickly, and while the Court is absent it will be easy 
 to suppose that a robbery might take place.” 
 
 Thanks, good Madonna/' said Rene, kissing her ex- 
 tended hand ; ^Gve will perform miracles if necessary.” 
 
 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 
 
 The chateau of the Prince de Conde, in the Chartrain, 
 was a moated building, strongly constructed, with huge 
 towers and outer defences, capable of much resistance in 
 case of assault. It was gloomy and vast, and stood in the 
 midst of a flat corn country, commanding an extensive 
 view for leagues round ; the elevated spires of the magni- 
 ficent cathedral of Chartres forming a conspicuous feature, 
 as they towered above the woods, and attracted the eye 
 from a great distance. Thick forests closed the castle in, 
 whose recesses afforded sport .to the huntsman ; for there 
 the deer and wild boar had their haunts, and the wolf 
 occasionally was made an object of the chace; but pastime 
 of this description had now been laid aside. The Prince 
 had been detained so long at Paris, little less than a 
 prisoner, that his chateau of Villebon had remained un- 
 visited ; and when he recovered a nominal liberation, he 
 employed it in planning an escape from the thraldom in 
 which he was held. He had sent the Princess to this re- 
 treat, — far from the Court and its seductions, — on hear- 
 ing of the death of the King ; and he hoped that change 
 of scene and circumstances had obliterated, in the mind of 
 Henry the Third, the memory of a passion disgraceful to 
 the honour of his wife. When he fled to Germany, he 
 considered that Marie was sufficiently guarded in his castle 
 to prevent any danger, and he had laid on her strict and 
 determined commands that, on no pretence, should she 
 leave its walls. Nothing could he so utterly sad and for- 
 
380 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 lorn as the position of the unfortunate Marie. — Deprived 
 of all society but that of her dependents ; wretched with 
 her husband^ whose affections she had never possessed,, and 
 who treated her with suspicion and distant coolness ; her 
 heart entirely given to Henry of Valois^ in whom she 
 fondly imagined existed every virtue^ of which he was^ in 
 fact, devoid ; trembling to think of him, yet dwelling on 
 his name, — alive to all that concerned him, yet afraid to 
 inquire the slightest particular; — it was, however, impos- 
 sible to keep from her the knowledge of the death of 
 Charles, and a thousand emotions filled her mind when she 
 reflected on the consequences of that event. Letters had 
 secretly been conveyed to her, on the first departure of her 
 royal lover, through the Queen of Navarre ; but for some 
 time none had reached her, and her spirits and health had 
 sunk in consequence. She had grown silent, and more 
 than usually pensive ; — ceased to occupy herself with her 
 usual employments, and mournfully dreamed away her 
 existence in repressed hope and regret. She imagined it 
 possible that his heart had ceased to beat so warmly for 
 her, — that he would now be able to bear their separation, — 
 that his promises were by degrees being effaced from his 
 mind. She tried to think of her domestic obligations, — 
 she resolved to banish him from her thoughts, or, at least, 
 not to allow them to dwell so incessantly upon his image ; 
 — she endeavoured to persuade herself that the time might 
 come when she should be able to replace her love for him 
 by the duty she owed her husband. — Alas ! she sighed ; — 
 
 “ It may be that I love thee not — 
 
 How happy if my soul 
 At length its bondage had forgot, 
 
 And spurn’d its late control : 
 
 Like some bright native of the sky, 
 
 Escaped to blessed liberty ! 
 
 “ It may be that, like wither’d flowers. 
 
 Whose fragrant breath is gone, — 
 
 I can forget those summer hours, 
 
 W'hich sweetly lingered on : — 
 
 That sparkling stream, that willowy shore 
 May be my Paradise no more ! 
 
 “ It may be others’ eyes may seem 
 As soft, as kind as thine ; 
 
 The glory of another dream 
 May o’er my fancy shine ; 
 
 And other voices speak as well 
 All that thy lips alone could tell ! 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 381 
 
 “ And forms may glide of equal grace, 
 
 Where once thy step has been ; 
 
 And I shall scarce observe thy place 
 Is vacant in the scene : — 
 
 Nor when thy fav’rite haunts I see, 
 
 Remember they had charms for thee. 
 
 “ And I may know thee near, nor seek 
 To meet those eyes of day ; 
 
 In music’s tone may hear thee speak. 
 
 And turn unmoved away : — 
 
 I may renounce thee ! — may forget — 
 
 The time may come — but, oh ! — not yet ! ” 
 
 Many mournful weeks passed in this solitary manner ; 
 and_, though the Princess tried to persuade herself that she 
 no longer desired to hear from her lover^ she had chosen 
 for her favourite retreat a chamber in one of the towers, 
 which overlooked the principal entrance to the castle, in 
 order that she might see the couriers as they went and 
 came, with orders from her husband, to the troops quartered 
 within the buildings of the great court of the chateau, with 
 a faint hope that some in royal livery might one day meet 
 her sight. Marguerite had been strangely silent of late on 
 the subject of her brother, and in her previous letters had 
 ventured advice more prudent than encouraging respecting 
 him. Everything tended to depress her ; and so sensitive 
 had she grown from long and ineffectual watching, that 
 her light and graceful figure became thin and fragile, and 
 her cheek, once all bloom, as pale as snow. 
 
 She was looking one morning from her tower window 
 towards the long avenue of high lindens, which formed a 
 vista from the castle gates, and by which way all expresses 
 must come, when she beheld a troop of horsemen galloping 
 down the road with great speed, in the suite of a royal 
 messenger, whom she recognised as wearing the costume 
 of those attached to the service of the Queen-mother. Her 
 heart beat violently : she had scarcely power to breathe or 
 to look as they rapidly approached the gates, and rang the 
 great bell which announced their arrival. The drawbridge 
 was lowered instantly, and the party were received into the 
 inner court. She saw no more, but waited in trembling 
 anxiety till the messenger should be announced to her. At 
 length she was informed of his request to see her, in order 
 to deliver papers of importance. According to the etiquette 
 
382 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS ; 
 
 observed at the time^ she desired that he might be con- 
 ducted to her hall of audience, and leaving her tower she 
 entered the large apartment where she was accustomed to 
 receive visitors of importance. 
 
 It was a chamber very long and wide, with a row of 
 high windows on each side ; on the ceiling, the rafters of 
 which were of dark oak, were emblazoned the arms of 
 Conde ; the walls were hung with tapestry representing 
 classical subjects on a gigantic scale, and the wood- work 
 between was massively carved. A dais rose between two 
 of the windows, where was placed a throne and canopy of 
 rich dark velvet, and it was here that the delicate and 
 lovely Marie was seated when the royal messenger was 
 announced. 
 
 Rene Bianco, meantime, had been conducted into a 
 lower chamber, fitted up with warlike ornaments of spear 
 and shield, and adorned with enormous pictures of the 
 family of Conde, together with some of that of D’Estoute- 
 ville, by whom the castle was built and originally possessed. 
 When summoned to the presence of the Princess, he 
 mounted the broad stone spiral staircase with a step less 
 assured than usual, and he trembled as he entered the large, 
 gloomy chamber, where, at the upper end, sat the beautiful 
 and innocent creature who had been marked as a victim. 
 
 He approached, and knelt on the lower step of the dais, 
 when Marie exclaimed, 
 
 *^‘Ah ! Messire Rene, I rejoice to see you; — tell me, is 
 the Queen of Navarre well, and her Grace the Queen- 
 mother ? — What news do you bring me ? ” 
 
 Gracious lady,’’ replied Bianco, their Majesties are 
 well, and happy in the expectation of our beloved Sove- 
 reign’s speedy arrival from Poland. They purpose imme- 
 diately to set out on their way to meet him.” 
 
 He then delivered the despatches with which he was 
 charged, and Marie opened them. In that of the Queen- 
 mother was enclosed the fatal letter from Henry of Valois, 
 and as Marie looked at the superscription she changed 
 colour and trembled violently ; laying it, for a moment, on 
 her lap, she perused the contents of Catherine’s missive, 
 which expressed the utmost tenderness and affection, and 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 383 
 
 hinted at the future in a manner at the same time myste- 
 rious and flattering. She then took up the letter of Henry, 
 and opening it endeavoured to read ; but her head grew 
 giddy, her agitation became extreme, and gathering the 
 papers together, first placing that in her bosom, she quitted 
 the chamber, and retired to her private chamber in the 
 tower. 
 
 Rene remained rooted to the spot, his face pale as death, 
 
 — his eyes haggard, — his knees shaking, — and his whole 
 appearance such as would have betrayed to an observer his 
 guilty feelings ; but he had been admitted alone to the 
 Princess, her attendants had all withdrawn into the adjoin- 
 ing corridor, and there was no witness to the struggle in his 
 bosom. He listened — started — bent his ear towards the 
 opposite door — gasped for breath — and pressed his hands 
 to his head, in an agony of impatient expectation. For 
 the first time in his life he regretted his crime, — for the 
 first time he hoped that his plan would fail. Marie was so 
 young, — so lovely, — so confiding! She had smiled with 
 such innocent sweetness as she welcomed her destroyer, that 
 she had effected at least a momentary change in his nature. 
 
 Catherine must be a fiend,” exclaimed he, to mur- 
 der such a creature ! And what am I ? — Oh, God ! '' 
 
 At that moment he was startled by a sharp, shrill, wild 
 cry from the tower chamber, and a dull sound as of a falling 
 object: his hair rose, — -his blood was chilled in his veins, 
 
 — he clenched his hands and ground his teeth in agony; 
 the sound had been heard by others, it was so strange and 
 unnatural that it struck on the ear as something awful and 
 portentous. Several of the Princess’s attendants hurried 
 from the adjoining corridor and entered the room ; he was 
 prepared for what followed, — shrieks and cries echoed 
 through the castle ; the voice of wailing and lamentation 
 filled the place, and all the horror of the deed was made 
 manifest to his senses. 
 
 Marie had been found lying on the ground, her hand 
 pressed to her heart with the fatal letter tightly held, — 
 the rest of the papers were scattered round, and had evi- 
 dently been thrown from her when seized with the sudden 
 death-pang. 
 
384 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 She no longer breathed, although she was still warm, 
 and the colour had not faded from her cheek ; she must 
 have died in an instant, as if struck with lightning ; and 
 her spirit had departed at the moment when she became 
 conscious that all her earthly hopes were accomplished. 
 
 Had she lived, it would have been but to learn the fal- 
 lacy of those hopes, — to have withered by slow degrees 
 under the fearful conviction of the unworthiness of him 
 she adored : remorse, regret, sorrow, and despair were 
 saved her ; she fell a victim innocent and happy, and 
 Heaven received her before the taint of sin had rendered 
 her unfit for its pure abodes. 
 
 Bianco, with a violent effort, roused himself from his 
 stupor, and amidst the tears and exclamations of all around 
 ordered that his train should be ready instantly to set forth 
 on his return. 
 
 Let this fatal event be kept secret for the present/' 
 said he, lest it reach the ears of those of the court, and 
 they become too suddenly aware of their misfortune. I 
 undertake to report it with proper care to the Queen- 
 mother and the family of the unfortunate Princess. Such 
 occurrences are not unusual, — probably tbe contents of the 
 letters of which I was, by evil chance, the bearer, were of 
 a nature to occasion violent agitation ; and the blood sud- 
 denly rushing to the heart has occasioned the loss of life. 
 My embassy has had a sad result, and is one which, to the 
 last moment of my life, I shall reflect on with agonised 
 remembrance." 
 
 He mounted his horse, and, followed by his people, rode 
 slowly from the castle ; when half way up the avenue he 
 beheld, emerging from the thick wood which extended on 
 each side, a young fawn, which, with its graceful pace, 
 ran before him till he reached the high iron gates leading 
 to the road beyond, then suddenly stopping turned its full 
 gaze upon him ; from the large brilliant eyes two heavy 
 tear-drops seemed falling, and the expression of the coun- 
 tenance was full of reproach. He started, and spurred his 
 horse, which plunged and snorted and refused to advance, 
 when, suddenly, the figure of the fawn became indistinct, 
 and in a moment entirely disappeared from his sight : on 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-BIOTHER. 
 
 385 
 
 rushed his steed, and dashing through the gates took, with 
 headlong rapidity, its way towards the town of Courville, 
 and from thence to Chartres, where, hurrying to the 
 cathedral, the superstitious and remorse-stricken Italian 
 lost no time in prostrating himself before the shrine of the 
 miraculous Black Virgin of Chartres, to whom he poured 
 out a prayer of supplication and entreaty, that he might be 
 delivered from the feeling of horror which oppressed him. 
 After having done so, he felt relieved, and by the time he 
 had reached Paris, every human sentiment of redeeming 
 sorrow was effaced from his soul. 
 
 The Queen-mother and her party had already set out, 
 but she had directed Rene to intimate to her, by a con- 
 certed token, forwarded by a courier, the success of her 
 scheme, and at an early stage of her journey she became 
 aware of the truth. Not a shade of regret, not a pang of 
 remorse mingled with the exultation which this news gave 
 to her mind ; carefully concealing her fatal knowledge she 
 hurried on, and amidst every outward demonstration of 
 welcome and honour reached Lyons, the city at which she 
 was to await the arrival of Henry the Third from Poland. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 THE NEW KING. 
 
 “ Pr’ythee see there ! 
 
 Behold ! look ! lo ! how say you ? ” — Macbeth. 
 
 Along the shore of the Saone, on the parapet of the port 
 called de la Feuillee, were seated, in rows, a great number 
 of young women, whose costume was peculiarly attractive, 
 even if their remarkable beauty had not excited the ad- 
 miration of the passer-by. They were dressed in bodices 
 and petticoats of dazzling whiteness ; their heads and fine 
 hair covered with large straw hats, tied under the chin 
 with a bow of coloured ribbon. Some of them balanced 
 an oar or a boat-hook in their hands, or were twisting 
 pieces of rope, and gazing with that air, half listless, half 
 anxious, which told that they were waiting to be employed. 
 
385 * 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 These were, in fact, the hatelieres of the neat little boats 
 called beches, which lay along the river-side, covered with 
 their awnings of linen stretched over hoops, and inviting 
 the inhabitants of Lyons to trust themselves to the guid- 
 ance of these nymphs of the stream on a short voyage to 
 ITsle Barbe and the opposite shores. 
 
 And are the Queen-mother and all the court ladies 
 really coming } ** said one of the young girls : we 
 
 shall have a busy time while they stay, and pocket many 
 a denier." 
 
 W e had need," said an elderly woman, with a surly 
 air ; for little enough has been doing of late. I thought 
 when all the Huguenots were rooted out we were to be 
 better off ; but though we destroyed the vermin till the 
 river would hold no more bodies, we are just as poor 
 as ever.” 
 
 Don’t talk of it, Manon," answered another of the 
 party ; it makes my heart bleed whenever I hear it 
 named ; and they say the late King died of grief for what 
 he had been made to do ; — and it’s treason to talk about 
 it now." 
 
 Henry of Navarre is to come with the Court,” ob- 
 served a young coquette, adjusting her straw hat. Does 
 he admire fair beauties or dark, do they say } ” 
 
 Either," returned a laughing companion ; none 
 come amiss to him: — but the scores of young gallants 
 there will be ! — we shall never have our oars idle !" 
 
 Is the new King expected to-night.^” asked another. 
 
 He’ll come too soon, arrive when he will,” rejoined an 
 old woman. France wants something better than a 
 coxcomb and a madman, like this and the last, for her 
 King. The young Francis is worth all the rest, and he 
 must be born too late.” 
 
 Well, it’s all one to us, so as we get employed,” said 
 another. Changes and troubles may do good to these 
 great folks, but they ruin little ones. Hark ! the bells are 
 ringing ! — the guns are firing ! — the King’s arrived! — 
 Vive Henri Trois ! — Vive la Reine Mere ! — Viva ! 
 Viva !" 
 
 And all the fair hatelieres deserted their post to join the 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 387 
 
 shouting and expectant crowd, who were hailing the arrival 
 of the fugitive King of Poland in his dominions. 
 
 Although late in the year, the season was as fine as is 
 frequently known in the middle of summer ; and the sun 
 shone brilliantly on the magnificent cavalcade of the 
 Queen-mother and her ladies, and the Queen of Navarre 
 and her suite, as it wound along the mountain of Four- 
 vieres, which, together with that of St. Sebastian, forms 
 an amphitheatre, commanding the majestic Saone, which 
 confines within its embrace, and that of the Rhone, the 
 gay and picturesque city of Lyons. Nothing could exceed 
 the varied and beautiful view from the elevated road by 
 which the royal party advanced ; — hills, covered with ver- 
 dure, rose on every side, the two grand rivers meeting at 
 their feet ; the city, with all its domes, and spires, and 
 turrets, rising from their floods ; and the magnificent and 
 shadowy chain of the Alps in the eastern perspective. 
 
 The equipages of the two Queens, and the appointments 
 of their trains, were gorgeous in the extreme ; nothing was 
 wanting to show honour to the beloved son of Catherine ; 
 and the Queen of Navarre, whose taste for splendour and 
 carelessness of expense were not inferior to her mother’s, 
 was not sorry to have an opportunity of displaying her 
 taste on this occasion. 
 
 The Queen-mother, with five of her ladies, appeared in 
 a chariot covered with gilding and painting, laquais, 
 dressed in splendid liveries, hanging on to the large por~ 
 tieres, and pages and a host of other attendants running 
 before and by the side. On great occasions, like the pre- 
 sent, the Grande Bande, consisting of two hundred ladies, 
 all of them of high quality, attended their royal mistress, 
 some in carriages richly ornamented, others on horseback, 
 their steeds gallantly caparisoned, and all accompanied by 
 pages and valets. But the most remarkable equipage was 
 that of the Queen of Navarre, who has herself described a 
 similar one in her own Memoirs. It was a litiere of large 
 size, supported by light and elegant gilt pillars ; the 
 interior was hung with curtains of Spanish velvet of car- 
 nation colour, deeply bordered with gold embroidery ; and 
 from the top depended draperies of white silk in knots 
 c c 2 
 
388 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 with devices. Between each pillar were glasses brilliantly 
 painted^ each pane also bearing devices, to the number of 
 forty ; and great ingenuity had been displayed in contriving 
 these, which were, for the most part, allusive to the power 
 and influence of the sun, moon, and stars. Some were 
 mysterious, and understood only by the Queen herself, or 
 some of her favourite ladies, and were expressed in Spanish, 
 Italian, Latin, French, and other languages. A few were 
 as follow : — A bright flame, with the words, “ Mas ardor 
 que lumbre i, e, more heat than light/’ 
 
 Another presented a fire casting up numerous sparks 
 towards a sky filled with stars, and beneath, ^^por cada 
 estrella, su cintilla,” — for each star its ray;” — an am- 
 biguous motto, which might mean to illustrate the vain 
 attempts of mere sparks to reach the stars. 
 
 A rose-bud appeared in silver, with this motto : — 
 Quando si mostra men* tant’ e piu bella.” 
 
 A phoenix, burning in the sun’s rays, and the scroll, 
 Qui mi da la morte mi da la vita.” 
 
 A sky filled with stars, and one conspicuous above the 
 rest with the words, Entre todos querida.” 
 
 A sun in its meridian, the motto, Piu ardente quando 
 piu eminente.” 
 
 Many of the cavaliers of the day were suspected of 
 having supplied the artist with different compliments and 
 gallant ideas, and the mystery attached to these infinitely 
 enhanced their value in the eyes of the fair travellers. 
 
 After this splendid litter, which was drawn by numerous 
 horses, all gay and gorgeous with trappings, followed others 
 filled with magnificently attired ladies : between them rode 
 by tens, attended by their gouvernantes, the young maids 
 of honour of Marguerite, on white palfreys with silver 
 housings. 
 
 A long train of cavaliers mounted on superb chargers, 
 some wearing brilliant armour, and others gay dresses of 
 peace, came glittering along with the King of Navarre and 
 the Duke of Anjou, both carefully surrounded by chosen 
 friends of Catherine, who were, in fact, no other than 
 their guards, although they thus appeared at liberty. The 
 other royal princes of the houses of Lorraine and Guise 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 389 
 
 made an equally splendid figure, and the whole scene was 
 gay and imposing beyond description. 
 
 This gorgeous company was met by the anxiously ex- 
 pected monarch Henry the Third, who appeared in far 
 different guise with his worn and jaded band of friends 
 and soldiers ; for he had no sooner heard of the death of 
 his brother, than aware of the attempts which would be 
 made by his Polish subjects to detain him, he had abruptly 
 quitted Cracow in the night in disguise, and, attended but 
 by few gentlemen, had ridden post from town to town, 
 allowing himself scarcely resting time till he reached the 
 frontiers of France, and he now made his appearance, bring- 
 ing with him none of the state or splendour of which he 
 was so fond. 
 
 His arrival, however, was hailed by his friends with 
 enthusiasm, and as every care had been taken by his poli- 
 tic mother to secure his good reception, he had no reason 
 to complain of his welcome. 
 
 Almost his first question was news of Marie de Conde, 
 and he could not conceal his chagrin on being informed 
 that she was detained in Normandy by illness, and had 
 been unable to accompany the Queen-mother on her ex- 
 pedition to meet him. 
 
 (f We had not purposed to take this journey,’' said 
 Catherine, till almost a few hours before we set out, but 
 our impatience to hail our King prevented our waiting his 
 return to Paris ; some therefore have been constrained to 
 remain behind who would otherwise have joined us. Let 
 not their absence cloud the joy of this meeting ; there shall 
 be nothing in future but smiles in France." 
 
 The cloud upon the King's brow contradicted her boast, 
 and she felt that she had a difficult task to fulfil in inform- 
 ing him of the truth, but she shrank not, resolved to carry 
 her point of uniting him to a princess of her own choice. 
 She had informed herself of the impression which the 
 extreme beauty of Louise de Lorraine had made on him. 
 when he visited her father’s court on his way to Poland, 
 and hoped that the admiration which he had openly ex- 
 pressed of the Princess would not pass away. 
 
 She was prepared for a burst of passionate grief, and had 
 c c 3 
 
390 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 laid her plans accordingly^ making up her mind to endure 
 and to triumph over all. Nevertheless^ though she was 
 thus working for the aggrandisement of the family of 
 Lorraine, there was one of them whose influence she 
 dreaded ; and without whose removal her schemes would 
 prove of no avail. She had long writhed beneath his 
 power^ and striven to escape from the thraldom of his dic- 
 tation. In a late conference he had venutred to throw out 
 hints that he was in possession of a secret which, if di- 
 vulged, would greatly injure her reputation in France, 
 already sufficiently canvassed ; and she secretly resolved to 
 rid herself at the first opportunity of an enemy so danger- 
 ous as the aspiring Cardinal de Lorraine, for her ambitious 
 foe was no other. 
 
 He was, however, now of the party which had met to 
 do honour to the King, and was treated by her with all 
 that marked distinction, respect, and kindness with which 
 she was in the habit of blinding her intended victims ; and 
 the Cardinal, elated with the honours showered upon him, 
 beheld a future opening, by the near connexion which he 
 should hold with his sovereign, of dignity and power. 
 
 The inhabitants and governors of Lyons exerted them- 
 selves to the utmost to show their sense of the compliment 
 conferred upon them by the sojourn of so many royal 
 guests, and all their riches and magnificence were dis- 
 played in the succession of fetes given to their distinguished 
 visitors. 
 
 One of the most splendid abodes in this opulent city 
 was fitted up as the temporary residence of the Queens ; 
 and all that luxury and ingenuity could invent, or gold 
 purchase, was heaped around them. 
 
 The chambers of the Queen of Navarre were in par- 
 ticular arranged with extraordinary taste ; and some of the 
 most costly productions of the looms of Lyons were dis- 
 played to attract her admiration. The walls were hung 
 with velvet and satin of the richest fabric ; and one pri- 
 vate apartment was adorned with hangings formed of silk, 
 covered with columns of silver stuff* embroidered in high 
 relief with gold cord : between each column was repre- 
 sented, in needlework of the most delicate description, a 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER, 
 
 391 
 
 full-length figure of a monarch of France in gorgeous 
 robes of state, enriched with jewels and gold of enormous 
 value. All the canopies and seats were of cloth of gold 
 and silver, worked after a pattern from Persian designs, 
 and representing scenes from the history and fable of that 
 country. 
 
 For several weeks nothing was thought of but uninter- 
 rupted revelry, and the extraordinary splendour displayed 
 in the dresses of all the royal and noble persons engaged 
 exceeds description. Henry the Third appeared to lose 
 himself in the delight of these amusements, and the only 
 shade that disturbed his felicity was the absence of his in- 
 tended Queen, the unfortunate Marie. 
 
 His reigning favourite, Du Guast, was now to him all 
 in all ; and this artful courtier, having been bribed to do 
 so by the Queen-mother, amused his attention by every 
 means that he could invent in order to occupy him from 
 thoughts which she dreaded should too often intrude : she 
 had hinted to Du Guast that if Marie became the chief 
 care of his royal master his power would soon end, and 
 catching at once the idea of the importance of keeping them 
 apart as long as possible, he seconded her views with all 
 his ingenuity. 
 
 A visit to Avignon was arranged, and some of the party 
 it was settled should go with the King and Queen-mother, 
 who desired to be present, and assist at a grand procession of 
 penitents called Battus, into which fraternity the King, who 
 affected extraordinary piety, desired to be admitted. The 
 Cardinals of Lorraine and Armagnac accompanied them, and 
 wondrous was the preparation, and ceaseless the din of bells 
 announcing the solemn ceremony. With assumed humility 
 the haughty Cardinal of Lorraine walked barefoot in the ranks 
 of the holy pilgrims, his head uncovered, and bearing an 
 enormous crucifix. The King, Queen-mother, and many of 
 their train attended, and the parties were distinguished by 
 their colours ; the King’s penitents being dressed in white, 
 the Queen-mother’s in black, and those of the Cardinal in 
 blue. They had fasted that day, but after the fatigues of 
 the long procession, and the almost interminable religious 
 c c 4 
 
392 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 ceremony^ it was deemed proper that some refreshment 
 should recruit their exhausted strength. 
 
 Catherine’s kindness was particularly marked towards 
 the Cardinal of Lorraine^ and on his complaining of exces- 
 sive thirsty she with her own hands poured him out a 
 draught of wine^ which he drank to her health, accom- 
 panying the action with one of those gallant compliments 
 for which he was more famed than for the piety which had 
 that day edified the world. 
 
 That evening the Cardinal was taken very ill, the thirst 
 of which he had complained increasing rather than dimin- 
 ishing, and so violent a fever came on that his attendants 
 were alarmed ; he uttered the most incoherent expressions, 
 and used language so unfit for the mouth of so exalted a 
 churchman that those around him shrank back appalled. 
 His life was well known to have been profligate in the ex- 
 treme, but the revelations he made in his ravings amazed 
 those who knew him best. On his nephew the Bishop of 
 Rheims being sent for, so far from expressing any sympa- 
 thy, he uttered a jest which was retailed with laughter at 
 the time. 
 
 I see nothing in my uncle,” said he to Queen Catherine, 
 which should make us despair of his recovery, for he re- 
 tains all his accustomed habits, and expresses himself in his 
 accustomed language.” 
 
 The Cardinal died, and his sudden death was attributed 
 to the fatigues which he had undergone, and the exposure 
 to the weather in the procession which he had imprudently 
 attended. 
 
 Notwithstanding this occurrence, the gorgeous feasts and 
 entertainments prepared for the King were continued ; at 
 length the parting fete was given which was to crown all 
 by its magnificence. The Queen-mother had expressed a 
 wish that that day her daughter, of whose beauty and 
 extraordinary splendour and taste in dress she was peculiarly 
 proud, should indulge the ladies of Lyons by appearing in 
 her most gorgeous habiliments, together with all her ladies, 
 — her own appearing according to her directions in gar- 
 ments exquisitely fashioned. 
 
 Marguerite, excited by the admiration which followed 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 39s 
 
 her wherever she appeared, and exhilarated by hopes that 
 Henry of Navarre was not insensible to the charms which 
 bewildered all others, exerted herself to please and dazzle 
 and delight. She had recovered her former spirits ; her 
 wit, and grace, were the theme of every tongue, the attrac- 
 tion of every heart ; and but that she regretted the absence 
 of her beloved Marie, whose illness had been announced to 
 her, she would have felt perfectly happy. However, she 
 was sure that they should soon meet, and she had every 
 reason to believe that she should before long hail her friend 
 as a sister and as Queen of France. 
 
 The dress in which Marguerite appeared on the occasion 
 of the memorable festin at Lyons is thus described by her 
 eulogist Brantome. Her head was adorned with a great 
 quantity of large pearls and precious stones, and above all 
 diamonds of immense value, placed amidst her glossy hair 
 in the form of stars, as though contending with heaven 
 and its starry nights in splendour and radiance. Her 
 graceful form of commanding height was arrayed in a robe 
 so rich and heavy with its gorgeous ornaments, that none 
 but one so majestic and perfectly made in all proportions 
 could have ventured to appear in it, as it would have over- 
 powered and crushed those of ordinary size or figure. 
 The stuff which composed it had been a present from the 
 Grand Signor to the Queen of Navarre. It was of cloth 
 of gold covered with raised work of different tinted gold 
 from its ground, and embroidered in borders with pearls 
 and gems of every colour in fiowers and leaves. The 
 fringes were resplendent, and the whole costume such as 
 surpassed in costliness anything that had ever been beheld 
 before in France ; it was thought a chef-d’oeuvre of art, 
 and the quantity used for the robe was fifteen ells, each 
 ell being worth a hundred crowns of gold.” Her enthu- 
 siastic historian describes her manner as a happy mixture 
 of dignity and softness, peculiar to herself, and unlike that 
 of any other princess, however distinguished for beauty or 
 for grace ; her speech was grave, and yet full of sudden 
 flashes of merriment which w^ere quite irresistible, — her 
 eloquence unapproachable, and her smile a paradise in 
 itself. Henry of Navarre sat by her side, and he could 
 
'394 
 
 CATHERINE DE BIEDICIS ; 
 
 not but acknowledge that she was fascinating and lovely in 
 the extreme. 
 
 But alas!” he said to himself, she loves not me. 
 Vanity is her idol. I am nothing to her. I wish she 
 were less a coquette, or that I could disbelieve the stories 
 of her idle vanities and deception. But how should the 
 daughter of such a mother he otherwise than faulty ? al- 
 though^ to do her justice^ she has none of her worst 
 qualities.” 
 
 Thus he mused, and gazed, and philosophised, and 
 admired, till his heart began to melt beneath the glory of 
 her beauty’s rays, and Marguerite thought no cloud could 
 ever obscure the happiness of that enchanted time. The 
 Queen-mother was seated near them at table, — mirth and 
 wit were at the highest, — restraint and ceremony were 
 banished, and every one appeared free and at ease. Cathe- 
 rine, elated and joyous, was speaking gaily to the King, 
 and amongst other topics talked of peace. 
 
 We are now,” she said, secure of the continuance 
 of that blessing ; the lamented Cardinal de Lorraine is 
 gone, who was said by common rumour to have been the 
 only cause of its long delay ; but that I cannot believe,” 
 she added, observing that her words were remarked by 
 some at table w^ho were gravely silent, — I cannot credit 
 it of so great and wise a prelate, whose every thought was 
 for the good of France ! Alas ! both the country and we 
 all have lost much in his death. Scarcely had she con- 
 cluded these words, however, than she turned to some of 
 her immediate friends, remarking in a low tone, He was 
 one of the most unworthy and dangerous of men, and we 
 are safe only now that he is in his grave.” 
 
 As she spoke she took from the hand of her son a cup of 
 wine which he presented to her. 
 
 Let us,” said he, smiling, for he had heard her re- 
 mark aside, drink to the memory of the Cardinal, whose 
 double character you give so well.” 
 
 Catherine was about to raise the cup to her lips, when, 
 on a sudden, sounded in her ears a sharp shrill cry which 
 seemed to pierce her brain, and starting up with a gesture 
 of horror, her hands trembling, and her face livid, she 
 shrieked out as the cup fell from her grasp. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. SQ5 
 
 Jesu ! the Cardinal de Lorraine ! — see ! — there — 
 — before me ! * 
 
 Mother ! ” cried Henry, you dream — compose 
 yourself — what image have you conjured up ? ” 
 
 Catherine gazed still upon some object invisible to all 
 other eyes — followed it from arch to arch of the extensive 
 pillared chamber, with dilated orbs and straining vision - — 
 then heaving a deep sigh, and shuddering violently, she 
 sank back in her seat. The guests were alarmed and dis- 
 ordered — every one pressed round the Queen — exclama- 
 tions, questions, entreaties overwhelmed her — with a great 
 effort she recovered herself, and looking up she said, cross- 
 ing herself with much appearance of devotion, — 
 
 Strange effect of imagination ! Either I am greatly 
 deceived, or I but this moment beheld that good man pass 
 before me on his way to Paradise, to which blissful place 
 of eternal joy methought I saw him mount as I gazed/’ 
 
 A chill passed through the assembly, and every one 
 looked at his neighbour with fear and misgiving : all plea- 
 sure was at an end, for the attempts to restore it were 
 forced, and did not answer. The King hastened to con- 
 clude the feast, and the guests, who had met so joyously, 
 retired to their different homes,, dispirited and amazed. 
 
 Meantime the Queen-mother, seeking her chamber, re- 
 tired to her couch fainting and fevered : she would not 
 part, as usual, with her ladies, but with convulsive starts 
 exclaimed every now and then, closing her ears with her 
 hands, and shutting her eyes, — 
 
 Together ! — that cry comes again — and he, too — 
 he is still there ! shall I never be able to banish him from 
 my sight 
 
 All night she continued, at intervals, to be violently 
 agitated ; and at length her senses became altogether dis- 
 ordered. The King and Marguerite of Navarre were sent 
 for, and found her in a high fever. When she saw Henry, 
 however, her consciousness seemed suddenly to return ; 
 she became calm and desired that every one should retire, 
 leaving her alone with her son. 
 
 * May not this scene, which is attested by many of the historians of the 
 time, have suggested to Shakspeare that which it so closely resembles in 
 Macbeth f 
 
396 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 They remained together for some time, during which 
 Catherine revealed to him, as if she had but now received 
 the intelligence, the sudden demise of the Princess Marie ; 
 and accounted for her illness by the shock she had re- 
 ceived. 
 
 You know, my son,” said she, I am always warned 
 of all that happens to me, and at table to-day the vision 
 which so disturbed me was doubtless sent as a sign of the 
 affliction in store.” 
 
 But Catherine spoke to one insensible of her words. 
 As soon as she began to tell him of the increased illness of 
 Marie he became frightfully alarmed, and a presentiment 
 of the truth flashed upon him. He listened to the ima- 
 ginary details of her malady with silent terror; and when 
 the fatal truth reached him he sank senseless on the floor 
 beside his mother’s bed. She was far from having in- 
 tended to let him know the event in this manner, but in 
 the present state of her mind she was scarcely aware of 
 what she had done ; and no sooner had she related the 
 fact which weighed upon her mind with fearful force than 
 she relapsed into her ravings. 
 
 Marguerite, on hearing her cries, rushed back to the 
 chamber with her attendants, and the sight of her brother, 
 prostrate and apparently lifeless, confounded her with 
 terror. 
 
 The King was borne away, and every effort used to re- 
 store animation to him, for a long time in vain. For three 
 days he remained immoveable and silent, except by occa- 
 sional groans, and it was feared his reason had altogether 
 given way. At the end of this time the Duke de Guise, 
 and some other of his friends visited him, and used every 
 endeavour to cause his grief to take a form less dangerous ; 
 — they wept, they extolled the virtues of the lost prin- 
 cess, they dwelt on her graces, and recalled her sayings and 
 actions until at length their attempts produced the desired 
 effect, and Henry burst into a flood of tears. This passion 
 of grief continued so long, that new fears were entertained 
 that he would become exhausted by its violence. 
 
 He refused all sustenance, and rejected every entreaty 
 to consider his health. He never inquired for his mother 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 397 
 
 during the whole period^ and she remained in a state of 
 mental and bodily suffering impossible to describe. At the 
 end of a few days^ when her fever subsided, she seemed to 
 wake as from a dream, and desired to be carried into her 
 son's chamber. This was in vain opposed ; and, arrived 
 there, she appeared astonished to find he was aware of the 
 calamity he had sustained. 
 
 Who told the King of this ? " she inquired feebly. 
 
 It was your Grace, who yourself communicated it," 
 was the reply. 
 
 Henry started from the ground, where he had cast him- 
 self. — Mother," he cried, unsay those fearful words ! 
 
 — Tell me they were but the ravings of your fever, and 
 that my Marie still lives ! I have been deceived all along, 
 
 — you know so well how to deceive, — this time it shall 
 he a virtue in you." 
 
 Alas ! Henry,’' replied Catherine, I know not how 
 1 told you. I should never have found courage or power 
 to relate the direful event, had I not been raving with 
 fever. Oh ! my son, — it is but too true ! " 
 
 She was interrupted by a loud burst of laughter from 
 Henry. 
 
 Then we will make merry in honour of the event," 
 he cried, wildly. Let me have funeral robes prepared 
 instantly, — let all the furniture of my houses, — my car- 
 riages — my dresses^ speak of her fate ! Send," he con- 
 tinued, turning to one of the nobles round, send straight, 
 my dear Souvray, and have dresses made for me of all 
 kinds, to the value of six thousand crowns, I will give 
 you the pattern, — let us set about it without loss of time ; 
 
 — every aiguillette I wear shall be garnished with tetes- 
 de-mort, — no other ornament will I have in embroidery, 
 in jewels, in ribbons, — from my hat to my shoes all shall 
 he covered with the signs of death- It will be brave ! 
 My mother will admire it — she is so fond of death ; — 
 ha ! ha ! — she shall invent for me : — let the poets write 
 elegies, epitaphs on her, — I will read only those. Is 
 Passerat with us — Yes ; bid him come to me, and we 
 will talk of funeral subjects fit for his muse. This is as 
 good as all the fetes of Lyons, — nay, the best of all, for 
 it shall last for ever ! " 
 
398 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 In this manner the unfortunate victim of Catherine’s 
 ambitious cruelty raved for weeks^ and her tortured heart 
 began to despair of his recovering the reason which had 
 suddenly become obscured. It is possible that the 
 
 “ delicate chain 
 
 Of thought, once tangled, never cleared again ; 
 
 for his subsequent conduct, his cruelties, vices, and ex- 
 travagant wickedness might well lead to the supposition. 
 
 He did, however, recover to all appearance, but only to 
 put into execution the fancy which his madness had sug- 
 gested. His books, furniture, dress, — all, as he had said, 
 were covered with ensigns of death : he appeared in public, 
 at different festivals given throughout his kingdom during 
 the progress he made on his way to Rheims, where his 
 coronation was to take place, adorned with these symbols in 
 profusion ; pendent by his side was a large rosary, all of 
 death’s-heads, and inscriptions and mournful trappings 
 environed him on every side.* 
 
 Notwithstanding all this, Catherine found, to her sur- 
 prise, that he made no opposition to her express desire 
 that he should form an alliance with Louise of Lorraine, 
 and all preliminaries having been soon concluded, — for 
 the Count de Vaudemont, her father, was too much flattered 
 and delighted to oppose any obstacle to so unexpectedly 
 advantageous a match, — the favourite, Du Gaust, was sent 
 to fetch the bride, who met the royal party at Rheims ; 
 and, almost before she could recover from her amazement 
 at the proposal, she found herself received as Queen of 
 France. 
 
 Henry was so enraptured with the remarkable beauty of 
 his young bride that he appeared suddenly to lose all re- 
 membrance of his former passionate attachment ; in excuse 
 for his intemperate grief it w^as given out that he had been 
 bewitched by an ear-ring and a cross * ; and with a fri- 
 volity and absurdity of which he gave many proofs in 
 aftertimes, he occupied himself entirely with the prepara- 
 tions for the ceremony of the marriage and coronation, 
 which were to take place together. It seemed a kind of 
 
 * Historical. 
 
OB^ THE QUEEN- MOTHER. 
 
 399 
 
 transport with which he entered into the most minute de- 
 tails, — planned the dresses for himself, his bride, and his 
 courtiers. Nothing could exceed the extravagant luxury 
 of the arrangements ; and so long did it take to dress the 
 royal pair on the eventful day that they were not ready to 
 hear mass till five o'clock in the evening ; this gave much 
 disgust to many, and was also looked upon as a bad omen, 
 joined to the circumstance of the crown having twice 
 fallen from the King's head during the ceremony, and on 
 his replacing it the third time he complained of its giving 
 him great pain. In the hurry and confusion, the master 
 of the ceremonies had forgotten the custom of bestowing 
 the kiss of peace, and when all was concluded, it was recol- 
 lected too late that Te Deum had not been sung ! 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 THE FLIGHT. 
 
 Abandon delay ! — See, the whole assemblage of slender plants, pointing to 
 the bower with fingers of young leaves agitated by the gale, make signals 
 for thy departure. — Songs of Jayadeva. 
 
 In Paris, during the absence of the Court, an event had 
 occurred which filled men's minds with horror and amaze- 
 ment. The great cross of the Holy Chapel of the Palace 
 had been stolen in the night-time, by, it was generally 
 supposed, a band of Italian ruffians, whose unpunished 
 crimes and constant depredations had excited the indig- 
 nation of the Parisians ever since they first made their 
 appearance at the time of the Nopces de Paris, as the 
 massacre was sometimes termed. 
 
 The appearance of a comet at this period filled the whole 
 nation with apprehension, and none suffered from super- 
 stitious fear more than the Queen -mother herself. She 
 began to dread that some judgment was about to fall upon 
 the land, in consequence, not of the numerous crimes of 
 which she w’^as daily guilty, but of her having given per- 
 mission to Rene to abstract the holy relic to be bartered at 
 Rome for gold. She heard with surpise and terror, in the 
 
400 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 streets, her name coupled with this act, and it appeared 
 clear to her that she had been betrayed. 
 
 Instead of performing any acts which should restore to 
 him the lost affections of the people, Henry the Third 
 gave himself up entirely to every species of dissipation 
 which the depraved taste of the time could invent. His 
 former talents, which had promised much, seemed entirely 
 clouded ; — he never attended to public affairs, but, leaving 
 all to his mother and bis ministers, who were at her dis- 
 posal, spent whole days in devising new dresses for himself 
 and his wife, of whom he seemed childishly fond, and 
 who, having a mind entirely vacant, possessed no sort of 
 power over him. He would cut out her robes, and sit by 
 to see them fashioned, — would stand for hours performing 
 the office of hairdresser to her and his effeminate courtiers, 
 who all imitated his habits, till the Court became a scene 
 of folly and disgusting levity, fit only to excite the con- 
 tempt of the lowest of the people. 
 
 He was execrated and held in abhorrence by all his sub- 
 jects ; and on the escape of the Duke of Anjou, which 
 was at length effected, so many flocked to his standard that 
 Catherine began to see that she had carried her desire of 
 sway too far in allowing Henry to become a mere mark of 
 scorn to the world, which she wished to govern without a 
 competitor. She heard with vexation of the renewal of the^ 
 proposition for a marriage between Anjou and the Queen 
 of England, and resolved to oppose the views of her 
 younger son, whom she never liked, by every means in 
 her power. 
 
 She, therefore, assumed a friendly appearance towards 
 the captive King of Navarre, and determined so to cajole 
 and blind him that he should imagine his interests were 
 better taken care of by his remaining than by flying to join 
 the armies of his brother-in-law. She, however, dreaded 
 the influence and the clear-sightedness of Marguerite, 
 and renewed her plans to keep them from any union of 
 sentiment; — she saw Navarre’s weakness with respect to 
 beauty, and she was constantly introducing to his notice 
 some new and fascinating person, who for a time was 
 tutored to attract his attention from the wife of whom he 
 
OR;, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 401 
 
 had lately shown himself too fond. The grief of Mar- 
 guerite for the loss of her friend, the Princess de Conde^ 
 knew no bounds, and the tenderness of her amiable hus- 
 band’s nature, which could never endure the sight of female 
 sorrow, led him to offer her every consolation which sym- 
 pathy could imagine ; thus poor Marguerite in all her grief 
 had a happiness which she had scarcely hoped for, and the 
 transient nature of which she did not then dream of. But 
 Henry of Navarre, in the midst of all this apparent ease 
 and carelessness, was nursing the great projects which he 
 afterwards executed, and planning schemes for the relief 
 of his oppressed country, which he felt his flight could 
 alone forward. 
 
 Du Guast, the still reigning favourite of Henry the 
 Third, had conceived a passion for Mademoiselle de To- 
 rigni, the beloved companion of Marguerite, but had been 
 repulsed with disdain by that high-minded lady on ven- 
 turing to declare his admiration. A feeling of bitter 
 hatred had ever since taken possession of his heart, and he 
 watched the opportunity of injuring both her and her mis- 
 tress by every possible means. The first was to inspire 
 suspicions in her husband’s mind of the nature of Mar- 
 guerite’s regard for a page who was a favourite of the 
 Queen, and who was no other than the person she had 
 saved on the night of St. Bartholomew. 
 
 It was agreed that Henry of Navarre should be advised 
 to insist on the dismissal of both this page and the female 
 companion of his wife, as it was represented that such close 
 intimacies were both dangerous and unbecoming. 
 
 At first Henry of Navarre would not listen to any re- 
 presentations which tended to disturb the peace of Mar- 
 guerite, but at length the train was so artfully laid, that he 
 fell into the snare and remonstrated with the Princess on 
 the subject. Her pride instantly took the alarm, and she 
 angrily proclaimed her resolution to retain both her friend 
 and her page. Much discussion ensued, in which Mar- 
 guerite, indignant at the suspicions of her husband, lost 
 her temper and her prudence, and a quarrel and coldness 
 ensued which estranged them more than ever. Added to 
 her grief at this occurrence was the fact of her being com- 
 
 D D 
 
402 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 nianded by her brother to send La Torigni_, 'without loss of 
 time^ to a relation of her own in Anjou, and dismiss the 
 page Endymion from her service. Tears, reproaches, 
 passion, indignation, were of no avail; and Navarre became 
 aware, too late, of the tyranny to which he had given a 
 sanction by his interference in the first instance. 
 
 La Torigni, attended by the broken-hearted Endymion, 
 who, like too many of her attendants, was passionately at- 
 tached to Marguerite, was despatched to the domain of her 
 cousin, the Baron de Chastelas, and in his secluded abode 
 wept her separation from her beloved mistress. 
 
 In order to lull the suspicions of Henry of Navarre, 
 and to keep him a contented prisoner at large, it had been 
 announced to him that the lieutenancy of the kingdom 
 was to be conferred on him in the course of a very short 
 time ; and so well did he play his part, that the King 
 and Queen-mother believed him to be entirely deceived, 
 and their dupe in every particular. 
 
 Navarre had been suffering from an attack of ague, and 
 one night lay silent in his bed, while D'Armagnac and 
 D'Aubigne, his two faithful friends, watched beside him.* 
 They were mute, thinking he slept, when suddenly they 
 heard deep sighs, and heard him uttering, in a low and 
 mournful voice, parts of verses from the eighty-eighth 
 psalm, — 
 
 ^ Oh, Lord ! ’ ” he whispered, ^ My soul is full of 
 
 trouble I am counted as one of them that go down to 
 
 the pit : and I have been even as a man that hath no 
 strength. Free among the dead, like unto them that are 
 wounded and lie in the grave : who are out of remem- 
 brance, and are cut away from thy hand. I am so fast in 
 prison that I cannot get forth. My lovers and friends 
 hast thou put away from me ; and hid mine acquaintance 
 out of my sight ! ’ 
 
 D’Aubigne, on hearing this, having long watched for 
 an opportunity to express the desire of himself and his 
 friends that they should make an effort to escape the in- 
 tolerable bondage in which they were held, and which 
 they had long thought Henry bore too tamely, advanced 
 * See the Memoirs of D’Aubigne 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 403 
 
 to the bed, and drawing aside the curtains, addressed the 
 King in these bold words : — 
 
 Sire, — it is then true that the grace of God still lives 
 in your heart ! You lament the absence of faithful friends 
 and servants ; they at this moment are deploring your 
 absence, and striving by all means to set you at liberty : 
 but you have only tears in your eyes while they have 
 weapons in their hands ; they fight the foes you serve ; 
 they fear only God, you fear a woman, — before whom 
 you hold up your hands in supplication, while they grasp 
 the sword that would become you ; you kneel and sue, 
 while they are armed and mounted. The Duke D’ Anjou 
 commands the men who defended you in your cradle. 
 Why should they fight beneath the banner of a Catholic ? 
 Why are you a slave here rather than their leader, — 
 instead of leaving your cause in his hands ? Those who 
 executed the massacre of St. Bartholomew know well that 
 their victims will find avengers. You might be glorious, 
 and you stay here to be trampled on ! As for myself and 
 my companion here, wearied with your long and ignoble 
 patience, we were concerting measures of escape for to- 
 morrow, when your sighs interrupted us. When we are 
 gone, the only faithful friends left near you, who will 
 prevent the poisons of the Queen -mother from being em- 
 ployed } Do you doubt her will or her power to sacrifice 
 you by this means, as she has already done by those you 
 deplore.^ You are a marked victim, — stay here and die 
 the death of a dog ; fly with us, - — and be the hero of a 
 great nation ! 
 
 Henry started up, his pale cheek crimsoned with shame 
 and indignation. 
 
 Am I then so much despised by those I love } This 
 must not be. But you are right, my delay has been too 
 long, and shall be put an end to. We will fly, my friends, 
 — and this,’' said he, smiling, shall be the last time we 
 will talk of flying. Henceforth we will stand against our 
 enemies and leave all this artful policy, which 1 have 
 perhaps too long followed, to the deceivers who surround 
 us, — the SAvord alone shall be our counsellor, and God 
 alone our guide. Yes, mother, — dear murdered mother, 
 D D 2 
 
404 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 your device shall be mine from this time. — Peace, — 
 Victory, — or Death/' 
 
 A solemn compact was then agreed upon between the 
 friends, never to relinquish the enterprise of escape, 
 whether allured by caresses or alarmed by menaces, and to 
 be at eternal enmity with whoever should betray their 
 purpose. 
 
 Several officers had of late been disgusted with the 
 manner in which places had been given by the King to 
 his worthless favourites, and these consented to assist the 
 party and to join their cause. So confident had the Court 
 become of Navarre’s content, and of his persuasion that 
 the lieutenancy of the kingdom would be soon his, that no 
 objection was made to his extending his hunting excur- 
 sions as far as St. Germain. This, therefore, gave him an 
 excellent chance, and he resolved not to lose it this time, 
 as he had done before, for want of precaution. 
 
 The day on which they had decided for the flight of 
 the King of Navarre, he went early in the morning to the 
 chamber of the Duke de Guise, with whom he was on 
 very intimate terms ; and, finding him not risen, sat beside 
 his bed, and began to converse in the most familiar 
 manner on his future prospects. He dwelt largely on the 
 delight he felt at his approaching promotion, and boasted 
 without restraint of the great actions he would perform, 
 with such an appearance of frankness and vanity that De 
 Guise was completely deceived. He had scarcely quitted 
 him when the Duke, knowing that to turn Henry of Na- 
 varre into ridicule was just a pastime to delight the King, 
 hastened to dress himself and pay him a visit, and divert 
 him with a recapitulation of the conceit and credulity of 
 his captive. 
 
 Great merriment was excited at the King's levee when 
 De Guise’s comic description was heard. The foppish 
 and effeminate minions of their degraded master were 
 overcome with laughter and excitement. King Henry 
 uttered a thousand bitter and cutting remarks, all of which 
 were applauded and admired. 
 
 Poor, vain fool ! ” cried Henry. It was our pur- 
 pose to have curtailed him of his amusement, and have 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 405 
 
 confined the bounds of his hunting, — but it is useless : 
 let him follow his hounds and fly his hawks, he will never 
 seek game beyond it. He is an idiot, whom the fair face 
 of a woman can seduce from any purpose, and the fair 
 words of a man deceive into any belief.'* 
 
 Meantime the object of their scorn had set out on the 
 hunting party which they had planned ; some of his 
 friends remained behind to observe events, and give notice 
 of danger. In the evening, D’Aubigne, who had attended 
 the King’s couchee, was struck by observing that Fer- 
 vaques, one of the discontented lords who had offered to 
 join the party, was busily engaged in conversation with 
 the King. They were so earnest in discourse, that they 
 did not perceive his entrance nor his exit. His suspicions 
 were excited ; and resolving to know the worst, he posted 
 himself outside the gate of the palace till Fervaques issued 
 forth. As he did so, he found himself suddenly caught 
 by the arm, and a voice thundered in his ear, — Wretch, 
 have you betrayed us ? ” 
 
 Fervaques was too much taken by surprise to deny the 
 truth, and confessed at once that he had been seduced by 
 the recollection of the former kindnesses of Henry the 
 Third. Go,” he said, you who are faithful to your 
 master — go and save him — there is yet time ! ” 
 
 D'Aubigne lost no time in going to the King of Na- 
 varre’s stables, where, in expectation of the necessity of 
 their being suddenly required, the equerries had for some 
 time kept their horses in breath by galloping them in a 
 covered course. While they were getting them ready, the 
 Prevot des Marchands passed, for whom the King had 
 sent with an intention of charging him to guard well the 
 city gates, and suffer no one to go out ; but before the 
 order could be executed the equerries had got out of the 
 town, and proceeded at full speed to Senlis. 
 
 The King of Navarre returning from the chase, which 
 he had pursued from break of day, and seeing his horses 
 in the suburbs of the town of Senlis, where they were 
 resting, inquired what was the matter, for as yet he had 
 arranged no regular plan of action, and had not contem- 
 plated so early a departure. 
 
 D D 3 
 
406 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 Sire/’ answered D’Aubigne, Fervaques is a traitor, 
 and our whole design is betrayed by him to the King ; he 
 has confessed — not a moment is to he lost; death and 
 shame lie in the road to Paris, elsewhere life and glory 
 await you. Fly to Sedan or Alen^on ; either will afford 
 you refuge for the present. The moment is come to give 
 you to your faithful friends, who anxiously await your 
 arrival amongst them^.” 
 
 Fewer motives would suffice, D’Auhigne,” said the 
 Prince, shaking his hand : let us set forth.’' 
 
 The two guards must be dispatched,” said one of his 
 friends there is no other way.” 
 
 ‘‘ On no account,” replied Henry ; I would not cause 
 their death for all the good I may gain. No, I have a 
 better plan ; send St. Martin hither forthwith, and see if 
 we cannot gain our point by a little ready wit.” 
 
 The guard was accordingly summoned. 
 
 St. Martin,” said Henry, I am just informed that 
 certain of my enemies in Paris have reported falsely of me 
 to the King, accusing me of an intention to join the Duke 
 d' Anjou. To you I confide the task of undeceiving his 
 
 Majesty. Go, I entreat, instantly, and request to know 
 whether it is his will that I return to Court to refute the 
 calumny, or continue my hunting here.” 
 
 St. Martin, much flattered and entirely unsuspicious, 
 set out as he was ordered, and Henry gave out that he 
 should pass the night at Senlis, awaiting the answer of the 
 King. 
 
 A troop of players were at the time passing through 
 Senlis, and he had ordered them to represent one of their 
 pieces, and repaired to the temporary theatre to witness 
 the performance. With every appearance of interest he 
 listened and looked on, while one of those farces were 
 acted which were then beginning to succeed the religious 
 dramas of the monasteries. 
 
 The plot of this piece was simple enough, but not with- 
 out point, showing that nothing could subdue the tendency 
 of the French to criticise their rulers, and the actors played 
 with much spirit and humour. 
 
 There were many allusions to the King's extravagance. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 407 
 
 and every sharp rebuke contained in the dialogue was 
 applauded rapturously by the audience, who were entirely 
 occupied by the scene. Henry^ who had watched his 
 opportunity, now summoned the second of the guards 
 appointed to attend him, and feigning to have recollected 
 suddenly that the King was to leave Paris for Beauvais 
 Nangi, he entreated him to set out immediately by another 
 road in order to meet King Henry, whom he feared 
 St. Martin would miss. 
 
 Both these spies being thus removed, Henry quitted the 
 theatre unobserved, and, collecting those of his followers 
 on whom he could most rely, they mounted their horses 
 and began their journey : the night was very cold and 
 dark, and they were obliged to take a devious course to 
 arrive at Alen^on without attracting suspicion. 
 
 On the evening of the next day, as they were entering a 
 village, they were joined by a portly man well mounted, 
 of whom they asked their way. He replied, with rather 
 suspicious looks at the party, that they were in the right 
 road — 1 advise you to ride fast,’' said he, and you 
 
 may reach Alen<^on before night has closed in. What 
 with one party and another scouring the country, there is 
 little peace or rest in any town or village.” 
 
 This seems a snug little place,” observed D’Aubigne, 
 who to prevent suspicion pretended to wish to make a halt, 
 though in reality they were impatient to get rid of their 
 new companion, and to pass through all villages as quickly 
 as possible ; if there is any respectable mansion here- 
 abouts, perhaps we could find accommodation for the 
 night.” 
 
 Oh, no, no,” answered the stranger briskly ; it is 
 one of the worst places possible ; all wretched hovels, and 
 as for a gentleman's house there is not one within two 
 leagues.” 
 
 Why,” said Henry, who had recognised in the speaker 
 an old acquaintance, and felt sure that he had good reasons 
 for representing the case in the most convenient way for 
 his own interest, yonder is a pleasant chateau, where 
 there must needs be good cheer, for I see smoke issuing 
 D D 4 
 
408 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 out of the chimneys. I propose that we all ride thither^ 
 and claim the hospitality of the host.” 
 
 His friends were not a little surprised at this proposition, 
 so contrary to all prudence ; they whispered their advice, 
 and asked his meaning. 
 
 I have no such intention,” said he, laughing, and 
 speaking in the same key, “ but this is old Nantouillet, 
 whom we treated once so scurvily in Paris. It is so good 
 a jest to frighten him a little that I cannot resist it; and 
 he shall serve our purpose, also, never fear.” 
 
 Whose domicile is this that we are approaching ? ” he 
 resumed to Nantouillet, for it was indeed no other, returning 
 to his supper after a long day’s ride, and hastening home 
 to enjoy his warm chamber and repose, when he fell in with 
 the fugitives. 
 
 Where ? ” asked the ex-Prev6t, with a vacant air ; 
 I see no house.” 
 
 How ? ” cried Henry, not see yonder turretted man- 
 sion with its long pointed roofs? Why, man, the fire in 
 the kitchen shines in your eyes at this moment.” 
 
 Oh, that!” returned Nantouillet, ‘‘how should I 
 know ? I am not of these parts, and not at all inquisitive.” 
 
 Well, then,” said Henry, “ as you are going our way 
 you may as well be our guide to Chateauneuf. How for- 
 tunate that we met with you ; come, you shall ride in the 
 centre and be our director. It is rather provoking, though, 
 to leave that good smoking supper yonder. I wager that 
 the greedy old fellow of a citizen who lives there is just 
 sitting down to his soup with great glee ; I wish we had it 
 instead of him.” 
 
 I wish he had it ! ” groaned the Prevot inwardly ; 
 hut if I acknowledge the fact these cormorants will all 
 go home with me, and quarter themselves on me for a 
 month, perhaps, — and there’s Clarice, much too pretty to 
 he in their company : I can’t make them quite out, but I 
 suspect they are some of the rufflers of the army. I wish 
 I could escape from them — it is biting cold; and to be 
 compelled to go so far out of one’s way, with a good hot 
 comfortable supper all ready — is enough to make a saint 
 swear ! ” 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 409 
 
 Have you ever been in Paris, good sir ? ” asked 
 Henry, who enjoyed the evident dilemma of his old 
 friend. 
 
 Paris I replied he, I have, indeed, and hope never 
 to see it again. It is a fitting place only for thieves and 
 villains.” 
 
 But the Court,” persevered Henry, tell us some- 
 thing of the Court ; we are all country bred. They say 
 the Court gentry are worth knowing.” 
 
 ^^You talk like one who knows them not,” answered 
 Nantouillet ; I have seen a great deal too much of their 
 tricks, and I tell you there 's not an honest man amongst 
 them all. First, the King that now is, Henry the Third, 
 he is a barber and perfumer — nothing more, except you 
 add a canting monk spoiled; his brother, Anjou, is 
 escaped at last, I am glad to hear — he was the best, but 
 bad enough ; and as for young Navarre ” 
 
 Ay, what of him ? ” asked D’Aubigne, enjoying the 
 
 joke. 
 
 Why, he ’s a greater scapegrace than any of them in 
 my mind, and a diable a quatre for a pretty face, — per- 
 haps you ’ll say that is no great crime ; but his fault is that 
 he has not a grain of spirit, except to get into street dis- 
 turbances, and riots, and pillages ; which a gentleman and 
 a prince should be ashamed of. He promised better once ; 
 but he is to be bribed, they say, with the lieutenancy of 
 the kingdom ; and is content to lick the dust. I have no 
 patience with him.” 
 
 What can he do ? ” said Henry quietly. 
 
 Do ! ” said Nantouillet, — fight his way through 
 them all, as his father used : he would not have been 
 mewed up thus, like a sick hawk, while there was game in 
 the field. But the Queen-mother ties him to her by 
 means of her petite bande. He had better look after his 
 own wife, than think so much of other men’s.” 
 
 Why, what have you to say against the young 
 Queen?” asked Henry, — no harm I hope.” 
 
 No good,” returned the Prevot ; and she is quite 
 right to amuse herself with all her gallants since her 
 husband neglects her ; they say she changes her lovers as 
 
410 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS I 
 
 she does her rohes, every day. She is a lovely creature, 
 and were she not her mother’s daughter might have been 
 fit for something.” 
 
 In this kind of talk they rode on some miles ; and 
 when they arrived at Chateauneuf under his guidance, 
 they paused before the gates, which were shut. On 
 demanding admittance, it was at once refused ; when 
 D’Aubigne rode up to the officer on duty and spoke to 
 him privately. 
 
 Meantime Henry turned to the Prevot. Well, Nan- 
 touillet,” said he, I thank you heartily, not only for the 
 good guidance we owe you, but for your entertaining 
 remarks of the Court.” 
 
 How ! do you then know me ? ” said the Prevot, in 
 alarm : — what, and who are you ? if robbers I am able 
 to defend myself, though against odds, and you may 
 chance to repent having led me so far from home.” 
 
 It was a sorry trick, Prevot,” resumed Henry, to 
 deny us hospitality ; we are more generous, and shall 
 make you our guest to-night whether you will or no. You 
 shall sup with us at Chateauneuf; methinks you like the 
 town better than the lady'' 
 
 Ha ! ” cried Nantouillet, who are you, young gallant, 
 who know me so well? by your Gascon accent you should 
 be one of Navarre’s followers.” 
 
 Here his conjectures were interrupted by a loud shout, 
 and a cry of Open the gates to Henry King of Navarre !” 
 which echoed from mouth to mouth ; and, to his inexpres- 
 sible consternation, the companion of Nantouillet, spurring 
 his horse, and casting the mantle from his shoulders, which 
 had entirely covered his figure, rode foremost into the 
 town, cap in hand, disclosing the features of Henry of 
 Navarre. 
 
 The Prevot, amidst the laughter and jeers of the party 
 which followed, was made to enter with them, and share 
 the triumph of the citizens, who hailed the fulfilment of 
 their best hopes, and with enthusiastic greetings welcomed 
 the Prince to their walls. 
 
 A merry supper succeeded, which Henry resolved to 
 render so agreeable that Nantouillet should have no cause 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 411 
 
 to lament that which they had caused him to lose ; and 
 when they parted next day^ it was with protestations of 
 mutual forgiveness and friendship. 
 
 Keep this ring, good Prevot, for my sake/’ said 
 Henry ; the Bearnois is poor now, but the day may 
 come when he may have the power of naming a Prevot of 
 Paris ; and none but Nantouillet shall be the man. The 
 next tim.e you give me a fete, depend on it I will order 
 myself and my comrades more seemly, and your hospitality 
 shall not be rewarded by riot and ill usage.” 
 
 ^^Your Grace/’ cried the Prevot, may break every 
 piece of furniture I have, then. I should not care if I 
 made a bonfire of all my goods, so I could once see Henry 
 of Navarre on the throne of France ! ” 
 
 Treason ! treason ! good Prevot,” laughed Henry ; 
 but I take your words as a good omen, — the stars may 
 yet be propitious ; and we may all meet again in more 
 prosperous circumstances.” 
 
 So saying, they parted. Nantouillet returned to his 
 abandoned chateau, where he was well scolded by old 
 Marion, whose cookery had been lavished in vain ; and 
 Henry of Navarre and his followers arrived safely at 
 Alen^on out of the reach of his enemies. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 COURTLY MANNERS. 
 
 “We are shame-proof, 
 
 * * * * 
 
 The King and his company.” — Shakspeare. 
 
 When Henry the Third found that the King of Navarre 
 had escaped in spite of all his vigilance, and that instead 
 of deceiving he was himself deceived, he became almost 
 frantic with rage. 
 
 Marguerite is the traitress, the cause of all,” cried 
 he ; and I will make her repent it. She it was, I am 
 convinced, who connived at my brother’s flight, and now 
 she has plotted for her husband. Fool that she is ! I 
 
412 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS ; 
 
 have taken good care that they shall have no happiness 
 together. He would scarcely believe my accounts of her 
 other lovers, but Bussy d’Amboise he is positively jealous 
 of ; and nothing will convince him that he has not cause. 
 You managed that, Du Guast, well.'* 
 
 ‘^^Yes,*’ answered his favourite; ^^and La Torigni’s 
 dismissal ; but I have not had my revenge sufficiently yet 
 on that contemptuous damsel.” 
 
 Why not,” replied the King. I give you carte 
 blanche for any thing you like. Invent some notable ven- 
 geance, and let us know of it when it is done ; it will annoy 
 Marguerite beyond all other things, for she doats on that 
 woman. Meantime my treacherous sister shall be closely 
 guarded, and kept here ; for she is capable of conveying 
 intelligence to either of the fugitives. See that she is 
 closely confined to her apartments, and that no one has 
 access to her.” 
 
 Having given these orders, he sent for Montgaillard 
 the Petit Feuillant, who was greatly in his favour at this 
 period. 
 
 Montgaillard,” said Henry, I send for you to 
 express my thanks for the able manner in which you yes- 
 terday defended Holy Church against the attacks of the 
 atheists, who I grieve to say abound in France. Your ar- 
 guments were so sound and so good, that the most sceptical 
 must acknowledge you proved the existence of a God in a 
 manner not to be controverted.” 
 
 I am glad your Majesty thinks so,” replied the cox- 
 comb monk, who was perfectly aware of the hypocrisy of 
 his master, and could not restrain the jest which rose to 
 his lips ; but if it would give you pleasure I am ready, 
 at any time, to prove, with equally good arguments, that all 
 I said yesterday was false, and will engage to send away 
 my congregation quite as much convinced on the other 
 side of the question.”* 
 
 Silence ! ” said Henry, whose cue it Vt^as to be ex- 
 tremely pious that morning, do not disturb my serious 
 thoughts by your frivolity ; — to-night, my dear friends,” 
 he continued, turning to the band of gentlemen who sur- 
 
 * Historical. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 413 
 
 rounded him, and who were variously employed in diffe- 
 rent feminine occupations ; one embroidering, another 
 winding silk, and some stringing heads; ‘^to-night we 
 will have a few pleasant hours ; first, the penitential pro- 
 cession by torch-light, — the music, I hear, is to be 
 divine ; it would have a good effect if some of you would 
 administer to yourselves the discipline as we go along ; the 
 ignorant brutes of people have an idea that we are not 
 religious — which the saints forbid should be true. I 
 have ordered some large crosses of light wood, one of 
 which I shall carry myself; and my great rosary of tetes- 
 de-mort will, I think, tell. I must get money from these 
 niggards by some means, and piety, I think, answers best. 
 After the last procession I filled my coffers pretty well ; 
 and as De Joyeuse’s wedding will cost me a round sum, 
 some great effort must be made.” 
 
 I have ornamented these sandals with death’s-heads, 
 for your Majesty,’^ replied Maugiron, who was busy with 
 leather and ribbons ; you can walk barefooted in these 
 admirably, without the skin of your delicate feet suffering. 
 I shall paint a few drops of blood on the flesh-coloured 
 stockings, which will produce much sympathy.” 
 
 The balconies will be full of heads to-night,” said 
 Quelus ; and we are well provided with dragees mus- 
 quees to cast at the fair devotees who will be praying at 
 their casements for the holy penitents. Your Majesty’s 
 whip will be the great attraction, methinks, on this occa- 
 sion.” 
 
 ^^Yes, — it is large and long, and shall hang conspi- 
 cuously at my girdle,” said Henry, laughing ; ^^if it were 
 not for the scandal that would ensue, what glorious delight 
 it would be, in the midst of the procession, to turn upon 
 the lazy monks and give them a taste of what real flogging 
 is.” 
 
 Let us do it, sire, — let us do it ! ” cried twenty 
 voices. 
 
 Hold, madmen !” cried the Petit Feuillant, throwing 
 himself into an attitude, would you insult Holy Mother 
 Church ? would you give a handle to the heretics to call 
 us heathens ? — do not think of such a thing. Why, 
 
414 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS 2 
 
 the very last time we all walked in the procession of the 
 Confreres Penitens, do you not recollect the distich which 
 the insolents made on us, because we were caught in that 
 furious rain which wetted us to the skin ? 
 
 Repeat it — repeat it!’' cried the King, who cared 
 not for abuse, which he never intended should cause his 
 amendment. 
 
 This was the quatrain, may it please your Grace,” 
 replied Montgaillard, 
 
 “ Apres avoir pille la France 
 Et tout le peuple despouille 
 N’est-ce pas belle penitence, 
 
 De se couvrir d’un sac mouille ? ” 
 
 Excellent ! ” cried Henry. I wish it were true, but 
 it is not so easy to despoil my loving subjects. I shall 
 however do my best, for in spite of all the abuse directed 
 against us, I find the processions impose on the people 
 better than any other religious profession of fervour.” 
 
 I had a strange dream last night,” suddenly exclaimed 
 the King, starting up and changing the subject. I 
 thought all my lions and bears which I keep to be baited, 
 suddenly set upon me, and the dogs as well tore and 
 worried me to death. I cannot bear the recollection of 
 this, and will be revenged on those brutes who caused me 
 such terror. Chomberg, give orders that on our return to- 
 night the beasts are driven into one cage, and let our 
 arquebuses be prepared, we will all fire upon them ; it 
 will make a glorious massacre, almost equal to St. Bar- 
 tholomew I ” * 
 
 A shudder ran through the group, but no opposition 
 was made to the inhuman order. St. Luc and Joyeuse 
 whispered to each other, The meaning of the dream is 
 not difficult to interpret : he is eaten and torn to pieces by 
 his vices; he carries things too far: — is all prepared for our 
 scheme of reform ? we must positively get Du Guast, and 
 some of the rest away from him, or the respectability of 
 the Court is at an end ! ” 
 
 Thus thought the two new favourites, whose morals 
 were not a shade better than those they succeeded, but 
 
 * Historical. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 415 
 
 who were disgusted with the weakness and cowardice dis- 
 played by many of the mignons who surrounded Henry, 
 as, if they had any virtue, it might be bravery, of which 
 they had given several striking proofs; and De Joyeuse, 
 though the most expensive, yet was perhaps the least pro- 
 fligate of the worthless set who encouraged and fostered 
 their master's weak and wicked habits. 
 
 At this moment D’Epernon was announced, bringing 
 with him the Chevalier de Sure, grand Prior of Cham- 
 pagne, whom the King had desired to see. 
 
 Oh, ho ! Prior," cried Henry, without ceremony, 
 you are come, are you ? how dare your attack my In- 
 tendant of Finance in the way you did lately ? " 
 
 May it please your Grace," said De Sure, boldly, I 
 spoke the truth, and had no intention of offering insult to 
 you. I said, and I maintain it, that Milon has cheated 
 the people who had consented to pay your Grace’s debts. 
 He represented that they amounted to the enormous sum 
 of eight millions, and has taxed and distressed your sub- 
 jects to obtain that money, knowing that the true amount 
 is but five millions of crowns ; your Majesty knows it is 
 so." 
 
 What should I know of such paltry distinctions } ” 
 said Henry, scornfully. 
 
 It is not so, sire,’’ replied De Sure, “ it is a heavy 
 burden on the people, who murmur loudly. I told Milon 
 he was a villain, and fleeced the subjects of the King; I 
 called him an assassin, and I gave him but his proper 
 name. Place your hand on your heart. Sire, and answer 
 if I spoke not the truth.’’ 
 
 Fire flashed from Henry’s eyes ; he started up, over- 
 turning Maugiron and D’O, who sat at his feet. 
 
 Slave ! insolent ruffian ! ’’ cried he, do you give me the 
 lie and darting at De Sure, he gave him several furious 
 cuffs in the face, and began kicking him with the rage of 
 a boy entirely ungoverned in his passion. 
 
 Sire, for the love of Heaven,’’ cried D’Epernon and 
 De Joyeuse, consider your station, your position; the 
 Prior may be in fault, but is this becoming punishment 
 for a great prince to inflict ? Calm yourself, De Sure ; 
 
4l6 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS I 
 
 depart instantly — stop not to parley. His Majesty will 
 think better of this.” 
 
 De Sure retired without loss of time^ and the King sank 
 exhausted with his exertions on a sofa, closing his eyes, 
 and looking faint and overcome. Presently he raised his 
 head, and appearing to recover himself, said, — 
 
 You did right, De Joyeuse, to prevent my killing the 
 insolent wretchj; but he is an obstinate fool. Of course, I 
 gave Milon my orders to call the five, eight ; how else 
 shall I furnish the expenses of your marriage with my 
 wife's sister ? Why will these idiots interfere with what 
 does not concern them ? Montgaillard, give me a lay ; 
 let us forget all these state affairs ; D'O, hand him the 
 lute, — something gay, I entreat.” 
 
 The monk touched the lute with a practised hand ; and, 
 throwing back his robe gracefully, and turning up his eyes 
 with an affected air, sang the following villanelle : — 
 
 IN PRAISE OF INCONSTANCY. 
 
 “ I am not false, but if I were 
 All nature is as false as I — 
 
 Each object in earth, sea, or air. 
 
 Exists but in inconstancy, 
 
 “ The gentle moon, that lovers hail. 
 
 To whom they mourn, and plead, and sigh. 
 
 Changes her features fair and frail, 
 
 A by-word of inconstancy. 
 
 “ The breeze that through the garden roves 
 And WOOS each flow’r that blushes nigh, 
 
 Whisp’ring so fondly that he loves, 
 
 Is freighted with inconstancy. 
 
 “ The wave that glitters to the shore, 
 
 Kissing the leaves, and murm’ring by, 
 
 Returns to those fair meads no more. 
 
 But wanders in inconstancy. 
 
 “ *Tis true, in many star-like eyes, 
 
 I ’ve studied passion’s alchemy. 
 
 But found, too soon, such lore supplies 
 But lessons of inconstancy. 
 
 “ Sweet lady, then, reproach me not. 
 
 Is she not false, can’st thou deny — 
 
 Who makes all other loves forgot, 
 
 And teaches man inconstancy ! ” 
 
 After the song, Henry summoned to his presence a 
 dwarf who had lately arrived from Nantes, and whose 
 wonderful performances astonished the people of Paris. 
 
OR, THE QITEEN'SIOTHER. 
 
 417 
 
 He was without arms, yet could perform feats of delicate 
 dexterity, which others in possession of all their limbs 
 found infinite difficulty in doing. He could write, play at 
 all games, draw the bow, load and fire a pistol, and per- 
 form various other wonders. His accomplishments were 
 highly appreciated, and the King was so charmed that he 
 took off a heavy gold chain from his neck, and wrote an 
 order on his exhausted treasury for a hundred crowns to 
 be paid immediately to a person possessed of qualities so 
 valuable and useful. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 The effect which the flight of Henry of Navarre had on 
 the mind of the Queen-mother was different from that 
 which the King experienced. She had discovered that 
 the extreme unpopularity of her reigning son was increasing 
 to a fearful extent, and the means she had thought good 
 to keep him from attending to state affairs had only ren- 
 dered him odious, and herself a stranger to his counsels* 
 He had lately treated her with positive neglect, and 
 thwarted her frequently at the very moment when she 
 thought him most occupied with his pleasures. She saw 
 that the Duke de Guise was the people’s idol, and she re- 
 gretted not having entered the party of the Duke of Anjou 
 and the King of Navarre, in order to have a hold upon the 
 nation ; for that she was detested there was no kind of 
 doubt. She heard of the successes of her younger son, 
 and the friendly terms on which Elizabeth of England re- 
 ceived him : she saw the throne of her ungrateful but 
 favourite child tottering, and she resolved on conciliatory 
 measures. When she found that Marguerite had been 
 harshly treated by her brother, she was very much an- 
 noyed, and visited her immediately, hoping to soften the 
 exasperated feelings which she knew would be engen- 
 dered against him. So desolately wretched was poor 
 Marguerite that this show of kindness was a comfort to 
 her mind, and her tears flowed less painfully as she listened 
 to her mother’s Jesuitical advice and consolation, who 
 
 E E 
 
4]8 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 interfered in her favour with the King, till awakening 
 from the lethargy of indolence, folly, and passion, into 
 which lie had allowed himself to sink, he saw the 
 necessity of once more putting himself under his 
 mother’s guidance. He therefore changed his conduct 
 to his sister, and expecting more from her than she had 
 the power to afford, loaded her with caresses and honour, 
 and endeavoured to make her forget his late unkindness. 
 
 But it was not this alteration which had restored the 
 heart of Marguerite to repose, and had caused the tears to 
 dry in her eyes, and the roses to revisit her cheeks ; she 
 had received from her husband a letter full of tenderness, 
 penitence, and affectionate regret. He reproached himself 
 with his harshness and cruelty in having consented to order 
 her friend La Torigni to he sent from her, and re- 
 counted an event which had just occurred, which seemed 
 to have given him extreme delight, as he doubted not it 
 would her. 
 
 The narrative which he related was as follows:- — 
 
 The poor, persecuted Gillone*, who had no fault but 
 loving you, was living in her cousin Chastelas’s house, and 
 my little rival, your page, Endymion, whom I like ex- 
 tremely, was there also ; ready to cause more scandal, if 
 necessary, by his beaux yeux, without intending it. One 
 night a party of mounted cavaliers arrived, and announced 
 their errand as from the King, who, they said, had been 
 unable to resist the tears of his sister, and had resolved to 
 restore her favourite lady to her society. They desired 
 him to tell Gillone to prepare herself, as a palfrey was in 
 ivaiting for her ; but no sooner had he admitted the 
 ruffians than they rushed to her chamber, seized the trem- 
 bling girl and hound her hand and foot ; then locking the 
 door, left her till they had partaken of the good cheer which 
 they had forced Chastelas to prepare for them. They 
 drank to excess, and in their cups proclaimed that their 
 intention was to carry La Torigni to Du Guast, who was 
 waiting near, who had resolved with his own hands to 
 drown her in the river. Chastelas, on hearing this, was 
 i * Mademoiselle De Torigni. This letter is historical. 
 
0R_, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 419 
 
 in great terror and consternation^ and supplied them with 
 wine and food, hoping the good cheer would induce them 
 to stay till daylight, — for it was a cold, damp night, — and 
 that some succour might by that time arrive. Endymion, 
 however, not trusting to that, had the presence of mind to 
 let himself out by a back door, and, swimming the moat, 
 for they had raised the drawbridge, ran as hard as he 
 could in hopes of meeting some one to whom to tell the 
 danger. 
 
 It pleased God that La Ferte and Avantigny, the 
 chamberlains of your brother Fran 9 ois, were riding along 
 on their way to join him and the army, when they met 
 Endymion in this breathless state. A few words explained 
 the fact ; and they resolved to do you a service ; and, 
 knowing you had nothing more at heart than the release 
 of poor Gillone, set spurs to their horses, and, guided by 
 your page, reached the chateau just as the brutal party 
 were issuing forth with her in their arms, and, having tied 
 her on a horse, were setting forth towards the river. 
 Drawing their swords, Anjou’s party rushed upon them. 
 La Ferte calling out ‘ Hold, murdering villains that you 
 are! — If you harm her you are dead men !’ They then 
 charged the villains, and having punished several of them 
 severely, rescued your pretty friend from their grasp, whom 
 they brought away half-dead with fear and joy, having 
 scattered her enemies like the wind. She is now with 
 D Anjou and myself, for I arrived soon after this event ; 
 and I assure you is treated with the same respect and 
 kindness as if it was La belle Marguerite in person. She 
 has told me many secrets which I was so dull as never to 
 guess, and I rejoice to find that my most dangerous rival 
 is myself. Ah ! little traitress 1 why have you always 
 shown me such coolness, and allowed your pride to chill 
 the affection I w^as ready to give you ? I trust we shall not 
 mistake each other again. You must hasten to us, if 
 possible. I am obliged to go into Guienne as speedily as I 
 can, and Anjou is about to depart on his love adventure to 
 England,” 
 
 This account was most welcome, and the young Queen 
 
 E E 2 
 
420 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS I 
 
 determined that her spirits should not sink nor her courage 
 fail her, trusting that she might not only he of use to her 
 husband while she remained at Court, but be enabled to 
 rejoin him before very long. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 THE LOVE-TREE. 
 
 “ I’ve loved my last, and that love was my first.” — Sheridan Knowles. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth of England sat in a chamber of her 
 palace at Greenwich, looking languidly on the sunset which 
 illumined the waves of the river with gold and purple. 
 Her thoughts were of the saddest kind : she was urged by 
 an imaginary affection for the Duke of Anjou, to consent 
 to the proposals made her by Simier, the minister whom 
 he had sent to plead his cause ; she was mortified at what 
 he had disclosed to her of the Earl of Leicester’s private 
 marriage to the widow of the late Earl of Essex ; she was 
 annoyed at the opposition to her caprice shown by her 
 Parliament, and her vanity was shocked at the home-truths 
 delivered respecting her from the pulpit. It was true that 
 the latter had been silenced by ajuthority, but she felt that 
 the general opinion, of which, with all her pride, no one 
 stood more in awe, was against her. Her subjects, who, 
 she always loved to believe considered her little less than a 
 divinity, had dared to cavil at her decisions, to impugn 
 her judgment, even to throw out hints that the maiden 
 dignity, on which she prided herself, was giving way be- 
 fore a senseless attachment to a man twenty years her 
 junior, a foreigner, and a Catholic. She had been obliged 
 to repress these insults with a strong hand, to imprison the 
 Earl of Leicester, who had breathed threats of vengeance 
 against Simier, and had opposed her council every time 
 they met. 
 
 The wit, accomplishments, and flattery of Simier had 
 completely gained the Queen’s confidence : she abandoned 
 herself entirely to the delightful visions his persuasive 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-3IOTHER. 
 
 421 
 
 eloquence had conjured up. He represented the Prince as 
 wasting away with a slow but sure disease^ — the con- 
 sequence of the adoration he felt for the loveliest of her 
 sex^ and the dread of never being able to gain her affec- 
 tions. Day after day, hour after hour, did Elizabeth sit 
 alone with the accomplished courtier, listening to his tales 
 of enchantment, and dreaming herself into Arcadia. Some- 
 times during these interviews she allowed the great painter, 
 Zucchero, to take a sitting for the portrait she was having- 
 painted after her own taste, and the destination of which 
 she refused to name when entreated to do so by the in- 
 sinuating friend of Anjou. 
 
 Ah said he, 1 dare not permit myself to imagine 
 that any Prince in Christendom can be so fortunate as one 
 day to possess this lovely shadow, for, should I do so, I 
 must picture a calamity to one whom I dearly prize, love, 
 and honour. Were that image presented to any but the 
 Duke, my master, your Majesty had better, if you have 
 any pity or feeling left in your bosom, prepare a bier for 
 the unhappy object of your scorn : he would never survive 
 it. And yet my hopes revive, and daring wishes take 
 possession of my breast, when I reflect that you have 
 deigned to accept the very dress in which you allow that 
 happy man, who is permitted to gaze on your beauty for 
 hours together, to attempt to delineate features whose 
 brightness dazzles and deludes the ordinary beholder ! Stay, 
 madam ! — let me entreat, turn your head a little more 
 towards that snowy shoulder ! — Now, Zucchero ! is it not 
 perfection ? ” 
 
 The painter threw down his brushes in ecstacy. — It 
 is more than mortal!'' cried he, in enthusiasm. — I 
 cannot paint if I am reminded of what I gaze on I — Let 
 me go on in a rapturous dream of oblivion, and I may 
 succeed ; but if I am shown that the lovely statue before 
 me can breathe, and move, and smile, I am undone !” 
 
 My dear Lord ! exclaimed Elizabeth, you will 
 destroy my beloved painter ; his enthusiasm for his art 
 knows no bounds ; and because I have some resemblance 
 to a poetical dream of beauty he has formed, he looks upon 
 
422 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ! 
 
 me as his property, and is jealous of the admiration of 
 others.’’ 
 
 Then, madam,” replied Simier, he must perish ; for 
 to repress the admiration you inspire were to stop the 
 course of nature.” 
 
 Do you like the design of the picture } ” asked the 
 Queen, smiling : it is my own ; this Persian dress suits 
 
 my figure well, and therefore I chose it rather than the 
 dress of the day, which confines the form too much. You 
 see how well he has depicted the golden embroidery all 
 over the loose robe, — the border of jewels, do not they 
 sparkle brightly ? The pearls which cover the shoes in 
 this graceful pattern are precise, — he copies so exactly ; 
 look at the ropes of pearl about my neck, and the bracelets 
 on my arm ; are they not lucid 
 
 Exquisite I ” said the courtier; ^^but the small, de- 
 licate foot, the white, little, tiny hand, covered with rings, 
 and the snowy throat and bosom, over which the golden 
 tresses play like threads drawn from the sun -beams ! the 
 graceful shape, the winning smile, yet it is pensive too — 
 that gentle countenance and those radiant eyes are full of 
 thought ! ” 
 
 Do you observe,” said the Queen, that I am standing 
 in a forest of flourishing trees ; and, behold, on every 
 bough are billing pairs of happy birds ? ” 
 
 Happy 1 ah, you say well, enchantress ! ” whispered 
 Simier, would that your thought were not mere fancy ! ” 
 
 And see, 1 rest my arm upon the neck of a fair hart, 
 whom I have crowned with flowers. Does the allegory 
 please you, my Lord?” added Elizabeth' playfully. 
 
 It will well please him who is deemed worthy by the 
 goddess of those shades to unriddle it. Alas ! ” cried Simier 
 apparently rapt, why is the success I have so striven for, 
 the cause of pangs like these? My heart is too full, — 
 
 pardon me, gracious, and too fatally fair Queen ” His 
 
 words died away, and he appeared fainting from emotion. 
 Elizabeth seemed affected, and, hastening to him, with her 
 own hands untied the ribbon which confined his ruff, and 
 taking it off bared his handsome throat, while the painter 
 busied himself in tbroAving open the casement. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN- MOTHER. 
 
 423 
 
 Alas !’' exclaimed Elizabeth, it is always thus. It 
 were better to be a homely peasant girl, than thus to cause 
 the grief of all who approach me ! *’ 
 
 Simier breathed. Where am I ? he cried, as if 
 bewildered ; he comes ! he is here — at her feet ! Be- 
 trayer that I am ! I dared to love that 
 
 Go, Frederigo, my good friend,” said Elizabeth 
 hastily to the painter ; our sitting is disturbed to-day, — 
 to-morrow we will resume it ; go at once.” 
 
 Zucchero bowed, and retired with an aspect of profound 
 sympathy. As he left the chamber his countenance 
 changed, and a sneer of contempt curled his features. 
 
 Vain fool ! said he mentally, ^‘^what an ungrateful 
 labour it is throw away my art, my genius, on such a face ! 
 Were she content to appear as she is, full of masculine 
 decision, power, cunning, and shrewdness, I could make a 
 picture which the world would admire for its character ; but 
 she will be a languishing beauty ; her hard features must 
 be softened into tenderness, her sallow complexion rendered 
 transparent, the fierceness of her subtle eye quelled into 
 sentimental languishment; pshaw! it sickens me ! I, who 
 have sighed indeed over the loveliness of the angelic Stuart, 
 whose pictured self will one day, I trust, tell the world 
 what angel visited this sphere. I will go home and gaze 
 on her features, retouch that miracle of art, and forget 
 the task which gold alone will pay.” 
 
 When Zucchero was gone, it was time for the crafty 
 courtier to recover himself : he accordingly did so ; and 
 throwing himself at her feet, poured out a rhapsody, in 
 which love, admiration, duty, wretchedness, and resignation 
 appeared to be mixed. He clothed his apparently wild 
 declaration in language most poetical, — made numerous 
 classical allusions, and ending by entreating, first, to be 
 pierced by her hand to the heart for his presumption, next 
 to be forgiven for the sake of his master. 
 
 Moved to tears by this successful acting, the vain 
 woman raised him from the ground, affected disdain, anger, 
 pity, and compassion, as well as he could himself have 
 done ; and, after this fantastic display of feelings, which 
 were never, with her, more than the mere semblance of 
 E E 4 
 
424 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 reality^ she dismissed him^ well content with the scene^ 
 and excited by its novelty and apparent truth. 
 
 Poor Simier ! — he really loves rne ! said she ; how 
 dangerous an ambassador of love has the Prince chosen ! 
 Mary Stuart may boast her lovers ; but was Chatelar, was 
 Rizzio more enamoured than this unhappy man 
 
 When Simier reached his own apartments he cast him- 
 self upon a seat^ and indulged in a long burst of suppressed 
 laughter ; he dared not disclose to any his real feelings^ as 
 the great end hung on a thread ; and he dreaded that the 
 very figures of the tapestry should report his thoughts. 
 
 If Anjou arrive not/’ said he, the farce will have a 
 sudden ending ; I can carry it no further : her egregious 
 vanity makes her believe anything, though I feared I had 
 gone too far. This untoward wind delays him strangely; he 
 should be arrived by this. I think all promises well ; she 
 will doat on him, and may on me too, if she pleases ; and 
 we shall have store of gold to send to France, and make 
 us forget our long privations.” 
 
 He was interrupted by a stir without, and a page, 
 rushing in, informed him that the expected arrival had 
 taken place, — the Duke of Anjou was just landing. 
 Simier lost no time in hurrying down to the shore to 
 welcome the disguised Prince, who came in secret to visit 
 his intended bride; and, tired of long and changeful 
 negotiations, resolved to put himself out of suspense at 
 once, and carry the Queen’s consent by a coup de main. 
 
 Surprised, gratified, flattered and delighted, at this bold 
 proceeding, Elizabeth, though at first she assumed coyness, 
 ended by acknowledging the pleasure his presence gave 
 her ; and now, as if she had at once taken leave of all the 
 prudence, wisdom, and policy which had distinguished 
 her as eminent amongst the monarchs of Europe for so 
 many years, she abandoned herself to the childish amuse- 
 ment of a new attachment, and, it appeared, acted it so 
 well that her heart was actually entangled, and every day 
 the web seemed growing stronger round the captive.* 
 
 She had already given the Duke the sum of four 
 
 * See for a full detail of Elizabeth’s weakness, Lingard’s History of her 
 time. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 425 
 
 hundred thousand crowns, in support of his pretensions to 
 the sovereignty of Flanders, forgetting at the moment that 
 in case of his success she should be involved in a war with 
 the King of Spain ; this, however, her council were not 
 slow in reminding her of, and their representations, re- 
 proaches, and entreaties, distracted her. In the midst of 
 the conference she burst into tears. 
 
 I was, indeed, simple,” said she, to confide so 
 delicate a matter to such counsellors. I vainly expected 
 that, instead of this opposition, I should have met with 
 petitions that I should marry. How often have I been 
 importuned upon the subject ! — and now that I have 
 fixed upon one, in merit far beyond all the suitors who 
 have aspired to please me, I am treated with indignity, 
 and refused consent, as if I were a child who asked for a 
 toy !” 
 
 Not so, your Majesty,” replied Sadler ; your faithful 
 subjects have long desired that your fair hand should be 
 bestowed on one worthy of your exalted virtues, but we 
 deemed not that it could ever enter into your mind to choose 
 a Catholic. Consider the offence to God, if he were per- 
 mitted to have the mass celebrated on our very hearth.” 
 Elizabeth started, but her brow grew sterner as he went 
 on. Consider the age at which your Majesty is arrived, 
 and the youth of him you honour with your regard ; 
 consider the probability of a young husband forgetting his 
 duty to a wife so much his senior — ” 
 
 I will hear no more,” she exclaimed imperiously ; 
 you insult and torture, instead of advising me. Depart, 
 I command you, and when my mind is more composed 
 and able to endure better, I will require your presence 
 again.” 
 
 Furious was her passion, and unrestrained her invectives, 
 against those she considered inimical to her marriage ; for 
 several hours her anger was so great that she refused to 
 admit any one, and feeling that in this state she would 
 scarcely appear to advantage in the eyes of her lover, she 
 declined seeing him till she had recovered some degree of 
 calmness. 
 
 When her irritation was sufficiently subsided to make 
 
426 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 her emotion appear only becomings she allowed Anjou to 
 visit her, and permitted him to behold her in a negligent 
 dishabille, her hair flowing about her shoulders, her tears 
 streaming plenteously, and her whole appearance bespeaking 
 despair and tender regret. 
 
 ^^Alas, Fran(^ois,'" she said, as he fell at her feet and 
 clasped her hands, entreating to know the cause of her 
 distress : I am thwarted, shocked, insulted by my people, 
 
 whose jealous attachment cannot brook resigning me to a 
 husband. My own feelings I do not attempt to conceal from 
 you, but I fear I must submit to the popular will.’' 
 
 Say not so, adored and loveliest of thy sex,” exclaimed 
 the Duke, trembling for all his plans of aggrandisement, 
 as the thought flashed rapidly over his mind of the expec- 
 tations her promises had raised in France ; consign me 
 not to despair. I will not survive this misfortune ! pro- 
 nounce the word that you reject me, and behold a victim 
 at your feet ! ” 
 
 ‘^Hold! dear, generous, best of men;” screamed 
 Elizabeth, as the Prince drew his dagger ; think not 
 the love I have confessed to you is weakened ; think not 
 that my heart is influenced by the harshness of my 
 ministers ; no, you are still the object of my choice, you 
 are my first, my only loved.” 
 
 Rapturous confession ! ” cried the Prince, whose mind 
 saw all the golden pageants returning in triumph, and his 
 ambition crowned ; give me then proof of what you say ; 
 bestow on me a pledge of your sincerity, and let me 
 treasure it for ever ! ” 
 
 Behold ! ” said she, I had prepared a proof of my 
 true regard for you : take this paper, and see how your 
 interests are considered.” 
 
 He ran his eye hastily over the scroll, and found that it 
 contained a promise to look upon his enemies as her own ; 
 to assist him in all his necessities, and not to treat v^ith any 
 power until she had first consulted with him. 
 
 She required him to give her a similar promise, to which 
 he readily agreed : and then, placing on his finger a ring, 
 she bade him consider her as his affianced wife. 
 
 There was no lack of protestations, flattery, and vows 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 427 
 
 of attachment on his part, and he now looked upon his 
 success as certain. 
 
 Elizabeth summoned the Bishops and the Lords, and 
 required their signature to a paper regulating the rites to 
 be observed on her marriage, which she announced should 
 take place in a few weeks. Expresses were sent off to 
 France and to the States : and the union, as if it had 
 already taken place, was forthwith celebrated at Bruxelles 
 with fireworks, discharges of artillery, and every demon- 
 stration of joy. 
 
 But, although overpowered by the Queen's vehemence, 
 her council had appeared to give their sanction to this 
 measure, they were far from intending to allow it to suc- 
 ceed. 
 
 Elizabeth on retiring one night to her chamber, was as- 
 sailed by the clamorous sorrow of her female attendants ; 
 all that could be thought and invented by female ingenuity 
 was put in force to change her resolution ; arguments 
 against the wisdom of choosing so young and inconstant a 
 husband ; protestations against his religion ; recapitulations 
 of the acts of St. Bartholomew ; and the numerous plots 
 discovered as having been formed to betray and destroy her 
 by Catholic traitors ; — all were employed, and the Queen 
 found herself in a situation of peculiar embarrassment and 
 annoyance. 
 
 On every side remonstrances were poured in ; her dig- 
 nity, her modesty, her sense were impeached ; and, tortured 
 and distressed, Elizabeth began to awaken to the necessity 
 of yielding. 
 
 A scene of grief on her part, and disappointed ambition 
 which took the semblance of sorrow on his, took place be- 
 tween the Queen and the Duke ; she professed undimi- 
 nished affection, hut pleaded the obligation of obedience to 
 the wishes of her people. He implored and entreated, but 
 she had taken care that they should not be alone, fearing 
 that she would be overcome by his despair ; and her Lords 
 coming to her assistance represented that the answer of the 
 King of France not having yet arrived, delay, at least, was 
 necessary. 
 
 The Duke retired to his apartments, and there, throwing 
 
4^28 CATHERINE DE 3IEDICIS ; 
 
 the ring from him which the Queen had given him, 
 declared that the women of England were as capricious and 
 changeable as their uncertain climate. He resolved in- 
 stantly to depart, but, on sending to Elizabeth to demand 
 leave to retire, she fell into a state of the greatest grief, 
 and condescended to entreat him to remain, — assuring him 
 that if he would delay, all would end according to their 
 desire. She resolved to give fetes, tournaments, — all that 
 could amuse and detain him, — and thus, for some time, he 
 lingered on, till the country became impatient and indig- 
 nant ; scandalous stories began to be set on foot, libellous 
 pamphlets circulated, and the whole face of affairs confused 
 and disturbed. 
 
 At length it became absolutely necessary that Anjou 
 should depart, and as he was quite wearied with the alter- 
 nation of his fortunes, he was most anxious to do so. 
 Elizabeth accompanied him as far as Canterbury, and had 
 insisted that a gorgeous train of nobles and knights should 
 attend him beyond sea, as far as Bruxelles. They parted 
 with sighs and tears, and mutual vows ; he to resume the 
 stirring life he loved to lead, and she to shun all the haunts 
 which reminded her of him whom she had so much loved. 
 
 The picture which Zucchero had begun under such fa- 
 vourable auspices for her content was finished, but a change 
 had come over it : the pensive expression of the countenance 
 was much deepened, a gloom was given to the background 
 of wood, the azure of the sky was clouded, some swallows, 
 birds of fleeting sojourn, were added to the others, and, 
 graved on the bark of the tree, beneath which the fair 
 Persian stood, were seen mysterious sentences, expressive 
 of her disappointed hope. 
 
 It was said that her own hands traced the lines in gold, 
 which appear on that singular picture, which had long 
 been concealed in the ruinous gallery at Kensington, and 
 may now be recognised by the curious at Hampton Court. 
 There can be read the Latin sentences with which the love- 
 sick pedant covered the canvass ; and on a shield in the 
 foreground are conspicuous the following quaint and me- 
 lancholy lines, in which too much clearness is evidently 
 purposely avoided : — 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 429 
 
 The restlesse swallow fits my restlesse minde, 
 
 In still revivinge, still renewinge wrongs, 
 
 Her just complaintes for crueltie unkinde 
 Are all the musique that my life prolonges. 
 With pensive thoughts my weeping stag I crown. 
 Whose melancholic teares my cares expresse, — 
 His teares in silence and my sighs unknowne 
 Are all the physick that my harmes redresse. 
 My onely hope was in this goodly tree. 
 
 Which I did plant in love, bring up in care, 
 
 But all in vaine, for now too late I see 
 
 The shales* be mine, the kernels others’ are ! 
 My musique may be plaintes, my physick teares, 
 If'this be all the fruit my love-tree bears ! ” 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 THE ACCUSED. 
 
 “ I apprehend thee as a felon here ! ” — Shakspeare. 
 
 The President Bailly after the departure of Rene Bianco, 
 had leisure to reflect on many circumstances from which he 
 had endeavoured carefully to lead his thoughts. Alix^ in 
 all her innocence and affection_, was present to his mind. 
 No longer influenced by the artful insinuations of the 
 Italian, all that had appeared faulty in her conduct, he re- 
 flected might he the effect of the strange and untoward cir- 
 cumstances in which she was placed ; and his musings led 
 him to frame excuses for her, and to sigh over their long 
 separation. 
 
 He was in this frame of mind one morning when he left 
 his chamber, after a sleepless night, and his natural cold- 
 ness was subdued when he observed that Marcel was 
 placing flowers in all directions in the study he was accus- 
 tomed to occupy. 
 
 What means this ? ” asked he, in a subdued voice. 
 
 ‘^^I have not forgotten, though others may,'' answered 
 Marcel sharply, that this day is the birthday of Made- 
 moiselle Alix ; and I do not see why the only child of 
 my master should be looked upon as if she were dead and 
 gone.” 
 
 She is dead to me, Marcel,” said the President, sadly ; 
 
 * Shells. 
 
430 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 she has never sought my pardon_, nor striven to return 
 to me. 
 
 Are you sure of that^ sir ? inquired Marcel : or is 
 
 there any one interested in making you believe so, who has 
 so reported ? 
 
 Whom do you mean, Marcel? said Bailly. Your 
 words seem to have some allusion. I give you leave to 
 speak out.’’ 
 
 Then,” returned Marcel, I will tell you at once, that 
 you give too much credit to the tales of that Italian, of 
 whom we are for the present well rid. He tells you that 
 Mademoiselle Alix has never written to you, which I do 
 not believe, for a good reason. You must know, that going 
 one day into his room, 1 saw him reading letters attentively ; 
 he was in the act of burning several as I entered, and had 
 thrust one, which was torn, under the embers, and thought 
 it was burnt. I confess I was curious to know what he 
 was so full of ; and when he was gone I returned to his 
 room, and, sure enough, a piece of the paper was still un- 
 touched by the flame. Here it is, and in my mind is 
 your daughter’s handwriting ; or else I learnt with the 
 monks of St. Germain when a boy for nothing.” 
 
 So saying he produced the slip of half-burnt paper, 
 which Bailly took with a trembling hand, and read the few 
 words which it contained with emotion. 
 
 : Beloved Father. — Night and day I pray to kneel 
 
 once more at your feet and kiss your dear hand * ^ my 
 numerous letters unnoticed * * * my brave and worthy 
 husband * saved the life of your persecuted child * * * 
 my^uncle, De Hommet ” 
 
 It is so, indeed, Marcel !” said the President. I 
 have been grossly abused ; my poor Alix ! how shall I re- 
 pair this error ? Bene is a dangerous and deceitful man ? 
 I have been strangely fascinated by him, but I will cast oft" 
 this spell and do justice to my suffering child.” 
 
 Then,” said Marcel, never suffer Bianco to re-enter 
 your doors, and write at once to Mademoiselle if you know 
 where she is.” 
 
 She is at La Rochelle,” replied the agitated father ; 
 there is a truce between the parties at this moment. 
 
0R_, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 431 
 
 Why not seek her there myself? Doubtless she is pro- 
 tected by De Homraet, her poor mother’s brother^ and all 
 will be explained. Prepare, Marcel, that we set out with- 
 out delay, before the return, which I daily expect, of Rene. 
 I know not why I feel so much in the power of that man ; 
 it is only in his absence that I breathe freely, and dare to 
 think for myself.” 
 
 Marcel, with eager delight, received this command, and 
 resolved that no time should be lost by the President in 
 commencing his journey, which it was agreed should be 
 the next morning; but scarcely had Marcel quitted his 
 master when, to his infinite vexation and terror, he beheld 
 the unwelcome form of Rene Bianco himself approach- 
 ing the house from the avenue which communicated with the 
 Abbey. 
 
 The President was no less annoyed to see his intrusive 
 visitor returned, and the reception he was able to give him 
 was so constrained and cold, that Rene saw at once some- 
 thing had occurred inimical to his interests : however, he 
 carried off his uneasiness with a show of carelessness; told 
 numerous anecdotes of the Court ; related circumstances of 
 the new King’s coronation and marriage ; and, by his wit 
 and lively conversation, contrived, according to his usual 
 custom, to interest and please the President in spite of 
 himself. 
 
 They were walking that afternoon in the Abbey garden 
 when Marcel approached his master, and delivered a slip of 
 paper, which Bailly, with some confusion, read instantly, 
 and thrust into his bosom. The words which had caused 
 his emotion were these — ^‘^one from La Rochelle would 
 speak with the President Bailly.” 
 
 Rene, suspiciously alive to art in others, saw that there 
 was some mystery which was not to be explained to him : 
 and his fears and his conscience alike pointed to Alix 
 and Claude. The President, however, continued his walk, 
 and talked as before on indifferent subjects, nor did they 
 part till the usual time — Rene to his chamber, and the 
 President to the chapel of the Abbey, where his nightly 
 prayers were said ; — after which he returned to his study, 
 and received from Marcel a letter which the messenger. 
 
432 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS ; 
 
 who had entreated to see him^ wished that he should first 
 read. 
 
 It was that which Alix had written in which she ex- 
 pressed her fears that he had been prevented from receiving 
 her former appeals ; conjured him to listen to her prayerS;, 
 and to pardon the steps she had taken ; related her escapes 
 and dangers, and finally referred him to the bearer of the 
 letter, whom she feared to name lest danger might reach 
 her husband. 
 
 Bailly was deeply affected, and all his pride and anger 
 melted away as he dwelt upon her eloquent words. He 
 had, without Rene’s perceiving it, given orders to Marcel 
 to conceal the messenger in the Abbey till night ; and as 
 he was a mendicant friar, there was little difficulty in doing 
 so without creating suspicion. 
 
 He was now conducted by Marcel to the President’s 
 study, and left with him alone ; but the curiosity of the old 
 servant was not to be repressed, and he resolved to inform 
 himself of the secret, which all his endeavours had failed to 
 draw from the friar, who professed to be ignorant of the 
 contents of the missive which had been intrusted to his 
 care. 
 
 Stationing himself, therefore, in a corridor which led to 
 the sleeping room of his master, he applied his ear to an 
 opening in the wainscot, and found that he could hear the 
 whole of the conversation which ensued between the parties 
 within, and occasionally shifting his position could see them 
 also. He thus became a witness of the interview between 
 Claude and his father-in-law, and learnt all the particulars 
 which he wished to know. 
 
 The President, when Claude kneeling at his feet made 
 himself known as the husband of his daughter, was at first 
 cold and haughty, and expressed himself in angry and of- 
 fended terms, reproaching him with treachery, and treating 
 him as a menial and dependant unworthy of the alliance he 
 had made. Claude, although he could boast of neither 
 power nor riches that might cause Bailly to receive him less 
 harshly as his son, yet recounted the untoward circum- 
 stances of his birth with eloquence so moving, pleaded his 
 affection for Alix, and expressed so much disinterested 
 
OR, THE QUEEN- MOTHER, 
 
 433 
 
 generosity, that the worldly man was subdued into the 
 father^ and all the kinder feelings of his nature took their 
 turn. 
 
 I had already purposed,” said he, to set forth to La 
 Rochelle to see my child. I have been deceived too rea- 
 dily. Rene Bianco unfortunately returned this very day, 
 doubtless with a view of continuing the plans which he has 
 already found too successful. Be of good cheer, however ; 
 return to my dear child — tell her I will not delay to visit 
 her, and, above all, assure her of my blessing and forgive- 
 ness. For you, young man, your misfortunes and your 
 generous devotion to my child claim my pity and my gra- 
 titude. Marcel will see you safely lodged ; I would not 
 have you encounter your arch foe, of whom I will rid my- 
 self before many days are past. Depart, therefore, by 
 day-break. I shall write to my beloved Alix, and Marcel 
 will bring my letter to you before Rene is stirring. Go, 
 and my blessing attend you!’* 
 
 Claude, with tears of grateful acknowledgment, knelt to 
 receive the benediction of his father-in-law, and Marcel, 
 whose vicinity was not suspected, was summoned to recoii- 
 duct him to his cell for the night. Arrived there the heart 
 of the old servant overflowed, and he proclaimed to the 
 yomig secretary that he was known ; entreated to hear of 
 his dear mistress, overwhelmed him with blessings and 
 inquiries, and did not leave him till the sun’s first rays told 
 them that the hour was come for Claude to depart. Marcel 
 therefore, with reluctant step, proceeded to his master’s 
 chamber, for the letter which was to carry joy and content 
 to the heart of Alix, and her husband descended into the 
 convent-garden to await his return. 
 
 Meanwhile, the reflections of Bianco, on retiring to his 
 chamber, were of the most perplexed description. He saw 
 that his absence had ruined his cause with Bailly, that 
 he had, without doubt, received intelligence from his 
 daughter, and discovered the deceit which had been prac- 
 tised on him. 
 
 Catherine was impatient for his return, and he could not 
 recommence the machinations which in an unforeseen mo- 
 ment were at once destroyed. The will of Bailly would 
 
 F F 
 
434 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 confirm him heir to large possessions, and he should be 
 able to compete with Ruggieri in station, as the superior 
 of an abbey. 
 
 All these thoughts tended to one end, and his half- 
 formed intention of sacrificing the life of his confiding 
 friend took a more tangible shape. Why, he asked himself, 
 should he hesitate ? even should the murder be brought 
 home to him, his royal protectress was sufficiently powerful 
 to screen him from punishment, and the laws were in a 
 state that favoured the escape of the powerful, however 
 guilty. The temporary remorse which had been awakened 
 in his breast at the success of his last crime had speedily 
 been effaced, and his usual indifference had returned. 
 
 Fatigued with his journey, he had at first thrown him- 
 self upon his bed to rest ; but all these thoughts rising in 
 his bosom roused him to the necessity of immediate action. 
 He resolved to see Bailly, and to intimidate him into the 
 signature of a paper which he had prepared, bequeathing 
 him all his property, and excluding his daughter altogether. 
 
 If he refuses,” said he, ‘‘1 will at once take my revenge; 
 and the will which he has already made remains in my 
 favour as before. Once secure of this, I will not wait long, 
 so that he is my victim at all events ; and a part, or the 
 whole of his wealth, which I know is more considerable 
 than the world supposes, will be transferred to me.” 
 
 He uttered these remarks mentally, as with a cautious 
 step, he descended the stair which led to the President's 
 study. Bailly was still there ; he sat with a great many 
 papers scattered about the table before him, and was re- 
 perusing the letter of Alix, while the tears ran down his 
 cheeks. Suddenly he looked up, and beheld before him 
 Rene Bianco. 
 
 Why are you here.^” he asked abruptly; can I 
 have no privacy in my own house ? ” 
 
 I sought you, Bailly,” answered the Italian, to * 
 inquire the meaning of your late conduct. You could not 
 deceive me ; I am an unwelcome guest, and some occur- 
 rence has changed your feelings towards me. I do not 
 deserve this, and require an explanation.” 
 
 The letter I hold in my hand,” said Bailly, is ex- 
 
OR_j THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 435 
 
 planation sufficient ; it is from my daughter_, whose appeals 
 to me you have hitherto suppressed. Bianco^ I can be 
 deceived no longer ; your treachery is revealed, — let us 
 part at once, and for ever. The will which you induced 
 me to make I have destroyed ; yonder fire has cancelled my 
 injustice to my child.” 
 
 Rene approached closer to the President ; as he spoke 
 his eyes flashed fire, and he met the stern glance of Bailly 
 with a malignant sneer. 
 
 This sounds well, President,” said he, but can you 
 suppose that my measures are to he so easily thwarted as 
 this ? I have your promise, and you shall abide by it. 
 You see this paper; it requires only a signature, which 
 you can place at once, and we are again friends ; refuse it 
 and you have me for a foe. I have seldom proved myself 
 a safe one.” 
 
 Bailly rose, with indignation in his countenance, and 
 replied : 
 
 How long is it since a man of my station and years 
 has been compelled to do that against which his will revolts ? 
 Away, deceiver ! I scorn and spurn you ! ” 
 
 Before he had time to utter another word, the fierce 
 Italian had grappled with him. Unprepared for so sudden 
 an attack, Bailly was entirely off his guard, and was thrown 
 violently on the floor ; while Rene, drawing a small dagger 
 from his girdle, held it menacingly over him. 
 
 Your life is in my hands,” said he ; sign the paper 
 as I demand, or this is your last moment of existence.” 
 
 I will not sign away my child’s inheritance,” cried 
 Bailly, struggling. 
 
 Then die, base miser ! ” cried Rene, and leave me 
 that daughter as a hostage of revenge.” 
 
 He struck — his aim was too true, and his hand too well 
 practised ; his dagger was one prepared by his own skill, 
 and carried with it a certainty of death. The President 
 uttered one groan, and fell back a corpse. 
 
 Bianco rose, — ^gazed at the prostrate form one minute 
 with a scowl of gratified hatred, and, spurning it from 
 him with contempt, quitted the chamber with a firm step. 
 
 Daylight was just dawning, and he descended into the 
 
 F p 2 
 
436 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 convent-garden to seek the stables^ where he purposed to 
 mount his horse and commence an immediate flight. He 
 was certain that the confusion attendant on the discovery 
 of the abbot’s death would prevent the monks and villagers 
 from taking any very prompt measures, and he calculated 
 on the probability of his reaching Paris, and his sanctuary 
 in the Louvre, before any steps could be taken which he 
 could not guard against. 
 
 As he hurried along he beheld before him in the avenue 
 a friar, whom he at once recognised as not being of the 
 community, who, as he approached, seemed to retire from 
 observation. A sudden thought struck him, — should this 
 be a secret agent of Alix ? He turned down a path which 
 he knew must lead him so as to meet the stranger who 
 avoided him ; and by doing so, as he expected, came full 
 in front of him he sought before there was time for con- 
 cealing his face: both started, — and both at the same 
 moment placed their hands in their girdles, for Claude was 
 not unarmed, and Rene had replaced the fatal weapon in 
 its sheath with which he had stabbed Bailly. 
 
 We are well met once again ! cried the Italian. 1 ' 
 have sought you long, and could not And you more op- 
 portunely.’’ 
 
 1 am prepared in meeting you,” answered Claude, 
 to behold a foe, and shun him as I would an adder in 
 my path.” 
 
 That is less easy than you imagine. Count Gabriel de 
 Montgomery,” cried Rene, sneeringly. Let me be the 
 first to call you by your title : it must be pleasant to your 
 ears.” 
 
 It is so,” replied Claude, calmly. I would rather 
 another than the worst foe I have had called me by my 
 name ; but I expected not the courtesy from you.” 
 
 Idiot ! ” returned Rene, I could have told you this 
 long since, and told you too who gave the wound by which 
 I recognised you ; when the secret of your chain, fabri- 
 cated by my own hands, revealed to me who you were. I 
 sought your life when an infant, and failed ; your star 
 triumphs over my handy but my mind stiU sways you, — 
 you shall be my victim still.” 
 
OR, THE QUEEN^-MOTHER. 
 
 437 
 
 At that moment cries were heard issuing from the house 
 and a party of vignerons who were passing near, attracted 
 by them, had joined several domestics who, with terror in 
 their countenances, were hurrying towards the spot where 
 Rene stood with Claude. 
 
 Suddenly making a spring at Claude, the Italian strove 
 to detain him, but, aware of his ill intents, the former was 
 on his guard. Not knowing what might be the cause of 
 the disturbance, and fearing that some discovery might 
 betray the interests of the public cause, as well as his 
 private affairs, Claude thought it better to fly, and as he 
 did so, dashing Rene from him, he heard the Italian call 
 with a loud voice, — 
 
 Behold the murderer ! — Stop — seize the assassin of 
 the President Bailly ! ’’ 
 
 The crowd had by this time come up, and as the avenues 
 of the garden were unknown to him, Claude found his 
 chance of escape by flight impossible. The startling words 
 rang in his ears like a knell. Bailly assassinated! — and 
 who the murderer? The question was easily answered 
 in his mind, but the stunning horror of the fact remained. 
 Bewildered and uncertain he rushed onwards, when, turning 
 suddenly down a wooded path, he found himself surrounded 
 and seized upon by the shouting villagers, and dragged 
 with angry vehemence towards the gates of the Abbey. 
 
 He is the Huguenot secretary of the President who 
 ran away with his daughter ; he came in disguise, and has 
 murdered his master,” was echoed from mouth to mouth. 
 
 In vain did Claude entreat to be heard ; Rene had ex- 
 cited the indignation of the people by his plausible story. 
 Bailly had been found dead in his study, stabbed by an 
 unknown hand, his papers in confusion, and the assassin 
 fled. Rene represented himself as having, on entering a 
 few moments before, seen the murderer attempting to 
 escape ; had pursued, overtaken, and was struggling with 
 him when the rest came up. Marcef s cries on finding his 
 master dead had roused the household ; and so great was 
 his grief and consternation that he had fallen senseless 
 beside the corpse, and lay there still, while the others had 
 hurried to the spot where Rene had secured the supposed 
 F F 3 
 
438 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 friar. To the simple peasants the mere name of Huguenot 
 suggested ideas of magic and evil deeds^ nor did it the 
 more recommend the unfortunate prisoner to the mercy of 
 the monks, whom the terrible report of the death of their 
 Abbot had called in troops from their cells. 
 
 Every convent was provided with dungeons, and though 
 the simple character of the neighbourhood, and the quiet 
 habits of the monks of Bourgueil, did not offer much 
 opportunity or occasion for severity, yet the Abbey was 
 not unprovided with a place of security in which to detain 
 offenders. So monstrous a crime as this laid to the charge 
 of Claude had never been committed in this part of the 
 country, and the religious fraternity would have found 
 themselves at a great loss how to act, but for the advice 
 and directions of Rene Bianco, who undertook to regulate 
 every step necessary to be taken in the matter. 
 
 Fortunately for his purpose, there had just arrived at 
 the monastery one of those emissaries from Rome which 
 the holy father had sent to join le Frere Pacifique, a 
 celebrated Capuchin monk, whose zeal had greatly dis- 
 tinguished him in the cause of the Church. The heads of 
 the Catholic religion in Italy and Spain, alarmed at the 
 spread of Protestantism, had united their strength to crush 
 the growing evil, and had sent preaching brothers to 
 France, charged to exert to the utmost their powers of per- 
 suasion and exhortation to bring the stray sheep once more 
 into the fold. 
 
 Catherine de Medicis had promised her aid in the holy 
 cause, and offered every encouragement to the establishment 
 of new convents in Paris and throughout France, where 
 stricter rules should be observed and a more severe juris- 
 diction held. She had obtained for the freres mineurs of 
 Picpus the grant of a piece of land in the Faubourg St. 
 Honore, where le Frere Pacifique was now established, 
 and his convent rapidly increasing. The extreme severity 
 and zeal displayed by these Capuchins alarmed the less 
 austere monasteries, and they dreaded the visits and in- 
 quiries of their strict and uncompromising brethren. 
 
 It was, therefore, an event which bad considerably 
 disturbed the indolent quietude of the good brothers of 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 439 
 
 Bourgueil when the envoy, Pere Pierre, made his appear- 
 ance amongst them ; and as he had found much to cavil 
 at in their establishment, they were particularly distressed 
 that so appalling an occurrence as the murder of their 
 superior, although a layman, should have furnished such 
 an ample field for censure. 
 
 With the utmost zeal, therefore, they resolved to ex- 
 hibit their horror of the crime that had been committed, 
 and resent the disgrace brought on their community. 
 
 To listen to protestations of innocence from one who 
 was a known heretic and schismatic was out of the ques- 
 tion, and the testimony of Rene, the bosom friend of the 
 murdered man, was heard with all due attention. Marcel, 
 on recovering from the shock he had received, had in vain 
 asserted the innocence of Claude, protesting that he could 
 clear him of the charge, and prove that he had remained 
 in his company to the last moment, and that on quitting 
 him he went straight to the President’s chamber, where 
 he discovered him lying murdered. Rene had taken care 
 so to represent the case, that he was looked upon as a 
 friend of the accused, and desirous to screen him from 
 punishment, and so artfully did he contend against the 
 truth that Marcel’s entreaties and assertions were treated 
 with contempt. 
 
 Claude was dragged before a tribunal hastily assembled, 
 at which Pere Pierre presided. He was not permitted to 
 utter a word in his own defence, and ordered to be con- 
 fined, during the necessary deliberation, in the prison of 
 the Convent. 
 
 This case,” said Pere Pierre, is one of great tur- 
 pitude, and shall be brought forward as an example. This 
 wretch shall be conducted to Paris and examined, and a 
 public example made, capable of edifying all good Catho- 
 lics and just men.” 
 
 It was accordingly agreed that instead of the prisoner 
 being taken to Angers to be tried, he should be placed 
 in proper custody, and accompanied by Rene and Pere 
 Pierre himself, — who was on his return to his convent, — 
 together with all the necessary witnesses, should forthwith 
 F F 4 
 
440 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS J 
 
 be transferred to the capital, there to abide by the judg* 
 ment of the law. 
 
 This, my good friend, Bianco,’* said Pbre Pierre to 
 the Florentine, when they were left alone together that 
 night, — ‘‘this is a fortunate meeting. Your numerous 
 letters have given great satisfaction to the Holy Father ; 
 and he charged me, when I left Rome, from whence I 
 only now return, to express to you his sense of the ser- 
 vices rendered by you to our sacred cause, from time to 
 time.” 
 
 “ I think the Pope will be still more satisfied,” replied 
 Rene, “ when he finds that the long-coveted treasure, the 
 cross of the Sainte Chapelle, containing an inestimable 
 piece of sacred wood itself, is relinquished to his Holi- 
 ness. Some pious friends of mine are at this moment 
 conducting it to its destination, and it will doubtless be 
 received with joy.” 
 
 “ This is, indeed, blessed news ! ” exclaimed the Capu- 
 chin ; “ and the service will not be forgotten by the Pope. 
 Whatever, in his name, I can do to serve you, you may 
 command.” 
 
 “ I shall be grateful for yourYestimony in the affair,” 
 said Rene, of this guilty heretic, with whom I think it 
 better that we should set out without loss of time.” 
 
 No objection was made to this proposal, and steps were 
 immediately taken to put it in execution, when Rene 
 found to his mortification that Marcel was no where to 
 be found. 
 
 Meantime, the victim of all this villany was languishing 
 in the prison to which he had been consigned. The grief 
 of Alix for her father’s loss, her terror, her despair at 
 his being the object of so dreadful an accusation, — the 
 dangerous situation in which he stood, all these thoughts 
 crowded on his mind and almost overwhelmed him by 
 their bitterness. The probability of Rene being himself 
 the murderer was evident to his mind, and increased, if 
 possible, the agony he felt. 
 
 While plunged in these reflections a slight noise in a 
 corner of his prison aroused his attention, and groping in 
 the gloom with his manacled hands he endeavoured to 
 
OBj THE QUEEN-MOTHER* 
 
 441 
 
 discover what had caused it. There was a moment’s pause^ 
 when the noise was resumed^ and appeared like one trying 
 to make an aperture in the wall above. He looked up^ 
 and by the feeble ray of a small opening in the upper part 
 of the cell, he saw a hand busily employed in removing 
 some bricks, which, being cleared away cautiously, he dis- 
 tinguished through the rugged opening a face which he 
 recognised as that of the faithful Marcel, who, placing 
 his lips close to the aperture, in a low voice called to him. 
 The height of the narrow cell, which appeared as if it 
 had been a division between two walls, closed in about 
 half-way up, with a loop-hole that admitted the light at 
 the top, made it at first difficult for him to catch a sound. 
 These words, however, at length reached him: — I am 
 Marcel — trust me !” — at the same time a small cord let 
 down to him a piece of parchment and an inkhorn, such 
 as was generally used by the monks. Claude seized it 
 with avidity, and traced these words — To J ules Bel- 
 CASTEL at La Rochelle. — Fly to my rescue! — I am 
 accused of murder; in the power of Rene ! — Claude.” 
 
 He hastily fastened this scroll to the cord, and, with 
 an imploring action, gazed upwards towards the friendly 
 face which watched his movements. The finger on the 
 lip warned him to repress the exclamations of gratitude 
 which rose to his tongue, and the cord rapidly ascend- 
 ing his mysterious friend disappeared, the bricks were 
 replaced, and he was again alone. 
 
 But short time was allowed him to brood over his mis- 
 fortunes, for he was soon disturbed by his jailors and 
 hurried away from his cell, loaded heavily with irons, and 
 placed in a conveyance, accompanied by a military escort. 
 He was prevented speaking, and every endeavour to excite 
 sympathy or attention was vain. In this manner he con- 
 tinued his way, which by its length Claude could not 
 hut consider was directed to Paris, where he doubted not 
 that he was to he brought to trial. 
 
 After a fatiguing and miserable journey he found his 
 surmises verified, and that his destination led him to a 
 dungeon in the prison of the Conciergerie. 
 
442 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEHICIS : 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 THE CONDEMNATION. 
 
 “ Is this proceeding just and honourable ? ” — Shakspeare. 
 
 Such was the deplorable state of the laws in France at 
 this period that every sort of injustice was committed 
 with impunity. The question of the length of a monk’s 
 beard^ or whether it was proper that he should wear one 
 at silly occupied the time of the gravest assemblies, while 
 the investigation of an event which involved the lives and 
 properties of innocent persons was negligently performed, 
 or the cause altogether abandoned to chance, as it suited 
 the convenience or caprice of the judges. 
 
 Vain were the remonstrances of the people, vain their 
 appeals to the King, who, given up entirely to his plea- 
 sures, laughed at the petitions which poured in upon him 
 continually. 
 
 The representations of Pere Pierre tended to prejudice 
 the judges against the Huguenot accused : and as no per- 
 son of rank and power came forward to offer bribes or 
 menaces in order to procure his enlargement, the unfor- 
 tunate son of Montgomery seemed abandoned to his fate. 
 
 Rene appeared as the accuser, and several monks and 
 domestics gave their evidence respecting Claude’s mys- 
 terious visit : his disguise as a mendicant friar, and numer- 
 ous other particulars, made the case appear very strong 
 against him. 
 
 Rene exerted every nerve, and all his eloquence was 
 called into action to induce the venal judges to condemn 
 him. 
 
 The prisoner is,” said Rene, a discarded servant of 
 the late President, expelled his house in consequence of 
 presumptuously raising his views to his patron’s daughter. 
 He carried his evil designs so far that, by means of spells 
 and charms, known to those of his accursed religion, he 
 contrived to obtain her affections, seduced her from her 
 father’s house, abandoned her among strangers, and com- 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 443 
 
 ing concealed to the peaceful retreat of the disconsolate 
 old man, completed his villany by murder. Can there 
 be wickedness greater than this ? Can there be sorrow 
 deeper than mine, who was the friend of Bailly, and the 
 betrothed of his daughter ? ” 
 
 The murmurs of the Court became loud and indignant, 
 and not without the utmost difficulty did Claude at last 
 obtain a hearing. He stated as clearly as possible the 
 reasons which induced him to visit Bailly, their interview 
 and parting. 
 
 The servant who introduced him to his victim,"’ ex- 
 claimed Rene, has absconded : he was doubtless an 
 accomplice. Unfortunately he has escaped the search made 
 for him ; but his absence proves his guilt, and further 
 evidence is unnecessary.” 
 
 In fine, the judges, swayed by the arguments of Rene 
 and little disposed to show mercy, were induced to de- 
 liver an iniquitous sentence, which, without further investi- 
 gation, condemned Claude, as guilty of the murder, to 
 suffer death. In vain did he entreat that time might be 
 allowed for the appearance of the servant whose testimony 
 must acquit him ; in vain, in the most moving language, 
 did he appeal to their feelings, represent the agonies of 
 his unfortunate wife, and implore their consideration ; he 
 was heard by persons familiarised to scenes of sorrow and 
 suffering, and who had no compassion to bestow on any 
 of the Huguenot party, whose fate they were well con- 
 vinced would excite no interest or inquiry ; and Claude was 
 reconducted to his dungeon, to leave it only when led to 
 the place of execution. 
 
 Marcel, meanwhile, after he had obtained from Claude 
 the necessary instructions how to act, having carefully 
 concealed himself till an opportunity of escape occurred, 
 resolved to lose no time in hastening to La Rochelle, and 
 informing his friends of his dangerous position. He was 
 well convinced in his own mind that the guilty person was 
 no other than Rene. 
 
 He felt certain that, but for the artifices of which he 
 knew the Italian to be capable, the innocence of Claude 
 could not fail to be instantly established ; but he also knew 
 
444 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS j 
 
 that gold would not be spared, nor any effort of malice, to 
 crush the foe whom Rene had resolved on destroying. 
 
 He met with little impediment on his journey, as the 
 truce still continued, and the two parties, tired of their 
 long contention, did not attempt to offer molestation to 
 each other. 
 
 Notwithstanding his desire again to behold his master’s 
 daughter, to whom he was much attached, he resolved 
 not to attempt seeing her, as he felt sure his grief would 
 betray the fearful secret it was so necessary to conceal. 
 
 He arrived at the house of Belcastel wearied and ex- 
 hausted, but unshrinking from the task he had imposed 
 on himself. To him he delivered the billet, and recounted 
 all the circumstances of the disastrous affair. 
 
 Struck with unspeakable horror, and impetuous in all 
 his actions, Belcastel deliberated not a moment. He 
 
 rushed into his wife’s apartment, where he started to find 
 Alix. 
 
 Lesselline,” he exclaimed, in a hurried tone, I am 
 obliged to leave you for a time on urgent business. Let 
 not my absence distress you : it is unavoidable, but shall 
 be as short as possible.” 
 
 Whither go you, Jules cried Lesselline; for 
 
 mercy’s sake leave me not in this uncertainty ! — what new 
 danger threatens } ” 
 
 Where is my husband } does any peril menace him 
 exclaimed Alix, as she gazed on him in trembling dread. 
 
 Ask me nothing,” cried he ; all will be well, — 
 there is no fear, — calm yourself, dear Alix, — dearest 
 Lesselline, be assured I will hasten back with glad tidings 
 ere many days be past. Meantime adieu, and blessings 
 rest with you ! ” 
 
 As Belcastel, in confused accents, spoke these sentences, 
 he clasped his wife to his bosom, pressed the hand of 
 Alix, and quitted them, after repeated assurances that 
 business connected with the truce alone called him to 
 Paris, though his disordered looks and faltering speech 
 contradicted what he uttered ; in a few moments, accom- 
 panied by Marcel, he was on his way to the capital. 
 
 They found nothing talked of on their arrival in Paris 
 
OB, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 445 
 
 but the tragical death of the President Bailly, and the 
 approaching execution of his murderer. 
 
 Belcastel presented himself at the Conciergerie, hut 
 found entreaties, bribes, and threats equally unavailing to 
 obtain him access to the prisoner. Distracted with dread, 
 he then sought the officers who had decided so summa- 
 rily the fate of an innocent man ; Marcel accompanied 
 him, and urged his claim to be examined as a witness, 
 proclaimed his power to clear the accused, and called upon 
 them to attend to his representations. All was in vain, 
 they were treated with contumely and harshness, and at 
 length forcibly expelled the court, and threatened with 
 imprisonment should they venture to re-appear. 
 
 The despair of Belcastel was now at its height; all 
 hearts seemed closed against the prayers of a Huguenot ; 
 justice in their case seemed hut a name ; Rene was evi- 
 dently all powerful, and he thought with distraction of 
 the prospect before him. W as there no way to save him ? 
 could he think of no expedient ? there was one resource, 
 a frail one perhaps, but he had no other : driven to des- 
 peration he resolved to adopt it, and without allowing 
 himself time for reflection on the prudence or imprudence 
 of the measure, hastened to put his design in execution. 
 
 Marcel had also conceived a plan which he imagined 
 might offer some chance of success. He considered that 
 Mabille had held an office of great trust about the late 
 King, and might possess influence enough to induce 
 Henry III. to interfere to save the life of an oppressed 
 subject. 
 
 To Mabille he therefore went, and imparted to her the 
 history of Claude’s misfortunes. Her grief and agitation 
 were extreme, and her terror still greater, that she had no 
 power to effect his rescue. 
 
 I will dare all,” exclaimed she ; the King, the 
 Queen-mother 1 will assail in turn ; but, alas ! will they 
 listen to me.'^ I have always been rather tolerated than 
 liked by them, and he over whom I, at times, had power, 
 is gone !” 
 
 Marcel hesitated not to tell her of his knowledge of the 
 birth of Claude, with all the particulars of which he had 
 
4i6 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDTCIS j 
 
 become acquainted, having heard the communication made 
 by him to Bailly on that fatal evening, when he received 
 his blessing and forgiveness ; and they wept together over 
 the sad fate of both father and son. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 THE SCAFFOLD. 
 
 ‘ She hath forgot how many a woeful stoure 
 For him she late endured : she speaks no more 
 Of past : true is’t that true love hath no pow’r 
 To looken back.” — Spencer. 
 
 “ But tho’, dear youth, thou should’st be dragg’d 
 To yonder ignominious tree, 
 
 Thou shalt not want a faithful friend 
 To share thy bitter fate with thee.” — Jemmy Dawson. 
 
 Alix, after Belcastel had left the chamber, stood motion- 
 less, as if rooted to the spot, without heeding the tears of 
 her friend, who had sunk almost senseless on a seat. 
 Some danger to her husband appeared to her as certain as 
 though Belcastel had announced the fact of his present 
 situation. She attempted to follow him, but had only 
 power to support herself to the casement, where she beheld 
 him, accompanied by a stranger, as it appeared to her, 
 hastily mounting and with all speed riding from the door. 
 She darted from the room, reached that which he had just 
 quitted, although unconscious of what she sought, and 
 there the first object that caught her eye was the paper 
 written by Claude, which Belcastel, in his imprudent 
 haste, had dropped on the floor. She read — 1 am 
 
 accused of murder.’’ The words seemed traced in letters 
 of flame — her starting eyes were riveted on the dreadful 
 characters as with frantic terror she repeated the sentence. 
 Her husband accused — dragged away — condemned — 
 executed — all rushed before her mind’s eye, and, still 
 holding the fatal scroll, she re-entered the apartment of 
 Lesselline. She had no words to tell the fearful story, 
 but pointing to the lines, her friend but too soon perceived 
 the cause of the wildness in her looks. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 447 
 
 Lesselline/’ cried the wife of Claude^ I must follow 
 — I must see my husband — farewell I ” 
 
 NOy Alix ! no, dearest friend ! ’’ exclaimed Lesselline ; 
 trust to Belcastel ; he will save him, if human power can 
 do it ; you cannot aid him, and may but involve yourself 
 in ruin/’ 
 
 ‘‘ He is in the power of Rene ; I know, therefore, that 
 there is no hope ; but my place is where he is, and I can 
 die with him,” said Alix, in a firm voice, as she collected 
 all her strength, determined to attempt the project she had 
 conceived. 
 
 No representations, no entreaties, could shake her reso- 
 lution, and assuming the habit of a peasant, as little dis- 
 tinguished as possible, covered with the large mantle 
 usually worn by that class of persons, and provided with 
 means to forward her journey, Alix quitted La Rochelle, 
 and once more found herself a wanderer. She took ad- 
 vantage of any conveyance she could meet with, and 
 sometimes walked many leagues, for communication with 
 distant parts of the country was at that time both difficult 
 and dangerous for an unprotected female. How she sur- 
 mounted all she was scarcely conscious, her mind was full 
 of a vague horror and a presentiment of evil that confused 
 and appalled her ; but she was endowed with strength 
 beyond her hopes, and, after hardship and exposure which 
 at another time she could not have borne, she arrived at 
 length in Paris, uncertain in her object, and filled with 
 doubt and terror. As she entered the city gates she ob- 
 served a great number of people collected to witness the 
 feats of a mountebank rope-dancer. 
 
 The crowd which pressed around him was so dense 
 that the unfortunate Alix, exhausted with fatigue and 
 anxiety, could with difficulty make her way through : 
 suddenly, in the midst of one of the most extraordinary 
 vaults of the mountebank, a cry was heard at a little 
 distance. 
 
 To the Conciergerie ! the execution is about to take 
 place ! ” 
 
 A rush was immediately made, and the trembling Alix, 
 leaning against a wall for support, in accents almost 
 
448 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 inarticulate, inquired of some person near who was to 
 suffer. 
 
 The murderer of the President Bailly/^ was the 
 answer. 
 
 Alix uttered a shriek of horror. Who — who is the 
 accused ? gasped she. 
 
 The accused/’ replied the speaker, is Claude Emars, 
 secretary to Bailly ; he who ran away with his daughter.” 
 
 Alix had no need of the answer — her dread and des- 
 pair had already revealed the truth. She felt the necessity 
 of desperate resolution ; she felt that if her senses deserted 
 her at this moment, all was lost, and Claude must die 
 without her having beheld him. 
 
 Will any,” said she, in a hoarse and scarcely-audible 
 voice, conduct me to the place of execution } I will 
 reward him amply who will do such a service to a relation 
 of the accused.” 
 
 The person whom she addressed turned sharply round 
 as she grasped his arm convulsively. 
 
 No,” answered he, there is nothing new in a 
 Huguenot’s death ; besides, Vd rather look on this antic 
 here.” 
 
 She released her hold, and was attempting to rush from 
 the spot, when an elderly man, of decent appearance, bade 
 her accept his conduct, and he would take charge of her. 
 Scarcely heeding what he said, she suffered him to lead 
 her forward, and hurried wildly along, following the 
 direction of the crowd. Her eyes fixed, and unconscious 
 on what she gazed, she reached, with her guide, the great 
 square where the preparations for the intended execution 
 were arranged ; the man paused, for the pressure of the 
 multitude was so great that to advance farther was peril- 
 ous. Still Alix struggled on, he attempted to withhold 
 her, as, without uttering a word, she writhed in his grasp ; 
 at this moment the prisoner was brought out, and con- 
 ducted by guards to the foot of the scaffold. 
 
 He walked with a firm and undaunted air, till, having 
 ascended a few steps, he turned round to the people, and 
 in a loud voice cried out : — I am an innocent man, and 
 unjustly condemned without a hearing.” 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 449 
 
 There was a murmur among the people^ who^ ever 
 ready to yield to new excitement, heard his confident 
 address with surprise, while his youth and noble de- 
 meanour created a sentiment of pity in every breast. 
 
 The guards, however, urged him on and prevented his 
 again speaking: he had advanced a few steps higher, when 
 the momentary silence of the crowd was broken by loud 
 and repeated shrieks. Alix had seen the accused, — had 
 heard his voice, — and her efforts became more violent, 
 kept back as she was by the brutal populace ; — his foot 
 was on the last step, and in a piercing voice she cried out. 
 Let me pass ! — if you are human — let me pass ! — 
 I am his wife ! 
 
 A shudder ran through the crowd, every one shrank 
 back, and Alix, unimpeded by all, darted along to the foot 
 of the scaffold, and was divided from Claude only by his 
 guards. They at first endeavoured to prevent her ap- 
 proach, but, whether intimidated by the hooting of the 
 mob, or feeling some touch of compassion for her wretched 
 situation, they made way for her, and in a moment Claude 
 held her senseless in his arms. 
 
 Scarcely had the deeply-interested assembly time to 
 look upon this spectacle, when a loud tumult was heard at 
 a distance, and an immense body of people was seen 
 advancing, armed with swords, clubs, staves, and every 
 species of weapon. At their head was a young man, 
 whose deadly pale countenance and hollow sparkling eyes 
 expressed some powerful inward feeling. As he rushed 
 along, with gestures of impatience, he exclaimed, — 
 
 Citizens, will you give up your rights.^ — will you 
 suffer the laws to be profaned by unjust magistrates.^ — 
 will you allow the innocent to be sacrificed before your 
 eyes } The real murderer of the President Bailly is 
 known ; he can be pointed out by a witness whom they 
 have refused to hear. Claude Emars is innocent, — 
 Rescue ! rescue, from oppression and injustice !” 
 
 The words flew from mouth to mouth, and echoed 
 through the enormous crowd, swelled by the hostile band 
 that swept along like a torrent through the streets. The 
 
 G G 
 
450 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 students ! — the students !” cried a thousand voices^ ^Met 
 us follow the students of St. Germain des Pres ! '' 
 
 There was not an instant’s pause, no opposition met 
 their progress ; the mob fell back, the guards attempted 
 not to impede so formidable a body. Arrived at the spot 
 to which their speed was directed, Belcastel, in a loud 
 voice, commanded that the prisoner should be delivered, 
 proclaiming that he designed to offer no violence to any 
 one, but that since justice was in hands unworthy of such 
 a trust, he and his comrades were resolved to administer 
 it themselves. 
 
 The little resistance which was encountered by this 
 resolute band was soon put an end to, and Belcastel, 
 springing upon the platform where stood Claude, holding- 
 in his arms his inanimate wife, was soon pressed to his 
 friend’s bosom. 
 
 ^^Alas! Jules,” exclaimed the agonized husband, of 
 what avail is my safety ? She is dead ! 
 
 No, — no!” cried Belcastel, assisting to support her, 
 and lifting the thick ringlets from her face ; ^^she breathes, 
 
 — it is but faintness ; hope better, my dear friend ; — be 
 collected, be firm, — we have but a moment.” 
 
 He then advanced to the edge of the scaffold, and thus 
 spoke to the people : 
 
 Citizens, — I would not lead you into danger, nor 
 excite you to hostility against the laws, but I would enforce 
 their execution : and in the name of all present I demand 
 of the judges who sentenced an innocent man, that Jean 
 Marcel shall be instantly produced, and his deposition 
 heard respecting the murder of the President, and that he 
 be confronted with Rene Bianco, whom I accuse as the 
 guilty person.” 
 
 At the name of Rene a burst of indignation was heard, 
 and loud cries were uttered by the people of Down with 
 the Italians ! Long live the students, who defend our 
 rights ! Where is the evil spirit of St. Catherine * — 
 Bring forth the Queen s Poisoner ! Release the prisoner, 
 
 — let Marcel be examined, — we will see him ; — no sup- 
 
 * The Queen-mother was called St. Catherine in derision. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 451 
 
 pressing witnesses ! Justice for the people and a thou- 
 sand other exclamations of excitement and fury. 
 
 The magistrates, amazed and confounded, saw their 
 power treated with contempt and themselves in danger. 
 Bold in evil, and careless to prevent the effusion of inno- 
 cent blood, they were cowards in the moment of peril to 
 themselves ; they gazed on each other in uncertain fear, 
 but without making any demonstration of yielding. 
 
 New cries, however, now arose. Let us set fire to 
 the prison,’* shouted the mob, ^^and burn the drones in 
 their hive ! ” 
 
 This determined them ; and one of the least timid of 
 the party mounted the scaffold, and addressed the hooting 
 crowd below. 
 
 This proceeding,” said he, after having with difficulty 
 obtained a hearing, is most unwarrantable : but since it 
 appears that there are other witnesses who have been 
 illegally kept back, we consent that a new trial shall be 
 applied for, and the person named examined.” 
 
 This announcement was received with shouts; and 
 when Marcel, who was watching with eager impatience 
 the permission to ascend the scaffold, was seen to join the 
 group already there, loud applause, as in a theatre, greeted 
 him. The people, however, were not content with the 
 promise made of a new trial, they insisted that Claude 
 should be instantly released ; and would attend to no re- 
 monstrances to the contrary. Louder and louder grew 
 the din; and the probability was that the mob would have 
 obtained their desire, when a sudden interruption was put 
 to their attempts. The city guard, finding to what 
 lengths the populace were likely to proceed, had despatched 
 some of their band to procure more effectual assistance ; 
 and a company of regular troops arriving seemed likely to 
 put a speedy end to the discussion. 
 
 Claude, almost distracted with fears for Alix, who had 
 not recovered her senses, knelt beside her in an agony of 
 sorrow, unmindful of the howling and yelling around him, 
 seeing only her inanimate form, and trembling only for her 
 existence. Marcel, weeping, supported her, and endea- 
 voured to soothe his anguish by assurances that she still 
 G G 2 
 
452 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 breathed. Belcastel in vain tried to make himself heard ; 
 and the dismay and confusion were at the height, when a 
 party of the royal guards dashed amongst the crowd, and 
 the Duke d’Epernon, waving his sword, rode up to the 
 scaffold, and in an authoritative voice demanded the reason 
 of the uproar. 
 
 So many voices answered, that it was with difficulty he 
 could comprehend the meaning of their vociferations. 
 
 In the name of his Majesty I charge you peace ! ” 
 cried he. 
 
 He was answered by hooting, and cries of Let his 
 Majesty give us justice then, though he has lost his Grace ! * 
 We will have a new trial; we will have justice, or take it ! 
 
 How, ye vile crew ! cried the haughty favourite. 
 ^^Dare you dictate to the King?” 
 
 ^^Down with the minions! let the King starch his wife’s 
 ruffs, and sew her petticoats I Vive Guise I Vive Navarre I ” 
 echoed from mouth to mouth. 
 
 At this moment other shouts arose ; and, advancing 
 slowly through the crowd, surrounded by attendants and 
 guards, who drove the people in every direction, appeared 
 the ponderous and splendid equipage of Henry the Third 
 and his Queen. Curiosity to behold the extraordinary 
 spectacle which now presented itself to the best advantage, 
 took the place of the passions which had hitherto agitated 
 the people ; and they pressed round to gaze and admire. 
 
 Henry and his beautiful wife were seated in their im- 
 mense and elaborately ornamented coche, accompanied by 
 several ladies, and more than one of the obnoxious favour- 
 ites of the King, whose effeminate appearance rendered it 
 doubtful, at a first glance, to which sex they belonged : 
 their long hair was curled, and turned over combs ; their 
 small ornamented caps of velvet were of the same shape as 
 those worn by the ladies ; and they had delicate open- 
 worked ruffs, whose preposterous size had given rise to the 
 observation that their heads thus supported looked like 
 John the Baptist’s in the charger : they were covered with 
 jewels, and their beardless faces gave them a most unmanly 
 
 ^ The title of Majesty instead of Grace, lately introduced, gave great offence 
 to the people. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 453 
 
 and childish appearance. Besides these, the carriage was 
 filled with favourites of another description — small dogs, 
 called ^ damarets,’ obtained at immense expense ; apes, 
 marmozets, and parrots of splendid plumage, perched and 
 peeped from the windows, and looked inquisitively on the 
 groups around, while exclamations of wonder, delight, or 
 disgust, greeted them. 
 
 ‘^Ah! les maudites petites betes ! Voila done des 
 mignons d’un roi ! ” and other terms, were freely dispensed 
 by the sneering and astonished rabble. 
 
 Henry, however, had good reasons for not allowing any 
 but civil greetings to reach him on the present occasion. 
 The Swiss deputies had become impatient at the long delay 
 of their payments ; and he meditated levying contribution 
 to a large amount to satisfy them : it was, therefore, very 
 necessary that he should obtain popularity at this moment, 
 and he rejoiced at any opportunity of finding it. He had 
 caused Paradis, as the public oratories in the streets were 
 called, to be erected in various parts of the town ; and was 
 on his way to visit and pray before these when he was inter- 
 rupted by the riot of which he now desired the explanation. 
 With all the suavity and kindness of manner, which he 
 knew well how to assume, he listened patiently to the ac- 
 count given, and even allowed some of the most clamorous 
 of the mob orators to approach his carriage. 
 
 When the name of Rene Bianco was pronounced, a 
 shudder passed over him, and he turned pale, dropping at 
 the same time a bead of his large rosary. 
 
 ‘‘ How,” he cried. dares an adventuring Italian barber 
 to practise against the life of any of my subjects ? No 
 man is safe from these foreign plagues. I must see to 
 this. Good people, be content, — you shall be satisfied, — 
 justice shall be done in this case ; and rest assured your 
 King will watch over your interests, and not permit a hair 
 of your heads to be injured if he knows it.” 
 
 Loud acclamations followed this speech, which was de- 
 livered with that majesty and grace for which Henry had 
 been formerly so distinguished. Loud shouts of Long 
 live the hero of Jarnac and Moncontour ! — Long live 
 Valois ! — succeeded to the seditious cries which had been 
 G G 3 
 
454 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS : 
 
 sent up to Heaven a few moments before; and Henry and 
 his train drove ofF^ after issuing commands that the accused 
 should be treated with every care and attention and his 
 wife allowed to remain with him, — an indulgence suggested 
 by the gentle-minded Louise, and received by the people 
 with rapturous applause. After this display of enthusiasm 
 in the cause of his subjects, Henry proceeded through the 
 streets, stopping at all the Paradis,” and finally indulg- 
 ing himself and his distinguished companions in a visit to 
 the rope-dancer at the barrier. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 THE GULF. 
 
 “ La Mort ne devoit pas tarder si longuement 
 A terminer les .jnnrs de cette horrible peste. 
 
 Innocens, ne pleurez que ce retardement, 
 
 Et laissez aux rrjechants a pleurer tout le reste.” — Maynard. 
 
 When Henry returned to the Louvre, he requested an in- 
 terview with his mother, to whom he related his adventure 
 of the morning. 
 
 This circumstance,” said he, is most fortunate for 
 my popularity, and the execution of an Italian will still 
 more please the people. Rene must, therefore, find no 
 sanctuary in the palace, and must not be protected.” 
 
 ‘^^What!” exclaimed Catherine, ^‘am I to have my 
 faithful servants torn from me, to gratify the malice of the 
 brutal mob ? Rene shall not be given up ! — Let the 
 Huguenot escape if you will, but he shall not replace him.” 
 That may scarcely be,” replied Henry. ‘‘ I have 
 given my word that justice shall be done in this case, and 
 I know not how I can maintain myself in the good graces 
 of my loving subjects and deceive them at the same time.” 
 We have contrived to do that before,” said Catherine, 
 “and can again. Leave it to me, and let us consider 
 matters of more moment. Prince Casimir’s army has 
 already joined Anjou, and the malcontents and Huguenots 
 
0B_, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 455 
 
 swell their ranks each day. Anjou proclaims that unless 
 he sees his sister at liberty, he will listen to no terms ; and 
 Navarre has sent to claim his wife, with threats of ven- 
 geance if she is longer detained. They are now the 
 stronger, and we must yield.” 
 
 I have already ordered,’" returned the King, that 
 Marguerite’s guard should he removed : let us go to her, 
 and endeavour to do away with the bad impression this 
 severity has made on her mind.” 
 
 “Yes,” said Catherine, “she must accompany me to 
 Champagne to negotiate a peace, and if we fail to gain her 
 she may injure rather than assist us.” 
 
 “ I would there were something she would ask me,” 
 mused Henry, “ that I might make a merit of granting it 
 to her entreaties.” 
 
 They lost no time in visiting the Princess ; where, in 
 the humblest manner, both mother and son apologised for 
 her late treatment, — deplored the violence of Du Guast 
 towards La Torigni, and threatened him with severe cen- 
 sure for his conduct, which Henry assured her was un- 
 known to him. 
 
 The Queen-mother, having left the brother and sister 
 together. Marguerite, whom Mabille had succeeded in in- 
 teresting in the cause, took that opportunity of imploring 
 his clemency towards Claude, relating the circumstances of 
 his case in moving terms. Henry, delighted at the occasion 
 offered, pretended to be ignorant of the affair ; but ex- 
 pressed with great warmth his determination to befriend 
 the accused. Before he left her, he had summoned an 
 officer of his guard, whom he directed immediately to 
 hasten to the Conciergerie, and take all the necessary steps 
 for Claude’s release ; and showed so much zeal that Mar- 
 guerite, unsuspicious of the truth, was entirely won, and 
 the apparent regret and tenderness of her brother, aided by 
 his eloquence, succeeded in persuading her to use her utmost 
 endeavours to procure a peace which should ensure tran- 
 quillity to France. 
 
 Henry resolved not to lose his advantage by permitting 
 the escape of Bianco, notwithstanding his apparent con- 
 cession to Catherine, and gave orders that the Italian 
 G G 4 
 
456 
 
 CATHERINE HE MEDICIS j 
 
 should be watched, and information given to the police of 
 his proceedings. 
 
 Catherine^ equally cautious and suspicious, saw at once 
 the dangerous position in which Bianco stood, and felt that 
 she could not trust the King, if he conceived that his 
 interest was secured by the sacrifice of the Italian. 
 
 He, meantime, had not been ignorant of what had taken 
 place, and was alive to his own peril ; but he trusted to 
 the power of bis mistress ; and, by shutting himself in her 
 palace, hoped to escape the threatened danger. When he 
 heard that it had been agreed for the Queen-mother and 
 the Queen of Navarre to set out without loss of time on 
 their journey of pacification to Sens, he imagined himself 
 safe if he could secretly accompany them, and thus by his 
 absence leave time for the ferment of popular indignation 
 to pass away. He concealed himself, therefore, in the 
 secret tower of the Queen, and held midnight conferences 
 only with her ; while she gave out that she had despatched 
 him to England on important business. 
 
 The new trial, meantime, was conducted with great zeal 
 by those who found it a matter of importance to the higher 
 powers, and, although with as little regard to justice as 
 before, answered the end of establishing the innocence of 
 Claude. 
 
 Marcel’s testimony was admitted as conclusive, and 
 many other witnesses, before kept back by bribes and 
 menaces, now were allowed to come forward. Still, al- 
 though there was every reason to suspect Rene’s guilt, no 
 positive proof had been produced, and certain messages 
 from the Queen-mother had influence enough to prevent 
 too strict inquiry. 
 
 Claude was liberated with honour, and his acquittal was 
 received by the people with transport ; but when it was 
 found that Rene had disappeared, and no measures were 
 taken to discover his retreat, the fury of the expectant 
 populace knew no bounds. Crowds assembled in various 
 parts of Paris, and harangues were made, exhorting the 
 citizens to insist on his punishment. The Queen-mother 
 was openly reviled, and the good faith of the King called 
 in question. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 457 
 
 These meetings led the way to political discussions; the 
 state of the country was canvassed^ — a meeting of the 
 states clamoured for^ and every party maintained in voci- 
 ferous appeals the general injustice and culpable indifference 
 to the public weal of all the heads of the government. 
 
 The actions of the whole life of Catherine were recapi- 
 tulated : her deceit to Catholics and Protestants ; — the 
 infamy she had brought on the nation by her fatal measure 
 of the massacre which all good Catholics abhorred^ and 
 which was approved only by interested and malignant 
 persons; her encouragement of foreigners; her crimes 
 known and suspected; her unbounded extravagance and 
 extensive exactions. Pamphlets were published against 
 her^ and passages read from them in the streets, and the 
 Discours Mcrveilleux was in the hands of every one. 
 
 All over the walls of Paris were stuck defamatory 
 papers ; and one which created much amusement amongst 
 the people and annoyance to the Court, set forth the titles 
 of the King in a ludicrous point of view, calling him, 
 
 Henri, par la grace de sa mere, inutile Roi de France 
 et de Pologne imaginaire. Concierge du Louvre, Marguil- 
 lier de St. Germain de I’Auxerrois, Bastelleur des Eglises 
 de Paris, Gauderonneur des collets de sa femme et Friseur 
 de ses cheveux, Mercier du Palais, Gardien des Quatre 
 Mendians, Pere conscript des Blancs Battus, et Protecteur 
 des Capuchins."’ 
 
 Amongst those who listened to and joined in the 
 harangues of the discontented people, were many of that 
 community v/ho had distinguished themselves in the 
 troubles, and were always ready to ferment riots and dis- 
 turbances in order to profit by them. Cruce and Fie, the 
 butchers of the Faubourg St. Germain, heard not with- 
 out reflection the general opinion concerning Rene ; and 
 when, after a time, the King, vexed at the sudden stop to 
 his transient popularity, offered a reward to any who 
 would discover and bring to justice the murderer of the 
 President Bailly, they revolved in their minds the eligibility 
 of their being the recipients of the sum, which their 
 necessities, never diminished, made requisite to them. 
 
 Captain Florio had departed for Rome with most of his 
 
458 
 
 CATHERINE I)E MEDICISj 
 
 band^ having in charge the holy relic which^ delivered to 
 the Pope, was to secure to the community great advan- 
 tages ; he was shortly expected to return, and if Rene was 
 not betrayed promptly he would probably interfere to pre- 
 vent it, as the bond of amity between them was known to 
 be strict, although their peculiar tie was not revealed. 
 
 The Queen-mother’s protection was powerful, and it 
 was evidently exerted to screen him from the law ; but 
 the King, it was as well known, was anxious to bring him 
 to punishment, and his favour would be secured by his 
 arrest. At a meeting in the Carrieres the matter was 
 therefore discussed, and as it was considered that the 
 benefit of the brotherhood might be more advanced by 
 gaining the good-will of Henry, measures were agreed 
 upon accordingly. 
 
 Alix, in the tender care of Mabille, and watched over 
 by her anxious husband, slowly recovered, and though 
 deeply agonized at the fate of her father, saw so much to 
 be grateful for in her husband’s release, that by degrees 
 her mind became restored to its former tone, and the tears 
 she shed on the bosom of Claude were less poignant. 
 
 Belcastel, anxious to quiet the alarm of those dear to 
 them all at La Rochelle, soon took his leave, it being 
 agreed that as soon as Alix was able to travel, they, with 
 Mabille, from whom they had resolved never to separate, 
 should rejoin him at the friendly town which owed so 
 much to their valour. With many tears and prayers they 
 separated, to be restored to each other under happier 
 auspices at a future period. 
 
 But Rene, although he felt himself safe in his retreat, 
 could not consent to abandon the desire which he had so 
 long nourished of revenge upon Claude, and determined 
 even yet that he would not be foiled. 
 
 He imparted to the implacable enemy of Montgomery 
 the facts connected with Claude’s career, and found in 
 Catherine a ready partisan. 
 
 What ! ” she exclaimed, must Hydra heads start 
 up to brave me ? Will the accursed race never be extinct.'^ 
 The son of Agnes de la Tour shall not go free, triumph- 
 ant in success. Fate shall yet overtake him.” 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 4-59 
 
 To-morrow,” said Rene, you set out, Madonna, for 
 Champagne, and I, in the disguise of one of your grooms, 
 will follow in your train ; once far from Paris, I can easily 
 conceal myself till this storm has blown over ; and when 
 I return, who knows but your star may again have risen, 
 and you be once more all-powerful ? Let me now give 
 into your hands this medal. I have before told you, when 
 you have no longer sons to control you, your destiny will 
 be to reign supreme ; — why not a woman, as in England 
 and other countries? — stranger things have happened. 
 When once your mind is brought to the decision, the stars 
 will work the rest. Meantime, take this, and hereafter it 
 may serve you.” 
 
 So saying he gave into her hands a box containing a 
 medal, similar in some respects to that which has already 
 been described, and charged her to keep it safely closed 
 from sight, nor open it herself until she had made her last 
 resolve to obtain, by a mysterious act, the power she had 
 spent her life in seeking. 
 
 To-night,” said Rene, I am to see one of those 
 whom I can trust ; he knows the residence of Claude and 
 his wife, and will guide me thither. My visit,” he added, 
 bitterly, is not one of friendship, but I go to pay the 
 deep debt of gratitude I owe them. I shall return in time 
 to assume my station near your Majesty, and quit Paris 
 without question in your company. By daybreak, or 
 before, you will see me again.” 
 
 Midnight came, and with it, at the door of the Queen’s 
 tower, arrived a man muffled in a cloak ; he was joine'd 
 by one who descended the narrow winding stairs which 
 led to the court, and after carefully closing the outer door, 
 the pair proceeded, unchallenged by the sentinels, beyond 
 the precincts of the palace. They crossed the river, and 
 after walking a little distance stopped before a house on 
 the quay opposite to the Louvre. 
 
 Now,” said Cruce, the butcher, to Rene, for the pair 
 were no other than those worthies, I have brought you 
 to the spot, and the rest is your own business. I do not 
 like to balk an old grudge ; but be as quick about it as 
 
460 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 you can, as our band are impatient to see you before you 
 quit Paris, and have your directions for the future.” 
 
 You are sure Fie is within ? ” asked Rene. 
 
 Yes,” replied his comrade, ^^he supplies the house 
 with meat, and the Huguenotaille are, after all, better 
 customers than your good Catholics ; he is the suitor of 
 the porteress, and is waiting you there.” 
 
 In less than an hour, we meet then in the Carrieres? ” 
 said Rene. 
 
 Yes,” said Cruce, I shall be there, — and the trap 
 shall be up ready for you.” 
 
 As Cruce turned away he laughed inwardly ; He is 
 safe,” said he, and the reward is ours.” 
 
 He concealed himself in the shadow of the houses, and 
 awaited the event of his treachery. In a few minutes 
 after Rene had entered the house, a party of soldiers ar- 
 rived, and stationed themselves near the door. 
 
 Is he within ? ” asked the leader to Cruce, who on 
 seeing them emerged from his concealment. 
 
 Yes, safe,” answered he ; Fie will give the signal 
 in a moment.” 
 
 At the same time as he spoke was heard the report of a 
 pistol, and the door of the house was thrown violently open; 
 — Fie was seen standing in the archway struggling with 
 Bianco, who writhed in his powerful grasp; — the soldiers 
 rushed upon them and secured their prisoner, while Fie, 
 relinquishing his hold with a brutal laugh, resigned him 
 to their custody. 
 
 So ! — you are well deceived, Messire Rene,” said 
 he ; you thought to find the Huguenot here and his 
 pretty wife. I would have willingly helped you if I knew 
 where they were, but we can do their business another 
 time, — and get paid for it into the bargain.” 
 
 Rene ground his teeth in fury, and in vain struggled 
 hard with his detainers. 
 
 Amidst much laughter and brutal jesting at his expense, 
 he saw the price of his capture paid to the two traitors 
 who had sold him, and with feelings of fury not to be 
 described he was dragged along by the guard towards the 
 prison of the Conciergerie. 
 
OR, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 46l 
 
 The noise and confusion consequent on his capture had 
 roused the neighbourhood, and, as daylight was now break- 
 ing, and the workmen at different trades were already 
 preparing for their day’s employment, a crowd was speedily 
 assembled round the soldiers. As soon as it was announced 
 that the captive was Rene Bianco, a yell arose from the 
 people of hatred and execration. Give him up to us ! ” 
 they cried. We will do summary justice on him ! if he 
 goes to prison St. Catherine will rescue him ! ” 
 
 The guards endeavoured to keep them off, but their 
 number was soon doubled by those of the rabble ; from 
 every street and lane new comers increased the concourse, 
 and all clamoured for vengeance on the Italian. Rene 
 saw that his danger was imminent, — that his fate ap- 
 peared certain, but he was resolved to make a desperate 
 effort to escape ; be renewed his struggles with those who 
 held him, who, pressed by the shouting mob, could scarcely 
 keep their grasp firm. They were obliged also to defend 
 themselves, and while some of their number attacked the 
 people with their swords, the rest tried to make their way 
 forward. A fresh party of the excited and angry rabble, 
 irritated at the resistance opposed to their will, now closed 
 in upon the soldiers, and in the scuffle almost forgot the 
 object of their contention. With one vigorous effort Rene 
 burst from the man who held him, and springing past the 
 others found himself the first of the enormous crowd. 
 Trusting to their surprise and confusion, and his own 
 agility, he darted onward, and plunging down the first 
 street, directed his way towards the Carrieres, as his 
 only chance of concealment and escape. 
 
 A loud yell told that his flight was observed, and, like 
 hounds in pursuit, on rushed the mob ; cries, howling 
 execrations, were borne on the wind to his ears as he con- 
 tinued his headlong course, but he gained on his pursuers 
 — he doubled, and dived into streets and alleys, while the 
 numbers of those who pursued impeded to a certain degree 
 their swiftness — he had gained the Rue St. Jacques, and 
 far before him he beheld the house of Cruce. 
 
 For that goal he made, though even there he felt he 
 might be insecure ; the trap-door was said to be open, but 
 
462 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 could lie trust the words of one who had betrayed him ? — ■ 
 could he be certain that some one was not there to bar his 
 passage ? 
 
 On, however, he flew, the surging sounds behind him ; 
 he reached the door — it was ajar — darted onwards to 
 the yard, and beheld his betrayer in the act of stooping to 
 unclose the spring-door that admitted to the Carrieres. 
 One bound and he had reached him, one blow and the 
 dagger of the Italian was buried in the back of the gigantic 
 ruffian ; he fell heavily forward, and the purse, in which 
 were his ill-gotten gains, clanked upon the stone. Rene 
 leaped down the opening, but found that to close it was 
 impossible, for the body of the expiring Cruce lay across 
 it. There was no time to lose — he hurried to the bottom 
 of the stairs, and as he reached the last step paused to re- 
 cover his breath, but the sounds of terror which had urged 
 him on hurst once more full upon his ear ; — he could 
 distinguish words, uttered by the strong voice of the 
 butcher who writhed in his dying agonies, — Follow — 
 the path to the right — straight on — our band will help 
 — . they are all sworn to betray him.” 
 
 Which way should he fly ? his pursuers had the clue — 
 he dared not take the way he knew, which led to the great 
 temple in the centre. There were other outlets, — one of 
 which he might find, and emerge into the light of day at 
 the other extremity of these tremendous caves. 
 
 He chose a dark path to the left, for already he 
 heard that his pursuers had descended ; — for a long time 
 he ran panting, exhausted — the blood rushing from his 
 ears, — his eyes blinded by the darkness — deeper and 
 deeper grew the gloom — the air was stifling, vapours of 
 foetid odour seemed to rise from the caverns round — 
 flights of bats shrieked by him, and flapped their leathery 
 wings in his face — he would have stopped, but he seemed 
 urged on by an invisible power — he felt grasped by un- 
 seen hands — he heard or fancied the roaring rabble still 
 near, and shrieks and cries like those which he had de- 
 lighted to listen to in the massacre of St. Bartholomew 
 rang through the damp vaults through which he fled. 
 
 His heart stopped — his brain reeled, his feet refused 
 
OUj TBE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 46s 
 
 to bear him farther — a dim, indistinct ray shot down a 
 passage at a distance — he knew it must come from one 
 of the interior halls where the robbers were accustomed to 
 meet ; he tried to call, but his tongue was like iron in his 
 mouth ; one more effort he thought, and he might reach 
 the light, and discover some means of escape even yet ; — 
 he sprang forward — there was a plash, a dull sound as of 
 a descending mass, and the dark waters of a yawning gulf 
 had received the body of the murderer. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 “ * * Les voltes celestes 
 N’ont elles plus de foudre et de feu et de pestes ? 
 
 Ne partiront jamais du trone ou tu te sieds 
 
 Et la mort et I’enfer qui dorraent a tes pieds ? ” — D’Aubigne. 
 
 Catherine, at the appointed time, finding that Rene did 
 not arrive, waited long and impatiently ; she feared some 
 accident had befallen him, but was far from imagining the 
 terrible catastrophe which had really taken place. Having 
 left a sealed packet on the table of her tower, with directions 
 that he should follow her immediately to Sens, she quitted 
 Paris, with her train and the Queen of Navarre ; but she 
 never heard more of Bianco. 
 
 The two Queens negotiated so well, that a pacification 
 was agreed on ; and, according to the powers granted her, 
 Catherine promised the most advantageous terms to the 
 revolted party. The defamatory sentences pronounced 
 against the Admiral de Coligni and others, in consequence 
 of trials carried on after their deaths, were annulled ; and 
 the Duke d’Anjou, the Prince de Conde, and the King of 
 Navarre, pronounced good and loyal subjects, who had 
 taken up arms only in defence of their King and country. 
 Prince Casimir’s troops were to be paid, and honours and 
 emoluments offered him; the Governments of the French 
 Princes to be restored to them ; and all that could be de- 
 
464 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 sired granted to those who of late w^ere looked upon as 
 traitors and rebels. 
 
 There was, however, more sound than meaning in all 
 these professions. Artful delays succeeded ; and the 
 Huguenots found that their only hope of success was in 
 retaining as much power in their hands as possible, and in 
 crediting as little the professions of their hollow friends. 
 
 The Catholics now began to take alarm at the concessions 
 to the Huguenots, which fear had extorted from the 
 King ; and the Ligue, that scourge of the nation, started 
 up, with all its plots, and wars, and struggles, and de- 
 ceptions : the wars of the Three Henries then raged with 
 fury, and unhappy France looked in vain for repose. 
 
 Marguerite de Navarre had to deplore the influence of 
 her star, which rose and set on continued misfortunes. 
 The Duke of Anjou, her favourite brother, died of a slow 
 fever, never having, as the famous journalist of the period 
 expresses it, been in health since his visit to the King at 
 Paris, or recovered the good cheer he met with there, which 
 cost him dear enough.” 
 
 A grand funeral was made for him ; and Henry the 
 Third had an opportunity of displaying his fondness for 
 dress in a new form. He appeared in a robe of violet 
 Florence serge, of eighteen ells in breadth, with a flowing 
 train, which was borne by eight gentlemen, and walked in 
 this state from the Louvre to the church of Saint Magloire, 
 where the body lay in state. 
 
 He was preceded by a great number of nobles, princes, 
 cardinals, and bishops in deep mourning. The gentlemen, 
 mounted on white horses, were arrayed in black, with large 
 caps ; the bishops in their rochets, with the scapulary and 
 mantle of black Florence serge ; and the cardinals in their 
 accustomed violet habiliments. 
 
 The King’s Swiss guard walked with their drums 
 covered with crape ; the Scotch archers surrounded his 
 Majesty ; and the French guards, at distances near his 
 person, all having their uniforms and arms covered with 
 black crape. 
 
 The young Queen Louise followed in a carriage covered 
 with cloth of tan-colour ; she herself alone within, dressed 
 
OB, THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 
 
 465 
 
 in robes of the same hue : after her came eight coaches 
 covered with black. The body was then brought to Notre 
 Dame, and, after a magnificent mass, was buried with great 
 pomp and ceremony. The King, during the whole of the 
 five hours that the funeral procession took to pass from 
 one church to the other, stood at a window of a house 
 opposite to the Cathedral, in order to be seen in his violet 
 robes by all the people. He was accompanied by many of 
 the great opposition Lords, some of whom, particularly the 
 Duke de Guise, with whom he then pretended to be on 
 terms of friendship, were remarked as appearing much 
 more sad than himself : for the amusement which Henry 
 seemed to find in watching the procession, which he did 
 also, from another house in the Rue St. Denis, on the pre- 
 ceding day, had apparently quite banished the grief he was 
 supposed to feel for the loss of his brother. The whole 
 seemed conducted with more pomp than feeling ; and the 
 Archbishop of Bourges, in making the funeral oration, 
 was more occupied in thinking of the fine beard he wore 
 than of the subject in question ; on which occasion, the 
 following distich was disseminated in Paris, according to 
 the custom of the period : — 
 
 “ Quod timet, et patulo promissam pectore barbam 
 Demulcet Biturix, hoc Ciceronis habet.” 
 
 Marguerite alone wept for her brother ; for it has never 
 been recorded that Catherine even affected sorrow for his 
 loss, although her hatred to Henry of Navarre increased 
 in proportion ‘as these numerous deaths brought him 
 nearer to the throne ; for Henry the Third’s repeated pil- 
 grimages to Chartres had failed to obtain for him the 
 blessing of children. So fearful was the Queen-mother 
 that the crown should pass to the House of Navarre, that 
 she was suspected of favouring the designs of the Guises, 
 that the Duke should be declared successor, a fact which 
 probably hastened his fate. 
 
 The hopes of the Queen of Navarre, that her affection 
 and attachment to her husband would in the end be ap- 
 preciated and returned by him, were never destined to be 
 realized. Too many enemies and rivals stepped between 
 her and her happiness, and in her solitary abode at the 
 
 H H 
 
466 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS j 
 
 chateau d’Usson in Auvergne she had to regret the de- 
 struction of all her dreams_, even while she rejoiced at 
 the successes of him whom she continued to love to the 
 last. 
 
 Endymion^ her faithful page, passed a few fleeting 
 years in following the fortunes of his beloved mistress, and 
 dying, as he wished to do, in her presence, gained all he 
 had desired, her tears, and those celebrated lines which 
 exposed her to the censure which she was fated never to 
 escape. On him was written the poem which critics have 
 considered a chef-d’oeuvre of correctness, but which her 
 kind feelings alone inspired : 
 
 “ A ces bois, ces pres, et ces antres 
 Offrons les voeux, les pleurs, les sons. 
 
 La plume, les jeux, les chansons, 
 
 D’un poete, d’un amant, d’un chantre.” 
 
 When her consent was gained, that by the dissolution 
 of her marriage with Henry the Fourth he might unite 
 himself to Marie de Medicis, — the affecting letter in 
 which she gave him up her rights drew tears from his 
 eyes, and he exclaimed — 
 
 Ah, unfortunate Marguerite ! She knows well that I 
 have always loved and honoured her, hut that she loved not 
 me, and that it was her indifference which has separated 
 us from each other for ever ! ” 
 
 Alas ! that foes and fortune should thus have disunited 
 two hearts formed for mutual happiness ! 
 
 * 
 
 Claude and Alix, with Mabille, whom they attached to 
 them for the remainder of her life, returned to La Rochelle, 
 and in due course of time Claude visited Scotland where 
 he took possession of his small estate. He would not 
 however claim his rights as Count de Montgomery, as he 
 was unwilling to injure the interests of his brothers. He 
 contented himself with their acknowledgment of his birth, 
 and ceded all to his next brother who had been brought up 
 to expect the title. Fie lived honoured and respected by 
 all of the Protestant party, and had the happiness of wit- 
 nessing the triumphs of Henry the Fourth. Alix sue- 
 
ORj THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 467 
 
 ceeded to her father’s wealth, and the Ahbey of Bourgueil 
 was sold to the Fere Pacifique. 
 
 Nantouillet never altered his bachelor state, and adopted 
 the children of TVIathurin Lussaut and the pretty Clarice, 
 who lived with him until his death, when he left them 
 independent. 
 
 The Queen -mother heard with much satisfaction that 
 Florio, the sole depository of the secrets of her early life, 
 — he whose knowledge she dreaded, and whose revelations 
 would have disclosed crimes to which even those already 
 too well known to the world would have appeared trifling, 
 — had renounced the world, and buried his wickedness 
 and his remorse in one of the most remote seclusions in 
 the deserts of Calabria, and she smiled secretly to hear that 
 the severe piety of his life had attracted pilgrims to the 
 convent which he had honoured by his selection. She sent 
 from time to time large sums as donations to the holy 
 community, as a means of obtaining their prayers. It 
 was thought that the honours of canonization would re- 
 ward the zeal and virtuous example of the brightest orna- 
 ment of the order whenever the immaculate spirit of 
 Father Innocent, which was the appropriate name he 
 chose, should be claimed by its kindred ; and Catherine 
 gained no little credit by the reverence which she appeared 
 to pay to so exalted a character, and the benefits which she 
 bestowed on his convent. 
 
 % ^ ^ ^ 
 
 In the same chamber in which she had plotted with 
 her son Charles the Ninth the destruction of the house of 
 Navarre, — in the same chateau of Blois lay, burning with 
 fever and distracted with pain of body and mind, the 
 Queen- mother. 
 
 The horrible tragedy of the murder of the Duke and 
 Cardinal de Guise had just been conmitted. She had 
 heard the whole account; the terrible details had been too 
 faithfully repeated to her, and in imagination she witnessed 
 the butchery which was going on in the chamber beneath 
 her own, where her inhuman son superintended the sepa- 
 ration of the limbs of his victims. The smoke of the pile 
 
 H H 2 
 
468 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS ; 
 
 which consumed them seemed to rise to her hrain^ and the 
 dust of their ashes cast to the wind so that no relics might 
 ever be collected by their partisans, — to stifle the pulses 
 of her heart.* It was not regret for their fate which 
 caused her this agony which she could not control, 
 although she had looked to the Guises alone of late for 
 support ; it was the fact that Henry of Navarre came like 
 a hideous phantom in a dream nearer and nearer, till but 
 one slender tie held him from the sovereignty of France, 
 and in that vision she beheld the total annihilation of her 
 power. 
 
 While she lay in this state the door of her chamber was 
 suddenly thrown open by a rude hand, and, unannounced, 
 King Henry, her son, burst into the room, and stood by 
 the side of her bed. He was very pale ; his lips were 
 parched and white, and his eyes glowed with an unnatural 
 fire ; his dress was in disorder and stained with blood. 
 
 Madam,” cried he, in a piercing voice, the King of 
 Paris is dead, and henceforth I am King ! ” 
 
 Catherine rose on her couch and looked at him with a 
 stern aspect. 
 
 Y ou have put to death the Duke de Guise,’" said she. 
 
 Heaven grant that this murder render you not a King 
 OF Nothing ! This work is well cut out, but it must be 
 sewn ; — are all your measures taken } ” 
 
 Yes, Madam,” replied her son, — ^^all. I have taken 
 such precautions that, in future, you need interfere no 
 more.” 
 
 So saying, without another word and with a fierce coun- 
 tenance, he turned his back on his mother and left the 
 chamber, as he had entered it, without ceremony. 
 
 The spirit of Catharine quailed ; she felt that her power 
 was gone; the blood rushed burning through her veins, — 
 her head heat and her heart throbbed violently. 
 
 He shall not conquer yet,” exclaimed she, after a 
 , pause ; while I have life I will not yield ! ” 
 
 She then commanded her attendants to prepare for her 
 rising, and in spite of their remonstrances and those of 
 
 * Henry the Third assisted at the burning of the bodies of his victims in a 
 chamber of the palace at Blois. 
 
OR^ THE QUEEN-MOTHER. 4^9 
 
 her physician, she left her bed and caused herself to be 
 dressed as usual. She then immediately repaired to the 
 church of St. Sauveur, where she heard mass, to the sur- 
 prise of all to whom her illness was known. On her 
 return she visited the Cardinal de Bourbon, who w’as 
 detained a prisoner in the castle'; she found him in a state 
 bordering on distraction, and forgetting all disguise or re- 
 spect he poured forth a torrent of abuse and reproach. 
 
 You are the cause of all,” he cried. Did you not 
 seduce us with false promises of security? — Did we not 
 rely on your word — on your proclaimed friendship, and 
 are we thus repaid ? Deceitful, treacherous woman ! — 
 scourge of France, and betrayer of those who trust you 
 — leave me in peace to mourn over the murder of my 
 friends and the miseries of my country !” 
 
 Catherine uttered not a word, but quitted the apartment 
 and retired to her own. 
 
 Give me my casket,” said she to one of her ladies, 
 and retire till I summon you.” 
 
 She was obeyed, and a small ebony casket presented to 
 her. She took from her bosom a key with which she 
 opened it, and disclosed to view several coins of myste- 
 rious formation ; these she placed on her pillows, and 
 from the box which Rene Bianco, at his last interview, 
 had given her, she took one which she regarded with 
 extreme attention. 
 
 It was a medal of bronze, shaped like a shield, such as 
 the ancient Romans consecrated to their gods. On it was 
 engraved, in relief, the figure of Catherine herself on her 
 knees before an altar, on which was a throne, whereon sat the 
 form of a hideous demon, from whose nostrils issued fire, 
 and whose eyes were dilated with an expression of malignity 
 and fury not to be described. To this form the kneeling 
 Queen appeared to be making supplication ; — beside her 
 knelt her three sons, Charles, Henry, and Francois of 
 Anjou, and over their heads was inscribed — ^^Soit: 
 
 POURVU QUE JE REGNE.”* 
 
 Yes,” muttered Catherine, I am now resolved, — 1 
 will resign him too. I loved Henry beyond my whole 
 * All these facts are recorded by historians of the time. 
 
470 
 
 CATHERINE DE MEDICIS. 
 
 soul! — he has abandoned me, and I offer him up as a 
 sacrifice ! Let me. Great Spirit ! — let me triumph yet, 
 and all I prize in this world and in the next is yours ! ” 
 
 At that moment a loud peal of thunder shook the walls 
 of the castle, and one of the most terrific tempests which 
 had ever been known in France, burst with awful violence 
 over the town of Blois, burning and destroying houses, 
 churches, and towers — the waters of the Loire rose in 
 billows like the sea, and, overflowing their banks, swept 
 away villages, and desolated the country for miles round. 
 
 In the midst of the din of the roused elements, rose the 
 shrieks of one struggling in mortal agony. Catherine de 
 Medicis lay gasping on the floor of her chamber, sur- 
 rounded by her ladies, who, terrified at the appalling 
 fierceness of her aspect, dared not approach her. For 
 several hours the conflict continued, and, during the whole 
 of that time, her cries and screams filled the halls and 
 galleries of the castle of Blois with terror and amazement. 
 Her son heard them, but he shrank from the sound with 
 guilty dread ; — all those who had knelt and fawned upon 
 the powerful and haughty woman, whose nod had swayed 
 a world, hurried away from the closing scene with fear 
 and consternation ; — one by one her attendants glided 
 from the chamber, and Catherine, the Queen, fell dead 
 upon the floor — alone 1 
 
 * All these facts are recorded by historians of the time. 
 
 THE END. 
 
 London : 
 
 Spottiswoode and Shaw, 
 N ew-street- Square. 
 

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